Thursday, July 14, 2011

All Grown Up

I'm not sure what it is... the constant need to put on her Sephora pink eyeshadow with her lipgloss, her unending questions about Heaven- (how we get there, who we will see, and what it is going to be like), her constant questions about marriage and babies, her need to tell everyone what to do "really nicely", or the fact that she keeps growing taller and taller.... But, everyday, we look at each other and comment about how Lily is growing up.

She has always loved everything Disney, but now, she has a new found passion for Mulan. I think it is because she finally understands the movie, along with how amazing Mulan's character truly is. She is constantly reminding us that certain people (in movies or life) are breaking God's rules. She completely understands wrong from right, and she has even started counting for herself. (You know- "Now, Lily- you have to the count of 3. 1...2...3" She means it, too. I told her the other day, I am just waiting for her to put herself in time-out. She thought that was hilarious, but she also thought it might be a good idea.

With every change, I enjoy her little spirit, her personality, her creative-side, her love for God and Jesus, her love for her family and friends---even more! Every day, we pray that God will make us into excellent examples for our daughter. He has given us such a gift, and we pray that we can raise her with God's guidance, strength, and grace every day!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

My "Stretch Marks"





Some Mamas get to have stretch marks after they have their child, so I decided to get a "stretch mark" of my own. Forever, I want Lily to see my tattoo and know that my love for her is unconditional, forever, and neverending- just as God's love for her.


Waiting for Lily stretched my faith. Having Lily here now has stretched my understanding of unconditional, amazing, forgiving, spectacular love! My tattoo is a representation of those things- the love for my beautiful Asian princess and the love of my Father in Heaven which is the most amazing love of all!


My Lily- always remember that I love you more than all the chopsticks in China!

Our Last Day of Vacation

Lily had a wonderful evening playing on the beach with Liana and Marah.

She took advantage of being able to run wild on the beach and chase the waves into the ocean...

This was a common sight to see during our week long vacation together. I just couldn't get enough of these hugs and moments for the girls to become lifelong friends.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures that was taken that evening. I loved watching the girls together, and seeing them share this vacation together. I hope that it is the first of many more to come!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Friends Forever

The girls genuinely seemed to love being around one another. They could always find something to do each day. Lily couldn't wait to wake up because she knew the girls were there...

Of course, I have to mention that Marah woke Lily up most days. This really made Lily happy. On one of the last days, she asked for Marah when she woke up because she wasn't in there "to do her job". Then, she asked if we could take the girls home with us so they could wake her up every day!


They were always busy, busy, busy! The next post will be beach pictures of our last evening together on vacation. I am sad to once again see this vacation come to an end.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Argh...A Pirate's Life for Me!

We went on a Pirate's Adventure on an actual pirate ship with an actual captain. The girls had the best time.

First, they put on their pirate garb along with their tattoos to get ready for their voyage.

Then, they went out into the water searching for Pirate Pete and the treasure.

After a water cannon battle and some Grog (a pirate's beverage), they found the treasure and sailed for home.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

....Fearless

"I don't know how it could get better than this..." as Taylor sings...with a huge smile on Lily's face.

Did you know how much happiness a $5.00 flashy Taylor Swift light can bring to a child? Pure delight and enjoyment!

I had to show a picture of Taylor in Lily's favorite dress of the evening. When we left the concert, Lily said, "Taylor is so amazing! How did she change clothes so much and so quickly! When do we get to come back?" That was the beginning of the hour-long endless discussion and play-by-play of the evening. It really was a great concert, and Taylor does a wonderful job introducing young children to a broadway production concert with some class and style. We had a great night!

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Skywheel Makes Me Happy!

David, Beth, Liana, and Marah couldn't wait to take us on the skywheel. Lily was so excited to ride it!

However, Jamie did not completely feel the same way. He was scared! He is extremely terrified of heights and bridges... for future reference! But, he made it! It was a lot of fun!