Halle-Grace at home, April 2009
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http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq334/shannoncdevine/MY%20GIRL/
Apr 27, 2009
How our baby girl has grown!!!
Halle-Grace in the orphanage, April 2008
Halle-Grace at home, April 2009
COPY & PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO VIEW THE GALLERY!!!
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Halle-Grace at home, April 2009
COPY & PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO VIEW THE GALLERY!!!
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Sunny days...even brighter with some "magic" around!
Halle-Grace is so much fun these days. She absolutely LOVES it outside and is definitely a "spring/summer" kind of girl! She stayed with Nanny this weekend and they surprised Hannah on Friday at lunch! Thursday was Hannah's birthday so they went to her school and celebrated...then to the park...and I am sure to Wal-mart! LOL
They planted flowers and watered them and she had the best time! Jason had a 20 page research paper and I had business in Alabama so thank you Nanny for entertaining "miss magic". I know it was a daunting task...HA HA HA!!! This morning she was off to MMO and looked like a little girl...she is not a baby anymore:(
Have a blessed day!
Apr 23, 2009
Happy 8th Birthday HANNAH!
Today is Hannah's 8th Birthday!!! We started the day by calling Hannah and singing to her! Halle-Grace was into the "DAY" part of the song!
We hope you had a super birthday!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
We hope you had a super birthday!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
Apr 19, 2009
17 months old today!
Time is flying by and I can't seem to make it stand still! Our baby girl is beginning to not be a "baby" at all! It is sad but at the same time I love watching her develop new skills and say new things and with the growing...the noise level is getting louder as well! If she decides she wants to pursue a career in film...HORROR movies will be great. She has the highest pitch blood curling scream you have heard! Seriously!
She gets cuter & more adorable by the day! Jason & I made a list of everything Little Miss Magic is doing at 17 months...here goes:
Halle-Grace is saying:
Mama, Papa, Bye Bye (with a high pitch in her voice that is really sweet & southern), Hi, UH OH (her favorite), ooo la la (as she flips her hair), NO (her nose scrunches), touchdown(sounds like tadawn), OH NO (with her hands on her face), I don't know (with her hands out and a confused look..sounds like I da nO), I love ME (she forgets the "you" part now HA HA) and she loves to say, "TADA"...she also says "wow wow" because of a show she watches on Noggin. Her favorite shows on Noggin are Wow Wow Wubbzy, Yo Gabba Gabba, Ni Hao, Kai-lan and she loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and has a crush on Handy Manny on the Disney Channel!!! She also loves to watch American Idol!
She dances ALL the time regardless of when, where, etc. She has some incredible moves...and she taps her toe and points it!! I found out I can put her in dance with Ms. Jada when she is 2! She can do a flip (roll over) and she can sit in a split (she is incredibly flexible)...which means gymnastics will be a strength. She makes sounds like a monkey and scratches under her arms (her dad taught her this)!
She does patti-cake and really ROLLS it up! She makes "spanky face" and she gets really excited about everything and will open her mouth as wide as she can!
She gives kisses right on the lips and blows them too with EMPHASIS...she says MUAH really loud!
She LOVES to sing!!! She does this really loud as well. I don't know what she is saying most of the time but she will throw her head back and shake it like she is really getting into the lyrics of her song! The two songs I can identify are "rock a bye baby" & "Happy Birthday". She will rock the glider or her little rocking chair and say "bye bye" and has the tune...followed by a lot of other words that I can't quite make out! She sings "happy birthday" REALLY LOUD... you can hear the "DAY" very easily and for some reason she sings "happy birthday" in a much lower key than other songs???
She loves to run with Jason. She will go over to the jogger stroller and literally climb in. They are quite the team and she is a daddy's girl! He is really wrapped and acts WEIRD now! I guess that's what little girls do to their dads (even though she calls him PAPA...I don't know why?)
Her feet are growing! She is still in a size 2 diaper so I guess she will have a tiny rear and big feet?! She is getting taller as well so 12 month clothing for height is great! By summer, I am sure she will be able to wear 12 months in all clothes (if not, we will have to do some alterations)!
She is incredibly friendly and talks to EVERYONE! She continues to reach for people in public that she DOES NOT know and almost cries like "please take me"...I look at the total stranger and say, "I promise I don't beat her, she is just really friendly"!!! How embarrassing! LOL!
She LOVES to be outside and she loves Italian food...pizza and lasagna are her favorites! She also loves meat and prefers meat over other items on her plate!
She is a CHARACTER to say the least and very MAGICAL!
Apr 18, 2009
Hannah's Birthday Party
http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq334/shannoncdevine/Hannahs%20Birthday/
Copy & paste the above link to view pics taken at Hannah's birthday party! She had a great time and so did Halle-Grace despite the fact that she is on ANOTHER round of anti-biotics. We had to take her back to the doc on Friday and Dr. Binion said her ears were not completely clear...so another 10 days of anti-biotics! Obviously, she did not get to swim but she LOVED the pizza and took a bite of the cake (she is really not a sweet eater)! She danced and laughed the entire time and after we sang Happy Birthday to Hannah, HalleGrace continued to sing really loud her own version!Hannah racked up with gifts and money! When I was eight I remember getting maybe $5.00 and thinking WOW! Boy, how times change! LOL! I loved the fact that Hannah wanted a birthday cake with her photo on it! I love a lady with confidence!!!
The birthdays are beginning to be bitter-sweet for the little ones...I know it sounds crazy but it just goes to show they are GROWING UP way too fast! Hunter will be 12 in May (that's crazy)...Lizzy will be nine in November, Zoey 3 in December and Little Miss Magic will be TWO YEARS OLD before we know it!
Copy & paste the above link to view pics taken at Hannah's birthday party! She had a great time and so did Halle-Grace despite the fact that she is on ANOTHER round of anti-biotics. We had to take her back to the doc on Friday and Dr. Binion said her ears were not completely clear...so another 10 days of anti-biotics! Obviously, she did not get to swim but she LOVED the pizza and took a bite of the cake (she is really not a sweet eater)! She danced and laughed the entire time and after we sang Happy Birthday to Hannah, HalleGrace continued to sing really loud her own version!Hannah racked up with gifts and money! When I was eight I remember getting maybe $5.00 and thinking WOW! Boy, how times change! LOL! I loved the fact that Hannah wanted a birthday cake with her photo on it! I love a lady with confidence!!!
The birthdays are beginning to be bitter-sweet for the little ones...I know it sounds crazy but it just goes to show they are GROWING UP way too fast! Hunter will be 12 in May (that's crazy)...Lizzy will be nine in November, Zoey 3 in December and Little Miss Magic will be TWO YEARS OLD before we know it!
Apr 14, 2009
US Congressman visits "Little Miss Magic"
Halle-Grace & US Congressman McHenry
Today Halle-Grace had a surprise visit from Congressman Patrick McHenry!!! He is an amazing representative and he stood by us 100% during the RFE process and eventually made sure that Halle-Grace made it home! We are forever grateful for Congressman McHenry and his amazing staff. He made the adoption a "personal issue" and he TRULY cares about his people!!! Halle-Grace loved him!!!
She LOVES her new chair...it's a hit and the Congressman thought so as well!
Today Halle-Grace had a surprise visit from Congressman Patrick McHenry!!! He is an amazing representative and he stood by us 100% during the RFE process and eventually made sure that Halle-Grace made it home! We are forever grateful for Congressman McHenry and his amazing staff. He made the adoption a "personal issue" and he TRULY cares about his people!!! Halle-Grace loved him!!!
She LOVES her new chair...it's a hit and the Congressman thought so as well!
Apr 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
Easter 2009 had an early start this year with a beautiful gift from Granny and Papaw Devine...they came over on Saturday and planted a red dogwood in honor of HalleGrace. It is beautiful!
EASTER DAY! WOW what a day of fun and excitement for Little Miss Magic! Her first Easter with her forever family! It was a very special day for many reasons. #1: Easter is the most beautiful holiday and celebration of life and the ultimate sacrifice that our Lord & Savior chose to give us hope for tomorrow! #2: Jason & I and now our princess, HalleGrace have the most loving family anyone could ever dream of! #3: You know I had to have the day planned with many outfits and bows for HalleGrace. She is such a beautiful baby and we are NUTS over her!
Since she was diagnosed with "double ear infections" on Friday we decided to not take her out in the cold weather this morning for Sunrise Service (I know this was the best decision) cold wind on her ear..NO WAY!
We had lunch at Mamaw Carolyn's house and she invited the entire family (Suzie, Mike (who HalleGrace SIMPLY adores), Hunter, Hannah, Mama Wanda, Papa Gene, Papaw Ronnie, Kay Kay, Mamaw Parker and Christy and her family). When we pulled up the "paparazzi" attacked our car wanting to see who could be the FIRST to get their hands on HalleGrace! It is so funny to watch grown adults go nutty over a child! Hunter & Hannah were right in there with them. I over heard Hannah say "HalleGrace, it's your favorite cousin, Hannah"! It is a riot and you should just witness it someday! The kids had an Easter egg hunt and Hunter and HalleGrace won by a long shot. Hunter is wonderful with her! He is so gentle and kind and she LOVES him.
You would have thought it was the child's birthday!!! She received CASH, clothes, a new riding toy and the list goes on & on....but like Mike Turner told me a long time ago, "you can't tell the grands to not do it because they will anyway"! LOL. Besides, if it brings them joy...then GO FOR IT!!!
For dinner we traveled to Mamaw Devine's house where we saw ALL the cousins and children. That place is always crawling with little ones which makes it a ton of fun! HalleGrace was especially smitten with her aunt Amy tonight. I guess she is tired of Amy's brother (JASON, her dad) smothering her! LOL!!! That man LOVES his baby girl but it is really adorable and I wouldn't want it any other way! There was an Easter egg hunt but the sun was already going down and the wind was just too chilly (with the ears) so we played in doors with everyone.
Overall it was a GREAT EASTER DAY! Thank God for his MOST AMAZING GIFT!!! May we never forget what this day truly represents! We are incredibly blessed!
(I will post pictures as soon as I get them loaded)
If you are reading this and you were part of the festivities today with us...if I forgot anything PLEASE add it to the comment section, so HalleGrace will be able to read it someday!
EXHAUSTED & BLESSED MAMA!
Shannon
Copy & paste this link to view the beginning of the Easter 2009 Album...
http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq334/shannoncdevine/Easter%2009/
Granny planting HalleGrace's RED dogwood tree
Apr 10, 2009
Double yuck!
The 5K is off for Halle-Grace and Jason. She has a double ear infection! She had a runny nose on Wed. and last night was running a low grade fever...with the Easter Holiday weekend starting I wanted to get her to the doctor ASAP just in case! Dr. Binion said she was at the "beginning" of the double ear infection stage and has a yucky cold but luckily it was not full blown! She is on antibiotics and is not acting like her normal "wild" self! Right now she is watching Dora and seems to be in an OK mood. Hoping she can rest peacefully tonight and get better SOON...HERE COMES PETER COTTON TAIL!
Apr 8, 2009
Little Miss Magic's Charm
Copy & paste the link below to view the entire gallery!
http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq334/shannoncdevine/Little%20Miss%20Magic/
Apr 6, 2009
April is a Month of Milestones for Halle-Grace (posted by Jason)
We are only six days into the month and already Halle-Grace is having several mile-stones.
To begin with she went to her first live production, PLAYHOUSE DISNEY last night. Dad was not able to go and believe me I never thought I would be disappointed to not be able to go see Mickey, Minney and the crew but last night was a bummer for me. Shannon came home with camera in hand and grinning from ear to ear talking about the time Halle-Grace had and showing off the many pictures from the night. Halle-Grace was still on a high herself and just bee-bopping all over the house. Needless to say, she went to bed shortly and was GONE. Now prior to going, if truth be told Halle-Grace was ever so slightly a little partial to me. AFTERWARD, Daddy who??? She was all over Shannon. They definitely bonded last night. Bittersweet. I love when Halle-Grace reaches for me, but I am just as excited when she and Shannon get to do the mother daughter thing.
So, this morning I was able to climb back into Halle-Grace’s good-graces, even if just a little, when I took her to her first day of Mother’s Morning Out (should be called PARENT’S Morning Out, but that is another entry).
For most kids this could be a bad/scary experience, not Halle-Grace. Little miss social butterfly all but pushed me out of the place this morning. I am still looking for the little footprint on my rear which is sure to be there from her kicking me out the door. But on the bright side, being the one dropping her off allowed me to climb back in to her good-graces ever so slightly. However, that was short lived as I was also the one to pick her up 4 hours later. You know it really does a parent well to have their own child cry for someone they have known for one morning when it is time to go!!!! Believe it or not that is exactly what happened this afternoon when I picked her up. When I first arrived I peaked in through the window to watch Halle-Grace running to and fro, pointing at other children and babbling up a storm. When I decided to walk in she didn’t miss a beat and continued playing while I called for her. When I finally picked her up she tried her best to crawl over my shoulder to one of her teachers. Too bad for her I am stronger than she is and held tight. She was disappointed but had to come home with me. The good-graces I had regained this morning quickly disappeared. Halle-Grace's artwork...she can glue and un-glue if you can SEE what I mean
Once we got home she morphed in to a limp dishrag. As I put her into the crib she was OUT. After checking on her again, 90 minutes after laying her down, she still had not moved an inch from the position she went down in. I would not be surprised if she sleeps until tomorrow morning after this day. She is zapped.
And if you are wondering, the ladies at the MMO asked me to never bring her back. Yeah right! Actually she was described as an athletic thief. Apparently when it was gym time Halle-Grace sprinted repeatedly from one end of the gym to the other only stopping when her pants, which were a little long on her, would trip her up. She then got right back up and started at it again. The thief part is applicable because I was told she stole everyone’s hearts over there. I have to say I am not surprised, in fact I would have been shocked to have heard anything less than stellar as a report. Now the only thing to figure out is if she does so much running on her own is, on Saturday for our first 5K do I run with her in the stroller or let her push me???
Jason
To begin with she went to her first live production, PLAYHOUSE DISNEY last night. Dad was not able to go and believe me I never thought I would be disappointed to not be able to go see Mickey, Minney and the crew but last night was a bummer for me. Shannon came home with camera in hand and grinning from ear to ear talking about the time Halle-Grace had and showing off the many pictures from the night. Halle-Grace was still on a high herself and just bee-bopping all over the house. Needless to say, she went to bed shortly and was GONE. Now prior to going, if truth be told Halle-Grace was ever so slightly a little partial to me. AFTERWARD, Daddy who??? She was all over Shannon. They definitely bonded last night. Bittersweet. I love when Halle-Grace reaches for me, but I am just as excited when she and Shannon get to do the mother daughter thing.
So, this morning I was able to climb back into Halle-Grace’s good-graces, even if just a little, when I took her to her first day of Mother’s Morning Out (should be called PARENT’S Morning Out, but that is another entry).
For most kids this could be a bad/scary experience, not Halle-Grace. Little miss social butterfly all but pushed me out of the place this morning. I am still looking for the little footprint on my rear which is sure to be there from her kicking me out the door. But on the bright side, being the one dropping her off allowed me to climb back in to her good-graces ever so slightly. However, that was short lived as I was also the one to pick her up 4 hours later. You know it really does a parent well to have their own child cry for someone they have known for one morning when it is time to go!!!! Believe it or not that is exactly what happened this afternoon when I picked her up. When I first arrived I peaked in through the window to watch Halle-Grace running to and fro, pointing at other children and babbling up a storm. When I decided to walk in she didn’t miss a beat and continued playing while I called for her. When I finally picked her up she tried her best to crawl over my shoulder to one of her teachers. Too bad for her I am stronger than she is and held tight. She was disappointed but had to come home with me. The good-graces I had regained this morning quickly disappeared. Halle-Grace's artwork...she can glue and un-glue if you can SEE what I mean
Once we got home she morphed in to a limp dishrag. As I put her into the crib she was OUT. After checking on her again, 90 minutes after laying her down, she still had not moved an inch from the position she went down in. I would not be surprised if she sleeps until tomorrow morning after this day. She is zapped.
And if you are wondering, the ladies at the MMO asked me to never bring her back. Yeah right! Actually she was described as an athletic thief. Apparently when it was gym time Halle-Grace sprinted repeatedly from one end of the gym to the other only stopping when her pants, which were a little long on her, would trip her up. She then got right back up and started at it again. The thief part is applicable because I was told she stole everyone’s hearts over there. I have to say I am not surprised, in fact I would have been shocked to have heard anything less than stellar as a report. Now the only thing to figure out is if she does so much running on her own is, on Saturday for our first 5K do I run with her in the stroller or let her push me???
Jason
Apr 4, 2009
Spring Fever
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW THE GALLERY!
After much rain over the last few days (which we really needed) Halle-Grace was super excited to play outside all day!!! Enjoy the photos!
AND GOOOOOOO TARHEELS!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
After much rain over the last few days (which we really needed) Halle-Grace was super excited to play outside all day!!! Enjoy the photos!
AND GOOOOOOO TARHEELS!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Halle-Grace's 1st 5K
Halle-Grace has officially entered her 1st 5K!! I am being serious! Even though she will be in the luxury of her jogger stroller, Jason will be running in the "RUN FOR GLORY" next Saturday, April 11th at Flint Hill Church in Boiling Springs, NC (near Gardner Webb). Come on out and support "TEAM DEVINE"! They just returned from a training ride and they both did great! The 5K should be a breeze for both of them!
Stay tuned I will post photos!
Stay tuned I will post photos!
WE LOVE WINKBABY! Visit www.winkbaby.net
If you have a special little girl in your life, you MUST visit this site...www.winkbaby.net It is super fabulous! So unique for your princess needs! Lucy and Dawn's talent is one-of-a-kind and SO unique and they work on any budget! She is currently designing an "Asian theme playroon" for Halle-Grace and I am SOOOOO excited! I am going through Halle-Grace's closet to find consistent color "themes" so I can order spring/summer hair bows...gotta have a few of the personalized headbands (Lulu needs one too along with Saige and all the TQ princesses)! You can probably tell I LOVE personalized items so this is MY KIND of place! Stay tuned and visit their site today to shop for your special little princess!
Mar 31, 2009
Halle-Grace's 1st Easter in the US
All of the "first" I really get into!! Easter cards arrived today and they are incredibly precious!! I will post one soon to share with all!
We are OVER flowing her 1st Easter basket! Halle-Grace can't read this so I can share... She is getting a personalized chair for "Noggin" watching...some Robeez
, SUPER ADORABLE clothes, and many other surprises to include a trip to Disney in May (well that is also my Mother's Day trip too and Jason needs to visit with GOOFY) PLUS, we get to see my great friend, Jennifer and I am SOOOO excited to meet Roman and Noah!!!!!!!!!!!
PRAISE THE LORD for many blessings today...to include...Baby Carter is doing SO well!!! And, I am so happy that CAS and other TQ families are helping with the situation at the orphanage! We will do whatever to make sure those babies are well! I would personally love for the USCIS to get off their high horse and make some HUMANITARIAN changes....such as ALLOW us to ADOPT the children who need homes, medical care and LOTS OF LOVE!!! Continue to pray for these babies!!!
We are OVER flowing her 1st Easter basket! Halle-Grace can't read this so I can share... She is getting a personalized chair for "Noggin" watching...some Robeez
, SUPER ADORABLE clothes, and many other surprises to include a trip to Disney in May (well that is also my Mother's Day trip too and Jason needs to visit with GOOFY) PLUS, we get to see my great friend, Jennifer and I am SOOOO excited to meet Roman and Noah!!!!!!!!!!!PRAISE THE LORD for many blessings today...to include...Baby Carter is doing SO well!!! And, I am so happy that CAS and other TQ families are helping with the situation at the orphanage! We will do whatever to make sure those babies are well! I would personally love for the USCIS to get off their high horse and make some HUMANITARIAN changes....such as ALLOW us to ADOPT the children who need homes, medical care and LOTS OF LOVE!!! Continue to pray for these babies!!!
Mar 29, 2009
Halle-Grace says GO HEELS!!!
...
We are happy in the Devine home...the Tarheels won! How cool to have a National Championship Team this yearthe first March Madness for Halle-Grace and as much as the child LOVES to brush her teeth, she is bound to go to Dental School at Carolina! Honestly, she will brush her teeth for 15 minutes if you allow her too!
Enjoy the photos from today...outside, the wind was REALLY blowing but it felt great!!! I will load more later...it's bedtime.
We are happy in the Devine home...the Tarheels won! How cool to have a National Championship Team this yearthe first March Madness for Halle-Grace and as much as the child LOVES to brush her teeth, she is bound to go to Dental School at Carolina! Honestly, she will brush her teeth for 15 minutes if you allow her too!
Enjoy the photos from today...outside, the wind was REALLY blowing but it felt great!!! I will load more later...it's bedtime.
More Magic everyday!
We had an eventful weekend! Friday was Aunt Amy's birthday... Saturday was Papaw Ronnie's and his twin brother's birthday! We celebrated with the Cornwells and Halle-Grace entertained everyone! Lots of birthdays this weekend but she doesn't really dig cake? She does LOVE captain wafers, goldfish, cheerios and yogurt (if you can call that junk food??!!) Not what I consider junk food. Her dad LOVES sweets and I like everything!!!
Little Miss Magic had a photo shoot on Sat. and was too adorable for words. She modeled a beautiful pink sundress with a matching hat. We had a great time and her beauty amazes me!! Her personality is magical so she really just has us all wrapped!!! We enjoyed meeting baby Olivia and her parents during the shoot! Baby Olivia is a TRUE LITTLE BEAUTY herself! She is 6 months old and I know we will see her face on tons of advertisements! Olivia's mom was especially great with Halle-Grace and helped keep her focused:) That is a GREAT accomplishment by the way! Halle-Grace is ONE BUSY girl!
I have our Easter cards ordered and snapfish delivered over 500 photos...so I have LOTS of pics to place in albums! FUN FUN FUN!!! I love reading other blogs and have learned there are some REALLY talented photographers out there. At night (when I should be getting all the shut eye I can) I find myself reading my HENS blogs first...then I venture out there and LOVE finding other adoption blogs! It warms my heart and gives me a sense of "belonging" to the other families who have been blessed through the miracle of adoption. There are two blogs I have found that have spectacular pics www.vietnamlucy.blogspot.com and www.waitingforsophie.blogspot.com ONE day, I too will master my camera and get some SUPER FABULOUS photos. Don't get me wrong, Halle-Grace is beautiful regardless but I LOVE photography and I really want to be an expert someday!!! I think part of life (as an old adult..LOL) is continuing to learn and explore and master skills...photography is a definite interest of mine! It is truly a learning experience. Working full-time makes it difficult to "play around" with pics a lot...I love my camera for the simple fact that it takes great photos without me having to do anything but aim, shoot! I have different lenses and there are TONS of settings that I want to learn more about so I can get all of the amazing "features" that really catch my eye...someday I will so stay tuned! The cool thing about photography is "personal style". You may like blonde hair and blue eyes, I love dark hair and dark eyes (I wonder why? HA) I LOVE asparagus and some people think it is not too tasty...the same with photos...not that the "subject" looks bad...I am talking about the look of the photo (effects, etc). The two blogs I mentioned above. I LOVE IT ALL!!!! So enough about pics for today, I should be learning about my camera and lens that Jason gave me...
TQ families are sending aide to the orphanage for the sick children. If you would like to help, I can get you the information for the contact person who is heading things up.
Little Miss Magic had a photo shoot on Sat. and was too adorable for words. She modeled a beautiful pink sundress with a matching hat. We had a great time and her beauty amazes me!! Her personality is magical so she really just has us all wrapped!!! We enjoyed meeting baby Olivia and her parents during the shoot! Baby Olivia is a TRUE LITTLE BEAUTY herself! She is 6 months old and I know we will see her face on tons of advertisements! Olivia's mom was especially great with Halle-Grace and helped keep her focused:) That is a GREAT accomplishment by the way! Halle-Grace is ONE BUSY girl!
I have our Easter cards ordered and snapfish delivered over 500 photos...so I have LOTS of pics to place in albums! FUN FUN FUN!!! I love reading other blogs and have learned there are some REALLY talented photographers out there. At night (when I should be getting all the shut eye I can) I find myself reading my HENS blogs first...then I venture out there and LOVE finding other adoption blogs! It warms my heart and gives me a sense of "belonging" to the other families who have been blessed through the miracle of adoption. There are two blogs I have found that have spectacular pics www.vietnamlucy.blogspot.com and www.waitingforsophie.blogspot.com ONE day, I too will master my camera and get some SUPER FABULOUS photos. Don't get me wrong, Halle-Grace is beautiful regardless but I LOVE photography and I really want to be an expert someday!!! I think part of life (as an old adult..LOL) is continuing to learn and explore and master skills...photography is a definite interest of mine! It is truly a learning experience. Working full-time makes it difficult to "play around" with pics a lot...I love my camera for the simple fact that it takes great photos without me having to do anything but aim, shoot! I have different lenses and there are TONS of settings that I want to learn more about so I can get all of the amazing "features" that really catch my eye...someday I will so stay tuned! The cool thing about photography is "personal style". You may like blonde hair and blue eyes, I love dark hair and dark eyes (I wonder why? HA) I LOVE asparagus and some people think it is not too tasty...the same with photos...not that the "subject" looks bad...I am talking about the look of the photo (effects, etc). The two blogs I mentioned above. I LOVE IT ALL!!!! So enough about pics for today, I should be learning about my camera and lens that Jason gave me...
TQ families are sending aide to the orphanage for the sick children. If you would like to help, I can get you the information for the contact person who is heading things up.
Mar 25, 2009
Take time to thank God for a healthy baby!
Halle-Grace had an excellent well check appointment. She is in the 2nd percentile of her weight category (which means nothing really because the doctor is not concerned and she looks and is VERY healthy)...She may always be a peanut:) She has grown over 2 inches and is doing really, really well. Thank God for our healthy baby girl who is such a blessing!!!
Now for the blow...I received a message concerning Halle-Grace's orphanage and the conditions there. There are MANY sick babies with pneumonia...some are hospitalized and at least one baby has died! It makes me angry! The USCIS made it SOOOOO incredibly hard for us to adopt Halle-Grace! The files I have would make your head spin off! WHY DOES THE "SYSTEM" make it SO HARD to give a child a loving home? These children could be with their forever families (like Halle-Grace is right now) BUT the MOU between the US and Vietnam came to an end on Sept. 1, 2008.
The problems that make me sick to my stomach go well beyond international adoptions too.... I have a friend right now who is a foster parent. The child(ren) were removed from their home based on neglect over a year ago! My friends are fighting the system to adopt! Why is this the case? Why do the children always suffer because of "adults" decisions?Please pray the "system" will begin putting the "CHILD" first! Our Gov. initiates programs coined "no child left behind" and so on.... What about the issues above? I DO NOT understand!
God, please soften the hearts that need to be softened! Those who can change policy, laws, rules, etc. and PUT the CHILD FIRST once and for all!
Now for the blow...I received a message concerning Halle-Grace's orphanage and the conditions there. There are MANY sick babies with pneumonia...some are hospitalized and at least one baby has died! It makes me angry! The USCIS made it SOOOOO incredibly hard for us to adopt Halle-Grace! The files I have would make your head spin off! WHY DOES THE "SYSTEM" make it SO HARD to give a child a loving home? These children could be with their forever families (like Halle-Grace is right now) BUT the MOU between the US and Vietnam came to an end on Sept. 1, 2008.
The problems that make me sick to my stomach go well beyond international adoptions too.... I have a friend right now who is a foster parent. The child(ren) were removed from their home based on neglect over a year ago! My friends are fighting the system to adopt! Why is this the case? Why do the children always suffer because of "adults" decisions?Please pray the "system" will begin putting the "CHILD" first! Our Gov. initiates programs coined "no child left behind" and so on.... What about the issues above? I DO NOT understand!
God, please soften the hearts that need to be softened! Those who can change policy, laws, rules, etc. and PUT the CHILD FIRST once and for all!
Mar 21, 2009
Hunter in the SPOTLIGHT
Hunter's basketball team won the county championship game today! He was so excited!!! Hunter is an awesome player! I can see him 6-7 years from now...he will be in the same league as Tyler Hansborough, and of course PLAY FOR THE TARHEELS...who are officially in the SWEET SIXTEEN!
So after his championship win, he came over with Hannah & Suzanne to play with "Little Miss Magic". They had a great time! Jason played guitar hero with them
and then they had a lot of fun with Wii fitness...hula hooping (notice Hannah is holding Halle-Grace AND hula hooping)
skiing, Hannah loved yoga, and Hunter liked balance games and thought it was too cool when the tight rope dude took a plunge!! They helped me unlock more levels of fitness which is really nice!
Halle-Grace was really smitten with Hunter today! She loved him carrying her around!
I am SO ready to see them swim this summer. I have never looked so forward to warm weather in my life! If you know me well enough, you know I am still a "Boone girl" at heart and my blood loves the ASU weather. However, "little miss magic" makes me want to see the sun and feel the pool water get warm. I can't wait to teach her water babies and watch her play and swim all summer long! Next weekend is her photo shoot and we are really excited to see her "do her thing"...CHARM, CHARM, CHARM with her winning personality!
We are blessed!
So after his championship win, he came over with Hannah & Suzanne to play with "Little Miss Magic". They had a great time! Jason played guitar hero with them
and then they had a lot of fun with Wii fitness...hula hooping (notice Hannah is holding Halle-Grace AND hula hooping)
skiing, Hannah loved yoga, and Hunter liked balance games and thought it was too cool when the tight rope dude took a plunge!! They helped me unlock more levels of fitness which is really nice!Halle-Grace was really smitten with Hunter today! She loved him carrying her around!
I am SO ready to see them swim this summer. I have never looked so forward to warm weather in my life! If you know me well enough, you know I am still a "Boone girl" at heart and my blood loves the ASU weather. However, "little miss magic" makes me want to see the sun and feel the pool water get warm. I can't wait to teach her water babies and watch her play and swim all summer long! Next weekend is her photo shoot and we are really excited to see her "do her thing"...CHARM, CHARM, CHARM with her winning personality!
We are blessed!
Mar 19, 2009
HANNAH IS TOPS!!!!
Hannah tried out for cheerleading tonight...not only did she make the squad, she received the HIGHEST score! GO HANNAH!!! Halle-Grace wants to be "JUST LIKE YOU" so I need to order her a mini-uniform for football season! We are SO proud of you and love you SO MUCH!
Little Miss Magic is 16 months old today!
Where is the time going? Her magical personality makes the time go SO fast! So what did our 16 month old do today? She had a great day with Maa Maa & PaPa and Abby! They went to the park and rode the Carrousel and she loved every minute of it. This evening we sang, dance (she can tap her toes), read books and yelled as loud as we could (Jason loves when we do that..HA HA). She laughs ALL the time
and loves to play hide & seek ! She is really into books and LOVES to hula hoop on the Wii fit with me. NOW, try holding 17.5 pounds and hula hooping for 10 minutes!!! That is a workout! Much more intense than you might think!
She sings and it is the funniest thing I have EVER witnessed! She really gets into it! We have to video her and get a link on here!
Her vocabulary is really expanding and she is a smart cookie! Show her something once and she does not forget! She sleeps well and LOVES southern cooking *if Maa Maa cooks it* her hair is growing like crazy and she really gets prettier everyday. She is VERY friendly and out-going and she NEVER meets a stranger!!! She has a magical personality for sure and LOVES being a ham!
Her bladder is too big for her tiny diapers! She is still in a size 2...SO, when she sleeps, she gets on her tummy and pulls her knees up under her body...the diaper gaps open and the result is a wet bed, wet pjs & wet Halle-Grace! Poor thing!
I have to tell you Jason's latest....he went shopping for flash cards for Halle-Grace and came home with the following: multiplication tables, Presidents of the United States, Geography maps...and such! I had to LAUGH!!!
I could go on & on about Halle-Grace and everything she does and discovers each day! Life is GREAT and God is GOOD!
Mar 14, 2009
Here's the cure for "anytime" blues!
CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW GALLERY
Our funny girl! Enjoy the photos. As you can see, she is VERY active!
Our funny girl! Enjoy the photos. As you can see, she is VERY active!
Mar 10, 2009
We love "spring forward"
CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW GALLERY
The time change is great!!! It allows us time in the afternoon to take Halle-Grace outside and play and of course take some fabulous photos! This gallery you must check out. Once you click on the photo, it will take you to the photobucket site and ask about comments, click NO then you will be in the gallery...on the top right hand side, there is a button that says "slideshow" you can click on that option and watch the entire slideshow! She is definitely the LIGHT in our lives!
Mamaw Parker is home from the hospital but continue to pray that she heals completely! We want her to be able to watch Little Miss Magic learn to swim this summer. As soon as the weather permits, I will be teaching her "water babies" Everyday gets better! How is that possible? The greatest joy is hearing her sweet little voice say "mama" and she now calls Jason "papa" and he really likes that. We are SMITTEN!!!!!
The time change is great!!! It allows us time in the afternoon to take Halle-Grace outside and play and of course take some fabulous photos! This gallery you must check out. Once you click on the photo, it will take you to the photobucket site and ask about comments, click NO then you will be in the gallery...on the top right hand side, there is a button that says "slideshow" you can click on that option and watch the entire slideshow! She is definitely the LIGHT in our lives!
Mamaw Parker is home from the hospital but continue to pray that she heals completely! We want her to be able to watch Little Miss Magic learn to swim this summer. As soon as the weather permits, I will be teaching her "water babies" Everyday gets better! How is that possible? The greatest joy is hearing her sweet little voice say "mama" and she now calls Jason "papa" and he really likes that. We are SMITTEN!!!!!
Mar 8, 2009
Sunny day!
CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW GALLERY
Today was a busy day for "Little Miss Magic". She went to Sunday School...then to Mamaw Devine's house where she played outside with many of her cousins who you will see in the gallery(she LOVES it outside)! We then visited with Mamaw Parker at the hospital. We pray she will heal soon!!! Hannah & Halle-Grace played in the grass and made laps around the 4th floor. Before we were out of the parking lot, "little miss magic" was sound asleep! I can already tell she is going to LOVE the spring and summer weather! THE FUN CONTINUES...enjoy the photos!
Today was a busy day for "Little Miss Magic". She went to Sunday School...then to Mamaw Devine's house where she played outside with many of her cousins who you will see in the gallery(she LOVES it outside)! We then visited with Mamaw Parker at the hospital. We pray she will heal soon!!! Hannah & Halle-Grace played in the grass and made laps around the 4th floor. Before we were out of the parking lot, "little miss magic" was sound asleep! I can already tell she is going to LOVE the spring and summer weather! THE FUN CONTINUES...enjoy the photos!
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