He's a Lumberjack and He's Okay!!

Just wanted to post this cute photo of Noah. Today was the 4th grade Lumberjack Breakfast at school, so he got to dress up...complete with a lumberjack mustache. Steve challenges himself to find a new and creative way to wake the boys up every day. So, of course, today Steve woke Noah up by singing the song "I'm a Lumberjack and I'm Okay" from the Monty Python movie.

That Sassy Dog!!

That sassy dog of ours...The kids and I left to go for a bike ride and play at the park for a while tonight and this is what I came home to. My mistake was leaving the bag of garbage on the counter. I thought that Ellie would stay upstairs, since the gate was locked at the bottom of the steps....but either she jumped the gate or slammed into it hard enough that she escaped, and, well, the rest is history. She did what a dog does best...get into TROUBLE...with a capital T!! Not only did I have garbage to clean up in the kitchen, but also a chewed up diaper in the living room. And those wet diapers have all those little beads in them...yep....all over my carpet. In addition, she destroyed a Pledge duster today and left pieces throughout the house, and jumped up and grabbed a slice of pizza off the counter while I was on the phone to Steve. The most frustrating thing is that she NEVER does these things when Steve is home. It's like she just wants to see how much trouble she can cause whenever he is out of town. Maybe she is rebelling because she misses him so much....SASSY!!!

Cute Pics from the Long Weekend

We also had photos taken on Monday and I will load some of them onto my blog when I get them. Hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend! We're headed up to the U.P. to visit my dad next weekend. Lots of outdoor exploring to be had!!

Macnessa Turns 6!!

Fergus watching big sister, Macnessa, blow out her birthday candles.

Our neice turns 6 on the 30th. Her party was last Sunday. The weather was great and the kids all enjoyed playing together. It's hard to believe Macnessa is already 6 years old. The time really does pass quickly!! Happy Birthday Macnessa!!

Toe Tastin' & Guitar Pickin'

Emma has learned to suck on her toes. She often takes her shoe off to get a little toe action in. Wow! She is sooo flexible...makes me wonder if she could have been one of those Chinese acrobats we saw in Beijing last spring. This photo was taken when we were flower shopping. Too funny!

Uncle Rick provided free guitar lessons over the weekend...the boys thought it was a "rockin' " good time!

Braden Turns 4!!

Braden & his Lego cakes
The new scooter...
Randy, Braden (4), Kenson (1) & Kyra (5)


We celebrated my nephew, Braden's 4th birthday on Friday. His new scooter, farmin' clothes (Carharts), gardening tools and "man tools" were right up his alley! He couldn't wait to put them all to use! He's gonna' be a man who likes hard work, just like his daddy! This last photo was one my sister took after Randy's awards night. Happy Birthday, Braden!

Forever Family Day

Today is our Forever Family Day. It is the anniversary of the day that we signed and sealed all of the paperwork to make Fu Bao Yan legally a part of our family...
forever! It is the day Fu Bao Yan become Emma Grace Bao Yan Fidlin. Who would have ever guessed that a little girl, on the other side of the world, born to a beautiful Chinese mother and father, would be chosen, by God, to be placed in our family! Our family is forever touched by adoption in so many ways. Part of our hearts will always remain in China and we can't wait to go back someday! This adoption journey has also placed the most wonderful group of families in our lives. The hand of God was surely at work to bring all of these people together to form our travel group. They are really a part of our extended family. So, on this Forever Family Day, we celebrate not only our family, but the extended family we have gained. We love you all and can't wait for our reunion in July!!

We "Gotcha" Emma!

One year ago, on this exact date, our little Emma was placed in our arms. Our family refers to this day as Emma's "Gotcha Day". Some adoptive families don't like the term "Gotcha Day", but for our family, it feels right to call it that. It is amazing to think that God had this all planned, even before Emma was born....even before we were born. I am so very grateful to Emma's biological parents, who choose life for her. I am also so thankful for the Lily Orphan Care Center and all of the nannies that cared for Emma in her first year of life as well as The First Hugs program which helped with Emma's attachment and bonding process. But most of all, I am thankful to my husband, Steve, who said "yes" to adoption and was confident that God would provide for us. He encouraged our family to take a step of faith and grow our family in a new way. I love you Steve...for saying "yes"!

Happy Mother's Day!

One year ago, on Mother's Day, I receieved one of the best presents I have ever received. My little girl was placed in my arms for the very first time. I am proud to be the mother of three great kids! God has blessed me beyond measure!

I would like to wish my own mother a Happy Mother's Day, too. You have been such an awesome part of my life. Your strength and determination has helped shape who I am today and I am forever grateful for that. I love you!!