Feeling Insecure

Cupcake is not feeling so secure today. She's not sure we really love her. She's afraid of bad guys in vans taking her away. She's not sure the boundaries are in the same place they were yesterday. She's not sure they're the same minute by minute. You might pray for her little heart if you feel led....and for wisdom for us as her parents.

She had a few hours today where she was sort-of confident in our love. It was a beautiful, warm cloud-free day, so I took the girls up to the school playground for a short time.

We also went to a park yesterday....maybe pictures of that later.










Blessings to you,
Mamita

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

It hit me tonight...

At our Christmas Eve service...

The pastor was praying. He started with, "Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to be here tonight..."

And it hit me...

How thankful I am that He allowed US to be HERE tonight. All of my kids in the same country...in the same household...in the same pew. And the youngest one actually on my lap. The Christmas I've prayed for for so long. The daughter I've prayed over for so long. She's here. Thank You, Lord. Oh, thank You.

And the tears welled up.

And I thanked the Lord for all the other kids who are home this year.

And I prayed for those that are still waiting.

And I kissed my sweet baby's head and held her a little tighter.

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After church, we had dinner with Grandpa and Grandma. Cupcake was wired for sound. So here are some action shots. (Please excuse and ignore the mess in the background.) Did I mention that she has NO FEAR and she totally trusts me...

Enough with the pictures already, Mom!

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Random Fun

Sunshine and his "baby"...

Purple eye-shadow compliments of Salon de Cupcake...


Giving TE the what-for...

Playing possum...
See my braids?

Look at me taking a picture of you taking a picture of me...

Wild fun with Daddy...

My big girl...

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Congratulations to a Dear Friend!

Several months ago (like March), I asked for prayer for a little girl who has waited way too long to come home. I am thrilled to report that God has answered our prayers with a YES! Tomorrow morning, my friends E and D will go to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City with their son, J.J. and their new daughter N, and they will promise to be her parents forever.

After 3.5 years, countless prayers, and more tears than we can count, N is coming home!!!!

Congratulations E and D!!!! May God bless your family forevermore!

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Delinquent Blogger - Belated Thanksgiving

I am. Delinquent that is.

Sorry for the long silence. Things are just crazy busy around here. Christmas is coming, you know. :-)

Thanksgiving was nice. Quiet, peaceful and nice.

Cupcake celebrated 6 months home just before Thanksgiving. She's come SO FAR in 6 months! I am amazed at this child. 6 months ago, I never imagined we could ever ENTER Grandma's house, with all of her crystal and knick-knacks and breakables, let alone EAT on her china and sit at the table with so many delicate things nearby. But Cupcake has no problem being careful and keeping her hands off Grandma's pretties. Well, at least mostly. :-)

My heart just swells with thanksgiving for this little one. She is not defined by the bad in her life. She is defined by her vivacious spirit and tender heart. She loves life and she loves us.

Thank You, God, for bringing her to us. Thank You, Lord, for carrying us through the darkness. Thank You, Jesus, for each of my precious kiddos that I love insanely. Thank You for a husband that I am proud to stand beside. Thank You for in-laws that are kind-hearted. Thank You for my mom, who taught me unconditional love. Thank You for Jesus, Who rescued me from myself. In His name, Amen.





Blessings to you,
Mamita