Saturday, December 28, 2013

Childlike ~

 
Children are amazing.....
 
 
We arrived home from our Florida Trip,
to an empty home...

 
We knew it would be empty....
 
While we were gone,
our Sending Team Leaders arranged
to have our home's few furnishing that were remaining
moved into storage

 
When we walked in,
I didn't know how the children would take it...
 
seeing almost everything gone,
their mattresses on the floor,
clothes in boxes.
 
I cried,
don't think they noticed thank goodness
 
But they walked in
 at first they were quiet
but then.....

 
They realized that this could be awesome ~
 
They spent the day making homemade Pirate costumes and weapons
 
And took advantage of the space
and ....
well.....
Pirate killed eachother ~
 
 
I am trying to be more like them,
more childlike.
 
Watching them takes my breathe away ~
 
They remind me that we are brave enough
to do this ~
 

Matthew 18:2-5

The Message
 For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.
 
 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

A Fairy Tale Reunion ~ Florida style

Once upon a time ~
In a faraway land

 
There lived two little girls in an orphanage ~


Although they had each other
They both dreamed of the day
when they would have
a Family of their very own ~
 
Then the most unexpected thing happened
One of the little girls
was chosen and came home to her new family
leaving the other little girl behind ~
 
So the other little girl waited
 
She did not give up hope ~
 
She dreamed of a Mommy and Daddy
all her own
 
After 2 1/2 yrs ~
Something wonderful happened
 
 
Her dream came true ~

 
Her Daddy & Mommy came from all the way across the Ocean
and rescued her ~
And brought her home to a Beautiful Place
 
 
But how would these two little girls
from the faraway land
Ever get to see each other again?
 
Well, Miracles do happen!
 
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon ~
These two little Girls were reunited!
 
 
'Sisters' is their Orphanage ~
 
Now home with their Forever and ever Families
 
 
Chance made us 'sisters'
But ~ Hearts make us Friends
 
 
 





Saturday, December 21, 2013

Saturday ~ Downtown Disney

There is so much to do and see here ~

 
But we're on a budget,
so you'd think that may limit our options....

 
But it totally doesn't!

 
I just want the kids to have fun, relax & bond.
 
Because while we were here,
our house is being emptied back home.
 
It's getting 'real'

 
I want them to feel special ~
in the midst of so much change

 
So we have discovered ways to have FUN

 
Spending time together,
rather then spending money ~

 
They are so precious ~
And they are taking such a huge step of faith right along side us.
 
Leaving everything behind ~
 
Having this time together is priceless
 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Wednesday in Florida ~ Love!



 
Nothing is more 'Resort'ish' then mini golf for us non-real golfers!

 
We discovered that Miss Ping has a hidden talent ~

 
Looking very proud of himself
~ I would be too if I just got a
HOLE IN ONE!

 
*Stop growing Gemma!!!

 
Now Dawson here has many gifts.....
but I'm not sure golf is one of them!

 
Hole in one for Miss Ping!

 
Was he lacks for in skills...
he makes up for in determination

 
Great way to start my Birthday morning ~
 
 
Then we ended it at my favorite Chain Resturant!
Red Lobster
 
I am one Blessed momma this year!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Ping's advice to the Birthday Mom ~


Tuesdays in Florida!

 
So what do you do is Florida ~
When you're on a budget?
 
 
Tonnes!

 
My friend Annie,
whom I'll meet finally tomorrow!
(both our girls are from Z)
Gave a great suggestion...

 
Go tour some Disney resorts!

 
You know ~ see how the other half lives!

 
Let me tell you, these Disney resorts are F-a-b-u-l-o-u-s

 
You can walk around everywhere,
and take it all in ~

 
These resorts make Christmas look G-O-O-D !

 
Here we are on the Mono Rail

 
Leaving the Polynesian Resort and touring around ~

 
The 1st moment Ping sees the
Magic Kingdom in the distance
~ so precious

 
Yeah, so the Floridian Resort blew my mind!

 
My mansion in heaven
 is gonna look like this ;)


 
Yup some are missing in this picture
Some are battling Influenza A
on some pretty heavy meds
~and some are taking well needed naps

 

 
A Ping sized Christmas tree!

 
Last day of being 36 years old ~

 
Yeah that is right ~
A REAL gingerbread house!

 
700lbs of Honey!
Yum

 
Teasing is great for bonding I think ~

 
I just can't get a bad photo of this guy!

 
I was shocked when I first saw this photo ~
when did she get so tall!

 
Yup, the Floridian Resort is awesome!

 
But there were animals everywhere
at the Polynesian Resort too!
 
Disney is SO great letting you walk everywhere!