Photos by Ge Ge

Alice's Big Brother asked me for the camera the other day. Have just downloaded his pics and thought they were pretty cute - especially the one of the 'baby legs'!!!

Things that happen when you aren't looking...

I downloaded some pics from the camera yesterday and found some that I most definitley did not take - wonder who did?????!!!! I am thinking that as Alice is wearing her big sister's kung fu head protection, she may have been the culprit. Pretty funny photos though!

One Year Ago Today

On this day twelve months ago our lives changed forever. We went from a family of four to five, as our precious Alice Xiao Ying was placed in my arms. It seems so very surreal now, and such a long time ago, so I have posted our handover video as a reminder of how things were on that very special day. Alice has grown and changed so much in the past year. She has gone from a tiny, skinny, introverted and solemn baby to a chubby, bouncy, outgoing, chatty and completely amazing toddler. So happy Forever Day Alice - we love you more than words can say.

12 month reunion

This weekend Alice and I travelled to Hobart for our travel group one year reunion. We had a blast!! Of the nine families, there were at least two that I hadn't seen since China, and it was just wonderful to see how much the girls had grown and changed. It was a very busy time, with nine energetic 21 month old toddlers running around, but it was just so nice to see them all, and to catch up with all the Mums and Dads with whom we shared such a life-changing experience. Hope you enjoy the slide show.

RIP Louise

Yesterday our school community lost a very special lady. Louise was called home unexpectedly, after a short illness. She leaves behind a husband, and two small children. At times like this I can feel myself getting angry with God, asking Him why things like this have to happen? Why do two lovely kids have to wake up today and realise that they have to start their lives anew, without their beautiful mum. Why does a husband have to grieve for his life partner, and struggle to cope with his pain and loss?? At times like these I find myself going back to the scriptures and finding solace there. Throughout God's word He constantly reinforces the idea that all events will be turned around for His good. No matter how sad, how dire, or how horrible the event, through God who reigns, good will come. Whilst I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a good, kind and faithful lady, I know that she is now home with our Lord and Saviour. And I know that whilst her family will grieve her loss intensely, God will be with them every step of the way, carrying them through their pain. So rest in peace Louise, a great person taken home too soon. You will be missed greatly by everyone at Devonport Christian School, and by all those who were blessed to know you.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson, 1936

A Birthday Party

Today Alice attended her first 'proper' birthday party (aside from her own, of course!) Her friend Anna, also adopted from China, turned four today and we were fortunate enough to be invited along to share her special day. Alice had a ball!! It was held at the local church playgroup that Anna's lovely Mum runs, and there was so much to do Alice barely knew which way to turn. The mini trampolines were her favourite, closely followed by the table of jigsaw puzzles. She ate cake, sausage rolls, strawberries and chips, and had to be reluctantly taken home after two hours of merriment to be put to bed. Hope you enjoy the photos!

An afternoon to look forward to

This afternoon we have a bit of a 'China gathering' taking place at our house. One of our batch buddies, with her two little girls from China, is coming to visit! Miss O and Alice are the age age and really enjoy each other's company, so I expect Alice will be all played out by the end of the day. We are also having another friend come along who has two gorgeous China girls. Miss E is almost 7 and Miss A is almost 4, and Alice has a bit of a hero-worship thing happening for them. So I am having a wee rest whilst Madame is asleep, and charging up the batteries for a fun-filled afternoon. Don't you just love Fridays???!!!

Thankful Thursday!

I have been pretty slack at keeping up this aspect of my blog - in fact I think I may have remembered to do it only once! Anyway, it's Thursday and I have so much to be thankful for, so here goes!!
-For my three gorgeous kids, each of whom is a unique blessing from God. For my eldest DD, who is beautiful, smart, funny and such a kind-hearted soul. For my DS, who is cheeky, mischievous, fun-loving and very fond of mummy-cuddles. For my sweet Alice, who grows and blossoms with every passing day.
-For the arrival of spring!! I was just outside hanging the washing on the line and noticed that it smelled like spring. Spring is my favourite season, and I am just loving this warmer weather.
-For good friends: both here and far away, those who I have met and those I haven't! It's funny how you can 'meet' people in cyberspace who become such close confidantes. I am very grateful for each and every one of my friends and all they do to enrich my life.
-For my lovely husband, who works so hard to provide for his family. He is one one life's true gentlemen, and I love him even more now than when I met him 15 years ago (admittedly, there was more lust than love back then!!!)
-For my health. For the fact that I can play with my kids, walk my dog every morning, and live life to it's fullest.

Well, that's about enough rambling for now. I must be off to enjoy this awesome spring day that God has provided for me. Blessings to you, all my friends near and far. xxxx

The Horror

Well, it's been almost a week since the hideous haircut and I have finally taken a picture of it. Yuk.......And yes OziMum, the topknot has been used to cover up the awful fringe!!!

Latest Pics

Enjoy! I particularly like the ones of Alice and her jie jie cuddling up!