Wish 85-Viva France, part deux

We got another square/wish from France!! Thanks Bea!

Beautiful Little,
May this fabric help you to have sweet dreams and make them come true.
May you grow up in your family and find happiness.


Thanks again Bea!
(Yours is on the way)

Wish 84

I can't believe it has taken me so long to post this one. Anyway, I "met" Michelle thru our blogs. She too is adopting from China and is just a few months behind us in line. Though she does not currently live in TN, her family does. Lots of very neat connections.

I love her two squares.... the girly pink Pink Panther square and the adorable angels on the blue square. Thanks so much Michelle! (And be sure to check out her blog HERE.)

Here's her wish:

Believe...

...in God~ He loves you and will never forsake you

...in yourself ~ You are filled with strength, courage and compassion.

Share these gifts with those around you.

...in your forever family~ They have waited so patiently for you

....in friendship~Surround yourself with positive people

that will encourage you to be your best

...in true love~The kind that makes you feel complete. This is life's greatest joy.

Wish 83

This sweet wish/square came from Jodie. She recently discovered our blog and wanted to help us with our quilt. I'm still amazed at the thoughtfulness of all our internet friends.

May blessings be upon your precious baby
May favor rest upon your family
May your future be a holy legacy
May blessings be upon your precious baby

May He bless you in your coming
May He bless you in your going
May your heart be ever knowing
The blessings of the Lord

Wish 82

Tonight we recieved the square/wish from Chris's parents. The fabric is fitting coming from Gail, she has good collection of Precious Moments. The also included a letter:
Dear Ella,
You have been in our hearts for quite awhile.
Now you are here with us with your beautiful smile.
We are so thankful to Jesus that you have come our way.
We are so happy that you are here to stay.
Much love,
Papaw & Nana

There's still time....

Almost a year ago we sent out a little letter asking for your help on a project. We still are a few squares short on our goal for our 100 wishes quilt (see we need 100). We have received 81 WONDERFUL squres so far. And are deeply touched by the squares, the wishes and the creativity. It means so much to us to read these and knowing the time you put into them. We hope to get started on this during the summer (I'm taking a quilting class next month), so if you have your fabric/wish please feel free to send it to us. We can't wait to hit the 100 wishes goal.

**I didn't get letters out to everyone like I had hoped. I've just been relying on the blog to get out our "wish" for help. So if you're reading this PLEASE PLEASE join us on this project. Click HERE for the complete details and then email us (chrisjulietu@gmail.com) for our address!

Wish 81

My friend Heather gave us this square/wish tonight. I love it! It's very preppy. And Heather is definitely a "pink" girl, well "pink and green", this will always make me think of her. She wrote a sweet letter. She also included the verse Jeremiah 29:11-13:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

AND we received this beautiful blanket made out of the same fabric. Her mom made this for us. I think this is our first real blanket. It's so soft, I can't wait to use it. We love it! Thank you so much.

Wish 80

We spent this evening at Chris' Aunt & Uncle's home for Christmas dinner. Chris' cousin, Rob gave us a new square. This is #80, we're getting so close.

We love the fabric, the bamboo and butterflies are perfect. Thanks Rob & Miranda!!!!

Wish 79

It has been so long since we've gotten a new wish. This beautiful fabric comes from one of our past Secret Pals. I LOVE hydrangeas, so this will be perfect on the quilt! (I think it came from Australia) Thanks Hayley.

Wish 78

This is from one of Mom's friends (from Sunday School). She picked this cute fabric because she saw Gus on it (looks just like him!). We were very excited to get this from one of Mom's friends (now she needs to do hers). Charlotte also included Genisis 33:5. "These are the children God has given to me. God has been good to me."

Thanks Charlotte for helping us with the quilt!!!!!!

Wish 77

Debbie has been telling me for sometime that she had this to send, I was very excited to see it in the mailbox today. It is perfect Debbie, thank you!! (And I'm thinking I like these colors for the nursery...)

Here are the verses Debbie included in her wish.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you, declared the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Wish 76

This wish/square comes from my friend Audra. We have been friends forever, literally. She was very excited to help us out with the quilt.

Her wish is that Ella will have a childhood friend like we had in each other.

The square and wish are perfect, thanks Audra!

We're getting close to 100!

We're at #75....we're getting so close to 100! I know we have several family/friends that are still working on theirs and we'll hit 100 soon!!! But don't worry if you haven't finished yours yet, we won't stop at 100....you still have time to get yours in.

We are so appreciative of everyone that has sent squares/wishes in, it means so much that you have helped us with this very special project. Thank you so much!
J & C

Wish 75

These are the children God has given me. God has been good to me. Genesis 33:5

This square & wish are from our friends Nikki & Tyson. Nikki loves frogs so she picked this fabric. I love the colors and of course we love frogs too. Thank you, it made our Sunday!!!

Wish 74

Viva La France.... Wish 74 traveled a long way.

Wish 73

Long time, no wish....

This is a VERY special wish. This is Chris's square and wish. This square was taken from one of Chris's shirts. Actually, from the shirt he wore on our very first date. And naturally, he wrote a super sweet note to go with it.

Wishes 69, 70, 71, 72

Here are 4 new wishes from the Hoppes. Hayley was our Secret Pal this month and she included 4 great square/wishes. She has some great fabrics. The favorite is the blue one, that's my favorite color. And I love the flowery one. And the food ones are great, the kiwi and Chinese takeout. And the wishes are wonderful too. Thank you Hoppe family!

# 66, 67, 68

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

These 3 great squares are from my friend Bridget (& Mike and Mary Alice). Mary Alice picked out the "Lamby" one. And that one is my favoritest color of blue. Thank you for doing this, it was a wonderful surprise to find it on my desk Friday.

Wish 65

This comes from my friend Laura. She and I have worked together for several years and she has bgecome a sweet friend. I was very excited to find this on my desk this morning, what a great way to start the day! What a sweet wish and we LOVE the frogs. Thanks Laura (& Rob)!

Wish 64

This was given with hope of many blessings and wishes, this comes from our sister-in-law's mother (and family). AND this fabric is hand made. Michelle's mom is very talented and crafty and has started weaving and has her own loom! She made this beautiful pink fabric, the front and back are different and I don't know if you can see it in the picture. I can't decide which side I want to use. The fabric is absolutely beautiful. Many thanks to the Baldwin family.

Wish 63

What a good day, we came home to two new squares/wishes! These are from Chris's family. This one is from Chris's Aunt Pearl & Uncle Terry. Thank you so much, we love it!

"The best kind of sleep beneath Heaven above is under a quilt handmade with love"

A Mother's Prayer by Celine Dion

I pray you'll be my eyes

And watch her where she goes

And help her to be wise

Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer

Every child knows lead her to a place

Guide her with your grace

To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light

And holds it in her heart

As darkness falls each night

Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer

Every child knows

Need to find a place

Guide her with your grace

Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place

Guide her with your grace

To a place where she'll be safe

Wish 62

We were just talking at work today about our Strawberry Shortcake dolls! And then this was in the mail!!! This is from Chris's cousin. Thanks Gretchen, it's perfect!!!

Families are like quilts, stitched together one piece at a time.

This life is yours by Susan Polis Schutz
Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well.

Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly.

Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature.

Take the power to control your own life, no one else can do it for you.

Take the power to make your life happy.

Wish 61

As we celebrated Father's Day today (yes, a week early but we'll be at the beach next week), David & Brandy gave us their wish/square. We were very excited to get that surprise today.
Thanks so much David, Brandy, Tristan & soon-to-be Cash.
The included a letter to Ella and this bible verse.

God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,

so that you may know what is the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints
Ephesians 1:17-18

Wish 60

May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more,

and nothing but happiness come though your door.

Irish Blessing

Aaron & Melissa

NC

LID 12-04-06
CCAI WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 59

This is wish #2 from Suzanne. Suzanne and I have known each other for years and spent many summers playing together when I would visit my Grandparents in CA. She and have have exchanged letters for almost 20 years (wow, are we that old!?!). The square is 2 fabrics: one is Cookie Monster, her favorite character and there is yellow fabric on the sides, this is from a dress her mom made her when she was little. The wish is a long letter to Ella telling her how Suzanne knows me & Chris and talks about all the things she wishes for her. And ended it with a few quotes:

"Where there is great love, there are always wishes" ~ Willa Cather

"Some boys take a beautiful girl, and hide her away from the rest of the world. I wanna be the one to walk in the sun. Oh girls, they wanna have fun." ~ Cyndi Lauper

Wish 58

This is wish #1 from my friend, Suzanne. (Grandpa's neighbor) We spent many summers in CA playing from the time we were little kids. She & Chris share a love of Star Wars, so this is very appropriate.

Naturally the quote says "May the force be with you".

Wish 57

Just when I was thinking we hadn't had any squares in awhile....3 today! This is from my Mrs. Schwabe, she is my friend's mom AND my Grandpa's neighbor for many many years. She was a lifesaver for the last few years my Grandpa was in CA. We couldn't of made it without her!

The fabric is great, this is our first red, white and blue one! Thanks so much!!!

Quilt Pattern

I think I have decided on the pattern for our 100 wishes quilt. And I think it can be used no matter the # of squares we get so if we're under or over on the wishes it should be okay. Of course, I could change my mind, but this has been the pattern for a few months so we'll say this is it....

Wish 56

Here is the 2nd one from today. This is from Chris's Aunt Leila (who had the 90th birthday a few weeks ago). She has been so excited about our quilt (and adoption) and mentions it every time we see her. She said she found the perfect fabric and said she had the perfect saying to go with it. It turned out great!Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white

They are precious in his site

Jesus loves the children of the world.

With love to Ella,

Great-Great Aunt Leila

Wish 55

We were so excited to come home today to 2 squares/wishes from our family. This one is from Chris's cousin Barbara. We love the animal fabric and what a great verse!

We love it, and Thank You!! All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

-Cecil F. Alexander 1848

Welcome, Ella, to the Turner Family!

Cousin Barbara

Wish 54

Busy bees work hard to make sweet honey.

As we have worked hard on this journey.

At the end we will find a child as sweet as honey.

Warmest Wishes

Ray, Tracie, Trey & James

LID 2.6.07 for Katerina

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 53

And somewhere while you’re sleeping Someone else is dreaming too

Counting down the days until They hold you close and say I love you

And like the rain that falls into the sea

In a moment what has been is lost in what will be
When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

-Steven Curtis Chapman

May God bless and keep you,

Sean & Christina

LID 12-19-06

CCAI WinterBlossoms Group

Wishes 49, 50, 51, 52

What a great way to start the morning, these 4 squares were on my desk this morning. They are from my friend Kendra (and her family). Two of them have Holly Hobby on them (I had a HH doll when I was little!) One of the squares has "Love" on it. Kendra's wish is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. We're learning the first part as we wait... Love is patient.

Thanks Kendra!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind;
Love is not jealous or boastful;
It is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way;
It is not irritable or resentful;
It does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things,
Endures all things.

Love never fails.

Wish 48

Wish 48 comes from Michelle (and Eddie, Meryl & Jack). It's absolutely perfect.

Included was John 14:1-3:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Michelle also wrote a special letter to Ella. It was perfect! She mentions that this fabric was used to decorate Meryl's room before she was born, and then she talks about how they've been preparing for Ella's arrival long before she was born, and how Jesus has prepared a home too. It was beautiful! Thanks Michelle!!!

Wish 47

Wishing you and your family much joy.

The Curl Family

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 46

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.

Winnie the Pooh

Our wish for you is to always be blessed with a lifetime full of happiness, good health and love.

May all your dreams come true.

Paul Ray, Peggy, Brandon & Paul III

LID for Grace

2/11/07

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 44 & 45

Here's our first wishes from family. These 2 thoughtful wishes are from Chris's little cousins, Anna & Logan.

Anna wish is the pink one and it says: "I wish you like butterflies like me."

Logan is blue and it says: " My wish is that you like animals like me."

They both did a great job decorating their wish too. Thanks you two!!!

Wish 43

We wish for you, your dreams come true,

and last your lifetime through.

With much love,

Glynn, Julie, Annalee

Waiting for their next buddle of joy, Juliann.

LID 3/19/07

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 42

This is a beautiful Chinese fabric, the pictures don't do it justice.

Enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
Enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
Enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
Enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
Enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
Enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
Enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Alana, Scott & Elizabeth
Ogden, Utah

Wish 41

" For I know the plans tha tI have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

The Burge Family

LID 1-18-07 for Miah

Wish 40

May the Wisdom of the Ages guide you and protect you through your Life's Journey.

May your Heart be Pure, your Voice be Kind, and your Life be filled with Love and Joy.

Warmest Wishes,
Amy & Rich
CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wishes 35, 36, 37, 38, 39

These 5 wishes are from my WinterBlossoms Secret Pal. I especially love the paper-doll fabric. I had been eyeing it in the store. Thanks so much; our collection just keeps growing!

Wish 34

Our Wish For You

May you remember your whole life long

the first time you go barefoot outside in the evening to chase fireflies,

the way your parents lovingly tuck you in at night,

the joys of Saturdays, and the love of your family and friends.

This fabric is to remind you of all your "cousins" scattered around the world, and to help us remember that our families are connected by a red thread of good wishes.

With Love and Best Wishes,

Art, Tawny, and Xenia Rain

Jackson, MS

LID for Ruby Wren 1-18-07

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 33

A contented heart...

Joy in everything you do

May these gifts be yours

Hugh, Patricia, Sage (Guangxi) & Piper (Hubei)

Appalachian Mountains

waiting for Lakota LID 2/7/07

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me that which I have requested of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Wish 32

To accomplish great things

we must not only act but also dream,

Not only Plan, but also believe

Julie & Greg

LID 1/30/07 for Chloe

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 31

You can't see in the picture, but this fabric has little sparkles all over it!May Love and Laughter light your days!

Best Wishes!

Tampa, FL

CCAI WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 30

The Search is Over

Now at last I hold you

Now all is said and done

The search has come full circle

Our destinies are one.

~Survivor

We wish for you a life filled with days where you have nothing to do but SMILE!

Love,
Paul & Heather
CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 29 - Drumroll please....

We received our first square/wish from the letters we sent out. The first was from our friends Brad, Shelley & Reagan!

Our wishes for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Hugs when spirits sag,

Sunsets to warm your heart,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Faith so that you can believe,

Confidence for when you are in doubt,

Patience to accept the truth,

Courage to know yourself,

Love to complete your life.

--Anonymous

Love,

Brad, Shelley & Reagan

Wish 28

Straight from China... look at this beautiful fabric....

Don't wait for time. Make it.

Don't wait for love. Feel it.

Don't wait for money. Earn it.

Don't wait for the path. Find it.

Don't wait for opportunity. Create it.

Don't go for less. Get the best.

Don't compare. Be unique.

Don't fight your misfortune. Transform it.

Don't avoid failure. Use it.

Don't dwell on mistake. Learn from it.

Don't back down. Go around.

Don't close your eyes. Open your mind.

Don't run for life. Embrace it.

- Bigvai Volcy

We wish you a lifetime of happiness, good health, love, and prosperity.

Epin, Scott, Hanna and Baby

Wish 27

I know you can't see it, but this fabric has green glitter running thru it, very sparkly!

"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark". "

- Chinese Proverb

Our wish for you is to grow up health and strong, with leaving friends and family. May there always be love, happiness and prosperity in your life.

Steve, Sheri and Maddie

Tallahassee, FL

DTC 2.22.07

Wish 26

Not sure if you can tell, but this fabric has beautiful Chinese girls on it. It's beautiful!

"A contented hear

Joy in everything you do

May these be your gifts."

Hugh, Patricia, Sage & Piper

NC

LID 2.7.07

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me that wich I have requested of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 25

Might have to go listen to this song now!


We wish you all the blessings and best that life can bring to you and your forever family. Always remember how blessed you are and what a blessing you are to those who love you!

May love, luck and success be yours through all your days!

Louse, Rob & Evan

LID 1.30.07
The lyrics to Elton John's "Blessed" were included.

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 24

"We wish you a lifetime filled with happiness and joy.
May all your wishes and dreams come true!"
The Gower Family
FL
CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 23

Ladybird, nor butterfly,
Nor moth with dusty wing,
Nor cricket chirping cheerily,
Nor grasshopper so light of leap,
Nor dancing gnat, nor beetle fat,
Nor harmless worms that creep.

-Christina Rosetti

The Symonies Family

PA

LID 12-31-06

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 22

Climb every mountain, search high and low
Follow every by way, every path you know
Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream
A dream that will need, all the love you can give
Everyday of your life, for as long as you live
Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream
A dream that will need, all the love you can give
Everyday of your life, for as long as you live
Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream
- The Sound of Music

Amy, Mike, Nathan & Jon
LID 3/2007
CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 21

Hope, that our family will soon be together as we long for the days with our child in our arms
Faith, that our family will be enlightened to cherish the moments safe from harm
Joy, that enters our life when we realize our dreams have finally come true
Love, unconditional a new child arrives - Welcome home baby, we love you
Trust, in this wish, it will all come true
May hope, faith, joy, love, and trust guide your way in the maze of life.
Mike & Kelly
Tucker, GA
CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 20

"May the light of your family's love always lead you home!"

Andrea & Vincent

Bangor, Maine

LID Thanksgiving Day 2006

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 19

Our wish for you is a long, happy and warm life!

Mike & Tina (and family)

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 18

This fabric has the word "moo" written all over, very cute!

Our wish for you: fun-filled days of endless play!

The Shoemakers

LID 1.18.07

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Just a few helpful things to assist you with your wish….

*When you mail the wish to us, it’s okay to fold the fabric up. Don’t worry about it getting it wrinkled.

*I'm sure some are stressing about what the wish looks like; you can make it as pretty or plain as you like. Pretty is just extra, what we really are excited about is to read what everyone’s wish is for Ella. The words are what we’re going to treasure years from now.

*We haven’t set a deadline on the wishes, I figure we have over a year or so to collect them and we want to hit 100 before we even think about getting started. So take your time.

*Speaking of the 100 wishes, don’t worry if yours is the 101st wish. We’re not going to leave anyone’s out. We just hope to hit 100, & anything above that is a huge gift!

Again, thank you so much for taking part of this special project!

Wish 17

Listen to the Mustn'ts
Listen to Mustn'ts, child

Listen to the Don'ts

Listen to the Shouldn'ts,

the Impossibles, the Won'ts

Listen to the Never Haves,

then listen close to me-

Anything can happen, child,

Anything can be
-Shel Silverstein

Wishing you the courage to dream big, and to

chase those dreams to the stars and back!

Laurie

DTC 2.22.07 for Hannah

Jacksonville, FL

CCAI Jan/Feb Group

Wish 16

Hope - That you find beauty in everything you see

Courage- To take chances in life....and not sit on the sidelines

Dream- To follow your dreams and not give up

Wisdom- To know what you want and achieve it

Lucky- To know how lucky the world is to have you in it

Jeff, Claudia and Hanna

Heath, TX

LID 12/11/2006
CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 15

WHEN GOD CREATED LITTLE GIRLS
God made the world with its towering trees

Majestic mountains and restless seas

Then paused and said,

"It needs one more thing,

Someone to laugh and dance and sing

To walk in the woods and gather flowers

T o commune with nature in quiet hours."

So God made little girls

With laughing eyes and bouncing curls

With joyful hearts and infectious smiles

Enchanting ways and feminine wiles.

And when He'd completed the task He'd begun,

He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done,

For the world when seen through a little girl's eyes

Greatly resembles Paradise.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

Pike, Melissa and Maddie

Kennesaw, GA

LID 12/31/06

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 14

Our wish for you is that you always know how much you are loved.

Live life to the fullest, dare to dream, be aware of wonder, laugh, love, and give of yourself

to others for “the most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.

When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
Quote taken from Thich Nhat Hanh

Much love and happiness,
Brandt, Erica, and Zachary
Natchez, MS

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 13

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,

He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness

Isaiah 61:10

Bountiful Blessings to You!

With Love From

Mark, Bridget, Samuel, Sutton, Selah & Shaylee

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 12

Precious and beloved child,
May you know God's limitless love
for you and relish His great plans for your life.


Celebrating your life this day in our hearts,


Ira, Betsy, Emma, Jake and Sophie
Brandon, MS
LID 1-18-07 for Miah
CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish 11

"To see the world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wildflower;

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour."

-William Blake

May you be so blessed to enjoy even

the smallest gifts we are given in life.
Mark, Terri, Logan and Nathan

LID 11/23/06 for Sophie

Cumming, GA

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Ella needs Squares

February 23, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you are aware, Chris and I began the process last summer to adopt a baby girl from China. To keep busy during the wait, we have decided to work on a project with which we need your assistance. We would be honored to have you participate in creating a “Bai Jia Bei”, otherwise known as a “100 Good Wishes Quilt”.

In parts of China, when a baby is born, family and friends donate fabric pieces with a wish for the baby to the child's mother. She then makes a quilt from the fabric. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes from all of the families and friends who contributed, surround the child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. With your help we would like to honor this tradition from our daughter’s homeland.

There are so many good reasons to make this quilt for our daughter, tradition being one of them. We are hoping to find many ways to keep her connected to Chinese culture. Another great reason is that our daughter will someday be able to see how much she was thought about and wanted long before she came into our family.

Most quilts are made with 100% cotton fabrics, however, the fabric can be from anywhere: an old fabric that has special meaning to you, or a new fabric that inspires you. I am hoping you will be able to find a piece of fabric in your craft supplies, old decorating projects or among old clothes you no longer wear. Please do not go to a lot of trouble.

Here’s what we would like you to do:

1. Cut one 9” x 9” square of fabric that you like.

2. On a separate piece of paper/card, put a scrap of fabric and include your “good wish card”. Please also include your name.

Your “good wish card” can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like (for you creative and scrapbooking folks, no bigger than 8x10). Your wish can be something you wrote or a favorite bible verse, poem, lyric, quote or anything that strikes your fancy. If the fabric you choose has special significance, please share its history. Please remember to sign your wish!

The good wishes and scrap of fabric will be incorporated into a scrapbook so she can look back at her quilt and match the squares up with the wishes. Looking through the book, she will know how many people were thinking of her before she was even born.

Collecting 100 squares may be a challenge. We know you all have very busy schedules, but we hope you will be able to help us create this special keepsake. Your thoughtfulness, time, and good wishes mean so much to us and we know it will mean just as much to our daughter someday. We have a long wait and hope this will help us feel closer to our baby.

Love,

Julie & Chris

Please email us for our mailing address (email link on right side of page)

To see some of the wishes we’ve already received please visit, www.waitingforella.blogspot.com

You can also follow the journey to our daughter at: www.redthreadtoella.blogspot.com

Bai Jia Bei is pronounced "Bai" = bye (as in goodbye) "Jia" = geeya (said quickly) "Bei" = bay (as in Harrison Bay)

Wish 10

We've entered the Double Digits on our wishes! Dance like there's nobody watching

Love like you'll never get hurt

Sing like there's nobody listening

Live like it's heaven on earth

And speak from the heart to be heard

-William W. Purkey

Charles & Christine

Waiting for Sarah Grace

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish #9

The journey of a thousand miles

Begins with a single step

- Laozi

Best wishes on your journey to becoming a

family and all the journeys ahead of you.

Gil, Kristin, and Makana

Aurora, CO

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms Group

Wish #8

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.

-Thoreau

May all your dreames come ture!

Laura & Dan

Scottsdale, AZ

LID 11-8-06

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

Wish #7

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not into my lips you kissed, but my soul.

-Judy Garland

Blessings while you wait for your little one

Mike & Ashley, Tyler, Will & Peter

Centennial, CO

LID 11/14/06

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

Wish #6

"Sometimes if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away benath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known"

- Winnie the Pooh

Wish you many moments of knowing exactly what life is all about...

Kerrie & Ken

Archbald, PA

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

Wish #5

I love this fabric, photo doesn't do it justice!

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction and do not let go. Keep it, for it is your life.

Proverbs 4:12-13

Erik, Christine, Alexia and Caleb

Marietta, GA

Waiting for mei-mei

LID 11/24/06

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

Wish #4

Another cute one from our yahoo group

"Wishing you and your family a lifetime of happiness"

Brian & Melody

Lexington, KY

Wish #3

The wish includes the lyrics from "Somewhere Out There" and

"After many nights of wishing on the same bright star,

may all your dreams come true as a Forever Family. "

Tamara, Jeff,Tyler & Morgan

Centennial, Colorado

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

LID 1/18/07

Wish #2

"I wish for you in the days to come God's blessings multiplied

And that you see in every one His love for you beside."

Congratulations

Keith & Shelia

LID 11-23-06

CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group

Our First Square and Wish!

Our very first wish came from the Carol in Greenwich, NY, she is in our CCAI Nov/Dec WinterBlossoms group (on yahoo). I signed up for a square swap and the very first one has arrived! How cute is the fabric, it even has frogs on it!

The wish says:

"Character is architecture of the being."

Louise Nevelson

Lance & Carol, Greenwich, NY

Our Bai Jia Bei (100 Good Wishes Quilt)

To keep busy during the wait, we have decided to work on a project with which we need your assistance. We would like to invite you to participate in creating a “Bai Jia Bei”, otherwise known as a “100 Good Wishes Quilt”. In parts of China, when a baby is born, family and friends of the child donate fabric pieces to the child's mother. She then makes a quilt for the baby from the fabric. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes from all of the families and friends who contributed, surround the child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. With your help we would like to honor this tradition from our daughter’s homeland.
We'll post more details soon....

J