Two Tea Blossoms

Getting Started Again

2010-11-04T18:41:00.002-04:00

It's time to get back to blogging!!! I've read over my blog and am so thankful that I put my thoughts on there. There were things the girls have done that I already forgot about. This tells me that I have got to get back to it. I'll be posting pictures later on tonight.

Silly Sisters

2009-09-24T22:04:00.002-04:00

Look Who's Taking Dance?

2009-09-22T22:38:00.002-04:00

First Day of School

2009-09-13T21:26:00.004-04:00

Gracie's first day of second grade and Laurie Alice's first day with Me! She tells everybody that her Mama is her teacher.

Isn't Mrs. Crumpton cute as a button!

Rusty's Birthday

2009-09-12T07:40:00.003-04:00

Rusty turned 43 on August 15th. The girls and I made him an ice cream birthday cake.

Trip to Ohio

2009-09-12T06:49:00.004-04:00

We travled to Ohio this summer for our Gotcha reunion trip and had a wonderful time. The girls want to live next door to each other now. I always think it is so neat that our older girls new each other before we did. They will always have a special bond and so will our families. We come from different backgrounds but our girls bind us together and we as their parents experienced something together in 2003 that very few people ever get to.

Checking In

2009-07-27T18:59:00.003-04:00

VBS has come to an end and I must say it went very well. I received positive feedback and the children had a great time. The adults had a good time too but we are a bit worn out. It was worth it though. Tomorrow we are off to attend our denominations general conference in North Carolina. We gather every four years and the last time we were able to attend was 11 years ago in Kansas City. Delegates will meet from all over the U.S. and even other countries to review our policies and procedures and determine if there need to be any changes. The Superintendent for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church will be voted on. We will attend worship services in the evenings that promise to be uplifting. I'm most excited that Gracie is old enough to attend Kids Quest while Rusty is in his meetings and then she will attend Children's Church during the evening worship services. The children will have their on Praise and Worship band and great speakers. Originally Rusty and I thought just the two of us would attend the conference but then decided to take the girls with us. I want to give Gracie opportunities to have her own spiritual experiences. I think it will good for her to meet children from all over the U.S. and to meet other preachers children. We get home Saturday and then we head to Ohio on Wednesday for Gracie's 7th Gotcha Day reunion trip. The Bullocks live in Ohio so we decided to head up their way this year. I'll have a lot of pictures to post after the trip.

As you can see we are going to be a bit busy over the next two weeks so I probably won't post again until we get home from OH. Pray we have safe trips and that our time in NC will be uplifting and life changing.

Sisters

2009-07-20T09:28:00.003-04:00

This is how I found the girls sleeping one morning at the beach. I think it is so sweet. I'm directing VBS this week so this will probably be my only post until next week. Too much to do!

A Few More Pictures

2009-07-15T09:41:00.005-04:00

My super sweet grandparents. I'm so happy they got to go with us. I love them so much!!

My sister Laurie and her family

My sister Alice and her crew

More Beach Pictures

2009-07-09T07:53:00.003-04:00

2009-07-07T19:32:00.005-04:00

So I bet ALL my followers (all six of you) have been wondering where I have been since leaving work and staying home. I’ve actually been enjoying spending time with the girls and family. I’ve been a complete loafer and am enjoying every second of it! We returned Sunday from a week long vacation at the beach with my family. My grandparents were able to go with us which meant a lot to all of us. The chaos of 8 children didn’t seem to affect them. They were troopers! I woke up this morning and decided it’s time to get a routine going and get some things accomplished. The girls and I spent almost everyday in June at my sister’s pool. I have a great tan BUT it’s time to pay bills, clean the house, and do all the other things that it takes to run a home. I also want to get back to blogging if I don’t do anything but post pictures. I need to remember this is a scrapbook and if I don’t update often it isn’t going to be very interesting if there are large gaps. I know I should put captions under all the pictures but for now I’m just going to post them in random order. I’m throwing in a few pictures taken from Gracie’s last day of First Grade along with pool, beach and park pictures.

It's Offical

2009-05-30T07:11:00.001-04:00

I'm offically a STAY AT HOME MOM!!!!!

Any advice?

Birthday and Field Day

2009-05-28T22:09:00.006-04:00

Here are pictures taken at Gracie's party and a visit to her school from me, her sister and Aunt Laurie to bring her lunch and treats for the class and pictures taken on field day. She had a great birthday and tells us she feels older. We took her out Tuesday to her favorite restaurant and she was extremly kind and generous towards her little sister. Rusty and I commented several times about how impressed we were with her behaviour. When we were in the van I told her again how great she had been and how much I appreciated her treating her sister so well. She told me "Mama, now that I'm 7 my brain knows how to treat my sister, when I was 6 it didn't know any better but now that I'm older it does." Hmmmm, I should have told her she was 7 last year (LOL).

The pictures are not in the order I wanted them in but I'm tired and I'm not in the mood to edit so I'm just going to leave them alone and call it a night. The party was first, lunch at school and then field day. I guess it doesn't really matter though.

Happy Birthday Gracie

2009-05-26T09:27:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Gracie! I have pictures from her party this weekend I will post later but I thought everyone would like to see what a 7 year old looks like first thing in the morning.

Her favorite breakfast, cinnamon rolls and bacon.

Special Prayer

2009-05-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

Will you say a special prayer today for this wonderful family?

Count Down

2009-05-19T22:52:00.003-04:00

I only have 5 days of work left! I can’t believe after 15 years of working for the college I will be home full time. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. I know this is what God has called me to do. He allowed me to stay in the work place for many reasons, which I’m grateful for, and now I am starting a new chapter in my life and it is exciting and I’m looking forward to it. I know I will be met with many new challenges and it’s not always going to be easy but I can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to use me in this new role of stay at home mom. What opportunities will I have to share the love of Christ? Who will He put in my path to be a blessing to me? How will He use me in new ways to minister to my girls and my husband? How will He use me in my church? Will He have me lay down some things or will I take on new responsibilities? Most importantly how am I going to grow spiritually? I want so much more of Him and I want to be the wife and mother and the Christian woman He wants me to be. This is why I am so excited about this new adventure. There is so much potential and I’m looking forward to new ways I can serve Him.

Pray for the Chapman Family

2009-05-12T12:31:00.003-04:00

Will you join with me and pray for the Chapman family over the next couple of weeks? You can go to Steven Curtis Chapman's managers blog and read his post from today.

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T22:37:00.005-04:00

I am truly blessed to be their mother! Oh, I have days where they make me want to pull my hair out and days when I wonder if I'm doing this parenting thing right. I'm like any normal mom out there and certainly no saint, but I will have to say that I don't take being their mother for granted. I think because they are adopted that makes them extremely special to me, and I remember what it felt like before they were in my life. I don't dwell on it and I don't wake up every morning and say "Oh, let me see my beautiful adopted daughters!" No, it's more subtle; like a brief thought of thankfulness, a little daily reminder that the Lord heard my prayers and He answered them. On Mother's Day the thoughts run much deeper. I think this holiday, along with Father's day, has such a deeper meaning for those of us who have adopted. It's even hard to put into words in this blog. Bottom line, I am grateful and will never forget nor take for granted what I've been given.

Happy First Gotcha Day!

2009-05-05T06:30:00.006-04:00

It’s hard to believe Laurie Alice has been with us for only a year because I feel like we’ve had her since the day she was born. I think back when Rusty and I decided we would go the special needs route on our adoption journey. I was nervous but I knew we were doing exactly what God had laid on our hearts. It’s funny that she would be special needs because I don’t even think of her as a special needs child. She is our daughter who happens to be cleft affected. During our waiting process she was the special needs child who would be our daughter. Most of the time I don’t even think about it unless she gives us one of her big belly laughs and I happen to see the inside of her mouth and then I’m like “Oh yeah, I forgot about that”. She is such a sweet and compassionate little soul. I say little soul because she is already wise for her years. I think this has happened from her 2 ½ years in an orphanage. At 18 months old she could dress herself and one of the Nannies told us that she liked to help pass out the shoes every morning to the children in her room. I can tell she was taken care of and came from a good orphanage but I still think she has seen and done things most toddlers never have to experience.

I love this little girl with all my heart and I think WOW we could have missed this if we had decided to do what we wanted rather than what God had chosen for us. Oh sure, we would have received a lovely little child I’m sure we would have fallen in love with through the traditional route but we would have missed out on HER heart warming smile and HER adorable little nose and all the thousand other things that make HER special.

Sweet Laurie Alice, always know that Mama and Daddy and Gracie along with MeMa and PaPa and your great grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins LOVE YOU SO MUCH and thank you for adding so much to our lives. You truly are a blessing to us all. HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Easter 2009, I'll be back

2009-04-14T14:35:00.002-04:00

Here is a quick post and a picture taken Sunday morning before we left for church. I think it is super cute. I decided to give up blogs for lent and now that Easter is over I'll be back posting very soon. Enjoy this photo and I'll have more soon.

Random Photos

2009-02-19T16:32:00.005-05:00

I'm at work and thought I would post some random photos I have saved on my computer. Most of them will be of Gracie since the majority of my photos of Laurie Alice are on the home computer. I've also added the music. Tell me what you think. Leave or delete?

Happy Gotcha Day Gracie!!!

2009-02-17T11:18:00.008-05:00

Six years ago today I met the second love of my life! Oh how we waited in anticipation in that hotel room in Changsha. We woke early that morning and went to breakfast in the hotel but I could barely eat a bite. I watched the other new families eating together and thought in just a few hours we would be just as happy as they were.

The plan was for the families to wait in their rooms until 10:00 when the babies would be delivered to each family’s room. At 10:15 we got antsy and I could hardly breathe so we decided to stand in the hall. I heard one of the moms in our group say “they're here, they're here” at which point the Nanny’s went into the first room and our guide motioned for us to go ahead and go in that room to get Gracie. I left our room door wide open and could have cared less if someone had stolen everything we owned. I walked into the room and there she was!!! She went right to me and was so happy to see me. If she could have talked I think she would have said “I’ve been waiting for you”. She laughed and bounced and played with the necklace I was wearing with her name on it. She never cried or shut down or went through any of the things that some babies do when they meet their families for the first time. It was love at first sight.

A couple weeks ago Gracie expressed some concern that maybe I loved Laurie Alice more or that Laurie Alice was more special to me. I told her with tears in my eyes that there was a time when I never thought that I would know what it was like to have a child. On February 17th, 2003 my prayers were answered and she made me a mother. She would always be special because she was the desire in my heart. I feel so lucky and so blessed to have her in my life.

Happy Gotcha to Emily and Jada, Gracie’s Chinese sisters.
(The pictures are in random order)

Happy Valentine!!

2009-02-14T10:06:00.005-05:00

Laurie Alice had been begging all morning for a Valentine cupcake. After breakfast I sat her at the kitchen table and let her eat one while Gracie and I sorted through clothes someone gave her. I guess we got too engrossed in what we were doing and I kind of forgot about my three year old at the table and I also kind of forgot that the other cupcakes were within an arms reach. When Rusty walked in the kitchen this is what he found.

Yes, I would say she has a bad case of Pinkititis!!! At least her fist Valentines Day is a good one. Gotta go stick her in the tub!

Please Pray

2009-02-11T06:17:00.005-05:00

We met a really nice family from Virginia while in China adopting Laurie Alice. Malia is having surgery probably as I type this to lengthen her palate. Please pray for her, the doctors and her parents. This is her first surgery since being home and I know Sandy, her mother, is on pens and needles right now. Please pray that Malia will have a speedy recovery and no discomfort.

This is the only picture I could find of Sandy and Malia. It's funny that Malia is crying because I think this was the only time I ever saw her shed a tear. She had such a sweet and quite little disposition in China and I think she's still the same way now.

Circus

2009-02-09T09:04:00.002-05:00

Sorry but I have no picture for today. I’m so bad!

I took the girls to the Circus this Saturday (Rusty had too many things going on) and they really had a great time. I was pleasantly surprised that Laurie Alice wasn’t scared to death. Of course the big bag of cotton candy she consumed may have helped her through any fears she had. Of all the performances Gracie’s favorite was of the scantly clothed girl who was able to magically change the color of her outfits when her male assistant draped a cloth around her. She talked about it all the way home and all day yesterday. She now wants to be in the circus and do that same act. Remember when childhood dreams were fun?

It was also great because I finally got to meet a fellow blogger, Beth, who was also at the circus with her boys. It’s a long story how we connected but we email occasionally and follow each other’s blogs but have never actually met. She recognized us from pictures and came over to where we were and introduced herself. She has a little girl from the same town as Laurie Alice. I’ve always thought our girls eyes and hair were very similar and Beth confirmed it after meeting Laurie Alice on Saturday. Laurie Alice doesn’t even have to talk much because her eyes say it all. As soon as I’m home full time I certainly hope Beth and I along with our families can get together.

Sing and Dance with Mei Mei

2009-02-03T02:56:00.006-05:00

For Christmas the girls received the Sing and Dance with Mei Mei video. They watch it at least twice a day. Laurie Alice watches it even more because this is the video she chooses for our ride to and from work. I got a little video of them performing last week before Gracie left for school. I don't think Gracie is pronouncing the Chinese words exactly right but then it's hard to do that when you are as Southern as she is. She comes pretty close to it though. As usual, when I video or take pictures it seems the house is in a mess. Hmmmm, could it be that maybe my house IS messy all of the time?

Christmas Morning

2009-01-21T21:52:00.000-05:00

1 Year Ago

2009-01-16T13:19:00.004-05:00

One year ago today at exactly 3:30 my phone rang at work and I saw the Colorado area code on the caller ID and my heart skipped a beat because our agency is located there. I heard Sarah from the child-match department say “Leslie, I’m looking at the face of a sweet little girl who needs a Mama and a Daddy”. She emailed me the information on Wan Chang and told me to look over everything and to let her know if we were interested in adopting her. She also asked if I would like to see pictures to which I screamed “YES”, it didn’t matter if she was green with blue polka dots I knew she was going to be our little girl. I told Sarah we would review the file but in my heart I knew we would say yes. Of course we did and the rest is history!

Here she is today. Amazing what belonging can do!

Important Phone Call

2009-01-10T07:56:00.003-05:00

When we returned from PaPa's we checked our voice mail and Santa had called the girls while we were away. I didn't think to record them listening to his message until about half way through. We still have the message saved.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-09T17:26:00.007-05:00

We spent Christmas Eve evenning with Rusty's father "PaPa" and Rusty's brother and his family. We were joined by one of their cousins and his wife and our sister-in-laws sister. Got that! We really took way more pictures than this but these were the only one's that were not blurred. This group does a lot of moving around so it was hard to catch everyone. I hate I don't have a picture of my nephew Will. Christmas night I asked Gracie what her favorite gift was. She said she loved the Hannah Montanna trading cards her cousin Will gave her. This just proves that Rusty is right, I spend way too much time stressing over the gifts when it's the little things that they love the most.

Laurie Alice getting some assistance from her PaPa.

The "T" girls and their feast. Cousin Angie gave the girls a great collection of books.

We have already read them and then some.

Christmas Eve Hoe Down!

Teaching LA how to play on the Nitendo DS

Little Santa

2009-01-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

My Nephew Blake received a Santa outfit from Santa himself about two years ago for Christmas. He loves to wear it in hopes that the little ones will think he is the "real deal".

Grady, Brayden and Gracie, no problem

Mollie Beth seems to enjoy being with Santa

Laurie Alice and Jacob not so sure!

Jacob is REALLY sure Aunt Laurie better not let him go.

Looks like my girl might be warming up (Blake removed the beard)

Santa's not so bad after all!!

I can do this Santa gig!

No, I am not Papa Smurf or an old Troll I AM SANTA!!!!!!

Decorating Christmas Cupcakes

2009-01-08T13:13:00.007-05:00

I know its January and I am just now getting around to posting our Christmas pictures but honestly I haven’t had enough time to get them on here. I don’t know how people blog on a daily basis. I hope that when I’m home full time (after May 1st) I’ll do better. Unfortunately, I’m home sick with what I think might be the flu, fortunately I can get the blog up to date. Check back often as I’ll be posting pictures over the next few days.

To start the holidays off my mother had the grandchildren come over and decorate cupcakes. They had a really great time and as you can tell Laurie Alice really loved the icing. Also, my mother broke her arm (although she didn’t know it was broken when the pictures were taken, she only thought it to be a very bad sprain) so she is not holding her hand like that because she thinks it’s cool. She was in some serious pain that day but she insisted we still get together.

My nephew Grady also has a broken arm. Notice his cute little caste.

LWB Video

2009-01-06T11:33:00.007-05:00

I saw this video on a fellow adoptive mom's blog and wanted to post it here as well. I know economically it's going to be a lean year for all but I would just ask that you pray about giving to Love Without Boundaries and see if the Lord puts it on your heart to give or to pray for this organization.

Baking Cookies

2008-12-21T23:20:00.003-05:00

It has been such a busy December that I decided Saturday we wouldn't leave the house. We didn't have any commitments and I was determined to spend some time with the girls. We had a great day. They made cookies and I let them "have at it". Originally we were going to make a gingerbread tree I found at A.C. Moore's but Gracie decided she rather decorate the individual cookies instead. I'm sure I cleaned more icing off Laurie Alice than were on the cookies but I didn't care. My mom came over and later that afternoon we ALL took naps. It was the perfect lazy day. I'm also posting a few pictures of the girls dressed up before church this morning. I just have to post about my great deal. I got LA's dress off ebay for $8.00. It's a Kelly's Kid but had a pen mark on it so got it super cheap. I haven't found the mark yet. Also, there's a cute picture of LA in a red tutu. She had a fit to wear it after cleaned her off from the cooking making.

All I Really Want for Christmas

2008-12-12T14:31:00.004-05:00

I heard this song for the first time two years ago and can hardly listen to it without crying. I am so thankful that Gracie and Laurie Alice have a family to celebrate with. Please pray for and remember the orphans here and overseas.

Phillips Family

2008-12-10T10:34:00.002-05:00

We meet this wonderful family in Chongqing in May when we adopted Laurie Alice. They have the most amazing testimony about their adoption for their daughter Hope. Please take about 13 minutes and watch this video. Also, check out their blog. You will see their blog listed under "My Favorites" on the right side.

tustin river from t phillips on Vimeo.

Favorite Aunt

2008-12-08T10:17:00.006-05:00

It is a known fact that my sister Laurie is the favorite Aunt on my side of the family. My sister Alice and I are totally okay with her title. I mean please, how could we ever compete with this........

My girls spent the night with Aunt Laurie on Friday and for breakfast they had green and red pancakes with red syrup and sprinkles and green sprite with green bubble gum. You can see she even had red candles lit.

Actually, my girls have three very wonderful Aunts who are super good to them although you gotta admit red & green pancakes are a little hard to beat!!

Happy 7 month Gotcha!

2008-12-05T10:16:00.003-05:00

This was our trip to the Panda Zoo in Chongqing

I can't get over how much both of my girls have changed in just 7 months.

Pray for this family

2008-11-13T10:23:00.003-05:00

Please pray for this family. They are in China now and have had to make the heartbreaking decision to decline their referral. My heart goes out to them and I can't imagine what they must be going through. They really need our prayers.

Six Months

2008-11-06T10:13:00.008-05:00

I'm a day late with this but here is a photo of the girls eating ice cream in Guanzhou. This was Laurie Alice's first ice cream experience and she loved every minute of it. Looks like Gracie did too! Her hair has really grown and she has put on at least 5 lbs. since this picture was taken.

I meet with our Social Worker on Monday for our six month post placement report. I can't beleive it's only been six months. This child feels like she has always been a part of our lives.

Good news, I found my camera so check back this weekend and I should have Halloween pictures posted.

God Is Still In Control

2008-11-05T11:13:00.005-05:00

I'm not going to lie, I was feeling pretty bummed out this morning. My guy didn't win and to say I'm extremely concerned about the new president is an understatment. A friend from my church sent me an email and I decided to post it here because it reminds me that no President wether Republican or Democrate controls or rules the United States. There is only one person who does and I serve Him!!!! I'll continue to lick my wounds today but just reading this makes me feel so much better.

Our Sovereign God

"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation 19:6

Now that we have most of the results from yesterday's election, some of you may be happy and some may be saddened. Either way, let me remind you that no politician will bring in the Kingdom of God. Our government is not the tool that God will use…it is the church that God is going to use…it is the lives and testimonies of believers. Therefore, whether you are rejoicing or mourning this morning, let me share with you part of a letter that John Newton (the author of Amazing Grace).

He who once bore our sins, and carried our sorrows--is seated upon a throne of glory, and exercises all power in heaven and on earth! Thrones, principalities, and powers, bow before Him! His providence pervades and manages the whole universe, and is as minutely attentive to every part--as if there were only a single object in His view! From the tallest archangel--to the smallest ant or fly--all depend on Him for their being, their preservation, and their powers. He directs the sparrows where to build their nests, and where to find their food. He over-rules the rise and fall of nations; and bends, with an invincible power, and unerring wisdom--all events to His sovereign will! So that while many intend other outcomes--their designs all concur and coincide in the accomplishment of His holy will.

Jesus restrains with an almighty hand--the still more formidable efforts of the powers of darkness. Satan with all his hosts cannot exert their malice a hair's-breadth beyond the limits of His permission!

This omnipotent Savior is the head and husband of His believing people. How happy are those whom it is His good pleasure to bless! How safe are those whom He has engaged to protect! How honored and privileged are those to whom He is pleased to manifest Himself, and whom He enables and warrants to claim Him as their Friend and eternal potion!

Having redeemed them by His own blood--He esteems them as His treasure, His jewels; and protects them as the pupil of His eye! They shall not lack any good thing. They need not fear. His unerring eye is upon them in every situation; His ear is always open to their prayers; and His everlasting arms are under them for their sure support! On earth He guides their steps, controls their enemies, and directs all His dispensations for their spiritual good. While in heaven He is pleading their cause, preparing a glorious home for them, and communicating down to them reviving foretastes of the glory which they shall shortly enter into!

We sinful worms were once blind to His beauty, and insensible to His love, and would have remained so to the last--had He not revealed His goodness and grace to us!

"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation 19:6

No pictures yet

2008-11-03T09:38:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post Halloween pictures but I have misplaced my camera!!! Actually, I haven't looked too hard for it yet because I assumed it was in a particular spot but when I looked last night to download the pictures I couldn't find it. Hopefully I will find my camera when I get home and have them posted by tomorrow.

I saw Toby Mac & Jeremy Camp Baby!!!!!!!

2008-10-16T20:58:00.003-04:00

I am so excited because I got to see Mr. Toby Mac AND Mr. Jeremy Camp Friday night at the State Fair FOR FREE!!! My sister Laurie volunteered this past week at our local Christian radio station so she got a ticket (very clever of her). My sister Alice had been trying all day to win tickets from another station and finally won two and asked if I wanted to go. Heck yeah and It was AWESOME!!!! I don’t know if it was because I haven’t been to a concert since Rusty was a youth pastor or I was just so excited to be out with the girls but probably because both guys put on a great show. It was raining like crazy and I was soak and wet but I couldn’t have cared less. I was a little concerned at first that maybe I was too old to be rocking out with the Mac but as it turned out there were lot’s of us “old” people there and we were keeping up just as well as the younguns. I’m actually surprised that I like Toby Mac’s music because his style is not what I’m used to but I’m so drawn to his lyrics and you just can’t help but bop your head when you are listening to him. My sister’s and I even did this crazy rapper thingy with our hands to one of the songs. If only Gracie had been there I’m sure she would have thought me to be real cool! I’m so going to name drop right now, my cousins husband and Toby Mac are friends and they actually played golf together earlier that day and if my sisters and I had not been so preoccupied with eating fair food and stuck a little tighter to my cousin we might have just been able to meet the guy in person. Beth and Carl if you are reading this how about hook us up at Winter Jam in February.

If you would like to see a little bit of both these guys then check out their videos.

My favorite

Would you like to win!

2008-10-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

Please go visit this blog and contribute to win some really great gifts and help a family bring home their son from China.

Carrie's New Glasses

2008-10-09T09:18:00.003-04:00

My super cute niece Carrie just got super cool glasses yesterday. Doesn't she look great in them? As soon as Gracie see's this picture she's probably going to want a pair herself. She really looks up to her cousin.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-10-08T11:21:00.001-04:00

Today is my birthday!!! I should have scanned a baby picture of myself but I didn’t get around to it. I had a Women’s Ministry Meeting last night and when I got home at 10:00 Rusty and Gracie were waiting up for me. They had decorated the kitchen table and had a cake with a 39 candle burning. Notice I didn’t say 39 individual candles that would have been a fire hazard. Laurie Alice had fallen asleep an hour before I got home so she missed the festivities last night. We ate cake and ice cream and they gave gifts. Wednesdays are very busy for us with church and work so Rusty decided to have the little celebration last night because he was afraid my birthday might get overlooked today. We did the cake thing again this morning so Laurie Alice could participate. I wish I had a picture of her face when Rusty brought the cake out. She didn’t know what to make of the flaming cake. She had the most puzzled look but then was quickly impressed when I blew the fire out. She got so excited when she presented me with the gift that she had picked out for me. I can’t wait until we get to celebrate her birthday in December. I hope she isn’t too overwhelmed by it all. Anyway, it was a sweet evening and morning

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-10-06T15:57:00.003-04:00

Very Moving!!! Warning: You will need tissue.

Happy 5 Months!!!

2008-10-05T17:22:00.002-04:00

Happy 5 month Gotcha Day!!!

The girls in Chongqing. Sisters for only 2 days.

Beautiful Poem

2008-09-30T16:04:00.005-04:00

Gracie has been talking alot lately about her looks and how they differe from the rest of her family. She will make comments that she wished she had eyes like us and has even mentioned wanting blonde hair so she can look like a "real" American. I remind her that American's come in all shapes and sizes and colors and that she is indeed as real as American as anyone else and she even has a letter from the President of the USA to prove it. I also tell her that her eyes are my favorite thing about her face and that I'm even envious I don't have eyes like her.

A couple years ago my sister had this poem framed for Gracie's birthday. It's in the girls room and we read quite often. I just love it and thought I would post it here.

Why do I look different, Mom?

My daughter will ask one day.

How come I don't resemble all

the kids with whom I play?

My hair is inky black and straight,

my skin's a different hue,

so would you tell me, Mom,

why don't I look like you?

You're an Oriental flower,

I'll tell my darling girl,

Your skin and hair and eyes all come

from halfway 'round the world.

The sun of China warmed your skin

to that exquisite shade.

Your eyes are China's beauty marks,

your hair a silk cascade

the color of a midnight sky

unlighted by a star.

So don't think you look different, dear,

you look like who you are.

author unknown

Letter from Rusty

2008-09-19T14:39:00.002-04:00

Since this blog is in lieu of a scrapbook I like to post things that I find related to both girls adoptions. I was cleaning out my documents and found a couple paragraphs Rusty wrote when we were applying for an adoption grant from Shaohanah's Hope (which we did receive). The question was asked on the form what we feel to be the most important thing we can impart to our child upon adoption. Here is Rusty's response:

As for what Leslie and I believe to be the most important things we can impart to our girls, we feel that we can offer them a home and a place of belonging. We believe strongly that we can give them a Godly sense of value and worth that they might not receive in their Chinese environment. We believe we can meet their material needs to the best of our ability. But ultimately, the most important thing that we can offer is a Christian environment where they will have a chance to learn about the love and grace of Jesus Christ and have opportunity to make Him their Lord.

Our greatest desires for Laurie Alice and Gracie are that they will choose to serve the Lord and that in the grace and freedom of the Spirit they will find their divine gifts and callings. We want to see them excel in life. We pray that they will be wildly successful in whatever they put their hands to, but ultimately we would love to see them excel in charity and compassion for others.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T06:16:00.002-04:00

Go Tigers!!

2008-09-16T09:02:00.004-04:00

The girls supporting the team.

We did it again.....

2008-09-12T14:28:00.007-04:00

We completed Gracie’s first project of the year. She was given an assignment on Monday to complete a family time line due today. Before we knew it, bam, Thursday was upon us. We did what any good parents would do we “assisted” her on the project (the note that came home did say we could help) We asked her what would be some events she would like to include on our, I mean her time line. She went through about 15 things and then we, I mean she narrowed it down to seven items. We looked through some pictures together (she sat and snacked on Doritos while Rusty and I debated on the best photos to print) and then at 9:30 we sent her on to bed. I would have loved to have been of more help but I was so tired and had to go to bed myself. When we woke up, voila`, timeline completed! It was beautiful, colorful captions, pictures aesthetically laid out. I slapped Rusty on the back, another job well done!

Last year in kindergarten Gracie had to complete an “All about Me” collage (we were allowed to help) and I’m not exactly sure what happened but Rusty and I took over the project with fever and determination. We cut, we pasted, we argued over the best placement of the pictures. Gracie’s “All about Me” would be THE NUMBER ONE collage of all the kindergarten classes. Oh yes, she was there and I even gave her a magazine and a pair of scissors and let her cut pictures although I had NO intention of letting her use them. It also came out beautifully and I think Rusty and I even high fived.

For thanksgiving Gracie and I had to decorate a cut out turkey her teacher sent home. The turkey sported a pink tutu with matching accessories along with a wand and to finish her off I added pink and silver glitter to her outfit. I think Gracie was there with me although I vaguely remember some tears being shed because just maybe she mentioned wanting to pick out what her turkey would be dressed in….. I don’t know it’s all a haze now. At the end of the year we received a scrapbook with Gracie’s work and there they were, the “All about Me” page the turkey. I have never been so proud.

I admit, I’m awful when it comes to projects like this. I am NOT competitive at all but when it comes to school projects both Rusty and I get a little crazy. Please pray for us!

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-11T11:27:00.006-04:00

I am thankful that Laurie Alice starts speech therapy today!!! I can’t wait to see how her vocabulary progresses over the next weeks and months. On a side note her speech therapist graduated from the college where I work.

I am thankful that Gracie really likes school and doesn’t mind getting up in the mornings as much as she did last year. She of course loved her kindergarten teacher but every morning was a battle getting her ready for the day.

I know I mention my husband a good bit whenever I post Thankful Thursday’s but I just can’t not mention him (is that even a proper sentence, LOL). He is such a good man and I am always amazed at the way he handles adversity in his life. He will not let it get him down nor does it hinder him in his ministry. He stays positive. I have a friend who refers to him as an “oak” and he really is.

I am thankful for our missionaries. I have always had a burden for missionaries and even as a child wanted to be one. I’ve never made it to a foreign mission field but I guess being a pastor’s wife and supporting my husband as he pastors our congregation is a mission field of sorts. I have recently started reading this blog and I love it. I posted on her blog and she responded back to my message and I just thought I would post it here.

From Me:
Your blog has now become one of my favorite to read. I found it through your daughter-in-laws blog "Bring the Rain". I've added your blog under My Favorites on my own blog.

I have always had a passion for our missionaries and I have cried after reading each of your post. I am a pastor’s wife and one of my favorite things is to be able to fellowship with our missionaries when they are on furlough and they speak at our church. I never grow weary of their stories and hang on to every word that they say just as I do with your blog. It is like a breathe of fresh air AND I love that you are so human and express so well how you felt when your husband said it was time to go to Africa. I laughed at your response. I sure wish this blog had been around when my husband and I planted our first church. WOW, did I need some encouragement in those days :)

I look forward to reading every day. You are an answer to a prayer and MANY, MANY souls are going to be blessed through this blog.

September 10, 2008 3:28 PM
Congo Hope said...

Hi Leslie,
I really appreciate your taking time out of your ministry life to comment. You are so on the front lines. I have a special place in my heart for ministry wives. God lift you up today with the Right Hand of His Righteousness. Beth Moore once said, "Easy lives do not make for good stories." But who wants to go through what does make for a good story? Not me! Not anyone. But how else can we feel, talk, walk and practice the grace of God without His stretching us taught until we either break and choose to run away or break and fall into His lap? You pastors' wives are such precious commodities. And I must thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of all missionaries for LOVING MISSIONARIES. Many generations do not even know what a missionary is because missions has taken such a back seat in the local church at large. Thank God that is not the case in your church. Malachi 3:16, 17 Amplified version

Ruth Bell Graham Video

2008-09-09T16:25:00.005-04:00

Rusty and I were watching a special Saturday night on the life of Ruth Bell Graham and I was so moved by the show, so much so that over the past few days I’ve been reevaluating my life as a Christian wife and mother and my roll as a pastors wife. I’m afraid that in my analysis I find myself coming up short. I desperately want to be better. I recommitted myself this past Sunday after Rusty’s message to take the steps necessary to be the woman that I know God has called me to be. I want to have a love for people that burns within my soul.

I love this tribute video to Ruth Graham, and if I can be half the woman that she was then I’ll be doing alright. Just give me Jesus!!!!

I hope you are as blessed by this video as I was.

Fist Day of School

2008-09-08T09:42:00.007-04:00

Gracie started first grade on August 27. Where does the time go!! Here are a few pictures taken that morning and then after the pictures is my letter to Gracie.

On the phone with MeMa who was wishing her a happy first day of school.

Ready to go in

With her buddy Danielle who will be Valedictorian of the class of 2020. She is smart as a whip.

With her sweet teacher.

Dear Gracie,

You had some concerns about starting first grade this year because daddy has moved up with Ryan to the middle school and is no longer down the hall from you. You were also worried that you wouldn’t be able to go to the restroom whenever you needed to. Well, you have a wonderful teacher who is pregnant and therefore very much in favor of bathroom breaks. Daddy still gets to take you to school and you seem to be handling the fact that he isn’t there very well.

You are super smart and an excellent reader. I am always amazed at your wide range of vocabulary. You have been and always are very eager to learn new things. You ask us tons of questions about everything.

Your best buddy is our neighboor Logan who unforantley has moved. You are pretty bummed out about it but he only moved about three miles away so hopefully you guys can still play some together over the weekend. You have an active imagination and you and Logan play outside together for HOURS with almost no toys. A couple weeks ago it was raining and you and daddy had just come home from the grocery store and you were so upset when you walked in the door. We had this conversation:

You: “well, this is just great, it’s raining which means daddy can’t grill our supper and this was supposed to be my marrying day”

Me: “your’e marrying day, what do you mean”?

You: “this is the day I was supposed to marry Logan and now it is ruined because of the rain”.

Me: “wow, I didn’t know you and Logan were supposed to marry today”

You: “well yes, we’ve been talking about it all weekend and today was supposed to be the day and now we can’t get married and I know tomorrow he isn’t going to want to get married and I’m going to have to talk him in too it again”.
You cracked me up with this one!

You want to be a babysitter and an artist and live in Saluda, SC when you grow up. I honestly think though you will either be an attorney because you do love a good argument or a missionary because you always ask me if people have Jesus in their hearts and you love to talk to total strangers. I’m hoping missionary, and even though it will be difficult to send you on the mission field I prayed to the Lord that if He would bless us with a daughter I would in return raise you up to be a Christian and I would freely give you back to Him to use in service. I would never try to keep you here for selfish reasons.

You are so beautiful; funny and sassy and passionate and full of life!!!!!!! I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You take all the dull moments and make them interesting.

I love you!!!

Four Months

2008-09-05T10:22:00.005-04:00

Four months ago we became a family of four. This picture was taken in the White Swann Hotel in Guangzhou. I thought I would write to Laurie Alice about the things she is doing.

Ever since you learned how to hop (about two months ago) you love to do it. Just this morning you hopped your way from the van to your classroom. When we get to your hall you love for me to lift you up so you can look through the big window and see Miss. Nancy and all your friends.

Within the past week you have started putting me and Daddy in time-out whenever you get mad at us. You shake your finger and scold us in mixed up English/Chinese baby talk. You are so funny with your little forehead all scrunched up. You take our hand and lead us back to our room where you then shut the door and leave us standing by ourselves. You will come back and check to make sure we are okay and when you decide we have been back there long enough you lead us back into the living room. You LOVE to play this game and it distracts you from whatever it was that made you mad.

You love to copy your big sister. Whatever she eats, wears and does you want to do the exact same thing. The other night when Gracie wanted to wear socks to bed we had to put socks on your feet too, but not just any socks they had to be Gracie’s socks. You looked so cute with your stripped Hello Kitty socks on.

You’ve just started to lick your finger whenever you turn the pages of the books you are reading. Gracie did the same thing when she was your age.

You love to wear dresses and spin around. You run to the big mirror in our room and look at yourself and touch your dress and face. You are so proud of yourself in your fancy dresses. You also love shoes and especially your white church shoes. I think you would wear them everyday if I let you see them.

You say so many things now. The words are not very clear but we get the gist of what you mean. Although this morning you said “go-go” plan as day. You even made the g sound in “go” perfect!! Me and Daddy and Gracie were so excited for you and clapped and cheered.

You are such a sweet sweet child. You love to snuggle with whoever sleeps with you. You press your cheek to my cheek and you rub my arm and face. You also like for your back and tummy to be rubbed to help you fall asleep. The other day you sat in the bathroom while I took my shower. You took my hand and helped me out of the shower and handed me my towel. You love to wear deodorant just like Mommy. You also say “thank you” without being reminded.

Your teacher tells me that you play well with the other children and are good about sharing. When your classmates become upset you are very concerned about them and will console them.

You LOVE candy and cakes and cookies, unlike Gracie who isn’t fond of sweets. You will eat most anything although you are not big on green beans or broccoli unless you can dip them in lots of ranch dressing.

I love that when I pick you up from school you run to me and get so excited to see me. When I ask you about your day you just talk and talk to me and use your expressive eyes to tell me about it and you use lot’s of hand gestures.

You are a joy to parent and I’m so happy to be your mommy.

2008-09-04T07:33:00.006-04:00

Our last stop on the way home from our trip was to Cherokee, NC. Rusty and I used to vacation there with our families when we were young. It was fun reminiscing about those trips and how we thought it was the coolest place.

Dollywood

2008-09-01T17:14:00.009-04:00

After the reunion trip our family checked into a hotel and spent 1 1/2 days at Dollywood. We loved it and had a wonderful time. Gracie still talks about it.

more pictures

2008-08-27T22:09:00.006-04:00

Here are more pictures

Gracie and one of the performers

I love this picture. I thinks it's so cute. It looks like Emily is telling them a big secrete.

"Okay, Laurie Alice hit it just like this and we will beat the others"!!!!!

FYI: If you don't know Rusty, he is a tad competitive

" I know that ball is in here somewhere"

2008-08-25T21:40:00.006-04:00

I have so many pictures from our TN trip that I thought I would just post them over the next couple of weeks as it takes too long to post them in one blog. I wanted to give everyone an update first on our visit with the oral surgeon. We took Laurie Alice to see him about three weeks ago and he said that he will watch her grow over the next several years and then anytime between the age of 7-10 she will have her bone graft done. I am so thankful she doesn't need surgery anytime soon.

We meet with the other two families who traveled with us to China in 2003. We all had a really nice time and it was neat that the Olympics were also being held during the same time. We took the girls to see a Chinese Acrobate show and they had the best time. Our girls were every bit as popular as the performers. We had people actually taking pictures of our girls having their pictures made with the performers. It was funny!

On with the pictures!!!

Hot Tub Cuties

Anna, Jada, Emily, Gracie

Anna is Emily's little sister

Gracie playing Putt Putt

Lifelong Friends

Anna, Emily, Gracie and Maiya (Jada's little sister)

These were taken in the parking lot before the show.

I decided to leave Laurie Alice with Rusty. I wasn't sure she would make it through a

two hour performance

Touching Video

2008-08-21T09:04:00.015-04:00

I have many things to post about like our Gotcha Reunion trip in TN and Laurie Alice's apt. with the oral surgeon and school started yesterday but I don't have the time today but promise I will this week and I'll have pictures.

For now though I wanted to share this very touching video. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Love Without Boundaries. They give children a chance at life and a chance to have a family. As far as I know Laurie Alice did not receive her surgeries through them but she did receive surgery. I don't know how it was paid for but I'm sure it was by some very generous people. I would say I don't know why or how she was so fortunate to have received platae and lip repair but I know God has everything to do with it. What I don't know is why all the children in China can't recieve surgery, but they don't and maybe it's because God wants to use us because we are so blessed her in the USA. I hope you enjoy this clip and I hope you thank God just as I do daily that Laurie Alice and so many other wonderful children have found forever families

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo09YQMAYJw

I tried to post the video directly but just can't get it to work. This link will take you to the video.

Wordless Wednesday With Words

2008-08-06T10:30:00.005-04:00

I have to give an explanation of these pictures so in order to do so today’s Wordless Wednesday will have words. My mother whipped up these dresses in like a couple of hours. They are the popular pillowcase dresses and she said they are pretty easy to make and she plans to teach me how to do it. I don’t think I’m going to be able to but she seems to have a lot of confidence in me. These were her trial dresses. She plans to order some very pretty pillow cases and make some they can wear out. I would let them wear these. I think they turned out really nice and I think the models are beautiful!!! Gracie looks so grown up. I also was playing around with color so the black & white’s are the same pictures but I wanted to post them anyway to see how they look on the blog

3 Months Ago

2008-08-05T14:22:00.004-04:00

I can't beleive that it was just three months ago today that we were introduced to our sweet girl. I feel like Laurie Alice has been a part of our lives since the day she was born. This photo was taken on Gotcha Day. She had only been with us for about 2 hours. I know this because she sat on my lap for at least an hour and then it took another hour and she finally smiled for the camera.

Yikes..........

2008-08-01T14:19:00.005-04:00

So the other night we are sitting in this restaurant having a lovely meal when Gracie looks right at me and in her loud voice ask "how exactly do babies get in their Mama's stomaches". I think Rusty spit some of his food out and I sat there like a deer in headlights. When I recovered I gave Rusty that "what do we do" look. He responded "honey, we are not going to talk about that right now". Of course Gracie wanted to know why and I told her it was just one of those topics we will have to talk about in private. Thank you, she forgot about it!!!!!!!!! YIKES, is this already happening? We try to always take an honest approach and answer her questions when she ask but this is just one of those subjects that I'm not prepared to discuss yet with a six year old. It's been so nice that she thinks babies are adopted and come home on planes.

Stay tuned...............................................

Remembering

2008-07-29T10:34:00.001-04:00

I was reading a beautiful blog last week written by the wife of one of the members of the Christian music group Selah (which I love). She and her husband lost their daughter Audrey a few months ago and as I read her post it brought back memories of our own loss. I began to cry as I thought about how this same time eight years ago Rusty and I attended our own child’s funeral and then three years prior to that when I was pregnant I was given the due date of July 27th . So much sadness during that time. I remember the veil of darkness that I lived under and thought about the countless times I cried out to God. I had so many questions for Him and wondered how any good was going to come from our loss and grief. Then I walked into each of my daughter’s room and as they slept I kissed their almond shaped eyes and touched their black silky hair and I cried again but this time they were tears of thanksgiving. My girls are a constant reminder that God took the bad and turned it into good. Now these dates don’t hold sorrow anymore but bring me joy!!!

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-24T14:26:00.003-04:00

Okay, a long time coming. Thankful Thursday is back!!!! Well, at least for this week anyway.

I am thankful for the newest member of our family. Mollie Beth, born on Friday, July 18th at 10:33 a.m. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 15 oz and 19 inches long. My mother, sister and grandmother got to be in the room when she arrived. I was suppose to be there but Laurie Alice had a Dr.’s apt that morning and who knew her apt. would take so long and that Mollie Beth would come after only two pushes! I hate like anything I missed the birth but I did get to hold her as soon as I got there and I was the first one to dress her.

I am thankful that Laurie Alice doesn’t need any surgery on her palate. The Dr. was very pleased with the surgery done in China. What a blessing!!!!! Prior to bringing her home the Dr. had prepared us for the possibility of some palate work because he wasn’t sure how good of a job they did in China. She has some pretty major dental problems (no surprise there) but we don’t have to tackle that until she is a bit older.

I am thankful that Laurie Alice did so well going to her class at daycare today. Today is my first day back after being home with everyone for twelve weeks so I wasn’t sure how she would do. She walked right in sat down and started eating her breakfast. She did give me a hug and then waved goodbye. I also watched her on the monitor. She was having a good time and at nap time she laid right down on her mat and went to sleep. I’m curious to know how long she has slept.

I am thankful we are having a great vacation bible school at our church. It started Monday night and we have had great numbers. It will end Friday night and I pray those who have attended will have learned a lot.

That’s it for this week! Enjoy the pictures of our sweet little girl.

I love this picture. Those are my grandparents hands.

Pictures

2008-07-11T16:07:00.009-04:00

I'm posting some pictures so you can see what we have been up to. Laurie Alice enjoyed her first Independance Day. She went to the Peach Festival (HOT) and PaPa joined us and then we came home and ate hotdogs and then she threw up!! I think it was a combination of heat, hotdogs and too much fun. Later that afternoon we headed to Laurie's for a 4th of July party with family and their friends. She seemed to enjoy her first celebration as a US Citizen.

We also went blueberry picking and took the girls to the Zoo on Monday. I can't beleive it but I forgot my camera. I'm so outdone with myself. Laurie Alice's first zoo trip and not a single photo. I will say this though for a child who is scared to death of dogs, cats and stuffed animals she sure doesn't seem to mind the animals at the zoo. She wasn't even afraid of the giraffe that came up to us so Gracie could feed it. If it had been my nieces VERY tiny puppy she would have lost her mind. Funny the things children are afraid of.

We took the girls for a check up and our Skinny Minny aka Gracie has lost 5 lbs. She now only weighs 35 lbs. The Dr. doesn't seem to be too concerned though. Gracie is healthy and she has gotten taller so it probably explains the weight loss. Laurie Alice weighs 25.6 lbs which is exactly what she weighed when we got home. I'm honestly surprised she doesn't weigh more. It seems like she is eating all the time and she even feels heavier to me.

July 18th is finally our apt. with Dr. Giles, the cleft doctor. I have a list of questions for him and am anxious to find out our course of action for LA. Also, if you are reading this post please remember Brinley in your prayers. She is cleft affected and her mother is the wonderful person who designed this blog and did a fund raiser for us. Brinley just had palate surgery 10 days ago and she already has a hole. Sharon discovered it over the weekend and will call the Dr. on Monday (same Dr. we will see). Please pray for healing!!!!! I would love for them to get to Dr. Giles office to only find out the hole has closed. Thank you in advance for remembering them.

On a much lighter note if Alice hasn't had Little Miss. Mollie Beth by this Thursday they plan to induce her Friday morning. I can't wait to see my new niece!!! We are getting so excited and Alice is getting so ready to have her. Remember them both in your prayers too!

Well without further tado her are pictures and I'll try to post after our apt and let everyone know what he says.

4th of July (Gracie actually took this picture)

Gracie on the swings at the Peach Festival

I love this picture. She's so cute!

We took the girls Blueberry picking Tuesday morning

they both had a really good time. We picked a little over 7 lbs.

One Happy Berry Picker

One VERY Tired Berry Picker

Gracie as she was getting ready to run away from home after watching a Little Bill episode where Little Bill decides to leave home. It wasn't much "running away" since her Daddy walked with her around the block and she got back in time to eat supper. She had fun packing for it though.

Our future artist

Summer

2008-06-30T23:52:00.008-04:00

I have really been enjoying my summer. It is so nice not to have to follow a schedule. Some will think I’m a bad mom but I hope most will admit that they too can be lax at times when it comes to bedtimes etc……. We have been allowing the girls to stay up any time between uhmmm, 10:00 – 10:30 BUT they do sleep until 9:00 and Gracie will even sleep as late as 10:00. I know this is not ideal but Gracie enjoys being outside and playing with her buddy Logan (our neighbor) so much and I find it hard to make her come in and go to bed at a decent time. Isn’t that what summers are all about though? I remember my summers. My sisters and cousins and I would ride bikes all day and play in the woods on our family property. We would swim in our underwear in my grandparents pond, yes, I said pond. That’s where I learned to swim, no pools for us!!! When Mama would finally drag us in I can remember lying in my bed exhausted but feeling Oh so good. I didn’t have a care in the world and all I would think about was what kind of little fort would we build next to the creek that ran behind our house. I think extra curricular activities are fine for children but I also think it’s equally as important if not even more important for children to just play. I had an active imagination and Gracie has an incredible imagination. She and Logan will play for hours outside with just a notebook and pencil in hand playing spy, or Survivor Girl and Boy and I can’t tell you the number of treasure maps I’ve made for them.

I’m looking forward to the day when Laurie Alice can join them. Although, she does enjoy going out and being pushed on her tricycle or blowing bubbles. She still hasn’t gotten used to the nats. They pretty much drive her crazy and she swats at her face so much that she becomes miserable and we have to go in. Lately her favorite thing to do is jump. She has figured out in the past couple weeks how to jump and she is soooooo pleased with herself. Her little feet just barely (I do mean barely) come off of the floor but you would think by the smile on her face that she was jumping several inches off the floor. I’ve video taped her jumping but I’m going to try and video tape her with my camera and then attempt to load a video to this blog. So keep checking back and keep your finger crossed I can do it.

The girls have a Dr’s. apt. tomorrow. Gracie’s 6 year check up and Laurie Alice will receive another round of shots (yuck). Our insurance finally got straightened out and they have added Laurie Alice to the plan so we had to take her last week for blood work. I had to hold her down while three nurses worked on her. She did cry a good bit. The poor nurses didn’t know that she is terrified of stuffed animals so they couldn’t understand why when presented with a cute cuddly teddy bear she became hysterical. It was only after she got a Popsicle did she finally settle down. She’s so cute, she will point to the place on her arm where they drew blood and frown and jabber to us about what I assume must be her thoughts and feelings about the whole episode.

I still feel continually blessed by my girls and will continue to enjoy the rest of our summer break together. I’m posting some random pictures of the girls. Oh, Gracie can now jump off the diving board and pretty much swims on her own in the deep end of the pool. I still like for an adult to be in the pool with her incase she gets tired.

Sisters

Waiting

Gotta Go!

Helping Mama

Gold Medal for the Cannon Ball!!

Well if Sissy can do it then I can too!

Favorite swimming buddy.

(can't seem to get the titles under the next few pictures)

Cousin Blake (9 years old)

Cousin Brayden (6 years old)

Best Friend Jada (6 years old)

The Gang

Watch out Olympic swim team!!!!!

The Girls Room

2008-06-27T22:38:00.007-04:00

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of the girls room. It is hands down the best room in the house thanks to MeMa. She did a fantastic job!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-25T08:59:00.003-04:00

Thankful Thursday

2008-06-19T21:38:00.002-04:00

It has been awhile since I posted a thankful Thursday but it certainly doesn’t mean I haven’t been thankful, quite the opposite. I am filled with even more joy and thankfulness than ever before.

I am thankful for our sweet Laurie Alice. I can’t imagine our family without her. I can’t believe that there was a time that I had some reservations about adopting another child. I felt so incredibly lucky to have Gracie and God had blessed us so much through her. I felt like I would be greedy to ask for another child. I also couldn’t imagine loving another child as much as I love Gracie. I’m so glad I’m married to a man who convinced me that those reasons were pure nonsense. I look at Laurie Alice and I think about what we would be missing out on if we didn’t have her in our lives. I’ve learned like all mothers do that your heart just grows for each of your children and although you love them all very much you get to have unique relationships with each one. I’m thankful they have such different personalities. I get to have two different experiences.

I am thankful that all four of us are home together until I go back to work on July 24th. It has been a wonderful summer. We have had fun hanging out at Laurie’s pool; playing outside and sleeping in.

I am thankful for all the wonderful families that we have meet through the adoption process and on our trip. They will be lifelong friends and I’m looking forward to watching their children grow up.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-18T06:50:00.004-04:00

Happy Fathers Day to the Best Man!

2008-06-14T23:16:00.004-04:00

I am married to the best father and husband in the world! I hope he has a very happy fathers day because he certainly deserves it!

I love you honey.

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Gracie's 6th BD Party

2008-06-11T18:22:00.009-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post we decided to keep things simple this year for Gracie birthday party since we had just returned from China. We only invited family. I've always made Gracie's birthday cakes with the exception of her first birthday which my Aunt made (she has made all the children in the families first birthday cake). Anyway, in case you can't tell it is supposed to be a sand castle. I got the idea from Family Fun magazine. It doesn't look exactly like the one in Family Fun but it worked.

Here are pictures from the party and yes I've even posted one of ME in the pool!!! What am I thinking, of course it's only the top part of me and the rest doesn't show. I haven't completely lost my mind.

Never Mind

2008-06-11T06:52:00.002-04:00

I just posted and there it was, back to normal!

Sidebar Help!!

2008-06-11T06:50:00.003-04:00

Does anyone out there know why all the things I have listed on the right side of my bar are now at the bottom of the page?

I think it shifted after my last post. Very frustrating!!

Update

2008-06-09T22:53:00.002-04:00

Things are still going so well with all of us. Rusty and Gracie finished school last Thursday so it has been really nice to have them home. It’s also nice not to have to follow a strict bedtime routine now that Gracie doesn’t have to get up so early. Two nights ago I decided to leave Laurie Alice’s bed once she fell asleep and try to sleep in my own bed. The first night at about 2:00 a.m. I felt little hands rubbing my arm and when I looked it was Laurie Alice standing there. She clapped her little hands and then held them up high meaning, “Put me in the bed” so I did! She slept peacefully through the night until about 9:00. The next night I heard her coming from the den crying for me. I think she got confused about where she was going because I forgot to leave the bathroom light on which is between the two rooms. I felt so sorry for her that she had gotten disoriented. This time though I took her back to her bed and slept with her. I would have put her in the bed with us but I knew Rusty had to get up early on Sunday and I didn’t want it to disturb her. Last night Gracie begged to sleep in our bed so we let her and Rusty slept with Laurie Alice. By the way, Gracie does not want to sleep in the bed with her sister because she is such a wild child in the bed and she is afraid of being kicked. Gracie sleeps on a little couch that will fold out into a small bed. She puts this next to the big bed in her room. I say all this to say that sleeping arrangements are a little crazy right now but I am of the opinion that you just do what you have to do to get sleep! Also, I realize that before we know it our girls will be teenagers and of course they will not want to sleep with us. I’m trying to savor these moments and not worry too much about the little things in life and in the whole scheme of life the sleeping issues are so small.

I hate I don’t have any pictures to post this time but the battery went dead in my camera and I haven’t replaced it yet. I really need to because the girls are so cute! They are still loving each other and getting along very well. Now don’t get me wrong, there are fusses and they will slap at each other but all of this is normal. My favorite thing to do as a mother is to watch my girls interact with each other. I just think their relationship is so neat. I know how much my sisters mean to me (I did name Laurie Alice after them if that tells you anything) and I just hope that they will be as close as we are.

We hung out at my sister’s pool today. Laurie Alice loves the water and especially loves being passed back and to between me and her Daddy. My sister had some cantaloupe she cut up and LA was able to do the thing she loves most, feed people! Gracie and my nephews would swim up to her and she would pop the pieces of cut up cantaloupe in their mouths. She played hard and fell asleep at 4:30 and it is now 11:00 p.m. and she is still asleep. I do have this fear that she is going to wake up at 2:00 a.m. ready to play so I guess I better close this blog out incase this does happen I can get up with her.

I Would Gather Children

2008-06-07T22:34:00.003-04:00

Some would gather money
Along the path of life
Some would gather roses,And rest from worldly strife.

But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.

For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.

But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven,
I can take them in with me!

~Author Unknown

What have I been up too?

2008-06-02T22:38:00.006-04:00

What have I been up to since we got home on May 17th? Sleeping, cleaning, organizing, playing and enjoying both my girls. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve blogged but there just doesn’t seem to be much time anymore. When Laurie Alice is napping I’m running around trying to clean the house, pay bills and get caught up on projects etc…… I have the best of intentions to blog but by 9:00 I’m pooped and in the bed. In fact everyone in the whole house is asleep between 9:00 – 9:30!! This is a new schedule for me and Rusty as we have always been night owls but ever since we left for China on May 1st those late nights are behind us. I’m up by 5:15 a.m. every morning so Rusty and I can at least sit together and drink our coffee; have our devotion time and find out what the other one has been up to. Then I hit the ground running. However, I do love being at home and I am really enjoying spending time with Laurie Alice. She is such a happy and affectionate child. Her transition into the family has been wonderful. It has gone better than I ever expected. Coming from a good orphanage and then being involved with the Half the Sky Foundation has really helped her ease right into her position as our new daughter and baby sister. She gives us lots of hugs and kisses and seems to be really enjoying herself. If I could read her mind she would be thinking Ahhhhh, my family, home sweet home. I am enjoying all her “first”. It’s so much fun to watch her do even the simplest of things. To some, it might seem boring or menial, but to watch her eat ice cream or watch her walk very slowly across the lawn because she’s never felt grass under her feet makes me laugh. I’m still sleeping with her and this is probably my favorite time. She loves to press her face up against mine and she will smile and giggle. She rubs my arms and face and she makes sure I am covered up. Too sweet and very mature for a 2 ½ year old!

She and Gracie have really made great strides in the sister department this week. Laurie Alice watches and mimics everything her big sister does. She will also let Gracie pick her up some without becoming agitated as she previously has before. Most of you know that Gracie is a “touch me not” but just tonight she let Laurie Alice kiss her goodnight right on the lips and they hugged. I can see that a lot of bonding is taking place between them.

Gracie celebrated her 6th birthday on the 26th and I hope to post some pictures soon. We had a family party this year at my sister’s pool. I knew having just come home from China planning a big party would be the last thing I wanted to do. She had a great time and didn’t seem to mind that none of her friends were there. I still can’t believe she is 6 and her last day of kindergarten will be Thursday. She has really grown up since our trip. Becoming a big sister has that affect I suppose.

My goal now is to try and post at least once a week. I really want to get back to Thankful Thursday because as I’ve mentioned before this blog is for Gracie and Laurie Alice and it’s important to me that they read about the things that their mother is thankful for. I pray it will have a positive impact in their lives. I may not be a super mom and I will make plenty of mistakes but what I want them to know from reading this one day is that I am a mother who loves them and their father very much

These are a few pictures taken right before Gracie’s party.

(Home 2 days)

2008-05-22T21:04:00.001-04:00

Heavy Heart

2008-05-22T21:00:00.004-04:00

Please keep the family of Steven Curtis Chapman in your thoughts and prayers. Their youngest daughter (who was adopted from China) died yesterday in a tragic accident at their home. This family has done so much for International Adoption and he has touched so many with his Christian music. My heart is breaking for this family. You can read more about it here and see a video of Maria. You may also leave a note of condolence for the family.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-30T06:02:00.003-04:00

What Are We Doing?

2008-04-29T06:44:00.004-04:00

You might be asking, “What exactly have we been up to?” Well, we have been extremely busy!!! I bought out half of Wal-Mart and Target; I’ve been trying to get some packing done and I’m getting over a finger print snafu. Long story short, we had our fingerprints renewed on April 11th. Our agency advised us to follow up with the National Visa Center to make sure CIS had in fact forwarded our prints and then had them sent on to China. After calling for an hour I finally talked to someone who told me they had not received anything. The next day I contacted our Senator who then got on the ball very quickly. It seems that by the time it was all said and done the snafu lay with the Visa Center and not the CIS office. The good news is that it’s over now and everything has been forwarded to China. If it had not been for the involvement of Senator Lindsay Graham we would still be in limbo with our prints. I cannot say enough great things about how Senator Graham and his staff responded; I never once had to leave a message or punch any numbers to talk to a live person. He will continue to get my vote!!!

We also had a baby shower hosted by all the great people at the school where Rusty works and Gracie attends. It was a gift card/money shower and we were so touched by everyone’s generosity. There is such a great sense of community among everyone. Thank you RBE! You really outdid yourselves.

You Bring Me Hope

2008-04-25T06:57:00.002-04:00

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-24T06:18:00.003-04:00

This will probably be my last Thankful Thursday until we return home. I have so much to be thankful for!!

Even if I don’t agree with their politics I am thankful to the country of China because they have given me the opportunity to be a mother.

I am thankful for a daughter that I don’t even know yet but already love dearly.

I am thankful that Gracie will get to visit her birth country and she gets to be involved in an important part of her sisters adoption. I’m looking forward to becoming a family of four without a lot of outside interruptions. The only thing we have to worry about during our trip is each other.

I’m thankful for all the people at our church who are stepping up and filling in during our absence. Rusty and I both have asked various people in our congregation to take on extra duties and they have done so with a smile on their faces and I know they are more than willing to do whatever we ask of them.

I’m thankful for all the prayers so many people are lifting up for us. If I have experienced even a hint of anxiety it leaves me as quickly as it came. I know that the prayers of our church family, extended family and our friends are also preparing Laurie Alice’s heart to receive us.

I am thankful for the beautiful bedroom my mother is creating for our girls. This is her gift to us and it is greatly appreciated. She bought new furniture; painted walls, will be hanging a chandelier and putting all the finishing touches in the room while we are gone. I’m also thankful she is taking some time off work when we return so we can get some much needed sleep!

Of course, I am thankful that I get to travel with and raise two girls with my husband. I can’t imagine having this experience with anyone else.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-23T06:19:00.002-04:00

Projected Plan

2008-04-21T10:43:00.006-04:00

Here is what we should be doing while in China.

5/1 Leave the U.S. for Hong Kong

5/2 Arrive in Hong Kong

5/3 Free time. Rest. Shop. Tour

5/4 Leave Hong Kong for Chongqing

5/5 At 8:00 a.m. go to Chongqing Orphanage **** Gotcha Day **** Laurie Alice Day!!!!

5/6 Complete Adoption Registration and Notarization

5/7 Rest and Relax in the morning. Shop for baby supplies. Wait for adoption paperwork to be processed.

5/8 Half-day city tour to the Chongqing Zoo to see the pandas (I'm looking forward to this)

5/9 Rest & optional half-day city tour to the old town - CiQiKou

5/10 Receive Laurie Alice's adoption registration certificate and notary paperwork in the morning. Receive her passport that afternoon. Rest and start packing.

5/11 Leave Chongqing for Guangzhou

5/12 Have Laurie Alice's visa physical and visa photo taken.

5/13 - 5/14 Free Time. Rest. Shop

5/15 CONSULANT APPOINTMENT

5/16 Go to the U.S. Consulate to take the oath in the afternoon. This is where we promise not to sell our child or abandon her. Of course we promise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/17 Check out of our room and RETURN HOME TO THE U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/18 - 5/31 SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP, and then SLEEP some more, and oh yes, drink lots of COLD Diet Cokes!!!!!!!!!

Love This

2008-04-18T09:23:00.002-04:00

"For finding your mother, there's one certain test. You must look for the creature who loves you the best."

From "Little Miss Spider" by David Kirk

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-17T09:30:00.004-04:00

I am thankful that our Travel Approval came last Wednesday!!! I still can’t believe we are leaving May 1st for China.

I am thankful that we used a travel agent to book our flights to China. Last time VJ and I did it ourselves, or rather VJ did, and although it wasn’t rocket science to book them, it is one less thing we have to worry about.

I am thankful for the price of our tickets. We thought it would be about $1,400 each but as it turns out it’s about $941. A great savings!!!!

I am thankful that Gracie is so excited about this trip and her sister. Her teacher sent an email and said that is all she talks about and writes about. Gracie has written two books about her sister and both of them made me cry. I will have to scan them and post them. I know there will be ups and downs to sisterhood but I really think Gracie is going to be a wonderful big sister.

I am thankful that I am not worried to death about this trip. I wish I could have said that last time around but there were so many “unknowns”. I’d never been a mother or traveled to another country so it was a bit overwhelming. This time around I feel much more confident in my parenting abilities. Like, if LA runs a fever I’ll know we don’t have to rush to the ER, instead I’ll just alternate Tylenol and Advil. Crying will not cause a child’s head to pop off. If something is swallowed that shouldn’t have been, no doubt you are going to see it again. China is the largest country so obviously people are surviving over there and we will too.

I am thankful that this mothers day I will have both my girls with me and my family will be complete (for now anyway). I’m thankful that Rusty will have access to the best pearl and jade markets so he and the girls can get me a fabulous gift (hint, hint, sweetie).

I am EXTREMELY thankful for all the prayers we are receiving. I know that every leg of this trip is going to be bathed in prayer. I know that should something come against us I’ve got people in the USA interceding for us and whatever the obstacle should be it will have to be removed. I have so much reassurance that the Holy Spirit is already in China awaiting our trip. I know this because of something that happened last time we traveled. We had landed in China and both Rusty and I were tired and felt a bit overwhelmed. Here we were in Communist China where Christians are still persecuted all the time (but you will never here that on the news). We felt alone and China felt very big with all its strange sounds, smells and sights. As we entered the hotel where we would spend the next couple of days I prayed very simply “Lord, we need to feel your presence here with us”. As we sat in the lobby waiting while our guide got our rooms situated we heard the most beautiful piano music and looked over to see a beautiful young Chinese girl playing. Rusty got the biggest smile on his face and asked “do you hear what she’s playing” I was so tired that I had not paid attention but she was playing the powerful song “Shout to the Lord” sung by congregations everywhere in the US. I honestly believe this girl was a Christian and the Lord had her in that place playing that song for an American couple who needed to know that He was there in the midst of all the unknowns.

And the winner is..........

2008-04-13T15:09:00.005-04:00

I am so happy that Amanda won!!! She recently moved to OK and has been thinking about starting a blog so her family and friends can keep up with her and her husband and little boy.

Gracie drew the name at exactly 3:00, which is the time that Rusty and I got married. I thought that would be a good idea since today is our anniversay.

I wish everyone could have won. Thanks to everyone who participated!!!!!

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-09T11:52:00.002-04:00

Sorry to interrupt Wordless Wednesday but I just got a call from our agency and we received our travel approval today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We leave May 1st and will receive Laurie Alice on May 5th!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!. You know this day is coming but it still surprises and excites you!!! I will have both of my girls with me on Mother’s Day. I can’t think of a better gift.

Keep us in your prayers as we finalize everything.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-04-09T09:28:00.002-04:00

Hannah Montana

2008-04-05T22:46:00.005-04:00

My husband did something a few weeks ago that I still can’t believe. He bought Gracie a Hannah Montana t-shirt!! Now I don’t want to offend anyone because what you do is your business but I personally loathe shirts with rock stars. I really don’t even like character shirts but I particularly hate shirts with pictures of real people. When Gracie was a baby I wouldn’t even buy the Pampers brand diapers because of the Disney characters that are on them. I know, I have issues, I’m very aware of my weirdness. I’m not the only one like this though because both my sisters feel the same way. I also have bad feelings about bedazzled clothes.

My friends and I had a lively discussion about all the fashion booboo’s we made as tweens and teens. I owned my fair share of air brushed t-shirts and my friend Fiona pointed out that she used to wear a t-shirt with one of those iron on kitties. Remember those; they hung in the windows of every t-shirt shop in Myrtle Beach. My friend Kim and I could hardly wait to go on our annual youth group trip to the beach so we could buy matching iron on shirts. Yep, those were the days. We couldn’t get enough big hair and ugly shirts. I was reminded that I owned both a Shawn Cassidy and Leif Garrett t-shirt. Correct me if I’m wrong but they were totally hot, I mean please there is a big difference here!

So what’s a mom to do? I’m going to do what my mother suggested and us it to my advantage, use it as leverage, like for instance if you will go to bed like a big girl for a week you can wear the HM shirt or if you don’t stop talking back to us then you can’t wear the HM shirt for a week. Yeah, this could work out pretty well. So here she is in all of her Hannah Montana t-shirt glory (notice she is only wearing it to bed)!! I still haven’t figured out how Rusty is going to pay for this but mark my words he will.

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-03T14:25:00.002-04:00

I am thankful for my sweet nephew Brayden. He will turn 6 on April 9th. Happy Birthday Brayden I love you!!

I am thankful for the girls in my Wednesday night class. I teach a class of 3rd – 5th grade girls at church and they are a hoot to say the least. I find out all kinds of interesting tid bits from them. It’s wild to hear there take on boys, friendships, school, family, God. This age is VERY different from when I was there. They deal with problems that I didn’t have to worry about until I was in Middle School. I’m glad I have the opportunity to be with them and I learn as much from them as they do from me.

I am so thankful for the rain today!!!!!! It would be fine with me if it rained all the way through the weekend. I, along with all South Carolinians, have been suffering this Spring with allergies and it’s so nice to see all the pollen being washed away.

I am thankful for all the people who have contributed to our adoption. The generosity is overwhelming. Just as with our adoption for Gracie people have given unselfishly and because of that it makes our burden lighter. When I wrote thank you notes 5 years ago I included that I looked forward to sharing with Gracie how so many people helped bring her home. I will also share this with Laurie Alice. Through both processes we have been able to witness many miracles one of those being the financial aspect of adoption. I know both my girls were meant to be with us and I thank God on a weekly basis that He allowed Rusty and me this experience. He took a very sad time in our lives and turned it into the greatest thing we could experience.

This and That

2008-04-02T13:54:00.007-04:00

It’s been one of those busy weeks again so I haven’t had much time to blog. I really want to blog 2-3 times a week but sometimes it’s just not possible. I’m getting REALLY excited about our trip. Even though we still haven’t received travel approval I’m pretty confident we will travel the first part of May. That’s like only 6-7 weeks from now! WOW! I can’t believe we are finally in the home stretch. I can’t believe that very soon we will be a family of four. It’s going to be so exciting to see how the family dynamics change. I’m sure there are going to be some major adjustments for all of us but there is no way the adjustments can outweigh the positives.

We went to Jimmy and Ronette’s this past weekend for a fish fry and had a really nice time. Rusty’s cousin Carl and his wife Angie were there. It was nice to see them. Gracie plays so good with her cousins, Carrie and Allie. Carrie is almost 9 and Gracie thinks she is the coolest. If I’m ever trying to get Gracie to do or wear something at the house and she shows any resistance all I have to say is “you know I think Carrie wears a dress like this” or “you know if I’m not mistaken I believe Carrie picks up her room” I can pretty much consider it done. Will, our 11 year old nephew went to a friends house so he wasn’t there but we found out that he earned a badge from the RA group at his church for remembering and reciting 75 bible verses. Way to go Will!!!!!! I can’t imagine being able to do that. I can barely remember what I have to do each day.

This is Carrie and Allie. (Sorry Will, I promise I'll get one of you on here soon)

Last night I spoke at our Women’s Ministry meeting and all in all I think I did okay. Public Speaking is not what I do best but I think I was able to pull it off and hopefully someone in the group gleaned something from what I had to say.

I wanted to give everyone an update on our fund raising efforts. The ChipIn doesn’t reflect all the money we have received. Some folks preferred to send us checks so $800.00 has been raised not counting what appears in our ChipIn. The money raised will go towards our $3,000.00 donation towards Laurie Alice’s orphanage. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. There are not enough words to express our gratitude for helping us bring our girl home. Don’t forget that the drawing for the Spiffy Blog will be held on Sunday, April 13th. I’m going to let Gracie draw the name.

I guess that’s all for now. Come back tomorrow and check out all the things I’m thankful for.

Thankful Thursday

2008-03-27T10:35:00.001-04:00

I am thankful for a great Easter. We had a wonderful service at church.
My mother gave us a great gift in that she prepared lunch for all of us
and didn't have us bring anything. She knew we would be busy with our
children and church services, although she had church herself. There
were no fusses or tears with the children and it was just a wonderful
and relaxing day. I also took Monday off of work and got to be lazy.

I am thankful Bigdaddy (my grandfather and not a really big man) is
doing better. He has been struggling with bronchitis and his sugar
levels have been very high. He told us Sunday that he has been able to
decrease his insulin shots after following a strict diet and loosing
weight. The bronchitis seems to be much better.

I am thankful for the birds. I have recently taken to bird watching. I
bought a couple bird feeders and just about every morning I will sit in
our office and watch them out the window. We have red birds (my
favorite) blue jays, wrens, doves, wood peckers and some others that I
don't recognize or know their names. It's very interesting to watch
them. They will come in little groups and take turns at each of the
feeders. Some will perch on the branches and be the "look out" birds
watching for cats and any other animal that might want to disrupt their
breakfast. Others will just feed from the ground picking up seeds that
have fallen from the feeders. I've noticed the redbirds appear to be
considerate of one another. One will quickly take a few seeds, perch on
a branch and then allow the next one to the feeder and then he will grab
some seed and perch and allow the next red bird to feed and so on and so
on. Now the woodpeckers are very different in that they are greedy and
will stay at the feeders for a very long time and when they come the
other birds leave. I guess their size intimidates the smaller birds or
maybe the smaller birds just find the woodpecker obnoxious and don't
want to be around them. I have no idea what goes on in the minds of
birds but what I am learning is that the birds don't have a care in the
world. I'm reminded of the scripture found in Matthew 6:25-27
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or what you will drink nor about your body, what you will put on. Is
not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the
birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns
yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than
they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature"? My
desire is to not worry so much and I'm coming to understand more each
day that I am of great value and how much I am loved and cared for by my
Heavenly Father and I'm thankful I'm learning this lesson every morning
by looking out of my window.

Have a great Thursday!!

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T08:12:00.004-04:00

Thankful Thursday on a Friday (again)

2008-03-21T15:28:00.005-04:00

I am thankful that the last of the adoption paperwork is done!!!!! I mailed off our visa applications today and have signed and notarized everything for our agency. Now all that’s left to do is wait for our fingerprint appt. Our original fingerprints expire on May 14th and in order to travel they must be current. I wrote INS a letter last week requesting a fingerprint appt. Now don’t ask me why we must have new fingerprints done because I can assure you neither mine nor Rusty’s prints have changed. I find it hard to believe that INS can’t just pull us up out of their enormous data base and have them right there. Anyway, this is Thankful Thursday and not Whining Wednesday.

I am thankful for a really great time tonight. We met my sister Laurie and her family at IHOP so the kids could eat this. It was a little too sweet for Gracie so Rusty had to wipe some of the goo off and put regular syrup on them.

I am thankful that Mr. Kenny from our church got a good report from his Dr. last week. Mr. Kenny is a really wonderful man and brings so much encouragement to everyone he meets. He suffers from a lung disease diagnosed several years ago and to be honest he isn’t even supposed to be alive right now. Through the power of prayer he is here and going strong. His Dr.’s thought he might have some clogged arteries so after some testing and a lot of praying he only has slight blockage and it can be treated through medication.

It is Easter and it wouldn’t be a very good Thankful Thursday if I didn’t talk about what this means to me. Now I could just say I’m thankful that I’m a Christian and Jesus saved me. It’s a powerful sentence but I think maybe it’s used flippantly at times or we don’t take the time to understand what that means. He saved me……. It’s kind of like a really great example Rusty gave in church one time. I was walking in one direction, walking, walking, walking, walking, headed in the wrong direction, headed towards an end that holds no promise, no hope and no eternity. I asked Christ into my life and then I abruptly stopped, turned around in my tracks and headed in the opposite direction. This direction is filled with wonderful and amazing promises for my life, it is full of hope, joy and peace and a life that continues on when I leave this body and this world. I am a Christian! Being a Christian means different things to different people. This is what it means to me and why I’m thankful. I am in constant conversation and fellowship with God. I have allowed Him total control and access to my life. I have access to something that surpasses anything here on earth. I have peace in my life. Am I perfect? Oh No, ask anyone who knows me well. Do I do things and say things that I wish I hadn’t? Almost everyday! But I am forgiven and I have a great big God who loves me no matter what. I am but a speck on the tip of his thumb but he knows me by name and he knows the number of hairs on my head. He knew me when I was in my mother’s womb. I owe Him everything but instead He ask me for nothing but to accept Him and then He died for me so that I could stop in my tracks and start walking in a different direction.

This Easter what are you thankful for? If you are walking that same path I’m on then I am so happy for you but if it’s time to walk in the opposite direction then I challenge you this Easter season to start researching this man called Jesus and what this Easter story is all about.

Thankful Thursday/Easter Past

2008-03-20T09:57:00.006-04:00

Check back tonight and I will have my Thankful Thursday posted. In the meantime please enjoy the pictures of Gracie from Easter 2005. She was one month shy from turning 3.