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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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    • Sunday Snapshot

Sunday Snapshot: {Sundays}

When I started Sunday Snapshot, it’s whole purpose was to create a way for me to remember.

Remember my kids.

Remember our life.

All of it. Down to the littlest details.


And Sundays at our house are something I don’t want to forget.

It’s my favorite day of the week.


Sundays aren’t remarkable for how they start,


What we wear,


How we get where we’re going,


Or even necessarily where we’re going.


They’re special because of how they are spent.

Sunday is the one day a week that is especially devoted to our family.

And taking time to consider all the ways in which we’ve been blessed.


Blessings like our church.

And Clifford the Dog, who breaks the ice at the Kid Zone. No, Vivi doesn’t go to the Kid Zone yet.

That’s why she still loves Clifford.


On Sundays we’re grateful for food.

Especially food that Jude will eat.

That everyone will eat.


Even if it’s artery clogging.

Because I doesn’t have to prepare it. And Chris doesn’t have to clean it up.


We’re grateful for the resources to run over to Target for dog food.

And dish detergent.

And a new mouse (because someone very cute but very naughty cut the cord on my former mouse).


We’re grateful for fresh air and beautiful weather.

And time spent outside.


Some of us even relish an opportunity to try to run over a sitting duck sibling.

Or, a chance to protest the retaliation of said sitting duck sibling.


Whatever we do, we just try to be still on Sundays.

No agenda.

No schedule.


This Sunday we missed baseball practice because it interfered with going to church.

So we played a few innings in the back yard.


Vivi sang the National Anthem.


As the pitcher, I must admit to spending more time hugging the outfielder than catching any balls.

Because my jeans were too tight. But on Sundays I don’t worry about things like that. That’s saved for Mondays.


Even getting clean is more enjoyable on Sundays.

No rushing.


No where we have to be.

Lots of time for tickle bugs,


puzzles,


noodles,


popsicles,


and a favorite video, snuggled up on the couch.


And then, time for bed.

But first, the devotional. If we ever forget, the kids always remember.

Especially Sophie.


Three pairs of boots and bars.

Three kiddos with corrected clubfoot.


All laughing at daddy.


Then one by one, goodnight kisses and hugs for all our littlest blessings.

Isabelle, irritated at me because her birthday is still six weeks away. And at bedtime, she can think of nothing but the pink bike with the bell on her wish list.


Sophie, all smiles and snuggled with her favorite stuffed kitty.


Vivienne, getting into her sister’s stuff.

And pretending like she’s certainly awake enough to say up with Mom and Dad to watch Survivor.


Shepherd with his “guys”.

He doesn’t call them his “babies” anymore. They’re “guys” now. And don’t you forget it.


And Jude with his beloved pillow.

All tucked in.

Safe and sound.

So much to be grateful for. I’m so glad we take Sundays to slow down and savor it all.

Sundays rock. Even when my jeans are too tight.

*****************************

If you’re participating this week, try to leave a few comments for the other participants. After all, this is a fun way to get to know each other, so be sure to share the love ๐Ÿ™‚

It’s easy to join… just copy the code under the Sunday Snapshot button and paste it into the body of your Sunday Snapshot post where you’d like the button to be displayed. Once you hit ‘publish’ it should show up just fine ๐Ÿ™‚

Then add your link below.

To do this, go to your blog. Click on the title of your new Sunday Snapshot post. The new url in your browser window will be a direct link to your Sunday Snapshot post. Copy that url and paste it into the inLinkz window below. If it’s just a general link to your blog, I’ll have to remove it. And I hate that.

Feel free to link up on Monday if you’re too busy on Sunday. I’ll leave the inlinkz open through Monday night… because I know some folks who like to link up a little late ๐Ÿ™‚

New to Sunday Snapshot? Click here to learn more.

Ni Hao Y'all


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05.17.10 · family, Sunday Snapshot 32

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    May 17, 2010 at 5:28 PM

    well worth waiting for…so darling, so inciteful, so TRUE!! thanks for sharing your life with us…

    Reply
  2. Denise says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:01 PM

    Oh man, now I need to capture on of our Sundays…great idea…I love it!!

    Reply
  3. Nicole says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    First ,I have to say your family is just beautiful! I wondered if you can help us. I know you are aware of the Greig's daughter ,Mckenna, passing away while they were waiting on their TA. Through this amazing momma's grief she has formed a blog in memory of Mckenna. Is there a way that you can post the link to the new blog on No Hands. Nikki is determined to make a difference in the lives of the children who wait for forever families. The fact that Mckenna left us knowing the love of a foster family has brought comfort to the Greig's.
    Thank you,
    Nicole

    Reply
  4. Amie says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:30 PM

    LOVE.this.post.

    ๐Ÿ™‚
    Amie

    Reply
  5. Dardi says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:34 PM

    Love the moments where there's no staging necessary…I think I miss a lot of those! Thanks for sharing the extraordinary beauty of ordinary moments!!

    Reply
  6. Kim says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:37 PM

    I love it! And I love the kids standing along the bed in their braces. So sweet all laughing at their daddy ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Patricia/NYC says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:40 PM

    My all.time.favorite. Sunday snapshot of yours!!
    LOVE it!!!

    Reply
  8. Monica says

    May 17, 2010 at 7:27 PM

    What a great Sunday Snapshot! I'm all choked up and teary. Your kids are beautiful, and I feel like I know you, know your heart, experience so many of the same feelings as you with my own family (even the tight pants, unfortunately!). Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your life.
    Blessings,
    Monica

    Reply
  9. Robin says

    May 17, 2010 at 8:14 PM

    Sounds like the perfect Sunday!!

    Blessings,
    Robin

    Reply
  10. Rebecca says

    May 17, 2010 at 8:25 PM

    Thank you for sharing your Sunday. What a beautiful post for your children to read over and over again…wonderfully illustrated too!

    Reply
  11. Colin and Jill Canada says

    May 17, 2010 at 8:43 PM

    Beautiful.

    I love Sunday, the Lord's Day. And you and your family sure know how to enjoy it!

    These are memories you never want to forget, great Sunday Snapshot!

    Jill

    Reply
  12. Sophie says

    May 17, 2010 at 9:10 PM

    What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday, creating fond memories for your children to cherish. You have such a gorgeous bunch Stephanie, with so many little one's I'm sure there is never any down time. God bless them.

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    May 17, 2010 at 9:54 PM

    Always love your posts–as a waiting parent you always give me something to smile about! Thank you for sharing your family with all of us!

    Reply
  14. Jen says

    May 17, 2010 at 10:14 PM

    We have similar Sundays…and I love the more relaxed pace that comes with family time. Loved all your photos and comments – it really gives us a glimpse into everyone's personality.

    Reply
  15. *Overflowing* says

    May 17, 2010 at 11:55 PM

    I just love your posts..they always bring a smile to my face!!! Hugs, stacy

    Reply
  16. Rachel says

    May 18, 2010 at 12:01 AM

    I LOVE this post & I just may steal this idea for my Sunday Snapshot next time:) If you don't mind, of course.

    You have a beautiful family!

    Reply
  17. Amy Lynn says

    May 18, 2010 at 12:46 AM

    Hi! I found your blog through a friend today and I just wanted to say that I was instantly smitten with your family! I have spent the better part of my day going back through your old posts and showing my husband the fun pictures of your beautiful children!

    Anyway! I just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. My name is Amy Lynn and I am a stay at home mom who will be coming back very frequently to keep up with you and your family! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  18. mamatree says

    May 18, 2010 at 1:46 AM

    Thank you for this post! I love the picture of the three of them! That just made me tear up. WOW!!! It's more beautiful beyond words.

    Reply
  19. Tina Michelle says

    May 18, 2010 at 2:05 AM

    Aww, wonderful post!! I have to say I am super jealous! You see, I have to work 8 hours on Sundays so Sundays are so not that sweet for us. Granted, I get to work while they sit beside me, stopping every so often to engage them and then I get an hour off to cuddle them and put them to bed but no where near the fun you get to have! Tis the way life is for now so I will live through Sundays on your blog!

    Reply
  20. Aus says

    May 18, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    Really great work Stef – very much worth waiting for – considering the 17th was a monday….ya'll just keep up with your Sunday ritual – the paybacks on that will be oh so worth it….

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  21. Wife of the Pres. says

    May 18, 2010 at 12:08 PM

    This post just brought a big smile to my face!

    I didn't get my Sunday Snapshot done this week. I have an idea for next week though. I do love your SS posts even when I forget to link up! You do rock!!!

    What is the deal with jeans anyway? I just finally broke down and bought some b/c the others were almost ripped all the way around the knee. They are either falling off at the waist and too tight across the rumpus or the opposite. UGH!

    OK, I have to say S has that same microphone in a different shade. Admit it though Stefanie, you have used it yourself right? It is fun!!!

    OH and I love reading your blog for many reasons, but one is that you admit to going to McD's. Us too. *hugs*

    Reply
  22. Heather Thompson says

    May 18, 2010 at 2:52 PM

    I think this might be one of my favorite Sunday Snapshots of yours. ever! Your photos are always beautiful but this post seemed, I don't know, more like my ordinary life. I hope that makes sense! We feel the same way about Sundays here and I loved just feeling like you were sharing special everyday moments with your beautiful family. We are both so very blessed!

    Reply
  23. Kim says

    May 18, 2010 at 3:18 PM

    My favorite day too.
    Thanks for inviting us in. These photos are priceless and reflect a house filled with joy and love!
    Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
    Kim

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    May 18, 2010 at 4:37 PM

    HI STEPHANIE,
    I'VE NEVER POSTED BEFORE, BUT I DO READ YOUR BLOG OFTEN. YOUR CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL. I, TOO, HAVE BIO CHILDREN AND HAVE ADOPTED FROM CHINA. WE ARE ADOPTING AGAIN AND ON FRIDAY, I LEAVE FOR CHINA TO BRING HOME MY DAUGHTER. SHE IS GOING TO BE 2 IN JUNE. SHE IS A SN ADOPTION. (DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS) I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT ISSUES SHE MAY HAVE AND I'M A BIT OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTION RIGHT NOW. MY HUSBAND IS STAYING HOME WITH THE KIDS AND I'M GOING WITH MY SISTER. PLEASE PRAY FOR US… FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO IS BEING PULLED AWAY FROM EVERYTHING SHE HAS EVER KNOWN, FOR MY 3 OTHER CHILDREN WHO WILL BE AWAY FROM ME FOR 2 WEEKS ,FOR MY HUSBAND WHO HAS TO KEEP THE FORT RUNNING WHILE I'M GONE , FOR ME TO KEEP IT ALL TOGETHER AND MOST OF ALL, FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY JOURNEY. THANK YOU.
    STAR

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    May 18, 2010 at 4:50 PM

    STEFANIE …. I'M SOOO SORRY I SPELLED YOUR NAME WRONG I WASN'T THINKING. TAKE CARE,
    STAR

    Reply
  26. One Happy Momma says

    May 18, 2010 at 6:18 PM

    Stefanie –

    That's why I love blogging and reading everyone's! It is such a neat way not only to remember our kids but a great way for others to follow along and enjoy. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Stefanie I can't find your email address and I need to ask you (if you know) how to make the grab buttons?

    If you could please email me at: minnie.goofy@comcast.net

    Thank you so much!

    Blessings –

    Cathy

    Reply
  27. Ellie says

    May 18, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    Your families joy and love are so obvious in this post. Thanks for sharing your lives!!! and your cuteness ๐Ÿ™‚ (and the fact that your jeans are tight, 'cause that makes you real!)

    ps why do they have kids sports on Sundays?? not good.

    Reply
  28. Daisy Dreams says

    May 18, 2010 at 10:46 PM

    Love this snapshot!! And I love how green it is there (as I look out my window at all the brown surrounding me!).

    Reply
  29. Lost and Found says

    May 19, 2010 at 12:23 AM

    LOVE LOVE this. I only have one pair of jeans left which haven't popped a button off. Such happy kiddos.

    Reply
  30. Jewels of My Heart says

    May 19, 2010 at 3:10 AM

    a lovely day indeed……..
    thank you for sharing your special family day…
    you all are beautiful…..

    Thank you also for my Wild Olive Tee! I love it!
    Thank YOU Jesus for I am redeemed!

    Reply
  31. Chris says

    May 19, 2010 at 6:17 PM

    I love this 'Snapshot'!!
    And I love Sundays!!!

    ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  32. Sam says

    May 20, 2010 at 11:29 AM

    I loved this post. It is so good to see what a "normal" day is like in your home.
    Sam

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
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penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
sophie - 2006
isabelle - 2005

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