Right now Austin is hiding Easter eggs for the little girls while Ashleigh is distracting them upstairs by playing dress-up.
I guess that learning about the KKK and writing letters to our Compassion kids will have to wait until the kids are done.
I love that THE biggest reason I kept the kids home this year was to foster their bond as siblings. We have even managed to learn a few things in the midst of that. What a blessing it has been...
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
seriously, uh-oh and ni hao!
So, yes - seriously - she fell asleep with the book on her face (it's Amy)
We drove to visit the J family today. Three hour drive there. Three hour visit. Three hour drive home. Definately worth it!
Can you say "uh-oh!"? (This is baby K that has been home for only 1 1/2 weeks!)
Here's Amy and her fast friend - also K :) - watching Ni Hao, Kai Lan!
We drove to visit the J family today. Three hour drive there. Three hour visit. Three hour drive home. Definately worth it!
Can you say "uh-oh!"? (This is baby K that has been home for only 1 1/2 weeks!)
Here's Amy and her fast friend - also K :) - watching Ni Hao, Kai Lan!
Friday, March 28, 2008
TGIF
Oh, yes... it's Friday!
It's been a long week. Nothing particularly stressful has happened, just life stuff. Lots of life stuff coming at us a blazing speeds. You know, even though we are thrilled to have sold the house, that alone brings a little stress and emotions. We have had some sickness in the house this week and that kinda just makes the house "feel sick". Today is a busy "home"schooling day; meaning, lots of stuff with our group of homeschoolers, but little time at home. That usually means my littles suffer.
It also feels like the enemy is aiming at all my weak spots right now; all the same ol' insecurities and weaknesses. I am trying to fight with all the weapons the Victor has provided... Maybe that is actually half the battle? I have to believe that it helps that I know what is happening and am not sideswiped by something I didn't recognize.
So. It's Friday. Thank you, God, for giving us another week.
We are looking forward to a little road trip to see some friends and meet the newest addition to their familyf - sweet little K.....
It's been a long week. Nothing particularly stressful has happened, just life stuff. Lots of life stuff coming at us a blazing speeds. You know, even though we are thrilled to have sold the house, that alone brings a little stress and emotions. We have had some sickness in the house this week and that kinda just makes the house "feel sick". Today is a busy "home"schooling day; meaning, lots of stuff with our group of homeschoolers, but little time at home. That usually means my littles suffer.
It also feels like the enemy is aiming at all my weak spots right now; all the same ol' insecurities and weaknesses. I am trying to fight with all the weapons the Victor has provided... Maybe that is actually half the battle? I have to believe that it helps that I know what is happening and am not sideswiped by something I didn't recognize.
So. It's Friday. Thank you, God, for giving us another week.
We are looking forward to a little road trip to see some friends and meet the newest addition to their familyf - sweet little K.....
Thursday, March 27, 2008
my 250th post!
Wow!
Just a little "in the loop" action...
My house is full of sickies. Actually, not a lot of sickies as much as a lot of "coughies". Chris will actually stay home from work today because his cough is so bad. He went to bed at 7:30 last night (after he put Anna to bed - since the rest of us were at church). He doesn't get sick often, but when he does, it tends to knock him down.
We got another contract on the house! Tuesday night we finally agreed to terms with the buyer and we are just thankful. No need to elaborate - just thankful. We continue to pray for friends whose homes are for sale... We close on May 23.
Life just keeps moving along, doesn't it? A gentle reminder from my Maker yesterday to enjoy each moment and love people every chance I have.
Just a little "in the loop" action...
My house is full of sickies. Actually, not a lot of sickies as much as a lot of "coughies". Chris will actually stay home from work today because his cough is so bad. He went to bed at 7:30 last night (after he put Anna to bed - since the rest of us were at church). He doesn't get sick often, but when he does, it tends to knock him down.
We got another contract on the house! Tuesday night we finally agreed to terms with the buyer and we are just thankful. No need to elaborate - just thankful. We continue to pray for friends whose homes are for sale... We close on May 23.
Life just keeps moving along, doesn't it? A gentle reminder from my Maker yesterday to enjoy each moment and love people every chance I have.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday
We had a very full Saturday! We hosted our annual care group Easter Brunch here at the house (in lieu of the church). We enjoyed a yummy brunch followed by an Easter Egg hunt! We had 22 people here and it was such a blessing to remember why we love these people so much. Our care group disolved this past year and we have greatly missed the fellowship. We were a group for nearly 9 years!
Then - after "happy nappy" - we had two house showings! Back to back. (More on that later - we had an offer last night and are working out details for a contract!!!)
After the families left, we rushed back into the house and had some family over to dye Easter Eggs! We had a busy day, but it was such a blessing!
Then - after "happy nappy" - we had two house showings! Back to back. (More on that later - we had an offer last night and are working out details for a contract!!!)
After the families left, we rushed back into the house and had some family over to dye Easter Eggs! We had a busy day, but it was such a blessing!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Amy: Mommy?
Mommy: yes, Amy
Amy: I want to cut paper with scissors.
Mommy: Not right now, honey.
Amy: I'll give you a dollar...
:)
Amy: I want to cut paper with scissors.
Mommy: Not right now, honey.
Amy: I'll give you a dollar...
:)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
because there is always a down side...
I think the kids will miss this
when we move to the country...
(Right after I took this picture a few other neighbor kids came into the backyard; ones I don't know. They proceeded to heckle and bring the fun level down. I won't miss THAT!)
when we move to the country...
(Right after I took this picture a few other neighbor kids came into the backyard; ones I don't know. They proceeded to heckle and bring the fun level down. I won't miss THAT!)
GNO
That is short for: Girls Night Out!
And *boy* so I need one.
The kids have spring fever and they are finally getting outside! We have to watch for the mud (and somehow Anna can find it!) but we are breaking out the flip flops with gusto!
Ashleigh is finally home (after her extended weekend with a girlfriend and an impromptu overnight with another friend) and we are settling back into the groove.
Austin had a fever, but I think he's over that now (sorry Gail - he came down with that right after he left your house!).
Amy and Anna went to see their specialist on Tuesday and they look AWESOME!!! What a blessing their doctor is to our family and his staff ROCKS! I actually talked to him at length about adoption and fostering. I was excited to share that we just started a community life group at our church for foster and adoptive families and are kicking off an adoption/orphan care ministry. He said THAT is how his family got into fostering! They currently have FIVE foster children! How cool is that?! He also shared that he was in Guangzhou in November to speak at a conference. He loved the city and we had a lot to talk about! How great that he can relate to us on that level?!
We listed the house with a realtor yesterday. We feel great about who we hired and she is excited to market the house. We have a realtor walk-through next Wednesday and she is going to make them breakfast in our kitchen to showcase it :) Chris decided it was just *time* to get it sold and get moved. We feel like so much of our life is on hold right now and the only solution to that is to get moved.
No pictures for now. Just a lot of update...
Oh, yes - back to the title of this post: GNO.
Chris gave me a gift card to my favorite little salon for Valentine's Day. Joy got one from Christopher for her birthday (?). We are using them tomorrow for pedicures and massages!!! Woo HOO!!! Then dinner out! Pray she feels up to it and doesn't have to bail on me; she is almost 14 weeks pregnant and hasn't been feeling well. Her and I need, need, NEED to catch up without 6 kiddos running around :) I love her like crazy and I miss just chatting with her...
And *boy* so I need one.
The kids have spring fever and they are finally getting outside! We have to watch for the mud (and somehow Anna can find it!) but we are breaking out the flip flops with gusto!
Ashleigh is finally home (after her extended weekend with a girlfriend and an impromptu overnight with another friend) and we are settling back into the groove.
Austin had a fever, but I think he's over that now (sorry Gail - he came down with that right after he left your house!).
Amy and Anna went to see their specialist on Tuesday and they look AWESOME!!! What a blessing their doctor is to our family and his staff ROCKS! I actually talked to him at length about adoption and fostering. I was excited to share that we just started a community life group at our church for foster and adoptive families and are kicking off an adoption/orphan care ministry. He said THAT is how his family got into fostering! They currently have FIVE foster children! How cool is that?! He also shared that he was in Guangzhou in November to speak at a conference. He loved the city and we had a lot to talk about! How great that he can relate to us on that level?!
We listed the house with a realtor yesterday. We feel great about who we hired and she is excited to market the house. We have a realtor walk-through next Wednesday and she is going to make them breakfast in our kitchen to showcase it :) Chris decided it was just *time* to get it sold and get moved. We feel like so much of our life is on hold right now and the only solution to that is to get moved.
No pictures for now. Just a lot of update...
Oh, yes - back to the title of this post: GNO.
Chris gave me a gift card to my favorite little salon for Valentine's Day. Joy got one from Christopher for her birthday (?). We are using them tomorrow for pedicures and massages!!! Woo HOO!!! Then dinner out! Pray she feels up to it and doesn't have to bail on me; she is almost 14 weeks pregnant and hasn't been feeling well. Her and I need, need, NEED to catch up without 6 kiddos running around :) I love her like crazy and I miss just chatting with her...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
You know you're an adoptive parent when...
The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's 'real' parents.
You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)
You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
You believe God's heart is for adoption.
You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually pronounce it!
You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.
(This one has been circulating the adoption Yahoo groups and such over the past week and I promise it's true!)
You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's 'real' parents.
You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)
You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
You believe God's heart is for adoption.
You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually pronounce it!
You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.
(This one has been circulating the adoption Yahoo groups and such over the past week and I promise it's true!)
Monday, March 17, 2008
he misses her...
Ash has been away for the weekend with a girlfriend in Kansas City.
Austin has played a LOT with his little sisters.
He has enjoyed some special time with Momma and Dad.
He had a friend stay the night.
But...
I think he misses her.
A lot.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
mattew 18:10
see that you do not look down on one of these little ones.
for i tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father in heaven.
for i tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father in heaven.
Friday, March 14, 2008
AWANA Grand Prix night
Both of the "bigs" got to race in the AWANA Grand Prix on Wednesday night. It was an exciting night and thanks to Jim, Chris and I were able to enjoy the races (night off from jr high YAC).
Austin's "Lightning" racer
Ashleigh's Jones Soda racer
They both raced really well (after we added some glue to Ashleigh's axel - it fell off the first time!).
Ashleigh got 4th place for design.
Austin's "Lightning" racer
Ashleigh's Jones Soda racer
They both raced really well (after we added some glue to Ashleigh's axel - it fell off the first time!).
Ashleigh got 4th place for design.
blah, blah, blah...
We got to church on Wednesday night and the girls saw Jim. They RAN over to him and started just talking his ear off! Both girls were spewing out words - on top of eachother - and Jim, bless his heart :) gave both of them his attention.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tagged!!!
Ok, I was tagged by Pam. So here ya go...
HERE'S HOW YOU PLAY. ONCE YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED YOU HAVE TO WRITE A BLOG OF TEN WEIRD, RANDOM THINGS, FACTS OR HABITS ABOUT YOURSELF. AT THE END, YOU CHOOSE FIVE PEOPLE TO BE TAGGED, LISTING THEIR NAMES AND WHY YOU CHOSE THEM TO BE TAGGED. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE THEM A COMMENT "YOU'RE IT" AND TO READ YOUR BLOG. YOU CAN'T TAG THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU. SINCE YOU CAN'T TAG THAT PERSON BACK, LET HIM OR HER KNOW WHEN YOU'VE POSTED YOUR BLOG SO HE OR SHE CAN READ YOUR ANSWERS.
This should be interesting...
1. Chris and I get up every morning and read the paper together while sipping coffee at the kitchen table. I don't know too many "young" couples that do this. In fact, the only other couple I know that does this is my grandparents. I, of course, only scan the "real" news and thoroughly read the obits, funnies and lifestyle section, while Chris pours over the politics and world news.
2. I don't color my grey - yet. There is something almost "cool" to me about grey hair. I don't know if it's all the verses in the Bible that talk about wisdom and stuff, but I feel more mature because of the few stragglers on my head. I mean - the junior high kids gave them to me in the first place, so that HAS to make them cool, right?
3. I am obseesive about how my dishwasher is loaded. Is anyone else like this? (Please say YES!) I have a very organized system for how things are loaded into it and - while I appreciate it when my hubby or kids load it - it kinda drives me nuts. Will the dishes get "less clean" if they load it? I doubt it (in my logical state of mind...), but it "looks" better the way I load it.
4. I MUST chuckle about this one, because it was also on Pam's! I am a crazy, organizing FREAK about the clothes HANGING in my closet. They are organized by type and they all face the same way and I can tell when something is out of place pretty quickly. Again - I appreciate when Ash or Chris helps fold and hang laundry, but I have to "fix" the hanging clothes if they put them away. It's a sickness, I know, but maybe it is one of a few things in life that is actually, truly organized for me and that is why it matters.
5. I cannot sleep in or stay in my jammies all day. Cannot. I try. In fact, I had this huge discussion with a girlfriend about it the other night. The next day I proudly stayed in them until 1 pm and was nearly on the edge of sanity! I "slept in" this morning by sleeping until 6 and I promise you that my day will suffer because of it. I really, really NEED some quiet time in the morning - no kids, no hubby, no tv - just quiet. With 5 other people in the house, that only comes early in the morning (because I can't stay up late...). It just seems like a waste of good "daytime" to sleep in. Couldn't I be doing something productive?! I may have slept in when I was pregnant with Ashleigh and Chris was selling cars (working all the time), but that would have been 10 at the latest! Heck - I didn't even sleep in as a high schooler!
6. I hate fiction. Hate it. Can't get into it. Can't finish it. The last fiction book I tried to read was loaned to me by a friend nearly 2 years ago and I finally just had to give it back to her because I couldn't get into it. I took it to China - TWICE! And still preferred non-fiction. I must not be a very fun person, because if I can't really "benefit" from reading it, it must be a waste of time.
7. I am a *little* obsessed with adoption. Just a little. Ok - who am I kidding?! I am over the top obsessed about it!!! Not about actually doing it (although with my friend Connie in China right now - getting her precious Kaeleb - I am feeling a little "flutter" in my heart...), but just the whole idea of it. I really don't know WHY. I read a thread the other day on one of my Yahoo groups (adoptive families) that at some point Bill O'Reilly said that Angelina Jolee was "addicted" to adoption. Some people might take that as an insult, but not me. Call me an addict. Call in the intervention team (although it IS useless). I am addicted. I am addicted to seeing children placed forever in families. I am addicted to seeing - again and again - the beautiful picture of how God adopted us played out on earth. I am addicted to watching the transformation of a scared and sad toddler (my heart!) into a confident and loved child.
8. I may never feel like an adequate mom. Ever. I look at these four kids that God has blessed me to raise and infuence and generally feel like a big ol' failure. Am I maximizing every opportunity to guide their hearts and minds? Do I sabatoge my influence every time I lose my temper?
9. I make memories based on smells. I know - that makes sense. (Now THAT was FUNNY!!!) But if you ask me what I remember about my wedding day, I will tell you the smell of the cake (which is why I love going into the bakery that made our wedding cake). I was with Joy yesterday and I asked her "are you wearing Cherry Blossom lotion?". She was. I told her that when I smell Cherry Blossom lotion (from Bath and Body Works) I think of New Orleans and my Samaritan's Purse trip down there - post Katrina. It's the body wash and lotion I took down there with me. I laughed and said "after awhile I started to confuse the smell of the lotion with the smell of mold - they just kinda starting melding together. But I am not saying you smell like mold!"
10. I love my husband. I mean - I truly LOVE my husband. That may not seem quirky or wierd or random. The more I live, though, the more I realize that not every wife does. Chris has been my boyrfriend for over 17 years and he still makes my heart melt when he sends an email or calls me from work. When we are in a crowd and I am feeling all alone, I slip my hand into his and all is good. He is my best friend. He understands my heart (and bears with me when I send him a link to a waiting children's list...). We dream together. I love it when he's home. I love how when the world is crashing down around us, I am safe by his side. I love how God has transformed us - separately and together - and we are STILL a perfect match.
So.
Now I tag five people...
Hmmmmm.
I have a great friend that I would LOVE to tag and although she is an admitted "blog stalker", she doesn't have a blog!!! Silly girl.
So here it is:
Joy - sis in law. She just seems so... normal. Is there even a "wierd side" to her?
Laura - sis in law. Also normal. Surely there are some quirky habits in her...
Wendy - China travel sister. I know she's quirky! We have spent a total of 3 weeks together in China!
Kim - China travel sister. Again - I know her. She has seen my "ugly" side and still loves me!!! She is my Homeschool Queen "Mum" - homeschooling four of her 5 kids (teaching English to her newest addition!)
Jim - my only "brother" that blogs - but hasn't blogged in FOREVER and I am tired of stalking it only to see "Superman brought low" STILL at the top of the page... :) - UPDATE - as I clicked on his blog to steal the link - LOW AND BEHOLD - an update!!!
HERE'S HOW YOU PLAY. ONCE YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED YOU HAVE TO WRITE A BLOG OF TEN WEIRD, RANDOM THINGS, FACTS OR HABITS ABOUT YOURSELF. AT THE END, YOU CHOOSE FIVE PEOPLE TO BE TAGGED, LISTING THEIR NAMES AND WHY YOU CHOSE THEM TO BE TAGGED. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE THEM A COMMENT "YOU'RE IT" AND TO READ YOUR BLOG. YOU CAN'T TAG THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU. SINCE YOU CAN'T TAG THAT PERSON BACK, LET HIM OR HER KNOW WHEN YOU'VE POSTED YOUR BLOG SO HE OR SHE CAN READ YOUR ANSWERS.
This should be interesting...
1. Chris and I get up every morning and read the paper together while sipping coffee at the kitchen table. I don't know too many "young" couples that do this. In fact, the only other couple I know that does this is my grandparents. I, of course, only scan the "real" news and thoroughly read the obits, funnies and lifestyle section, while Chris pours over the politics and world news.
2. I don't color my grey - yet. There is something almost "cool" to me about grey hair. I don't know if it's all the verses in the Bible that talk about wisdom and stuff, but I feel more mature because of the few stragglers on my head. I mean - the junior high kids gave them to me in the first place, so that HAS to make them cool, right?
3. I am obseesive about how my dishwasher is loaded. Is anyone else like this? (Please say YES!) I have a very organized system for how things are loaded into it and - while I appreciate it when my hubby or kids load it - it kinda drives me nuts. Will the dishes get "less clean" if they load it? I doubt it (in my logical state of mind...), but it "looks" better the way I load it.
4. I MUST chuckle about this one, because it was also on Pam's! I am a crazy, organizing FREAK about the clothes HANGING in my closet. They are organized by type and they all face the same way and I can tell when something is out of place pretty quickly. Again - I appreciate when Ash or Chris helps fold and hang laundry, but I have to "fix" the hanging clothes if they put them away. It's a sickness, I know, but maybe it is one of a few things in life that is actually, truly organized for me and that is why it matters.
5. I cannot sleep in or stay in my jammies all day. Cannot. I try. In fact, I had this huge discussion with a girlfriend about it the other night. The next day I proudly stayed in them until 1 pm and was nearly on the edge of sanity! I "slept in" this morning by sleeping until 6 and I promise you that my day will suffer because of it. I really, really NEED some quiet time in the morning - no kids, no hubby, no tv - just quiet. With 5 other people in the house, that only comes early in the morning (because I can't stay up late...). It just seems like a waste of good "daytime" to sleep in. Couldn't I be doing something productive?! I may have slept in when I was pregnant with Ashleigh and Chris was selling cars (working all the time), but that would have been 10 at the latest! Heck - I didn't even sleep in as a high schooler!
6. I hate fiction. Hate it. Can't get into it. Can't finish it. The last fiction book I tried to read was loaned to me by a friend nearly 2 years ago and I finally just had to give it back to her because I couldn't get into it. I took it to China - TWICE! And still preferred non-fiction. I must not be a very fun person, because if I can't really "benefit" from reading it, it must be a waste of time.
7. I am a *little* obsessed with adoption. Just a little. Ok - who am I kidding?! I am over the top obsessed about it!!! Not about actually doing it (although with my friend Connie in China right now - getting her precious Kaeleb - I am feeling a little "flutter" in my heart...), but just the whole idea of it. I really don't know WHY. I read a thread the other day on one of my Yahoo groups (adoptive families) that at some point Bill O'Reilly said that Angelina Jolee was "addicted" to adoption. Some people might take that as an insult, but not me. Call me an addict. Call in the intervention team (although it IS useless). I am addicted. I am addicted to seeing children placed forever in families. I am addicted to seeing - again and again - the beautiful picture of how God adopted us played out on earth. I am addicted to watching the transformation of a scared and sad toddler (my heart!) into a confident and loved child.
8. I may never feel like an adequate mom. Ever. I look at these four kids that God has blessed me to raise and infuence and generally feel like a big ol' failure. Am I maximizing every opportunity to guide their hearts and minds? Do I sabatoge my influence every time I lose my temper?
9. I make memories based on smells. I know - that makes sense. (Now THAT was FUNNY!!!) But if you ask me what I remember about my wedding day, I will tell you the smell of the cake (which is why I love going into the bakery that made our wedding cake). I was with Joy yesterday and I asked her "are you wearing Cherry Blossom lotion?". She was. I told her that when I smell Cherry Blossom lotion (from Bath and Body Works) I think of New Orleans and my Samaritan's Purse trip down there - post Katrina. It's the body wash and lotion I took down there with me. I laughed and said "after awhile I started to confuse the smell of the lotion with the smell of mold - they just kinda starting melding together. But I am not saying you smell like mold!"
10. I love my husband. I mean - I truly LOVE my husband. That may not seem quirky or wierd or random. The more I live, though, the more I realize that not every wife does. Chris has been my boyrfriend for over 17 years and he still makes my heart melt when he sends an email or calls me from work. When we are in a crowd and I am feeling all alone, I slip my hand into his and all is good. He is my best friend. He understands my heart (and bears with me when I send him a link to a waiting children's list...). We dream together. I love it when he's home. I love how when the world is crashing down around us, I am safe by his side. I love how God has transformed us - separately and together - and we are STILL a perfect match.
So.
Now I tag five people...
Hmmmmm.
I have a great friend that I would LOVE to tag and although she is an admitted "blog stalker", she doesn't have a blog!!! Silly girl.
So here it is:
Joy - sis in law. She just seems so... normal. Is there even a "wierd side" to her?
Laura - sis in law. Also normal. Surely there are some quirky habits in her...
Wendy - China travel sister. I know she's quirky! We have spent a total of 3 weeks together in China!
Kim - China travel sister. Again - I know her. She has seen my "ugly" side and still loves me!!! She is my Homeschool Queen "Mum" - homeschooling four of her 5 kids (teaching English to her newest addition!)
Jim - my only "brother" that blogs - but hasn't blogged in FOREVER and I am tired of stalking it only to see "Superman brought low" STILL at the top of the page... :) - UPDATE - as I clicked on his blog to steal the link - LOW AND BEHOLD - an update!!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
what? how? are you kidding me?!
I was "wowed" by God last night at Perspectives.
I settled in to listen to our speaker as he lectured on the work left to be done and what our part is. As his first powerpoint flashed on the screen, I thought "hmmm. That missions organization sounds familiar (the one that is affiliated with the church I grew up in). As he talked, he shared how he and his wife had been missionaries in Sierra Leone. Hmmmm. As he talked, I began to connect the dots. Here is the conclusion we came to at break last night.
This was indeed the missionary couple that spoke at my church when I was about 7 years old. They showed a "slide show" (pre powerpoint) and shared their heart for the people they were ministering to. And I left feeling the tug on my heart to missions.
So - there I sat last night - already wondering how I fit into God's plan and now GOd has brought this couple to in some way remind me of that tug.
So maybe today there are more questions than answers. Maybe today I spend the day praying (again) that God might show me more of himself and how he wants to use me TODAY.
Nothing is too hard for God.
I settled in to listen to our speaker as he lectured on the work left to be done and what our part is. As his first powerpoint flashed on the screen, I thought "hmmm. That missions organization sounds familiar (the one that is affiliated with the church I grew up in). As he talked, he shared how he and his wife had been missionaries in Sierra Leone. Hmmmm. As he talked, I began to connect the dots. Here is the conclusion we came to at break last night.
This was indeed the missionary couple that spoke at my church when I was about 7 years old. They showed a "slide show" (pre powerpoint) and shared their heart for the people they were ministering to. And I left feeling the tug on my heart to missions.
So - there I sat last night - already wondering how I fit into God's plan and now GOd has brought this couple to in some way remind me of that tug.
So maybe today there are more questions than answers. Maybe today I spend the day praying (again) that God might show me more of himself and how he wants to use me TODAY.
Nothing is too hard for God.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Psalm 139:13-16
God brought this familiar section of scripture to my heart this morning and I was so blessed by it...
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Isn't that incredible?
I just enjoyed meditating on it this morning. As I face the mirror and see His creation - I am obligated to praise Him. As I look at my children - I am obligated to praise Him. As I see those around me who are struggling with severe special needs - I must praise Him. And yet - I desire above all else - to praise Him not only because I must, but because I choose...
What a blessing to know that He is all powerful and all knowing and that while he sees my sin and weaknesses and imperfections, He has none. He is perfect and all His ways are perfect. He has never made a mistake. We are wonderfully made and formed the way we ARE for His purpose.
Praise Him!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Isn't that incredible?
I just enjoyed meditating on it this morning. As I face the mirror and see His creation - I am obligated to praise Him. As I look at my children - I am obligated to praise Him. As I see those around me who are struggling with severe special needs - I must praise Him. And yet - I desire above all else - to praise Him not only because I must, but because I choose...
What a blessing to know that He is all powerful and all knowing and that while he sees my sin and weaknesses and imperfections, He has none. He is perfect and all His ways are perfect. He has never made a mistake. We are wonderfully made and formed the way we ARE for His purpose.
Praise Him!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
hilarious Anna...
Oh, my! I couldn't have been prepared for THIS!
To explain...
Toby Mac has a song he raps with his son - Tru Dog. It's kind of an "ode to old school" rap - which Toby Mac was a part of in the EARLY days of Dc Talk. So - Ash and Austin have been listening to this cd a LOT lately and Anna has been hearing it a lot, too. Hence - Anna singing the bridge to the song...
Tobymac - Hype Man (Trudog '07) Lyrics
Tru Dog's back
Playa from another laya.
[tobyMac]
Alright, I'm going to show how this thing works
I'll be your hype man
We're going to start out like this
Tru D-O-G what you got for me
Tru D-O-G what you got boy
[Tru Dog]
What I got?
[tobyMac]
Tru D-O-G make it hot for we,
Tru D-O-G make it hot...
[Tru Dog]
Like this? Tru D-O-G that's who I am,
With the sun in my eyes and the mic in my hand,
I'm gonna rock this party like an old school jam,
Tru D-O-G, that's what I got Pops
[tobyMac]
Nice, Tru D-O-G what you got for me,
Tru D-O-G what you got boy,
Tru D-O-G make it hot for we,
Tru D-O-G make it hot boy,
[Tru Dog]
I got to get this off my chest I like recess,
And I like it the best when I'm ballin',
Shot-calling, bouncing off the walls,
[tobyMac]
What you know about shot-calling man,
Cause everybody gonna move when I rock the mic,
I ke...
[Tru Dog]
Yo hold up dad,
Don't you have 11 otha joints on this record?
[tobyMac]
yeah.
[Tru Dog]
What's the name of this track anyway,
[tobyMac]
Tru Dog...
[Tru Dog]
Cause everybody gonna move when I rock the mic,
I keep it lyrically smooth like I'm riding a bike,
And everyonce in awhile just to see if they feel me,
I'm gonna pop a wheelie!
Uh
I'm gonna pop a wheelie!
[tobyMac]
Man what you talkin' about?
You can't pop no wheelie.
[Tru Dog]
Yes I can!
Ask momma.
[tobyMac]
Hold on, you said something about old school,
whatcha know about old school.
[Tru Dog]
Check this,
Shake it, don't break it,
It took your momma nine months to make it.
[tobyMac]
This tracks getting out of control.
[Tru Dog]
But Dad!
That's not a very good hype man.
[tobyMac]
hey, I heard that,
busted.
[Tru Dog]
Hahah,
Oh snap
To explain...
Toby Mac has a song he raps with his son - Tru Dog. It's kind of an "ode to old school" rap - which Toby Mac was a part of in the EARLY days of Dc Talk. So - Ash and Austin have been listening to this cd a LOT lately and Anna has been hearing it a lot, too. Hence - Anna singing the bridge to the song...
Tobymac - Hype Man (Trudog '07) Lyrics
Tru Dog's back
Playa from another laya.
[tobyMac]
Alright, I'm going to show how this thing works
I'll be your hype man
We're going to start out like this
Tru D-O-G what you got for me
Tru D-O-G what you got boy
[Tru Dog]
What I got?
[tobyMac]
Tru D-O-G make it hot for we,
Tru D-O-G make it hot...
[Tru Dog]
Like this? Tru D-O-G that's who I am,
With the sun in my eyes and the mic in my hand,
I'm gonna rock this party like an old school jam,
Tru D-O-G, that's what I got Pops
[tobyMac]
Nice, Tru D-O-G what you got for me,
Tru D-O-G what you got boy,
Tru D-O-G make it hot for we,
Tru D-O-G make it hot boy,
[Tru Dog]
I got to get this off my chest I like recess,
And I like it the best when I'm ballin',
Shot-calling, bouncing off the walls,
[tobyMac]
What you know about shot-calling man,
Cause everybody gonna move when I rock the mic,
I ke...
[Tru Dog]
Yo hold up dad,
Don't you have 11 otha joints on this record?
[tobyMac]
yeah.
[Tru Dog]
What's the name of this track anyway,
[tobyMac]
Tru Dog...
[Tru Dog]
Cause everybody gonna move when I rock the mic,
I keep it lyrically smooth like I'm riding a bike,
And everyonce in awhile just to see if they feel me,
I'm gonna pop a wheelie!
Uh
I'm gonna pop a wheelie!
[tobyMac]
Man what you talkin' about?
You can't pop no wheelie.
[Tru Dog]
Yes I can!
Ask momma.
[tobyMac]
Hold on, you said something about old school,
whatcha know about old school.
[Tru Dog]
Check this,
Shake it, don't break it,
It took your momma nine months to make it.
[tobyMac]
This tracks getting out of control.
[Tru Dog]
But Dad!
That's not a very good hype man.
[tobyMac]
hey, I heard that,
busted.
[Tru Dog]
Hahah,
Oh snap
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
a birthday - Texas Style!
I must confess that I am a little *manipulative* when it comes to eating at my favorite restaurant! I asked Amy where she wanted to eat for her birthday dinner and threw in a little suggestion. "Amy - don't you want to go to Texas Roadhouse where you get to eat peanuts, dance with the servers and sit on the horse and yell "yee-haw?" Well, what four year old wouldn't LOVE that?!
So we enjoyed dinner on Saturday at Texas Roadhouse!
Yummmmmm! Those melt in your melt dinner rolls...
Dancing with our AWESOME server!
"Yee-Haw!!!"
It was a blast and the kids had fun. We topped the night off with a flip-flop "welcome spring" run to Old Navy and then Cold Stone ice cream.
So we enjoyed dinner on Saturday at Texas Roadhouse!
Yummmmmm! Those melt in your melt dinner rolls...
Dancing with our AWESOME server!
"Yee-Haw!!!"
It was a blast and the kids had fun. We topped the night off with a flip-flop "welcome spring" run to Old Navy and then Cold Stone ice cream.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Four Years Ago...
Well, to be very honest - even looking back in my journal and on my calendar, I can't remember what I was doing the day Amy was born. I know I was preparing to visit my brother and his wife in Georgia and excited to meet my first nephew. I know that my heart was aching for another peep. I had already nagged Chris about adoption a TON and was at the point of asking God to either take the desire away from my or to bring our hearts together to pursue adoption.
I do remember the day Amy entered my life like it was yesterday, though. It was April 3, 2006 at about 6:30 pm. After traveling by train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, China we were told by our guide that we would get Amy the next morning! We were thrilled and decided to get checked into the hotel, unpack (we would be there for two weeks!), order food in and get to bed early (we were SO exhausted). Another family we knew was receiving their child that day and their little girl was also from Yangjiang (different orphanage), so we knew it was possible that Amy had come to Guangzhou that day with them.
I literally had just finished zipping the suitcase to store it away for two weeks when the phone rang. It was our guide, Vivian, and she asked if we would like to see Amy now! Chris wanted to make sure he understood that she was asking if we want to GET her now - not just see her. With tears in his eyes, he asked me. YES! So we hurried around to get paperwork and donations ready.
At 6:30 the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to a large group of people - but standing in front of them all was the sweetest little girl two year old I had ever seen. She walked through the door and I got down on my knees to talk to her. Then I scooped her up and just took all of her "in".
China was - to say the very least - CHALLENGING. Amy was grieving and it was heartbreaking and exhausting. The first months home were also difficult.
But, when I look at Amy today, I can barely remember the "labor and postpartum" with her. Of course I know it was hard, but much like with the births of Ashleigh and Austin, the good outweigh the not so good.
Amy is amazing. God has healed her heart and put an amazing song in it for her to sing! It was such a joy to watch her celebrate her 4th birthday. She is so much like the typical American 4 year old girl! And yet - as Chris and I watched her over the past few days, our hearts are tender to the fact that this little American girl has come a LONG way in the 23 months since she walked in the door of that hotel room in Guangzhou, China.
Thank you, Lord, for your amazing gifts.
I do remember the day Amy entered my life like it was yesterday, though. It was April 3, 2006 at about 6:30 pm. After traveling by train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, China we were told by our guide that we would get Amy the next morning! We were thrilled and decided to get checked into the hotel, unpack (we would be there for two weeks!), order food in and get to bed early (we were SO exhausted). Another family we knew was receiving their child that day and their little girl was also from Yangjiang (different orphanage), so we knew it was possible that Amy had come to Guangzhou that day with them.
I literally had just finished zipping the suitcase to store it away for two weeks when the phone rang. It was our guide, Vivian, and she asked if we would like to see Amy now! Chris wanted to make sure he understood that she was asking if we want to GET her now - not just see her. With tears in his eyes, he asked me. YES! So we hurried around to get paperwork and donations ready.
At 6:30 the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to a large group of people - but standing in front of them all was the sweetest little girl two year old I had ever seen. She walked through the door and I got down on my knees to talk to her. Then I scooped her up and just took all of her "in".
China was - to say the very least - CHALLENGING. Amy was grieving and it was heartbreaking and exhausting. The first months home were also difficult.
But, when I look at Amy today, I can barely remember the "labor and postpartum" with her. Of course I know it was hard, but much like with the births of Ashleigh and Austin, the good outweigh the not so good.
Amy is amazing. God has healed her heart and put an amazing song in it for her to sing! It was such a joy to watch her celebrate her 4th birthday. She is so much like the typical American 4 year old girl! And yet - as Chris and I watched her over the past few days, our hearts are tender to the fact that this little American girl has come a LONG way in the 23 months since she walked in the door of that hotel room in Guangzhou, China.
Thank you, Lord, for your amazing gifts.
Happy Birthday Amy-Hui
I have a very *deep* and contemplative post to write later, but for now, here are some great pictures from this morning!
Amy with her birthday gifts this morning
One of her gifts from Mommy and Daddy - a storybook about Amy Carmichael - Amy's namesake
The famous birthday donut!
(rainbow!!!)
Amy trying out her new princess scooter
(and of COURSE she is wearing her new princess helmet!!!)
Amy with her birthday gifts this morning
One of her gifts from Mommy and Daddy - a storybook about Amy Carmichael - Amy's namesake
The famous birthday donut!
(rainbow!!!)
Amy trying out her new princess scooter
(and of COURSE she is wearing her new princess helmet!!!)
Party with friends
Last night (leap day!) we had a little birthday party with a few of Amy's friends. It was a princess party, but they were certainly not limited to princesses.
My precious birthday princess!
Lily, Amy and Johanna enjoying their personal pizzas
Amy with her Mulan birthday cake
(didn't I do a great job?!)
present time!!!
My precious birthday princess!
Lily, Amy and Johanna enjoying their personal pizzas
Amy with her Mulan birthday cake
(didn't I do a great job?!)
present time!!!
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