Happy 42nd Birthday, Mama Espinal!

Grabiela, Mama Espinal, Daniela, and Jessica crying in the front.  The girls just laugh and laugh at this photo. They treasure it.

Today we celebrated mama's birthday.  I realized yesterday that they only use mami (mommy) when refering to their mom, but never use that word when talking about me.  It is nice to have a way to refer to her instead of calling her "your other mom" or Amantina.

Last night we made cards from my card making stamps and stuff.  Jessica asked Daniela, hey, what color was mommy's favorite?  Blue. Then she asked me what stamp you use for people that have died.  I told her to use the ones for birthday, but she was determined to do one for her being dead.  She found one that had black on it and she said, "I found the one for dead people."  I explained it was just black, but she acted serious and did the cut throat and tongue out sign for death.  Under her breath she said something and I asked her what she said.  She said she didn't want to say it.  She had a scowl look and a roll of her eyes.  Finally, I asked, "Did you say it's because of your daddy?"  She shook her head with a trembling lip, yes.  I really didn't say much.  I just let them talk about it how they want.   I try not to deny them any emotions they have for him or her. I just teach them about forgiveness and how death is very special because we get to be with Jesus and that is the best place to be in the world.

Card making last night

We headed out to the cemetery after lunch today with Luke and Naomi.  We picked up some flowers on the way to a baby shower this AM.  Daniela asked last night if we could go take flowers.  She always wants to go for events, but she never wants to pray or stay long.  Daniela cried twice yesterday over being bothered.  Daniela never cries.  Even when she does, she tries her hardest to hold it in.  Big ball of supression.  Finally, I asked late last night as she had tears about Jessica bothering her.  Are you sad today?  YES!  

We called their sister, Grab, last night and sadly, she didn't know when mommy's birthday was (so I guess they do not celebrate or talk about it).  She left their house when she was 4.  She wouldn't have remembered unless someone helped her with dates.

Luke, Jessica, Daniela, and Ethan walking

Mommy's Plot

Flowers and Cards

We ended the afternoon singing with cupcakes for her.

 The following are some old pics of the girls before they moved in.  They look so different to me and wanted to share.  Happy New Year, Family and Friends XoXo

Daniela at FIGHT's sports camp with Christina.

Daniela with some friends at FIGHT's sports camp.  So tiny.

We had a mission team here the week I took this picture of Jessica last summer.  Jessica would stand there at her gram's house for most of the morning just staring at us. 

The girls home across the street from gram's where they lived with mom and dad. Very small.

One last photo :)
Naomi and I threw a baby shower for Jamie this AM, so Luke babysat the bunch.  They just got a new puppy and Jessica is in love with Ria. 

Jessica