Thursday, December 10, 2015

Really Random Thursday: 12/10/15, Saving the Best for Last

This is an exciting post for me to finally be able to write. But before I get to that, just a couple of random things.

If you like really shiny cars, this one is for you. It just needs some Christmas lights or ornaments, don't you think?
A few months ago, I made this quilt for Cloud 9 Fabrics using "Typography" by Jessica Jones. I know the quilt was at fall quilt market. I saw this photo in the Hawthorne Threads newsletter and just liked the way it was draped. The pattern will be a free download on the Cloud 9 website.
photo source unknown

 Fort Worth Fabric Studio has a linky every Friday on their blog, and then they have a feature called Fabric Frenzy Friday Features (say that three times really fast...) on Sundays. 
On Sunday, Christmas in the City was featured. Thanks, Lindsey!
Every year Mark and I have soup and cookie day, on a Sunday afternoon in December. After a lunch of homemade soup, Aaron and Christa take off to do shopping or have coffee or whatever. The kids stay behind and we make cookies. While the youngest one napped, the three older ones had fun with the alphabet cookie cutters. 
Levi decided the afternoon was too nice to stay inside so he and Grandpa went outside for some football kicking pointers.
The cookies ended up very nicely decorated.
Our kitchen table looked like this.
Who cares? It's all about making memories.

Last night, Levi and Charlotte had their orchestra concert. Levi is playing the violin and Charlotte plays the viola. It's amazing what beautiful music their elementary school orchestra performs at such young ages.

So here it is! The part I have been waiting to share since March of 2014. Aaron and Christa have had a beautiful little girl since she was three months old--she will be two years old in less than two weeks. They started out with the intention of adopting her through the county social services foster/adopt program. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride at times, including the times when it seemed like she would not be a permanent part of our family. 

For the last 21 months I have been able to share unidentifiable pictures of her. Like this one. 
But I kept this one private in case it might be too revealing.
Photo by Shannon Oberg
On Monday, Ella became a forever member of our family. So I would like to formally introduce our newest granddaughter, Ella Jane Wiens.
The adoption hearing was held on Monday morning. So many friends have walked along with our family throughout the whole process, including some of you very special women I have met through this forum--blogging. I think the judge was very impressed with the number who were there for the hearing. In fact, he said that of the over 200 adoptions he has performed, this ranked in the top 10. Other than Aaron, Christa and the children, only ten of this group are actually immediate family. Amazing. 
And now I can finally share three of my very favorite recent pictures.


Photo by Shannon Oberg


It just doesn't get any better than this. 

29 comments:

05 08
Charlotte said... #

that's wonderful! Congratulations to you all!

charlotte said... #

Congratulations to your whole family. She is adorable. Merry Christmas.

Amy Friend said... #

Congratulations Cindy! I am so happy for all of you, especially for your new granddaughter!

Linda said... #

Congratulations! What a wonderful Christmas gift - she is a beautiful little girl and I love her name.
Really random comments: Loving this chance to see Christmas in the City again. Levi has great form.

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

What wonderful news - congratulations to your whole family!

Dani said... #

Congratulations to you and your family Cindy! What fabulous news!!

Grandma G said... #

What a beautiful family! Congratulations! I was thinking of you on Monday, probably right about the time the adoption was becoming official, so I was there with you in heart. What a long road it's been, but such a happy ending... and now a new beginning!

Unknown said... #

Congrats! How exciting for your family! (And, can I come to soup and cookie day next year? :D )

The Colorful Fabriholic said... #

Congratulations! Such exciting - and I'm sure welcome - news, that Ella is now a forever part of your family.

Terri said... #

Congratulations to your family! Wonderful pictures of everyone all together. It's a treat to finally get to see pictures of Ella.

Rosemarie said... #

So happy everything worked out for your family, God is good. I know there were lots of prayers and support for everyone.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

The BEST! I have goosebumps!

carolg said... #

I commented on IG, but couldn't resist adding another note. Maybe it is recent events that makes news like this extra poignant and sweet. I am so thrilled for your happiness. Thank you so much for sharing. It made my day.

PamKittyMorning said... #

So happy for all of you! She's a little doll!

PamKittyMorning said... #

So happy for all of you! She's a little doll!

Louise SS said... #

It is so wonderful to read about such a happy event! Congratulations!

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said... #

How wonderful - your whole family (or whanau as we say in New Zealand) must be overjoyed. I'm so happy for you all to have certainty now, and to have Ella in your lives. She looks gorgeous, and is a very lucky girl to have ended up with a loving, kind family. This Christmas will be extra special for you all. Congratulations.

Susan said... #

Congratulations Cindy, on the newest 'official' addition to your family. Ella Jane looks an absolute delight. She will bring much joy to your family!

Rene' said... #

Reading this with tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms. I am so very happy for your family!!! What beautiful pictures in this post but I especially love the one of Christa with Ella. Such joy!! Merry Christmas my friend!!

Unknown said... #

What a blessing from God. You're family is beautiful.

Val's Quilting Studio said... #

It doesn't!!! I got tears in my eyes as I'm so happpy for Ella and your family!! Merry, Merry Christmas!!!

Vicki said... #

Oh Cindy...I'm so thrilled for your family. She's such a lucky little girl, she's a Wiens.

Farm Quilter said... #

What a very special day!!! My step-daughter and her husband had their final hearing for the adoption of their son in November!! Incredibly special since I'm also adopted!!

Celtic Thistle said... #

Fabulous news Cindy, your family and friends really pulled out all the stops for that hearing !

stitchinpenny said... #

Congratulations to all!

Debbie said... #

Very cool! I'm so happy for you all!

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Congratulations to all your family! She's a beautiful, adorable addition! Fabulous photos :)

sew katie did said... #

Oh so much fun. Congrats;)

Carla said... #

So wonderful Cindy. God is faithful and she seems a perfect fit !