February 16, 2012

joy

necklace-2

I was so very excited to get this back. My most favorite piece of jewelry. Heck, one of my most favorite things... period. But I was also incredibly nervous. When I received the new charm for my necklace for my birthday last year, I knew it would include the name of our newest little bug, Miss Tallula. But I wasn't quite sure if it should include Esther's name as well. I considered having a different necklace made just for Esther. But I just couldn't decide. So, I waited. And waited. But an answer did not come. Finally, I was determined … [Read more...]

20 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, Tallula, things I love
December 31, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {my favorites of 2011}

favesof2011-9

Here are my favorite photos of 2011. In chronological order. 1. Sophie Lu in her silks at Chinese New Year. 2. Vivienne loving the snow. 3. Asher, growing up. I thought he seemed big in this picture but man, has he grown since then. 4. Remembering - and missing - Esther. 5. Chris at his fini flight getting soaked. Much to his children's delight. 6. Father and daughter. And kite. 7. Me and my girls on our last trip to our favorite spot in New England. 8. Poppy and the Red Couch. 9. Zach at Starbucks. In China. … [Read more...]

13 Comments
Posted Under: a-bone, Esther, Jude, photography, Poppy, Shepherd, Sophie, Sunday Snapshot, Victoria, Vivienne, Zach
October 11, 2011

a reminder

esther-3

I miss you, Esther. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. And wish that you were here. My sweet friend Kim sent me a precious little reminder of you. That looks like you. With a verse that reminds me of you. That I can squeeze when I am missing you. Thanks, Kim, for making this mama smile and cry at the same time. … [Read more...]

15 Comments
Posted Under: Esther
August 12, 2011

celebrating Esther

solovedround

… [Read more...]

6 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, giveaways, wild olive
July 31, 2011

Esther’s day

esther six month

Today I am filled with thoughts of Esther. You see, today is her birthday. She would be turning two. As y'all know, we were so blessed to receive a package from Esther's orphanage after her death. We had requested to receive any of her things and were completely amazed when, one month later, we received a box containing many of her precious belongings. Enclosed also were her Half the Sky reports... filled with pictures of Esther we had never seen before. And stories of her daily life at the orphanage. Through these, we fell in love with our girl even … [Read more...]

38 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, Esther
June 25, 2011

an answer

SoLoved-1770

A lot of y'all have asked me about So Loved. Wondering if there would be any more. That you had a friend, a daughter, or someone special in mind for one. And I didn't answer. But it's only because I didn't have an answer. Honestly, it was never our intention to use So Loved beyond our fundraising efforts. But God's plans aren't our plans, are they? Esther passed away and well... everything changed. And when y'all started asking, we started wondering if maybe we could do something, to honor Esther, with So Loved. If maybe we should do … [Read more...]

12 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, so loved
June 9, 2011

speechless

We received an unexpected package the other day. Seems a traveling family brought back a package from China. For us. From Esther's orphanage. Right after Esther passed we requested to have some of her things. Anything, really. I wasn't even sure what to ask for because I honestly doubted that they would - or even could - honor our request. But I knew I had to ask. Fast forward almost a month. No word or acknowledgement of our request. Then a box arrived. I opened it. And I was speechless. The faded yellow top and pink pants she was wearing … [Read more...]

80 Comments
Posted Under: Esther
May 25, 2011

bittersweet

SoLoved-1779

When we got the phone call about Esther, time seemed to stand still. It was like I was moving in slow motion. Everything around me seemed to have shifted somehow. And in many ways, it still does. But that's okay. I don't want to be the same. I want to be changed. By having loved Esther. And by continuing to love her. Today, new So Loved tees are being printed up. Over 300 of them. And while the thought of having to pack these up and send them out made me cringe in those first few days after Esther's passing, I feel differently now. To … [Read more...]

25 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, so loved
May 21, 2011

thank you

Poppy-Esther blankets-0614

... Amanda. The blankets for Poppy and Esther are just beautiful. I will definitely be taking Poppy's to China. And Esther's? I'll definitely be snuggling up with. Tonight. And to y'all who have prayed for us, lifted us up during this time, and reached out to us - by card, comment or FB post - thank you. I have read each one and been so encouraged, so wrapped in your love and support. Thank you. … [Read more...]

12 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, love others, Poppy
May 15, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Esther}

Esther - first glimpse

My first glimpse of Esther. But her name was Ava. Our agency had given her that name on their photolisting. I have always loved the name Ava, but it was that face. Those eyes. Those pouty lips. She stayed with me. I have shared our story to Esther. It was admittedly hard to write, but I really, really wanted to remember everything God had done to bring her home. And I am so glad I wrote it out so carefully. My goal in being so diligent was to bring glory to God and all He had done. And now having it, while it will always remind me of God showing … [Read more...]

38 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, Sunday Snapshot