Five Years - Already?

I cannot believe that it has already been five years since our precious daughter came into our lives.  My prayer for her is that she continue to grow into a beautiful young woman - inside and out.  That she discover the Love that surpasses all love - that of her Heavenly Father.  That she lives a life full of love, joy and peace.

Scarlett Yanlian, we love you!

We have new photos!

We have some new photos of Jackson, thanks to Ann at Red Thread China.  She forwarded our care package to Jackson, and emailed us these photos as a nice surprise!  Enjoy!  Our favorite is the last one.  It looks like he is blowing smoochies!

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

Today is Jackson's second birthday.  He is still in China waiting for his forever family.  Does he know we are thinking and praying for him every day?  Soon we will be there, and he will never have to wonder where his family is anymore.

Happy Birthday, Jackson Xinqiang!  We love you!

Care Package for Jackson

Our family is obviously quite excited about adding Jackson to the clan, but we are a little sad that we will not be able to be there for his 2nd birthday.  So, we decided to send him a little care package through Ann at Red Threads.  She picked out some wonderful items.  Here is a photo of what we sent:

The sleeper has a teddy bear and says "My Little Bear".  The candies are for Jackson to share with the nannies and kids in the orphanage.  The blanket looks so soft and cuddly.  We are hoping that the staff is able to take lots of photos of Jackson in the orphanage.

We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings - Ann has promised to send us some updated photos of Jackson.  And it just happens to be his 2nd birthday.

It's Monday - And I wish it was Friday

Today has been a really long day.  Not a BAD day, per say, but a LONG day.  Here is how today went:

• Actually made it out the door on time this morning and was able to walk Miss Scarlett into school.  She and I love it when we can do that together.
• Hurried to the office for an early morning meeting.  Found out that this will be a regular Monday event.  I really don't mind the meetings so much, but just not on Monday mornings.
• I hit the ground at a dead run this morning - one of my coworkers had to leave early for a family emergency (still not sure how the family member is doing - praying she's better soon).  The morning flew by.
• Ran errands at lunchtime.  Went by the safe deposit box to drop off some items and pick up others, and by the accountant's office to drop off taxes.  Praying that we get a refund.  ANY refund.
• Came home to family - WHEW!  So happy when I get home.  Hubby had made lasagna, salad and grecian bread.  My brother-in-law had installed a Closet Made closet in Jackson's bedroom.  Cool.
• Spent part of the evening putting stuff in said closet.
• Spent another part of the evening helping Miss Scarlett with her Valentines Day cards.  That and getting a makeover. Fun times!

It is only 8:15 p.m. and I am pooped.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.  I wish it was Friday!

HERE HE IS!!

Well, I can officially say that Jackson Xinqiang Ayers will be our newest family member!  We received the Letter of Acceptance today (surprise!).  To say that we are relieved that we have passed yet another hurdle is an understatement.

Here is his precious face!

He will be two years old February 10.  He is currently in Hunan Province, China.  We are hoping for travel sometime in April or May.

Jackson is what is called a "special needs" child.  His special need is that he once had a cleft lip and still has a cleft palate.  As you can see, his lip has been beautifully repaired by the doctors in China.  We will have his palate repaired once we come home.

Miss Scarlett is very excited to be a big brother.  And we are very excited to become parents to a little boy!

A Day Off

Tomorrow Hubby and I are taking a coveted "day off" together.  No, it is not what I had envisioned, but it is going to chock full of things "to-do".

To start:

• Get our fingerprints renewed for adoption - this will take a huge chunk of our day.
• Pick up mother-in-law's birthday gift - we are thinking charms for her Pandora bracelet.
• Keep our eye out for the Wheel of Fortune electronic game for Miss Scarlett's "Family Day" gift.
• Get the remaining tax documents together for accountant.
• Pick up a couple of birthday cards and wrap some presents.
• Prepare for the onslaught of my great niece and daughter's sleepover.  They are good girls, but man, they can destroy a house!

Oh yeah, I forgot that I am supposed to somehow prepare for Chinese New Year AND Valentines Day. So really, not all that much going on for a day off.  I don't know WHY I am fussing.  It'll get done when it gets done.