OUR LITTLE FLOWERS

CHRISTMAS CARD 2011

2011-12-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

2011-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Summer came and went very fast this year. After Georgia's b-day it seemed like we couldn't squeeze enough hours into our day.

Hubby and I were very busy working on our new flower shop...moving closer to home. This project took up quite a lot of our time, there were no plans on going away...and then as usual hubby decided THAT'S IT!!!!...we need some family time and next thing I knew we were on a plane to Disney...dreams do come true.

Off we went in 40 degrees weather and totally exhausted and burnt out...to what I call the happiest place on earth!!!

Was it worth it?

Absolutely...we all loved the short yet sweet experience of singing and dancing with Mickey and Minny and all the Princesses.

Disney is truly magical...Angel was in awe, Georgia smiled and clapped all along and well I cried when I saw the "CASTLE"... I guess the little girl in me was just as happy as the Mommy in me!!!

Here are some very special moments of our very special trip...enjoy!!!

Some of the pictures are out of focus...decided to put them anyways.

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GEORGIA ANASTASIA TURNS 3 YRS OLD

2011-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted....Mother's Day...Oh my that was 4 month's ago!!! Well, we have been busy and I will start by my little Georgia's b-day party and then I will try to get up to date...with Disney and Florida Vacation and Angel's big birthday bash's!!!

School has started and life is moving very fast as always.

Here are a few pictures from Georgia's 3rd birthday.

My beautiful little flower you are so amazing. Your smile brightens up our days and you are blooming into a sweet loving little girl. You are cute, smart, active and full of energy...you are PERFECT and we love you!!!

I HAVE ALL THAT I NEED...

2011-05-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and it is by far the most emotional day of the year for me. I am a florist and for years I served my customers with a smile on this very busy day and my heart was so empty.

I must add here that I did celebrate my own Mother and I thank God for her and that I still have her today.

However, this was a day that was always very hard for me. That being said... I celebrated my first Mommy day with delight in May 2005 as my little flower Angel came to my store all dressed up with her little gift...a moment in time that will never be forgotten.

This Mother's day I have the joy of my two little girls Angel and Georgia and they are my gifts from my Lord.

I am so blessed to be Mom to my little flowers growing in my heart daily.

I live for them and their beautiful smiles.

This Mother's Day "I have all that I need"

Thank-you Lord for Your love that shines through my two beautiful children.

Happy Mother's Day to me...and that it will surely be!!!

Here they are...press the arrow to view and full screen to enlarge

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Easter fun

2011-04-26T12:53:00.001-07:00

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Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-22T21:51:00.001-07:00

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FIRST ORAL PRESENTATION by Angel

2011-04-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Angel had her first oral presentation 2 weeks ago in her french class. The children were permitted to choose any subject they wanted. I suggested Ballet, Trips to Mexico or even our recent vacation to Cuba.

However, my little flower had already decided what her project will be about. To my surprise she chose her adoption story...I must say I tried very hard to discourage her. I felt that it would not only be a difficult subject to discuss in french, I also thought that it may be too emotional for her and that the other students may ask her inappropriate questions.

Well, my little Angel responded to my concerns in this way...

"Mom, everyone knows that I was born in China and that I am adopted so what is the big deal"

So, I agreed and we began preparing for her project. First I asked her what she wanted to say. She wanted to talk about every single detail related to her adoption story including the one child policy and the giving up of girls in order to keep the boys. We collected pictures and managed to make a time line type of presentation on a bristle board.
Her oral was to be three minutes long and she put together a ten minute long story. We worked very hard on condensing it over and over until we had it down to three and a half minutes.

She practiced and practiced until she had it quite down pact and off she went ready and proud.

The results....15 out of 15 !!!! The teacher said it was "MANIFIQUE" she was the only student that did not use Q-cards and she delivered a perfect oral. Her teacher said that she was confident, interesting and proud.

She passed around to the class her adoption certificate, pictures of her at the orphanage and her picture of her visit to the great wall. Angel explained to the class that her Chinese name means "BLOOMING FLOWER" and how much she enjoys it when I call her "my little flower"

We are so very proud of her and how she has come to understand her adoption. Often I have second guessed myself and wondered if I have told her too much. After her attitude with this project and the positive outlook that she has shown, I think we did alright!!!

Below are some pictures of Angel and her GREAT PROJECT

CUBA 2011

2011-03-07T21:13:00.001-08:00

Our family recently took a vacation south. We decided to step out of our comfort zone and try something new...other than our usual spot in Mexico. We flew to a tiny island in Cuba called Santa Clara and stayed in a beautiful resort on the beach of Santa Maria.

We had a wonderful time. The hotel was very nice and the beach was spectacular.

The girls had a fun playing in the sand...both of them are true sand bunnies...they were up to their neck in sand for hours each day and just loved it.

Angel made a few friends and spent a lot of her time practicing her french and I was thrilled.

Georgia was great and we reached a higher level of bonding with her. All and all it was a good idea to get away and I am thankful to God for giving us this wonderful week of tropical beauty and family time.

Below are a few pictures from our trip.

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HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEARS 2011

2011-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday we celebrated Chinese New Years with the "Hunan Girls and Company". We are four families from our first travel group to China and we all now have two children each.

I must say that this yearly event has become one of our favorite traditions and our whole family looks forward to celebrating with our friends, eating great food, lot's of treats for the little ones and an amazing fireworks show by our hosts.

As always we all had the most lovely time and Angel and Georgia enjoyed the day to the fullest... and the dumplings were delicious!!!

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and I can only share a few pictures of my girls before we left the house. Hopefully my dear friend Wanda will post some pictures of the actual event.

And so this is Christmas...

2010-12-29T21:59:00.001-08:00

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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-12-25T20:06:00.001-08:00

SIX YEARS WITH OUR SWEET ANGEL

2010-11-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Six years ago today our life as we knew it was changed forever...on this day our sweet Angel was placed in our arms...on this day God's love to us was more evident and alive in our hearts than ever before...on this day I first stared into my beautiful baby girl's eyes for the first time. I can still remember every feeling and emotion of that amazing day in China.

The excitement and joy we felt cannot be expressed with any amount of words. It was a dream...a dream that took twenty years to come true!!! I remember my little Angel sitting in her Nanny's lap munching on a cookie and looking around without a care in the world...and then she was scooped up into the arms of this hysterically, emotional, out of her mind with happiness strange woman (ME) that just smothered her with love and hugs and kisses and more hugs and more kisses and waterfalls of tears...oh the poor child!!! Yes, our lives were forever changed and so was hers.

Six years later I am still a hysterically, emotional, out of her mind with happiness woman...but I am no longer a stranger to her...I am her MOMMY and she smothers me with love and kisses and hugs and more kisses and more hugs every single day. God is so amazing and he always knows how to do things in HIS GREAT WAY...we thank and adore HIM and HIS Love is like no other ...and we still feel it in our heart every time those beautiful eyes look into ours.

Angel my love you are the greatest gift ever and we are so blessed to have you as our daughter. We are so proud to be your parents and watching you bloom has been and is and will always be our greatest joy. You are our little flower and we love you.

HAPPY FOREVER DAY

GOTCHA DAY NOVEMBER 8TH, 2004

MOMMY AND DADDY WITH ANGEL TODAY

WE DID ATTEPT TO GET OUR LITTLE RASCAL GEORGIA IN THE ABOVE PICTURE...BUT SHE KEPT SQUIRMING AWAY...

...SHE DID HOWEVER STRIKE A POSE WITH HER BIG SISTER ANGEL

HALLOWEEN 2010

2010-11-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

This year Halloween was especially fun since Little Georgia the Kitty Cat and Little Milana the Pink Poodle joined their big sisters Angel the Beautiful Princess Mulan and Dahlia the Stunning Heavenly Angel for trick or treating. The four girls had a blast going door to door and getting treats and then giving out candy. Little Sonya popped in for a visit in her adorable 50's outfit and her pink hair. Once again fun was had by all!!!

Here are a few pictures (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Still Missing You dearly...

2010-10-18T07:03:00.001-07:00

It has now been four months since my husband lost his mother and my girls lost their grandmother. As for me I lost my "THEA MA" my sweet little cheerleader a person that always made me feel like I was doing something right. She had a special way of encouraging us like no other. We miss you so much and we think about you everyday. Our family will never be the same.

Angels Spa Birthday Party

2010-10-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog...I missed you!!! Sorry I have not visited you in such a long time...well there is never any time!!! But, I have a nice surprise for you and for who ever else will come to visit...here it is...enjoy.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL

2010-08-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today our little flower Angel turned 7 years old...unbelievable but true!!!

This is a girl of "TRADITIONS"...Angel is a very deep and emotional girl and when you start something with her that is of value to her... well be prepared to do it year after year.

When Angel was five I took her to our favorite park, a little piece of paradise not far from our home. A place that we both love with all our hearts. We picked a little secluded spot under a true with a view of the lake. We spread down a blanket and spent some time talking about her life, her birth parents and how God brought us to be a forever family. We had such a special bonding time together that we decided to make a tradition of it.

This little tradition of ours has become so special to both of us and we look forward to it every year. After we spend our alone time together we meet Miss Dahlia... Angel's BFF and we continue to enjoy our day with our friends.

Last year Baby Georgia and Milana joined the equation and well the rest is...party time.

So, today our day started with breakfast with Auntie Peggy, Anta and Soula. We then went to our park and did our thing. It was amazing, we had so much fun. Angel asked some very mature question about China and her birth. As usual I answered her honestly and to the best of my knowledge. Then we cuddled for quite a bit until Georgia insisted to join in...we of coarse obliged and the three of us rolled around in the grass laughing.

We then met our dear friends and the all girls had a great time...Moms included.

When we came home Daddy brought Chinese food...another one of those traditions on Angel's b-day and she opened her gifts. We then had cake and she was happy, happy, happy.

My sweet little girl you are the love of our lives and you have and continue to bring great joy to us. You are a wonderful daughter with a heart like no other and your love is deep and we cherish you with all our hearts. May you continue to grow and blossom as God holds you in His care and His love.

Happy Birthday sweetie, Daddy and I are so proud of you and we love you dearly.

BELOW IS A SNEAK PREVIEW FROM ANGEL'S SPA BIRTHDAY PARTY

MORE PICTURES COMING SOON

GEORGIA ANASTASIA'S 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-08-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Life is zooming by and as my good friend Wanda puts it...things have been pretty much rock and roll this summer. In July Georgia turned 2. We celebrated the day with close family and friends. Our little flower was exactly that a beautiful little flower basking in the sun, having fun and enjoying a special day in her honor. The day was pretty wild as it always is when we entertain at our place. All was well until she fell and slammed her face on a cement block. Thank God that it missed her eye and she bounced back to her usual joyful self sporting a huge cut over her nose...I freaked out but quickly realized that it could have been much worst.

Georgia you always keep me on my toes and life with you is quite exciting. You are a very special little girl and I know you will accomplish great things. You have a way of overcoming all obstacles and coming out with a unique kind of sweetness and a smile of pride on your face. You are certainly the kind of girl that will always choose to dance and not sit it out!!! No matter what comes your way you will welcome it and learn from it. Your love for life is and will be unbeatable!!!

We love you little one and look forward to celebrating all your birthdays to come.

A FEW PICTURES FROM YOUR SPECIAL DAY (click on photos to enlarge)

HAPPY FOREVER DAY

2010-08-09T13:15:00.001-07:00

Forever Day? Gotcha Day? Family Day? Adoption Day?

What should we call it...well, for me it was ..." GOD'S LOVE DAY"... The day that My loving God placed my baby Georgia in my arms and I felt His love so, so deeply touch my heart...that even now as I write this post I am humbled and feel an overwhelming desire to drop to my knees before my Lord and moan out to him thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for the gift of my children. As I write this I cannot fight back the tears of joy that are running down my cheeks when I think of this day a year ago in China. All I can say is this...No matter what happens in my life I have known God's true love through Angel and Georgia and there is no bigger blessing in this world!!!!

A year ago today we were in a bus heading to the civil affairs building in Changsha to meet our little flower Georgia for the first time. Until this moment all I had was a picture... a piece of cardboard that I had kissed a thousand times for two months.

Now, finally we were almost there and the excitement and emotions were overwhelming, not to mention the 50 degrees heat wave. As the bus got closer to our destination, I was looking out the window into the busy streets of China, watching thousands of people walking. Through the hustle and bustle I saw three Chinese women each carrying a baby and I immediately recognized my Georgia. I screamed out to Angelo..."I just saw Georgia" He laughed and said to me "Honey, how can you have seen Georgia in this crowd of a million people...just relax." Well, you know what when you stare at a picture every moment for 2 months you get to know that little face and you can spot it in any crowd and I did...it turned out that it was her. The nannies had come in from Ningyuan the night before and had stayed in a hotel with the babies near the civil affairs building and they were walking over to meet us.

When baby Georgia was placed in my arms my heart skipped a beat and my knees got weak. I was shocked at how tiny and light she was...she felt like she weighed nothing and looked like a little sparrow. Although I can sense her fear I felt confident and knew that this baby was born to be mine...destined to be my daughter.

Just imagine this...a world apart one day...and in each other's arms FOREVER the next day!!! Wow, it still blows my mind how God does things and whenever I am down or in any doubt all I have to do is think back on these moments.

I will never forget the moments when each of my baby girls were placed in my arms...I will never forget how those moments felt like the earth just stopped and there was just us and our Lord...I will never ever,ever forget.

Thank-you Lord for blessing us with Georgia and Angel. May you continue to help us serve them well and may they know you and your love as we have.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour

And now for a little update on Georgia...she is full of trouble!!!! Georgia is the happiest most joyful little soul around. She even points to herself now and tells us "Happy...me". She is growing well, bonding well and developing well...but do not let this little sweet face fool you...turn your back and she can cause all kinds of trouble!!! But I wouldn't change a thing about her..we love her just the way she is.

What is Georgia doing now...

She is speaking more English than Greek...I just don't get it?
She is playing pretend Mommy with her bunny
She is finding new things to climb on in the house everyday
She can fall asleep on her own
She finds it hysterical when I talk to her English...she laughs out loud
She sits down at her little table and looks at her books calmly
She is talking more and loves to repeat what we say and then she gives us that shy proud look...adorable.
She likes to call out to Angel when supper is ready
She loves to play hide and go seek
She is loving us more and more each day
She is enjoying being our little JOY BUNNY

Oh and...
She can throw the Windex bottle in the toilet bowl while Mommy is cleaning it with Ajax...splash...yuk all over Mommy's face!!!

She can poke a small hole in a garbage bag and slowly pull out yukky stuff when Mommy is not looking!!!

She can softly write with a pen all over the back of Angel's favorite dress while unsuspecting Angel is watching t.v. and then smile in pride of her artwork.

She can roll between my legs while I am mopping the floor

Really, isn't she incredible!!!

Love you baby girl...you have rocked our world...in a good way!!!

IT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR

A PICTURE OF OUR FAMILY NOW

THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

2010-07-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is a post that I have wanted to write since the day we lost one of our precious family members our sweet Mother, Mother-in-law and amazing Grandmother to our two girls. On June 18th, our very small family suffered the tragic loss of Angelo's Mom.

She was not sick and this came as a shock and the grieving process has been painful for all us. To me she was much more than a Mother-in-law...she was one of my favorite people in my life. I met her when I was 14 years old and from the day I entered her home she treated me like a princess. She encouraged me and supported me in a very special way and made her love for me known at all times. My Thea-Ma was a woman that had a very difficult life yet turned out to be the kindest soul in the world. I miss her so much and still cannot believe she is gone.

She loved you Angel and Georgia and was so proud to be your Grandmother...her eyes would light up whenever she saw you girls and you gave her so much joy. Angel you were very blessed to get to know her and spend so much time with her. She always took you for rides in your carriage in front of the flower shop when you were little. She played with you and the two of you watered the plants together often.

Upon both arrivals from China your granny was there waiting with bells on and she welcomed you both with an open heart and open arms.

No matter how tired or sick she was if she knew you girls were at the store she came running to spend time with you. I am so very sad that you Georgia did not get to enjoy her as much as you should have and this does break my heart... at least she got to dance at your baptism and this she did with great happiness and pride.

The gift of knowing a grandmother is like nothing else in life...a grandmother's heart is filled with love beyond words and God blessed us with the sweetest little woman in the world.

We will never fully understand why she was taken from us so soon and I know this pain will be with us forever. What I do know is this she is with Jesus in Heaven and she is at peace.

We love you so so much and we will never forget all the gifts of love, understanding and true compassion that you had for all of your children and grandchildren

You were a beautiful, sweet and loving soul and we were honored to be part of your family.

We will always cherish you in our hearts and in our minds and your presence... is still...
very much with us.

Good-Bye Manoula, Thea-Ma and YiaYia Georgia

What a beautiful woman...Your grandmother in her younger days

Angel and Yiayia Georgia

Waiting at the airport for Baby Georgia

The only picture of Baby Georgia and her Granny

OUR BABY GIRL TURNS 2

2010-07-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Georgia. Today we can only think of how blessed we are to be celebrating this special day with you. You are our joy, our love, our little flower... and you are blooming beautifully.

Angel wishes you a "super duper Happy Birthday and you rock as much as can be!!!"

Daddy and I are so very proud of you and all that you have learned up until now...you amaze us every day.

Your sparkling eyes and beautiful smile always warms our hearts little one and we love and adore you.

May you always be as Happy as you are today...and then some.

Thank-you God

MEXICO...La Vita e Bella

2010-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Life is truly beautiful at our home away from home...the Riviera Maya in Mexico is not just a vacation spot to our family...it is a magical place where we have shared many special moments as a couple, with dear friends, as a family of three and now as a family of four.

This is a place where we have made many memories and dreams have come true...It is home of the most beautiful beach in the world...considered one of the TOP TEN... and we agree!!!

Angelo and I first discovered this little piece of paradise in 2002...we fell in love with the ocean and we went back again and again and again. This ocean in Tulum is beyond spectacular, turquoise blue crystal clear water and powder white sand.

There are no big hotels on this strip and the locals are fighting hard to keep it this way...God bless them.

This is truly a virgin beach and the ambiance is slow, relaxed and rustic...a great place to chill...and my girls are great at chilling!!!

There is an Italian restaurant on our favorite spot called "LA VITA E BELLA". It is owned by an couple from Italy. The food is great and the restaurant has been built on a sand floor...no shoes required. There are hammock swings everywhere and you can dine right on the beach...enjoying the beautiful view and ocean air.

Our Vacation was short but sweet...fun was had by all!!!

Angel had a wonderful time as usual, she has been to Mexico 5 times already. She loves the ocean and participated in several shows back at the hotel. We got to see a
Disney show that included her favorite Princess "SNOW WHITE" and Georgia's favorite character "WINNIE THE POOH" imagine this we had the best of both worlds...Vita Bella during the day and our all inclusive 5 star resort the rest of the time. KUNG FU PANDA was also in the show and Angel really enjoyed this because it was "CHINESE"

Seeing our dear friends Rita, Luis and Basti was AMAZING...we miss them already.

Georgia handle her first trip away from home like a champ...she is so adaptable...thank God. She loved everything, the pool, the beach, the hammocks, the sand, the food, the room, the shows...I mean everything!!!

I love the fact that we got to go away and spend time just the four of us as a family, it was wonderful.

Now here are a few (well many) pictures of our two little flowers bringing even more beauty to our Vita Bella.

AS TA LA VISTA BABY...WE'LL BE BACK!!!

GEORGIA ANASTASIA TURNS 23 MONTHS

2010-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Look at this face and you know "TROUBLE" is here!!!

Well, my little flower...here you are a month away from 2 years old!!! This has been a very interesting month. You are now officially a Canadian Citizen...Congratulations.

May you always remain proud of your Chinese Heritage and may you embrace and love your Canadian home.

In the past month you have experienced many "FIRSTS"...

Your first trip to the fair... fearless.
Your first time feeding animals at the petting zoo...brave kid.
Your first family vacation... to Mexico...you loved it.
Your first beach experience... a little fish named Chacha...that's you.
Your first night out to see a show... a party girl.
Your first iguana sighting...hopefully there will be many more.

Mommy, Daddy and Angel have this to say to you...You add a special "SPICE to everything we do and everywhere we go, you are a true HUNAN girl.

You bring us joy and happiness and we pray that God continues to bless your every step.

We love and adore you.

GEORGIA ANASTASIA TURNS 22 MONTHS

2010-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today on Mother's Day our little flower Georgia turns 22 months. I cannot beleive how much joy this little girl has brought to us. I have said it many times on this blog that Georgia has a ready smile with a twinkle in her eye that just melts my heart and puts a smile on my face no matter what.

What I love the most about Georgia...

Her tenderness
Her big bright smile
The way she calls me "Mammy"
Her excitement when she sees family and friends
Her curiousity
The way she copies her big sister Angel
Her love of animals
Her love of a breeze on her face...just like me
The way she melts when she sees her Daddy's face
The joy she has in music and songs

She truly makes me feel that she is happy and there is nothing more rewarding for a Mom...she is a true gift on this Mother's day.

As for my big girl Angel...she is my heart and soul. I thank God daily for the love and joy this little girl brings to me. She is my little buddy and we share everything together. I am so proud of the way she treats her little sister and for all the help she gives me.

We are so blessed.

Lord on this very special day for all Moms around the world...I pray for the birthmothers of both my girls. May they somehow "through you" feel peace in thier hearts and know that they are being remembered by their birthchildren.

I thank them both for the gift of life of "our little flowers" Angel and Georgia.

As I celebrate this Mother's day...I am humbled by a sense of deep gratitude towards these two women. Please be with them Lord.

God you are good to us always, we love and adore you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

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GEORGIA ANASTASIA'S BAPTISM

2010-05-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 1st, 2010 we dedicated our little flower Georgia to God through a traditional Greek baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. It was a much anticipated occasion for our family. Georgia's Godfather is our beloved nephew Jimmy that we love and adore.

We were blessed by the presence of family and friends that joined us in the celebration of our beautiful daughter's special day. Georgia did very well at church...she only cried when she was fully immersed in the baptismal water (head and all). Georgia enjoyed herself at the reception dancing and socializing like a pro... all she had to do is copy big sister Angel who was a beautiful, polite and lovely hostess to all our guests. We are very proud of both our girls.

Georgia and her Daddy danced a special song "LET THEM BE LITTLE" Angel and I joined in and the four of us danced together...at that moment I felt like there was no one else in the whole world but us. Halfway through we were joined by all the parents and their children and it was an absolutely beautiful sight.

Angel and all her friends had a blast!!!

I think the rest of our guest did too...I know I did...dancing the night away...oh the pain is still throbbing in my feet 5 days later.

Georgia you were as charming as ever and made the day a joyous one for all of us. Your beautiful big smile melted our hearts as always.

We love you little darling.

May God always bless your every step.

Here are a few pictures, when I get the photographer's pictures I will add some more.

GEORGIA turns 21 MONTHS

2010-04-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

This whole thing of time going by so fast seems almost surreal to me. I cannot believe that our little flower Georgia is already 21 months and in only three months she will be "TWO YEARS" old.

Although I feel totally blessed to have my girls, I cannot help but feel a little cheated for missing out on their first year. I think about this often and I do...cry!!! And then I remind myself of how lucky we are to have had them at such a young age in the first place.

Georgia is still a very busy little beaver and is always at my feet...I think I must have tripped over her 20 times just today... but I just love to have her around me all the time. Every moment is so precious and I before I know it she will be off to school and I will miss her just as much as I miss my little Angel everyday.

Today is 9 months since we met our Miss Georgia Anastasia in China and she has come such a long way. She is such an affectionate little girl and knows very well who her family is and how much we love her.

Georgia sweetie you are such a joy and we thank God for you every single day.

EASTER 2010

2010-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day, the sun was shining bright and the Easter Bunny was very generous...very, very generous!!!

Now we have to figure out what to do with all this chocolate???

Angel was beyond excited as she woke up early and ran to see if the if the Easter Bunny had arrived. We had a little egg hunt and Georgia joined into the fun.

After breakfast my girls and I got all dolled up and went to Church for Easter morning mass and to light Angel's "Labada" a traditional Easter candle given to all children from their Godparents. Georgia will only have one as of next year since she is not yet baptized.

After church we all went Auntie Peggy and Uncle Peter's house where we enjoyed a full day of great food, lots of goodies and the company of our wonderful family and friends. I so love to watch my children having fun with best friends Dahlia and Milana...little people are so cute and fascinating to me. The girls also enjoyed spending time with grandparents...a true blessing...memories that will be precious to them...to all of us.

Thank-you God for Christ our Lord and for all the blessings you have given us.

And now a few...well may-be more than a few picture of our great day...

Easter Morning Fun

Easter Day with the Family

An award for "MOI"

2010-03-10T12:07:00.001-08:00

First let me start off by saying that I hardly consider myself a true "BLOGGER"...it seems like I never have the time to post as often as I should. That being said, I have had the pleasant opportunity to enjoy several blogs as I sneak little moments here and there to read my favorites. Of coarse, my friend Wanda's blog "AT LAST WE ARE FAMILY" is one of my daily reads. HER BLOG ROCKS!!!

I have also made a very special friend who's journey to China not only amazed me but had me in tears each time she posted...Jennifer at "OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES..." is quite the writer and if you read her blog you will see that this Mother/Woman/Friend is totally amazing!!!

Jennifer was one of my followers when we went to China to get Baby Georgia, her comments were and are always uplifting, supportive and encouraging. Her faith in God has been an inspiration to me and I am blessed to call her my friend...although we have only met once. And when I did meet her she was as loving and graceful as I thought she would be. I hope we stay friends forever!!!

Yesterday Jennifer passed on a little gift to me.
A beautiful blogger award... to me...imagine that???

So, in order to be worthy of my award I must list 7 random things about myself...so here it goes...

1/ I love music and it has gotten me through some pretty tough times in my life and I love, love, love to dance...in my fantasy life I am on stage dancing my little heart out ...maybe with... the Rolling Stones or maybe... Aerosmith!!!

2/ I love God and JESUS is my ROCK, I cannot imagine life without my faith and I pray daily that my girls will know HIM.

3/ I believe that people can change and if you are given a second chance in life...grab it...hold on to it with both hands and appreciate it.

4/ I have been blessed with the most amazing women in my life...that I call my friends and each and every one of you hold a special place in my heart.

5/ I adore all the Disney Princesses and I believe in Fairies, we even have one that visits our home.

6/ Most amazing moment in my life is when I first held Angel in my arms and felt how much God truly loves me and too my amazement I got too experience that same feeling when my precious Georgia was given to me.

7/ I believe in love and that it is the most powerful force in our lives.

Now, to Doris "3D's adoption journey" a true and well deserving blogger that has taken the blogging world by a storm. This Mom got her little baby girl 3 months ago after a long four year wait and she is on cloud nine...hope you take a moment Doris to accept this award...from me to you!!!

GEORGIA ANASTASIA TURNS 20 MONTHS

2010-03-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

What I can do...

I can jump of Mommy's bed and fall ever so gracefully to the floor without a tear.
I can point to many of my body parts when asked.
I can make the sound of a puppy, a kitten, a duck and a cow.
I can put up one finger to show you how old I am when asked.
I can let Mommy know if I need my diaper changed.
I can say Mama and Mommy one hundred thousand times in one day.
I can pull my highchair all the way to the dinner table when I am hungry.
I can drive my big sister crazy and melt her heart all at the same time.
I can twirl and dance and rock and roll.
I can make my parents smile and look at me with great pride.
I can spend a whole day at grandmas house having fun.
I can put away my toys.
I can climb...well just about anything.
I can cry whenever I want...with "real" tears!!!
I can listen to Mommy reading me a book.
I can hold a spoon and try to feed myself.
I can do so many things and I am proud of me!!!!

Georgia you are like a breath of "FRESH AIR" your beautiful smile is so contagious and you have such a joyful disposition. Everywhere we go and everyone you meet gets to share in your love of life...you bring a smile to the faces of all your family and friends. Always ready to laugh, dance, sing and just simply enjoy life and this is as it should be!!!

May you always have such a ZEST for life...and thank-you for teaching us to enjoy every day and to live in the moment.

We love you

Mommy and Daddy

BABY GEORGIA AT 19 MONTHS

2010-02-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Today our little flower Georgia Anastasia is 19 months and as of tomorrow she will have been with us for 6 months...time really does fly when you are having fun...and we are having fun!!!

I have said this before...Georgia is quite the character. She is much more affectionate than she would like us to believe.

Although she is not big on cuddling this little girl just loves "KISSES". I think I get at least 30 kisses a day from her and when she kisses she moans and coos...so, so cute.

Bunny gets even more!!! She so LOVES her bunny. We can't even get him away from her so that he may have a visit with the washing machine.

Georgia seems to have a little shy side to her that seems to come out when she talks.
She will imitate an animal sound or say a word and do so in a soft low voice with her eyes looking downwards and a little smile. When I applaud her she GLOWS with joy.

This is the happiest baby I know. Always laughing and she has a ready smile for us at all times...flashing all those beautiful new teeth.

Georgia loves to stack (I'm not referring to cups) toys, pillows, furniture anything that will get her higher up. She knows that I do not like this and I tell her to get down or she will fall...of coarse she doesn't get down and then she falls, she cries, Mommy kisses the boo boo and then we start all over again. So when exactly does cause and effect kick in ???

She has developed well both physically and in her play...feeding her bunny and pretending to clean the house are some of her favorite pass times. She is quite a busy little beaver always on the go that never, ever, ever sits.

She has to be watched at all times...if I take my eyes off of her for one second...boom she's gone and you can be sure she is getting into some kind of trouble.

This month Georgia:

Learned several animal sounds

Started to crawl (although she has been walking since November she never crawled)

Joined a Mom and Tot group that she is enjoying

Learned to let me know when she needs her diaper changed

Speaks a few more words

Has started to spend time at my parents house and enjoys it very much

Loves to imitate big sister Angel

Celebrated her first Chinese New years with us

Learned how to open the bathroom door...we must now get a lock

Pulls her high chair to the dinner table, rubs her tummy while saying "mum" when she is hungry.

I think Georgia is bonding with us more and more each day and she is really understanding that we are her family and that we will be there to meet her every need.

We love you so much little one and you have certainly changed our lives and we pray each day that you come to know more and more how much we adore you.

One of my favorite adoption quotes:

"I may not have given you life...but life gave me you"

And I thank GOD

CHRISTMAS IN FEBUARY

2010-02-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

For a very long time (approx. 4 years) I dreamed of Christmas with my TWO girls...that it would be amazing and magical...and then here it was...and here I was stressed, overwhelmed, tired and sick. All along waiting for that "FEELING"...that "FEELING" where was it???

Well, after almost two months of feeling totally depleted from 20 days of fever during the holidays, after many sleepless nights of tossing and turning over the guilt I felt for not keeping my promises to Angel over her Christmas vacation...she was stuck home the whole time. After several weeks of trying to focus and recoup, taking things one day at a time...I finally got it...that "FEELING"... knowing in my heart that I certainly was blessed beyond belief this Christmas and that it really was the most amazing Christmas ever.

As I sat talking with Angel today about a subject that seems to surface quite often lately, my heart melted by the wisdom of this precious child of mine. We were talking about how difficult it is for the two of us to spend time alone together since Georgia joined our family. I, again began to apologize for how things turned out this Christmas and for all the broken plans that did not go through because I got sick.

My Angel looked up at me and said "Mommy I had a great Christmas, God kept us all safe and together. We have Baby Georgia and we have our family. Christmas is about being with the people we love and celebrating that Jesus was born. That is what is important and Santa Clause brought me everything I asked for...I think he works for God.

So, there it was "From The Mouth of Babes"...and then came that "FEELING" I felt peace in my heart, joy, happiness and I felt God's love come to me through my child...once again!!!

A Merry Christmas was had after all...I see it now!!!

Angel you are truly an amazing kid and Georgia you did make this Christmas special, we are so blessed to have you both.

Finally here are some pictures

CHRISTMAS EVE

CHRISTMAS MORNING

CHRISTMAS DAY WITH THE FAMILY

18 MONTHS TODAY

2010-01-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm 18 months today...is it the legal drinking age????...for KOO LAID???

Of coarse my Mom said...NO!!!

NO...No...No...What is it with mothers and this word??? It seems like every time I climb on something and do one of my one leg acrobatics she yells "NO" and every time I pull all the clothes out of the drawers and make a beautiful design with them on the floor she yells "NO" and every time I try to refresh myself by putting my cute little hands in the toilet...she yells "NO"...I just don't get it??? I guess she's still getting to know me, I'm sure she will come around.

Other than that life as a Stavrops is pretty good so far. My first Christmas was fun, I got lots of cool presents. The food was great too...Grandma rocks!!!

There is always someone around to play with me and my family really likes to hug and kiss and I like it too !!!

My big sister really loves me and is often annoyed by me touching her stuff and getting into her face...just doing my job!!!

All to say that life is good and GOD IS THE BEST!!!

Also want to thank my sweet Auntie Peggy for helping my Mommy take care of me and my sister while she was sick. Grandma was a big help too and SouSou...and our cleaning lady Eva!!!

I wish when I grow up I have such loving people around me like my Mom has...she is so blessed.

AND SO IT IS CHRISTMAS...

2009-12-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas is finally here!!! And wow...has it been busy. Shopping for gifts, decorating, Christmas cards, School shows, Ballet shows, baking cookies, friends dropping by to bring gifts for the girls, preparing to receive friends and family on Christmas Day...and me with fever, chills and what seems to be a bad flu...but it is all good!!!

My children are well and tonight Christmas eve we will continue our little family tradition. We all get to wear new red pyjamas, we make hot coco with marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles. We sit and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.

Angel always sais it is the best time of her life. We also listen to Christmas music and even sing along.

One Christmas song that gets me very emotional each year is a song by John Lennon...the verse... "and so it is Christmas and what have we done???" always makes me think and cry. This year when I heard it on the radio for the first time...I thought of "what we have done" and I realized that we have done the most amazing thing...with the help of our Lord. We finally completed our family!!! We are so blessed and it brings me to my knees in gratefulness to God every time I think of what we have done.

As so it is Christmas...and tonight I will tuck my two little Angel's to bed and in the morning two little girls will wake up to the excitement of Christmas morning...four little feet will run to the Christmas tree...two adorable faces will be filled with joy...and our family will rejoice in HIS LOVE!!!

We hope this Christmas will bring Peace, Love and Joy to all our friends and family and may the true spirit of Christmas shine in all our hearts.

Let us all remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THIS SEASON

Merry Christmas to all.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Miss Georgia Anastasia is 17 months old..."WOW"

2009-12-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Today our little flower Georgia is 17 months old...you wouldn't know it by looking at her she is so tiny. She is still wearing 9-12 months clothing and is the shortest little person I know. However, judging by her development she might as well be three years old...this little person is... bigger than life!!!

Georgia is now WALKING...and she is a whirlwind of trouble.
Georgia is climbing...everything.
Georgia is mobile...look out world.

She loves croissants and wants to eat them all the time.
She loves pizza...and Daddy makes the best pizza.
She loves chocolate...what is there not to love.

She likes books and knows how to use them she turns the pages and babbles...so cute.
She likes to play with crayons, scribbling and creating her little masterpieces.
She likes to play on Angel's little piano and is so proud to do so.

Georgia said her first English word...it is..."WOW"
Georgia said her first Greek word...it is "TOUTO"...meaning "THIS"
Georgia finally said "MAMA"...and mama cried.

She still doesn't like shoes and socks...now we have added boots to this list of items that she removes...twenty times a day.

Georgia sprouted 2 new teeth...she is getting ready to eat a rib steak!!!
Georgia's smile is getting more and more beautiful each day.

Georgia saw snow for the first time and loved it.

We put up our Christmas decorations and Georgia just adores all of it.
She keeps pointing to everything and saying "WOW"
Angel and her have been dancing around the house to "Jingle Bell Rock"

Georgia put her hands in the toilet three times this month...yuck!!!
She is fast...moving like a little bullet...now she's here...boom she's gone!!!
She is really keeping Mommy busy!!!

Favorite game...pat-a-cake
Favorite song...itsy-bitsy-spider
Favorite toy...Bunny...I think this will be her "Lovey"

Georgia has begun to bond to her extended family and is always so excited to see everyone. She is truly a social butterfly just like our little Angel.

We are so blessed by your presence little one, you have brought us such joy and happiness. We love to see your eyes sparkle and to hear your sweet little giggles.
You are such a gift from God above and we love that you are enjoying our loving you.

We are truly thankful for you and all your sweet little kisses!!!

CHRISTMAS FUN

2009-12-04T10:18:00.001-08:00

I just love this kind of stuff...so much fun and really makes me laugh!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

ANGEL'S HOMECOMING

2009-11-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

My heart is beating so hard and my eyes are filled with tears as I write this post it all comes back to me...five years ago today we brought you home my little Angel

I remember the wheels of the plane touching down as we landed and I started to cry. Daddy looked at me and asked why I was crying now that we had landed...I said these words "BECAUSE NOW MY BABY GIRL IS HOME...HOME...HOME!!!" Yes my Angel, you were finally home and you were greeted by a huge crowd of family and friends at the airport.

It is such a funny story...I had told everyone that they should not overwhelm you and that you would most probably cry and not look at any one of them...Well, girl to my surprise you arrived like a movie star greeting your fans...full of smiles and giggles.

Looking at everyone as though you were saying "I'M HERE...I HAVE ARRIVED." You were smiling at them, clapping your hands and just being so,so cute.

Everyone of coarse thought that you were amazing and I was crazy for giving all those warnings. Your family and friends were so thrilled to meet you...they all followed us home.

Daddy was sure to put up the Christmas decoration before we left for china so you can see them upon your arrival.

When you came through the door of our house I cried again...this time so did Daddy. He took you around the house in his arms and he showed you all the rooms one by one and told you what everything was. You fell in love with your "spitaki" on that first night.

That night as we laid you down in your crib it was like a dream come true. We stared at you all night and thanked God over and over again for granting us the deepest desire of our hearts...YOU!!!

And then life went on as if you had always been with us and we enjoyed every moment and continue to do so. You my little flower are the love of my life and every moment that we share together is a blessing.

We love you Mom and Dad

Miss Georgia Anastasia is 16 months old

2009-11-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Today our little flower is 16 months old and as of tomorrow has been with us 3 months.

Our trip to China to go and get her seems like it was all a dream and that she has always been part of our family. Although, there are many moments when I just stare at her and wonder how she got here...I guess this feeling is somewhat of a paradox.

I am so amazed by this little person that suddenly showed up in my life and I love her more and more each day.

All about Georgia:

Georgia loves to eat (we all know this one)
Georgia loves to sleep (I prayed hard for this one...Thank-you God)
Georgia loves to kiss
Georgia loves to sing
Georgia loves to dance
Georgia loves to play peek-a-boo
Georgia loves to feel the wind in her face
Georgia loves her Bunny
Georgia loves Winnie the Pooh and Piglet (So do I!!!)
Georgia loves pretty clothes (Wanda thinks she will be a Diva)
Georgia loves soft blankets and soft toys

She is very strong willed (Takes after her Father...God help me)
She knows what she wants and how to get it!!!
She is extremely persistent
She is very affectionate
She is smart and very curious

Georgia enjoys compliments
Georgia enjoys to be praised
Georgia enjoys laughter
Georgia enjoys her family and friends

She has learned to point
She has learned to move quickly on her behind
She has learned to stand
She has learned to take about ten steps on her own
She has learned to play on her own (for at least 30 seconds)

She doesn't like shoes on her feet
She doesn't like the car seat
She doesn't like cold weather
She doesn't like the rocking chair
She doesn't like macaroni and cheese
She doesn't like to be alone...who does?

She is understanding words in Greek and in English
She is understanding our little family rituals
She is understanding many simple commands
She is understanding that we love her
She is understanding that we care
She is understanding that we are it!!!

Georgia loves Daddy and calls him "DA"
Georgia loves her sister Angel more than anyone can imagine
Georgia loves Mommy and is starting to babble...ma...ma...ma...ma

Georgia is enjoying every moment and so are we as we watch our little flower bloom.

FIVE YEARS : GOTCHA DAY : ANGEL

2009-11-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today our life changed forever... Our little Angel became our daughter. It was by far the happiest moment of my life...I became Mommy to the most beautiful little flower in the world.

As I write this post my heart is beating just as fast as it did on the day we first saw your precious face my darling girl. You are our gift from God above and through you we have experienced God's love and Grace.

Angel, you are the best of the best and you bring us joy beyond words...we love you darling and we can only pray that we have served you well up until now and will continue to do so with the help of our Lord.

We are so proud that God chose us to be your parents and we humbly thank Him.

Happy 5th Anniversary my Love

Love you Now and Forever and Always

Mommy and Daddy

More pictures Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was really challenging...Trying to get the girls dressed up in time, finishing over 200 bags, decorating cookies, answering the door while Daddy took Angel out and trying to keep baby Georgia from seeing scary faces was all part of the...fun!!!

Angel and Dahlia had a blast as usual... they were so adorable as they gave out candies they yelled out to the street filled with kids "COME AND GET YOUR FREE CANDY"

If a kid in a scary costume came to the door they would scream and slam the door shut and wouldn't give them any candy. If a princess came they would give double the candy...it was so cute to watch!!!

They went up and down on sugar rushes as we let them fill up on as much as they wanted...the theory here is that they will get sick and not want any more... I think it worked?

Baby Georgia kept her costume on for hours which really surprised me...I thought she would fuss with it on yet she seemed to enjoyed it...I think I have another little Diva on my hands.

Needless to say fun was had by all and another Halloween has come and gone.

Here are a few pictures of LA SENORITA ANGEL and HER LITTLE LADY BUG GEORGIA

FOR MY GIRLS

2009-10-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today Mommy and Daddy celebrated 25 years married...wow, a real milestone !!! Daddy and I met 28 years ago and fell in love instantly. We knew that we would be spending the rest of our life together. We both loved children and knew we wanted a family.

Our journey to parenthood was long and difficult, but our trust was always in the Lord and we kept our faith in Him at all times. Through all our challenges He brought us closer and closer to each other and made us into a strong couple. Our love for one another grew and grew and you my little flowers are a product of our love. We may have not experienced labor in the way most parents do, however we did labor in a different way. Our journey was long and God kept us patient as we longed to be parents.

Waiting on the Lord is a blessing and I pray that you both learn early on in your lives that good things come to those who wait. With God by your side even the impossible becomes possible!!!

I pray that you grow up to be beautiful women on the inside and that the men you choose love the Lord as much as your Daddy does...because a man that loves God will never let you down and will be there for you when it really counts.

I was blessed with a man like this and we are a family today because we trusted in the Lord.

Happy 25Th Anniversary my dear Husband and thank-you for our little flowers Angel and Georgia Anastasia,

We love you and we love the way you love us.

A present for Mom

2009-10-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Angel made this for me and it warmed my heart...I especially enjoyed the big smiles on our faces and my slim figure!!!

You may click to enlarge...I still look skinny!!! (LOL)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-10-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

WHAT WE ARE THANKFUL FOR?

Daddy..."My Girls and my sweet wife"

Mommy..."God's love and protection"

Angel..."Everything"

Baby Georgia..."Food, food and food"

We just wrapped up a wonderful 4 day weekend. It started with Angel doing the "HAPPY DANCE" on Thursday after school. Friday was ear piercing day ...finally Angel did it!!! With the help of her BFF Dahlia holding her hand.

Saturday Daddy came home early and we went apple picking and grape picking. On our drive up north we enjoyed God's Glory in the changing colors of the trees...breathtaking. Georgia saw farm animals for the first time...she was stunned!!! I think she will be a true animal lover. Angel and Daddy climbed up high on ladders and picked the most beautiful Cortland Apples...red and juicy. It was a beautiful family day and Angel announced that it was the best day of her life!!!

Sunday we went out for a late brunch and then a nice visit with grandpa and grandma. I am so thankful that my daughters are lucky enough to know and enjoy their grandparents...a true blessing. We even got to see our favorite nephew Jimmy whom is loved and totally adored by all of us. In the evening we were blessed by a visit from Auntie Peggy and Silly Uncle Peter. Angel enjoyed giving her uncle a make-over he looked really cute with a PINK bandanna in his hair.

And finally today we spent a lazy day at home catching up on homework and enjoying the company of "The Pink Connection"...Wanda, Dahlia and Milana.

So, needless to say we have much to be thankful for...Our Lord... that fills our days with His Presence in Nature, His Beauty in our Children and His Love in our Family and Friends.

WE THANK YOU GOD FOR EACH AND EVERY BLESSING.

My Girls...just having fun!!!

2009-10-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

I love Autumn...it is by far my favorite season. The cool winds, the bright sunshine and the beautiful colors. It has always felt like the beginning of the new year for me...I guess this stems from my school years, so, so, long ago!!!

I'm trying to enjoy every moment with my girls...they are such a blessing. Georgia is sleeping great, she loves to eat, she dances and sings and she loves to eat...did I mention how much she LOVES TO EAT!!!!

She is quite the little rascal, touching everything and demanding lots of attention. She is so curious and is exploring her new world with gusto. She is adjusting so well, I can't believe how lucky we are.

Angel is a great sister...sometimes too great. She is having some adjustment issues, but we are working on them and things are getting better. Angel is a unique little girl and has such a big heart. Yesterday she said to me "Mommy I am so happy when Georgia is happy". She loves her baby sister so much and Georgia is just wild about her.

Everyday after school when Georgia and I go to pick up Angel, the girls are just overwhelmed with joy when they see one another. Angel starts calling out to her from the school yard "mei mei...wheres my mei mei" and let me tell you Mei Mei goes wild until they meet with hugs and kisses...it is too, too cute.

I thank God that they are bonding well and that they are happy to be together.

My little flowers are blooming everyday and God is the most loving Gardener, I am but his assistant and am humbled daily by His Grace.

Thank-you My Lord

More Birthday pictures

2009-10-06T07:56:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post we had a second small birthday party for Angel with the Hunan girls and company. The original Hunan girls are four including Angel and BFF Dahlia...now each one has a sibling from China.

This year our beloved group doubled to eight children. We love each and everyone of them. We are truly blessed to have this group...this family.

We celebrate B-days together, Christmas and Chinese New Years. We love and support each other and have created friendships for life.

Our children are always happy to be together...and that makes for happy parents.

You may click to enlarge photo

ANGEL TURNS ...6

2009-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

On August 27Th, 2009 my little flower Angel turned six years old...Wow!!! When did this happen? I can still remember the day we received her referral picture. My first words were Thank-you Jesus...she is so beautiful. We fell in love instantly and I am still in awe of this precious child God gave us. She is in my heart and in my soul. Through her I know God's love for us.

Angel celebrated her first birthday with her little friends in China. I have often thought about what it was like for her?

Was there a cake? Any balloons? Did someone hug her? Smile at her? Wish her a Happy Birthday? Well, at least I know that her "BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD" was there...her Dahlia and has been by her side for every birthday since...and will be there for many more to come. I thank God for the special bond Angel and Dahlia have and I am so grateful to the Malfara family for joining us each year to celebrate Angel's birthdays and sharing in the value of true friendship with our family.

Birthday parties are very important in our house. When one is over Angel is already planning next years party. She is a hands on organizer, from making her own decorations to planning the entertainment. She chooses her theme and cake and of coarse her special outfit for the day.

Angel is the perfect little hostess at all her parties. She appreciates all her presents. She remembers who gives her what and cherishes ever thing down to the gift bags. She keeps all her cards and often wants me to read them to her. She loves to reminisce about her birthday parties and loves to look at the pictures.

I think some would call this "spoiling her"...I prefer the words "a little overindulging"

She deserves it all!! I believe this creates the greatest of memories for her and she will cherish these moments all her life...I know I will. I still remember the big Birthday parties that my parents had for me and the happiness I felt.

This year Angel did not get her usual huge Birthday bash...we had just come home from China with Georgia. In China I told her that I didn't think a big party would be possible this year...her comment "That's O.K. mommy I got my baby sister as a birthday present this year!!! Wow what a kid!!!

So of coarse, Mom feeling a little guilty did throw two smaller parties together...one for the family and one for the Hunan girls and company...and of coarse her BFF Dahlia was by her side at both.

Angel also chose to share her spotlight with her baby sister and asked that the family sing Happy Birthday to Georgia as well. Georgia turned 1 in China on July 9 2009.

I know this post is really late...but as I always say...it is never too late!!!

So, here are some birthday pictures celebrating our Angel's life...

Click on pictures to enlarge.

TO OUR LITTLE FLOWER ANGEL, YOU ARE BLOOMING INTO A WONDERFUL LITTLE GIRL, WE ARE SO PROUD TO BE YOUR PARENTS.

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY MY LOVE, YOU ARE AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL AND THE BEST KID IN THE WORLD

MOMMY, DADDY AND BABY GEORGIA LOVE YOU

OUR LITTLE FLOWER TURNS 2

A RAINY DAY FOR A PARTY.. BUT A GREAT BIRTHDAY BASH FOR #3

STRAWBERRIES,ENGLISH CREAM, SWIMMING ,DANCING AND LOTS OF BOUNCING FOR B-day #4

EVERYGIRL CAN BE A PRINCESS... HAPPY 5TH TO YOU ANGEL

AND NOW OUR LITTLE FLOWER IS 6

HOME SWEET HOME

2009-08-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have always said that the best part of going away ...is coming home !!! I am beyond thrilled to be back in my house, my bed, my bathroom and my family and friends. I want to thank everyone for such a great homecoming seeing everyone at the airport was such an emotional moment...my heart melted once again. Also, it was wonderful to read all the comments ... it really meant so much to us to be connected to home while so far away.

Now, I have TWO KIDS...WOW...I am so blessed!!! Two miracles...all mine...forever!!!

All I can say is GOD really loves me...us...all of us!!!

He took us to China safely
He gave us our Georgia
He brought us back safely
He granted us our deepest desire...and now we are a family of four.

All glory to Him.

Last night in China

2009-08-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard to believe tonight is our last night in China...and
we celebrated with a bang!!! The whole group went to the Hard
Rock Cafe in Beijing. It was again quite an experience...we had a
band of Chinese guys singing to us... two of the singers looked like
Adam and Danny from the last season of American Idle...Angel
was thrilled she thought they were the actual singers from the
T.V. show.

It was a magical night...a room filled with Happy parents feeding,
dancing with, singing to and just loving our new babies and big
girls too. Saying good-bye to a country that gave us our children.
..our hearts desire and looking forward to coming home to enjoy
our life with them.

Tears filled my eyes many times tonight...dancing cheek to cheek
with my little flower Georgia was pure heaven. Looking at Milana
and Wanda gazing into each other's eyes. Watching Angel and
Dahlia dancing and laughing also brought tears to my eyes as I
thought back to 2004 when we left Beijing with them. Before we
got on the last bus to the airport we saw that they were holding
hands side by side in their little stroller...as if they knew they
were about to leave their homeland forever. I think bringing them
with us was hard on us as parents, however I believe the benefits
were worth it.I am so happy Angel got to see China and experience
all that she did. I thank God that He kept us all safe and well.

As for Angelo, I must say He always finds new ways to amaze me.
I thank God for him. He is the best Dad in the world. He loves
his girls and they love Him. And I love the way he loves us!!!

Our guide Charlotte was also a gift from God..."CHINA'S FINEST"
we were very lucky to have such a wonderful person to lead us
through this journey. Saying good-bye to her will not be easy.
I will never forget her kindness and all the hard work that she
did. Most of all I will never forget the ride back from Civil Affairs
on GOTCHA DAY when she sang like an angel to the babies in
Chinese...very special!!!

We were also lucky enough to arrange to see Cherry our guide
from 2004 another beautiful and gentle soul. She was very
happy to see Angel and Dahlia and I am glad they got to meet her.

As for me I am so tired and will be up tonight packing...again!!!
This time to come home...Home sweet Home!!! I cannot wait to
walk through my front door, the four of us finally together...
forever...in God's care.

We will be arriving home at 9:15 Friday night and cannot wait for
Miss Georgia Anastasia to meet all her new family and friends.

Until then!!!

Finally arrived in Beijing

2009-08-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Beijing on Saturday. The flight went well. Georgia
slept most of the way and so did Angel. Travelling with two kids
is not easy and this was a short flight...I can only imagine how
hard the flight home will be...but knowing that were coming home
will give us the endurance we will need.

When we arrived here, the first thing we did is go up to see the
Malfara family...we all cried with joy. Dahlia and Angel were so
happy to see each other. Milana is beautiful... a soft and gentle
spirit. We love her already and I even. got a few smiles from her.

Georgia and Milana look like they are going to be best of friends..
...they seem to be connecting. We are not spending as much time
together as we would like. We are in two separate groups and our
activities are not planned at the same time.

Georgia is doing great...what a character. We have nicknamed her
TARZAN. She is very tiny but very strong. She has muscular arms
and legs. I think she has been working out at the gym in her spare
time. She babbles all the time and laughs at everything. She is
an eating machine...she can eat all day long if we allow her. She
also loves to drop things and have us pick them up...over and over
and over again...and then again. If I get angry with her she laughs
her toothless smile. Georgia is bonding very well with the family.
We spent the day at the hotel yesterday and the four of us just
played all day. We also went to Walmart...what an experience!!!
But then again everything in China is an experience and a half.

Angel is amazing!!! She is the best big sister EVER!!! Angel
helps with changing the diapers and helps Georgia with
everything. She adores her little sister. This Morning she was
singing to her. " All my dreams have come true, I am so lucky
to have a sister like you" This whole experience has been great
for Angel...she has embraced it with all her heart. So many people
have commented on how wonderful Angel is with her sister.
Watching the two of them together melts our hearts and we are
so proud of Angel.

Our two little flowers are such a blessing...God is so good.

Here are a few pictures...enjoy!!!

Last Day in Hunan

2009-08-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is our last post from Hunan. We will be flying out in
the morning and finally meeting up with our dear friends the
Malfara family. We are happy to be a week closer to coming
home...but I must admit that leaving Hunan is a little emotional
for me...after all both my little flowers sprouted here.

The week went by quite fast and everything went well. We humbly
thank the Lord and pray for His protection for the rest of our trip.

The girls are doing fine and are bonding well together...but they
are a handful...especially when they are both crying for Mommy at
the exact same time...they are true Hunan girls...SPICY.

Well, I'm off to pack now and I am not looking forward to it...I
don't have my best friends here Anta and Soula to help...miss you
girls.

Time to get back to my packing

Until next time
SouSou thanks for your comments..miss you too.

Day 3 is Magic

2009-08-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

First let me say thank-you to all the wonderful wishes from
everyone....and no Peter she has not asked for you yet...but I
am sure she will adore you and love you as much as the rest of us.
We really miss home and can't wait to come back.

In the adoption world Day 3 is known as a magical day and Georgia
is right on!!! She adores Angel and has started to laugh and
play with all of us. Angel was dancing and singing to her and
Georgia was trying to dance...it was so funny and cute...Angel
is happy to have found her own permanent audience.

Georgia is quite the character...a real Hunan girl...SPICY!!!
She is very strong willed and a soft spirit all at the same time.
She is a wonderful sleeper...an answer to my prayers. She
started to eat and drink and just won't stop. She loves...well
everything. Today she ate eggplant and green beans and egg with
fish and tomatoes etc. Her favorite is watermelon just like Angel.

She is very observant and watches our every move. She sings
and she coos, she is quite amazing. Georgia is must smaller than
what we expected her pictures were quite deceiving. All the
clothes I brought are big on her but we will manage... and at
the rate that she is eating she may fit into them by the time
we leave.

She won't leave me out of her sight and cries if she cannot see
me...I guess this is a good sign. And she is quite affectionate.

China is so hot, and we are all four so tired...all four...I like
the sound of that. We went to an outing yesterday and we melted
in the heat, we returned to the bus early and sat in the a/c until
the group came.

Angel is such a wonderful big sister. She thinks Georgia is
"as cute as a button" and keeps telling us how much she loves her.
We are lucky so far that her reaction has been a positive one.

We are really missing the Malfara family and cannot wait for our
reunion in Beijing. I pray that God is watching over them.

All my troops are napping and this gave me a little time to write.
I will try to post some pictures later..we just haven't been taking
much. We are just so tired from the heat and jet-lag and lack of
sleep and super hard beds and all the paper work and and and ...it
is all so worth it!!!

Until later

OUR LITTLE FLOWERS TOGETHER

2009-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Here are our little flowers Angel and Georgia
together at last and loving it. Mommy and Daddy
are very proud, blessed and tired.

GOTCHA DAY......AT LAST

2009-08-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

GOTCHA DAY

Wow what a beautiful experience. Today at 4:00 p.m. we finally
came face to face with Miss Georgia Anastasia our little flower.
She was brought to Changsha by her Nanny along with two other
babies. All three of them adorable and in good health. The
experience at Civil Affairs was almost as crazy as the first
time when we got Angel.We recognized her from her referral picture.
The Nannies sat in the main room but we were led to another room
and waited as each baby was brought in to meet the parents.
A symphony of crying developed quite fast and the waterfalls were
everywhere. Georgia was placed in my arms by her Nanny and she cried
and scratched and did all the things I expected her to do. All
eleven couples in our group were emotional and filled with joy.
The babies were so overwhelmed.

Georgia is beautiful and quite the character. She basically cried
all day but even her cry is beautiful. She sounds like a little
kitten. She is so tiny her 12 month clothes are huge on her.
She is as cute as a button. Angel is so in love with her and
Georgia is responding very well to all of us.

We are so beyond words...overjoyed is an understatement.
I will try to post again with some pictures.

Gotcha day has arrived

2009-08-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well here we are down to the last crunch...finally gotcha day
has arrived. The weather here is brutal in Changsha also known
as the OVEN OF CHINA...imagine that...we are boiling. Angel is
so excited today she is getting her sister. The Hotel is fabulous
and of course Angelo upgraded our room to a bigger and nicer one.
We will need the extra space for playing with our two little flowers.
I can't believe this is really happening, my heart is beating so
fast...another baby...wow!!! God is so Good.

Georgia we are on are way and soon you will be in
our arms forever.

God thank-you for your love and protection and for bringing
us this far.

Finally in China

2009-08-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ni Hao

Finally in China...after three flights and several bus
rides we are finally settled in at our hotel in Hunan.
We are all doing well and getting ready to get our first
and may-be our last full night sleep before we get our sweet
Georgia Anastasia. Angel is fine but quite wired from the
lack of sleep and is now on overdrive. Good-night to
every-one and hopefully we will post a picture tomorrow.

Best kid in the World

2009-07-30T14:01:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all time favorite picture of Angel and she is surely cute as a bug.Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Our little love bug

2009-07-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our baby girl at 8months
sent to us by a mom that visited China in March 2009.

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

Travel Approval

2009-07-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Finally... our travel approvals have arrived!!!! We are leaving for China on Friday August 7, 2009.
Our little Georgia will be 13 months by then. Our long awaited moment to meet her is getting closer...not close enough...but closer.

Thank you God for all your blessings, keep us close to you and bring us all home safely.

A MESSAGE TO MY GIRLS:

2009-07-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

What is a sister?

Life has a lot to offer some days will be good and some days will be not so good. Having a sister makes all the difference. Having someone to share your life with in a very special way...a way that only a sister can truly understand. A sister will love you no matter what. She will always be there to support you, to encourage and believe in you. She will not laugh at you but will laugh with you until you both pee in your pants. If you hurt...she will hurt. If you cry she will cry with you and you will dry each others tears. You will share your Mommy and Daddy together and that is a bond that you will never experience with another human being. You will share a past together and a present and a future all along building wonderful memories.

A sister is a gift from God... a blessing to cherish in your hearts forever.

I know I have one...your auntie Peggy and she is the best and I love her.

Angel and Georgia, may you find a loving and peaceful place in each other as I have found with my own sister. I pray that your hearts will be bonded together for life.

A MESSAGE TO GEORGIA

2009-07-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Georgia,

This is your family.
We're coming to get you.
We love you.
We're coming to get you.

You are going to meet my best friend Dahlia and her little sister Milana.

I love you

Bye Bye

Your sister Angel...always thinking of you

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGIA ANASTASIA

2009-07-09T05:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Baby Georgia's Birthday. She is one year old. It breaks my heart that we are not together to celebrate as a family.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl, Mommy, Daddy and Angel are thinking of you. We love you so much and we are counting every moment until you are in our arms where you belong.

I promise you this my love there will be cake...there will be a candle ...there will be presents and most important there will be lots of love, hugs, kisses, tickles, and games when we get there.

We will celebrate your birthday together. Just a little late.

For now may OUR LORD keep you well and safe. We know you are in HIS care and we rest in HIM.

Thank-you God for our children
Thank-you God for your everlasting love
Thank-you God for looking over our Georgia
Thank-you God for our Angel

Amen

PRESENTING MISS GEORGIA ANASTASIA

2009-06-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here she is our China Gerber baby!!!

We are totally in love with her. Angel's reaction was "WOW...my sister is so cute" She walks around holding the picture and is constantly rubbing it on her cheek and kissing it. We are all so very happy that our baby is doing well and is healthy.

My sweet little flower we love you so much and we will be counting every moment until we come for you.

"Ain't no mountain high ain't no river low and no valley wide enough baby...to keep us away from you"

Mommy, Daddy and Angel are coming soon to bring you home FOREVER.

God is so GOOD!!!

WE GOT THE CALL

2009-06-22T08:55:00.002-07:00

On Friday we received our call from our sponsor Karen with the wonderful news.

We have a baby girl

Her name is Yong Ning Xi

She is 11 months old

Our little flower is a HUNAN GIRL just like her big sister Angel. We are so thrilled that our girls are from the same place. It is a dream come true.

In China they say the most beautiful girls come from HUNAN...I know this to be true just by looking at our beautiful daughter Angel.

In China they also say that the Hunan babies are "SPICY"...and believe me I know this to be true as well!!!

This week we should get her picture along with all her information.

Georgia girl we are getting closer!!!

Thank you Lord

MATCHING IS COMPLETE

2009-06-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

FLY STORK FLY!!!

China has completed the matching phase and our file should be on the way...Oh my God...We are finally going to see Georgia Anastasia's little face.

Georgia my little flower, Mommy and Daddy are coming for you...it won't be too, too long now. We will all be together soon. I can't wait to see your picture , to look into your eyes and imagine kissing them.

Your sister Angel is crazy with excitement. She has a smile on her face all the time and keeps saying "I'm getting my Georgia"

I dream of the moment that I will first see you and hold you in my arms...where you will stay forever my love.

Thank-you God for blessing us with another miracle.
Thank-you God for loving us so deeply.
Thank-you God for our Family.
Thank-you God for Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Kindergarten

2009-06-16T09:01:00.001-07:00

These pictures of Angel were taken on the first day of Kindergarten. I cannot believe the school year is coming to an end. This Friday will be The big Kindergarten Celebration. Parents are invited for a concert put on by our little munchkins. I am so happy and sad all at the same time. Happy that she had a great experience in Kindergarten. Happy that she had the best teacher in the whole wide world. Happy that all her friends and teachers adore her and appreciate her. But, oh so sad that my little flower is growing up so fast. Next year real school starts...no more fun and games. Everyone tells me that grade one is brutal!!! I know she will do great. I guess as a mom I want protect her from the real problems and stresses for as long as I can. I am so lucky that I have a kid that enjoys school so much. Although, I must admit that she is pretty happy that summer vacation is finally here, she is getting ready to belt out her song from High School Musical...What Time Is This...SUMMERTIME!!! She is such a great performer my little DIVA.

Kindergarten is meant to be "MAGICAL" and for our little Angel it has been just that...a magical time of discovering, playing, learning and enjoying life...just as it should be!!!

Good job girl!!!

WERE NEXT!!!

2009-05-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

China has finished all the files up to March 14th, 2006....we are NEXT !!! 3 years later... I can't believe this is really happening. It feels almost surreal. We have so much to do, to prepare and get ready. Imagine I had all this time to do everything and now I am scrabbling like a crazy woman. I can't wait to see our little flowers face. I keep wondering how old she is, what does she look like, will she have lot's of hair like Angel did...most important...will she be a good sleeper??? Oh God.. please let her be a good sleeper!!! All the memories are flooding into my head of our journey with Angel. All the excitement and fears...be still my heart!!! I can't believe we are finally getting another baby.

I am really taking this opportunity to tell Angel how things happened when we got her and what to expect in China. I worry so much about how Angel will process all this. Her trip to China will undoubtedly bring up some issues. I pray daily that we all get through this well. She is so excited about getting her little sister. However, sharing Mommy and Daddy will not be easy for her. Angel is the most amazing little girl she is so loving and caring she is actually giving me strength through this.

This a recent conversation we had about getting Georgia Anastasia:

I said to her "Angel I hope Georgia will love us"

Angel said " She will Mommy"

I said "She will be scared, she doesn't know us, we will be strangers to her. She won't know that we have been waiting for her and that we have a cozy place ready for her at home. She won't know right away how much we love her and that we are her forever family."

Angel said " she will know Mommy that she will get a good family"

I asked "How will she know?"

Angel answered " All baby's know Mommy...I did!!"

Wow, What a Kid..and she's MINE!!! Thank You Lord.

MOTHER'S DAY 2009

2009-05-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

MEMORY LANE

2009-05-15T11:14:00.001-07:00

MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well, as a florist and as a woman that waited almost 20 years to become a mom...I can write a book on the subject of Mother's Day.

The personal emotions combined with the stress of owning a flower shop during this holiday can really test someones faith.

However, my book would have a very happy ending. After many years of serving thousand of customers buying flowers for Mom...after many many years of answering "NO NOT YET" to the famous question by these same customers..."Are you a Mom?...well happy Mother's Day anyways" After all those years of yearning...My Lord did bless me and I finally became "MOM" to my beautiful daughter Angel.

Now, let me tell the story of my first Mother's Day at my flower shop in 2005.

I left my house at 6:00 a.m. Angel stayed home with her Daddy. She was about 20 months at the time. The day was crazy at the shop very busy but I enjoyed every single moment and I answered "YES, YES , OH YES I am a Mom...thank-you!!"

At around 2:00 p.m. I was sitting on the floor of my store happily receiving a birthday gift from my little Dahlia (Angel's best friend from China). Many friends and family were there too...as I looked up at the front door I saw the most amazing vision of my life. There she was...all dressed in pink with a pink hat on, a smile on her face and a pink gift bag in her hand... my little miracle came over to me and hugged and kissed me...Oh I cried...actually everyone cried and it was by far one of the most incredible moments of my life. I melted in her little arms and finally felt the joy that only a mother can feel on this special day and once again I felt GOD'S love for me.

And yes we are living Happy Ever After.

Happy Mother's Day

EASTER 2009

2009-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend was just wonderful. Angel was a gem. We spent Easter Sunday with our family and enjoyed every precious moment. All I can say is "GOD IS SO GOOD" Here are a few photos of our little diva...check out the beautiful shoes from Nouna Eleni.

AAHHH...LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

2009-04-07T10:03:00.001-07:00

Here you are baby girl at the exact same beach .....La Vita Bella....now your favorite place in the world too.

VITA BELLA ... Angel this is for you

2009-04-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Mexico

August 2003

Walking hand in hand on the most beautiful white sand beach in the world. The sky is blue... the sun is shining over the ocean...our favorite place in the world.

Our minds and hearts our joined as one.

We make our decision.

God blesses us.

This is the same week that you were born in China.

Welcome to the world my little flower!!!