Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Too Busy Living Life

 I hope everyone's new year is off to a great start. We are doing well in the Dear house. Noel and I have been busy getting things around the house organized and cleaned out. We try to talk at night to see what each other has planned for the next day. We sometimes even schedule our days to make sure something is accomplished. It works! We have tackled many projects around the house. It has helped me so much that I haven't been on my computer too much to write blog posts. It is getting me to get back into the creative/crafting mode. I cannot wait till hubby finishes the basement schoolroom/craft room and the girls and I can see all the things we can create. One thing I have been able to get back to is finishing some of my knitting projects.

This month has been exciting. We celebrated Rae being an American for 1 year and had our 1 year post placement visit.  A couple of weeks ago we had Emily's baptism and Rae's dedication on the same Sunday. I told Noel that all of our children are involved in the morning service, because Hannah was also playing the keyboard that morning. It was an exciting and special day. We do wish our families could have been with us.

Emily and Noel

Rae telling everyone that she is happy to have a mommy, daddy, and sisters





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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas from our Dear family to yours!

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Gotcha Day One Year Later.

WOW! Has it really been a year? The day we waited for. The day we will never forget. December 19th, the day Yang Rui joined our family. Was is pretty? NO! Would we do all over again - YES!

This year we tackled what few people thought would not be worth it, to bring an older child who does not speak our language and who has multiple health issues to be apart of our family. She was our daughter the first time we saw her pictures. Would could not wait for her to become another Dear girl. It has been a joy to see her change from this shy little girl who kicked, screams and cried, to a girl who loves people and loves to curl up with you on the sofa. She has a smile that will melt your heart.

In this past year, we have been able to get her blood disorder somewhat under control, while not where it should be - it's manageable. She is not suffering any more nosebleeds. Her eyes are almost perfect, but she may need one more surgery. We are also thankful there have not been anymore seizures, which it totally baffling her doctor. God is Great!

As far as her language, she is gotten pretty good at it. She has lost her first language, but does remember a few words and could probably sing a few songs. In school, she is doing great at math and not far from being caught up to where she should be. She has started to learn to read thanks to help from a speech therapist and myself. It is amazing to see the light turn on and to see her learn something that she may not have been able to do in China. While most kids her age were in school in China, we were not sure if she was. She does have some struggles, but she is excited (most of the time). It is fun to see her gain that confidence.

Earlier this year Rae started taking tennis lessons, but we had to put it on hold after her eye surgery. After first of the year, she will start back. She loves to go play tennis with Mr. Bob. She also participated in her first homeschool co-op class. She loved going to drama/art class. She is a good little artist and loves to draw. With her sister Emily she performed in her first little play in November. She didn't have any speaking line, but she danced in the bathtub.

We are do sometimes hear about her life, prior to us. Some things were happy - like helping her nanny make spicy noodles. Then there are other things that make us sad and her cry. We pray that we can help her thru those sad memories.

We are looking forward to spending our first Christmas at home with her. She doesn't quite understand why all the presents, but she loves all the decorations and watching Christmas movies. She does know that it is Jesus' birthday.

Gotcha Day! She was not to sure of us.

Happy!






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Friday, December 14, 2012

A Year Ago

It is hard to believe that one year ago we were on a plane getting ready to see this little face!




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Monday, December 3, 2012

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Where have the years gone. It just seems like yesterday you were a little girl running about playing dress-up with your sister. You have always loved reading and still do. You have grown into a beautiful young lady. I am thankful the Lord sent us you.

Hannah at 1 with her first birthday present
You are beautiful.



 
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Everyday

Watch this video with your family tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Thanksgiving from Charles Dear on Vimeo.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Life gets in the Way

 I know I have been a little behind on what is going on. I may try to do some posts of from Halloween and various other things that have been going on that I have missed posting about. We have been busy keeping up with appointments of either speech or physical therapy, rehearsals, and other things. I feel that I am in my car more than I am any where else.

 For the last couple of years, I have not sent out Christmas cards. So, yesterday we set out to take the dreaded Christmas card pictures. I was going to take pics at the beach, but it didn't work out. Thankfully the weather in Ohio has been good enough to still do them outside. There are not many fall leaves left, so we set out with a more urban look. The girls did well with only one minor meltdown. I should find something in all the pictures I took.

 Here is a sneak peak of a couple of them.

Who are these young ladies and where did you put my little girls?

 Happy 11 months Gotcha Day Rae! You are truly blossoming. You love to laugh, watch movies, eat ice cream, and drive your sisters crazy.  You are always looking for something to do.  You have a sweet spirit and love to pray for people.  I can't believe you have been our little girl for almost a year. We are excited to share your first Thanksgiving and more importantly - Christmas!




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