Reflection...Mother's Day

I have tried unsuccessfully (at least to this point) to upload my Mother's Day card! It is the sweetest thing I have ever heard! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can get this task accomplished! I have listened to the card at least 100 times! I had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day! I was able to spend the day with my amazing mom and entire family. Halle-Grace told me what my gifts were before she was suppose to...HAHA! How cute is she??!!! Jason had to laugh about her "telling" as well. She's so much fun!
On Mother's Day again this year, I couldn't help but think about a very special lady...somewhere in the world...the woman who gave birth to Halle-Grace. As Halle-Grace gets older and begins to fully understand, I want her to know how much her birth mother loved her. There are times when people will say, "why, how could she, that's terrible" and I always reply, "thank God she did, otherwise I wouldn't be Halle-Grace's mother". Jason & I made the trip to Tuyen Quang, Vietnam on September 1, 2008 and spent hours that day in Halle-Grace's orphanage (her home for the first 9 months of her life). To be completely honest, before making the trip to Vietnam there were times that I also wondered......I can tell you that during the 4 hour drive from Hanoi to TQ (where there are no roads, seriously, the people have NOTHING)...it all made complete sense! I know that her birth mother/family wanted Halle-Grace to have the BEST life possible! If you ask me, placing HG up for adoption has to be the greatest act of love... unconditional love, unselfish love!

Blessed and thankful for the MIRACLE of adoption!

Shannon

Nanny with the grandchildren on Mother's Day 2010...Hunter, Hannah & Halle-Grace.

Two years of blogging...

It's hard to believe I started blogging here two years ago on Mother's Day! I wanted to be a mom for such a long time! You see my journey to motherhood was NOT easy but 99.9% of the time the things you want, love and cherish the most...don't come easy! God was preparing me for Halle-Grace and the moment she was placed in my arms in TQ, Vietnam...ALL of the pain, questions, doubt, fear, guilt was suddenly GONE!

God used "life" to fully prepare me for the journey to becoming Miss Magic's mother. Sometimes I sit and wonder, why did HE choose me? Halle-Grace is such an amazing little girl! She's simply the BEST! She is smart, beautiful, friendly, funny...and has a way of "lighting" up a room the moment she enters it! God knew the struggle for Halle-Grace and the other 44 TQ children...He knew he would place me on the other side of the world, in a 3rd world country, waiting on her visa and rallying for the other children who needed a voice! I look back now and I am thankful I had the time to spend in her birth country learning about her beautiful culture. WOW, thank you Lord! I am her mom and that just blows me away! What a blessing! She's my perfect miracle!

The photo I had of Halle-Grace on Mother's Day 2008.

One Blessed Mother, Shannon Devine

President proclaims May 2010 National Foster Care Month.

President Obama proclaims May 2010 National Foster Care Month

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-foster-care-month

NCFA celebrates National Foster Care Month.
https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/events/national-foster-care-month.html

Adopt Shoppe

I found the neatest little on-line shopping place. http://www.adoptshoppe.com/ If you know someone who's adopting and want to find a special gift for their special new one...you may want to shop around. One thing in particular that I especially love are the "adoption baby books". Speaking from experience, these are not easy to find and most stores where you purchase baby books do not have "adoption" baby books. There's tons of other "neat" finds on the site as well.

Enjoy!
Shannon

Our little miracle...sweet images captured by Terra

She IS the sweetest...

Sweeeeettttt!

Miss Magic

Our Devine Miracle!

Devine Story makes the National Website

Read our success story on the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) website!

https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/intercountry-adoption/success-stories.html

Below is a poem I received from an adopted child who is now married and is truly making a difference in life. A huge advocate herself, she is fighting for a cure for cancer. If anyone can find a cure, Cydney has the determination and is constantly at work!
She wrote to me, "I love visiting your page and reading about your journey and your daughter. I am adopted and it is so special to me to view the experience through a mother's eyes. So, although we haven't met in person, I feel like I already know you...I'm grateful for you and the voice you give to the little girls who treasure mom's like you."

God Bless,
Cydney                                        

The Journey Home
Stop my fellow wanderer

Stand still on your path

Look up…Do you see Him?

Look beside you…Do you see them?

You and I were chosen

Yes, I too felt lost sometimes.

Crossing a bridge of uncertainty

With the battle of doubt ahead

But we were not unarmed…

You and I were chosen

Stop my fellow warrior

Look at the bridge you are standing on…

And see that it is yourself

Held strong by their choice.

We were never lost

We were just on the journey home.

Thank you Cydney! I will keep this poem for Halle-Grace always...and I hope we get to meet you soon.

The 2 1/2 year old scene

What's Miss Magic up to at 2 1/2? Halle-Grace's favorite word is "mine"! Everything belongs to her...in her sweet mind anyway! She is a complete HAM these days...more so than ever before. She has something new to amaze us with daily! SHE LOVES FLIP FLOPS! Poor thing will wear them til her toes have blisters! She has not a care in the world as long as she has her flip flops on and is "on the move". She is a complete "social butterfly"! She loves her friends, loves to learn, and loves to sing (Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Itzy Bitzy Spider, Jesus Loves Me, Happy Birthday..and more). A chorus teacher recently told us (after Miss Magic sang Happy Birthday to her son about a dozen times in a restaurant) "she can sing, she holds the pitch, etc". Well, of course, I think she can sing...but you all know her dad...haha....he has told everyone! He is so wrapped, it's really precious to see the two of them together! She is for sure A DADDY'S GIRL!
She is going to the potty very well. She loves taking dance/gymnastics and is quite the performer! I'm getting really excited about her dance recital in June. I'm sure she'll add some of her own special choreography :) She LOVES to play outside! She is incredibly friendly and outgoing...and SMART! Her vocabulary really surprises me (especially when you consider she didn't hear English until she was 9 1/2 months old)! She talks all the time (where does she get that?!) She knows all of her colors, her ABCs, can identify letter and numbers...and more! Above all, she is truly magical and the most precious gift we have ever received.We are incredibly blessed! I thank God for bringing us together as a forever family!!!

Miss Magic has a winning personality!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE MICKEY!!!!
Shannon Devine

Almost there...can we reach 20,000 signatures? You can Support the Miracle of Adoption

Can we reach 20,000 signatures on the petition letters that will be sent to President Medvedev and President Obama.

To sign the petition, click on the link below.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/35485.html

Be a VOICE for the children...children just like Halle-Grace.

THANK YOU for supporting the miracle of adoption!

Shannon Devine

We Are the Truth Petition

Read the full story...and what you can do to help.

http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/we-are-the-truth-a-call-to-action/#more-779

The petition will be sent to President Medvedev and President Obama. To sign the petition, click on the link below.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/35485.html

Be a VOICE for the children...children just like Halle-Grace.

Have a blessed day!

Shannon Devine

Generous Hearts Gala

We are so excited to be attending this year as a COMPLETE, FOREVER FAMILY!!!!

From the CAS website: Calling All Generous Hearts:
Orphans around the world are dreaming of a brighter future, wishing for a family to call their own and hoping that someone will reach out to them. In partnership with Carolina Adoption Services, You can answer that call, on April 17, 2010, by attending the Generous Hearts Gala. Through our ongoing efforts over 2,700 children have found their forever families and over a million dollars in donations have gone into overseas humanitarian aid to help the vulnerable children still in orphanages.
Click to visit the 2010 Gala page for more information about “Generous Hearts" and the auction items... http://www.carolinaadoption.org/2010/03/24/calling-all-generous-hearts/
These children depend on your donations of time, services and funding. The Generous Hearts Gala offers you a unique way to help. Through your attendance, sponsorship or donation orphaned children will have a chance of a better life and brighter future. Help change the world one child at a time by participating. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go toward happiness, health, and love.

If you would like to attend, donate to, or sponsor the event, please contact Siri Scott by visiting http://www.carolinaadoption.org/2010/03/24/calling-all-generous-hearts/

Remember every day there is an opportunity to make a difference. Please spread the word and help the children.

National Council for Adoption has a NEW website

As an Adoption Ally for the National Council for Adoption, I love the new website! It is fantastic!!! Check it out... http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/ the link is also posted in the top right hand column on my blog.

Mamaw Parker leaves behind a beautiful lagacy...

Mamaw Parker passed away on Thursday.  I know she is having one more homecoming in heaven. We miss her so much but we know she is finally at peace and has started her eternity in heaven! I thank God for blessing us with mamaw...what a beautiful legacy.

Steven Curtis Chapman "Cinderella"...taking Miss Magic to see this Magical performance

To help advance Show Hope's mission of caring for orphans in distress, a star-studded cast is teaming up with the Nashville Symphony to present the classic musical, Cinderella. It will be a "one night only" concert performance without scenery but with colorful costumes, a flourish of makeup, a bit of dancing, and a good measure of magic.  Friday, May 14th 7:00 pm at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN

Show Hope's Presentation of Cinderella will feature:

Steven Curtis Chapman...Grammy and Dove award winning artist

The Nashville Symphony

Heather Headley - Fairy Godmother...Tony Award Winner from The Lion King

Jodi Benson - Queen....The Voice of The Little Mermaid

BeBe Winans - King...Grammy and Dove Award winning vocalist

Alli Mauzey - Cinderella....Glenda from Wicked on Broadway

Anthony Federov - Prince Christopher... Former American Idol finalist

Jake Speck - Lionel... Cast member of Jersey Boys on Broadway

Pass along this special $5 off offer to friends and family who may be interested in this amazing opportunity to show hope to orphans through this exciting event!

Purchase presale tickets and save $5 off of each ticket today using the promo code HOPE! Visit http://www.showhope.org/Cinderella  to purchase tickets.
This exclusive presale promotion ends Friday, April 9. Tickets are available to the public on April 10.

Happy Birthday Aunt Amen and Papaw Ronnie

Today is Aunt Amen's birthday (that's what she calls Amy...too cute)!!! Tomorrow is Papaw Ronnie's birthday! Wishing you both Magical birthdays! We love you!

More of Miss Magic by Terra Bailey Photography

http://www.terrabaileyphotography.com/

Is there anything more beautiful...Miss Magic & helping others in need

"Is there anything more beautiful" words from the photographers mouth...Miss Magic was once again in front of the camera Saturday morning. She jumped on the "gator" with Goolie (that's how she says Julie) Julie Abernathy with Ella Kate and Terra Bailey (Terra Bailey Photography) and off they went into the field. Here's a sneak peek of our tiny miracle! GOSH, she takes my breath away!!!

Terra Bailey, a photographer in Hickory, NC arranged "FAMILY FIELD DAY" and all proceeds, donations, etc went to the Safe Harbor Rescue Mission. They service women who have been is abusive relationships, homeless, single moms, etc. giving them HOPE!

Let Terra capture your magical moments! http://www.terrabaileyphotography.com/

Such an inspiration...

Halle-Grace with her great-grandmother Parker

My grandmother is very sick and her sweet body is so tired! I pray for peace and understanding and above all comfort for her. I don't want her to suffer. It's been a difficult week for my family but God continues to show His presence and for that I am so very thankful! Last night as Halle-Grace was going to bed (our routine is to say our prayers, sing songs, read a book...well maybe the reverse order) the sweetest thing came out of her mouth. "I want to see Mamaw Parker"! Sometimes she just calls her "Parker". She loves her and she knew something was different about last night....she didn't get to visit with her because HG has the pink eye (which is clearing up thanks to powerful eye drops).

My grandma Parker is an amazing, strong woman who truly inspires me! She's endured so much in her life...losing her mother before she was a teenager, losing her husband when she was only 47 years old, losing a child, a grandchild, most of her brothers and sisters that she practically raised...BELIEVE me, she is a remarkable woman who's legacy is BEAUTIFUL!!! I admire her! and I love her dearly! God gives me comfort in knowing that all of those she has lost....she will see again! His promise is beautiful! God Bless Mamaw Parker.

Only God knows when we will meet again...

Angela, you were taken so soon...but you fought the fight and tonight in heaven you have WON the prize!!! Thank you Lord for blessing this world with Angela for 37 years. We know she is with you and is finally at peace! Please continue to comfort us...until we meet again.....

I Have a Place in Heaven

Please don't sing sad songs for me,

Forget your grief and fears,

For I am in a perfect place

Away from pain and tears.

It's far away from hunger

And hurt and want and pride,

I have a place in Heaven

With the Master at my side.

My life on earth was very good,

As earthly life can go,

But Paradise is so much more

Than anyone can know.

My heart is filled with happiness

And sweet rejoicing, too.

To walk with God is perfect peace,

A joy forever new.

~ Author Unknown ~

When will Vietnam reopen for Adoption?

Read from Voices for Vietnam Adoption Integrity
http://www.adoptionintegrity.com/2010/01/02/vietnam-adoptions-one-agencys-perspective-and-future-outlook/.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

Today marks a very special anniversary!!! March 5, 2008 is a day Jason & I will never forget for as long as we're alive! March 5, 2008 started out like any other day for me....until I received a phone call from Carolina Adoption Services. Nancy, our 2nd adoption coordinator, was calling to introduce Allie (our 3rd adoption coordinator)...why??? Why are we receiving a 3rd coordinator? for what reason??
What I didn't know was the NEWS Allie and Nancy had to share with me...news that would change our lives FOREVER!!! I remember saying to Allie, "I hope you will be the last coordinator". That's when she spoke up and said, "I have some really exciting news...are you near your computer?" My heart fell to my feet as I said YES...WHY, WHAT...Do you have our baby???? I was already screaming before she could confirm. YES, SHE HAD HALLE-GRACE!!! Well, Hallegrace was in VN but she had our referral for HG! I couldn't believe my ears....and I could have never prepared my heart and eyes for the most beautiful sight!!!! I will never forget shaking as I hit the check mail button and opened the file with her photos! I thought I would just BUST WIDE OPEN! My heart went into some crazy fluttering freenzy....It was LOVE at first SIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I didn't believe in love at first sight until March 5, 2008. The love we felt for HG carried us through the months to come as we fought to bring our baby home! Jason told me along the way..."not bringing Halle-Grace home is NOT an option. We will fight for our daughter, we will bring her home". He was right...the fight to DC, all the emails, phone calls to elected officials, my HENS who I love dearly, family, friends and often strangers who heard about our journey.....all of you helped bring HG home! Thank you!!

Thank you God for the miracle of adoption, thank you for the miracle of Halle-Grace.

"Mamaw Parker I am praying for you everyday and I love you."

Thinking about adopting? Worried about where you'll find the funds? http://www.showhope.org/adoptionaid/adoptiongrants.aspx

Show Hope is a beautiful organization that helps make dreams come true for so many families! Please visit their website and take a look around. Their personal story will leave you crying, laughing...full of joy and hope. http://www.showhope.org/

 From the mouth of her daddy, "Just when you think she can't get anymore beautiful..."

Miss Magic has a dimple. How did we not know this before last night? God continues to bless our little girl with so many cute qualities. Her personality is something else these days! She steals the show everywhere she goes...we love our tiny miracle.

              SO everyone has said since day 1 that Halle-Grace looks JUST LIKE HER DADDY! She has grown so much in the past two years....and Jason's hair has grown along with HGs....LOL

I love my tiny miracle...

Daddy and the Princess...she has it made...he is wrapped!!!

Just this week I have noticed HG is growing taller and it's kinda sad (all of you parents know what I'm talking about...they are growing up way too fast). Jason replied "but just wait for ALL that's in store and all the amazing things to come". He seems to know just what to say and when to say it. Sometimes I find myself lost in a daydream...how, why did God choose ME to be Halle-Grace's mom? Did I really do something so profound/wonderful/amazing to deserve her?? Whatever the reason, I am more than thankful Lord! Adoption is such a beautiful blessing! Many people have asked me to "blog" more about adoption...how to get started, who to call, what to expect.....and I spend a lot of time talking to parents who are thinking about/praying about/starting their journey. Just this past week I had the chance to counsel "R" about the journey she and her husband are beginning. I call her "R" for privacy reasons. For those who have adopted, you all know how things can be, you want to do everything just right and not jeopardize anything! Last summer, I had the opportunity to "walk the entire journey" with a young mom who chose adoption...it was one of the most rewarding, beautiful  experiences...to watch her through her pregnancy, and witness the adoptive parents full of joy!!! WOW, it's really hard to put into words. I cried tears of joy and tears of amazement....it's just too beautiful to type and make it real! If you want to know more about Miss Magic's adoption story, I tried my best to capture it as we traveled the road....to the RFE....to Washington, DC....and eventually to Vietnam without the I-600 (signing the paper that stated "I will not return to the US until she receives a visa...even if it's 2 years"....to the joyous homecoming and the daily life/joy/happiness and complete MAGIC that Halle-Grace brings to everyone who meets her! She truly is THE blessing God intended for Jason & I and I am SO thankful that he made this all possible! I can't imagine life without her. She is perfect! She is beautiful! She is smart! She is MY GIRL!

SITTING PRETTY! My little rubberband!

The weather is beautiful so we're off to capture some pictures and to visit with mamaw Parker. Until next post (with pictures) remain blessed!

Little Sweetheart

There's no place like home...

If you have spent anytime with HG in the last two months you already know her favorite movie (obsession) is the Wizard of Oz. This past week I wanted to tap into the power of Dorothy's ruby red slippers and come home. I attended my National Sales Meeting and I was homesick! I missed Little Miss Magic so much! So, when I arrived home yesterday afternoon, I rushed to get un-packed, showered and ready to play. Here is her SWEET reaction when she saw me!!! AND, If you're wondering what's all over Jason's face...that would be STICKERS. HG is also obsessed with stickers and she wants him to put them all over his face. She instructs him where to place them and he does...for example; chin, cheek, nose (you get the picture and now you can see the picture) and yes he rides around town looking like this................

I just beam when I see this precious little girl who calls me MAMA. She is the cutest thing ever!!! She had a great week. Luckily, the eye infection we battled last weekend is all clear and she is feeling great! She had two Valentine parties this week (here's just some of her loot) and LOTS more to come. She especially likes peppermint patties, suckers and gum.

and it appears from "Jack Frost" outside that we may not make the Tet Celebration tomorrow :( Don't get me wrong, I love the snow and welcome it anytime...I was really hoping to see CAS families and celebrate. We will have to see what the weather is like early in the morning. Either way, we will be celebrating TET and Valentines. I am so blessed to have Jason & Miss Magic in my life! WOW, I am such a lucky girl!

And, I am so excited that we finally have HG's 2 year old photos framed and hung...and I LOVE the way they look...these are 16X20 and her one year old photos are 20X30 because there are 2 vs. 3...with the 2 year old photos, I couldn't decide. She is SO photogenic, therefore, it is difficult to just pick one.

Miss Magic will be 27 months old next Friday, so... what is she up to? WOW, what is she not up to? She is extremely active and talkative! She loves to run and loves dance so there is no surprise that she is only 20.7 lbs. She is extremely smart...she can say her ABCs (only missing a few letters here and there at times), she counts to 10 very well, she recognizes letters and numbers, she knows her colors pretty good, she picks out shapes, she talks in complete phrases and she is not afraid to let you know exactly what's on her mind! I LOVE THAT PART because she is very independent and knows what she wants. She loves all types of food and eats extremely well. She loves fish, chicken, all types of veggies...corn, asparagus, salad, queso dip, grapes, apples, peaches, berries, bagels and cream cheese (actually she LOVES cream cheese), and the list goes on. She loves music and can sing "Somewhere over the Rainbow"!!! She will totally crack you up! She thinks she is a big girl!  

She is the apple of our eye that's for sure! God is so awesome and I am so happy that he gave us the most precious gift. She's spoiled rotten...but did you expect anything less??

HAPPY VALENTINES AND HAPPY TET!

Please  keep Mamaw Parker in your prayers. She came home from the hospital...only to return after she fell. Luckily, there were no broken bones but she took a hard hit on the head. Bless her sweet heart! I pray she can remain comfortable and pain free. Mamaw Linda fell yesterday and broke her hip! She's in the hospital as I type and will be there a few more days. God be with them both!

Be safe in the SNOW and hug the ones you love! I'll post Valentine & Tet pics soon! I'm off to get rest...we have a Big weekend ahead...and we are planning our upcoming TRIP!!!

Prayer Request

Please continue to pray for Mamaw Parker who is back in the hospital. She was admitted again yesterday. We love you Mamaw Parker and we are praying for you!!!

Preparing for Tet-The year of the Tiger

Tet, the Vietnamese New Year is February 14th and HG is already receiving gifts. A very special package just arrived... all the way from Vietnam! Ms. Hau sent Halle-Grace two au dai (traditional dress), a Vietnamese doll and a beautiful picture frame! She is an amazing lady! We will definitely spend some time with her on our next trip to Vietnam.

More about Tet ....
"Tet, the Vietnamese New Year is the most important Festival of the Vietnamese people. When Spring arrives, all Vietnamese are thrilled by the advent of Tet. Wherever they may be, they feel an immense nostalgia, wishing to come back to their homeland for a family reunion and a taste of the particular flavors of the Vietnamese festivities. This Festival occurs sometime between late January or early February, depending on Lunar Calendar. Although officially a three-day affair, festivities may continue for a week or more with every effort made to indulge in eating, drinking, and enjoyable social activities. It is also a time for family reunions, and for paying respect to ancestors and the elders. Gifts of food are made to friends, neighbors and relatives in the days before Tet. Loved ones gather for a dinner of traditional Vietnamese foods like bánh chung (a square cake made of sticky rice stuffed with beans and pork), mang (a soup of boiled bamboo shoots and flied pork) and xôi g?c (orange sticky rice). This is followed by a visit to the local pagodas. Everyone is in a rush to get a haircut, buy new clothes, spruce up their homes, visit friends, settle outstanding debts, and stock up on traditional Tet delicacies. Businesses hang festive red banners which read "Chuc Mung Nam Moi" (Happy New Year) and city streets are festooned with colored lights. Stalls spring up all over town to sell mut (candied fruits and jams), traditional cakes, and fresh fruit and flowers. Certain markets sell nothing but cone-shaped kumquat bushes. Others sell flowering peach trees, symbols of life and good fortune which people bring into their homes to celebrate the coming of spring. As vendors pour into the City with peach trees strapped to their bicycles, the streets look like moving pink forests."

We will be celebrating Tet with other families in Winston Salem again this year! I am excited to learn more about Miss Magic's birth country. AND....I am really excited that Mary is going to teach us how to make bánh chung!!! Stay posted......

I LOVE this photo of  Miss Magic and her Daddy.

Snow & Miss America...a great day!

Snow bunny

Playing with Daddy in the Snow

SNOW!!!

Ready to watch Miss America~and this is the WINNING walk!

Go Miss NC!

Want to see more photos click here http://s628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/hallegrace/Snow%202010/