This is from my cousin Lisa's daughter. So I guess that makes her my second cousin. Missy and her husband, Chip, just recently added a sweet baby girl named Laila to their family. She included a fabric with stars on it. Up in the corner she wrote "My wish for you .... that you dance even though you are horrible and that you sing really loud even though it's worse than your dancing~it just makes you happier."
She included a beautiful note that reads "Dear Mia, I am so excited for you. You have been so blessed. God has put you into the hands of a wonderfully loving and caring mother. We took our time choosing our fabric. We wanted something that incorporated our family and yours. We chose this because it was the color of our wedding- pink and black. We want you to have as much love forever as we felt on that day and even more now since the addition of Laila. We also chose it because it looks like the night sky that held the stars that you and your mommy wished upon in hopes that you would find each other. The same sky that held your dreams each night even though you were in China and Mommy was in America. All our love.... Missy, Chip and Laila."
The big coincidence here that nobody knew until now is that I often look at the stars and think about Mia. I say little prayers for her and her birthmother while looking up at the stars in the night sky and then I say "I love you Mia. More than all the stars in the sky." True story. I swear. So this makes this particular fabric even more special to me because it will remind me of the time I spent waiting and dreaming of my daughter.
Thanks Missy! And Chip and Laila, too!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Mia's 102nd Quilt Square: Franklin, Ohio
This is from my cousin, Lisa, and in a special way, my dear Aunt Anne as well. She included a very important piece of fabric. Her note reads "Mia, This is not the prettiest piece of fabric but it's very special to me in 2 ways. 1- it has my favorite color in it ~purple!! 2- It is cut from a spring tablecloth my mother used. I lost my mother March 25, 2006 so this is something of hers for you. I wish you could have met her. She had the best laugh." Her wish for Mia is "May you always find humor in any situation and learn to not sweat the small stuff. Always treat your mother with love and respect. She knows best... even when you will be 16 and think she couldn't possibly understand at all! Just remember, she was 16 at one time. She loves you so much and she hasn't even met you yet. Enjoy each other. Have fun! Welcome to our family!"
Thanks Lisa!
Thanks Lisa!
Mia's 101st Quilt Square: Columbus, Ohio
Nope. I'm not stopping at 100. I'm only stopping when no one else wants to contribute. So until then, we're still going....
This is a very special story and piece of fabric. This came from my cousin and his wife, David and Bec, of Columbus, Ohio. Their two sons, Willem and Spencer, were adopted from Guatemala. The fabric was given to them by one of their son's foster mothers in Guatemala. They wanted to send this very meaningful piece of fabric as a way to share our children's heritage and cultures. Several of the cousins in my generation have contributed to the diversity of our family through adoption. We have children that came to us through Guatemala, Korea, soon China and even domestic adoption from the good ole' USA. I think it's truly amazing to have one family who's been touched so many times through the wonderful joy of adoption.
Bec included a great story by Kathryn Creedy that was published in the Washington Post in 1998 called "The Velveteen Mother". I wish I could repeat it here but it's 3 pages long. The summary of it is that she is a single woman who adopted 2 beautiful daughters and she is defining what it means to be a "real" parent. That is some of the misguided terminology that all adoptive parents have heard at one time or another. The story really touched me because it is so similar to my own thoughts and my own path to motherhood. Here's just a part.....
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day. "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
Real is also when you get lucky enough to have a child to love.
~ The Velveteen Mother
I really love this story. Thanks Bec! And David, Willem, and Spencer, too!
This is a very special story and piece of fabric. This came from my cousin and his wife, David and Bec, of Columbus, Ohio. Their two sons, Willem and Spencer, were adopted from Guatemala. The fabric was given to them by one of their son's foster mothers in Guatemala. They wanted to send this very meaningful piece of fabric as a way to share our children's heritage and cultures. Several of the cousins in my generation have contributed to the diversity of our family through adoption. We have children that came to us through Guatemala, Korea, soon China and even domestic adoption from the good ole' USA. I think it's truly amazing to have one family who's been touched so many times through the wonderful joy of adoption.
Bec included a great story by Kathryn Creedy that was published in the Washington Post in 1998 called "The Velveteen Mother". I wish I could repeat it here but it's 3 pages long. The summary of it is that she is a single woman who adopted 2 beautiful daughters and she is defining what it means to be a "real" parent. That is some of the misguided terminology that all adoptive parents have heard at one time or another. The story really touched me because it is so similar to my own thoughts and my own path to motherhood. Here's just a part.....
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day. "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
Real is also when you get lucky enough to have a child to love.
~ The Velveteen Mother
I really love this story. Thanks Bec! And David, Willem, and Spencer, too!
Mia's 100th Quilt Square: Powell, Wyoming
Made it to 100!!! Woo-hoo!
This is from my Dad who lives out in Powell, Wyoming with his wife, Dianna and my half brother and sister, Ryan and Lauren. Ryan just started college and Lauren is a senior in high school.
My Dad picked out this Cherokee prayer blessing for Mia. It reads "May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there. May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder." Their family's wish says "Our wish for Mia is a long and happy life full of love, laughter, many friends, and security in your new family."
Thanks Dad, Dianna, Ryan and Lauren! Wish you lived closer.....
This is from my Dad who lives out in Powell, Wyoming with his wife, Dianna and my half brother and sister, Ryan and Lauren. Ryan just started college and Lauren is a senior in high school.
My Dad picked out this Cherokee prayer blessing for Mia. It reads "May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there. May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder." Their family's wish says "Our wish for Mia is a long and happy life full of love, laughter, many friends, and security in your new family."
Thanks Dad, Dianna, Ryan and Lauren! Wish you lived closer.....
Mia's 96th-99th Quilt Squares:New Lebanon, Ohio
These are my most favorite squares of all! I told my sister early into this project that I wanted the kids handprints for the four corners of the quilt. So here are Mia's cousins' wishes (with a little help from Aunt Carla obviously... LOL!) Check out her blog, Tales of the T's, to see their adventures.
My oldest nephew, Tanner's, wish reads "If you can give your daughter only one wish, let it be enthusiasm!" Then he wrote "My wish for Mia is enthusiasm!" and signed his name.
His brother, Travis, included a quote from Albert Einstein which is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." That's one smart 6 yr old! His wish for Mia is "Imagination". And he signed his name across the bottom all by himself.
Our little princess, Tatum, says "No joy on earth brings greater pleasure than a precious girl to be loved and treasured. Tatum's wish for Mia is to be loved and treasured (and spoiled rotten likes all princesses should be!) Then she signed her name on the bottom in perfect almost-4-yr- old penmanship.
Baby Teagan had a lot of help with his. But he said "Hey, what do you expect? I'm not even 2 yet!!" His card says "The laughter of a child is the light of the home! Teagan's wish for Mia ... lots of laughter."
I love these! Their handprint squares will be showcased on Mia's quilt and their wishes will be treasured forever. It'll be so fun to look back on these one day and remember how they waited for their cousin and how excited they were to finally meet her.
I love you T's!
My oldest nephew, Tanner's, wish reads "If you can give your daughter only one wish, let it be enthusiasm!" Then he wrote "My wish for Mia is enthusiasm!" and signed his name.
His brother, Travis, included a quote from Albert Einstein which is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." That's one smart 6 yr old! His wish for Mia is "Imagination". And he signed his name across the bottom all by himself.
Our little princess, Tatum, says "No joy on earth brings greater pleasure than a precious girl to be loved and treasured. Tatum's wish for Mia is to be loved and treasured (and spoiled rotten likes all princesses should be!) Then she signed her name on the bottom in perfect almost-4-yr- old penmanship.
Baby Teagan had a lot of help with his. But he said "Hey, what do you expect? I'm not even 2 yet!!" His card says "The laughter of a child is the light of the home! Teagan's wish for Mia ... lots of laughter."
I love these! Their handprint squares will be showcased on Mia's quilt and their wishes will be treasured forever. It'll be so fun to look back on these one day and remember how they waited for their cousin and how excited they were to finally meet her.
I love you T's!
Mia's 95th Quilt Square: New Lebanon, Ohio
My sister, Carla, waited until we were down to the wire, as is usual for our family. But pulled it off at the last minute. :) She included the cutest fabric with a red haired princess. My sis and her daughter, Tatum, are both red heads. Her wish card reads "Like star dust glistening on fairies' wings, little girls' dreams are of magical things. Krista, this fabric reminded me of my red haired fairy princess. For your raven haired princess, I wish eternal love, every day joy, and magical dreams! Love Aunt Carla".
Thanks sis!
Thanks sis!
Mia's 94th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
Another scrapbooker and fellow police department co-worker, Cindy A, sent this one. She included the most adorable sticker that says "Babies! What a wonderful way to start people!" and it has a little Asian girl on it. Up in the top corner is a Chinese proverb which reads "If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through."
Her wish reads "May today and every day of your life bring you hopes for tomorrow- because hope gives us all our reason for trying. May each new day bring a feeling of excitement, joy and a wonderful sense of expectations. Expect the best and you'll get it. May you find peace in the simple things, because these are the ones that will always be there. May you always feel secure and loved. May you realize the importance of patience and accept others for what they are. With understanding and love, you'll find the good in every heart. May you remember good times and forget sorrow and pain, for the good times will remind you how special your life is. Let your life speak. Above all, be happy with yourself."
Very good advice! Down at the bottom she wrote the same thing my mom put on her wish card "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." I guess this is something all moms have figured out already. I can't wait for that day.
Thanks Cindy!
Her wish reads "May today and every day of your life bring you hopes for tomorrow- because hope gives us all our reason for trying. May each new day bring a feeling of excitement, joy and a wonderful sense of expectations. Expect the best and you'll get it. May you find peace in the simple things, because these are the ones that will always be there. May you always feel secure and loved. May you realize the importance of patience and accept others for what they are. With understanding and love, you'll find the good in every heart. May you remember good times and forget sorrow and pain, for the good times will remind you how special your life is. Let your life speak. Above all, be happy with yourself."
Very good advice! Down at the bottom she wrote the same thing my mom put on her wish card "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." I guess this is something all moms have figured out already. I can't wait for that day.
Thanks Cindy!
Mia's 93rd Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from a fellow detective at the police department, Marylou. She's a scrapbooker. Can't ya tell? She did an awesome job on her page. She told me that the fabric was left over from a mother's book she had made when her own daughter was born so she wanted to pass it on to me. The fabric has little sunflowers so that is her theme for the scrapbook page. Up in the top corner she included a quote from Helen Keller that reads "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. That is what sunflowers do." At the bottom it says "The French word for sunflower is Tournesol. Translated it is "Turn with the sun." Her wish says "Wishing you as much love and happiness as your heart can hold. God Bless."
Thanks Marylou!
Thanks Marylou!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Mia's 92nd Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from my mom. Since I'm adopting Mia as a single woman, she'll have no paternal side of her family. So Lao Lao Jazmyn will be the only grandmother she has. But she will have a wonderful set of surrogate grandparents in Chris and Paul Perkins who are my best friend Lisa's mom and dad. "Lao Lao" is the Chinese word for maternal grandmother. My mom has taken to calling herself that. Not sure if that's what Mia will call her or if she'll just stick to "grandma". Anyway, Lao Lao Jazmyn included a really cool fabric that represents the Chinese calendar. Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with an animal. 2006 is the Year of the Dog.
Her card reads "Krista, the first time you see Mia's face you will know what this means. I felt it the first time I looked at you." Below that is a quote from Elizabeth Stone which says "Making the decision to have a child- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." She included another quote from Rachel Carson that reads "If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Her wish "My wishes for my granddaughter Mia are: A lifetime of health and happiness, peace and prosperity, love and laughter, cuddles and cookies! From Lao Lao Jazmyn"
I love it. Thanks Mom! I mean.... Lao Lao Jazmyn.
Her card reads "Krista, the first time you see Mia's face you will know what this means. I felt it the first time I looked at you." Below that is a quote from Elizabeth Stone which says "Making the decision to have a child- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." She included another quote from Rachel Carson that reads "If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Her wish "My wishes for my granddaughter Mia are: A lifetime of health and happiness, peace and prosperity, love and laughter, cuddles and cookies! From Lao Lao Jazmyn"
I love it. Thanks Mom! I mean.... Lao Lao Jazmyn.
Mia's 91st Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from Craig and Carla Stiver and their two children, Josie and Charlie. Craig and I have worked together for many years. Craig and Carla are original members of the Annual Bengals Tailgating Adventure. Click here to see what I'm talking about. They are great people and are blessed with a beautiful family. I love this fabric and the way that Carla presented the wish. It's gorgeous! Their wish reads "Mia, May life bring you tremendous happiness, wonderful opportunities, close friendships, and great adventure. But through it all, always remember one thing... you are loved by many. May God bless you."
Thanks Stiver Family!
Thanks Stiver Family!
Mia's 90th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from Teri. She is one of our secretaries at work. Teri is also a fellow penguin lover so it was appropriate for her to think to include penguin fabric in Mia's quilt. She also made her wish card very patriotic to showcase Mia's American side. Her wish card includes the lyrics to a Bob Dylan song. Very cool!
May God bless and keep you always.
May your wishes all come true.
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung.
May you always stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous.
May you grow up to be true.
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong.
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy.
May your feet always be swift.
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of change shift.
May your heart always be joyful.
May your song always be sung.
May you stay forever young.
Thanks Teri!
Mia's 89th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from Chris W. She works with me at Erma's House (my second job). I love this fabric. For one, it's my favorite colors but it also has this very pretty shine to it. Lovely. Her wish for Mia is "May you share a life enjoying the simple things." She also included a translation of that phrase in Chinese. Chris included a favorite poem by Fannie Stearns Davis.
"For A Child"
Your friends shall be the tall wind,
The river and the tree;
The sun laughs and marches,
The swallows and the sea.
Your prayers shall be the murmur
Of grasses in the rain;
The song of wildwod thrushes
That God makes glad again.
And you shall run and wander,
And you shall dream and sing
Of brave things and bright things
Beyond the swallow's wings.
And you shall envy no man,
Nor hurt your heart with sighs,
For I will keep you simple
That God may make you wise
I love it. Thanks Chris!
Mia's 88th Quilt Square: Waynesville, Ohio
This is from my cousin Hope and her family. Hope is the daughter of Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob who's wish is right below this one. They all live right next door to each other in Waynesville, Ohio. Hope and her husband, Brian, have 3 daughters Chelsea, Christie, and Charity. Their wish reads "Dear Mia, Our family's prayer for you is that you will always know love, health and happiness. Children are a gift from God and we know that because of this gift your mommy has been given, the two of you will enjoy many joy-filled days through the years. Know that your family is always here for you. We know that you will be a blessing to all who know and love you. With love from your cousins." She also included two bible verses.
"You (God) alone created my inner being. I will give thanks to you for who I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place."
Psalms 139:13, 14 & 16.
"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Thanks Hope!
"You (God) alone created my inner being. I will give thanks to you for who I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place."
Psalms 139:13, 14 & 16.
"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Thanks Hope!
Mia's 87th Quilt Square: Waynesville, Ohio
This is from my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob who live in Waynesville, Ohio. They included a pretty red floral fabric. Their card includes "Psalm 100: The Psalm of Thanksgiving". It reads "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good. His loving kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations."
Thanks Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob!
Thanks Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob!
Mia's 86th Quilt Square: Ontario, Canada
This is from my new blogger buddy, Catherine, who lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of weeks ago when I traveled to Detroit with Connie and Stacy for our "Blogger Momma's Meet Up". Catherine is another single-mom-to-be who is waiting for Hannah. She has a LID before mine so I'll get to watch Hannah come home and gain from her been there-done that wisdom. Check out her blog at Catherine's Chatter.
She included a lovely yellow floral fabric. Her wish card reads "Welcome Little One! You trace a soft finger across tiny sleeping eyes and wonder... God Gave you to me? Congratulations on your new baby! A sweet little gift from the Lord." She also included this verse from Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from God..."
Thanks Catherine!
She included a lovely yellow floral fabric. Her wish card reads "Welcome Little One! You trace a soft finger across tiny sleeping eyes and wonder... God Gave you to me? Congratulations on your new baby! A sweet little gift from the Lord." She also included this verse from Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from God..."
Thanks Catherine!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Mia's 85th Quilt Square: San Luis Obispo, California
Mia's 84th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from another detective on my squad, Debbie. She picked a beautiful asian looking fabric with butterflies. She found a Chinese translation of Mia's name that is across the top of the card. She included a poem called "Brand New Little One" by Linda Lee Elrod which reads "She's your brand new little daughter. So enchanted, sweet and smart. With a coo, she'll have you smiling. With a laugh, she'll own your heart. It's the time for hugs and kisses. Reassurance when she cries. It's the time for making moments full of love and lullabies. For these golden days of childhood come and go so very fast. Hold her tight and love her dearly. Make these precious moments last." It's perfect....
Thanks Debbie!
Thanks Debbie!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Mia's 83rd Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from one of the volunteers at Erma's House, Leslie L. She made such a special square for Mia. It's embroidered and includes her name. She said she can also embroider Mia's birthdate on it after I get my referral. I think that I'll frame this instead of actually putting it on the quilt. It's too fragile to be washed. And too beautiful to not be displayed on a wall, probably in Mia's bedroom. Leslie's wish includes a poem: "Mia, you are a chosen child. You are your mommy's, but not by birth. She loves you and chose you because you're the greatest child on Earth. Mia, you are a chosen child sent down from God above. Chosen to fill your mommy's home with laughter and with love. Mia, you are a chosen child. You have given your mommy so much pleasure. Chosen above the rest, a precious priceless treasure." Her wish reads "My wish for you, Mia, is that you always celebrate how special you are as a chosen child."
Thanks Leslie!
Thanks Leslie!
Mia's 82nd Quilt Square: Florida
This came from my blogger buddy, Tracy, who lives down in paradise in Florida. She has 3 sons and is awaiting her daughter from China. Her blog is Our Unforgotten Daughter. She sent a festive fabric with a card that includes this quote: "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." Her wish for Mia reads "Our hope for you is that you always keep a smile on your face, your party hat and dancing shoes on! Be ready for life's surprises."
Thanks Tracy!
Thanks Tracy!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Mia's 81st Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This came from another fellow police officer, Monica E. Monica and I have had a lot of fun over the years but now we're all grown up and settling down. Monica is now the proud Mommy of 2 year old, Madison and I just recently found out that Madison is expecting a baby sister or brother next summer. Monica put a lot of thought into her wish as well. She included a piece of an old uniform shirt, which I thought was such a cool idea. She wrote out a beautiful message for Mia which says " It took me some time to come up with what I wanted to contribute to your quilt. After thinking about it for some time, I finally figured it out. I am contributing something that connects your mother and I and symbolizes a multitude of wonderful things. My piece of cloth was cut from a shirt that was one of many uniforms I have proudly worn for several years. It represents one of the many paths in life that your mom and I have chosen and it is how we became friends. My wish for you is that you someday realize the complex family you are a part of now. Not only do you have your mother and her family, but you now have a family of hundreds of "aunts" and "uncles". When your mother and I joined the Police Department we became part of that family also. We watch over each other and each other's children, we applaud each other's accomplishments, we grieve each other's losses, and we would lay down our lives for each other. Now we will do the same for you. I want you to know, Mia Renee, that behind your mother we will stand, to make sure that you never lose your way. We don't accomplish anything in this world alone.... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something." Wow Monica... that is very deep. I so appreciate all the thought you put into this very special wish for Mia.
Thanks Monica!
Thanks Monica!
Mia's 80th Quilt Square: Billings, Montana
This came from my cousin, Sarah, who lives all the way out in Billings, Montana. Her wish reads "Mia, I wish for you a long life full of good health, happiness and love. And when the final sun sets, may your joys outweigh your heartaches." She included a fabric that was special to her and she explains that on her card. "When your Momma was a little girl, I made a dress for her for our family gift exchange. For your quilt, I chose a fabric that reminded me of that little dress and pinafore." I love that she chose a fabric that has some meaning behind it.
*Updated to add the photo of me in the dress. Click here to read the cute story of how I found this picture.
Thanks Sarah!
*Updated to add the photo of me in the dress. Click here to read the cute story of how I found this picture.
Thanks Sarah!
Mia's 79th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from Jennifer G. Jennifer is a fellow detective on the Burglary Squad. She put a lot of thought into her wish card. It starts out with a message for Mia and even includes that her name means "mine". It reads "Through your mother, you will see so much. She will show you the world, good and bad. Hold on to each day as a memory, for it will mold you into who you will become as you grow. Your mother will encourage you and make you confident. She will challenge you and make you strong. Your mother will teach you and enhance your wisdom. But most of all, your mother will love you unconditionally, which will teach you to love, Mia. I have but one wish for you, a full life... of happiness, love, laughter, memories, challenges, achievements and smiles!" Jennifer then includes a message for me "Krista, motherhood is one of the greatest blessings God has given us for our earthly lives. We are eternally mothers... from the time they are small enough to hold in our arms until they are big enough to put our arms around them. Cherish your daughter, God did give her to you!" This is such an awesome message for both of us. Jen should know a thing or two about motherhood. She's the proud mommy of Cameron and Taylor.
Thanks Jennifer!
Thanks Jennifer!
Mia's 78th Quilt Square: Louisville, Kentucky
Mia's 77th Quilt Square: Secret Pal Land
This is from my June06 DTC group Secret Pal. So until the big reveal, I don't know who this is or where they are from. But I know they send wonderful, thoughtful gifts every month. This month I got a wish and quilt square with my gift. I love this cute ladybug fabric. The wish card includes one of my favorite adoption poems. "Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone. But still, miraculously, my own. Never forget for a single minute, you did not grow under my heart, but in it." ~Fleur Conkling Heyliger. My Secret Pal also wishes Mia a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.
Thanks Secret Pal!
Thanks Secret Pal!
Mia's 76th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
Mia's 75th Quilt Square: Ontario, Canada
This came from Charlene Bickle and her beautiful baby daughter, Amelia. Charlene is a fellow single-mom-by-choice who lives in Ontario, Canada. We "met" through a SMBC internet message board. I love this fabric and she did such a lovely job on the wish. Included on the card are two very meaningful quotes. The first reads "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think that is so appropriate, especially considering our shared circumstances of blazing this trail of motherhood on our own. We certainly are not following the path. The second quote is from Walt Disney and reads "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Again very appropriate!
Thanks Charlene & Amelia!
Thanks Charlene & Amelia!
Mia's 74th Quilt Square: Newaygo, Michigan
This is from members of my June06 DTC group, Daniel and Lea Porter, of Newaygo, Michigan. They are logged in the day before I am. We may end up in China at the same time. I love the Snoopy fabric. I still have a stuffed Snoopy that was mine as a baby. He looks pretty rough now after many years of love. I'm so glad I still have him to give to Mia someday. Their wish card reads "My wish for you is a lifetime of laughter."
Thanka Daniel and Lea!
Thanka Daniel and Lea!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Mia's 72nd & 73rd Quilt Square: Montreal, Quebec
These two wishes came from fellow bloggers, Dan & Doris, of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are waiting on their future daughter from China who they will be naming Daphne. They were logged in on 3-28-06 so Daphne will be home a few months before Mia. Both of these fabrics are beautiful. I love this asian inspired fabric. Their card includes a Chinese proverb which reads "Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still." That is a perfect example of this wait. Their wish for Mia is "May you always dance to the music of your heart, walk to the beat of your own drum, and run towards the adventures in your life."
I love this fabric, too. The froggies are so cute and there are little ladybugs on it. This wish card reads "Our wish for you: May your life always be filled with sunshine. May you always be surrounded by love and happiness. May you always be proud of who you are. May you always feel a sense of belonging in this world. May you attain all of your dreams in life." Beautiful. You can check out their blog at 3 D's Adoption Journey.
Thanks Doris & Dan!
I love this fabric, too. The froggies are so cute and there are little ladybugs on it. This wish card reads "Our wish for you: May your life always be filled with sunshine. May you always be surrounded by love and happiness. May you always be proud of who you are. May you always feel a sense of belonging in this world. May you attain all of your dreams in life." Beautiful. You can check out their blog at 3 D's Adoption Journey.
Thanks Doris & Dan!
Mia's 71st Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This is from Melissa Clark. She is my Jenny Craig consultant. I see her once a week when I go to weigh in on this awful diet that I hate but has become necessary. We can't all be blessed with the metabolism of a supermodel, you know. Some weeks I do well... others... not so much. But Melissa is there every week trying to whip my butt in shape and has become someone who is traveling this adoption journey with me. She included some really good advice for Mia. "It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are. Do not live in the fear of what the future may hold. Live in the anticipation of the new opportunities that lie ahead. All the wonders you seek are within yourself." Very well said.
Thanks Melissa!
Thanks Melissa!
Mia's 70th Quilt Square: Lewisville, Texas
More June Bugs. This is from Jennifer and Dale Upchurch of Lewisville, Texas. Their card includes a song lyric "Here somes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right." ~ George Harrison. Goes well with the cute little sunshines on their fabric. Their wish for Mia "Our wish for you, little darling... May you always feel safe and secure."
Thanks Jennifer & Dale!
Thanks Jennifer & Dale!
Mia's 69th Quilt Square: Parker, Colorado
Mia's 68th Quilt Square: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
More from my June06 DTC group. This is from the Adamson family of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They have four daughters and our waiting to adopt a 3 yr old boy who they will be naming Ryan. Since Ryan is a waiting child, the process to adopt him is different than my process. The Adamson's already have Ryan's info and are waiting on travel approval to go to China and bring him home. Their card reads "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you. Wishing you a life of dreams come true." And I'm wishing the Adamson's speedy travel approval.
Thanks Adamson Family!
Thanks Adamson Family!
Mia's 67th Quilt Square: Castlegar, British Columbia
Mia's 66th Quilt Square: Baltimore, Maryland
This is from the Coy family of Baltimore, Maryland. They're also in my June06 DTC group. This fabric is gorgeous. My mom is going to love that we have so many fabrics with purple butterflies. They're her favorite. Their card reads "We wish for you a life of laughter and gobs of giggles."
Thanks Coy Family!
Thanks Coy Family!
Mia's 65th Quilt Square: Appleton, Wisconsin
This is also from the June06 DTC group. This adorable ladybug fabric came from Mark and Kristin Hager of Appleton, Wisconsin. Not far from my grandparents in Wautoma. Their card includes a Bible verse. "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13. Their wish reads "Our wish for you is that you always have faith, hope, and love!"
Thanks Kristin & Mark!
Thanks Kristin & Mark!
Mia's 64th Quilt Square: Chandler, Arizona
More from the June06 DTC group. This is from the Stephens family of Chandler, Arizona. The pic doesn't do justice for how pretty this fabric is. I love it. Their wish reads "Little one- Our wish for you is to love without fear, to give without regret, to pray without doubt, to worship without limit, to know how precious you are to Him who created you. You are a blessing to all who know and love you."
Thanks Stephens Family!
Thanks Stephens Family!
Mia's 62nd & 63rd Quilt Square: Portland, Oregon
I got two wishes and squares from my new blogger buddy, Kelli, from Portland, Oregon. She is another single momma-to-be who was LID 2-24-06 for her little Sprout. That's her nickname. She's keeping her real name secret for awhile. Two very retro fabrics. The first wish reads "May you learn to practice compassion and love, generosity and kindness, patience and understanding."
The second wish reads "I wish you always... warmth in your heart, a song in your head, and a smile on your lips." You can check out her blog at Kelli In Portland.
Thanks Kelli and Sprout!
The second wish reads "I wish you always... warmth in your heart, a song in your head, and a smile on your lips." You can check out her blog at Kelli In Portland.
Thanks Kelli and Sprout!
Mia's 61st Quilt Square: Austin, Texas
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Mia's 60th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio
This comes from another co-worker, Victoria C. She actually works for the fire department as an arson investigator. She included a prayer for Mia called "I Said A Prayer For You Today". It reads "I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard, I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word. I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind. I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day, to grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small, but it was His loving care I prayed for most of all." That's lovely.
Thanks Vicki!
Thanks Vicki!
Mia's 59th Quilt Square: Columbus, Ohio
This is the second quilt square from someone in my family! It's from my aunt and uncle, Edith and Bill, of Columbus, Ohio. Looks like their side of the family is running away with the lead here since their daughter, Alicia, was the first family contributor. Still waiting on everybody else, sorry I digress.
Their card reads "Ten little fingers and ten little toes, A sweet little smile and a cute button nose, Two tiny ears and two eyes that shine. And the miracle is ...She's mine! She's mine!" They included a very cute fabric that looks like a quilt. They also finished the card by writing "Welcome to our family, Mia. We promise you love your whole life through."
Thanks Aunt Edie & Uncle Bill!
Their card reads "Ten little fingers and ten little toes, A sweet little smile and a cute button nose, Two tiny ears and two eyes that shine. And the miracle is ...She's mine! She's mine!" They included a very cute fabric that looks like a quilt. They also finished the card by writing "Welcome to our family, Mia. We promise you love your whole life through."
Thanks Aunt Edie & Uncle Bill!
Mia's 58th Quilt Square: Ontario, Canada
This is from fellow blogger pals, Kathy & Joel, of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. They have a blog called Waiting For Our Ladybug and are also in the process of adopting a baby girl from China. I love how their fabric represents Canada with the maple leaves. They included a beautiful story. Although it's long, I'm going to include it here because it really touched me.
"One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed upon the beach. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles. As he strolled along, he noticed a small figure in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celebrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that the figure was not dancing. Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual. He drew nearer still and noticed the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf. He paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, "Why are you throwing these starfish?" "It's high tide," she replied, "If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they will die. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live." The man considered her actions, impressed with the child's thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles of the beach. "There must be thousands of starfish along here," he said, "you cannot possibly make a difference." The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "You're probably right," she said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched it gently into the sea. With a tone of gentle defiance, she said, "But I made a difference for that one."
I love this story. One of the reasons I chose my profession was because I wanted to do my part to "save the world" so to speak. But a lot of days this crazy world is just plain frustrating and I feel like no matter how hard I try.... it doesn't matter. This story reminded me that all I really need to do is to make a difference for one person.
Their wish "Mia, May you always remember the power you hold and the difference you can make in our world." This is something that I really want to instill in my daughter.
Thanks Kathy & Joel!
"One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed upon the beach. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles. As he strolled along, he noticed a small figure in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celebrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that the figure was not dancing. Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual. He drew nearer still and noticed the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf. He paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, "Why are you throwing these starfish?" "It's high tide," she replied, "If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they will die. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live." The man considered her actions, impressed with the child's thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles of the beach. "There must be thousands of starfish along here," he said, "you cannot possibly make a difference." The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "You're probably right," she said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched it gently into the sea. With a tone of gentle defiance, she said, "But I made a difference for that one."
I love this story. One of the reasons I chose my profession was because I wanted to do my part to "save the world" so to speak. But a lot of days this crazy world is just plain frustrating and I feel like no matter how hard I try.... it doesn't matter. This story reminded me that all I really need to do is to make a difference for one person.
Their wish "Mia, May you always remember the power you hold and the difference you can make in our world." This is something that I really want to instill in my daughter.
Thanks Kathy & Joel!
Mia's 57th Quilt Square: Billings, Montana
This is from Kellie, Brock and Drew Boedecker of Billings, Montana. They're also in my June06 DTC group. More of this lovely asian inspired fabric. Love the calligraphy. The card reads "This is our wish for you: Comfort on difficult days. Smiles when sadness intrudes. Laughter to kiss your lips. Hugs when your spirit sags. Faith so you can believe. Courage to know yourself. And love to complete your life." Very well said!
Thanks Boedecker Family!
Thanks Boedecker Family!
Mia's 56th Quilt Square: Indianapolis, Indiana
Another June Bug who managed to find some asian inspired fabric. I don't know where all of this was when I was shopping for fabric. I couldn't find anything that looked asian. It's very pretty with what looks like Chinese calligraphy. This is from Kristin Minor of Indianapolis, Indiana. She included a quote "And think not you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." ~Gibran Kahlil Gibran. It also says "You have traveled months and miles to your forever family, precious one. My wish for you: May your days be filled with unlimited happiness, unconditional love, and immeasurable blessings."
Thanks Kristin!
Thanks Kristin!
Mia's 55th Quilt Square: Portland, Oregon
Also from the June06 DTC group. This came from Chris, Jody and Lucas Lawson of Portland, Oregon. More asian inspired fabric. Love that there are also ladybugs on this one. Their wish for Mia reads "Dance like nobody's watching and love like it's never going to hurt." Good advice.
Thanks Lawson Family!
Thanks Lawson Family!
Mia's 54th Quilt Square: Tomball, Texas
This one is from fellow June Bugs, John and Tina Estill, of Tomball, Texas. I love the asian inspired fabric. The card reads "May fun and discovery and dreams coming true be some of the treasures just waiting for you. May love be the sweetest part of each precious memory you'll keep in your heart!" Very sweet!
Thanks John & Tina!
Thanks John & Tina!
Mia's 53rd Quilt Square: Indianapolis, Indiana
Another June Bug sent this cute star fabric. This came from Kelly Monnin of Indianapolis, Indiana. I love how the wish card corresponds with the star theme of the fabric. Very clever! The card reads "Twinkle twinkle tiny light, Little eyes that shine so bright, A precious baby from heaven above, Fills our hearts with so much love."
Thanks Kelly!
Thanks Kelly!
Mia's 52nd Quilt Square: Grand Rapids, Michigan
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