I love this picture of my girls, taken at the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China.

Community Service Award

The Piedmont School district awards one Outstanding Senior who has given of their time and worked hard to help improve their community both on a local and global level. This year, Taylor was the receipient of this prestigous award. She devotes herself and her time to the needs of many. My daughter is a very humble girl who always has a smile on her face and loves living her life serving others. In just a few short weeks, she is once again returning to Starfish Foster Home in Xi'an, China to help care for these beautiful children. As she wrote in her Trailhead Leadership application at Appalachian State; "One day, I would like to start my own foster home either in China or another country to help vulnerable children." I am very proud of her and the direction she is going in her life!

Senior Awards

Last evening was awards night for Piedmont High Seniors. Of the 236 graduating Seniors, 102 were offered scholarships that totaled 18.8 million dollars. Excellent job, the best ever! Taylor received the Monroe Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship and the Prospective Teachers Scholarship. So very proud of her!

Senior Prom 2011

Taylor had a great time this year at her Senior Prom. Her date, Jack, whom she met last summer while volunteering at Starfish in Xian, China, drove over 5 hours to NC to take her to her Senior Prom. They are good friends and both have a heart for the orphans of the world. It is so hard to believe she is graduating soon and then off to college. I know God has big plans for my girl and I know she will follow Him. Once again, this year we hosted the after prom party for 18 of her friends. It is soothing to know that there are still great kids in this world that want to work hard to make our world a better place.

Remembering Thomas

On Sunday, God took one of His angels to live with Him. Thomas you will never be forgotten. You touched so many lives in your short life on this earth and we are all better to have know you. http://stillwewait.blogspot.com/2011/03/starfish-boy.html

They Grow Up Too Fast!!

In just a few short months, Taylor will be leaving home for college. It truly seems like yesterday I laid in my hospital bed at 1:30 am and thanked God for this beautiful baby girl He had given me. I knew I had been blessed, but, at the time I did not know how much. I am so proud to be her Mama and just as proud of all her accomplishments. He is using her to do His will and she is obeying. God was thinking of me when He created her and allowing me the privilege to be her mother. Thank you Lord for this blessed girl!

Jacob is 9 Today!!

Today my son turned 9 years old. He has grown so much in the one year he has been in our lives. He still amazes me how far he has come and continues to grow. I love him so much and he brightens my days. He may not have come from my body but he was definitely born of my heart. Happy birthday Jacob, mama loves you!!!!!!!!

Face of a Special Needs Orphan

This is the face of a Special Needs Child from China. He is now a healthy active 8 year old that loves life and his family!!!!!

Appalachian State University - Here She Comes!

Taylor is going to ASU and we are SO HAPPY!!!!!! GO APP STATE!!!!!

Jacob's Award

Jacob was awarded the Student of the month for December 2010 for Union County School District. He was given $100 in gift cards for his accomplishment. His principal nominated him because of all he has accomplished in the 10 months he had been home. He is not only at or above grade level, he is excelling in everything he does. As she told Jeff and I, Jacob is doing better than most of the children that were born here in the US. She said he has such a willingness to please and wants everyone to like him. We are so PROUD of him!

Lydia Perry's Homecoming!

Ashton Rice made a great video of Lydia's homecoming! Great job Ashton!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpjcYZQwvjk

Perry's are Home!

All 5 Perry's arrived home last evening from China with their newest addition Lydia. We were so blessed to be able to be at the airport for their arrival. Lydia is beautiful inside and out! Congratulations to all!!!
Taylor saw Lydia's picture and was advocating hard for her a family. One night while Kathleen and I were talking, she stated that they were looking to adopt an older girl. It took Taylor only seconds and she had sent Kathleen Lydia's pictures and contact information. The rest is history! I love Happy endings!

Lily's Family Day!

Two years ago today Lily was placed in my arms forever! I still remember every detail of that day and the look on her face. She brings joy to our family everyday and we cannot even image our lives without her. Adoption has been the best thing our family has ever done. Thank you God for blessing us with this precious girl! We LOVE YOU Lily!!!!

Our first smile!

Lily's favorite toy on Family Day- A box of raisins

Two Years Ago Today

We were landing in Beijing, China to get Lily. We were tired and delirious but made it to our hotel for a sleepless night. We still did not know what lay ahead of us in 2 days when we would meet Lily for the first time. She has changed all our lives for the best and made all of us better people. Lily was the link that connected our family together. I will post Family Day pictures on the 10th as that was the official day.

Karen's Sweet thoughts About Taylor and Ashton

Here is a link to my friend Karen's blog. She wrote the nicest post about Taylor and Ashton and their advocacy for orphans. Karen always expresses things with such beautiful thoughts. Thanks Karen for your wonderful comments and support of these 2 amazing young ladies.
http://casadealegria.blogspot.com/2010/10/humbled.html

Introducing Lydia Perry

Here is a beautiful picture of Lydia Perry and her forever family. Lydia has waited for almost 14years to have a mom and a dad. On October 27th this dream came true for her. Congratulations Perry family!!!!

Wingate University

Taylor received an acceptance letter to Wingate University yesterday with a Trustee Scholarship of $52000.00 for 4 years. Wingate is only 20 minutes from our home so she could even commute and save more money if necessary. Proud of my girl!!!

Still We Wait

Taylor and her friend Ashton have started an advocacy website for the waiting orphans of the world. They help find waiting children the families they deserve. If you know of anyone that is considering international adoption, please give them their website. They will feature children in need of adoption and can connect them with the agency that help adopt these children.

www.stillwewait.blogspot.com

James' Has A Family!!!!!!!!!!

Most of you remember James from Taylor's work at Starfish this past summer. He is the love of her life and wanted so much to be able to put him in her suitcase and bring him home with her. She cried most of the way to the airport because she had to leave James. She learned this week he has a forever family and they contacted her!!!! He will be so close that she can go and see him. My girl is so happy! Thanks H family for emailing her!

Another Scholarship

Taylor received an acceptance letter today from Lenior Rhyne College here in NC with a $40,000 academic scholarship offer. She still has her heart set on UNC Wilmington but it is nice to know she has options.

Taylor's First College Acceptance with a Scholarship Offer

Taylor received acceptance letter from Queens University in Charlotte today. They also gave her the Dean's Scholarship of $40,000! I pray this is the first of many letters she will receive!

Happy Anniversary Jeff!!!

I married this man nine years ago today! If he had only knew what he was getting he would have still married me! Happy anniversary Jeff, I Love You!

40 Days For Life

Attached is a link to my friend Jamie's video she made through her participation with 40 Days For Life. This is a very moving video that portraits the vigil of pro life supporters in Albuquerque, New Mexico as they stand outside an abortion clinic and pray for the unborn as their mother enters the clinic for their abortion. Thanks Jamie for allowing me to share!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWYDVrBPKSk

Newest Addition

Here are pictures of our newest addition. She is a Shih Tzu puppy, like Tibby, from Bill and Wendy Johnson in Mt Airy, NC. Thanks for allowing us to be her new family. Check out the Johnson's website:

http://www.wendyleesshihtzu.com/

Starnes' Family Is Growing Again

We are adding a new addition to our family. Details to follow later!

Perry's Are Going Back To China

Now I can finally give details! Our great friends the Perry's adopted their first China girl in 2007. They traveled with us this past January for Jacob to get their second daughter. Kathleen had mention to me she would like to adopt an older girl and was looking. I gave her info on a 13 year old girl that needed a family before her 14th birthday on November 5th. Next thing I knew, the Perry's had the ball in motion to adopt this girl. The CCAA in China has bent over backwards to expedite her paperwork. Also, her Congress Representative and agency are working hard to make everything happen fast. It looks like they will be in China at the end of October to get their daughter! God has moved heaven and earth to make this adoption happen. He has opened every door for this family. We are so happy for the Perry's and their new daughter. Our God is good and takes care of His own! Because of everyone involved and God's mightly hand, there is one less orphan tonight!

One Less Orphan

I can't comment on specific details as of now. But there is a 13 year old girl that as of November 5th will be too old to be adopted per China's standards. But last night God move heaven and earth and this girl has a family that will travel to get her before she is 14. This is the best birthday gift ever! No, unfortunately it is not us!

Check out WBTV's website to see a brief glimpse of Lily and her sisters stunting her at Friday Night's Football game. Click on the following link, click on page 2 of the video box and click on Union Academy/Piedmont game. Lily, Taylor and Madison are at the 29 second mark.
http://www.wbtv.com/global/Category.asp?C=172881

Referral Day Anniversary

Two years ago today, we saw Lily's beautiful face for the first time. We were instantly in love and continue to love her more everyday. She has gone from a scared little baby to a mature 2 year old that thinks she knows it all. She is the joy of our lives and blesses everyday! Thank you God for this beautiful little girl!!! We love you Lily!

College Hunt Begins

Colleges are recruiting Taylor hard! So, we have started to narrow down her selections. Of course, Mom wants her to stay close and in NC ( In State Tuition), but I want her to be happy. She is applying for several scholarships that most I feel she will get. She wants to major in Special Education with emphasis on hearing and speech impaired or developmental delays. She wants to work with children that have special needs and educational challenges. She says her future goal is to move to China and foster special needs children. Looks like Mom will be visiting China, often!

Piedmont High Senior Cheerleaders 2011

This is a picture of Taylor and her teammates that she has cheered with since Middle School! Go Senior Cheerleaders! This group of girls is why Piedmont High is 1st when they compete!

Beach 2010

Jeff with two of his prides and joys! See but do not speak!

Let me think how I can change this world!

Our two blessings from God

Prayers For the Newsomes

My dear friend Bobbi and her family are on a flight to China to get their 6 year old son. He is from the same CWI as Jacob, even though they do not know each other. But, they will once Owen is home. Praying that his heart will be prepared for his new family!

Jack needs a Home!

Go check out Taylor's post for a message that is close to her heart! click here to be directed.

"4" on APUSH

Taylor received her scores yesterday from her College Board AP US History exam. She made a 4 out of 5 which will give her credit for US history at any college. I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments! As she said, " one less class I will have to take in College".

Taylor Meets Kate Gosselin

As I see Taylor and Jeff coming down the airport escalator, I hear, "Oh my! Is that her!" I look in front of Taylor and there is Kate Gosselin of Kate Plus Eight pointing at Lily. She was on the Dulles to Charlotte flight with them. She asked if she could have Lily. She is a very nice easy to talk too. She was very interested in Taylor's Starfish trip. She told Taylor to contact her before she left next year.