Happily Ever After...

At our church, we have a wonderful alternative to Halloween. We celebrate men and women of the reformation period.The children can dress up, as someone from that period, or as something God made. It is great for them to learn about heroes of the faith in such a fun way! This year, we learned about John Wycliffe, and the lengths and trials he endured to translate the Bible into the english language. After a brief video, the kids go from room to room and have crafts and games and collect candy. Here are a few photos of the fun: Aria made a harp and she was so proud of her work! Gianna was happy to waddle around.... After Pastor Joel teased us for the amount of pictures we took of our little ducklings, we decided to ask him to pose with the cuties too! Time for sleepy little ducks to head home for bed!

Okay, not really. But when Aria woke up this morning, she told me it was, and we promptly went into the playroom for her to put my tiara on, hawaiian leis, and a beautiful pink poodle purse. I mean, who could truly celebrate without a pink poodle by their side? Once I was all set for the party, she quickly began "making" my cake in her kitchen. Who knew that cakes are microwaved these days? She ushered me into the princess castle, and sang "Happy Birfday dear Mommyyyy" at the top of her lungs, proud as she could be of the festivities. AND, if that doesn't melt your heart, this will: I got "just because" roses delivered to me FROM MY SON!!!! Aren't they beautiful?? So in a way, I guess she is right. With the gifts of my sweet husband and children, everyday is a reason to celebrate!

Here's the recap of our roller coaster week last week: Monday: Aria has a high fever, we go to the Dr, and she has double ear infections. That is the 8th this year, so we need to decide if tubes are a good option at this point. Greg left for a business trip in the afternoon. Tuesday: Aria is atill running a fever, so I have set the alarm to wake up and check her temp. At 3 AM she decided she was up for the day, and chatted until 5 AM in my bed. Cute, but leads to a loooonnnngggg day. Wednesday: Ryan's friend Jenn arrives from Baltimore. She is a terrific, Godly young girl, and a wonderful family friend. Justin comes home, so we have our house full, which I love. I get busy making yummy snacks and meals. Thursday: The big kids go golfing. I get a call at 1 PM that Justin hurt himself really badly when the golf cart pinned his foot against a curb. Lots of blood, and they are heading to the hospital. With Greg still gone, my sister rushes over to care for the girls while I h...

With all we had going on last month, I missed our 18 month 411, so I will combine the last few months of accomplishments for the amazing Gianna Christine HuiHua: ~Nini is not my name anymore. Oh no, we've moved on to more refined terms. Now,(drum roll please) I am "AHHHMEEEEE" You have to say it in a whiny voice to get the full effect. We are, however, getting closer and closer to Mommy, for which I am grateful. ~She can say 35 words and is putting words together for short senences. A few of my favorites: "Bless you Daddy", "Hi Boebee" (The dogs name is Bogey), and the best: "Want Sum?" She asks that when SHE wants something. It is a replacement for "Here you go" Too cute! ~ She is 22 lbs and 32 inches- a far cry from the 15 1/2 lb baby handed to me just 5 months ago! ~She will eat A-N-Y and every thing! This weekend, she ate fried green tomates at the Fall Apple Festival! She will try even spicy foods. A far cry from the 3 year old...

Please pray for this family , who adopted their daughter domestically from birth. Ashley has had a multi- organ transplant and is now in rejection. Her mom is alone with her at the hospital and far away from home, her husband and 2 other children. I cannot imagine how alone she must feel trying to carry the weight of her daughter's illness. But God knows, and His grace is evident in her posts. Please join me in praying for Ashley and her family. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" Eph 6:18

Today we completed the final step in Gianna's adoption. Although it is unnecessary, we domesticated her adoption in our county court. When we entered the U.S. she immediately became a U.S. citizen in May, however, it will be so much easier to have a GA birth certificate if she needs it in the future. AND, I love, love, love it that her GA birth certificate will list us as her parents, instead of "parents unknown". Because ofcourse her parents are known- she is a Cl@xton through and through! To me, that alone is worth the attorney fees and the hassle! The Judge only had our case today, so we got right in to the courtroom, but had to wait for her to enter for quite some time. Gianna was great, that is, until the Judge finally came in. Then she began a loud protesting babble. Thank goodness Aunt Ang had a spare lollipop on hand! With our attorney, Jeff before the hearing.. Aria and Aspen waiting patiently- aren't they adorable??

Silly Me! Apparently, I was so thrilled about getting a BLUE BOX, that I totally forgot to tell what was IN the blue boxes.... Beautiful sterling silver Tiffany's bracelet, and the matching earrings and they are GORGEOUS!! The sight of the box sitting on my counter still makes me quiver :) Maybe the matching necklace for my birthday???? I can only hope. Today we are a family of six and I am thrilled. We have fewer and fewer days where we can all be together with all the schedules. I cherish these times. So, I will leave you with the punkins on the porch so I can enjoy the whoops and hollers of my boys and the Redskins game:

AAHHHHHH!!!! My sweet, romantic husband has struck again! He just came home this morning from a business trip, and said he had a "just because" present for me. OOOO- I LOVE those! It was my turn to close my eyes, and when I opened them- here's what I saw: After all these years of "just because" gifts, this is MY VERY FIRST BLUE BOX!!! And, there was not just one, but TWO blue boxes- I can't believe it!! All I can say is , "WOW!" I am so blessed with the most wonderful man, and I am so thankful to be his wife! And yes, I know I am spoiled:)

Aria LOVES to sing- all the time. About everything. Especially when she is supposed to be napping. Today, I hear; " Hoooowwww graaaaaaa is our God. Sing wiiiiffff mee..." I am so happy to hear her sing my very favorite praise song with such 3 year old gusto, but despite the cuteness of it all, she is supposed to be napping . So I go in her room and tell her it is time to settle down and go to sleep. "Okay Mommy, but I have a question..." (Stall tactic #47 says to ask random questions.) "Mommy why is God GRAY?"