Riding Lessons

Elizabeth started taking riding lessons in April. Thanks to our friend and her daughters, she is learning all about Fifi, the sweet horse she gets to ride. She not only gets to ride, but is learning how to groom her and all about the tack and what goes where! She is just loving it! Elizabeth advised me after the first lesson that she wanted to just sleep in her pants and boots and come back again the next morning. The passion hasn't subsided yet! Thanks, Peppy!




Whoa, Fifi...good girl!

1/2 Marathon...go Dads!

I'm going to back track a little bit here...
In April our friends came into town from NC for some fun and run! Here's the cheering squad at mile 5ish enjoying a little snack, and the Dad's...post race looking quite fresh! Way to go Dads...you did good!!

Our current status...

When we first sent in our dossier for Clare's adoption in February of 2006, I would never have guessed it would take us 3 years and 2 months to finally see her picture. When we got her referral on April 3rd, I would never have guessed that it would be this long to see her face to face. We have been delayed once again due to the H1N1 virus (swine flu). Our agency has advised that the local adoption center in Clare's province is closed to families coming in for adoption processing and cannot advise when they will be able to give appointments. So, we will wait and pray that God is working something very special here and the revealing of His plan will be nothing short of pure joy! Thank you for your continued prayers.
Stay tuned...we'll keep you posted!!
Blessings,
Anne

Both Hands - Project Day * May 16th

We have had lots of ups and downs since Referral Day. But one tremendous up was our Both Hands Foundation Project Day. It was so wonderful to have our friends and family beside us helping this widow and helping to bring Clare home too. We have been blessed beyond measure! Here's a film that says it all.

We received our referral of Clare !!!

We thank God for this wonderful day and the blessing he has given us in this child. We are so excited to introduce you to Clare! She is just so beautiful and looks so serious (just like her "big" sister, Elizabeth's referral picture). Her Chin*ese name is Shen Yuan Yuan and she is currently living in the Guiz*hou Province in foster care. She is 3 years old, so our girls will be just a little more than 2 years apart. We are so thankful for this precious little girl and can't wait to bring her home forever!!! I'll update you all as soon as we have more information. Our official package arrives Monday.
Love to you all and thank you for your prayers!
Anne

Just missed our date...

It appears that the cut-off date for this month's referrals from Chin*a is March 6th. Although disappointed that our Clare's referral was not in this batch, we are so excited to finally know that we are next! That we will finally see her face in the next batch of referrals that come. Wow...the 3-year wait is coming to an end and we will hold her soon! Stay tuned for further updates!!
Love and blessings this fine day to you all!

Anne

Special happenings in February...

Celebrating Linda's birthday...We love you a bunch!

Practical joker...
she gets that from Don...who gets it's from Uncle Dick!

Our first daffodils...

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was celebrated with lots of friends...loads of love...and food, games, crafts and just plain fun! See for yourself...





Anyone for bingo?


Bingo!

1*26*2009 Chinese New Year...the Year of the Ox

And so another year begins...the year of the OX...or is it the hug (O) and the kiss (X)...only kidding! Anyway we celebrated grandly thanks to a party hosted by my friend, Teresa. The CNY lesson book and crafts by Sonja were wonderful...and Elizabeth is still enjoying them! Here are a few pictures from the day...

Elizabeth, Miyah, Isabella, and Mei Lin...

Leslie, Susannah, and Corinne having a good time!

Chinese mask by artist, Wyatt...

such concentration...


paper fan by Miyah...



Chinese lantern by Elizabeth...

Elizabeth's Family Day 1*25*2009

I thank God everyday for the gift of my sweet daughter, Elizabeth...but today is especially precious. Today marks the 4th anniversary of the first day that we touched each other, smiled at each other and hugged each other. I close my eyes and the emotions of that day envelop me as I relive China and the journey to our daughter. I celebrate you every day, Elizabeth, but especially today...and I love you with all my heart!

We celebrate each year with our dear friends, Brian and Kathleen (from NC) and Troy and Nancy (here locally) who were in China with us. Elizabeth, Maria (B&K's daughter), and Sofia (T&N's daughter) love the anticipation of seeing each other again and celebrating a special friendship and bond together. Our families are growing with the additions of Christopher (B&K's son from Guatamala) and Ava (T&N's daughter from Vietnam), and next year our Clare will be in the mix too! This year the girls had their toes and fingernails painted...salon style, and visited some local spots for shopping and sight seeing. Here's some pictures of the weekend festivities...









The joy that is in your laughter and play is only a drop in the ocean compared to the joy that is in our hearts.
I love you my sweet baby...forever and ever and always.

January 25, 2005


Baptism...April 10, 2005

Jessie and Aaron's Wedding - 1*3*2009

January began with a festive celebration in Louisville at the wedding of Jessie (Anne's niece) and Aaron! Elizabeth was their flower girl, and we were so blessed and honored to be a part their special day. We thank the Lord for the addition of Aaron to our family, and we wish you both much love and joy as you begin your life together!





Elizabeth loved dancing with "crazy" Aunt Lorrie!

Catching up...

Wow! After Elizabeth's birthday everything went into high speed for us. So much was happening right along with Christmas and the celebration of our Savior's birth. Here's a recap of the past couple of months...

Elizabeth joined a group of home schoolers for a tour of the Hatcher Family Dairy Farm at the end of November. I forgot my camera, typical of me, so these photos are courtesy of my friend...thanks Teresa!

Love this photo and the concentration on Elizabeth and Isabella's faces while they listened intently to our guide.


...a little hands on and bonding with the cows!



...sharing some homemade butter with friend, Isabella.


December brought us snow, and parties and the celebration of our Savior's birth at Christmas.

Before...and...after Dad shook the snow covered limb over head!



Dad and Elizabeth getting the star ready to put on top of our house...


Fun with friends at the CHI Christmas Party...


Elizabeth sang for the first time in the children's choir at church during the Joy Gift service. The program is always so beautifully done with instrumentals and beautiful music. It was extra special for us this year with Elizabeth's participation and sharing it with our neighbors, Alex and Netta.



Happy Birthday, Jesus! Merry Christmas to all our family and friends, and may the New Year bring you joy and peace in all you do!