love and soft sq-wishes quilt for Izabella Danielle

Sq-Wish #14 FULL of Laughter and Tears from Texas!

2009-04-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

4.4.09: That's right laughter--the kind that makes your side hurt and brings a tear to you eye! This Sq-wish comes from a new adoptive mom (she just returned home a few weeks ago with her daughter Matti) and new friend in Texas...she is my best medicine as she always makes me laugh--and I mean laugh out loud (LOL).

This Sq-Wish arrived in today's mail and the outside of the package made me laugh-out-loud as I pulled it from the mailbox. As you can see on the outside of the package was a note that reference an earlier post called "Happy Mail Day". For those that don't know--it's a day when you get no bills! I don't see many days like this--but have had a couple lately. And TODAY was one of them. The note she wrote on the outside of the envelope was "Postman-Please leave in mailbox if Lisa had no bills. I want her to have a HAPPY MAIL DAY. LOL" OK--too funny--so I proceeded inside and upon closer examination--I realized the POSTMAN had written a note too!!! It said, 'From the Mail Man, NO BILLS". :) I LOVE IT...can you believe it--hilarious--what a hoot! And of course there were some references to the great state of Texas that were also funny. We actually talk about moving to Texas--so maybe someday. SO YES IT WAS A HAPPY, HAPPY MAIL DAY!So it gets better--Inside the package was the softest morst adorable fleece. AND after I read the wish--I realized it was an incredible gift as well. The fleece she sent is from a blanket that they took to China with them and their daughter Matti used in her crib during their stay. Tears rolled down my cheeks I was so deeply moved. I know this sounds nuts--but I put it close to my face, thinking I could feel our Izabella--this blanket was in China, where our Izabella is and it made me feel closer to her just touching it. It's amazingly precious!!! Beyond words. God has blessed me with a new friend and I am immeasurable thankful for her and all she does for me.
I can't wait for her and Matti and her family to meet Izabella. She is a true inspiration in so many ways--thank you from the depths of my heart Tonya.

It's a Dragon Fly Sq-Wish from my Little Brother and his fiance'

2009-03-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

3.15.09: This SQ-Wish is from my brother and soon to be sister-in-law (how good does that sound?!)--Izabella's Aunt and Uncle! Besides the fabric (as you can see being absolutely precious and very meaningful) they included a little dragonfly story that is so fitting for our lives. My heart took a leap and a smile grew on my face as i read the beautiful and brave dragon fly made his journey to new life--and how he never forgot those he left behind--that too would find their destiny in their turn. Although, he really wanted to go back and tell them all--this place they thought was the "end" was truly just the "beginning"! Sweet.

Don and Dodi--I don't think you know it but when I think of your house up on the hill you built -- I think of that beautifu little pond you had there. And I remember so vividly spotting several BEAUTIFUL dragon flys fluttering about the pond grass. I thought for sure I took a picture of them--but I can't find it anywhere--perhaps it's just embedded in my memory. So...truly this is a very special Sq-Wish indeed! If I can find the picture I'll post it. And I love dragon flys-don't think you knew that either. Hmmm....God works in mysterious ways.

Your Sq-Wish will bring much good luck, blessings and good to our izabella--that's for sure!

AND--you sent 4 squares!!!! So very excited about a that! I'll need them! And all the most wishes and good luck! Thank you for your enormous generosity and all the thought you put into this very special gift.

Truly--I am so touched--And most special is the fact that this is the first Sq-Wish from my family-or Dan's for that matter! So...all these first! How cool it that! I love, love, love it! Can't say it enough.

You all can see how gorgeous this Sq-Wish is--but in my eyes the beauty is much deeper than the fleece. :) I will have fun telling Izabella about Don and Dodi and that sweet story "about the dragonfly that could and did" and about the beautiful dragon flys they have in Vermont at a little pond, at a special place.

SqWish#12: Not my family--but feels like family...

2009-03-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

3.7.09: This family is so special to me. Ever since I moved to Iowa they have become like a second family to me. We've shared holidays, birthdays, weddings, new babies and unfortunately even funerals. I am eternally grateful for their open arms and open hearts to a stranger to iowa that loved it so much she decided to make it "home". Thank you for all you do and this Sq-Wish is so special, I can not wait for Izabella to meet you all!

SqWish #11: Brown, Orange and Pink Dots...

2009-03-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

3.7.09: This sq-wish is from a family all the way in California! She is a special blog friend and swap sister that knows I love pink and brown! I LOVE this square it's so FUN and full of vibrant life, just as I picture my Izabella to be. Thank you so much Stephanie.

Sq-Wish#10--"Good Luck" Lady Bugs and "Hope Filled" Butterflys

2008-03-05T22:36:00.001-08:00

3.5.08: I rec'd this color set of squares a couple days ago--they are so perfect for us. I especially love the lady bugs and butterflies one--as brings us good luck and hope. Who could ask for more? :) God has truly blessed us. This group of friends from around the world are more than I had ever imagined. Mostly they inspire me. Somedays I feel as close to them as a life long friend. It's amazing how this journey we're on together bonds us.

The other square is soooo art-sy--it's absolutely gogeous. Thank you Christine and Family. You're precious to me. Izabella will just love them both.

Sq-Wish #9--All the Way from Overseas!

2008-02-21T21:21:00.001-08:00

2.21.08--I can hardly believe I pulled rec'd a package from out of the US! I've never gotten anything from another country--especially over the sea--that is truly special! My friend--you are so special. I've so enjoyed our emails..and getting to know you. I am always amazed at how different it is there--I always thought your country was so similar to ours. Much to my delight it is not--it's more fun that way. AND I don't have anything Disney either! It's soooo soft--and the best part is you sent the whole 1/4 yard...you know me well--I will surely make mistakes and this allows me to not stress about it on your square....you're so funny. I've just learned this square is more special than I imagined--seems she purchased a blanket, cut this portion off--and now her and her family use the remaining blanket to cuddle up with...I LOVE IT...now that's pretty special...I think. I will share this lovely gift and the way it connects us across the sea and around the world. Thank you my friend--yourr wish touched my heart--your fleece makes me smile....I can't wait to tell Izabella about my silly friend overseas. Lovely.

Sq-Wish#8--Ittsie-Bittie--Polk-A-Dots!

2008-02-21T21:17:00.001-08:00

2.21.08--I love this fleece. It makes me happy! And it's my mom's (Izabella's Grammy) faviorite...she just kept saying...I really like this one. Me too! You're so kind Petrie--and I want to thank you too for all your wisdom in our group. You are a wealth of knowledge for us "newbies". A blessing. Our Izabella will know all about you.

Quilt Squish #7--GREEN my favorite color!

2008-02-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

2.21.08--This green fleece is so perfect for me--green has always been a favorite color of mine. Again, I'm always amazed how well the women in our online group know me. Maybe God whispers in their ears--hmmm...I think he does. Thanks Robin. It's precious.

"Xiongmao's" (Panda's) Sq-Wish #6

2008-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

1.30.08: Each Sq-Wish package that arrives is sooo special...and each one reduces me to tears. But it never ceases to amaze me how each one touches a different place in my heart, each one arrives with the most perfect timing, with the most perfect message--assuring me, we are on the right path. This beautiful and ever-s0-amazingly-soft sq-wish is from a very dear friend Tori and her family. I worked with Tori for almost 6 years, I overheard her often talking to her daughters on the phone--with one thing or another--and each time she got off the phone--I remember thinking "wow, what a great mom she is--I hope to be as good a mom someday." I saw her faced with a health issue with one of her daughters that tested her motherly intincts to the point where she took action other mothers might have hesitated to do--and this one saved her daughters life. It was a mis-diagnosis--that she just knew in her heart was not right--and she was "right on". Ahhhh...the amazing love of a mother! Tori, it is such a special honor to recieve this gift from you for our Izabella. You will always be a part of her life--her story.

Tori's wish card speaks to the 23rd Psalm--her favorite passage. It reminded me that life here on earth is not easy--but if we keep our faith in Him and live with confidence he will guide us--there is much more comfort in this journey we call "life". Soooo true. Life has been especially difficult on many levels. But everytime I say a prayer and leave it as his feet...he always comes through for me with an answer.

The other really wonderful part of this gift is the surprises kept on happening--each step of the way into this little beautiful surprise gift. The outside of the envelope had the most adorable messages "A little girl captures your heart...ahhhh" and "thank heaven for girls!" Then inside it was wrapped so beautifully with the sweetest Pink sticker that said "with love", and then of course, the wish itself was so beautifully written and touched my heart deeply. I can't wait for Izabella to meet them all! I have included the packaging in this picture--as it was soo beautiful. Thank you to my dear friend Tori and to her family for their love, prayers and support on this very long journey. You make this all so much easier for me.

#5 Sq-Wish! Rubba-Dub-Yellow Duckies...

2008-01-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

1.9.07: This absolutely adorable sq-wish arrived a few days ago from another beautiful family in our July LID group--all the way from Canada-British Columbia. Once again the fabric is soooo amazingly sweet--but the wish was the most precious. And ironically enough spoke to my heart on a matter that was troubling us soooo this past week. There is still no final resolution--but there this wish helped me remember that He only wants what's good and wonderful for us--and there is comfort in that. Thanks to the Denis Family--you touched my heart and ways you'll never know--and I'm sure Izabella will be touched as well--forever with your thoughtful wish and sooo soft sq-wish.

#4 Sq-Wish--But ,#1 Family/Friends Sq-Wish!

2007-12-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

12.26.07: It's sooo perfect. The smile hasn't left my face... It's the sweetest purple, fleece with whimsical sheep on it and the best part is--Zophia picked it out! I can see her little finger pointing to it as I write. Thanks soooo very much Shayna, Matt and Zophia. And Shayna, your friendship is and always has been "God's Perfect Timing" in action. You give me such hope--and inspiration. You have been on this journey with me since I've known you--you're always there for me--believe in me (even when I do not) and your friendship is so much more than friends--I always think of you as family--your square is absolutely perfect and so very special. As you mentioned in your wish--I hope our daughters will be best of friends--like you and I. I can't wait for the day you meet her--that will be a special day indeed.

Hope and Confidence in God....

2007-12-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

12.7.07: This fleece fabric is rich in color and in blessings. The wish that accompanied this wish touched my heart in the deepest way--and was profoundly great timing. A tear welled up in my eye as I read, and my heart was soothed with each word. Just the night before we rec'd this beautiful wish/gift--we were struggling with what to do about the "long wait", should we pursue other options--if so, which ones--what CAN we do? It is all so stressful to think about. After my heart felt free'd--as if I just needed to let it all out--all the uncertainty, frustration and confusion of it all. And by morning, I felt much better, closer than ever (if that's possible) to my Danny. After a wonderful conversation with my mom and a dear friend, I settled back into a place that is never truly gone--it's that place that tells me--God's timing is perfect, and she is in China, and we will meet--I have hope and confidence in God. Just like Kelly's message so eloquently said in her wish.

Let alone--the fabric is soooo perfect for me. How do these women, that I've never met, seem to know me so well? It truly must be divine intervention. :)

Our Second Sq-Wish Arrived!

2007-12-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

12.3.07: Last week our second "Sq-Wish" arrived for Izabella's Quilt. It is so simple, so soft, so perfect--truly. It even makes me want a "pink themed" quilt. Yipes--I never would have guessed. As you can see from Izabellas blog--it's no pink...hmmmm...sweet. This family hails from Sunny Florida--they have one beautiful daughter, adopted from China, Hailey, and along with us are waiting to grow their family with another daughter from China.

It always amazes me at the smile that forms on my face and in my heart when I pull one of these out of the mail box. And I'm equally amazed that this joy is delivered from someone across the country that I've never met--but feel so bonded to with this common journey, dream, struggles, hopes an dreams. It's something no one can understand, until you do it. Izabella will always know these women, and how beautiful, generous, kind and faithful their hearts are. A fine example to follow--for certain. Thank you Trish--it's precious.

Our First Sq-Wish!

2007-11-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

11.23.07--We received our first Sq-Wish today! I can't tell you how big the smile was in my heart and on my face when I went to our mailbox to find our very first "Sq-Wish"! I could hardly wait to open it. It came to us from a very special family--one you've heard me reference earlier in our blog--they share the very same DTC and LID dates as us--AND they have received their referral to a little girl "Maggie Mae" in China. She's a lucky little girl and they're a blessed family! As you can see it's perfect--soooo soft--and I can really begin to see this quilt taking shape now. Everything with this adoption seems so unreal. And frankly--like it will not happen. But when you get days like this--it becomes a little more real. Their wish is as soft and warm as the fleece, it is verse that reminds us of the core of what life is really all about--LOVE. Thank you so much. It's simply precious.

This is such a fun yet very special project....

2007-11-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

11.7.07: If you're so moved--I would love for you to get involved in this very special quilt for our little one. I thought starting it now would do two things--help make the time go by with some injection of fun and sharing--and assure I'll get it done before she arrives. Since I figure I have plenty of time--as this wait is pretty long.

She will remember you forever and I, as well as she, will be forever grateful for your friendship and support.

When I receive the sq-wishes--I'll take a picture of them and post them here to share with family and friends.

So stay tuned--for what beautiful squares and wishes are to come--but more importantly, stay tuned for our little one.

Gratefully--A little girl from China's mom--yup--that's me!

PS--Here's the picture of me with my first quilt--tyed with my Grammy on an antique quilting frame. I'm sitting in my grandmothers living room.