Mommy I need a coin!

Today I had a meeting at Panera Bread. Izabella accompanies me to these meetings--thank God most of my clients are very good with doing this for me. Allows me to take care of our girl--at home. Talk about blessings. Anyway--we decided to hit the "bread bar" to pick up some of Daddy's favorite bread for dinner. While we were waiting in line. Here's what transpired next. 

I: Mommy do you have cash? You can use cash mommy. 

M: Yes. I know. And Yes I have cash. But we'll pay with Mommy's cash card. 

Waiting patiently in line. 

I: Peers into the clear box in front of her that has a bunch of coins dropped in, she looks up at me and say's Mommy I need a money for Ruby?

(Ruby is a little girl--with a heart defect--waiting for her Mommy and Daddy to come get her. They live here in our area--and we have playdates with Ruby's family during the summer. You can read their about their amazing journey to Ruby and their family here. They leave on November 25th and meet Ruby on November 28th. Caution..little Ruby is adorable! Izabella is very excited about her coming home, having a family and playing with her this summer at the park. And we will meet them at our Chinese New Years Celebration.)

M: What?

I: I need to put money in for Ruby. So she can get better. 

M: Oh. Ok. Here is some money. 

I: Puts it in and says, "Now I hope Ruby can get better." Then she examines the box closely--almost pressing her little nose against the little box--and says--"Mommy. Where is my coin in there? Can you see it?" 

The clear box was for donations to the "Children and Families of Iowa" organization. 

That girl. I'll tell you. Something else. :) Something pretty special. Such a huge heart!

This video was taken after Izabella's dance class one day a couple weeks ago. She dances in and out of dance class every week.

I was watching X-Factor tonight--the little girl Rachel on there was adopted--she was a crack baby when they made her a part of their family. Her parents were so clearly proud of her. My mind of course wondered to the day that Izabella would do something amazing as a young woman--and how I'd be busting at the seams with pride. Then I looked over at her--and realized--this girl makes me sooooo deeply proud everyday. The way she loves and cares about everyone. The way she reaches out to those that need help--prays for their health and safety--and just plain loves life--regardless of her traumatic beginnings has a beautiful and joyful heart. Everyone she meets is touched by her special heart--and I am so proud--she is ours! Thank you God for finding us Izabella.

I am proud a million times a day--no one event--no big event--can make me prouder than I am of you all day long.