SONGS OF JOY

A Little Life Lesson from Lia

2012-02-09T16:48:00.000-05:00

Because sometimes going it alone....

...isn't ..isn't nearly as much fun.

Thank You

2012-02-06T21:45:00.001-05:00

Thanks again to each of you who donated towards Ella's formula. Enough money was raised to purchase 2 cases of formula which, when added to that being brought by another volunteer, should hold her until more volunteers can courier additional cases over the summer.

I can't wait to see what a difference this could make in her beautiful little life.

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ~ Matthew 25:40

Update

2012-02-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well. Things have changed a little since my last post.

It appears that my math skills are not the real problem here after all.

Nope. Not this time.

Because in my latest email exchange with the orphanage it seems I misunderstood exactly how many cases were needed for little Miss Ella. Since another volunteer is bringing some as well, we only need to bring two cases in addition to the four we already have for Rosie.

Six total. Not six additional.

Because 2 + 4 = 6.
I think.

So, in the end, it wasn't my math skills at all.
Just my reading comprehension.

Oy.

If there's one thing I can offer those of you who stop by here from time to time, it's the chance to feel a whole lot better about yourselves after reading about my scatter-brained shenanigans.

You're welcome.

With all that cleared up we are really only $35 from being able to purchase sweet Ella's 2 cases of formula.
And any additional funds will go towards nebulizers for those who struggle with asthma.

Then we can throw it all in our luggage and head across the globe to do what we've been wanting to do this whole time.
Love on some little ones and tell them just how much Jesus loves them.
No math or reading comprehension skills needed for that.
I hope.

A Confession and A Hope

2012-02-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted about the amazing story of Rosie's transformation as a new formula was introduced into her diet. How the Lord had relieved her of her suffering through this new regiment and how He had provided (through so many of you) 4 additional cases of formula to meet Rosie's need until the end of the summer.

Thank you!

In that same post was the story of little Ella. If you haven't read her full story, (and please, please do by clicking here), it is one of heartbreak and miracles. And hope.

Hope.

And the Lord appears to be on the move again fighting for this little defenseless one.

Just this week (this week!), it was discovered that the same formula used by Rosie could help Ella. It could transform her life, provide her with health, with hope, and with Lord willing, the chance for a family to call her own someday.

So here's the deal.

We are allowed 3 checked bags when we travel in a few weeks. One bag is already filled (praise the Lord!) with Rosie's formula. The other 2 bags are now for Ella. Since she is younger and uses more of the formula than Rosie we are committed to bringing her six cases worth (and 4 more will be brought by another volunteer).

Now for the confession:
Last night I did the math and communicated to the orphanage that I only needed to raise a few hundred dollars to purchase six cases.
(Have I mentioned my math skills before?)
Yeah.
I was wrong.
We need to raise $800.
I could blame it on the fact that my husband was away on business all week.
I could blame it on having six kids.
I could blame it on a number of things.
But anyway you look at it was my mistake and I am sick about it.

So with full disclosure of my oversight and with my heart full of hope that He will provide such a large amount again for the sake of little Ella, the Chip-In bar is back up.

Please PRAY that the He will move the hearts of many to provide for this little one in need.

I read this morning in 2 Samuel 5:24 where David was preparing for battle and had inquired of the Lord. The Lord responded:

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you.

Yes, $800 overwhelms me.
And my weakness in this whole endeavor is ever before me.

But how THANKFUL I am for a God who goes before us.
Who fights our battles for us.
Who encourages us with the sound of His marching out in front.
And who leaves absolutely no room for anyone to boast except in Him and Him alone.

Amazing

2012-02-03T09:02:00.002-05:00

Look at what He's done!
And what He's doing.
Right now.

You simply must click here and read her story.

Go on now.
I'll wait.
It's that important.

-----------------------
Isn't it amazing?
Her transformation?
And now Ella too?
As of yesterday?
With her own chance at an amazing transformation?

He has turned this little one's wailing into dancing.
He has restored her gladness.

And through your contributions...

Through your prayers...

Through your encouragement....

We are hopeful that the dance will continue on.

Thank you, thank you, thank you again!

Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me;
   LORD, be my help.
You turned my wailing into dancing;
   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
   LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 30:10-12

Filled to Overflowing

2012-01-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

Filled to overflowing...

The Chip In account in the top left corner of this page. Twice a goal has been set. Twice it has been exceeded. All because of His overwhelming generosity displayed through the donations and prayers of so many of you. Thank you!

Filled to overflowing...

The suitcase that sits in the corner of my room. A testimony to His mercy. Two cases of formula are here. Two more will arrive this week. A little girl has been lavished with love by Him through you. And additional funds have allowed for the purchasing of even more supplies including much needed nebulizers that will be used by many of the other children.

Filled to overflowing...

This mother's heart as two little girls made their way to my room the other night, fists tightly clinched around wrinkled bills. "Will it be enough?" they asked as I counted. Yes. Enough for one more can of formula for little Rosie. They beamed and I marveled. And was reminded once again that God is doing a thousand things in everything He does. (Piper)

Filled to overflowing...

The heart of a Father towards His children. "He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out..."

And He invites us to join Him.
To receive.
To give.
To love.
And to be filled to overflowing with Him.

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways

so that you're ready for anything and everything,

more than just ready to do what needs to be done.

As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God

who gives seed to the farmer

that becomes bread for your meals

is more than extravagant with you.

He gives you something you can then give away,

which grows into full-formed lives,

robust in God,

wealthy in every way,

so that you can be generous in every way,

producing with us great praise to God.

2 Corinthians 9: 8-11 (The Message)

Good News...

2012-01-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

We received our first shipment of Rosie's formula today!

Turns out it doesn't weigh as much as I thought.
Or take up as much space.
(Confirming the fact that math is not my strong point.)

But as the lovely and gracious Lia demonstrates below, we have room for even more!

$30 will provide Rosie with one can of formula.

And we are about $80 away from being able to buy 2 more cases.
Thank you so much for your contributions and prayers towards this sweet girl!
It is so exciting to watch Him provide for her in such a way.

Eyes to See

2012-01-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

On the surface it may seem like "no big deal."

A little girl in need.
A few cans of formula.
A quick online order.
And that's it.
It's how we do things around here.
No big deal.

When I first contacted the orphanage about what type of supplies we could bring when we came, I was told that Rosie, one of their little girls, was in need of a special kind of formula.

I didn't know why it was needed.
Or what it would cost.
Or how to get it.
But I would try.

OK, I'll admit, that much, in and of itself, was a big deal.
Fundraising, organizing, attention to detail.
For some people that comes easy.
They can do stuff like that in their sleep.
But not me.
I can't even sleep in my sleep most nights.
And any ability to give attention to detail or stay organized disappeared about 3 children ago.

Still I wanted to help.
It wasn't rocket science but it did take some time and thought.
Both of which are scarce these days.

And so it began.
I searched for the formula.
Explored ways to have money donated.
Corresponded with the orphanage.
Put up a post with a way to contribute.
Made a pretty good mess of it the first go round.
Wondered if I really should be doing this at all.
Tried it again.
And waited.

In a few hours a little over $300 was given. (THANK YOU!)
When combined with other donations, that amount covered the cost of 2 cases of formula.
The order was placed yesterday.
In a few days it will arrive on my doorstep.
In a few weeks we will deliver it to Rosie.
No big deal.

Except...

Except that it IS a big deal.
And here's why.

While corresponding with the orphanage, I learned that they are trying to stretch her current supply to last until the end of February.
We planned our trip months ago.
We barely knew who this sweet girl was let alone her need.
But, Lord willing, we will arrive in Beijing the first weekend in March with more formula.

It's a big deal because I don't know Rosie at all.
But Jesus does.
It's a big deal because I didn't know that the time of our visit would correspond with the time she would need more formula.
But Jesus did.
It's a big deal because I didn't know that 1 year ago, while standing in the Beijing airport, struggling with the consequences of our canceled flight and the need to spend more money on new tickets, those chain of events would allow us to go back.
Because if all that hadn't happened, we probably wouldn't be going back.
At least not right now.
But Jesus knew.
He knew every last bit of it.

And through all these seemingly insignificant circumstances this is what I see.

I see the heart of a Father who delights in showing mercy to those in need and is pleased to use the weak to do so.
I see the strength of a King who holds all time and circumstances in His hands always working them for our good and His glory.
I see the compassion of a Savior who desires that we would have eyes to see His matchless grace that is put on display all around us over and over again throughout the course of our days.
And that in so seeing, we would believe that He is every bit of who He says He is and live accordingly.

Too often I rationalize away the countless works of His hands that happen right in front of me as "no big deal."
But today He gave me eyes to see.
And I believe.

How You Can Help...

2012-01-21T11:57:00.000-05:00

There is someone that I would love for you to meet.

Rosie

Rosie is one of the precious little ones who reside at the orphanage the kids and I will be visiting in early March.
And she could use our help.

A few days ago, I contacted one of the orphanage administrators to ask what supplies were most needed.
And their greatest need right now is for a special formula used by Rosie.
A special formula.
For a very special little girl.
And a unique opportunity for us to help her get what she needs.

Our hope is to purchase as much as we can and transport it with us when we travel.
A case of six containers runs about $200.
And we want to stuff our luggage with as much of it as is allowed so that sweet girl can grow into all those plans her heavenly Father has for her.

There are other supplies needed in addition to her formula.
You can see a list of them here if you like.
We hope to take many of these as well.

If you'd like to help Rosie (and all her precious friends) receive some of the things they need most right now, you are welcome to contribute by using the Chip In Box in the top left corner.
Or you can just contact me directly.
I'm flexible that way :)

Thank you for remembering Rosie and her friends.
And praying for them.
And loving them in this very tangible way.

"In You the orphan finds mercy.” Hosea 14:3

The New Has Come

2012-01-18T19:28:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrate her adoption day.

The day when, one year ago, we walked into the civil affairs office and sat opposite the residing magistrate.

We answered his questions.
Made our vows.
Gave our signatures.
And sealed our documents with our prints.

It was finished.

We had satisfied the requirements of the government and the adoption was final.

Her old life was forever done away with.
Her new life had begun.

And she seized her new life with every bit of determination that I've come to expect from her.

There was the bike.
The check-up at the OT.
The piano recital.
The swim lesson.
The final meet.

It has been quite a year watching her blossom.
But as amazing as it was to witness all these accomplishments, the best was yet to come.

Early on, she learned of Jesus.
And her love for Him took off like wildfire.
She was captivated by the stories.
(And if you've never read the story of the 10 plagues to an eight year old hearing it for the very first time, you have no idea what you're missing.
Eyes.Wide.As.Saucers.)
We watched as she earnestly tried to live out His teachings in her own life.

Months passed and she began to inquire more.
Specifically about communion.
And baptism.
She wanted to know if she could be baptized.

We talked through it with her.
And then one Sunday in October she stepped up on the stage at church.
She had an index card filled with symbols and stick figures prompting her with what she would say.
What she would say.....her testimony.

How she had not heard of Jesus before.
But how her Daddy read the Bible at night after dinner.
And how she had watched a movie about Jesus in her native language and understood that He died on the cross for her.
How He took her bad heart and give her His perfect one.
How Jesus was baptized by John the Baptizer and she wanted to be baptized too.

I had asked her if she wanted to add a verse and she said yes.
"This verse," she said.
1 John 3:16
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us."
She knew it by heart.
And after reciting it on stage, she made her way over to the water...
and was baptized.

He had satisfied the requirements of the Law on her behalf.
Her adoption as His child was final.

The old life had gone.
The new had come.

Reflections on the Year

2012-01-17T07:05:00.001-05:00

I will never forget the butterflies that morning as we walked around Shamian Island.
One year ago today.
It was a beautiful day in the making.
The sun danced off the statues as we passed.
Lines of pre-schoolers toddled through the park in their traditional bulky layers.
Locals practiced badminton while shop owners beckoned us to come in to peruse their wares.

A typical Monday morning on the island.
Much to be remembered.
But it will undoubtedly be the butterflies that always stand out when I recall that day.

Not because we could observe them or capture them on camera.
The weather was unseasonably cold that particular week in Guangzhou.
There were no actual butterflies to speak of.

The butterflies that are permanently etched into my memory are the ones that filled the pit of my stomach and fluttered unmercifully as we strolled along the streets that morning.
And watched the clock.
It would only be a few short hours before we boarded the van and made our way across town to the local civil affairs office where we would meet our then 8 year old daughter for the
very
first
time.

At this point in the adoption of Lily there was really only one thing that was certain.
The path that we had been on for the past 9 months and more specifically,
the One we had followed down it,
had without question brought us here to this place.
To this moment.
To this child.
That much was abundantly clear.

But what would happen after the civil affairs office...
In the hours, weeks, years that would follow...
That remained to be seen.
Hence...
the butterflies.

Up to this point I had read the books, taken the classes, and had a vague idea of what life could be like.
Adopting older.
Internationally.
Out of birth order.
From an orphanage
and from foster care.
I knew that "they" said it takes a child as many years as they are old when they join a family before they actually feel as if they are a part of that family.
That'd be eight years for her.
And us.
Eight years of her life already lived.
A life that I knew next to nothing about.
But a life that we were about to commit to...
had already committed to in our hearts...
Forever.

And as I look back over this past year I would say it has proven to be some of what I expected it to be.
And much more.
So much more.

I expected the relational tension as we all adjusted.
But expecting it and living it are two different things.

We've all had our moments.
Each of us has "lost it" a time or two (or twenty) over the past year as we have attempted to merge all these little lives into one big happy family under one roof.
We've all witnessed the ugly in each other and at times we have all been the ugly ourselves.

I've learned that while Jesus sometimes calls us to follow Him to the ends of the earth;
He always call us to come to the end of ourselves.
And that's where we ended up most days.
At the end of our proverbial ropes.
A the end of our literal selves.

But He would always be there.
Waiting.
With truth for desperate hearts.
With provision for those lacking.
With grace.
Always with grace.

And from that bloomed beauty.
Immense beauty.
As truth takes root.
And relationships deepen.
And trust grows.

Love becomes something that can be given freely without expectation and without demands because of the realization that our supply, or more accurately our Supplier, is limitless in His ability and willingness to provide.

This could easily be counted among one of our most challenging years as a family.
But it could just as easily be seen as one of much growth.
Challenge and growth.

They often seem to go hand in hand.

When tucking her in the other night, I noticed a score of pandas and one lonely lion atop her bed.
Absent-mindedly, I placed the lion on her desk and pulled up her covers.
She immediately reached over, brought the cub back and nestled him in among the pandas.

"The pandas," she explained, "they adopt the lion."

Really? I inquired.

"Yes, it is a odd story," she added.
(Odd is a new favorite vocabulary word of hers. She pulls that one out a lot).

"Well, is the lion happy about being adopted?" I asked (with not a little trepidation at her possible response).

"Yes," she said in her oh-so-Lily-matter-of-fact-way. "Yes he is."

And so are we.

In our very own
odd-in-the-eyes-of-the-world,
often broken,
frequently failing,
always learning
but never,
ever
forsaken
kind of way.

We are gloriously happy.

She Did It Anyway...

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I asked her not to.
Begged is more like it.
Just wasn't sure I could handle another one.

With her big brother now eligible for driver's ed.
And her older sister on the brink of teen-dom.

A mother can only take so much growing up in a short amount of time.

But she couldn't help herself.
She had to.
Just had to go and turn...sigh...10.

It was the next milestone on her list.
And if there's one thing to know about Caroline, it's that she always checks off her list.
Always.

In His wisdom, it's how He made her.
She has things to do and she gets them done.

And also in His wisdom, he placed her right smack dab in the middle of my big kids and my little ones.
Third out of six.
Because He knew that's where I needed her to be.

She speaks my love language.
And nearly brings me to tears.
"Mommy, I feel like cleaning. Do you mind if I do the dishes?"
Oh child.

She can manage a house (kids included) better than me.
Oh my, did He ever know that I needed a Caroline.

Her world has been turned upside down a few times over the past decade.
With that comes a lot of growing.
And because of it she is wise beyond her years in many ways.

Most definitely wise beyond her years.
And us?
We are blessed beyond measure.

Happy 10th birthday sweet Carly Grace.
We pray today (and every day) that you know just how much you are loved.

Really, Lord?

2011-12-16T18:09:00.000-05:00

I remember it like it was yesterday.

It was nearly a year ago when we stood in the Beijing airport, newly adopted non-English speaking child in tow, and learned that after two very long weeks in China, our flight back to the States had been...
sigh...
cancelled.

Like, for four days, cancelled.

In the minutes that followed, we also learned that the only remaining flight headed back to the US that day was leaving shortly.

Like, in forty minutes, shortly.

And my little band of troopers?
The ones who for the past 14 days had willingly given up the usual comforts of home (you know beds, food, sit-down potties) to unselfishly welcome their new little sister into the family?
Well, they were beginning to crack.
Four more days was not the answer.
Home was the answer.

But as much as we all wanted to get home...
As thankful as we were to have this new flight plan...
I struggled.

I simply had a hard time swallowing the fact that our original plan had unnecessarily evaporated right before our eyes.
And now, by purchasing these new tickets on the spot (for the sake of the sanity of all involved) it was very possible that we would never again see the chunk o' change we were about to part with.

And so amidst the chaos of changing airlines, checking bags, and counting (then re-counting) kids to make sure all were present as we sprinted through one of the world's largest airports, a conversation was taking place in the recesses of my mind:

Really, Lord?
A cancelled flight?
Really?
And not another booking for four days?
Really?
I fully understand, it's Your money and all.
And You can certainly do with it whatever You see fit.
But really?
I'm no investor, Lord, but I'm thinking there is a thing or two that could be done with these funds, something, say, better suited for the advancement of Your kingdom, than unnecessarily throwing it all away on plane tickets.
Just saying, Lord.

And so it continued.
All through check-in.
Throughout the unbearably long flight home.
And over the months that followed.

Really, Lord?
Really?

Really.

And that was the end of that.
Until this summer...

Not long after returning home, we submitted our sob story and our receipts to the airline that had cancelled our flight just to see "what could be done."
And this summer, what was "done" was a crediting to our account in the form of...
airline miles.
Lots and lots of airline miles.

Really, Lord?

Really.

So we began to discuss what we might do with these unexpected airline miles that had been "put back in our sacks" (so to speak),
and with a daughter who is quickly becoming conversant in Mandarin,
and with a son who just so happens to be free the first week in March.

And then the plan unfolds:

We apply (and get accepted) to serve for a week in an amazing orphanage on the outskirts of Beijing.

We book our tickets.

And we pray.
That in our (very) short time there, He would use us however He sees fit to be His hands and His feet.
Among the children.
Among the staff.
Among each other.

And as we wait, I think about how if I were given the opportunity to do anything in the world, anything at all, right now, that this would be it.
And here we are with the opportunity to do just that.

Really, Lord?

Really.

Her First Christmas

2011-12-02T21:58:00.001-05:00

There's nothing quite like watching Christmas unfold through the eyes of a child experiencing it for the very first time...

Her Day

2011-10-05T22:57:00.001-04:00

For over 8 months she's waited.

Waited and watched while birthday after birthday has rolled through this house.

First a sister.

Then a brother.

Then another brother.

Then her little sister.

"How much days till my birthday?" she would wonder.
And she kept a calendar on her desk marking off the days one by one.
Until today.
Finally, it was her day.

I asked her what was done to celebrate her birthday when she lived in China.
Presents?
No.
Cake?
No.
Did your friends do anything?
No.

But you knew that it was your birthday?
Yes.
Eight birthdays had come and gone and yet no one had stopped to celebrate the life of this precious girl.

Until today.
Today we stopped.
And today we celebrated.

Today she was our princess and she played the part beautifully.
Proudly wearing her tiara out to lunch, to Chinese class, and at the dinner table.
"Is it mine?" she repeatedly asked.
All yours, we said.
"Do they make it in pink instead of purple? 'Cause I like pink."
So very Lily.

Every present was opened with such care.
She delighted in each gift and methodically put it back in its place before moving on to the next one.
Giggling.
Squealing.
Eyes wide with wonder.

To say she's a "good kid" is a significant understatement. She's a phenomenal kid.

To say that adopting an older child is "challenging" is an even greater understatement. It is flat out hard.

But to see the joy that radiated from her sweet face as we tucked her into bed tonight wearing her new pink bathrobe with her name embroidered across the front, makes everything,

and

mean

everything,

absolutely, positively worth it.

And we're back...

2011-09-17T17:50:00.000-04:00

And just in case you were wondering what we've been up to for the past month and a half....

Someone around here turned 4

(or was it 14?...the lines are a little blurry with this one)

Made a few trips to the dentist for checkups

(Something tells me orthodontics are in her future).

Walked some planks

Tried some new dishes
(Oh the depths I will sink to for her caloric intake...)

Stocked up for a hurricane that was passing through...

Learned a little poetry

Fought off some bad guys (or wanna-be bad guys who looked more like bad kittens)...

Came across these three (who obviously mean business when they request a snack)

Found much happiness with the purchase of this lovely appliance

And found much unhappiness with the discovery of this guy in my kitchen drawer
(using it as a public restroom no less...ugh)

Managed to fit in our usual summer tour

Totally kidding on that one. But it did get me thinking....

We've already got our own tour bus....

And with the talent that abounds around here, why not take our show on the road?

The Front Porch

2011-07-31T18:01:00.000-04:00

I love my front porch.

When the wind picks up and the rockers start to sway with the promise of a much-needed summer storm.

And last night, somewhere between supper and showers, we had ourselves a little concert on our front porch.

Lia was the opening act.
What she lacks in lyrics she most definitely makes up for in "porch presence."

Next was my hard rocker who surprised us all by forgoing his usual hip-hop routine to show off his softer, gentler side...

And then there was Miss Lily.
She rounded out the performances with a new twist on an old classic.
It's the most Mandarin I've heard her speak (or sing) since meeting her 6 months ago.

We haven't had nearly as much "front porch time" as I'd have liked to have had this summer.

But with the concert line up we've got around here, it seems we're going to have to find some.

Art Imitating Life (At Its Best)

2011-07-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

I first saw this clip when I was a teenager.
I laughed then because I thought it was funny.
25 years and 6 kids later I watched it again.
Oh. My. Word.
The man is a genius.
Art imitating life (at least my life) at its best...

Click here to see a 3 minute clip of a typical evening at our house :)

Happy Birthday...

2011-07-23T07:58:00.001-04:00

to my little Calvin-ist!

We love you, Alex!

Adopted. For Life.

2011-07-22T09:41:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow we will celebrate Alex's 6th birthday.
It will be an amazing day.
Well, amazing for a six year old anyway.

Pancakes for breakfast.
A trip to the park.
Chick-fil-A (with indoor playground) for lunch.
White cake with blue icing (per his request.)
And presents. Can't forget the presents.

He has been counting down the days for, oh I don't know, 6 1/2 months now.
And finally it's here.
And I hope it's as amazing in reality as it has been in his little head.

But despite planning and prepping for his big day, I've been thinking a lot about that day 6 years ago when we met that little guy for the very first time.

How we scrambled to make arrangements for our 3 kids at home to drive 2 hours to the hospital where his birth mom was about to be induced.

How we sat outside her hospital room nervously wondering how things were going, how she was doing, how she was feeling, what she was thinking as things progressed.

How the nurse handed him to me all bundled up in his little blanket and hat so that I could give him his very first feeding (just like his birth mom had requested).

How his birth mom held him, and kissed him, and looked at him longingly. Even more than maybe she thought she would.

How she picked an outfit out from several that I had brought for him to wear for his hospital picture.

How hard it was to watch her, through tears, place him in my arms and walk out of that hospital room.

How we buckled him into his car seat for the drive home and I sat in the back with him clutching my finger with his little hand my mind spinning from all that had just transpired.

And how I found myself completely overwhelmed by the grief, the joy, the fear, and the hope that are all intertwined in this process called adoption.

We've talked to him some about his story but not in depth.

The older he gets and the more he is able to understand and process, the more we will share.
Because his story is amazing.

But still, I wonder how he will respond.
I wonder how each of my adopted children will respond when they come to fully understand their stories.

Yesterday I came across this letter written by Russell Moore, author of Adopted for Life. He wrote it to the unborn son of an adoptive couple

I read it through tears thinking about my sweet boy and his story that began not six years ago but before the foundation of the world written by none other than the Author of Life.

I read it thinking about my girls who know even less of their history but who are known just as intimately and loved just as much by their Heavenly Father.

And I read it thinking about myself, one of the ex-orphans Moore refers to in his letter, who doesn't deserve one bit of this grace-filled life that He has lavished on me. What great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1).

Here is the letter in its entirety. I pray it is as much of a blessing to you as it was to me.

Dear Micah,

Let me start this letter by acknowledging that I don’t know you. I don’t even know whether to refer to you as “Micah” or “Tyler,” since I don’t know whether your parents will call you by your first or middle name. Maybe you’ll end up with a nickname, or, by the time you’re grown, go by “M.T.” or something else. I don’t know, because I don’t know you.

Your parents read a book I wrote, and their pastor told me about them, and about you.

But, since you are days away from being born, no one knows you, yet. Your life story is just starting, and there are lots of people who are excitedly waiting for you, most especially your new parents who have been praying for you for a long time. We love you ahead of time.

But, come to think of it, I can’t really say that no one knows you yet, because Someone does. In the years to come, you will probably have hard times of wondering who you are and where you fit. Everybody has such times, some of us a lot. You might be tempted to think that these hardships are because you were an “adopted” kid.

Don’t believe it.

You are no accident. This universe is vaster and more mysterious than you can imagine, and at the heart of it, I believe, there’s a personal Being we call “God.” With millions of people all over the world, and for thousands of years, I believe this God revealed himself in a man named Jesus who taught us to call this God, with him, “Father.”

Jesus had a secret, a secret people wondered about for ages until he showed us just, relatively speaking, a little while ago. He’s not just any other man. In fact, he’s One with his Father from before the universe was. The whole cosmos was patterned after him, and meant to be his. Human beings were made especially to model what Jesus is like, but, long ago, our ancestors, and all of us with them, were taken captive by a spirit-predator, and we’ve only known the slavery of following our own impulses right to the grave. The universe we were meant to rule doesn’t recognize us anymore as what we were meant to be, the children of God.

But Jesus was free of that death sentence. His life lined up exactly with what his Father wanted. He walked into this demon-haunted age, and showed himself to have power over the wicked spirit-beings, and over the curse itself. Then he stood in our place and bore everything we dread the most, and everything we don’t even know enough to dread: suffering, temptation, accusation, abandonment by friends and family, alienation from God, and death itself.

But none of these things were strong enough to hold Jesus in their grip. Because he had nothing to hide from his Father, he was the first person in history to walk out of the grave and into newness of life.

This God of Jesus Christ decided your story. He purposed that you would be born to your birthmother, and that she would have the courage and the love to give you life. He willed that you would be adopted into this family of a mom and dad who love you. He made sure that there was the kind of emptiness in their life that they would yearn to seek after you, right at the time he would bring you to them. And he put you in a family that believes the good news of the old story I’ve told to you above.

My prayer for you is that you see how fervently you are loved. Your birth-mother loved you, or you wouldn’t be here to read this. Your parents love you, and always will, no matter what. Even more importantly, the God who formed you loves you enough to show you in your own life a picture of what he wants for all of us: to be adopted, for life, into his family.

I pray that one day, when you’re old enough, you’ll sense a kind of discontent with your life. I pray you’ll see that this is not because of your circumstances, and it’s certainly not because you were adopted. It’s because you, like all of us, will be a sinner in need of mercy, a spiritual orphan in need of a Father. And I pray that you’ll look to the story your parents believe. I pray you’ll look to Jesus’ bloody cross as hell enough for you, to Jesus’ empty tomb as life enough for you. I pray you’ll learn, if nothing else, to say two things: “Jesus is Lord” and “Abba, Father.” I promise you, he will be there to receive you, to rejoice over you. He always is.

Again, I don’t know you yet. But I look forward to meeting you one day, as your brother. If not in your next one to one hundred years of life, then in the trillions more we have before us in a new creation in Christ. I hope you’ll be there with me with a bustling, uncountable number of ex-orphans like us. It’s only then that you, and I, fully will know what it means to be adopted, adopted for life.

Blessings for a life of peace, joy, and, above all, love,

Russell

A Sweet Surprise...

2011-07-21T22:43:00.001-04:00

I was getting the little ones ready for bed this evening when I noticed them.

The first one I saw was posted ever so subtly on the bottom left-hand corner of Lia's bathroom mirror.

A few minutes later I found the one in Alex's bathroom.

Two teeny-tiny, gender-specific, age appropriate chore charts for my two non-readers to help them get themselves ready for the day.

So cute.
So creative.
So not my idea.

No, this was not my doing.

This was not even my suggestion.

This was Lauren's idea from start to finish. She even explained it to them and they are loving it.

Seriously, sometimes I just don't know what I would do without that girl!

Go Ahead...

2011-07-15T14:47:00.001-04:00

...you be the one to tell her she's too short to push the cart.

(Believe it or not, we did manage to make it all the way down the aisle without knocking over any applesauce).

And We Are....

2011-07-09T17:56:00.001-04:00

...done.

With swimming.
For the summer.
{Enter sigh of relief}.

After 2 long
(and crowded)
(and VERY warm)
days at the UNC natotorium watching the kids compete in their league's end of the year championship meet,
we
are
done.

But even though it was long
(and crowded)
(and VERY warm),
it was so fun to see how the kids had progressed this summer.
Lily, who started swimming on the swim team after a total of 2 whole swim lessons, finished 1st in her heat.
She swam her little heart out and we were all SO proud of her.
(Grandma and Nana....these videos are for you).
WARNING: Possible obnoxious parent cheering for daughter during clip.....

(Only had my camera phone for this one. She's second from top.)

And then there was Alex.
Who had a very "Alex-like" end to his season.
He finished his heat in 2nd place.
We saw it from the stands.
We saw it on the score board.
And yet....
From way down on the pool deck, as he is walking back to his teams' spot...
He turns.
Flashes that golden boy smile of his.
And waves a ribbon given to those who finish first in their heat.
Hmmm....

After the meet, I asked him.
So how did you get a ribbon?
And in typical Alex fashion he responded...
"There was a hand."
"Sticking out from the crowd."
"With a ribbon."
He had no idea what place he finished.
All he knew was somebody was handing him a ribbon.
Carpe ribbon.
It's just how he rolls.

So.
Very.
Alex.

My only hope is that the little guy who actually did win the heat was compensated for the mix-up by getting a ribbon of his own.

And then today after sitting through 1,235 various heats of 9-12 year olds, we were able to watch Caroline swim.
Just me and Scott.
Alone.
Well, almost alone.
We were still surrounded by 700+ other folks.
But since none of them were our children, we call that a date.

Anyway, Caroline had worked so hard this summer to improve on her time.
She made every morning practice (and sometimes evening practices too).
She'd even work on her own sometimes while everyone else was having fun at the pool.
So when it came time for her events, we were so happy to cheer her on.
'Cause she'd worked so hard.
And 'cause she's really cute.

And in her butterfly heat, when she had to come from behind, she gave it her all.

She's second from the bottom.
The cute one in purple.
Just sayin' :)

So proud of her and all of them.
And so ready for a shower and a nap.

A Happy 4th

2011-07-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

Popsicles...

and party hats,

precious smiles,

and pretty poses,

parades through the neighborhood

and loads of good ol' fashioned patriotism

made this 4th of July a happy one for all.

Opportunity

2011-06-23T22:29:00.000-04:00

I took this picture of Lily on May 24.
May 24.

It was her first trip to the pool.
Ever.

Floaties on each arm.
Blow-up ring secured tightly around her waist.
That's how it was on May 24.
Four weeks ago.

But last night, at our local swim meet, she showed us all just what can be accomplished in four short weeks...

...when you have the drive to pursue a goal.
...when you have the determination to work hard.
..and when you have the opportunity to make it happen.

I love that girl's drive.
I love her determination.
And I love the fact that because of His great love, she now has every opportunity to be all that He created her to be.

A First

2011-06-17T23:12:00.000-04:00

He'd waited for this moment for a long, long time.
The day that he graduated from the "Happy Hippos" to become an official swim team member.
Swimming in the big leagues now.
Otherwise known as the "6 and unders."
And this week he had his first real swim meet.

He'd practiced all week for his event...the 25 freestyle.
And his coaches worked him ragged...
"Alex get off the wall."
"Alex, off the lane line."
"Alex, kick."
"Alex, swim."
"Alex!"

And when the time came, he was ready.
Starting off with a healthy dose of carbs.

Followed by just a few more carbs.

And rounding it out with, you guessed it, more carbs.

Washing it all down with plenty of fluids.

Tough-guy tattoo was properly positioned ...

A little friendly conversation with the competition....

And then he was in the zone.

He received a few final words from the coaches...

And then it was game on.

He positioned himself on the block...

And a historical moment was ~~poorly~~ recorded for all posterity.
(I've since learned that it is ridiculously hard to simultaneously enjoy the moment while taping the moment...)

After his highlight-reel worthy performance, he was greeted by throngs of fans..

And of course...

...more carbs.

Pure and Undefiled Religion In The Sight of Our God...

2011-06-17T22:17:00.000-04:00

An Orphan's Wish This Summer...

2011-06-14T19:51:00.000-04:00

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

14 Years

2011-06-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

Fourteen years and things have changed a bit...

Your picture books have been replaced by the classics.

Your "play" phones now have text packages.

"Dress up" now translates to "coat and tie."

And {sigh} there's no more talk of dump trucks.

Just the driver's license that awaits in the not-so-distant future.

But one thing will never change no matter how many years go by.

You will always, always be my baby boy.

Happy 14th Michael!

2011-06-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to remember what I used to do in my spare time when I was 12.

I'm sure I read some books.
Procrastinated on chores.
Probably watched way too much TV.

But one thing I'm sure I never did when I was 12 was try to learn a new language.
By myself.

But that's what I've found a certain 12 year old (who happens to live in this house) doing lately.
At night, after her compadres have gone off to bed...
Or in the afternoon when she has some down time...
I'll come around the corner to find her hunkered down with her Chinese textbook, her whiteboard, and her insatiable desire to learn Mandarin.

A desire given by Him.
To learn a language not her own.
Because a love has been formed for a culture and a people very different from hers.

It started with her love for her sisters.
And the many children still waiting for a home.
But it has since grown into something much, much more.

And she wants to go back.
Someday.
In some capacity.
And I have every reason to believe that she will.

But for now she studies on her own.
With a little help from a textbook.
And our resident expert.

And I watch and I wait...

for this beautiful seed that has been planted to come to full bloom.

The Swim

2011-06-07T18:37:00.000-04:00

After a long week of waiting, Lily had her first official swim lesson yesterday.

Pretty standard.
30 minutes.
Learning to kick.
And stroke.
And breathe.
Simultaneously.

So if you are beginning to know my Lily like I am beginning to know my Lily...
Well then you know that of course she was going to attempt to swim the length of the pool.
Today.

'Cause she's got one whole swim lesson under her belt.
And she's been acquainted with this thing called a pool for oh, I don't know, a couple of weeks now.
For the first time in her life.
Ever.
Naturally it's time to swim the length of it.
If you're Lily, that is.

She tried over and over and over.
And she ended up being able to make it a little more than half way across with her "coaches" cheering her on.
And I was duly impressed.

I am constantly amazed at her determination.
And what she has already accomplished in the short time she has been home.

And I have a feeling that if we make it back down to the pool tomorrow...
She's going to find her way from one end to the other before it's time to head home.

Sunday Snapshot {My Little Man}

2011-06-04T23:04:00.003-04:00

Gracious I love this kid.
(Despite the fact that he is single-handedly responsible for every one of my pre-mature gray hairs.)
Please tell me that they are pre-mature. I'm not that old yet, am I?
Never mind.
Don't answer that.

Sometimes I can't believe he's only 5 years old.

And I don't think he believes he is only 5 years old either.

Maybe it's the sense of confidence that comes from wearing super hero underwear every day.

Looking ahead, I see motorcycles, bungee jumping, and sky diving in his future.
(Pictured above enjoying a little time in the convertible that he constructed with Caroline).

If he were a comic strip character, he would be Calvin.
Hands down.

If he were a dog, he'd be a golden.
Social, loyal, and just a wee bit distractable.

If he were a musician, he'd be Toby Mac.
And he's got the moves to prove it.

But thankfully, for right now, he's just my Alex.

And I'm the blessed momma that gets to call him "my little man..."
...super hero underwear and all.

To view more Sunday Snapshots visit Stefanie's blog at...

"Carly Cool"

2011-06-01T21:10:00.001-04:00

Not sure exactly when it was that her daddy gave her that nickname.
Carly Cool.
But it stuck.
And it fits.

When she was 2 she told us that when she grew up she was going to drive across the country to live in California.
Not sure where that came from exactly since we come from a long line of East Coasters.
But I believed her then.
And still do today.

She's our adventurous one.
Or, more appropriately, one of our adventurous ones.

I looked out the window early the other morning to see her and a certain 5 year old riding the waves together.
Not sure if they'd even eaten breakfast yet.
Practically had the whole beach all to themselves.

And suddenly I envisioned the two of them ziplining in a Costa Rican jungle or safari-ing together on the African plains.
When they grow up.
Which is happening much too soon if you ask me.

Beach living suits her though.
Not being one for dresses or frills.

She's happiest in a pair of gym shorts and a tee.
And if shoes are necessary...flip flops.

She wears 1001 pony tail holders on her wrist.
All the time.
Just in case a soccer game breaks out, I guess.
Always the prepared one she is.

Seems like just yesterday she was sitting in her little toddler chair in the sand watching the water from safe up on the shore.
Not today though.

Today it's boogie boards and pony tails.
Flip flops and catching waves.

And I'm going to enjoy every minute of "today.'
Because "tomorrow" will surely be here before I know it.

Queen of the Hot Tub

2011-06-01T08:25:00.001-04:00

It starts early with this one.
Usually by breakfast.
"Mommy, I go hot tub?"

Then usually once again while we are on the beach.
"Mommy, I go hot tub, pleeeeease?"

And then at lunch.
"Hot tub time, Mommy?"

Because while she enjoys the sand and surf just fine...

this girl seriously loves her some hot tub time.

And she's not only about the fun either.

She'll work to make sure it's in top form for her enjoyment later that day.

And when you are a tiny thing like she is, you can get in some swim practice too.

They are calling for temps in the low 90's here today.
But I suspect this one will still be asking for her hot tub time.

"That's Really Good!"

2011-05-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

Lily's exact words when asked what she thought of the ocean.

I think we all agree.

Happy Birthday Sweet Lauren

2011-05-28T00:01:00.020-04:00

Twelve years today.
My how time flies.
But even though it's been over a decade since you first graced our lives with your arrival, some things are still the same....

Those big blue eyes.

And breath-taking smile.

Your creative spirit.

And occasional bad hair day.

But as you grow, I'm discovering that there are so many more wonderful things to love about you...

Like how you love your family.

And your friends.

How you love those in need.

But most importantly, how you love Jesus.

And there is no greater joy for this momma than knowing just how much He loves you, too.

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Growing Up So Fast...

2011-05-26T23:24:00.002-04:00

Thirteen years, fifty weeks, and four days ago (but really, who's counting?) we dressed this sweet little bug in a Pooh-bear onesie, wrapped him in a matching blanket, and prepared to make that life-changing journey from the security of the hospital to our home.

And I marveled at how much cuteness could be found in such a tiny bundle.

{Sigh.}

Tonight I helped him get dressed once again.
Straightening his tie.
Adjusting his coat.
Preparing for his eighth grade graduation.

And though the bundle had grown about 5 and a half feet since that trip home from the hospital,
I still marveled at his cuteness.

And his humor.

For example...
This afternoon we were all in the car for a long time.
A very long time.
And one of the backseat passengers was voicing their complaint of just how long they had been in the backseat.

So in ~~an act of bribery~~ a moment of compassion, I offered said child one of the bread sticks that we had just picked up for dinner....
If they would , you know, learn to find joy in their backseat suffering for the duration of our trip.

When I reappeared in the driver's seat, my soon-to-be-high schooler, fresh from his history exam says...

"Did you just appease her? 'Cause they tried that with Hitler you know.
Appeasement.
In World War II.
Gave him some land. Thought that would make him go away.
Next thing you know he's all over Poland."

Really?
Comparing my parenting skills to one of the greatest political oversights of the 20th century?
Just what I need.

But goodness he's a funny kid.

And though I dearly miss that little bundle that we brought home the hospital years ago,
I am so enjoying the young man that he is growing up to be.

And I can't wait to see what kind of parenting advice I'll get during his high school years.

Lesson Learned

2011-05-25T22:23:00.000-04:00

Swim season is upon us.
Lots of practicing.
Lots and lots of time spent at the pool.
Lots and lots and lots of pictures of cute kids enjoying 90 degree weather by splashing the day away.

Unfortunately, all those pictures are being held hostage by my Smart phone.
Which makes me feel really stupid. Not smart.

Anyway...
I was very interested to see how Lily would do at the pool.
Before it opened we would ask her if she'd ever been swimming before.
Had she been in a pool?
Had she ever seen a pool?

At the time we had that conversation, all we got from her were gestures that simulated drowning.
Not good.

But these first few days have been great.
She's all over that pool, looking adorable with floaties on each arm, goggles, and a swim ring around her waist.
And silly me, I thought she'd be happy with that for the duration of the summer.
Just to get her acclimated and all.
And then next summer....

Oh no.
No, no, no.
This is Lily we're talking about.

She's watched Caroline and Michael have tune up lessons for swim team.
She's watched Alex do lessons with his age group...the pre-swim team swim team.
And in her mind she's ready.
So she asks me.

But I've gone down this road before.
If certain skills aren't in place, lessons ~~are like throwing your money away~~ aren't very effective.
And as of 6:00 this evening, she wasn't going under the water.
Until...

Until I told her that once she was able to go underwater..
without holding her nose...
then we'd see about lessons.

And by 6:15, the child was diving for rings on the bottom of the pool.

Swim lessons start June 6.

Parenting lessons, on the other hand, are ongoing.

Wordless Wednesday {Pool Time}

2011-05-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

A Style of His Own

2011-05-19T21:24:00.002-04:00

Guess who dressed himself for the recital?

And guess who was more than happy to let him go looking just like that?

(He received quite a few compliments by the way.)

And then...

2011-05-18T22:09:00.000-04:00

And then there was one.
One last recital post.

My piano man.

I have no problem driving him around town to lessons.
Or reminding him to practice.
Day after day.
Week in and week out.

'Cause the boy's got mad skills.
Mad skills, I tell you.
(In my very humble, completely unbiased, mother-of-this-my-first-born-child opinion.)

Now, if I could only get him to make his bed....

The Duet

2011-05-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

Sisters.
I don't have one myself so it's all a little new to me.
This phenomena called "sisterhood."

Most of the time they are inseparable.
Occasionally they need to be separated.

They are completely honest with one another about everything.
Sometimes a little too honest.

But watching these two work together for the past few months on their duet has been quite enlightening.

The laughter.
The crying.
The joy.
The frustration.
The criticism.
The encouragement.
The silliness.
The determination.
The things that are shared between sisters.

When they started their practicing, it was individually, each focusing on their own parts.
But then they came together.
And they had to learn to listen to each other.
And learn to be patient with each other.
And learn to support one another.

And they did.

And the end result was beautiful.

The Recital

2011-05-17T16:13:00.001-04:00

Five months ago, I only knew her through pictures.
But even then I could see in her a confidence and a joy.

Four months ago today, we met for the first time.
The confidence was for real.
As was the joy.
To this day, she's one of the bravest people I know.

Two months ago, after a couple of times observing her siblings take piano lessons, she decided she was ready to try it herself.
And her very gracious, very talented teacher found her a spot in the schedule.

One month ago, it was decided that she was ready to perform in the upcoming spring recital.
Not just one song, but two.

And just last Saturday, confidence and joy overflowed as she waltzed across the stage, took her seat at the piano and played her songs beautifully.

Confident.
Joyful.
Beautiful.
Lily.

How I eagerly await to see what He has in store for her future.

Trip to the OT

2011-05-05T22:36:00.001-04:00

Took Lily to see the occupational therapist last week for an evaluation.

She had a blast.

Games.
Coloring.
Handwriting.
Stickers.

If only every doctor's visit could be this fun.

My favorite moment of the appointment came when the therapist asked Lily to string several beads onto a shoelace.
Not usually a big deal, but this particular test was timed.
And the time was so limited that she forewarned Lily, "It's a lot harder than it seems."

"Most kids," she told her, "only get 2 or 3 beads strung before time runs out."

Mmmm hmmm I thought to myself.
It's on now.

And it certainly was.

When all was said and done she had strung 5 beads and scored a fine motor age equivalency of 19 years.

19 years.

If you ask me, kids like her bring a whole new meaning to the term "special" needs.

Wordless Wednesday {Wild Thing}

2011-05-04T21:47:00.002-04:00

...praying every day for her future husband :)

There's Just Something About Little Boys...

2011-04-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

...with their umbrellas and rain boots...

...finding delight in a rainstorm...

...and all the muck it produces in the sandbox...

...arranging army men...

...building bridges...

...enjoying the simple things in life...

Yep. There's just something about little boys...

...that I...

...just...

love.

Wordless Wednesday {Pink Is Her Signature Color}

2011-04-27T14:02:00.001-04:00

Words

2011-04-26T22:27:00.000-04:00

I recently took an in-house census.

And do you know what the results showed?

I have four girls.

Four girls.

Cute aren't they?

Know what else?

Girls use a lot of words.

A
lot
of
words.

With each other.
About each other.
In love.
Sometimes in anger.
Occasionally through tears.
Often with drama.

Three of these girls sleep in the same room.
And do school together in the same home.
And have many of the same friends.

That's a lot of time together.
And a lot of words.

And then there's the other little girl.
She may only weigh 25 pounds but I'm convinced 24 of those pounds are pure lungs.
She's got words and she's not afraid to use them.

And lately, it seems we've spent the better part of our days learning to let [our] conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) instead of always full of self-righteousness, seasoned with jalapenos.

Because as we're also learning, words can sting.

So while it's becoming increasingly apparent that all the girls in my little census sample (present company included) need to guard our tongues more carefully and check the source from which the river of our words flow (that is, our hearts) I have to say that it is also quite encouraging to see how words, full of grace, seasoned with salt can make home a wonderful place to be.

Beating the Heat...

2011-04-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

The sun has reappeared and temperatures have been rising.

Unfortunately, our pool doesn't open for a couple more weeks.

Until then, these guys have managed to improvise.

What started as a dog washing opportunity quickly morphed into 4 very big kids in 1 very small plastic pool.

It really was comical watching them through the window. I thought about going outside and getting some pictures.

But 4 kids playing happily outside on their own for a couple of hours? Who am I to interrupt that?

I wasnt' sure how Lily was going to handle wearing a bathing suit.

She is ULTRA modest. In fact, she often reacted like my Lands End swim catalog needed to come in a brown paper wrapper.

I wasn't sure if we'd even get her dressed for the pool, let alone in one.

But if this first water experience is any indication, I think we have one more fish in the family.

This Easter...

2011-04-24T22:24:00.000-04:00

This Easter, I'm thankful for the fact that a simple platter of Krispy Kremes greeting the kids on Sunday morning brought about the biggest smiles....

Notice the fruit? I do have a conscience you know...

I'm thankful that Wal-Mart is open late giving me time to begin my Easter shopping around 8 pm Saturday night....

I'm thankful to see this one double-fisting her breakfast. She so needs to put on the poundage...

I'm thankful for the six kids who gave me 10 minutes of their time and managed to look at the camera and smile simultaneously on a beautiful spring morning...

I'm thankful for my sweet girls...

...and my suave boys...

Waiting for their turn in the photo shoot

I'm thankful that I get to see these precious faces every day...

This was his "cool" shot. Just had to throw that one in there.

I'm thankful for this loud, crazy, messy, growing, learning, beautiful thing called a family....

But most importantly, this Easter, I am thankful for Jesus...the most precious gift, from the most holy Father, to the most undeserving of recipients..me.

“The highest act of love is the giving of the best gift,

and, if necessary, at the greatest cost,

to the least deserving.

That’s what God did.

At the loss of His Son’s life to the totally undeserving,

God gave the best gift –

the display of the glory of Christ

who is the image of God.”

John Piper

Found him

2011-04-22T22:53:00.000-04:00

Last post I wondered where my "little" boy had gone.
Tonight I walk into the kitchen and find this...

Looks like that whole growing up thing isn't occurring quite as fast as originally suspected.
I'm OK with that.
I think...

Excuse Me...

2011-04-21T23:15:00.000-04:00

...has anyone seen my little boy?

He was just here a minute ago. Or at least that what it seems like.

Wasn't it only yesterday that we were sprawled out on the floor together learning our ABC's and reading "Go Dog Go" for the 1000th time?

Building Legos. Watching Blue's Clues. Playing in the sandbox.

Today he was all decked out for a special school assembly and as he sat beside me in the van... all arms, legs, and facial hair...critiquing my ~~lack of~~ driving skills with vocabulary words I've never heard of, I realized that my little boy is quickly growing into a young man.

And although those days ~~when I was smarter than him~~ of dump trucks and dinosaurs are a thing of the past...

...he will always, always, always be my little boy.

Wordless Wednesday {Lia and Friends}

2011-04-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Workin' It...

2011-04-18T21:19:00.000-04:00

Most of our Sunday was spent outside.
We pulled out some old toys that were new to some.

Seems like some much needed sunshine put a little bounce in all of us...

Well, almost all of us...

We were plum worn out by dinner time.
So when the kids asked to make s'mores over a fire for dessert, I wasn't surprised to hear Scott answer that another night would be better.

That's when they made their move.
"But Lily's never had s'mores before."
"Ever!"
"Please!"

Not missing a beat, she cocked her head, batted her eyes, folded her hands and chimed in "Please!"
"Please, please, pleeeeeeease!"

Oooh they're good.

And as for the s'mores...

...a half-dozen marshmallow covered faces indicated that they weren't too shabby either!

Not- So- Lazy Sunday

2011-04-17T22:33:00.000-04:00

Time on the trampoline is fun.
Time with Daddy is fun.
Time on the trampoline with Daddy is...

...well, I'll let you be the judge....

My Heroes

2011-04-16T11:51:00.001-04:00

Darkness and rain clouds loom over our sleepy little town.
All hope for a Saturday spent enjoying some spring sunshine is lost.
And the threat of mounting laundry and evil dust bunnies seek to rob us of any and all joy this weekend.
Who will save us from our impending doom?

Enter...my hero...Stupendous Man

And his trusty sidekick...Bat Girl...with Bat Baby always by her side..

Together they will add life, laughter (and a little more laundry) to my otherwise gloomy Saturday...

Once they decide they actually want to come out of the Bat Cave...

I do so love active imaginations!

One Less

2011-04-13T22:11:00.000-04:00

Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names.

They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.

It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms.

But once you do, everything changes.

~David Platt

Learning to Love

2011-04-13T16:38:00.001-04:00

Lately, there are some days when I feel like my wardrobe should primarily consist of black and white vertical stripes accessorized by a whistle around my neck.

And the phrase, "Can't we all just get along?" echoes in the recesses of my mind.

And then there are days like today.

Days where I see them sacrifice for one another.
Help one another.
Love one another.

Today Caroline spent the better part of her free time teaching Lily how to ripstick.
And both were eager to show me her progress.

So out came the camera.
For them and for me.
Because when we're facing another day where the whistle continually blows and time outs abound, these are the kinds of moments I want to remember.
.

The Chore Chart

2011-04-09T23:09:00.001-04:00

It appears that a certain someone was feeling a little left out by not having a personalized chore chart on our refrigerator like everyone else.

Hard to believe she would notice something like that (ahem).

So this morning, she awoke to find a list of chores picked out just for her.

The first few things would take time for her to master on her own.
But the last two?
Got checked off within the hour.

And then got checked again. And again. And again.
Cute and feisty.
That's my Lia.

Working together

2011-04-08T22:54:00.001-04:00

Since becoming a family the size of a softball team (minus one), we are continually learning to coexist in harmony with one another.

Sanctification 101 I like to call it.

There are toys to be shared.
Space to be acknowledged.
Tongues to be held.
And so on.

It's a loud and messy process.

But sometimes, just sometimes, I find that in an occasional glorious moment or two, all the little ones will disappear upstairs plotting, planning, and preparing their next big project. They work together and they do it (be still my heart) nicely.

Can you hear the angels singing? Oh I do.

Here is a glimpse of what they surprised us with tonight.

Panda girl

Bunny boy

One little piggy complete with "pig food"

Strawberry the puppy

And Coco the cookie loving dog

A little construction paper, a dose of creativity and a sprinkling of collaborative efforts make for ~~one huge mess to clean up and~~ one happy momma. :)

Another First

2011-04-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, we took Lily to a park for the first time.
While there we discovered that she had never been on a swing before.

Eight years old.
Without ever having had the chance to enjoy one of the greatest joys of childhood.

With a bit of coaching from her sisters, she learned to pump on her own.
And now?
I think it's safe to say the sky's the limit.

Hey!

2011-04-06T22:51:00.001-04:00

Have an awesome day!
(Caroline said so.)

OK, so selfishly I just wanted to post this fun picture of my sweet girl...

But really, I do hope you have an awesome day!

Yes, Our Homeschool Has a Dress Code...

2011-04-05T22:04:00.000-04:00

...because sometimes subtraction requires superhuman strength.

(and a few M&M's don't hurt either)

Relaxing...

2011-04-04T22:27:00.000-04:00

After a long, hard day working for "the man...."
(or in his case, "the Mommy")

taking out the trash
doing double-digit addition
saving the world in an epic Nerf-gun battle....

...sometimes a guy just needs to put on the bathrobe and slippers,
kick back, and enjoy a little time in the "man-cave" watching some b-ball...

...just like the old man...

Now that's relaxing.

Opening Day

2011-03-27T22:59:00.000-04:00

The weather on Saturday was more suited for the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field than for spring ball.

Nevertheless, it was Opening Day and the "Green Dragons" were ready to hit the field.

This was our little slugger's first year with a pitching machine.

He was 2 for 2 despite coming off IR after suffering from a case of severly frozen fingers....

After some intricate base running instructions ("Stop! Now go! OK, Stop! Now go!"), he was able to make it all the way home after one of his at bats.

Spectators braved the frigid temperatures to watch their hero play ball...

And some paid extra, for choice seating...

And though he's in the big leagues now, our hero never fails to remember his fans...

In his post-game interview, when asked what he enjoyed most about Opening Day against the Tigers...

...he responded in typical Alex-fashion...

"Snack time."

That's my boy.

Lily and Jesus...the rest of the story

2011-03-24T22:13:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days, I've started, quit, and then restarted posts about Lily's journey with Jesus.

I'd love to sit and write down everything I've seen Him do since bringing her home, but the words just don't come easily and the time to sit and think just isn't there.

But I do want to share the highlights.

Since our first conversation with her a few weeks back she has been completely captivated by Him.

We've read story after story after story of His miracles.
We've talked about how only He can heal the hurts that she carries in her heart.
And we've prayed that she would come understand just how much He loves her and what He's accomplished for her on the cross.

Though our conversations were daily and her English was growing by leaps and bounds, I still wondered how much of the gospel she was actually able to understand.

Until in a moment of pure brilliance, my husband asked, "I wonder if they make a JESUS film in Mandarin?"

Ahhh...
I didn't know the answer but I did know how to find out.
I emailed a friend who knew a thing or two about that movie and discovered that they did indeed make a version in Mandarin! (Thanks Janna!)

So we ordered it and we watched it together, listening in Mandarin while reading English subtitles.

She "ooohed" at some of the scenes while uttering an occasional "wow" at the miracles and "that's cool" when He appeared to His disciples after the resurrection.
(My personal favorite was when she said that Jesus had nice teeth.)

And that night when tucking her into bed, instead of Lily asking for Scott and I to pray, like she normally does, for the first time she said she wanted to pray...

"What do you want to tell Him?" I asked her.

(Are you ready for this?)

"That I love Him," she said.

And I knew she meant it.

She's been home with us for less than 2 months so I don't even have a "before" to contrast with an "after" but honestly, she's a different child than the one we first met. Her countenance, her spirit, it's just different.

And we are amazed.

It's been a few nights since that all took place but even tonight when we put her to bed, once again, she said she wanted to pray.

Unsolicited, unprompted, completely on her own, the little girl who 2 months ago had never heard the name of Jesus prayed, "Thank You, Jesus, for coming into my heart."

I Love A Man in Uniform....

2011-03-23T22:22:00.000-04:00

Lily and Jesus

2011-03-21T22:34:00.000-04:00

If I read the Joshua Project data correctly, there are over 2.8 billion unreached people in the world today.

Over 2.8 billion people who have never heard the gospel.

2.8 billion people who have
never
heard
His
name.

Not over the past x number of years.
Today.
Right now.
This very minute.

While that number is staggering in and of itself, it became even more weighty when, having recently returned from China, I realized that one of those precious people, created in the very image of God but having never heard the story of His redeeming love, was
my
own
daughter.

In time, I will try to recount what has transpired in the life of my little girl over the past 2 months.

But for now, pray for the 2.8 billion who have never heard.

And rejoice with me because tonight, there is one less.

Monday Morning Smiles

2011-03-21T00:00:00.007-04:00

I found these shots on Lauren's camera the other day.

What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall when they are all upstairs playing "dress up."

Hope it makes you smile too...

Happy Monday!

Today's Post Brought to You By...

2011-03-16T12:07:00.000-04:00

...the letter p...

...as in pretty pink slippers...

...dangling from the piano bench...

...while worn by a petite princess...

In a word...precious.

Got 5 Minutes?

2011-03-13T21:35:00.000-04:00

I can't think of a better way to spend it than watching this...

I am so gonna be singing backup for Third Day when I get to heaven ('cause I really don't think they'd want me doing it right now...)

"We Are Grafted In"

2011-03-11T23:16:00.002-05:00

Today one of my posts was featured on the adoption blog "We Are Grafted In."

WAGI is a wonderful site where those with a heart for adoption can find insight, encouragement, and information on adoption and orphan care.

Wordless Wednesday {Window Shopping}

2011-03-09T09:07:00.001-05:00

Ouch!

2011-03-08T16:33:00.001-05:00

Today I had to take Lily in to have some lab work done.

Except for the TB test they did in China, this was my first experience with her and a needle.

She climbed up in the chair, took one look at the needle and attached tubing and started to wave her hand and shake her head "no." Big tears welled up in her eyes and dropped onto her lap.

Oh goodness. What to say?

I tried to explain that it was only going to be one stick and that was all. She just needed to keep still and it would be over before she knew it.

And then I played the Mom card.

"Ice cream. You name it. Strawberry milkshake? M&M? Peanut butter fudge? When we're all done we are heading straight for ice cream."

She nodded, wiped her tears, and then said, "I want BIG one."

You got it girl. After 8 vials of blood, you can have whatever you want.

When we arrived home, it turns out there was a little surprise waiting for her in the mailbox, too.

Her "Panda Bear, Panda Bear" book had arrived.

And by the end of the milkshake she was back to true "Lily" form.

I really wish she would learn to loosen up a bit.

If a Tree Falls in the Forest...

2011-03-06T14:30:00.001-05:00

...and no one is there to hear it...

...but my kids discover it and make a ginormous see saw with it...

...does that absolve me of the guilt I feel for having 6 kids but no play structure in our yard?

I'm thinking "yes."

Gone

2011-03-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

...like yesterday is gone.

...like history is gone.

...like Lia's diapers...gone.
Oh yes indeed. For the first time in 13 years (give or take a few months) the word "diapers" and/or "pull-ups" will NOT be making an appearance on my grocery list this week.

For 4 consecutive mornings her first words to me have been:

"I wake up."
"I go my potty in my bafroom."
"I big girl."

Yes you are, little one. Yes you are.

Editor's Note: Within seconds of publishing this post, Lia walks right up to my desk, looks me in the eye and says, "I peed my pants." Oh, the humility.

They're Heeeeere....

2011-03-03T17:40:00.000-05:00

After 5 long days of waiting...

...and 5 days of asking "today? today?"...

...and 5 days of checking and rechecking the mail...

...Bitty Baby 1 and Bitty Baby 2 have finally arrived...

...and this little mommy couldn't be happier!

Tears From A Broken Heart (Part 2)

2011-03-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

It was Monday night. It was bedtime. And it was obvious she wanted to sleep with Lauren again.

Lauren was willing though I had my doubts about letting this become a pattern.

About 10 or 15 minutes after tucking them in for the night, Lauren appears at my bedroom door.

"Mommy! You need to come here. Lily was telling me something in bed and I don't know what to do!"

We went back upstairs where the four of us (Lauren, Caroline, Lily and I) each found a spot on Lauren's increasingly popular bed and Lily explained to me through gestures and broken English what she had told Lauren.

When she was little and was out in public, people would point at her.
They would point at her hands.
They would laugh.
They were mean.
And it hurt.

As she lay in bed, she stretched out her arms as far as she could and said:

"I want...I want...I want...hands."

Deep breath in. And exhale.

I never expected her to be this open this soon. I wondered how to tell her everything I wanted her to know with the limited communication we had.

So I prayed silently and then began.

I told her about a place where no one was ever sick or hurting. No one was mean or angry. A place where our bodies were new and lacked nothing. A place called heaven.

I told her about a man, who was God, who came from heaven. He never did anything wrong. Only good. And He was punished for all the wrong things we do, things we deserve to be punished for. He took that punishment for us because He loves us. His name is Jesus.

I told her that those who love Him and believe He is true get to go to that special place and be with Him forever.

And I told her that He knew her in China, that He's always known her and that He is the One who told us in our hearts to go and bring her here to be in our family.

I watched her face as her little mind stretched to find the words to ask questions or make comments. I had never seen her try so earnestly to communicate with us.

And then she asked me something that I will never forget:

"No eyes, no ears, no hands, too?"
(The other children at the orphanage. The blind. The deaf. Those missing limbs. Does He know them? Does He love them too?)

Another deep breath.

"So, so much. He knows each and every one and loves them so much."

Because of the language barrier I felt like my responses were so inadequate for the need. Like the boy who only had 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed the 5,000.

But in His hands the food was multiplied.
And it satisfied.
And there was more than enough for all who hungered.

And I pray the same thing for my sweet girl.

That her hunger for love would be satisfied in Him.
That her hurting heart would find healing in Him.

And that I would be faithful to point her to Him with every chance I'm given.

"A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

.

Tears From a Broken Heart

2011-03-01T13:12:00.001-05:00

"A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

A couple of nights ago there were more tears.

It started earlier in the evening but culminated at bedtime.

She had asked to sleep with Lauren in Lauren's bed. We've done that before and depending on the night would consider doing it again. But that day we had been outside all afternoon, everyone was tired, and the next day was a very busy Monday. A good night's sleep for everyone was of the utmost importance.

Or so I thought.

She had positioned herself in Lauren's bed and shook her head "no" every time I motioned for her to come to her own bed.

Finally, with a little stomp in her step and pout on her face she made her way back to her own bed.

And then they started to fall.

But it was different this time.

No anger or defiance.
No temper or tantrum.
Just tears. Tears that came from somewhere deep inside.

From the loss of what she left behind? Or from what she never knew?

I don't know.

She hid herself completely under the bedsheets and refused to come out despite my coaxing.

Eventually, though, she dropped the covers enough that I could converse with the two little eyes that peeped out at me between the sheets.

As tears fell, I asked her some questions. She nodded or shook her head depending on the answer but I'm learning that doesn't always means she understands what I'm saying.

Needless to say, at this point, I didn't see her sleeping with her big sister as an issue of the will. It was a means of comfort and in that moment that's what she seemed to need the most.

After a few minutes, I was able to get a giggle or two out of her and told her it was OK with me if she slept with Lauren. And Lauren, the ever-sensitive one, was willing to go to bed earlier than usual.

For the second time that night, I tucked her in, said goodnight, and turned to walk away.

It was at that moment that Lily grabbed my hand, then Lauren's, and then squeezed her eyes until they were shut tight.

She wanted to pray.

She wanted to pray.

She wanted to pray.

She wanted to pray.

This same little girl who looked at us like we were koo-koo for Coco-Puffs the first time we prayed in China was now initiating praying with us.

And so we did.

A few minutes later, as I walked down the stairs I marveled at what had just taken place, what He was doing, and what was to come in the life of this little girl.

And how thankful I was to be able to witness it.

And the next night, He showed me even more....

...to be continued...

They're All Smiling...

2011-02-27T20:55:00.000-05:00

...so it's a keeper.

Looking Up

2011-02-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

Things have been looking up again since yesterday's post.

But whew! I'm still recovering from that one in some ways.

Tonight I did get a hug before bedtime and I haven't gotten one of those for a long, long time.

And so it goes...one step forward, two steps back, one step forward...

So thankful His mercies are new every morning!
~~~~~~~~~~
And on a lighter note...

...she was in the foyer the other night impressing her sisters with her gymnasitcs skills. She called me over to take a look and pretty much wowed me with her ability to do the splits while wearing footed pajamas. (Totally not taking her on in a game of Twister anytime soon...)

Anyway, she looks at me, points to the mat and says "You? you?" (I'm sure it was because of my striking resemblance to Mary Lou Retton that made her think it was even a possibility).

I smiled, politely declined, and then went to pop a couple of ibuprofen just at the thought of trying anything crazy like that.

A Rough Day...

2011-02-25T17:06:00.001-05:00

It started over having to pay $32 for landing on someone else's property in Monopoly.

That's how it started. But then it progressed.

To pouting.
Then crying.
Then screaming.
Then yelling.
Banging.
Throwing.
Kicking.

45 minutes of the worst tantrum I've seen yet.

It started with Monopoly but really, I don't think it had anything to do with Monopoly by the time it was over.

I'm not surprised by it. In fact, I'm more surprised that these episodes haven't occurred more frequently considering all that she's been through.

But that doesn't make it any easier to experience.

When He called us to join Him on this journey, He never once promised that it would be easy.

But He did promise something even better than the easy road.

His presence.

He gave us (and all that follow Him) the assurance that He would always, always, be with us. And today, through the worst of it, I know He was present. Pouring out the wisdom, grace, compassion, and nerves of steel that I so desperately needed but severely lacked.

For 45 minutes I prayed without ceasing and for 45 minutes I had inexplicable, indescribable peace.

I'm sure I didn't do everything right. In fact I know I didn't.

But His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness.

And if in my weakness, she catches a glimpse of the grace that can heal her heart, then weak I will gladly be.

Calcium Conundrum

2011-02-24T17:15:00.003-05:00

Just like the other Asian beauty that resides in our house, Lily does not care for milk products.

Thus making a diet "rich in calcium" well.... a bit poor.

We've tried milk in the cereal. No thanks.
Yogurt with sprinkles. Mmmm not so much.
Orange juice with calcium. A sip here. A sip there.
Cheese. Blech.

I was beginning to think that all hope was lost until this weekend.

That's when Lily discovered the 8th natural wonder of the world.

Milkshakes from Cook-Out.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

With almost 40 selections to choose from, we should be more than able to get that calcium intake up.

Her choice on Sunday was strawberry.

Fruit and calcium? Have mercy.

I think that officially qualifies as a health shake.

A Letter to My Daughter {2 years later}

2011-02-23T00:00:00.012-05:00

Dear Lia:

It was two years ago today that your Daddy and I left Hong Kong after a short night's sleep following our 16 hour flight from the states. Two quick plane rides and one frantic van trip later, we entered a hotel meeting room in Guangxi, China, breathless from our travels and eager with nervous excitement of what was about to occur in a few short moments.

Before we had time to even catch our breath, there you were. One of the most beautiful things we had ever laid eyes on.

You came around the corner in the arms of your ayi with those big brown eyes of yours roaming around the room looking for something, anything, that was familiar but finding nothing.

Within seconds she placed you in my arms and we were left speechless.

Though we were stunned by how beautiful you were and humbled that in God's perfect plan you were to be ours forever, it was obvious that you were so scared at everything that was happening around you and to you.

Your eyes brimmed with tears, your lips formed a perpetual pout, and my heart broke for what yours was going through. How I wished one word, one hug, one kiss could reassure you and make it alright. But I knew better. It would take time and consistency to build that bridge of trust from your heart to ours.

We would later come to realize that many of your tendencies that afternoon and the days that followed were simply ways you sought to deal with these sudden changes.

The stiffness of your body even when (especially when) being held. The way you would hold your Cheerios between your fingers but not once make any attempt to eat them or anything else for a short time. The way your eyes were always staring but never focusing. The silent tears that were a window to your precious little heart.

You fell asleep that first night with your clothes on, your diaper unchanged, and your dinner uneaten. But you were finally at rest and those things could just wait until morning.

Days passed. We returned home, and slowly we began to see more and more of who you really were. A precious flower was beginning to bloom before our very eyes.

Smiles began to dance across your face.
Toddles turned into steps.
Words came.

And now, two years later, those first few weeks in China seem like an eternity ago.

Each new day is counted as a gift from Him to know you just a little more...

...as the princess of the house wielding your authority effortlessly despite your tiny 25 pound frame.

....as the performer proudly belting out the latest tune you've learned from Barney when asked to (and even when you're asked "pretty please" not to).

...as the busy little mommy bouncing your baby doll on one hip while simultaneously chatting on the phone and whipping up some breakfast for you and your brother in your play kitchen. I watch and I learn.

...as the snuggler who loves nothing more than curling up with your beloved blankie and baby until you drift off to the place where sweet dreams are made.

...as the adored mei mei of the family who has all 5 olders wrapped around your itty-bitty pinky finger. Or at least that's how you perceive it to be :)

...and especially as my beautiful little baby girl stumbling into my room each morning in your footed pajamas, hair mussed, eyes squinted shut, curling up in bed for just a few more snuggles before the day begins.

Each day brings with it the thought that I couldn't possibly love you any more than I do today.

Only to find that every tomorrow proves me wrong.

Happy family day, sweet Lia Kate. We are so thankful that you are here.

Forever yours,
Mommy

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2011-02-21T20:57:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've been hearing some crazy things come out of my mouth.

Things like...

"Yes, dear. You may watch your Barney movie."

"The one you watch every day."

"The one with the same songs that play over and over and over ~~like nails going down a chalkboard.~~"

"The one that someone you love bought you while we were out of the country for 2 weeks.

"The one that can clear a room of your siblings faster than my uttering the words, "I have a few chores I need done..."

"Yes, dear. You may watch your Barney movie just because I know how much you love it."

"And just because I love you that much."

Love sure makes you do some crazy things, doesn't it?

Surprise, surprise...

2011-02-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

Went to Walmart yesterday for the usual stuff.

Got a notion to head down a certain aisle "just to see" what they had.

And there it was.

Right size.

Right color.

Right price.

And we managed to keep it under wraps until this afternoon when we had our "big reveal."

Not sure, but I think she liked it. :)

Milking It

2011-02-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Yeah. I think she's taking her role as "baby" of the family to a whole new level.

It's Official...

2011-02-16T16:53:00.000-05:00

Spring...

...has...

...sprung!

Unfortunately, my newest photographic subject is in a "No pichurs" phase so all I can do is sneak around the window (and when I say sneak I mean on my hands and knees) and snap some of her royal cuteness while she's outside.

What does she think I'm going to do with the pictures anyway? Post them on my blog for the whole world to see?

Perhaps it's time to invest in one of those fancy, shmancy zoom lenses. Looks like that's the only way I'm going to get pictures of anyone around here...

Lia...Unplugged

2011-02-14T20:35:00.002-05:00

Everything I love about this girl captured in a little over a minute and a half.

Classic Lia.

A Little Sunday Afternoon Sweetness...

2011-02-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure which is sweeter...

...the little boy who can now ride all the way to the cul de sac and back on his Rad Cat bike complete with Spider Man helmet and bell. (Bonus: He rings the bell when he reaches the top of the hill).

...or his big-hearted big sister who goes with him not because Mom or Dad asked her to but just because she wants to...

...or the gentle giant who watches when they leave and stands guard at the edge of the yard until they make it back home safely.

OK, so the dog is an easy third, but I still thought it was a sweet gesture on his part.

"Three is a Magic Number"

2011-02-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

That's what I learned from Schoolhouse Rock.

And that's what I'm learning from my girls.

My three girls who share one room, that is.

There's a lot of things I'd expect to hear when 3 girls share a room together (oh, cynical one that I am). And from time to time I get some of that (not gonna lie).

But for the most part, when they are all together, dancing, drawing, dressing up...doing those things that they do...

what I hear is laughter,

what I sense is joy,

and what I see is love.

Again, we are only 2 weeks in and we still have a long, long way to go. But His grace in this situation (especially in the relationships of the girls) continues to amaze me.

And I just love being amazed by His grace.

To Mommy, From Lily

2011-02-11T17:07:00.001-05:00

Got this from my girl today.

Not one. Not two. But three hearts.

If you're counting those kinds of things, that is.

On a scale of 1 to 10...

this is about a 450 in my book.

Perspective

2011-02-10T20:35:00.001-05:00

There are crumbs all over my kitchen, family room, dining room, and (how I don't know...)bedroom floor.

There are piles of clothes in my laundry room. Some clean. Some not. Which are which I can no longer tell.

There are random toys and other such childhood paraphernalia scattered throughout my living space.

There are papers enveloping my desk to the point where I almost could not find my computer to type this post.

And yes, I will admit it, hot dogs have been served for dinner (to those who would have them) 3 nights this week.

This is not how I want it to be but right now this is how it is.

And just when I start to feel _______________ (insert negative adjective of your choice here...because I'm sure I've felt them all at some point and time these past couple of weeks)...

He shows me this...

...and this...

And I remember what really matters in this life.

And I am thankful for the opportunity to experience it.

Wordless Wednesday {Happiness}

2011-02-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

How Ya Doin'?

2011-02-08T17:00:00.001-05:00

I've been asked that question a lot lately and really overall things are going very, very well. I couldn't have asked for a better transition.

That being said...

I
am
tired.

Everyday brings something new or more appropriately, something routine to us but new to Lily. Thinking through ways to keep her involved, learning, engaged is challenging. She is such a trooper...trying new foods, participating in new experiences, meeting new people. I marvel at her bravery. And I fall into bed each night...or early evening as the case may be...wiped out.

The novelty of home has started to wear off a bit but there's a problem with getting out and exploring her brand new world...

She gets carsick. And not just the kind you deal with on long trips.

It's run an errand here...get sick.

Head to an appointment there...get sick.

That makes getting out of the house for some fun...well, not so much fun.

But despite the growing pains that come with adding a new family member, we're having a great time getting to know our newest princess. She noticed a picture of all 5 of the kids that I took out on our front porch a couple of years ago. She decided that she wanted her own photo shoot with the same backdrop. So out she went with my resident photographer (aka Lauren) and donned a few poses.

Her obvious cuteness and the fact that I still have a Christmas wreath hanging on my front door (that I didn't even realized was there until 2 days ago) perfectly sum up the way things have been around here these past 2 weeks.

Cute and crazy.

Sisters

2011-02-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.

One Week In...

2011-02-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

Yes, she really is that cute.

And she really is doing remarkably well after only one week at home.

She gets along great with the kids (especially the girls). In fact, she said Caroline and Lauren were 2 of her favorite things about being here. ( I can see that. They are 2 of my favorite things about being here too...).

She sleeps well, eats well, helps with chores, and is so easy to get along with. Heck, she even came over to the stove when I was making my first batch of homemade fried rice evah, tasted it, looked me square in the eye and gave me a thumbs up. Seriously, that is saying something about her easy-going personality.

Yes, it may still be the honeymoon period but I'm going to milk it for all it's worth.

Language remains our biggest obstacle but I'm giving it time and trying to find fun ways to teach her. Any ideas? I'm all ears.

And yet even though her transition has been remarkably smooth there are still things that have been challenging as we grow into being a family of eight.

There's my dainty little diva who consistently needs un-divafying.

And my super-cute super-hero who can go from 0-60 in no time and needs to be reminded that though his life has just done a 360, the guard rails are still up. You can run around like crazy within them but once you cross over them there's gonna be consequences.

And then there's the simple fact that hello I think I can officially say "I have a lot of kids." That's a lot of organizing, compromising, and strategizing to do to keep things sane around here.

One of the perks of my jet lag is that I can get up at 4 or 5 or 6 in the morning (or all 3) with little difficulty. It's been great to have so much time to soak in His promises before another exhausting day begins. Many days this week have left me feeling inadequate for molding so many little hearts. Impatience, fear, and discouragement have marked my days too often.

What a precious gift to be encouraged of His never-ending love, His perfect wisdom, His matchless strength, and His unwavering control over all the craziness that I now call...

Life.

In case you hadn't heard...

2011-01-31T22:54:00.000-05:00

....there's a major storm on the way that is going to paralyze 30 + states across the US.

And just for kicks, we thought we'd check Continental's flight schedule for tomorrow. That is, the day we were supposed to fly from Beijing to Newark if we had waited out those 4 extra days in China.

You know where I'm going with this, don't you?

Cancelled.

(Preemptively, of course, to avoid travelers being stranded).

Of course.

Our trip back last weekend now seems like a walk in the park when compared to the thought of dealing with a second cancellation.

And tonight I am more thankful than ever to be home.

First Day At Home

2011-01-30T22:01:00.001-05:00

Although our trip home was filled with trials and tribulations, when we arrived home, we discovered that our house was filled with quite the opposite.

Pulling into our driveway late Saturday afternoon, we were greeted by balloons and streamers, welcome home signs, donuts and dragon cupcakes, pictures of our adventures in China, and love. Thank you all for the sweet welcome home we received after such a long journey.

I have been continually amazed by how well we are transitioning to a family of 8. God has been very, very gracious to us. I know it doesn't always go that way and we are thankful for His mercies. The kids have all been amazing. Lily and Caroline are pretty tight buddies and Lauren loves being (and they love for her to be) the doting older sister. And Michael is the funny big brother who makes her giggle.

The weather was gorgeous today and so they had plenty of time playing outside. They loved the trampoline and spent a good deal of time jumping, giggling, and being silly. And don't you love how Caroline and Lily dressed themselves this morning? Right down to the same hairstyle.

This afternoon we had one more transition to make. My babies were back! They came running in and the noise level elevated about 25 decibels as it always does when they are here. But it was a sweet noise. They ran to Lily giving her a hug and then were off playing with her as if they had been doing it together forever.

There have been moments of jet lag induced friction but not nearly as much as I would have expected. And there are times when I sense the language barrier is alienating her. I know she will get it soon but it is hard for all of us right now as we want her to be fully involved in everything.

Tomorrow we tackle school and some chores just to keep the natives from getting a little too restless.

I'm really interested to see how that is all going to go...

...and how many pots of coffee I will ingest before lunch time. :)

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Beijing...

2011-01-29T22:59:00.000-05:00

Where to even begin~

We arrived on time in Beijing late Friday morning and were looking to check in for our next flight...Beijing to Newark...the grandaddy of them all. This is the flight you don't want to miss. The one that everything hinges on. We had 5 hours to kill but still we wanted to go ahead and check in.

Wouldn't you know it...

Cancelled.

Inside I am screaming..."Noooooooooooooooooo!!!"

Outside I am calmly explaining to the kids that this will all work out for the "best."

After Scott went to talk to the Continental representative (more specifically, the very limited English speaking Continental representative) he came back with the "best" that the airline had to offer:

Four days.

Oh yes, that's right. One, two, three, four days in Beijing before we could get on another flight.

We scrambled around for the next 2 hours trying to find other flights. Anything that would get us to the US.

There was one flight left for that day going to San Francisco. It was almost full but there was room. We prayed and debated. Debated and prayed.

And then we took it.

It took all our remaining time to get booked and checked in. So much time that the agent at the ticket counter sprinted over to help tag and check our bags. She then proceeded to give us directions (body gestures included) on how to elbow our way through the long lines at security to ensure we boarded in time.

I took notes.

And then we were off. Sprinting through the Beijing airport, catching a tram, sprinting some more, hopping into an available car being offered, then jumping out when we realized there was a fee that we didn't have time to settle.

I haven't run that fast for quite some time. (And my apologies to the lady in Terminal 2 who had the unfortunate pleasure of my suitcase running over her toe).

We did make it in time though and arrived in San Francisco around noon on Friday.

Now we had to figure out how to get home.

At the Continental counter we found the earliest flight was the red-eye to Houston then on to Raleigh.

"We'll take it."

We were almost done with the boarding passes when doh! there are only 5 seats available not 6.

Seriously?

Now we are on for the 6 AM flight which means getting up at 4 AM again and getting a hotel room for the night.

The hotel was fine and actually had a nice view of the bay where I could see all the planes coming in for landing. I was in a vegetative state by this point so it did not take much to entertain me.

We stumbled through the evening in our zombie-like states and Lily actually fell asleep around 4 for the night.

The girls and I woke up about 2:30 and Lily, poor thing, was starving. Our snacks were officially depleted so I pulled together some change and took her to a vending machine. All they had was sodas (for $2.50 a pop~total highway robbery) but she was so desperate I tried to get her one. And tried and tried and tried. The machine was empty. I felt so bad for her.

The reason I tell this is because at 3 in the morning, in a hotel in San Francisco, when I hit the change return button, the machine starts dispensing my change...

...I kid you not...

...in nickels.

Fifty nickels pouring out of this machine, as if I had just won the jackpot in Vegas, clanging all over the floor while people slept only feet away.

Yep. That's just how this trip was going.

I collected my ten pounds of nickels, unsuccessfully trying to find the humor in it all, and went back to the room.

Turns out no one in the family could sleep and we were all ready to go by 4 (an hour earlier than intended).

Scott checked the tickets one last time before leaving the hotel, and...

...ah yes, the boarding time was wrong. She had booked us (all six of us) on the red-eye flight that only had room for 5. That flight left 4 hours ago.

My thought at this point: Just shoot me now, Ethel, 'cause I am done.

But no, God continues to give grace, even in the wake of my nervous breakdown.

The reps at the gate were able, after a good while, to correct the mistake and we boarded as intended.

Thankfully, Houston had no problems and we arrived in Raleigh Saturday afternoon.

Home, sweet home.

Where I intend to stay for a long, long, long time.