I am a tad bit embarrased that I am just blogging about Ainsley's volleyball season now..  Good grief they started practicing in December!  She is playing club season for Chanhassen, and she made the 13-1's team!  They are coached by the same coach she had last year, which has been fun for all of them!  Coach Scott has learned a lot about patience managing eight 13 year old girls!!!!  Not an easy job for anyone..   They have had a season full of growth, life lessons, and great moments!  This is a talented group of 8 girls!  I have had the fun job of being their "team Mom" which I have loved!

Like all sports, it's been a season of high's and lows.  Their high's have been a lot of fun for this super fan!  When these girls are great, they are great!!  I love the parents on this team too.  We make quite the gallery when we are all together cheering them on!  Ainsley has improved so much this season.  We love watching her help her team!  Their final match is on May 31st.  Hopefully this group will stay together next year!  They have tons of potential!

Here is a recap in pictures of the 13-1's Season so far!!

First Weekend of Pool  Play at Ralia in Maple Grove

13-1's Ready For Their First Tournament of the Season in Rosemount!

Mom and Daughter Brunch to Kick off the President's Day Tourney in February!

Sometimes you have to get away on vacation with your husband to catch up on life!  Jeff and I are on our way to Hawaii for a little fun get-a-way, and I am trying to catch up on blogging, and a few other things on the plane!  Thankful for internet at 10,000+ feet!!!!  Just testing with a sweet photo of Mr. Handsome and Ruby!   These two have the sweetest relationship!  As, I said before, she had him at "NiHao!"

On Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 Jeff and I were in the Jiangxi Province of China getting ready to meet the little raven haired beauty that God had chosen for our family.  Her name was Yue Meng Ru.  We lovingly refer to that day in our family as "Ruby Tuesday."  The memories I have of that day will forever be etched on my heart.  She was, and is, incredible...  I remember stepping off the elevator of the Nanchang Civil Affairs Office with my heart pounding..  We entered into a crowded room of families and babies..  All of us there for one reason..  To become a forever family for one that some would have called, "The Least Of These.."  It was a profound moment.  One I am honored to have be part of my story..  Our story....
We found "Her Rubiness" that day in a sea of crying babies.  In her hair were two clips, that said "love love."  Avery personal sign that she was truly hand picked to be ours.  You see, that was a phrase Jeff and I had used to sign off with each other for years...  In that hot, crowded room, our hearts were forever changed when our daughter was placed in my arms.  She took my breath away..  Her furrowed brow, and crocodile tears broke our hearts.  They still do today when she is sad.  We saw a tiny glimpse of the sweet and sensitive little girl that we have been trusted with.  She had us both at "NiHao!"   It was the beginning of our forever with Ruby Mei.  She stirred something in us that day..  She taught us that love truly has no boundaries..  She taught us what trust and love can do.  In one single moment, Ruby was an orphan no more..  And, Jeff and I would never be the same..   A blessing that I hope each and everyone of you can experience in some way in your lives.  Stepping out of your comfort zone results in blessings beyond what you could ever pray for!

I am not sure why God called Jeff and I to adoption.  Specifically to China.  But, pieces of the beautiful picture are clear to me.  I am thankful for the way He has used our journey's, especially this first one to stir others to step out in faith too.  We have been stretched and blessed, stretched and blessed over and over again.  The sweetest moments in life happen when we live by faith.

Today I give thanks for one very special little girl.  She is not only beautiful on the outside, but she is tender, loving, caring, and precious on the inside too...  She is sensitive, smart, and so so gifted.  My prayer for Ruby will always be that she walks in the truth, and touches those around her..  That she too steps out in faith with her choices.  Ruby did not choose the path created for her.  God did..  In that, there is peace in knowing that He has a plan for her.  My job, our job, is to guide her along the way!
What an amazing privilege that is!

We love you "Her Rubiness!"  Happy 7 Years of Forever!


Love,
Your Blessed Mama

March is the second busiest month for celebrations at our house.  It's the month Sienna became part of our family in China, the month we received our referral for Ruby, and it's my Dad's birthday!  We celebrate all of these within 5 days of each other!!

March kicks off with the anniversary of meeting Sienna Grace on March 1, 2010.  Every year I feel like I celebrate how well she is doing.  Her health continues to be a miracle for our beautiful girl..  She has remained transfusion free since September 2010!  It's really amazing!  Other than a quick flu bug this winter, she has been so healthy!  We are grateful!  Second grade has been the year of confidence for Sienna.  I feel like she is really blossoming.  Ruby continues to provide a degree of comfort for her at school.  It's a remarkable relationship!  She's swimming and dancing this year.  I love watching her do both!  We are thankful for the most patient and loving teacher a child could ever have. With Mrs. Gullman's help, Sienna's reading has improved dramatically.  We are so thankful for this special teacher!  We are seeing our girl shine in art..  She definitely has a gift here...  Overall, I have seen our "Spicy Girl" from Hunan thrive.  It's a blessing to be a part of her story.  When I really think of the magnitude of what she has accomplished in four years, it's astounding!  Our tough and tender girl is a sweet and spicy blessing!