Coming up on 5 years

I know I don't post a lot but for those of you that are reading thank you! I can't believe we are coming up on 5 years. Ella who is now 10 has brightened my life so much it brings happy tears to my eyes. I just can't even fathom life without her. She is everything and so much more that I dreamed of in a daughter. She has such a love for life and a love for those around her. She continues to have this contagious quality where people are drawn to her. She has the ability to reach in and grab hold of your heart.
Christmas time has always been my favorite holiday and even more so now with Ella's excitement for everything Christmas. I have shared before about a question I often get...."Why did you adopt?" I felt the calling to be the mom to a little girl that was born in my heart. Growing up, I was the middle child and often struggled for attention from my mom. I always craved that mother-daughter relationship. I remember always being envious of my friends that had a close relationship with their mom. My mom died almost 10 years ago and I hadn't seen her for 7 years prior. Even though we had been somewhat "estranged" at the time of her death, I took it extremely hard. Harder then I could have imagined. That dream I always had of that relationship died too.
Luckily, I married a man that understood my NEED to have this relationship. Ed is the most giving and loving man and I am so thankful that God has kept us arm in arm. So I mentioned GOD....GOD has such a hand in this journey but I believe my mom did too. When I tell about the journey we took to Ella it's easy to see where Gods hand was because there were lots of little miracles along the path. Things that shouldn't have worked out but did because of his grace. I also believe that my mom played a part in this gift. Ella's gotcha day was December 12 in China and her official adoption day is Dec 13th. The significance of this day is it is my mothers birthday. I believe my moms message to me is "Here is your dream come true for that relationship you have waited so long for!"
Ella at 10 years old loves me so unconditionally and I am so lucky to have this little wonder call me mom. I have no doubt that I will have all those mother- daughter moments that I always longed for throughout my days here on earth. My heart I have to say is overflowing with joy and love.
In such a weird way I am so thankful for all the hardships I endured as a child because it makes this life I am living that much sweeter. I am eternally thankful for my God making this life possible and I am thankful for my gift from my mom...because I truly believe she had her hand in this magical gift.

Merry Christmas🎄🎅🏻

RE:

http://broaddusplanning.com/most.php Eddie Radley Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Ella turning 10

On this day for the past few years I sit thinking about the day my youngest was born. In the past I have contemplated the reasons why Ella became an orphan. Tonight I'm not searching for any reason because I know that this was gods plan, for Ella to be my daughter and to bring such happiness and love to our family. I am so thankful to the woman or girl half a world away that brought life to my daughter. I am eternally thankful for those nannies in the orphanage that nurtured my daughter until gods plan could come to fruition. I'm so not ready for my little girl to be 10 tomorrow...I feel like time is just flying and I'm still making up for those first 5 years. I'm not sure I'll ever have enough time with my babies...they are just growing to to fast. Looking forward to celebrating Ella's birthday tomorrow and continuing the celebrating in true princess style at Disney World this weekend! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS ELLA!! 🎉🎂❤️

from: Eddie Radley

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Eddie Radley

Sassy SMART girl!

Ella the Mermaid

Wow, time flies when you're having fun....and we have so much fun with Ella. Fun should have been her middle name. She is fixing to finish her 3rd grade year. She has moved mountains this year. We just had a meeting with her teacher. This is the time of year I dread meetings with teachers. The topic of retention ALWAYS comes up because she isn't on grade level! I could have told you in September that she wasn't going to be on grade level in June.
She virtually missed the first 5 years of her life being held up in an orphanage where she was not nurtured or given the care that most children do in 2 parent homes. So no...in 4 short years she isn't going to catch up...but mark my words...you read it here.....this little girl is going to catch up and exceed expectations and do amazing things in her life. I just know it! She has determination that is unmatched!
But let's get back to my meeting....with her teacher Mrs Gay....I brought Ed along with me for support. I was wrong...her teacher praised and praised her.....and knows that Ella doesn't need to repeat 3rd grade...she just needs time!!! I almost fell off my chair and burst into tears! She gets it....she gets Ella....hallelujah! Ella is a great speller, she reads on grade level....but always does not understand what she reads and she is doing great in Math. Mrs Gay also tells me that Ella has soooo many friends! She says there are often disagreements as to who is going to play with Ella. I remember the days I would watch her on the playground in Maine and the kids would run on by her and she would be by herself. So this just makes my heart smile!
So my meeting wasn't anything I expected and I will take it! I wish I could take her teacher with us to 4th grade.
Ella continues to take piano lessons with her favorite teacher Ms Gayla who we are so blessed to have in our lives! They are planning a recital for perhaps this summer! Stay tuned for that. She is doing great in gymnastics. She has been moved up and loves the challenge and loves her new teacher. Her teacher loves that Ella is such a good listener and tries so so hard!
We got a new pool over the winter and Ella may just grow a permanent fin! She swims constantly....my little mermaid!
Thanks for reading and for loving our little Ella! God continues to bless us everyday. God is good!