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Tuesday, February 03, 2009

34/365

Annie 34/365

Lucy 34/365

Today I am crazy thankful for amazing friends. I have had such an awesome day today!! Like several of you, I guessed that we were doing some sort of tea party. I had told Mandy that I thought that was what we were doing. So, I got the girls up and dressed all cutie this morning and off we went to Mandy's house to meet her. She said that she wanted us to go ahead and come inside for a second. I am not going to lie, I was a little put out by this because getting two small people in and out of the car is not especially easy. But we got out and Lucy was so excited she got to ring the doorbell so it was all worth the effort. Mandy answered the door, we walked in and I saw a sign that said, "Welcome Home Annie!" and around the corner were some of my best friends. They planned a surprise Sip n See for Annie because I told Mandy that I didn't want her to do anything like that for us. It was amazing. I truly have such awesome friends. We had yummy brunch, cookies, cake, opened presents, and just chatted. It was so much fun. I genuinely loved every second of it. Thank you so much to all of the girls who made this happen for us. Mandy was so sweet and kept it small because she didn't want it to be too overwhelming for the girls. Annie hammed it up for everyone there. She was so sweet, happy, and smiley the entire time. I love watching people around her because she literally makes everyone in the room smile and laugh. She is just that special and her smile is so contagious. I love you guys so much and thank you again and again.

To make it even better, tonight was my playgroup's mom's night out so I got to have a great dinner, margaritas, and awesome, normal conversation with girls that I love. I just had such a great day with dear friends. There is nothing better than a good friend, and I am so lucky to have so many around me.

Remember when we arrived home from Vietnam and we were so blessed to have the amazing Jen from Sugar Photography photograph our homecoming? Well, she was one of the girls at the shower today and one of her presents was a video of all of the pictures she took from that morning. It is so incredible and truly one of my most prized possessions. I have tried to explain to her how thankful I am for this and I sure hope she knows how sincere I am. Justin was in on the shower secret and he told them that the song that the pics are to is my ALL TIME favorite song, so that is what Jen set the pictures to - Coldplay, Fix You. For me, it is a song that touches my soul so deep it is like I can feel it in my bones. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that is how I always explain it. The build of the song as an instrument is added on each verse just gets me. And when the drums kick in, this song is simply the greatest. I could listen to this song over and over again. I think it is only done justice when it is on full blast. If you ever have the chance to see Coldplay live, RUN! It is the greatest show ever. Anyway, enough about Coldplay, who wants to see the video??? Click HERE to see our Wecome Home Annie video. I have a bunch of new readers lately and just in case you don't know the full story, none of us had slept in days, Annie was very sick, she had an EXTREMELY difficult transition in Vietnam, and she cried all of the time. She melted down when we walked out and you can totally see the extreme stress in her sweet little eyes. This makes it all the more amazing to see where she is today. I wish everyone could meet this love because she has come SO FAR from this time. I have never been so happy to be home in my entire life and I am quite certain that Annie soon felt the same way. It was like she instantly changed once we got home. She started changing minute by minute and it was a true miracle to watch unfold.

I took no pics at the shower today, but Jen did. I did take a bunch of pics of my girls this afternoon, but I am so late on getting this up that I am only posting the two above. All of the rest were taken by Jen from today. I love them. She is crazy busy tonight and I have been gone all night, so these are SOOC and I still love them to pieces. I love my friends. Mandy, you amaze me that you pulled this off and actually kept it a secret. What would I do without friends like you? You are the best.

Here we are walking up to the door from the car. Totally unsuspecting!
Walking Up

Surprise!
Surprise

Smile

Mandy

Pictures

Table

Whoosh. This is the closest I have ever come to not getting this done on time. 23 minutes to spare. Night, night.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

The flower on your blog's border matches the flowers on the table.

Kristi said...

That was the most amazing most beautiful video. You sure have wonderful friends and beautiful children.

Kate said...

My most favorite post this year! Friends and Coldplay, you can't go wrong. What a nice day your friend planned for you. What is it about girls named Mandy? I have a BFF named Amanda and she is literally the air that I breathe.

The video and the song was just perfect. The photographer did an amazing job capturing your homecoming. I never thought to use Fix You as an adoption song, but it's perfect. (I may have to steal it for myself when the time comes) I got to see Coldplay a couple years ago and it was hands down, the best concert I've ever been to. My favorite song is Yellow. I could hear it again and again. Love that band.

Anyway- Yay for great girlfriends!

Nicole said...

What a beautiful video! I found your blog through Jen's awhile ago and have been following your journey ever since. I dream of someday adopting a little girl, but for now I live vicariously through others' journeys :)

What a wonderful day it looks like!

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through another back in October and I have been following your journey ever since. That video is amazing and truly captures the pure joy on your face. You have an amazing family!

Emily said...

that is so special!
cant wait to check out the video!

Anonymous said...

What a great surprise for you, Kelly! You are soooo right...nothing better than good friends like that! The video is amazing. The pictures are so poignant and the song is PERFECT. I cried every second. You all looked so happy and relieved to be home. Annie's progress has been so great to watch - happy girl, happy family. Awesome!

Kate said...

omg! i just cried through the whole video...love you all to pieces...i am so thankful for your fun, fun day too! that is just the best! :)

Kelli said...

What wonderful friends. The video is beautiful and amazing!

Anonymous said...

Oh my word, I was crying before I was done reading the post and practically sobbing through the video. What an amazing day and video to have to look back on!

Ani said...

What a beautiful video... You have amazing friends!

Sarah said...

What a wonderful day you had. The video is AMAZING...got my tears going, happy tears...such a special day.

NeuroMama said...

Thanks for making me start my day in tears! What a beautiful video. And, I may be borrowing your song for our new son's adoption video. It may be just what I was looking for.

The Houser's said...

Awesome! Baby girl has come along way and what a wonderful blessing! I truly enjoy your blog, the pictures you take are just plain cool. Wish I had 1/2 the talent, I would end up with pictures wallpapering my walls with our 4 girls:)

Anonymous said...

Awww, that is an AWESOME surprise! Way to go Mandy!!! And Jen, that was just a perfect slideshow. That is one of my all-time favorite songs, too, for all the same reasons so of course I bawled while watching it.

Laken said...

Awh! I read a lot, but rarely comment. I couldn't resist on this one! It brought tears to my eyes! What wonderful friends you have! :)

P.S. Your girls are ADORABLE, too!

Laken said...

Okay, so my last comment was before I watched the video. I really BAWLED now! You and your husband are awesome people! So glad to know you in Blogland! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Kelly the video was awesome! Love that song too. There is one photo that stands out to me, it did the first time you posted it on your blog too. It's the close up one of you kissing Annie's head. It's the most beautiful photograph, I just love it.

That cake looks delicious! I'm so glad you had a great time and have the love and support of such wonderful friends.

Sharon said...

Well I really do want to watch the video, but I have to wait until the tears leave my eyes so I can see! You are a very lucky woman/mother Kelly!

Sharon said...

Well I must tell you that I can't watch the video. I tried..the music started..Linhsey heard it and burst into to tears saying she was sad!I turned the sound off, but I guess I will have to try when she is not around!!!! The little I saw was beautiful : )

Christina said...

Oh Kelly, how amazing! I'm thrilled for you. It truly sounds like a wonderful time, and the video is absolutely incredible. Annie has come so far in such a short time!

BTW, a friend is organizing a get-together for all the DFW area bloggers - are you interested? It's the evening of February 28th.

mimi lam said...

Your life is certainly enriched with good friends, the video, the music, pictures of your girls are so incredibly touching, beautiful, and like a soothing touch to your soul, thank you for a meaningfull post.

Mama P said...

Oh My Goodness....that video was amazing! I have never heard that song before and you are absolutely right, Kelly......it does make you feel it in your bones! What a precious gift that video must be for you....awesome!

Courtney said...

As I already said on my blog...great picture. My SIL has me also following this other blog that this week, she is doing a photography giveaway. Her blog is great and is always giving things away. I have also tried out some of her recipes and LOVE them. Here is her link, you should check it out...

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2009/02/i-love-photography-and-i-love-photography-equipment/#comment-107294

erinlo said...

Oh, Kelly, I am so happy for you. What a fun surprise!!! That sweet Mandy.....I am blessed to call her "friend" also.

I am loving reading about your girls and seeing their pics every day. They are lovely. I hope someday all our girls can get together!!!

Angela said...

What an incredibly powerful and emotional video. I love Coldplay and that song too. Yes, you are the luckiest girl in the world! Beautiful girls, beautiful friends! Love the blog.
Take care,

KrisJ said...

Friends are life savers! So glad you have awesome ones in your life. The video had me bawling and your right the song is amazing.

Anonymous said...

OMG this post just had me all teary!! They are GORGEOUS children!! Oh how blessed your family is!

Lynn said...

Wow, that video was just beautiful. Great pictures, showing lots of different emotions. My 3.5 yr old daughter came in to see the pictures of Annie crying, and she was all concerned why, but loved the picture of Lucy smiling.

You will cherish this forever.

Anonymous said...

You made it on your own blog...a RARE occasion!! ;) also, love the dress.

Have to watch the video when I get home from work so I can get the full effect with the music.

love to all! :)

MKH said...

what a wonderful day indeed. You are blessed to have such a wonderful network of friends. Loved this post-now, off to watch the video!

dana said...

what a sweet day. the video is incredible!!

Shawna said...

How fantastic Kelly! I love Mandy and we haven't even met! I am so happy that you have made such great friends in Dallas to share moments like these with. Wherever you go, I know that these are friends that will last forever, and I am so happy for that. Can't wait to see that video! Loves!

Meredith Woodruff said...

I'm so glad you have such a great group of girlfriends in Dallas! That video is awesome!!!

Jess and Paul said...

Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, what a lovely sweet video. I cried and then cried harder at the end reading the poem Jen posted. I love that poem. You are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends. I thought only folks in Louisiana had Sip and Sees.

life with the wisners said...

dude. i love all of this. i love that i was able to be there and celebrate with and for you.

what a journey you are on.

you know why you have great friends? because you ARE a great friend.

you know why your children are amazing? because you're an amazing mother.

and you know why your husband adores you? because it's so obvious that you adore your husband.

i feel God blesses those who bless others. and yesterday, that was true.

so glad we've met.

Anonymous said...

Awesome. I love you all, Mom

Anonymous said...

Kelly, the video was awesome--that song is so appropriate. It had be crying and that quote at the end is one of my favorites and makes me choke up every time. What a wonderful surprise for you.

Three Boy Joys said...

That is truly the most touching video ever. It is so easy to see the love you have for your darling girls. The song is so perfect and brought tears to my eyes. The very last picture of Lucy is priceless!!! It looks like the happiest homecoming ever.

Anonymous said...

OK, the pressure for a bigger comment. So, first, I like the first picture--of seeing you three thru the door. Very neat, and also shows that my vehicle is still in one piece! ha ha ha ha You guys are so blessed with amazing friends. Treat them well. And Mandy, a big holla to you for pulling this all off. And a big holla to Jen for such wonderful pictures of the event and the incredible--yes, awesome, video. What a way to treasure all your wonderful memories. Lots to be thankful for. Much love, Mom