Tallula

May 9, 2013

the answer

Today marks two years since we got the call about Esther's death. And my heart still aches for her. So much has happened since in those two years. So much I could have never anticipated nor imagined. At the time I simply couldn't see past my grief. I didn't want to see past my grief. Not a year. Not a month. Not even a day. But God. He carried me during that time, constantly reminding me of His love. He didn't give me the answers I so desperately sought. But He gently revealed to me that He was the Answer. Two years later I can look back … [Read more...]

10 Comments
Posted Under: Esther, my faith, Poppy, Tallula, Vivienne

April 23, 2013

one year with Tallula

A year. A whole, entire year. I looked back and reread few of my favorite posts from our China trip, because it's honestly hard for me to believe it's been that long since... Tallula day and Tallula day video. Getting to know a bit about Tallula. Taking pictures of Tallula in her Chinese silks on Shamian Island. And finally, on April 19th, arriving home with Tallula. I reread all I wrote describing her personality, likes and dislikes, and my general impressions about our newest little blessing. Turns out, I was right on. One thing about Tallula … [Read more...]

26 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, memory lane, Tallula

April 9, 2013

oh, the pink.

We had a little celebration the other night. Someone very special was turning three. And she requested everything in pink. Except the cake. That she wanted in yellow and white. And pink. Thankfully the local bakery had one all made up - white with pink and yellow flowers. Because mama can't do that. As her first birthday home with us - and despite the fact that we had just moved in days before - we tried to fulfill all her two-turning-three-year-old requests. We served pink Fanta soda. Pink ice cream. We found her a Cinderella dress in … [Read more...]

27 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, Tallula

March 14, 2013

ladybug

Tell me about your picture, Lula. "Sun right here." Pointing to, obviously, the sun. "And this ladybug. And this one. And this one." "And this one and this one." Evidently she drew more lady bugs than we can see here. "And this one you, mama." Why did you draw mama with the ladybugs, Lula? "'Cause the ladybugs go outside." Hmmmm. And so why did you draw mama with the ladybugs? "'Cause they go home. Um 'cause, um 'cause you want follow them, mama." Alrighty then. I think this is a good place to stop asking questions. Because ladybugs make … [Read more...]

22 Comments
Posted Under: Tallula

February 28, 2013

this is lula

She called for me today. Loudly, as usual. "Moooooooooooooooommyyyyyyyy!" And this is what I found. Bare butted. Her only covering - a self-selected, black and white knit flowered hat. On sideways. This is Lula. She knows what she likes. She makes no apologies. And lives life out loud. Sweet Lula. I do hope you won't always need to call me for help on the potty. And that you will eventually gain an affinity for clothing. But I hope and pray that you never ever lose your joyful, independent spirit. Home almost 11 months, and I'm … [Read more...]

9 Comments
Posted Under: Tallula

February 20, 2013

the stuff of childhood.

I mentioned the other day that my girls are kinda-sorta into being princesses. "Kinda-sorta" meaning they eat, sleep and breathe it. Thanks to some Tar-jay gift cards from a beloved Aunt and Uncle, they are now doing all of the above. While looking like Princesses. Meet Rapunzel and Cinderella. Who - for the last 3 days - have refused to take off their princess-y gowns. Even to sleep. If sticktoitiveness is a characteristic of being a princess, these girls are in. … [Read more...]

8 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Tallula

February 14, 2013

our littlest valentines

Really have no idea what Valentine's Day is all about yet. Because they're not interested in boys. Or cards. Or chocolates. Okay, maybe definitely, they dig the chocolates. But - even without the trappings of Valentine's Day - they are still learning what love is all about. From a daddy that loves them dearly. So much, in fact, that he is willing to sit and watch the entirety of Tangled with them. Again. Happy Valentine's Day, y'all. Hoping you are being loved in just the right way today. And every day. … [Read more...]

19 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Tallula, Vivienne

February 11, 2013

irresistible.

Dang, y'all. I am so excited. Because today, I get to introduce you guys - my orphan-loving, big-hearted friends - to something else that is close to my heart. The Cupcake Kids. If you've already heard about the Cupcake Kids, you know why I'm so smitten with what they do - and why they do it. If you've never heard of them... well, you must. And because I love them and I love y'all, I'm determined for y'all to meet. Fall in love. And make cupcakes together. To help make that happen, I've got a fun, and completely adorable, giveaway in store. 1. … [Read more...]

21 Comments
Posted Under: love others, Tallula

February 8, 2013

no, david.

No, David is a huge favorite with the littlest girls around here. Maybe it's because it makes them feel so splendidly obedient in comparison to David. Or maybe they just really dig a boy that can be so incredibly naughty. I sure hope the latter isn't the case. Anyway, the girls ask to read these books all the time. When Tori was here she read the entire series of David Shannon books to Tallula and Poppy almost daily. And, eventually, the girls began "reading" themselves. Yesterday afternoon I found both girls in Vivienne's bed, with hair freshly coiffed by … [Read more...]

22 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Tallula, videos

February 6, 2013

fit for a princess

On Wednesday mornings, Chris goes to a men's Bible study. Where they eat donuts. Evidently, all the guys there think we need the donuts more than anyone. Because Chris always has a box full in hand when he comes home. Doggoneit. This morning, I surprised the girls when they woke up with donuts. On their new pink dishes - some pink Fiestaware I scored at the Goodwill. I found a set of 8 cups and saucers. For $15. But don't tell them. They're convinced these are princess dishes. Because they are pretty much all about princesses these … [Read more...]

22 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Tallula, Vivienne