Beauty Everywhere

 I was sitting at my computer writing, when I looked out the front door window and noticed the spectacular skyline Mother Nature was gifting me tonight. 

 I grabbed my camera, pajamas and all, walked outside to capture these puffy, whispy clouds, masterfully painting the skyline. 

Our weekend was a Girls Day for Addy and I.  We went shopping, stocked up on candy, and went to a movie.  Mike and Ike's, Sugar Babies, Reeces' Peanut Butter Cups, and more.  Perfect for movie viewing.  We saw Monte Carlo because we're both big Selena Gomez fans.  She loved it.  I loved it. And we enjoyed each other.  I googled Monte Carlo, and do not see that as a particular near future vacation destination.  Just sayin...

Our days are finding Sarah busy and into mischief easily.  Before I turn around she's torn up paper, unrolled toilet paper, eaten any non-edible particle lying around and comes back for more.  So, when she sits in my lap for a short time, I want to grab the moment and enjoy the feel of her skin next to mine.

These eyes are piercing, yet dark and subtle at times.

I love their almond shape, the lashes that wisp upward to the sky, saying, "Hey, look at me." 

Of course, playing with Mama's makeup brushes is a must.  Although, she wasn't too keen on the bristles. But, needed to climb up the knobs of the drawers  to see more goodies on the counter. 

For lunch today, we made pizza muffins. Austin is the most serious in the kitchen.  He loves to help out when he can.

Sarah was an expert because Miss Patty showed her how to make these at VBS.

*****
I love seeing Sarah's expressions, faces, and smiles. 

After the flash, she grins in this overwhelming smile like, "Can't catch this smile, Mama!"
The other night, Andy and I were drying her off from her bath when I asked, "Do you ever wonder if she misses anything about her old life?"  I'd love to know what she is thinking, when she points her finger at me, spouts off some gibberish, and walks off.  But, I know she loves her family.  After playing, she'll stop where I'm sitting, smile, and wrap her arms around me.  In the pool, she loves to hug her sister and brother, and wants to follow them and be "one of the guys." I know she knows she's changed.

My mother's coming into town for a few days to play with the kids, and let me begin working in my new classroom, setting up my new home for those who will walk through those doors.  I'm looking forward to tapping into that aspect of my being.  It's refreshing to start a new.  I learned I would be moving buildings the week before I left for Ukraine.  A friend said, " Are you crazy?  A new baby, a new grade, a new school!!"  For me, it's a whole new life that began with a picture of one little girl, who changed our lives forever.

 Beauty in this World

Celebrations

This evening, my parents came into town for dinner and we spent time sharing our adoption journey and celebrations.  The process, paperwork, and logistics seem daunting to them, but they are excited about the greatest reward.  Andy and I know it is tiresome, but the moment she walks into our arms, the paperwork chase will be forgotten and the journey will so be worth it.    I was sharing with them the recent celebrations in the Reece's Rainbow community and other adoption blogs that led us on our path. 
"We all need to hear the good in the world," they said. 
So the purpose of this post is to celebrate the good in the world...

1.  Our part of the home study will be completed in less than a week, and then it can be written up.:) One step closer to our little girl...  We are waiting to order birth/marriage certificates because we need to be careful they do not expire within six months.

2.  Our Child Specific Petition has already been sent to her country.

3.  Sasha has a forever family.  He is a little boy who my blogging friends have been advocating for and hoped to find a family.  An AMAZING life has been saved!!!

4.  Josie, from Confessions of the  Chromosomally Enhanced, is breathing better.  She is still in the hospital, but is a fighter.  She, along with another Josi, were "Red Thread" connections this summer.  Check out Josie's blog.

5.  My parents, and others, are praying for some of the families who I have been sharing on our blog.  They may never meet, except through prayer. But, Miracles are happening!!

6.  Andy printed little cards with our blog address/Reece's Rainbow/Sarah's picture and passed them out at his business meeting in Houston.  Families have been impacted by reading these blogs/websites and perhaps another will be moved towards saving a life.  We've already received calls today about what they have read:).

7.  I stopped at my neighbor's last Saturday to share our news. (now that I'm teaching, I don't visit like in the summer:(.  She was so happy and excited for us and showed me her "Sarah" from student teaching.  She also read this story in Parents' Magazine that day and gave me the magazine. I found this family blog in June, late one night when I couldn't sleep, and was deeply moved. Another red thread.  Monday evening, my friend went to the county fair and saw another "Sarah" she taught who was in college.  She is constantly sending me more "red thread" connections. 

8.  Some families who are traveling in Sarah's country now have been emailing me travel tips and places to stay.  Andy will be most likely be working some of the time while we are over there and will need phone and internet capabilities. (He's a satallite office!)  Another family is traveling soon to her orphanage and will try to get some new pictures for us:)  What a sisterhood Reece's Rainbow is!!!  I am blessed to be a member!

9.  Wednesday, my kids had a movie at school for a reward.  When I asked Addyson who she sat with, she said," I made a difference in Austin's life today because he was sitting by himself and I asked him to come over with us!"  Daily, I am asking them to make a difference and now it is becoming part of their language and actions!

1o.  Sarah, My Name is Sarah, made the front page of her newspaper telling their story about JEllens Fabric Store and its mission to employ adults with Down Syndrome and Autism.  Way to Go, Sarah and Joyce.  You're an inspiration to us all!!

My friends, there is so much good happening all around us.  Look for it, Live it, and Celebrate those special moments.