Daddy Daughter Date Night 42/365

This has to be one of the most anticipated nights of the year.  The girls look so forward to going on their big date with their daddy.  It was a busy day.  We had two birthday parties to attend this morning, then we had to get to work on getting ready for the dance.  Noelle did fingernails while I made corsages.  Then I cut both Hope's and LeeLee's hair.  Then I curled Noelle's and Hope's hair, and quickly put make up on all three of them.  They just glowed more and more through each step.  It is fun watching the excitement build.  They love to reveal themselves to their date and have him ooh and aah over their beauty.

You can see the sparkle in LeeLee as she poses with Paul.  She has caused problems the last two years for Paul at the dance, so I told her I would pick her up this year if she caused problems.  I already got a call from Paul though, and he said that she was doing great.

To me sweet Hope looked like a modern day Cinderella.  She just looks so grateful.  What is ironic, is that she is the opposite of graceful, but she does just look so delicate.  She loves getting all dressed up.  You can tell she is just so grateful to be a part of this.

Noelle and Paul have such a sweet relationship.  She loves him so much, so it is always so sweet to see them together.  For the daddy that almost passed out when he found out he was having a daughter, he has been the best girl dad.  He loves his three girls, and getting to date these precious young ladies makes his heart smile.

Just getting to dress them up makes my heart smile!!  I just wish I could be a fly on the wall at the dance so I could see Paul dancing with his three precious girls.

Twins No More 41/365

For the longest time, everyone that we ran into thought that Noelle and Hunter were twins.  They were the same height, and they look very similar, except for Noelle's red hair, and Hunter's brown.  However, due to a recent growth spurt, Noelle is now taller than her brother.  Hunter is sure he will catch up soon.  But for now, Noelle is happy that people will be able to see the difference for themselves that they are not twins.

What is Old is New 40/365

While looking for a missing dress, I decided to search in the storage bins.  I came across one storage bin of Noelle's old clothes that will fit the little girls perfectly.  Noelle and I sorted the clothes and put them on the girls beds.  They were so excited to see all their new things.  They couldn't wait to put on the new to them pajamas for bed.  Noelle and I were both a little sad, because some of the things we pulled out were her very favorites from first grade.  Noelle doesn't like this growing up stuff, and honestly, neither do I.  I wish they could all stay little forever. Just in case you were wondering, I never found the dress.

Another Letter 39/365

Another undeliverable letter made its way to my hands today.  This time she wrote one to her orphanage in China.  I asked her to read it to me and she did.  I said, "Sweetheart, do you really miss the orphanage?"  She said, "No, I am just thankful they took care of me when you weren't there, and I want to meet them and tell them I love them for doing that.  I don't want to go there Momma, I asked them to come to Auburn."  We talked about her orphanage, and how it no longer has children there, only older folks. I also asked her if she has written anymore letters to people who are not physically at school.  She assured me these are the only two letters, so we shall see.

I love first grade spelling.  It makes me smile!

On another note, she didn't know I had the letter that I posted yesterday.  She came across the blog on the ipad last night, and she said, "How did you get this letter?  Oh yeah, I guess God gave it to you, that's so cool!"  I didn't correct her, because she seemed so confident that God had hand delivered her letter straight to me.  Oh the faith of a six year old, how I long to learn to have the blind faith of a child, she amazes me.

To: God 38/365

They have a internal mail system at the kids school.  Every month there is a stack of undeliverable mail. Generally it is because it isn't addressed to anyone, or signed, so they don't know who to send it back to. Today, as they went through the undeliverable stack, they came across this letter.  The sweet teacher that is in charge of this program is a friend of mine, so she read it, and gave it to Noelle to bring to me. On the outside it is addressed to God and Jesus.  This just warms my heart.  She could write a letter to anyone, and she chooses to write one to God.  I wonder if she is expecting a letter back. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.  Luke 18:17 Maybe we should all take a lesson from LeeLee and write letters to God.

Lantern Festival 37/365

Today is a special day in China, it is the 15th day of the first lunar month, so that means it is the Lantern Festival.  This is one day that I intend to be in China for at least once in my lifetime.  Hunter and Noelle helped me plan and gather up the special things we needed to pull off dinner.  When we told the little girls, they got so excited.  So while I was cooking, they were busy getting dressed up in their Chinese dresses.  When they came down and saw the dining room all lit up with Chinese lanterns and candles, the excitement built.

They take turns praying at dinner, but we decided to let both Hope and LeeLee pray tonight.  Hope said the normal things she says, but when we got to LeeLee the cutest little prayer came out.....Dear Lord, thank you for tonight, thank you for making me Chinese, thank you for Chinese food, thank you for this special holiday, I love holidays!  Thank you Lord for my family, I love them, and thank you for this good food.  I love you, and I am so happy!  Amen

They really enjoyed our Chinese feast.  I fixed egg rolls, beef and broccoli stir fry, and rice with sweet and sour sauce on the side.

 I love that they have each other to share these experiences with.  They loved playing with the lanterns in the dark and watching the lights reflect on the ceiling.

I really hope that one day, we can stand as a family in China during this festival and release sky lanterns. For now, I will just marvel at the beauty that God has given to our family through these two girls.....it was beautiful to share tonight with them just a little part of their culture and to watch their excitement and pride about their heritage.  Happy Lantern Festival Ya'll!!

The Freckles Are Out 36/365

The sun is finally out and shining down on the loveliest village on the plains.  The kids have been wearing short sleeve shirts and shorts.  I just commented the other day about how we haven't even bought winter coats for this year.  I guess, this late in the season, we may not even need them.   With the sunlight we get freckles.  Well, at least four of us do.  Hunter looks so cute with his freckles popping out.