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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

UPDATE FROM RAINY TN

MAGGIE UPDATE ... WE WILL GOING FOR BLOOD WORK AND TB TEST TOMORROW ... HER CHEST X-RAY WAS NORMAL ... SHE IS SLEEPING OK, BUT CAN'T GET THIS STRONG WILLED CHILD TO BED BEFORE 11:30 (PERHAPS LILY AND HER ARE SISTERS ...LOL) ...

Fun time with Lydia Chapman last week ... I can't believe I am posting this picture w/me in it ... Still in PJs ... lol ... Don't you love Emily's panty shot ... Her smile makes my day ... Emily is my LIGHT ...and yes, Mags is in about 3 swimsuits again ...

You know what they say ... A family that works out together, gets more laughs ... Jeremiah and I try to do our sit ups together each night and the other three have decided to join in ... HILARIOUS ...

This is Elijah's first year to play basketball ... He makes everything fun ... The smile on the his face as he runs down the court looking at me is priceless ... I am so proud of how he is doing ... He has informed us he wants to try swim team next ...He is my JOY ...

Can you believe he is only 9 (3rd grade) ... My Jeremiah has changed me forever ... I will never forget the first time I ever saw him, I was instantly changed ... He has the kindest heart and can he ever play basketball ... You might want to get his autograph right now ... LOL ... His little team that is made up of 3rd/4th grade boys has never been beaten by a team their own age ...I need to brag a minute ... He scored 18 points on Saturday (2 threes) ... He is my HEART ...

My little stinker wouldn't smile for the camera, but I promised Kim a picture of this adorable dress she sent Maggie ... We were a huge hit at church ...Maggie is my HOPE ..


OK, so did everyone get the symbols of the kids (heart, joy,light, and hope) ... As I pray about our future and how God will add to our family He has brought to me that Joseph will be my STRENGTH and Abagail will be my PEACE ... Just thought I would share that with you all ... And no we have no plans on a next adoption ... We are focused on helping Maggie settle in and her surgeries, but we are praying for these two children each day ...

Please Pray for Crystal (my SIL) as we wait for the paper for Savannah-Hope ... Pray for Verna's travel and sweet Noah ...

Last but certainly not least ... Over the last month I have had two friends who have received nasty comments on their blog, so I have to say, "We create blogs to find kindred spirits, to stay in touch with friends/family, and journey along life with people ... If you are not one of those people please do not stop by ...Your life must be empty and perhaps we should add you to our prayer list, because I have found the most amazing people here and staying connected to my China family is of the utmost importance to me and your opinion and mean words are not needed."

LOVE YOU ALL !!!

32 kind words.:

Laura said...

Thanks for the update! I check everyday to see if there's anything new with you guys. Will be praying that all goes well with Maggie tomorrow. Glad to hear that she is sleeping, even if it's a late bedtime!!

Love all the pictures! The girls sometimes want to do Taebo with me - hilarious!!!! With those kicks and punches it's dangerous to walk in the room!!

Your family is so precious and so beautiful! I love how you have symbols for each of them - yes - I caught that as you were talking about each one. You've mentioned before that you have different symbols for them, so I did pick up on that pretty quickly.

Please know that I check on your blog daily and read every post you make, even though sometimes I don't comment. I'm always thinking about you! Miss our LONG walks and talks (and getting stuck in thunderstorms with strollers and babies!!!!!).

~Amy~ said...

AMEN to that last paragraph! It looks like everyone is doing well! Mags in her 3 swimsuits...priceless! I'll be praying for your family like always...

HUGS!!!

(Jesus Calling = AMAZING!!!)

Inga said...

Your family is just precious. I stop by everyday to see if there is something. Even thought I have not adopted yet, I know its in my future hopefully . . . I am glad to see "hope" in little Maggie. I hope that I will be as blessed as you and the rest of your blogger world, because I stop by those as well.

Musings from Kim K. said...

What a sweet post and I love all the latest pictures. I enjoy your blog so much and get such joy reading about your family's latest updates. Maggie continues to be in my prayers.

Hugs and blessings to you, Gwen.

Love,
Kim K.

PS. We should be getting our TA next week and we can finally go get our sweet Josie.

Anonymous said...

Hi this is Connie at CPA. I check regularly but have never commented before now. I really appreciate you and your testimony. I love reading about how things are going and pray for you and your family regularly. Remember that when we shed light on things, the darkness must run and hide. The light exposes darkness, so when mean remarks are made, we just pour on more LIGHT OF THE WORLD! You go, girl!

PS. I've read the back of the book, and JESUS WINS! Yippee!

Denise C said...

Gwen,
I just emailed you....had no idea you had a new post for us!!! Yay!!!

Oh, this is so sweet, Gwen! I love the perfect symbols you have for each of your precious gifts from God...and for the future gifts! I instantly thought of the Lifeway candle holder that was out at Christmas ....as I read each of the words for your babies! Do you have one....if not...I bought an extra one...and I'd love to give it to YOU....let me know!!! I'll send it right down to you! FAITH HOPE LOVE JOY...are on each side and the candle goes in the center... I have one in my kitchen...and Chelsi likes to turn it around to show the word for what she wants our day to represent or for what she is feeling in her heart at that moment!

Maggie looks amazing! So content and happy! God is so good!!! All 4 of your little angels are precious!!

I totally agree with you regarding the mean anonymous comments....I disabled "Anonymous Comments" after seeing the stuff on Stef's blog! Really sad that people make the choice to be so mean-spirited! I agree that we need to pray for them!

Hugs & Love to you my sweet friend!!!
Denise

LaLa said...

So glad all is going well. I guess Annslee can join Maggie & Lily in the nightowl club : ( Love the symbols each of your children represent. You are an amazing Mommy and they will grow in grace and wisdom under your care.

AMEN on the hurtful remarks...why don't people just move on if they have nothing good to say!

Are we still on for Sunday?

Anonymous said...

Hi Gwen,
Pics are great!! Love Mags in the suits and boots!! She has style!:)
Sleep is going better for her so that's a plus. How is Emily doing? And the boys with all of the adjustments? Still praying that everything is smoothing out and you are getting rest.
I purchased Jesus Calling and love it. Then bought 6 more for my sis and friends. Hoping to go back for more!!

Have a great day, Gwen!

Anonymous said...

Girlie,
I think you need to get some of the proceeds for promoting this book (LOL) but I know it is completely selfless. How it has touched so many peoples lives so far. I know I am dependent on it now to center and balance me for that day. Thanks for
my gift.
That Mags and her multiple layers love her. Can't wait to see them all again.
Love ya Happy Valentines day early
Hope you are getting some sleep.
Aunt KIKI

Kim said...

I love your pictures! I know I say this everytime!! But I really DO!! =] Things sound like they are going pretty good with you all! I am so happy for you guys! Maggie looks so happy to be part of your family!
I love the symbol of your kids! What a neat idea and how they fit each of the kids perfectly for you! =]
Tell your friends that recieved the rude comments that, that's satan using those people to hurt their sweet spirit. Just delete their comments and move forward the way that God is leading them and to listen to those who love them and encourage them!! =]
Your family is so beautiful!! We need to get together sometime soon! =]
Continually praying,
Kim

Ashton said...

Too Cute!! I love the pictures! Thanks for the comment on my blog!
:o)

Kim said...

First of all~ THANK YOU ... I LOVE the picture of Maggie in her dress....SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! Looks like she will be able to wear it for awhile...
Glad Maggie is doing well...
Love little Emily's smile...
Elijah looks so little and cute out on the floor..
And Jeremiah~ well I would have to say that I LOVE BASKETBALL TOO!!!! THat was my sport all through High-school.. then god had other plans.. like Nicholas...
Sounds like everything is going well..
Love the updates.. and I will always come and give you all the GREAT Comments in the world.. This is my strength on this long journey to Isabella.. and if it wasn't for the blogs , I would have never met such WONDERFUL ladies ~ such as you..
Hugs to you..

KT said...

Gwen
I will be praying for you and Maggie as you do bloodwork and TB testing. I will pray for a good nurse!
We'll also be praying for your entire families rest at night.
Katie Jo

John & Michelle said...

As always, you encourage and uplift me! I have laughed and cried while reading your blog and also check in everyday! I thank you for sharing so much and for helping me to tolerate the long wait for our daughter!
~Michelle
still praying for you all!

Nikki said...

Sooooo good to see some pics of everyone - missin' you all so much! Everybody looks fabulous - and you are still a glam girl even in your jammies or your workout clothes! Let us know how things go with Maggie tomorrow...
I, of course, LOVE all of the symbols that represent your kiddos and will start to join you in prayer for your STRENGTH and your PEACE!
LOVE YOU!!!!
XOXO
(and I am SO with you on the nasty commenters - what is UP with that? )

Kathi said...

i'm checking in more, also. i'm sorry about your friends having nasty comments left on their blogs. i know this is an empty prayer, but i thank god everyday that we have such things as blogs.

Beckyb said...

LOVE The sit ups pic!! That is TOO fun!!! Still praying for you daily!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

What gorgeous kids and seems you have such a FUN family... take care

Anonymous said...

Hello Gwen,

Sounds like things are settling in around your home and I am hoping with each day that your family continues to gain beautiful strength!! Maggie looks amazing, I am sorry she has to go through the rigor of all these tests and yet, as you know, these little ones who wait in China and all hurting countries benefit by going through the blood work and other tests in order to give them the best "new" beginning possible...I praise God, and you all, who He is working through each time I pop onto your blog...the "new" beginning you all have given your sweet daughter, Maggie, is amazing. I will hold her in prayer tomorrow and hope to hear great news on all the tests.

Thank you for the sharing of Jesus Calling...I received my devotional in the mail from Lifeway and look forward to my "time" and flipping through the days to see what tomorrow brings...I'm a bit behind in the devotional but eager to catch up...I'm always amazed such little, tiny books carry such amazing Strength.

Be Blessed,
Diane...Mama to Joe, Jen, Jana Mei, Jadyn Hua and JOY Hua:)

Anonymous said...

Hello Gwen,

Sounds like things are settling in around your home and I am hoping with each day that your family continues to gain beautiful strength!! Maggie looks amazing, I am sorry she has to go through the rigor of all these tests and yet, as you know, these little ones who wait in China and all hurting countries benefit by going through the blood work and other tests in order to give them the best "new" beginning possible...I praise God, and you all, who He is working through each time I pop onto your blog...the "new" beginning you all have given your sweet daughter, Maggie, is amazing. I will hold her in prayer tomorrow and hope to hear great news on all the tests.

Thank you for the sharing of Jesus Calling...I received my devotional in the mail from Lifeway and look forward to my "time" and flipping through the days to see what tomorrow brings...I'm a bit behind in the devotional but eager to catch up...I'm always amazed such little, tiny books carry such amazing Strength.

Be Blessed,
Diane...Mama to Joe, Jen, Jana Mei, Jadyn Hua and JOY Hua:)

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the ditto posts...not sure how that happened:(

This is why my family has NO blog...I'm pretty clueless when it comes to the "puter"....

Diane....again!!!

nicole said...

I just looked up the name meanings of Joseph and Abagail. I am praying for them too!!!

love,
nicole

Name: Joseph Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God shall add (another son)

"In the Old Testament Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob. Because he was the favorite of his father, his older brothers sent him to Egypt and told their father that he had died. In Egypt, Joseph became an advisor to the pharaoh, and was eventually reconciled with his brothers when they came to Egypt during a famine."
... are you thinking of adopting him from Africa by any chance? (just thought of it with the story about egypt.)

"The name Abigail comes from the Hebrew origin. In Hebrew The meaning of the name Abigail is: Father rejoiced, or father's joy. Gives joy."

Jewels of My Heart said...

You can't help it honey.... you are BEAUTIFUL! Inside and out! Love all of the pics. Your babies are beauitful.
How comforting to have received a word from the Lord about your Joseph and Abigail.... now you can rest in it.... for as you look at your precious daughters you know, His timing is perfect.
You are all in my prayers.
Please know I am here for you friend if I can ever do anything at all.
God's Peace, healing and sweet dreams.
Love,
Daleea

Laura Nipper said...

So nice to read an update on your beautiful family. The pictures are to cute. Glad the boys are doing great in Basketball and Maggie is sleeping better a night even if it is not until 11:30 at night. We have couple of night owls around her to. :)

Janeen Jordan said...

One of these days when some crazy lady comes at you and hugs the snot out of you at FBC - it's me! lol Ok, maybe that sounded stalker-ish? LOL Seriously though, since finding your blog, I check in often, but don't often get a chance to comment. Maggie is on the top of my prayer list and is a constant reminder to me to check your blog for progress - I praise God for all the hurdles she is overcoming and the many more she will overcome.
As for the ugly comments, it is truly sad that there are some out there who live for hurting others. Having a public blog, we are all open to it and will more than likely experience it - all I can say is God is a big ole God and you just don't mess with His kids. :O)

Thomas bunch said...

Coach G, you inspire me to be a better wife and mom everytime I read your blog...obviously these people don't know who they are dealing with when they leave unkind comments on your friends pages...too bad you can't make them run;)

Jodee said...

Cute pictures!

mommy24treasures said...

You are so right about the hurtful things, I just truly don't understand why the people are even reading a blog of someone that bugs them that much? Makes no sense, but I am not going to let it deter me from loving my blog buddies, just as you said I have found so many kindred souls. My life is so much richer knowig them in cyber world.
Maggie is hilarious with all those suits on :):) Brings a big smile over here. I can't wait to see some pics of her swimming this summer! You will probably never get them off of her then.

Love seeing all of your blessings and hearing that all is well.
Love the slide show! I posted about my personal story of being adopted last week, and yes all of the things on your list are so true.
Thanks for all the posts! Brightened my day :)

Steffie B. said...

Can't wait to see "All" of you.....we are packing tonight! ;)

jennifer said...

What a beautiful post! I love the picture of the sit ups. Too funny!

Heather said...

It's so amazing to visit here - you never cease to touch my world, challenge my spirit and bring a smile to my heart. Love the pics of the exercising, from this momma who has gained fifteen pounds this year, it prompts me to get the kids involved and get this blasted weight off!

Your family is beautiful. So cute your little one in the swimsuits...makes me long for summer!

Thanks for sharing pieces of your world with us. Always praying for your precious family.

Heather

redmaryjanes said...

It sounds like life is getting back to normal. You have a beautiful family. I love hearing what each child nurtures in you.

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