Happy Birthday BaJabs

My baby is 7 years old!!!!

Oh, my goodness :)

This sweet little girl has had quite the week!

Dr. apts., surgery, gymnastics (yes, a birthday party for a cousin), singing at church

AND
the best........ 

HER OWN BIRTHDAY!!!

Last year we were in China for her birthday --

So, we wanted to make HER day special -- this year.

Yep, both boys have their birthdays this month 

BUT

We really want each to have a special day to themselves

EVEN

if it is small!

So, she picked her menu:

homemade chicken strips, homemade mac&cheese, strawberries and grapes 

I added a salad -- which she loved :)

She couldn't decide the cake --

YES, she wanted homemade ice cream 

AND
We HAVE to HAVE homemade hot fudge!!!

NO PROBLEM!!!

So, Saturday we went to cousin A's birthday party at a gymnastic place.

BaJab's was a tad nervous --

BUT
she did wonderful.

Actually, it was obvious this is something I need to get her involved with.

She ran/hopped laps, somersaulted, climbed to the top of the rope -- AMAZING!!

She got harnessed in, jumped, did flips, and LOTS more!!

Afterwards BaJab's and I went shopping --

JUST her and I --

She LOVED it --

I got a tad tired of all of the staring -- REALLY

She's a cute little girl on a scooter --

I just hate everyone staring!!

BUT

We had a marvelous time finding a birthday outfit 

PLUS more!

She also decided she wanted me to BUY a pretty cake!!!

Yep, totally fine with me -- it saved me 2 hours!!!

My parents, Uncle Josh, Jason, Lauren and Raelynn joined us today to celebrate!

We ate yummy food!

She LOVED her gifts!
She got the FRIENDS lego set she wanted -- The VET

MONEY!!!

Thanks Aunt Jeanne, Karen and Town Grandma

 My Darling was so sweet helping BaJab's -- BUT totally let her do all she could do :)

AND

A new bike and new helmet!

She can't ride it for a few weeks but she was still so excited!

 Daddy riding her new bike in while her eyes where closed.

So excited!

We sang Happy Birthday!

AND

Ate a homemade ice cream, cake WITH hot fudge!

Finally,

All 3 girls sang with the Sunday School group during our night service tonight.

They all sounded good!

Elizabeth is fun to watch and the other 2 girls LOVE to sing, too!

This year was a big year for BaJabs!

She changed schools, learned to read and write stories, made lots of new friends, got a new leg, had surgery TWICE, grew A LOT, had to deal with ANOTHER sister :), finally got long hair and is starting to know what SHE likes!!

Yep, have 2 sisters that are SO girly and pushy took some time for BaJabs to figure out what she liked!

BUT
This year it started!

She still likes her American Girl doll -- although, she wanted a different doll than the girls liked -- totally ok!

She loves panda's and owls -- like the girls!

She LOVES blue and red 

AND

NOT pink!!!

She is more active -- loves to go outside, loves the farm and loves gym class!

She does like games, puzzles and art 'stuff' as well!

THANKFULLY,

She still LOVES to cuddle with ME!!!

OFTEN!!!

Unfortunately, 

The thumb is still a friend :)

She is calm but stubborn --

She is quiet but can certainly give a good NASTY look!

She pushes her little weight around with the bigger kids!

DOES NOT like to stick out --

LOVES to laugh as long as it is NOT at her!

She LOVES attention but rarely demands it!

She is certainly the baby and does not mind that she is :)

She is soooo strong but soooo loveable, too!

We LOVE you so much BaJab's!

We pray that you have a wonderful, healthy year

full of joy and happiness!

All is well

A LONG day!!

The LAST surgery of the day/night for Dr. Forness.

AND

Because the 1st patient of the day showed-up an 1 1/2 hours late --

Well

You know, it put everyone back.

SO, instead of 3:30 ish, it got pushed to 5:30 

AND

Finally, 6:30 pm.

BUT

We had some fun things to do :)

Daddy got to go back with her --

AND

She picked a wonderful chap-stick flavor for her mask --

MANGO!

in the end --

It went great.

The pin came out -- easily!!!

No stitches even!

The cast is GREAT!!

BRIGHT RED --- with LOTS of glitter.

Dr. Forness said he started shaking the glitter and couldn't stop :)

BaJabs did wonderful in recovery -- just like last time.

The nurses and staff are beyond wonderful at 

DeVos Children's Hospital.

I couldn't believe how many remember us --

We are the Choose Joy family!!!

LOVE!

She went into surgery at a ZERO on the pain scale and came out at a TWO.  

Pretty good!

No pain meds tonight -- and already in bed.

Thank-you for all of the prayers.

They were appreciated and felt.

God answered the specific prayers --

No trauma and no pain!!!

 It has been a long day ---

Yes, I went to work this morning -- My mom stayed with BaJabs 

It was bit stressful at work -- for many reasons

BUT 

OF COURSE, not my colleagues as they really tried to help me out -- thank-you friends!!!

I am beyond greatful that it went well.

I even got SMASHBURGER while BaJab's was in surgery --

That was a bonus!

Now just two more weeks in a cast.

Her new leg will be ready on March 20. 

YEAH!

Pray for MD

 He is at MSU competing for State champions in Parliamentary Procedures for FFA.

Their competition time is VERY early in the morning.

We are praying for clear thoughts, a good topic that generates good ideas.  And of course, good results :)  

BaJab's big appointment!

And I will CHOOSE JOY

Yep, I had to say that today --- LOTS!

I tried to make the most out of trip to GR today.

It is an hour drive so I only wanted to do it once this week.

Thankfully, I was able to get Elizabeth's 1 year update with the social worker right before the doctor appointment for BaJabs.

Unfortunately, we will be making the trip again tomorrow!

Social Work appointment went GREAT!!!

Unfortunately, for Elizabeth her rash REAPPEARED when we arrived in GR and she was an itching queen!

SO,

After that appointment we went to Target for some meds.

Meds taken and off to see Dr. F across from DeVos Children's Hospital.

Cast off -- pretty easy :)

X-rays! -- EASY!!!

Healing is going wonderful and right on track!!!

Pins out!!! HORROR!!!

No numbing -- YIKES!

One -- well, it came out but it was SOOOOO hard.

AND

So, long!  I totally didn't expect it to be that big.

 Just cleaning it!

We were calm -- I thought they were going to numb it next!

 Immediately, she was hurting!

AND

I thought it would be quick!

Beginning of the pulling with LOTS of crying -- Matt quit taking picts. after this!

Well, the 2nd pin was not sticking out of the skin anymore --

AND

They could not get it to budge ---

SO

Back to GR tomorrow for surgery.

Yes, it is quick -- 

BUT 

we have to go through the pre-op stuff and recovery.

Surgery at 4 ish -- a few hours before and few hours after.  

All in all another long day tomorrow!!

Mr. Mark from prosthetic's joined the appointment.

He molded her leg for her NEW long leg.

AND

this was easy -- once she relaxed -- 

with mommy's dark chocolate M & M's and a fun new Yahtzee game the Dr.  gave her!

 Getting the leg ready!

 Dr. F helping Mr. Mark keep BaJab's leg straight.

These men handled her so good!

The mold slipping right off! YEAH!  Just the way it is SUPPOSE to!

YES -- it will be ready in 2 weeks!!!

No 'new' cast because tomorrow is surgery -- she will be casted at the end of surgery.

Hmmmmm.....what color this time?????

2 more weeks in a cast.

Finally, done  -- 

we stopped for a snack and got home late!

Please pray for tomorrow!

She cannot eat after 7:30 AM --

Just in case we can get in earlier!!

Thankfully, my mom could come down in the morning so I could go to school for a few hours.

Matt and I will take her down to GR in the afternoon.

Pray for safety and EASE with the meds AND getting that last pin out!

BaJab's and I had a talk tonight about CHOOSING JOY!!!

AND

How God made her special -- He made her KNOWING she would have to go through these things -- and HE gave her lots of strength and braveness.  

YEP, HE doesn't give that to everyone -- JM and My Darling would cry too much -- hahahaha

Pray especially for her to be brave and have NO pain!

  

Happy 1 year Elizabeth!

WOW -- can you believe it?!

I can't :)

Elizabeth has been with us for an entire year!

She is nothing short of

AMAZING!!!!

1 year ago a VERY scared little girl was handed over to us.

It took about an hour to calm her and convince her we were 'ok.'

I was so thankful for the ipad that extremely hot day!!!

She easily made the transition into our family with very few meltdowns or issues.

She is very forthcoming about the orphanage.

She misses some of her friends and REALLY wants them to get a family.

She LOVES my cooking -- "Momma, this taste soooo good!"

Her English is coming along -- she understands so much!

She loves music, her American Girl doll, playing games and puzzles.

She LOVES sledding and doing things outside -- 

AND

Her love for Hello Kitty --- well, it's still there :)

God has given her the best personality!

She is funny and easy going --

She easily takes a joke and can totally dish it. 

She has the biggest smile and is flashing it often.

She is extremely patient -- even when she has to say the same thing to me 5 times -- because I CAN'T understand!!! 

She tells me over and over again how much she loves me -- oh, how that melts my heart :)

She is a ready helper --

She is making HUGE progress in school --

although, she prefers to be social rather than academic.

She is growing -- LOTS!

Her shoe size is going up!

She is getting taller --

AND

most important to her

LONG HAIR!!!

Her waist -- is still tiny 

Her hands and arms -- TINY

Thankfully, her scoliosis seems to be healing -- ALMOST GONE!

She LOVES her 'new' leg which she is on her 2nd because of her growth.  

She does well in OT for her arms and hands.

Yep, she still has more surgery ahead -- but in the last year we have seen so many changes because of her leg

AND

LOVE!!!!

Can it even be the same little girl???

Of course, we had a Gotcha Day celebration!!

I tried a new dish -- it was a success.  All loved it -

It was a hot chicken dish.

Beef and broccoli,

homemade crab ragoons -- 45 of them!!!

Eggrolls, fruit and angel food cake for dessert.

Elizabeth got a little wooden doll dressed in the authentic dress for her providence.  She also got a gloss bottle with the monkey (her animal in the Chinese Zodiac) including her name in American and Chinese and her gotcha day.

It was a beautiful sunny day to celebrate our Elizabeth's family day!

And they are home :)

Matt IS home!  

Almost exactly on schedule.

Thankfully, the snow and bad weather was gone as they made their way home!

Thank-you Lord!!!

God did AMAZING things with this team!!

YET

Our family was THRILLED to have daddy home!!!

AND

Daddy was happy to be HOME!

Although, he was very tired!!!

BUT the girls didn't care -- they still stuck right next to him.  Love the pink blanket!!

He came with gifts!  All were happy with daddy's choices!

 Showing the jewelry he brought back from House of Hope.

 Shirts for the boys.
JM was thrilled with the volcanic rock daddy found, as well!

 One of the necklaces that the women at House Of Hope make.

Purses made by some of the locals. 

Saturday was a day to spend just being close to daddy!

Sunday

The team presented what was done in Nicaragua.

I loved hearing all that was accomplished.  Each area of ministry gave a report.  It was amazing all that was done.
God did some amazing work through the hands and hearts of our people.

 Hanging drop ceilings.

Putting together LOTS of ceiling fans.

Painting!

Bathroom plumbing!

And of course all of the building/welding Matt, Dave and Dolphie did!
And
Lots of wiring that was accomplished, jewelry and beads sorted, children played with and taught about the bible -- and so much more!

I especially love hearing and seeing how God changed hearts!  
There are so many hurting people AND so many people with so little.
God has blessed us!

I LOVE this picture :)  My sister-in-law, Audrey is getting some help carrying the BIG thermos.  

One teammate stated, "I could of been born here (Nicaragua) and been living like this -- with so little."

It becomes obvious how good we have it and how much we have been given thus giving us the ability to help others!

Again, THANK-YOU Lord for the opportunity for these people to serve YOU in this way!!!

James 1:27

New International Version (NIV)

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.