"Mama, KayLi China?"

Tonight as I was putting KayLi to bed she wanted to sing a song about going to China from Ni Hao Kai Lan. So, of course we sang it. When we finished singing this was our conversation:

K: "Mama, KayLi China?"
M: "Yes, you are from China."
K: " Ahhh, China."
M: "Mama, Daddy, & Emily went all the way to China to get you and bring you to KayLi's house."

She smiled her biggest smile and whispered "KayLi's house."
Then she feel asleep, literally still smiling.

KayLi & Bella

Not long after we moved to West Texas Isabella, or Bella as KayLi calls her, was adopted by some sweet friends of ours.

So often as we were waiting to bring KayLi home Bella's mom and I would wonder if KayLi was the same age, the same size or going through the same stages as Isabella was.

(KayLi had jumped off the step...I can't believe I caught her in midair!)

When we received KayLi's referral it was exciting to learn that KayLi was just a few months older than Isabella. When we received an update we learned that they were almost exactly the same size. And while we waited for travel it was so fun to watch Isabella and think that there would soon be someone just that size in my house.

Since KayLi has been home they have created quite a special bond. KayLi simply loves Bella. While KayLi was recovering from her palate surgery, Bella left a "get well" message on our answering machine for her. KayLi knows exactly which button to push and loves to listen to Bella's sweet message.

"KayLi, dis a Bella. I hope you feel betta. I praying you. I luv you. Bye"
Over and over and over!!!

It is a complete joy to watch these two precious girls play together. They are both such amazing answers to prayer. I love that they are growing up as friends and neighbors just a block away from each other.

We love you Bella!!!

A Door

A couple weeks ago a door closed that I was certain we would be walking through. My faith and attitude about it have been pitiful.

Normally I would remind myself that God opens and closes door for a purpose...for His greater glory. Normally, I would be fine, if not happy, with that. Not so much this time.

This particular door is one I have thought and dreamed about for over four years. I had no idea how set I was on it until I realized that it was not just shut but very firmly closed.

I know God can open it if He so chooses. After all it is His door. I don't think He he will though.

I'm praying like crazy that He opens another that is similar. Oh, how I want to see Him glorified!

It has all made my heart heavy. Very heavy. Until this morning...

During the sermon our pastor reminded us about a few things that I desperately needed to be reminded of. Things that changed my attitude about the situation...hopefully for good.

Things like being anxious for nothing. Even if those things will glorify God.

And to think on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, are virtuous or bring praise. Not on what might have been.

And to take EVERY thought captive. Even the ones that want to scream "Why not?"

And above all to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS because He is so worthy of our joy and praise!

So until He opens the next door or triumphantly returns, I will try to give Him reason to be gloried. Even in my thought life. Especially in my thought life. I WILL rejoice in Him and in the amazing blessing He has given us. He is so worthy!!!

I Think I Exhaled

I spent a few hours in my craft room today being blissfully creative.

I haven't been in this room since we started to prepare to travel.

All I made were a few simple little note cards.

It was wonderful. I think I finally exhaled!

Just Look At The Cuteness

Well, apparently it's a miracle that I got through KayLi's adoption paperwork the first time. Our agency reminded me that our Adoption Certificate was translated and notarized in China. I totally spaced off that said document was one of three given to us in Shandong. Hopefully we will find favor with the HR department and a Chinese notary will suffice.

I posted more of the pictures from the "carousel" in the hopes that you will be so stunned by KayLi's cuteness that you will forget all about how much of an idiot I can be :0)

Help Please

We are working on an adoption reimbursement that my husbands employer provides and need a translation service to translate KayLi's adoption certificate into English. The translation needs to be notarized. Do any of you know of such a service? I would really appreciate any leads :0)

The picture above is of KayLi playing on an awesome "carousel" in one of the waiting areas at KayLi's surgeons...I just threw it in for some random cuteness!