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Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
one final word and the winner!
One more post before I am off to bring that precious little boy home!
The bigs are out of school today and tomorrow.
Another one of those "hey, God - thanks for the timing on that!" things.
Amy wanted a picnic today.
It's pretty cool out, so we had an indoor picnic.
And -
"bugs parents" is the winner of the Polo cap.
:)
Pam - I am not sure I will get it to you before I leave, but if not, I will put it in the mail when I return.
(email me your street address)
I am praying for you - dear friend.
That LOA HAS to come soon...
just plain exhausted...
...so I fogot to do the drawing last night.
Honestly - I am disapointed that more of you didn't enter.
:(
I will do it this morning.
Sometime.
Crossing stuff off my "list" (which isn't a real list - but in my head it makes a lot of sense).
24 hours from now I will be sitting in the airport - nervous as all get-out - waiting to board the first of two planes! I seriously don't know how I was able to do this trip with only one stop on the way over - but I will take it!
The big kids have the day off of school today.
The house isn't getting any cleaner today. It may get dirtier.
But that's ok.
Momma hen and four peeps will have a good day.
Together.
Honestly - I am disapointed that more of you didn't enter.
:(
I will do it this morning.
Sometime.
Crossing stuff off my "list" (which isn't a real list - but in my head it makes a lot of sense).
24 hours from now I will be sitting in the airport - nervous as all get-out - waiting to board the first of two planes! I seriously don't know how I was able to do this trip with only one stop on the way over - but I will take it!
The big kids have the day off of school today.
The house isn't getting any cleaner today. It may get dirtier.
But that's ok.
Momma hen and four peeps will have a good day.
Together.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
it CAN be done...
Trade Fair - that is.
We are one of very few "crazy" families that are braving a trip to China during the infamous "Trade Fair". Big international trade fair in Guangzhou. It is a semi-annual thing (April and October). It manages to hike hotel and airfare prices BIG time. BUT - this is the first time that instead of it being two consecutive weeks (as it has been in the past) it is actually spread out over about three weeks with different focused mini-fairs.
If you have known us for some time, you might remember the Trade Fair being a major issue when we traveled to bring Amy home. The Trade Fair actually started the Monday after we came home!
I only need to spend three nights in Guangzhou this time (compared to my two previous trips of two weeks each!), so I will swoop in - get that visa - and get outta town ASAP. Three nights at the White Swan amid a LOT of business men... That should be fun. And since many adoption agencies do not allow travel during the trade fair, I will be in the minority - for SURE. Good thing Connie is a pro! Breakfast could be interesting, though... And the smokers...
But - choosing to focus on the good - I am SO blessed that our agency has allowed us to travel during this time! And honestly - our hotel prices for those three nights aren't inflated too much (maybe 25%) and our airfare - while incredibly difficult to secure - wasn't much more than Amy's trip and certainly less expensive than Anna's.
Things are coming together nicely. Pray for my kids. I think it is all coming to a head around here. I am focusing on staying upbeat and positive. "In 2 1/2 weeks Momma will be home... WITH ABRAHAM!!!" Chris and I talked a lot last night about grace. Grace to see us through the next three days as a family of six. Grace over two weeks of outta wack kids. And many, many, MANY measures of grace as we adjust to being a family of seven.
The alarm clocks are starting to buzz and sing. Another day beginning. God is good. And is faithful.
We are one of very few "crazy" families that are braving a trip to China during the infamous "Trade Fair". Big international trade fair in Guangzhou. It is a semi-annual thing (April and October). It manages to hike hotel and airfare prices BIG time. BUT - this is the first time that instead of it being two consecutive weeks (as it has been in the past) it is actually spread out over about three weeks with different focused mini-fairs.
If you have known us for some time, you might remember the Trade Fair being a major issue when we traveled to bring Amy home. The Trade Fair actually started the Monday after we came home!
I only need to spend three nights in Guangzhou this time (compared to my two previous trips of two weeks each!), so I will swoop in - get that visa - and get outta town ASAP. Three nights at the White Swan amid a LOT of business men... That should be fun. And since many adoption agencies do not allow travel during the trade fair, I will be in the minority - for SURE. Good thing Connie is a pro! Breakfast could be interesting, though... And the smokers...
But - choosing to focus on the good - I am SO blessed that our agency has allowed us to travel during this time! And honestly - our hotel prices for those three nights aren't inflated too much (maybe 25%) and our airfare - while incredibly difficult to secure - wasn't much more than Amy's trip and certainly less expensive than Anna's.
Things are coming together nicely. Pray for my kids. I think it is all coming to a head around here. I am focusing on staying upbeat and positive. "In 2 1/2 weeks Momma will be home... WITH ABRAHAM!!!" Chris and I talked a lot last night about grace. Grace to see us through the next three days as a family of six. Grace over two weeks of outta wack kids. And many, many, MANY measures of grace as we adjust to being a family of seven.
The alarm clocks are starting to buzz and sing. Another day beginning. God is good. And is faithful.
Monday, October 13, 2008
FOUR days!!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?
my heart is racing at the thought of leaving.
sooooo many emotions.
excitment.
anxiety.
fear.
happiness.
saddness.
inadequacy.
blessing.
just when i think i am ready to go (physically packed, home prepared, etc), another thing is added to my list. we are making what will hopefully be the final wal-mart run this morning. i am SO tired of going to wal-mart... the cabinets need re-stocked with snacks and lunch for the girls, etc. i am also picking up some recent pictures of the peeps to put in a photo album for abraham to look at while we are in china.
this will all be over so quickly. how do i balance the joy of adding abraham and the early days of getting to know eachother in china with the pain of leaving the other five most precious people in my life?
his grace is enough for me...
we should have our itinerary set today and once we do, i will post it on this blog.
please pray for gail. her nephew passed away yesterday after a severe asthma attack over the weekend. he was only 20. now - amid the busy-ness of getting ready for china, she has a family funeral to attend.
and praise the lord with me for connie! connie and her hubby, clayton, officially have all their paperwork in for "k-7" - another adoption from china! i may have to watch her checked baggage on the way home a *little* more closely...
:)
my heart is racing at the thought of leaving.
sooooo many emotions.
excitment.
anxiety.
fear.
happiness.
saddness.
inadequacy.
blessing.
just when i think i am ready to go (physically packed, home prepared, etc), another thing is added to my list. we are making what will hopefully be the final wal-mart run this morning. i am SO tired of going to wal-mart... the cabinets need re-stocked with snacks and lunch for the girls, etc. i am also picking up some recent pictures of the peeps to put in a photo album for abraham to look at while we are in china.
this will all be over so quickly. how do i balance the joy of adding abraham and the early days of getting to know eachother in china with the pain of leaving the other five most precious people in my life?
his grace is enough for me...
we should have our itinerary set today and once we do, i will post it on this blog.
please pray for gail. her nephew passed away yesterday after a severe asthma attack over the weekend. he was only 20. now - amid the busy-ness of getting ready for china, she has a family funeral to attend.
and praise the lord with me for connie! connie and her hubby, clayton, officially have all their paperwork in for "k-7" - another adoption from china! i may have to watch her checked baggage on the way home a *little* more closely...
:)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Austin!
No - it isn't really Austin's birthday.
That would be October 25.
While I am in China.
:(
So - in the spirit of flexability, we celebrated today!
I kinda gushed about him the other day in the pumpkin patch post, so it's hard to think of something that hasn't already been said...
I am not too sure what Chris looked like at ten years old, but when I look at Austin, I see his Daddy.
Handsome.
That would be October 25.
While I am in China.
:(
So - in the spirit of flexability, we celebrated today!
I kinda gushed about him the other day in the pumpkin patch post, so it's hard to think of something that hasn't already been said...
I am not too sure what Chris looked like at ten years old, but when I look at Austin, I see his Daddy.
Handsome.
Does pure excitement get any better than this?!?!
It was a Popular Mechanics for Kids dvd about roller coasters!
Three littles and one big just don't realize what a gift they have in their brother.
He is an amazing young man.
Happy 10th birthday Austin!
(secret project... I need your help! If you know Austin, would you help his real birthday be the best one ever - in spite of the fact that his Momma is half a world away? Would you blitz our mailbox with birthday cards for him? No gifts - just cards. He loves mail and it would be such a blessing to him to have a ton of it on his special day. I won't post our address on my blog, but if you know us and don't have our new address, send me an email and I will forward that on to you.)
time to rally the troops (seven days and counting!!!)
It's time.
I think we need another give-away!
My model - the lovely Amy-Hui - is sporting none other than an official
US Olympic Team driving cap!
This is one just like our team wore at the Opening Ceremonies (in Beijing - Abe's hometown!).
Here's what I need from you:
Leave a comment on my blog.
Your committment to pray for our Gotcha.
That has actually been moved - again!
:)
(flexibility is key here, people)
I am getting Abraham on Sunday morning, October 19 at about 9 am.
That is Saturday night October 18 at about 8 pm Central time.
So - if you'll stand in the gap for us - you can have a chance to own this awesome Ralph Lauren cap.
I know the power prayer has and I need you on the team for this important time.
I will publish your comment - so please do not include your email address in the comment.
If you are the winner - I will announce it and get with you for street address and such.
Leave comments thru Wedesday October 15th. Drawing will be that night at 10 pm.
I think we need another give-away!
My model - the lovely Amy-Hui - is sporting none other than an official
US Olympic Team driving cap!
This is one just like our team wore at the Opening Ceremonies (in Beijing - Abe's hometown!).
Here's what I need from you:
Leave a comment on my blog.
Your committment to pray for our Gotcha.
That has actually been moved - again!
:)
(flexibility is key here, people)
I am getting Abraham on Sunday morning, October 19 at about 9 am.
That is Saturday night October 18 at about 8 pm Central time.
So - if you'll stand in the gap for us - you can have a chance to own this awesome Ralph Lauren cap.
I know the power prayer has and I need you on the team for this important time.
I will publish your comment - so please do not include your email address in the comment.
If you are the winner - I will announce it and get with you for street address and such.
Leave comments thru Wedesday October 15th. Drawing will be that night at 10 pm.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
EIGHT days and some baking
Adorable pic of my littles
holding up a total of EIGHT fingers.
:)
Eight days to liftoff!
We desperately needed a night at home the other night.
So - what else do you do when you need a little family time?
Make cookies!
holding up a total of EIGHT fingers.
:)
Eight days to liftoff!
We desperately needed a night at home the other night.
So - what else do you do when you need a little family time?
Make cookies!
So - let's just say - more frosting was eaten than was put on the cookies.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
housekeeping
Not that kind. Seriously - I need to do some of that, too!
But this is the kind of housekeeping that helps fill in some details.
We have decided - for a third time - to use The Story of You to host our bloggy trip to China. Tina at SOY reaches much further than my little blog can and we have made some lifelong friends (Shelley and Sarah) through our travel blogs. Once I leave for China, all the blogging will happen there. The link is to the right, but here's a link that you can click through to. Bookmark it!
Abraham has a long name. Abraham Caleb-Shunwei. His Chinese name is Miao Shun Wei. Right now he lives in Beijing at Beijing Children's Welfare Institute. He was born on March 1, 2007 - which was Amy's 3rd birthday!
Gail and I will leave for Beijing on Friday October 17 (my sis-in-law Joy's birthday!). We arrive in Beijing on Saturday afternoon. Sunday will be a free day and we are hoping we will visit the Great Wall that day. In case you weren't aware - although this is my third China trip - it is my first time to Beijing! So sightseeing is pretty important to me.
Monday, October 20 will be Gotcha day! I think I get Abraham at about 9 am China time - which is 8 pm Sunday night back home. I would love to think that several of you will be on your knees at that time. It's pretty amazing to me that this is the first gotcha of our three that will be while everyone back home is awake! (But you will have to wait for pictures until Monday your time)
Then we have a lot of appointments, meetings, sightseeing, shopping, etc. Connie will join us in Beijing on Thursday afternoon. We have a special little trip planned with all of us on Friday and then Gail will head home on Saturday afternoon.
After we get to Guangzhou, we will have our CA and swearing in ceremony and head home on Halloween. No red, white and blue for this trip home. This time he will be sporting an adorable pumpkin outfit! I think the little girls will even meet us at the airport in their Halloween costumes! LOL!!!
Well. I am sure I will think of more later... but for now I am off to our mom's program at church with the littles. Next month I will be taking THREE!!!
Blessings!
But this is the kind of housekeeping that helps fill in some details.
We have decided - for a third time - to use The Story of You to host our bloggy trip to China. Tina at SOY reaches much further than my little blog can and we have made some lifelong friends (Shelley and Sarah) through our travel blogs. Once I leave for China, all the blogging will happen there. The link is to the right, but here's a link that you can click through to. Bookmark it!
Abraham has a long name. Abraham Caleb-Shunwei. His Chinese name is Miao Shun Wei. Right now he lives in Beijing at Beijing Children's Welfare Institute. He was born on March 1, 2007 - which was Amy's 3rd birthday!
Gail and I will leave for Beijing on Friday October 17 (my sis-in-law Joy's birthday!). We arrive in Beijing on Saturday afternoon. Sunday will be a free day and we are hoping we will visit the Great Wall that day. In case you weren't aware - although this is my third China trip - it is my first time to Beijing! So sightseeing is pretty important to me.
Monday, October 20 will be Gotcha day! I think I get Abraham at about 9 am China time - which is 8 pm Sunday night back home. I would love to think that several of you will be on your knees at that time. It's pretty amazing to me that this is the first gotcha of our three that will be while everyone back home is awake! (But you will have to wait for pictures until Monday your time)
Then we have a lot of appointments, meetings, sightseeing, shopping, etc. Connie will join us in Beijing on Thursday afternoon. We have a special little trip planned with all of us on Friday and then Gail will head home on Saturday afternoon.
After we get to Guangzhou, we will have our CA and swearing in ceremony and head home on Halloween. No red, white and blue for this trip home. This time he will be sporting an adorable pumpkin outfit! I think the little girls will even meet us at the airport in their Halloween costumes! LOL!!!
Well. I am sure I will think of more later... but for now I am off to our mom's program at church with the littles. Next month I will be taking THREE!!!
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
LOTS TO DO!!!
I am leaving in TEN days!!!
CA is October 29th!!!
Gotcha is the 20th.
Hang on for more details...
Thanks for carrying us with your prayers!
Love - us!
CA is October 29th!!!
Gotcha is the 20th.
Hang on for more details...
Thanks for carrying us with your prayers!
Love - us!
Monday, October 06, 2008
"Whatever You're Doing" (Something Heavenly)
(a song by Sanctus Real)
Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but I believe...
You're up to something
bigger than me,
larger than life,
something heavenly.
Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but now I can see...
This is something
bigger than me,
larger than life,
something heavenly.
Something heavenly...
"Chaos" would be the understatement of the year.
I know that we aren't talking life or death here.
I know that a year from now - this will all be a distant and vague memory.
Why is it that "logical Tami" can't find a happy meeting point with "emotional Tami"?
I know He is doing something here.
I can't wait to look back and share the stories.
This is something bigger than me...
Thanks for riding the roller coaster with us.
Fun, eh?
I am not sure how much longer this ride is.
Just when we thought there couldn't possibly be any more crazy drops, there's another one.
I am getting a little sick.
:)
Dramamine anyone?
Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but I believe...
You're up to something
bigger than me,
larger than life,
something heavenly.
Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but now I can see...
This is something
bigger than me,
larger than life,
something heavenly.
Something heavenly...
"Chaos" would be the understatement of the year.
I know that we aren't talking life or death here.
I know that a year from now - this will all be a distant and vague memory.
Why is it that "logical Tami" can't find a happy meeting point with "emotional Tami"?
I know He is doing something here.
I can't wait to look back and share the stories.
This is something bigger than me...
Thanks for riding the roller coaster with us.
Fun, eh?
I am not sure how much longer this ride is.
Just when we thought there couldn't possibly be any more crazy drops, there's another one.
I am getting a little sick.
:)
Dramamine anyone?
unbelieveable.
no appointment.
again.
welcome to the freak show, folks.
this is what my life has come down to.
waiting for an email
only to receive the email
and burst into tears.
good grief.
i don't even want to hope it will come tomorrow.
again.
welcome to the freak show, folks.
this is what my life has come down to.
waiting for an email
only to receive the email
and burst into tears.
good grief.
i don't even want to hope it will come tomorrow.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Anna Chenghao
The camera loved her today.
Well, I know that the photographer sure does.
:)
She is always busy.
Not always naughty.
Just busy.
There is just way too much to do and not nearly enough time.
Well, I know that the photographer sure does.
:)
She is always busy.
Not always naughty.
Just busy.
There is just way too much to do and not nearly enough time.
She found this kitty in the barn.
Just her size - I do believe.
The perfect little pumpkin for my littlest pumpkin...
for a little while longer.
This child.
She brings such joy to my life.
So much sunshine.
"I've got sunshine - on a cloudy day... When it's cold outside - I've got the month of May..."
My girl.
Amy-Hui Carmichael
What is it about that smile?
Chris said the other night: "she just glows"
She likes everything "just so".
Only the perfect pumpkin will do.
Chris said the other night: "she just glows"
She likes everything "just so".
Only the perfect pumpkin will do.
There's that smile... again.
I think Chris is right.
She glows.
How is it that the little girl who didn't have a family for 25 months of her life fits PERFECTLY into her role in our family?
Absolutley amazing.
Austin Christopher
He loves his sisters.
He pulls their chariot.
He loves his momma.
Not a "momma's boy" type of love.
Well, maybe a little.
:)
He pulls their chariot.
He loves his momma.
Not a "momma's boy" type of love.
Well, maybe a little.
:)
An unexpected surprise!
His prayer partner from school showed up!
A boy (amid all those girls!).
My wild child.
Tender heart.
I know it will take him far.
Africa? Asia?
I hope so.
Ashleigh Ciera
I don't get nearly enough pictures of my oldest.
She doesn't really like to pose anymore.
She used to.
A lot.
I wish she wasn't growing up.
She doesn't really like to pose anymore.
She used to.
A lot.
I wish she wasn't growing up.
Where did this tender hearted young lady come from?
She is the most flexible person I know.
I know she's going to miss me like crazy when I'm in China.
Pray for her.
pumpkins
We spent the morning at the punpkin patch today.
That was Chris's idea.
Good idea, honey.
Memories made.
We picked out a pumpkin for Abraham
That was Chris's idea.
Good idea, honey.
Memories made.
We picked out a pumpkin for Abraham
Wow.
Today there are four...
very soon...
five.
Friday, October 03, 2008
the prophetess amy
amy was running through the living room just a few minutes ago and this is what happened...
amy: wait! god is saying something to me!
(pause)
amy: god says "be patient."
and then she went back to running.
amy: wait! god is saying something to me!
(pause)
amy: god says "be patient."
and then she went back to running.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
a little more reed
i am enjoying my new version of picasa (free photo software that i use)...
i made this collage for the kids to take to school today.
they wanted to show off their newest cousin!
amy spent most of the day begging to "reed". i promise that it took me a long time to realize she wasn't talking about books.
:)
we might have to make a little trip to reed (and grayson and tate) soon!
tomorrow IS my little tater's 2nd birthday...
i made this collage for the kids to take to school today.
they wanted to show off their newest cousin!
amy spent most of the day begging to "reed". i promise that it took me a long time to realize she wasn't talking about books.
:)
we might have to make a little trip to reed (and grayson and tate) soon!
tomorrow IS my little tater's 2nd birthday...
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
monday
we won't know until monday (at the earliest) our consulate appointment or travel dates.
the consulate is closed for a chinese holiday.
i think our request was made, but not answered before they closed.
so we wait. more.
be still before the lord and wait patiently for him. psalm 37:7
please pray for us. my heart is a mess. ashleigh will be terribly disapointed when she gets home today. we were all sure we would know at the latest today.
now we have to answer that dreaded question: do you know anything?
with the same awful reponse: no.
the consulate is closed for a chinese holiday.
i think our request was made, but not answered before they closed.
so we wait. more.
be still before the lord and wait patiently for him. psalm 37:7
please pray for us. my heart is a mess. ashleigh will be terribly disapointed when she gets home today. we were all sure we would know at the latest today.
now we have to answer that dreaded question: do you know anything?
with the same awful reponse: no.
nothing
i got nothing this morning.
it's more than a little... hmmmm... i don't know if there's a word for it.
silence. not sure why. we're investigating.
i am chuckling a little bit, though (as much as you can chuckle when you feel like you could vomit and feel like the room is spinning). i have had a CRAZY amount of hits to my blog this week! lots and lots of newbies.
stay tuned, people. good stuff ahead. i am sure of it.
i might be in "transition" right now. you know - that part of labor that you feel like you might pass out and you surely feel like puking? yup. that's me.
it's more than a little... hmmmm... i don't know if there's a word for it.
silence. not sure why. we're investigating.
i am chuckling a little bit, though (as much as you can chuckle when you feel like you could vomit and feel like the room is spinning). i have had a CRAZY amount of hits to my blog this week! lots and lots of newbies.
stay tuned, people. good stuff ahead. i am sure of it.
i might be in "transition" right now. you know - that part of labor that you feel like you might pass out and you surely feel like puking? yup. that's me.
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