Another Orphan Born...

31 Aug 2007
"Another Orphan Born"
The Night before my birthday and piercing all through my heart… Wondering if my birth mother now misses me when my birth day starts?
Does she regret at all giving me away? Does she wonder how my life is now to this day?
My birthday, it’s just another day to me, no big deal… Not a day of celebration or anything real.
Sometimes I struggle fitting in this world I see, wanting to be accepted for just being "me."
Finding peace and happiness at times really tough, Society's standards make it hard to feel, "good enough."
Praying to God for strength and healing from above, And to find true friendships and His true love…


Both of these photos taken in VIETNAM over 25 years apart. I know I have come a LONG way from the orphan in Vietnam to the life I have here in AMERICA, "Land of the Free and the Brave!" It's overwhelming and humbling to imagine God's gifts He has given me within my life. I am grateful, don't get me wrong...I LOVE my family, my 3 boys and new baby girl...my DANCE studio, etc.. However, at the end of the day, in moments of silence, it's hard not to wonder how my birth mother is, does she think of me? Does she know I'm alive...is SHE alive? The older I get and especially now having adopted our daughter, a flood of questions and emotions come to me from the past, present and future....

Forever in my heart, Ms. Saigon

I love LOVE...

HERE'S to Ramon & Cessilye Smith!!!!!
We had the distinct honor and blessing in sharing it the LOVE and JOY of the union in marriage of Ms. Cessilye Spencer and Mr. Ramon Smith. WOW, what a sight to see...2 persons so IN LOVE, so OVERJOYED, so COMMITTED - now ONE flesh. From the vibrant orange, red, burgandy and gold rose petals aisle way, to the stunning bride & wedding party to the exquisit and elaborate dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort & heartfelt toasts from lifelong family and friends - it was ALL AMAZING!!!!!
Ms. Nestle (whom I have affectionately nicknamed her) warmed our hearts and soul to know we have shared in this chapter of her new life and we anxiously await to welcome her back to Encore after their 2 week HONEYMOON!!!! I know now more than ever her commitment and dedication to Encore's vision, work ethic, serving spirit and kind heart will transcend her being as it has all through her younger years through her adult working life too. It was an honor to hear her KINDERGARTEN TEACHER talk about her caring spirit even as a young student. Ramon's Father shared how his son could have given into the ways of the world to be a D-O-G, but instead eagerly sought to serve G-O-D!!!!!! Wow!!!!! What a testimony!
It was all a blessing, with tears, laughter, joy and love in our hearts, we salute you Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Smith to your NEW journey in life as ONE family, ONE body, ONE spirit...all for Him!!!!


Here's Michelle and I at the DANCE table for our reception dinner awaiting: Lobster bisque, mixed fields of greens with white truffle vinagrette, filet mignon topped with a spinach & porcini mushroom demi-glaze accompanied with asparagus & carrots and fingerlette potatoes and of course, WEDDING cake!!!! The whole evening was sooooo FUN!!!




Here's our first TRIPLE Date, at the Spencer-Smith Wedding, SAT. 25 Aug. 2007!!!! A day we will never forget...

from L-R: Dan & Michelle, Cessilye & Ramon, Kim-Lan & Don :)


The Gaylord Texan is a HUGE resort with Spa, shopping, convention & rooms. I wish we would have had time to eat at the simulated San Antonio "Riverwalk" Cafe. Don & I had not been to the real Riverwalk in over 10 years when celebrating his friend's, TOM's Wedding!!!! wow....It was so cool to feel like you are OUTSIDE but your are NOT. Gotta LOVE the 75 degree weather indoors. The resort is under a glass atrium where the sun can bask in but humidity is low :) - now that's what I'm talking about!!!

A rush from the PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE...

Here is Pastor (Uncle) Kelly praying for Maile and our family as we dedicate Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson to the Mighty God that hand-picked her for our family. We are blessed and honored to have her finally HOME with us in our CRAZY, imperfect, but love her so much FAMILY.

"Train up a child in the way they should go, so when they are old, they will not depart from it..." Prov. 22:6


She is NOT just "ours", she belongs to ALL of us who know and love her to raise her up as a child of God's. We are humbled God would weave His plan to allow us to share in and celebrate her littl' life.... THANK YOU God for your plans that you orchestrate even tho' we cannot always see the big picture or purpose! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jer. 29.11



Oh what fun!!!

Here's the Brown, Carlson & Modesto BOYS & "Maile in the middle!!" Here's the line up from L-R: Jeremy, Julian, Miles, Maile, Matthew, Samuel & Joseph

Here I am between my 2 best girls from MICHIGAN & TEXAS!!!! I was thrilled my best friend (that I've known since i was 10) from MICHIGAN came down to meet Maile & my friends here in TX!! It's always bittersweet to link ties from the past and share in our families' lives for a moment in time. Then the reality of how far apart we are rushed back like wind hitting the back door when it was time to say "see you later."

It's been over a month since Sybil left and while we always pick up where we left off, my heart is sad in not knowing when I will see her again. I am sad to see her boys grow up only through pictures, not experience each other b-day parties, family picnics, dance recitals, play dates, girls' night outs, etc... I just cannot believe sometimes we LIVE in TEXAS, still after 4 years now. I have done quite a bit since moving here, did God bring me to TEXAS to get out of my comfort zone? to work in Real Estate? adopt our daughter? open MY first DANCE studio??? I don't know...I rack my brain sometimes, WHY GOD - Texas? why God now??? I have so many questions to ask God when I meet Him someday....

Good night, signing off for now....Ms. Saigon