Two Sisters

The Art Institute of Chicago is truly one of my very favorite places on earth.

 

Before we traveled to China last year, we spent the day at the Institute.  We love Saturday's there.  

 

We love the family classes, we love the café, we love the gift shop and we adore the impressionist wing.  It was this painting and the postcard of the same, "Two Sister", by Valencia, the breathed hope into my often weary soul while we were in process.

 

I got to see my girls, and take a quick photo of them as they stood in front of it.  Two sisters, made in heaven, Lily isabella joy &Ava joy violette, you have truly made our joy complete.

 

We thank God for you every day.

Beautiful Spring

Home

Just a year ago our Ava left her China home for ours.  

How incredibly blessed we are!

 

Her transition has been seemless and her life blossoms with joy.

 

What a glorious Mother's day.  I am blessed beyond measure.

Ballerina in Blue

Ava continues to love Ballet. She continues to cause our hearts to dance.

Ice Cream ... You Scream...

Ice cream after Lily’s violin recital is wonderfully special, 

but ice cream outside, in chicago in April is magical!

What a lovely afternoon!

time for tea

Joy is taking your daughter and her puppy to tea.

Ava figuring out the roll on her fork is drenched in sugar....

LOVE

Gotcha Day 2013

April 16, 2012, you came into the civil affairs office and my heart grew 4 times.  

Your little cheeks were so rosy
and your eyes so very deep and wondering.  

We wept and I whispered into your little ear in my terrible Chinese how very much we loved you and that I was your mama.  I will never forget how your body relaxed.  

The word marmalade came to mind, you felt like marmalade must feel on toast.  Every inch of my body warmed to yours as the Holy Spirit ministered to your heart that this was home.  We were yours and you forever ours.  

You came with a tiny bread roll in one hand and a tissue in the other, you left with our hands and hearts in yours.

I wrote that day, in your journal. 

You are here, and I am in love.

Thank you Jesus.

Your Daddy, your brothers and your sister 

are over the moon for you.

And we still are today.  Your eyes went from serious that Monday morning to filled with joy, excitement, and a world full of love.  Your capacity for fun and compassion amazes us daily.  

Our little bird sent from heaven to our nest;  we thank God every day for His provision, His call, His incomparable love and mercy.  Four children lent to us;  we are indeed so privileged.