Thursday, September 04, 2008

From Trash to Treasure

Earlier this week, I picked up a small pink envelope that had fallen by our back door. It looked very similar to an envelope that Leila had received recently and I thought it was trash. I nearly threw it away. I am so thankful I didn't, otherwise I would not have been able to read these words that brought me to tears.

Dear < > family,
Mia is such an amazing girl! She is smart, beautiful and she's always happy! I have loved being a part of her life and watching her grow so much in such in a short time. She is always so well behaved and would clean up the whole class if I let her. I will always remember how she is so silly when we are in the bathroom. She makes silly noises and dances. I will miss her being my daily hair dresser and making my hair "pretty". Mia is such a miracle and blessing and someday, when we adopt from China, I will think of her and hope that our little girl is just like her! Good luck in all you do!
Love,
Teacher

I have wanted to run into her school and give this woman the biggest hug, but Mia moved into a new classroom and I have not seen this particular teacher this week. And to think, I almost threw this away!! A simple letter, almost thrown in the trash ends up as a treasure.


Oh, my precious, full-of-life little girl. You make my heart smile.
Thank you for sharing your joy with others. Mia helping me garden last week.

OK, I'm totally switching the subject here, but I also wanted to post some pictures of what we've been up to this week. Leila had her first soccer game of the season last night. All of those practices paid off, because all the girls played really well last night.

090308 Leila First Game Score

(Soccer letters created with a photo I took of a soccer ball.)

I love these photos because they totally capture my little girl. I took them earlier in the week, when Mia decided to wear an extra pair of shin guards to Leila's practice. Oh, she was so mad at me when I told her she couldn't practice on the field with the big girls, but as you can see, she got over it. :-)

082808 Mia Shin Guards

(I just love these Paint the Moon Boxed In frames at Oscraps. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have used them.)

I took Mia to my hometown county fair on Tuesday. We ran into some friends who had a rabbit project for 4-H. The girls were so sweet to let Mia pet and brush their cute little bunnies.

090208 Mia Bunny Fair

(Paper, flowers and brackets by Shabby Princess Carousel Collection.)

Flying high at the county fair. ;-)

090208 Mia Trampoline

Have a great weekend!

26 comments:

day by day said...

Hi Michelle!

That letter is beautiful! What a very special teacher to have taken the time to tell you how much happiness Mia brought to her and to her classroom! Us moms know how much joy our kids bring to us...but what a blessing to hear how they fill other lives with joy! And "when she adopts from China"...how neat is that!!!

Great soccer pictures, too!!

Have a wonderful week-end!

Rydley said...

What a treasure of a note from that teacher! So very thoughtful, observant and kind!

I adore the big soccer photo of Mia. What spunk!

And way to go Leila!

Happy things all around!

a Tonggu Momma said...

What a treasure that note is and will be, Michelle!!! I wish I had spent more time writing notes like that during my teaching career. Now that I'm a momma, I know how special they are.

LaLa said...

What a wonderful note..so sweet. Love all the soccer pics : )

Annslee loves to bungy jump too.

redmaryjanes said...

Oh my word, what a beautiful letter. I am so glad that you found it. I love all of the photos of the girls. I played soccer when I was a girl and loved it!

Julia said...

I've just had a really fun time catching up on your site - I just found it from a link on pixel fairy princess, and have really enjoyed your layouts, photos and tales of your two beauties. Can't wait to come back! :-)

Amie said...

A treasure indeed!!! I am SO glad you didn't accidentally throw that away!! I wish I could have seen the HUGE smile on your face when you read those encouraging words. And I bet MIA was so proud. And how neat that she is adopting as well. YEAH!!!!!!!! What a gift she gave you, and you gave her in sharing Mia with her. COOL STUFF!!

Happy Soccer season!!!

:)
Amie

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Your heart must be brimming over, Michelle. I am so glad you didn't throw this treasure away.

How proud you must be of both of your darling girls.

Have a perfect weekend.

Lisa

Jill said...

I'm so glad you found the letter. It truly is a treasure. How wonderful that Mia is such a blessing and inspiration to so many people.

2 China 4 Addison said...

Isn't it fun to see the imprint these strong little girls are leaving on others hearts? What a blessing!
And happy soccer season to you! Ours starts tomorrow......

fleur de lis cottage said...

What a special note and keepsake from Mia's teacher. And Leila is quite the soccer star. She looks like a natural.

Jboo said...

What a sweet letter from her teacher! You captured such great photos of your girls!

Have a fun weekend.

Janet

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Hi Michelle,

Those photos are incredible...I will have to check out oscraps!

Looks like you have had a busy week...soccer starts tomorrow for us...weather permitting!!

What a beautiful letter for a beautiful little girl!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Lisa

Jodee said...

What a sweet letter. You must be so proud! Cute pictures too!

Anonymous said...

Michele, Great pictures of Mia an Leila. What a treasure that note is!

Rebecca Lily said...

I love your post - the photos, and the sweet letter to Mia!! Congrats to Leila on her goal! Go girl!!! :)

My Owen blog is for friends as well as family. I have something like 10 spots left for readers, so let me know your email and I can add you! My email is rebecca30 AT comcast DOT net.

xoxo

preppy little dress AKA "PLD" said...

how cute, great letter! love your scrapbooking pages too!

missy said...

Michelle,

The letter about Mia is so precious. What a special teacher to write about Mia.

I love all of your pictures...you are super talented my friend.

The soccer pics are great, as is the pic of your little gardener.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

mommy24treasures said...

that is super special! WOW. It can make you feel so good to know your children are being cared for by such special people when they are away from youl.

Love your images as always. SO good.

Marla said...

What a beautilful letter about your sweet Mia. Leila looks like a natural. Your pictures are always so good.

Ashley Winters said...

Great photos! Hope you are having a fun weekend with your family.

Leslie said...

Boy, I know that letter had to put a big smile on your face. So glad you didn't throw that away. It will mean so much to Mia one day, knowing what one of the many special people in her life felt about her.

I had to show Leila's soccer pics to Ella over and over, so she would understand how to wear her socks over her chin guards...lol. Poor Ella had no clue. I'm glad I have you and Patty to show me the way, because I didn't have a clue either, but don't tell anyone.

Kate said...

Oh my...that letter sure is a treasure. I believe you wil read that letter one day when you are old...and still feel those pangs of pride.

Your photography is lovely! I am so inspired by your pictures...makes me want to grab my camera and start shooting!!!

You have a lovely family!!

Kate

Shawnstribe said...

what a precious story.
A wonderful tribute to your beautiful daughter.
xxx
s

Jewels of My Heart said...

Your girls are so beautiful... What a blessing our children are! Little miracles indeed.

Ohilda said...

ACK!! I'm so behind again!

First, your sweet Mia exudes joy. What a treasure indeed you have in that letter to be able to share with her someday.

And Miss Leila! YOU GO GIRL! Yep, you may have your own Mia Hamm there someday.

Hugs,

Ohilda