Time with Friends!

It's about time I post these pics. They were taken at Christmas as we visited with dear friends. First we visited with Mary Grace and her parents, Kim and David. We all became friends when we waiting for our referral for Lily Wen. We had some wonderful discussions that kept me going during that first wait. We also got to spend precious time with Mary Grace as we envisioned our future. Our time with them is precious and wonderful and we can't wait for our next visit.

Graeme, Mary Grace and Lily Wen

Lily looking so FABULOUS!!!!

Mary Grace and Lily Wen in their fashion show!

A few days later we headed to visit with our friends in Pride. There are three families on one street who have all adopted from China. We all got together the first time a few months after Lily Wen came home and before they had received their referrals. One of the Mom's to be, Roxanne, and I had gone to high school together and she found me through our travel blog. That first visit forged a bond between our four families that is special. I look forward to seeing them each time we are in Louisiana. This trip was special as we got to meet Sophie for the first time and introduce Graeme.

Makenna, Lily Wen, Graeme and Hannah

Sophie, Lily Wen and Sydney

All 6 together for the first time, Lily Wen, Makenna, Hannah, Sophie, Sydney and Graeme

A tradition....we have to do one upside down shot every year!

Graeme and Sydney....I LOVE this picture. You see, knowing Sydney helped open my eyes and heart to Graeme!

Hugs and Love to all of our special friends in Louisiana....until this summer!

New Beginnings

I have been absent again. Sorry to my blogging friends. There are many changes going on right now. I am also making some changes to the blog and need your help. I need a new name for the blog. Journey to Baby Miracle never really worked since we ended up with a Journey to Toddler Miracle. What a journey it has been. Now the blog will focus on life with two very busy wee ones. With a last name like Miracle, it should be easy to name the blog but I don't want it to sound cheesy so HELP!!! I would love to say that there is a "name my blog" contest with prizes but alas, no prizes. You would just have the pure JOY of helping a friend in need. Of course, if I go with your idea, I will give you full credit on the blog. I have a few ideas of my own and may go with one of those but wanted your input and creative ideas.

To a Year of New Beginnings....

It's hard to put into words my thoughts as I think of this last year and think of the year to come. There are just not words to explain the array of feelings that I have on this New Year's Eve and then I found this quote:

For last year's words belong to last year's language.

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~T.S. Eliot

To new beginnings in the new year, may they find us all happier and healthier, loved and at peace.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Day!

Santa was very giving to Lily and Graeme!

With everything to chose from, Graeme went for the Santa potato head first~
Then, he saw his Thomas the train stuff! He still isn't quite sure what all the Christmas is about but he enjoyed every moment!

Lily working at figuring out Graeme's first computer

Graeme, John Christopher and Lily toasting with their Icees (Virgin Margueritas)

The shirt just says it all!

Lily enjoyed playing with John Christopher's scooter

Singing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus

Trisha finds a quiet corner to read to Lily and Graeme. This was during our get together with Papa Jim's children and grandchildren. It was a very special time. We have all missed him so much this Christmas.

What happens when Christmas day is a little too long for the wee ones....

We were all exhausted but very happy and blessed to have spent this holiday together!

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful evening Christmas Eve!

Lily Wen, John Christopher, Graeme and Luke are ready to open presents.

Lily loved her present from Nanan. Now she can be author/illustrator any time she wants.

Graeme is really getting into the present thing.

John played with his car all evening!

Granny and 4 of her Grandkids. Luke did not want to share his Granny with Graeme. For those wondering if Graeme really does smile that much, this picture is proof. He is still smiling even when Luke is pushing him away. He is the happiest little kid.

Our family of four

Lily and Graeme wrote letters to Santa and left him cookies and milk! They were so cute and so excited. I did not think that they would ever get to sleep.

Happy Christmas Eve!!!

Happy Christmas Eve!

This was taken last week when Lily was an angel in our church Christmas play. She is very angelic after all!

This is the last picture that I have of my daughter's unadorned, beautiful, petite ear. She has talked for months of having her ears pierced. So off we went to Libby Lu for the ultimate ear piercing, princess for a day, experience.

Not feeling too princess like right here. Where there is true beauty, there is pain. We assured her it only hurt for a minute. Her cousin, John Christopher, repeatedly told her, "Lily, it's gonna hurt. It is REALLY gonna hurt." Nothing changed her mind. Daddy and Graeme couldn't watch. They had to walk away. It might of had something to do with Graeme trying to pick out earrings for himself. What can I say, he loves his sister and wants to do all that she does!

Now her ears have sparkly pink hearts...it HAD to be the pink hearts!

On to the next Christmas Adventure, making cookies...a tradition with cousins!

What kiddo doesn't love the feel of dough and flour in his hands! John Christopher is loving it!

Baby Luke was more into eating the dough....

and just looking so darn CUTE!

The perfect snowman is hard to achieve but she did it!

My sis, Jodi, and her son...family fun!

She is so proud!

Graeme got way into the decorating. He was the first to the table and the last to leave!

Looks good enough to eat!

So they did!

Not quite sure what he thinks about all those textures and the sweetness. The twinkle in his eye is priceless though.

Can't waste that last bite.

We had a wonderful evening! I have been very sentimental and overly sensitive the last few days, crying at the least little thing. For those who know me, I am not a cryer...not typically anyway...but once I get going well... I am also not good at expressing my emotions. I am now focusing on the positive emotions. I am starting my New Year's Resolution early. I want to push beyond the stress of everyday life and all of the big changes that have occured for us. I will Love Authentically and Enjoy the Simple Pleasures.....the look of my daughter as an angel in the play, her sweet tears as she receives her first earrings, the laughter in the kitchen last night as we all made cookies (setting the pot holder on fire in the process..another story), opening a new Christmas book and reading it to BOTH of my children. Graeme is home this year which is something my heart ached for last year. I am blessed beyond words and I will take time each day to be thankful for that.

Wishing you all Joy, Laughter and Love this Christmas and each day of the New Year!

Heading Home!!!

When I started to write tonight, I thought about what I should title the post. Heading Home seems most appropriate. Home for me will always be my mother's house in Louisiana. As soon as I get out of school tomorrow, we are starting our journey south. We will probably stop half way in Birmingham tomorrow night and continue on Saturday. I used to be a get in the car and drive the 11-12 hour drive straight kind of woman. Lily Wen and I have even made the trip many times and we drive straight through. Coming home this last time, we broke the trip up and can I say that it made a huge difference in all of our comfort!

I have been absent this week...trying to prepare for the trip, complete my therapy logs for school and complete the end of the year close out for the private practice owned by my friend and I. This has not left much time for visiting blogs or blogging. Hopefully on Saturday or Sunday I will catch up!!!!