Room for Grace

Celebrating the "lasts"

2009-04-17T20:58:00.003-05:00

I just put to bed my 2 year old for the last time tonight. When she wakes in the morning, she'll be 3.

All day, as we went about our business - Barnes and Noble, grocery store, Target...I just soaked her up, in all of her 2 year old glory.

When I told her to 'come on' in Target, and she used all her strength to tell me "I DON'T WANT TO!", I took in the sight of her and smiled. She smiled back.

I took my time as I zipped up her red footie pajamas, and gave her lots of extra hugs and kisses before bed. She let me rock her like a baby before she raced around her room in her pink piggy slippers.

I love this girl, more than I can communicate in any coherent way. She is strength, and beauty, and grace to me.

Happy Birthday, Piper Grace!

Life

2008-12-20T05:59:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure what it is, 3 kids - 2 in school this year, Piper being 2, me getting old, or what - but, life seems to have taken on turbo speed. Earlier this fall, I started to feel...squeezed, pulled, tired, busy, you know -just how the good Lord intended - NOT!

I listened to a talk by Henry Cloud, the author of Boundaries, and all sorts of light bulbs came on for me. The title of the talk was "Endings, the key to good beginnings". I really want to write a post on what he said, but the main point that really changed some things for me was that for certain seasons, we have to put an end to certain good things, to make room for another good thing. Our life is basically time and energy, and we each only have certain amount. What happens to your budget when you don't manage your money on purpose? Same thing with your time and energy. The day is over and you wonder where it went.

I spent some time thinking about the main things I wanted to spend my time and energy on daily. I have finally surrendered to the fact that if I'm going to workout, it's going to mean waking up at 5:15 and doing it before the kids wake up. I cannot tell you what a difference that is making. I spend about 45 on the treadmill listening to John Piper, or John Waller (usually a mix of the two), praying, and sweating like crazy. I ask God to help me with my time, and allow Him to bring to mind anything I need to do (or be) that day, and just get myself in a place where I am open to hearing His voice.

Putting this first in my day changes the rest of the day, and leaves me ready for bed by 9:00 pm! I am feeling so much more positive and productive, and actually more available for the people in my life. I've had to end some things that I enjoy in order to fit the main things in first. Writing on the blog has been one of the things that has dropped off as I get used to my new schedule. I used to write or at least start my posts at night. That time is now spent, well, sleeping! I am looking at this as a season where I settle into a new routine and am trying to give myself plenty of grace(a struggle at times) as I have to press pause on some things I think are important, just maybe not as important as some other things right now. I don't think that it's a coincidence that I heard this message just before a friend of mine went through a pretty major crisis. I was able to see clearly that God wanted me to be there for her, and put praying for her and walking with her through this trial as one of the things that was a priority, for this season. It was so clear.

Piper requires lots of mommy time and gets into mischief pretty quickly if left on her own for too long! I am a little sad that I've not been able to record on the blog some of her funnies lately. I told my mom that she is either going to keep me young or make me old. My mom thinks the latter.

We are all getting excited for Christmas, but none more than Ella(6). Every morning she crosses off another day on the calendar, and exclaims "I just don't think I can wait!!!". We got to talk to Santa at our town's Christmas festival, and while Hunter(8) is beginning to ask questions, he still believes! We've never made a big deal about Santa, but have treated it as a fun game to try and figure out. Hunter says he thinks it's really God who gives Santa the idea to give gifts. Oh, he is so right! He just doesn't yet know who Santa really is. Santa only gets credit for usually one gift and their stockings. I like to have everything else wrapped and under the tree ahead of time.

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, my dad was still struggling through chemo, and we we'd just learned of my mom's breast cancer that would require surgery at the beginning of the year. Unbelievably, they are both doing really well. Both done with their treatments, my dad having had several clear scans in a row! Thank. You. Lord.

I'm headed to Target and Ikea this morning, along with several thousand others I'm sure. If any of my bloggy friends is still checking up on us (I know at least a couple of you are), hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

***Blogger is not letting me post pictures right now. I'll be back later for that. Just not sure when later will be!

BOO!!!

2008-10-31T21:50:00.001-05:00

Ella took her job as a cat very seriously.

Cutest pink bunny on the planet

Annual pumpkin carving at my parents' house with the cousins

Maybe I should get off the phone now

2008-10-28T07:56:00.002-05:00

Heard from the other room, "Mommy, wanna play a game?"

Melamine makes me mad!

2008-10-27T13:57:00.003-05:00

After sitting back and watching others in our various adoption related groups figure out what to do about the possibility that our children may have been given melamine tainted formula in China, I called Piper's pediatrician today. She is recommending every child adopted from China have blood work and urinalysis done, and possibly a renal ultrasound.

Turns out China has known about this issue for quite some time and did a "secret recall" sometime in 2006. What the heck?

Our adoption agency just sent out this email about melamine tainted Halloween Candy that applies to everyone:

"There is a new warning put out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency....Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant/child health concerns in China. These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores.please make sure to check your children's Halloween candy and DO NOT LET THEM EAT THE PIRATE COINS (you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil) and please let other parents know about this!"

Why are people so stupid as to put this in children's products? It makes me crazy!

The shoe fascination continues

2008-10-14T10:34:00.002-05:00

Piper and her buddy Noah at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T14:20:00.003-05:00

Negotiating who is going to drive the tractor.

Love this picture of Piper. It was Noah's turn, and she was trying so hard not to take the wheel! At least she didn't kiss any goats this year.

Where's Piper?

2008-10-13T14:08:00.003-05:00

Hunter is running on a track team, and Piper and Ella love going to practices. We walk the track, they practice cart wheels and generally roll around on the astroturf until practice is over.

She's still working on her form.

Coming soon...riveting photos from the pumpkin patch!

Eeeek!

2008-09-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

My computer is fixed, sort of, if you don't count the fact that it just shuts down every 35 minutes or so. So this will have to be quick.

We are in the middle of watching Alabama roll right over Georgia. I went out to the garage to get a bottle of water from the outside fridge and a medium sized mouse ran right in front of me - YUCKOLA!!!

Still living in defeat over the frog incident, Scott seems determined to get the rascal. He stopped the Alabama game, and for the last ten minutes he's been out there making a whole lot of noise.

Ok, he just asked for the flashlight, and I have to say, I am in shock over the state of the garage. He's pulled out the car and has all the kids stuff in a big pile in the middle. He is yelling at the mouse right now. It's as if his very manhood depends on the outcome.

I believe I am almost "live blogging" this.

More yelling. More banging around. Something hit the wall.

Success!!!

Apparently I am spoiled rotten

2008-09-16T14:19:00.002-05:00

A year and a half ago, before we went to China, we got a laptop and I went wireless. It seems in that time I've become a laptop snob, b/c I just can't seem to be bothered with using a computer that is, gasp, connected to the wall by a cord.

Scott assures me that my laptop will be good as new by the end of the week. I sure hope he's right. I miss my blogs. I miss my blog friends. I do most of my computering sitting all comfortable on my couch.

So, it's me, here, connected to the wall, by a cord. I really do hope to be back at the end of the week with a squeaky clean wireless connection. I am already planning on hibernating for a few hours (or days) so I can catch up with all of my blogs. Can't wait!

Corrupted

2008-09-10T13:35:00.004-05:00

I am using our dinosaur computer that is slow as molasses to write this post. My laptop is apparently "corrupted" and I could just cry about it. Scott took everything off it, put it all on an external hard drive, and attempted to restore it back to it's original state, you know before I CORRUPTED it reading mommy blogs. The little light on the front that is supposed to be blue is still orange.

I can't upload photos, or I'd post a picture of Piper's latest artwork. This morning I was lying on the dining room floor taping a pink polka dot table cloth to our dining room table for Ella's upcoming birthday party. Piper was playing quietly in the other room.

That should have been my first clue.

I walked into the kitchen to get some more tape when the purple scribbles caught my eye. Purple scribbles on the windows, window sill, walls, and tile. At least she's thorough.

Love that girl.

I would have to say we really haven't had our share of scribbles on walls, so I guess Piper just thought she'd humble us a bit. A while back I noticed something on the wood surrounding our garage door opening. I walked closer to discover someone had drawn a perfect Apatosaurous (long necked dinosaur for those over 10). Gee, I wonder who that could have been.

I just used the word dinosaur for the 2nd time in one post.

Labor Day

2008-09-01T15:07:00.005-05:00

I've never played a meme before, but who doesn't want to read about my labor? Come on now! I read this over at Rocks in my Dryer and thought I'd add my 3 labors to the mix.

How long were your labors?
kid #1 -14 very long hours
kid #2 - 4 hours - their labor and delivery were as different as their personalities
kid #3 - 1,296 hours -oh my word. Once you have all of your paperwork turned into to China, they say you are "paper work pregnant", so that was a 16 month pregnancy. We got our referral call (water breaking???) on January 3rd and did not get to hold Piper until Feb. 26, 2007. Not labor, you say? Try preparing to travel half way around the world, leaving your 2 kids behind, knowing your 3rd child is living in an orphanage with questionable care, as you carry her picture around trying to convince yourself it is really happening.

How did you know you were in labor?
kid #1 - contractions
kid#2- 1 day overdue, doctor wanted to be home for dinner, so he induced me after a check up - grrrrr...
kid#3- I don't know if I can say how we knew unofficially(oh, I wish I could tell this story), but officially when the phone rang and I saw on the caller ID it was our adoption agency.

Where did you deliver?
kid #1 - hospital
kid #2- hospital
kid #3- at the Center for Marriage and Adoptions in Chongqing City, China

Drugs?
kid #1- oh yes, unfortunately they only took on my right side
kid #2- oh yes, but only for the last hour
kid #3- oh, I wanted some badly on the bus ride over to meet the babies!

C-section?
Nope, but we were close to one w/kid #1. The doc said if I didn't deliver w/in the hour, we'd have to. 45 minutes later...he arrived, he still hates to be late.
Kid #3- One of the great parts of an adoption delivery is you feel fantastic from the very first moment and get to focus on your baby 100%. There's nothing else in this world like it.

Happy Labor Day!

See, we are alive!

2008-08-30T07:40:00.003-05:00

Piper, cookin in her pink shades, just like mama.
Ella, posing with her "kissing hand" she made in Kindergarten.
Ella's apprentice, "I can pose with the curtains, too!"

You must

2008-08-26T10:57:00.002-05:00

go here and listen to today's broadcast of Focus on the Family with Steven Curtis Chapman. You just must. Beautiful.

Maria's adoption story. So get it.

"SEE". I will never forget this. Sometimes all I can say to God is "See, do you SEE this, Lord?". He does.

Today

2008-08-25T20:01:00.003-05:00

They both had a GREAT day! (Thank you, Lord)
My Kindergartner!
Piper was a bit lost today. Kept asking me "where is everybody???". She likes for all her people to be "ALTOGETHER!" as she puts it.
Every fall, I am an Alabama football widow. So this year we all are joining in the fun!
Roll Tide!

Me? I had a good day too. Back to school...it's a good thing. More later.

Kindergarten countdown

2008-08-21T19:12:00.004-05:00

(taken today at the park) I would have been happy with any of the Kindergarten teachers at Hunter and Ella's school, but we found out yesterday she's in Mrs. "mom couldn't have picked a better teacher"'s class! I was hoping for her for Ella. This teacher seems very fun and social - two of Ella's favorite things. Something about her I just like, and I am really happy!

Have you ever...

2008-08-20T13:21:00.005-05:00

been awed by simple green grass and trees? I just love this little park in Lodi, Wisconsin. It has a little river running through it, and is a place of such simple beauty. In my fantasy life, this is my backyard.

I hate thinking of titles for posts that have no real point

2008-08-16T21:47:00.002-05:00

So, in a matter of hours we will leave our beautiful Wisconsin retreat, otherwise known as Scott's parents' picturesque farm, and head to Chicago where will board a plane and fly home.

I left my camera cord at home so I can't upload our photos yet. They are real purdy, trust me. I'll do that next week as I try to wrap my head around the fact that in one week, I will walk Ella into her Kindergarten classroom, hug her goodbye, and, well, I'm not sure what next.

Just watched Michael (Phelps of course) do his thang. Wow. That was cool.

Next week...pictures - proof that we are still alive!

Larry King last night

2008-08-08T09:02:00.005-05:00

I'm still thinking about the Larry King interview last night with Steven Curtis Chapman and family. SCC wrote a new article for CNN.com here. The message he relays here is close to my heart and wish we, as the church, would truly take it to heart, myself included.

Larry recorded some thoughts on the interview here. Interesting.

At times it was hard to watch, raw and painful. At other times I couldn't believe how much of God's word and character were being displayed on CNN in prime time. I loved the end where they played the recently written last verse to the song "Yours", while showing pictures of Maria.

"I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you
And we are yours, God, yours, God..."

Anyone else see it?

Keeping it real

2008-08-06T11:46:00.004-05:00

For those who missed it, click here and see the Good Morning America interview with Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife Mary Beth, and their 3 oldest children. Click on the picture of the family to see the 9 minute video.

They will also appear on Larry King Live on Thursday night.

I can finally sleep again!

2008-07-31T07:26:00.006-05:00

What is lurking behind this chair? As I pulled the curtains opened this morning, I did my usual glance down to judge the extent of the dust bunnies that usually gather in this particular spot. This window gets lots of afternoon sun, so, due to the blazing sun and our almost $600 electric bill, I haven't opened the curtain here for maybe a couple of weeks. I love having my curtains open, and decided I could at least open them until the afternoon sun hit.

Something caught my eye. A butterfly? No. I look a little bit closer. Eeewww, what is that? I move the chair back to get a better look.

I was going to crop this picture so that our little guy was closer up, but trust me, you don't want me to.

Poor guy. Such an embarrassing position to be discovered in.

If I could figure out a way to turn him over without getting anywhere near him, I would. At least he'd have some dignity until one of the boys in our house can dispose of him properly.

Scott will be relieved that we can finally TURN OFF ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE HOUSE that we HAD to leave on all night for the last 3 weeks. Hmmm, maybe that had something to do with our electric bill.

Brevity is not my gift

2008-07-19T11:32:00.011-05:00

We went to Friday night's concert tired, weary, tired, and weary. Did I mention we were weary? We came home from Friday night's concert revived, moved, changed.

Scott's been working extra long hours for 3 weeks now. For the last 3 nights, Piper has woken up crying and had a hard time getting back to sleep. Lots of holding, rocking, singing...in the middle of the night.

Our first Steven Curtis Chapman concert, "Speechless", was way back when we were first married, 11 years ago or so. I remember him talking about their 3 kids saying "We have eeney, meeney, miney, and we are going to have no MO!" HA! We didn't have kids yet, and I remember thinking that was funny. We had someone sing "I Will Be Here" as a part of our wedding ceremony - love that song. He sang it that night as well.

Our next concert was in the beginning of 2006, about a year into our adoption process. Our paperwork was in China, but the wait was just beginning to grow, as well as the uncertainty surrounding what was happening with China adoptions. I went to that concert weary. Came home inspired and encouraged. My personal BIG moment at that concert was SCC and Mark Hall singing "Believe Me Now" together. It was a moment I'll never forget. It felt like God took me by the shoulders, shook me gently, but firmly, and reminded me that He was the one who had led us to adoption, and He was working, even when nothing was going according to my time schedule or plan. I had no idea at the time, but on the other side of the world, a woman was about 7 months along with our future daughter.

"My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:15-16

So, Friday night was our first SCC concert since going to China and adopting Piper. It was only his 5th concert since the death of his adopted daughter, Maria, and his first since that time without his band, just him.

He walked out on stage as the audience took in the site of him, first time to actually see him since tragedy entered his family. It was good to see him putting one foot in front of the other, doing what he does so well. The sound of his voice is ripe with brokenness, wisdom, reverence. He sat down behind a keyboard and said, "I don't actually play the keyboard, but just wanted something to hide behind for a little while." He said it was going to be different for him, first time without the band since May 21st. He said the song "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord" was the only real thing that he held onto on the night of May 21st, and it has been his comfort since then. He said he doesn't think he'll ever be able to play a concert without doing at least part of it, and he began playing and singing it. There are many lines to that song that cut deeply given his circumstance, but the end "He gives and takes away....He gives and takes away...My heart will choose to say....Blessed be the name of the Lord...". And I will say, the tone of those words seem to mark SCC now. Surrender, complete brokenness, trust, reverence.

He talked, a lot, maybe even more than he sang. We loved it. Several times he apologized for rambling. I loved how he didn't seem to have a real plan for what he was going to say, just following his heart.

The second song was one he decided to do last minute after seeing the promotional posters they had up in the church "Changing lives one heartbeat at a time". The 7th song on his latest CD, This Moment, is "One heartbeat at a time", a song he wrote for his wife, Mary Beth. Every mom needs to go listen to song! I had listened to it many times before Friday night, but it has taken on a whole new meaning for me after hearing SCC tell about it. Wow, I started crying and couldn't stop, so glad it was dark in there. Like I said before, I'd come to this concert weary, tired, wondering if anything I do really matters all that much. As anyone who reads this blog knows, since going to China and falling head over heels in love with Piper, I carry with me the weight of feeling like I should be doing more, and vacillate between barely being able to sufficiently care for 3 kids and wanting to adopt the rest of the worlds orphans. So that was the place I was in as I sat and soaked in his story behind the words of his next song.

Years ago, when Shoahannah was little, he'd called home after concert to an overwhelmed Mary Beth. Shoahannah had been having trouble sleeping, common for these kiddos who have experienced so much in their short lives. Mary Beth was frustrated at her inability to get "anything done" and was worn out from so many nights of being up with Shoahannah. SCC was speaking straight to me - I just know it! I so connected with Mary Beth's feelings, but suddenly I could see just what SCC was getting to - this thought that she wasn't actually "doing anything" worthwhile, barely just making it day to day. Lately, I've started to get frustrated that right now I can't even attend bible study because Piper is having so much trouble separating from me at church. We are sticking to Sundays only, trying to give her consistency in a measured way. My time at church is spent praying she'll make it through the whole service, praying she's doing ok, etc.. The thought of "serving" in any way is out of the question right now, and I think I'm starting to feel like a Christian loafer or something, like I'm not pulling my weight. Like I should be doing more.

SCC said he felt so much compassion for the place she was in, and then jokingly said he wanted to slap this crazy notion out of her head. But being the songwriter kind of guy he is, he sat down and wrote her a song at 1 a.m. instead. He said, "there she was, mothering this sweet child, who not long ago lived in an orphanage with no mother."

He then paraphrased Mark 9:36-37 "He (Jesus) took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

"That word ONE recently jumped off the page at me. Think about what that means. We don't have to save the whole world to welcome Jesus himself, and live in that place. Just one." he said. Something clicked in me with those words. The burden I had carried was lifted off of my shoulders in that very moment, and instantly I felt the significance of those middle of the night sessions with Piper. Gratefulness flooded me as I realized what a wonderful privilege I've been given. I've known this at other times, but like Mary Beth, temporarily lost site of it. Perspective. Scott, knowing the place I was in, looked at me and said, "that's you, one heartbeat at a time". I cried through the entire song. Months of burdens that had piled up without me even realizing it flowed out in those tears.

I also cried everytime he talked about caring for the fatherless, orphans. No words to describe the meaning those words carry when your own child was once labeled an orphan.

It's an amazing experience to be so ministered to by one who is in such extreme grief. There's really no way for me to adequately express it. We got the sense him being there and sharing his heart was healing for him, but at the same time for us too.

He asked for prayers for Mary Beth and said he loves her so much and is amazed by the strength she has shown in the last two months. He then sang, "I Will Be Here". He said himself how the words of his songs take on a whole new meaning now. That song sure does. He said he's gone through all of his lyrics and asked himself if he can still sing those words. He thought he'd never sing "Cinderella" again, but has since realized it's message is more important than ever.

He started talking about Maria and ended up sharing her adoption story. They had already adopted Shoahannah and recently Stevie Joy, when he was in Beijing singing at a worship service. He walked out into a parking lot and was stopped by an American family with 2 Chinese babies. They explained that they were missionaries and their teenage kids would love to meet him. SCC said he was missing his babies terribly and asked who the babies were and could he hold one of them. The family was fostering them and was in the process of adopting one of them and was looking for a family for the other one. He asked the name of the one he was holding and they said "Maria" - an unusual name for a Chinese girl. SCC said that immediately and loudly, the words to a song he'd written 12 years earlier flooded his mind. He'd written it about a friend of his daughter Emily who'd come from a troubled family. The name of the song was, "Who's going to love Maria?" He said with all of the work they do in orphanages in China, he'd never felt so strongly pulled to an orphan in this way, like he was supposed to do something. He called Mary Beth who said he was crazy, so he figured he'd have to help her in some other way than making her his own. He said he got home a week later and Mary Beth had the filled-out adoption paperwork on their kitchen counter, waiting for his signature. Maria became Maria Sue Chapman.

He told about how she had asked to pray to accept Jesus into her heart, completely out of the blue, just weeks before her death because she wanted to go to "God's house, where there are many, many rooms!".

He seemed to think maybe he was talking too much and said, "I guess I just needed to talk about Maria tonight." Tears (mine).

He talked about the level of suffering they are in. He says looking back on the place he was when he wrote some of his songs, it was like they were in a foot of water saying, "wow, we are in really deep.". Now it's as if they are in the bottom of the ocean, saying "okay, this is really deep!". Everything he knew before is still as true as ever, just with a whole new view of eternity and the fellowship of the suffering. He kept back tracking, wanting to make sure we understood he didn't think he was experiencing some special kind of suffering or that it was about him. He kept steering everything back to God, His provision, His sovereignty, His plan.

He also asked for prayer as his family shares their suffering and their hope with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America on Monday. The show will air sometime the first week of August, but she is coming to their house tomorrow to interview the entire family. Their hope is to glorify God.

So that's my little recap. Hunter and Ella are spending the night at our friends house tonight! Ella has asked me 584 times today if it is 6:00 yet. I think we are all a bit excited!

Tonight

2008-07-18T15:34:00.003-05:00

Scott and I are going to see Steven Curtis Chapman in concert, tonight! We've seen him twice before and it's always memorable. Both Scott and I are sort of running on empty right now, so we are really looking forward to it.

Thanks, mom, for babysitting - may God be with you!

You might be having a bad hair day if...

2008-07-13T15:18:00.003-05:00

You are "fixing" your hair in the bathroom mirror at church, when a complete stranger casually asks you if you've ever tried a hair product called "Frizz Remedy"!

I am not even kidding. This happened to me today. No, I had not had time to flat iron my hair, and it was humid outside, but are you kidding me???

So in case you are interested, you can apparently purchase "Frizz Remedy" at ULTA and they are having a buy 2 get one free sale! Who knew?

Apparently not me.

The Year - Part 2

2008-07-13T13:55:00.005-05:00

The surgeon looked up at my mom, me, my brother, and Wanda. We'd been waiting for 4 hours to hear what he had to tell us, and there was nothing light hearted in his demeanor.

"Don is doing fine, now." I remember wondering why he said "now", like he wasn't fine before. Looking back, I now know that he was giving us the good news first. Basically, he's alive.

"We couldn't get the tumor, it was blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...."

me: "You didn't get any of it?"

"No, because of the location, and how it was wrapped around the main artery, blah, blah, blah...He could have bled out if blah, blah, blah...I'm sorry."

It had not occurred to me that this was a possibility. That they would cut my dad open from one side all the way across his body to the other, work on him for 4 hours, that I would pray fervently and BELIEVE God for total healing, only to have the surgeon tell us that they did not get any of the tumor. At that point anything would have been better, some of the tumor, even if it was a small amount. We could have told ourselves it was worth this huge surgery.

Normally, I'm not one to immediately claim that God will heal someone. In fact, I think the bible plainly shows that sometimes God chooses not to heal or rescue for some divine purpose. My faith does not rest on God being my Santa Clause, but on His sovereignty. Sometimes, God shows Himself in the miraculous, and sometimes in our grief. I knew this. I knew this from the bible and also from my own experience. But, as I said in Part 1, as I was praying during my dad's surgery, something shifted in me. I can't really put it into words, but felt like I was being led to let myself believe that God quite possibly would do something amazing here. It took a leap of faith for me to allow myself to believe that all things were possible, even the statistically unlikely. Because if I let myself go there, then I was setting myself up for a big fall.

And fall I did.

I felt somewhat numb at first, but as the time came for us to go in and see my dad in ICU, the numbness wore off. My heart had taken up residence in my throat. The surgeon had told us that patients generally ask about the surgery when they are ready for the answer, and it may well be tomorrow before he even asks.

As we came into his room in the ICU, we could see that he was in a lot of pain. They were having a tough time getting it under control. But within minutes, he asked.

My mom gently explained that they were not able to get any of the tumor. There it was. The cold hard truth. It sounded so real and cruel, given the state he was in.

"So I'm going to die."

my mom: "Yes, and we are all going to die too."

The focus then shifted to trying to get his pain under some sort of control. The surgeon had explained to us that because they'd tried for so long to find a way to get to the tumor, he had a lot of healing to do. They had put in an epidural during surgery that was supposed to really help with the pain. Unfortunately, it did not work and it took them a while to figure that out, and switch to something different.

Pain, it was everywhere that night. Filling my dad's room. Filling up my entire being. It's hard to admit this now, but I felt God had tricked me, risen my hopes up, just to pull them out from under me. We had prayed about every decision leading up to this moment, every one. Why couldn't his pain at least be under control? I was angry.

Why? Why did we even do the surgery? All it did was wreck havoc on my dad's body. He would now have to heal from it before he could try chemotherapy or radiation. Why? It seemed so senseless.

I drove home at around 11 pm in disbelief. Exhausted, crying, asking God why. So much life had been lived in this one day. My last drive from the hospital to my house, during my dad's surgery, was so different, filled with hope and anticipation.

I kept hearing my dad's words in my head, "So, I'm going to die." I felt completely helpless.
I didn't see any good that could possibly come from this day. Here was my answer to my prayers for a miracle as I saw it, "NO". I'd love to sugar coat this and say that I felt the peace that surpasses all understanding, but that night all I could feel was a tidal wave of grief. It drowned out everything else. I do remember begging God for mercy for my dad's pain. I remember saying, ok, I get it, you've said "no", and I will learn to accept that, but please be with my dad tonight and ease his physical pain. I remember yelling in my car, "Do Something, Lord!".

I could have never, not a million years, predicted what God was up to. Instead of this being the end, this story was just getting started.

To be continued...

Ribbit

2008-07-13T13:46:00.003-05:00

This frog is a sneaky one. We have not seen him since our 3:15 AM brawl.

For the 1st 24 hours, every time I entered a room, I'd scope it out, get down on the floor and look for the little rascal. I was living on the froggy edge and it was wearing me out. So now I've just changed my personality. I am now one of those nature loving Tom boys who would love nothing more than a frog jumping on her pillow as she sleeps. It's all a matter of perspective, really. I just change who I have been for the last 38 years, and I can get through the day just fine with a frog in my house.

Ribbit.

Would checking into a hotel be overboard?

2008-07-09T13:09:00.005-05:00

What does one do when one knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a medium sized frog loose in your house? Well, if you were me, you'd spend every last bit of energy resisting the urge to sit on the kitchen table until the 8 year boy finds it. We have now been searching for said frog for 6 hours now, and I am beginning to get used to the idea that Kermit is hiding somewhere and may hop at me at any moment.

How did Kermit find it's way into our house? Good question. If you find out, please let me know, because this is freaking me out just a tad little bit. The 8 year boy is the obvious culprit, but has convinced me it wasn't him.

However, whenever, whatever...there's a frog in my house. Unfortunately I discovered him on my way to a bathroom break at 3:15 AM. He was sitting, very peacefully under a night light, just sunning himself I suppose. I couldn't tell what it was and almost reached down to touch it - Eeeewwww. Suddenly I snapped fully awake and screamed - FROG!!!! I woke S up, saying "do something, do something, there's a frog in the house, do something, NOW!" He was not near as excited or alarmed as I was, but did get up, despite his best attempt to play dead.

The scene that followed will forever be etched in my mind. Scott(in his boxers) vs. the medium sized brownish-green frog. I believe he was wearing boxers too.

Basically, the frog won. Scott lost the frog and decided he was going back to sleep. WHAT??? How could one sleep with a frog on the loose? We must find the frog, right? Wrong. I lay awake for an hour. I fell asleep enough to dream about a plague of frogs in my house. Huge, ugly frogs all over my house. I feel so rested today.

First thing this morning I had all the kids on the floor with flashlights, searching. So far the only thing we've found is several piles of rolly pollies, and way more dust than I am comfortable with. Seriously, if you have wood floors, take a flashlight and look under your furniture. Shocking.

I've already called Hunter's top bunk for tonight if we haven't found the frog yet. We've done our best frog calls and even googled "how to find a frog in your house", nothing. Suggestions???

Lake time!

2008-07-06T14:17:00.005-05:00

Ella let Ms. Wanda pull out her first tooth! If you come within 20 feet of Ella, she will tell you all about it, she's a bit excited!
Piper and her cousin, Reed, digging a hole to China.
Yep, that's my mom on the ZIP Line!
Ella had a lot of firsts yesterday...1st time on a Zip Line, lost her first tooth, first time on a jet ski, first time on a go-cart...can you see how proud she is of her little self???
Ready for the parade

We had a great time at the lake yesterday, an annual 4th of July tradition. The kids played all day long, and I got to visit with friends I grew up with and be with my family. The only thing I would've changed about the day was the amount of time I spent sweating. Hunter got to ride behind the boat on a giant inner tube and a knee board. I love to watch him try new things and love them. He had a blast. All the kids did. They really loved sliding down the Zip Line off of the tree house platform. Ella thinks we should buy a lake house so we can have a Zip Line too. Why didn't I think of that?

I appreciated our time there more than ever, because we didn't get go last year. Part 2 of our Year story coming soon.

The Year - Part 1

2008-07-04T09:58:00.006-05:00

A year. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, 4th of July. But for our family, this year also included much, much more than the everyday life that goes along with the changing of the seasons.

I am just now feeling like I can write about the events of this last year. The 4th of July is especially significant to us this year, and I really wanted to write about it, but a little recap is necessary.

A general timeline:

1/3/07 - We receive our long awaited referral from China for our daughter, Xiu Fu Zhu(8.5 months old)

2/26/07 - Scott and I travel to China and meet Piper Grace for the 1st time, same day, adoption is complete!

3/8/07 - The 3 of us return home, and introduce Piper to Hunter, Ella, and my parents

3/10 - 4/26 - We struggle to get our bearings while Piper endures jet lag, Giardia (which leads to dehydration), ear infections, 2 strains of the flu, an allergic reaction to an insect bite on her eyelid, and allergic response to an antibiotic shot, and gets the measles from her MMR shot!

4/27/07 - And then, the unexpected. My parents tell us that my dad(66 at the time) has had a CAT scan and they are fairly certain he has lung cancer. This hits me really hard. I was already emotionally, physically spent from the prior month. I love my dad. My kids love their Papa. I'm glad I didn't know the worst of it was yet to come.

5/07 My brother and I attend several doctors visits with my mom and dad to find out if my dad is a candidate for surgery, his only real medical hope for a cure. After many tests, the surgeon gives us some hope he will be able to remove the tumor. He cautions us that the tumor is near the main artery in the lung and it will not be easy. All I hear is that my dad is candidate for surgery.

5/21/07 Surgery Day-I felt a lot of stress/guilt for any time spent away from Piper during this important bonding time, so Piper came with me to the hospital for the first half of the day. She was a sweet distraction while we waited and waited and waited some more for my dad's surgeon to arrive from an emergency he'd had to go to at another hospital.

We spent the morning in a little curtained off surgery prep. area just talking, laughing, and waiting. My dad had several visitors which kept us somewhat distracted, but as the hours went by, my dad began to get more apprehensive about having surgery so late in the day. Would the surgeon be tired after such a grueling day? This was my dad's only shot, he wanted it to count. He asked us several times if we thought he should cancel the surgery and do it another day. He decided to talk to the surgeon when he came and voice his concerns.

The surgeon finally arrived and told my dad it was his decision, but that he did this everyday, and felt completely confident in preforming surgery that afternoon. This would be the first of many times I felt helpless to provide relief to my dad. He really struggled with whether to go ahead that day, but finally said, "Let's do it.".

I hugged my dad and told him I loved him. Once he'd gone into surgery, I decided to run Piper home, so she could get to bed on time that night, and so I could be fully with my mom as we heard from the surgeon. For every minute of my 30 minute drive home, I prayed. I was afraid to believe that the tumor could be removed, but as I drove, my prayers shifted and I began to believe that it was possible. I prayed all the way back to the hospital, then found my way back to the waiting room where my mom, brother, and a few friends were waiting. It was now about 6 p.m. or so, and my parent's very good friend Wanda arrived. 3 years earlier, at this exact time of year, the situation was reversed and it was Wanda who sat and waited to hear how her husband, Jack (my dad's best friend), had made it through the same exact surgery. Jack's tumor had been successfully removed, but 6 short months later a complication unexpectedly took his life.

Wanda suggested one of us have some paper ready to take notes when the surgeon came out, she volunteered to do it for us. As the minutes ticked by, the anxiety in the room increased as we waited. We all considered it a good sign that the surgery was taking as long or longer than the surgeon had told us. He must be at least doing something. If he'd gotten in there and it was inoperable, he would have sewn him back up and it would already be done by now. By this point, I had convinced myself that an all out healing was a real possiblity.

My mind is fuzzy on how long my dad was in surgery, but I think it was around 4 hours. Sometime around 7 p.m., the surgeon walked into the waiting room and took took a seat. I desperately tried to read his face as he took off his surgical hat and crumpled it up in his hands.

Somehow, I was not prepared for what he had to say.

To be continued...

My new favorite quote

2008-07-02T12:54:00.002-05:00

"You are never actually doing nothing. Sitting and laying down are not nothing! They are something!!!"
-Ella, 5 years old

I just can't stop

2008-06-29T19:11:00.003-05:00

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

For Piper's fan club - her singing debut...

2008-06-29T19:03:00.002-05:00

Piper's rendition of "Jesus Loves Me"

I'll be shocked if this works

2008-06-29T17:44:00.004-05:00

This is just a little video we shot using my camera to see if we could load it onto here. The suspense is killing me. It's taking a long time to load. I have nothing to say, but I just keep typing. Oh, look there it is! If this really worked, I'll get one of Piper tonight.

Let's see..

Did I mention that I am scared of heights???

2008-06-11T09:22:00.004-05:00

The Black Canyon
I prayed without ceasing the entire time we were here.
See that little metal bar? It's the only thing that stands b/t you and a very painful death, not that I was thinking I was going to die or anything.
There was about 2 feet of dirt b/t the road and this drop off.

My favorite spot

2008-06-11T08:46:00.007-05:00

Mr. V, our host for the week and owner of the beloved Molly, told us about several back roads to take just about 15 minutes from where we are staying. We drove 7 beautiful miles up a mountain and found the most delicious spot. We were the only people there, so we claimed the area as our own and made ourselves comfy. I love the groves of Aspens. I am trying to figure out how to pack an Aspen branch that I found - it's pretty big. Scott and Hunter went for an hour hike while Ella, Piper and me climbed rocks, threw rocks in the river and played in the snow!

Have a nice day...we sure are!

2008-06-11T08:25:00.002-05:00

SNOW!!!

More pictures from our little slice of paradise

2008-06-09T12:08:00.004-05:00

The Royal Gorge lookout - what you can't tell is how this little platform is literally jetting out over a drop off of what must have been millions of feet in the air, only held up by tiny little metal poles. SCARY! (In all honesty, I appeared to be the only one fearing for my life)
This was the little choo choo that took us to the look-out place of terror.
Ella and her new BFF, Molly

The end of a day spent exploring the mountains - sweet quietness.

The Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs - our 2nd day in Colorado
The Royal Gorge bridge - was built in 5 months with no injuries. Well, except for me - I got injured just looking at it.

I think we'll just stay for the rest of the summer...

2008-06-08T22:09:00.008-05:00

I was screaming at him to get off the logs as I was taking this picture.

Notice the sweaters - SWEET!! It's cool, it's beautiful, I love Colorado in the summertime!

So sad, the trees in Texas are so small compared to here, that Ella was scared of the forest at first - scared of trees! She quickly worked through her fear, much to our relief, and got busy throwing rocks into the river and posing for pictures.

I was really wondering how Piper would do on this vacation, leaving home for the first time since she came home 15 months ago. I was a bit concerned as the plane took off and she yelled "WANT TO GO DOWN!!!".

She's done really well. The first 2 nights we stayed in a hotel room(in Colorado Springs) and when it was time for bed she said "Go home, please." So polite! Some friends of our family have a gorgeous place just outside of Gunnison and that's where we are now. We have our own little house to stay in and it has really become our home away from home. They have a dog named Molly, who the kids love. Hunter is blown away by the mountains and the majesty of it all, Piper and Ella more so by Molly the dog. Every night as we get ready for bed, Piper yells really loudly toward the main house where Molly is, "GOODNIGHT MOLLY, SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!".

Scott and Hunter have had an absolute blast four wheeling through the beautiful, uninhabited hills around us. This afternoon we went exploring through Gunnison National Park - so beautiful. We stopped at a tiny little general store/tavern/restaurant on the way back and had THE BEST hamburgers - to die for, I'm not kidding. We are going back tomorrow - to the forest and the hamburger place. In my mind they go together now. One would not be the same without the other.

I know it's time for bed here when I am shivering cold and the only way to warm up is to get under the covers. I reached that point about 5 minutes ago. Outa here!

Latest Obsession

2008-06-04T06:56:00.004-05:00

Let me just put it this way, I NEED A NANNY!!! (or a stiff drink)

Chondromalacia(runner's knee for you non athletic types) + packing 5 people for Colorado vacation + excited 5 year old, who cannot. stop. talking., + 7 year old boy with an ear infection + (see above), + a husband who has to work all day = me, staring into space in a catatonic stupor only 12 hours from our flight, with not one bag fully packed, posting pictures on my blog - Hello, procrastination!

I am officially switching from calling this a vacation to calling it a trip. Yes, we are going on a trip. Something about this does not feel vacation-like.

So, if you were planning on flying American Airlines tonight, you may want to reconsider. I know I am.

At least she's polite when throwing her food across the floor...

2008-06-03T07:19:00.003-05:00

Piper was eating some yogurt, to combat some unfortunate digestive symptoms caused by an antibiotic for an ear infection, when I heard her bowl and spoon slide across the floor with impressive force. I looked her way, our eyes met, and in her sweet little voice she said, "No thank you, mommy!".

Apparently she was all done.

So far, our summer has looked alot like this...

2008-06-02T11:06:00.003-05:00

Summer Kickoff!

2008-05-31T19:28:00.003-05:00

Today we met our friends at a really cool pool that just opened nearby. It was so fun! There is a big kiddie area, a swimming pool, 2 very big water slides for the big kids and a lazy river.

The kids were toast after 3 hours of nonstop swimming. Hunter and Ella both begged for a nap when we got home. It was 4:00 and there was no way we wanted them falling asleep that late in the day. It felt 99 ways of wrong to be saying "No, you may not take a nap!"

Good times. There is just no better way to spend a hot summer day than at the pool with friends, spending every bit of energy you have without even noticing until you can barely walk to your car when it's time to go home!

Feeling Grateful

2008-05-30T12:37:00.009-05:00

Our Hunter(7) just completed his first grade year and brought home his report card today. I teared up(SURPRISE) when I read the comments by his teacher and looked over a year full of all E's and 3's (1st grade code for wonderful).

Here's what Mrs. C. had to say:
"Hunter continues to excel in all areas. His story writing is amazing whether it be research based or fiction. His writing voice is developing and makes his writing pieces quite enjoyable to read! It has been a true pleasure to teach Hunter. He is a wonderful boy!"

That last sentence is what got me. It does a mama's heart good to know that his teacher sees him as we do - a wonderful boy. Of course I am thrilled that he does so well in school, but we are most excited about who he is. Every one of his teachers at school and even teachers he doesn't have stop me, and remark on what a good kid he is. His teacher this year has developed Hunter so much, I could never thank her enough. When Hunter started the year he did not enjoy writing very much at all. She used the Writer's Workshop approach and Hunter ate. it. up. - loved it. She did lots of science and projects, Hunter's forte, and encouraged him and challenged him all along the way.

You know I have a hard time with goodbyes. I really hate saying goodbye to Hunter's 1st grade year, but it makes it a little more bearable knowing that in a week we'll be in the Colorado mountains - yippee!!!

I'll sign off with a little note his teacher sent home that I think is worth sharing:

Inside each of you is something very special.

It grows each time you face a fear - Courage.

It grows each time you admit you were wrong - Character.

It grows each time you allow someone else to shine - Humility.

It grows each time you learn something new - Knowledge.

Keep Growing!

No Pain. No Gain.

2008-05-28T20:23:00.008-05:00

I went to the orthopedist today, and I am pretty excited about my diagnosis - chondromalacia otherwise known as "runner's knee"!

"Chondromalacia patella is a common cause of kneecap pain or anterior knee pain. Often called "Runner's Knee," this condition often affects young, otherwise healthy athletes."

I was so afraid he was going to tell me I had arthritis, but now, not only do I not have arthritis, I have a chondromalacia - apparently a common problem for athletes. Young, healthy athletes! For anyone remotely acquainted with my fitness level at the moment, you may chuckle now.

I am in the worst shape I've ever been in, and the most I've run in the last year is around the couch while Piper screams "tickle, pickle, pickle - tickle me!!".

A few months ago I did get on the StairMaster and start doing leg lunges and a few arm weights. That's about the time me knee began hurting. But then a week ago, it completely seized up on me as I stepped out of my car after an extended shopping trip at IKEA. You know IKEA, where all the young, healthy athletes train.

The doc gave me a shot - IN MY KNEE - eewww, and put me on steroids and in a knee brace. Apparently I'm not supposed to run 10-20 miles anytime soon. What will I do with myself without my running? I am already feeling an identity crisis coming on.

It's the life of an athlete you know. Well, young, healthy athletes that is. One day you're up, the next day you're down. One day you're just a middle aged, out of shape mommy. The next you are a young, healthy athlete with chondromalacia. Oh, and if you see me out and about with my knee brace on, please feel free to ask me how my RUNNER'S KNEE is. Just make sure you do it real loud, in front of a lot of people. Thankyouverymuch.

2008-05-24T10:59:00.005-05:00

If you have daughters, or sons, or have ever gotten so overwhelmed by life that you've ever hurried through bath time, or bed time with your kids - watch this.

It's Steven Curtis Chapman's Cinderella video. The first half is the song and the 2nd half is him telling the story on how he came to write that song. Considering recent events, it really takes your breath away. My hubby is not what I would consider a really emotional person, but this video really impacted him. After he watched it, he said something to the effect that he's got 2 Cinderellas and a prince, and while they are here with us, we must make our time with them count. We always think we've got so long with them, but none of us really know if today could be the day that our clock strikes midnight, as it did for the Chapmans on Wednesday evening.

The day before the Chapman tragedy, I had listened to a podcast by Steve Saint. His father was a missionary along with Jim Elliot, and was speared to death by the very people they had come to help. Later in his life Steve Saint experienced another sudden death in his family. Many of the words he said have helped me sort through the Chapman tragedy, especially at the end of his talk. It can be found here. The story is of loss and redemption. Their story was made into a movie called The End of the Spear. We haven't seen it yet, so we are going to rent it this weekend.

Oh, and this video of SCC and his daughters is really cute. Maria seemed to have had a wonderful life, what a treasure she is! She reminds me so much of Piper.

Meanwhile, I'm off to "dance" with my Cinderellas...

2008-05-22T20:19:00.003-05:00

Last week we went on a field trip with Hunter(7) to a science museum. I think Piper got the most out of the experience - she LOVED it! Her favorite part was the floor air conditioners that made her dress fly up all Marylin Monroe like.

What cracked me up was all the attention she got from the boys in Hunter's 1st grade class. When they saw me, they immediately asked about Piper's whereabouts. I pointed over to where she was turning circles and falling down in a mess of giggles. They were riveted by her every move. Since when do 1st grade boys think a 2 year old girl is more interesting than dinosaur bones?

Anyway, today has felt so heavy that I needed to take a little time to focus on the little blessings right before my eyes. Melissa said in the comments that when she heard the news about the Chapmans, she went and hugged her little one from China, Madelyn, extra tight. I'm doing the same.

2008-05-22T07:05:00.019-05:00

Steven Curtis Chapman and his daughter Maria

*Update: Here is a good article that their hometown newspaper ran. Also SCC's manager is posting updates here.

Our hearts are so very heavy for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. Yesterday their 5 year old daughter Maria was tragically hit by an SUV in their driveway, driven by one of their teenage sons.

I remember hearing SCC talk about how Maria came into their family. He was in an orphanage in China and something drew him to her. He felt God speak to his heart that she was to be their daughter. She was the youngest of 3 children adopted from China.

I follow the blogs of their family, and his daughter Emily had just posted yesterday that she had gotten engaged over the weekend. All of his children are strong Christians. His 2 teenage sons tour with him, and my heart is broken for the road of grief ahead for all of them, but especially for their son who was involved in the accident. As a parent, I just can't imagine. Grieving for your child that you have lost, while trying to help your other child who feels responsible, who is also grieving for his sister. It's just, so much.

Here is a post by a friend of the family. Mary Beth's blog has lots of pictures of the family, including little Maria. They are such a beautiful family who have dedicated their lives to show love to the fatherless. Right now they are in the process of building a huge orphanage in China for special needs children.

Please, please pray for each family member. I pray they would be overcome with God's peace and comfort as they grieve and walk this very difficult road ahead. I don't know the why of what happened, but I do know that God chooses to work throught the prayers of his people, so LET'S PRAY - right now. There is power in the prayers of God's people, we can help them, by praying earnestly for them.

Go here to see an adorable video of SCC and Maria washing dishes, taken just a couple of weeks ago.

*They have set up a page where you can leave a note for the Chapmans.

I can hardly imagine...

How about a little good news?

2008-05-21T10:18:00.002-05:00

My friends Christie and Anton just became parents after a very long wait! I couldn't be happier for them - go here and see their precious little guy.

Ella has a fever and has been up since 4:30 this morning - hooray! I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I probably tore some cartilage in my knee - hooray! Tomorrow is suppossed to be Ella's last day of Pre-K - hooray! But, she probably won't be able to go...ok, I'm losing my positive attitude right about now.

So far, these pictures of little Quint have given the me the biggest smile of my day. He is an answer to so many prayers, and has the cutest little grin. Makes me want to adopt again!

Dena

Goodbyes

2008-05-14T21:41:00.007-05:00

Hunter and Kayla
Kayla, Hunter, and Ella

Tonight we said goodbye to our neighbors and friends of 4 years. They are moving - far, far away, and we are sad. It's surprised me a little how much each one of us is feeling this. I walked over there after we'd put the kids down tonight, took one look at my neighbor, Philana, and we both got teary. After we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help the tears that fell on the sidewalk from their house to ours.

Hunter and Kayla are in the same grade at school and have been fast friends since they met at age 3. Kayla and Ella are also very close and can get each other giggling like only little girls can. Kayla's little sister is a year older than Piper, and is full of life. Both of them are just good kids, with good parents. I could on and on about all that we've shared with them over the years. We know stuff about each other. We've helped each other out. When our kids are driving us crazy, we pick up the phone and invite the other one over. It is such a blessing to have a neighbor like that. I am already feeling their absence.

Today we picked Kayla up from school and got to have her over one last time. The kids had made her cards and had gotten she and Brianna a little present. As they sat down for a snack, Hunter said he'd like to say a prayer. He spoke a blessing over sweet Kayla that I will never forget, and then asked God to comfort us, as we got used to missing them. That 7 year old prayer was one of the most honest, pure prayers I think I've ever heard. And, yes, I cried.

I am glad that we invest our lives into the lives of others, but man, it hurts when you have to say goodbye. I'm resisting the temptation to go find Michael W. Smith's "Friends are Friends Forever" and wallow in self pity, as I belt out - "Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know, that a lifetime's not too long...to live as friends"!

So, I got home from our neighbors house and came inside to see the latest news out of China. Wow. Enormous loss. Some have lost their home, parents, spouse, and child - all in a moment's time. We did hear that Piper's hometown is fine, as well as her orphanage. But there are several orphanages that have not been heard from at all.

Loss is an inevitable part of life, and I want our kids to learn how to walk through loss well, not run from it...or get stuck in it. The funny thing about parenting, is the only way to teach them is to show them.

Tomorrow we will bake some brownies and be ready to meet and welcome our new neighbors...

Earthquake in China

2008-05-12T09:04:00.006-05:00

Update: The death toll is now over 8,500. NPR happened to be doing interviews in Chengdu when the quake hit there. Listen here. You can hear it hit as she is conducting the interview, which seems to be about churches in the area. It is quite dramatic.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit in Piper's province. Remember when we were in Chongqing a little over a year ago? I'm just trying to picture what must be going on there right now. There are SO many very, very old, tall buildings everywhere. Reports now say the death toll is b/t 3,000-5,000 and rising by the hour.
My heart goes out to the adoptive parents who have been matched with their children, but have not traveled yet, and they have no way of knowing if their child is ok, and for all of the families involved, both here and in China. Of course, I wonder about Piper's birth family and her orphanage.
I'll be checking http://www.chinaadopttalk.com/ today to see if there is any news from any of the orphanages in China.

9:24 a.m.

2008-05-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

Ella(5): "Mommy, you are not what you think you are."

Really?

"Yes, you are really made of molecules, but the molecules don't move, but they are like alive.
Mommy, how would you feel if Hunter spilled wet paint all over your bed?"

Uh, angry?

"Right, angry. But if your had a shrinkulator you would see that the paint was actually rainbow paint. You wouldn't be angry anymore because you would be exploring the molecule world."

I truly hope I never need this information.

The list

2008-05-09T06:58:00.005-05:00

So, has it really been 2 weeks since my last post? Geez, May is always so full of this and that when you have kids in school. I did try to post twice, but blogger would not let me in. I took it as a sign from above that I should get up from the computer and put a dent in the layer of dust that had formed on every surface of our house while I was busy field tripping and teacher appreciating.

The only way I get through he month of May of is to live off lists. So, in that spirit, I'm going to get some things I want to write about out of my brain and onto a list. That way, when I have time to write, all I will have to do is pick something off of my list - no thinking - it's a beautiful thing.

1. The prayer that was answered in our family, despite my 1/2 of a mustard seed of faith.

2. slide show of Piper's b-day pictures

3. Piper's latest, and trying to cook dinner with a 2 year old attached to your leg

4. Attempting to regain some level of fitness

5. Summer plans

6. My living room

7. Ella and Piper's room

Ok, that's a good start.

In case I'm not back by Sunday, Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas!!!

2008-04-25T14:03:00.004-05:00

I picked Hunter(7) up from school early today after the school nurse called to tell me he was in a mess of allergy misery - eyes itchy and watering, headache, sore throat...

I gave him some medicine and it appears he's on the mend, as he had enough energy to do the unthinkable.

Ella(5) just came into the kitchen and plopped herself down at the table in a pile of tears. From the emotions pouring from her broken heart, I really thought maybe Hunter had taken scissors to her beloved blankie or stuffed spotted dog.

No, it was much worse.

"Hunter, sob, Hunter, sob...sob, sob, sob...Hunter...turned...my twin dollhouse... into a, sob, sob, into...A...HOTEL!!! SOB, SOB, SOB..."

I'm real serious when I say that I really hope Jesus returns before the teenage years. Holy Moly.

edited to add: *To her credit, Ella bounces back from such trauma incredibly quickly. Less than 5 minutes later I overheard her up in her room singing "I'm happy, happy, happy!!! Happy, happy, happy!!!".

The Goop that keeps on giving...

2008-04-24T20:10:00.007-05:00

Piper and Grandma at Piper's "Messy Party", in the goop. The "goop" is just cornstarch, water, and blue food coloring. It has a really cool feel to it - sort of soft and gooey, but dry feeling, you know, like goop.
My nephew couldn't get enough of the goop.
Piper and Grandma

This afternoon, Piper in her new swimsuit, socks, Ella's tap shoes, and a whole lot of sand and leftover cornstarch goop.
She was real concerned about that one white spot on her arm, kept showing it to me saying "messy, messy!!".
She takes her sand mixing very seriously.
Beautiful, even covered in Grandma's famous cornstarch goop.

We had Piper's 2nd birthday party in our backyard on Saturday. The theme was all things messy, since that's Piper's specialty right now. I'm working on a slide show of the party pictures from the messy party. Well, to be honest, it's really just in the planning stage at this point. I keep going to the sites that help you make a slide show and there are just too many choices. It's stressing me out!

So for now, this is it.

Maybe tomorrow I will wake up with an enhanced ability to make a decision.

Or maybe I'll just go play in the goop.

24

2008-04-20T07:33:00.007-05:00

Piper Grace, you are 2! For your birthday I thought I'd list 24 reasons I love you - one for each month of your life, because 2 is just not enough. Here goes, in no particular order:

1. Your resilience - I personally don't know anyone who has this down better than you, adults or children. You are simply amazing.

2. Your openness to love - once you feel safe with someone, you LOVE THEM real good - with your whole heart, I love that.

3. Your perceptiveness, this one is between you and me girl, but I love it!

4. The way you love other children - your siblings, their friends, their classmates, your cousins and friends. I love how you know the names of several of Ella's favorite friends from pre-K, and shout them out when we get to her school. "MACY!!! GWACE!!! EMMA!!! ABBY!!!"

5. I love because we've seen Ms. Linda at Hobby Lobby twice, every time we go there you get excited and shout "Ms. Linda! Ms. Linda!" and start looking for her. When we don't see her, you tell me to "call Ms. Linda!".

6. I love your beautiful face.

7. I love how much you love being outside. It is your favorite thing to do, and you are the happiest running free in the yard or playing in the sand or "widing bikes" with your brother and sister.

8. Your love of shoes - it has endured since we met you at 10.5 months old. To see the joy you get from shoes - it makes me smile.

9. Your voice - I love your sweet little voice.

10. Your language abilities - At 24 months you can communicate just about anything you want to. You have hundreds of words, can sing the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, name most parts of your body - your favorite being elbows, can name orange, blue, purple and green, & count to 13, way beyond that with a few numbers missing. For someone who did not hear English until 10.5 months of age - wow!

11. I love the way you tell me to sing You Are My Sunshine, "SUNSINE, SUNSINE!".

12. I love watching you mother your baby dolls, holding them, and gently patting their backs. Then you shout "Nigh Nigh!!!" and put them to bed.

13. I love that you get excited to see me each morning.

14. I love that you have stolen Hunter and Ella's hearts as well as your daddy's and mine. You join right in with their pretend games, wrestling, and chase.

16. I love watching you pray along with Ella at dinner time, and smile when she thanks God for you every single night.

17. I love that when we go to pick Hunter(7) up from school you get excited and shout "Hunter's school! Hunter's school!" each day.

18. I love the way you complete our family and make each one us of better than we were before.

19. I love that you are Chinese. You make our family so much more interesting! Because of you, we have a connection to a country so rich in history and culture.

20. I love the way you are the answer to so many prayers.

21. I love the way you love to turn round and round in circles until you are completely dizzy.

22. I love that when we get in the car you shout "Allelula, allelula!!! Hear it!" because you want to hear David Crowder's "All Creatures #2".

23. You make me smile from the inside out every single day.

24. I love that the other day, you rubbed your heart and said, "luv Papa", talking about my dad.

25. One to grow on! I love that when I sat down to write this list, I thought it might take me all day to finish, but here I am at the end, still with an endless list of reasons why I love you. Like how I love the way you pay attention to the tiny details of a person and mimic the smallest of gestures, the way you get so excited to see a bird or hear an airplane, the way you "help" me with chores around the house...
See? How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! I love you!

2008-04-18T22:25:00.002-05:00

I went to check my sitemeter to see if any poor soul is still checking my blog for an update. It'd been so long since I'd checked it, that it treated me like a perfect stranger and asked me for a username and password - RUDE! Like I can remember my username and password...

Before I go to bed tonight, I have to say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY PIPER GRACE!
We love you like crazy.
You have rocked our world
in the best possible way!!!

Pictures coming soon...

"I have everything I need"

2008-04-15T13:04:00.005-05:00

Hunter decided he wanted to memorize Psalm 23. His ability to memorize large volumes of information is nothing short of miraculous considering he has 50% of my genes, seriously. I sometimes draw a blank on my own phone number - home phone number, scary.
But I digress, back to Psalm 23. His version of the bible starts it like this: "The Lord is my Shepard, I have everything I need." That little phrase has been running around in my mind for the last few days. What if I really lived that and believed that?

I have everything I need...to handle whatever the Lord allows in my life. What if I believed way down deep that He will supply all of my needs, even when I feel completely overwhelmed? Or I find myself worrying about a "what if...".

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:35-39

Working on being 100% convinced that I have everything I need for whatever comes my way.

"I believe, help my unblief!" Mark 9:24 - love that verse.

Could I get a few extra hours for my day, please?

2008-04-07T11:33:00.003-05:00

I have so much I want to write about, but nary a moment to do it. My friend Linda and I took a little road trip this weekend and just had a grand ol time! I will post about it just as soon as I come up for air from this mountain of laundry I'm currently under.

I came home to this sweet card from Ella(5), a tired, but happy husband, and 3 children - just as alive as when I pulled out of town on Friday. Can we get a holy hand clap, please?

I'll be back...

Crazy for babies

2008-04-02T12:16:00.005-05:00

Besides the clothes she was wearing, this little bottle is the only thing we have of Piper's from the orphanage. I let her play with it for a while, then put it away because although its monetary value is small, it means something to us.

Ella(5) and Piper(almost 2!) have been toting little plastic babies everywhere lately. Ella's big baby is name Betsy. Piper's baby is named BABEEE!!! I looked and looked for Piper a Chinese baby for Christmas, but couldn't find one that looked like her. My mother in law asked if she would like an American Girl Bitty Baby for her upcoming b-day so I looked on their website and found this one. Perfect! Shhh, don't tell Piper!

To all 5 year olds on the verge of losing your first tooth:

2008-03-31T07:16:00.005-05:00

The gauntlet has been thrown.

Ella(5) is aiming to have the cleanest, shiniest tooth the tooth fairy has EVER seen. She is brushing her teeth with a new vigor, the likes of which have never been seen before in this house.

Ella *heard* that the tooth fairy is giving an extra quarter for clean, shiny, sparkly teeth. Why didn't I think of this, I mean hear about this 3 years ago??? It is providing great motivation around here - teeth brushing - with no whining or complaining - a MIRACLE, I tell you!

Not your typical Easter Parade...

2008-03-26T13:56:00.000-05:00

Amy Grant

2008-03-26T12:03:00.008-05:00

My friend Linda passed along this book to me and I am so loving it! I am really surprised by Amy Grant's ability to say so much in so few words. She truly has a gift, not only for song writing, but also in her ability to connect with the reader almost immediately. She seems to have "eyes to see", and brings to reader right along with her. Authentic and vulnerable are words that come to mind.

The stories are super short, great for those of us who have little pockets of reading time here and there throughout the day.

In one of the first stories she describes the experience of bringing her 3 teenage nieces to see the ocean for the first time in their lives. The story was sweet in itself, but then she ends it, as she does all of the other stories, with a memorable truth:
"Salt water is the greatest component of our world, yet some people have never seen an ocean. That doesn't change the ocean. It is constant and powerful, and like the love of God, whether we're immersed in it, standing on the shore, or a thousand miles away, it remains."

She ends a story about her daughter and horse named Jack with a reflection on the ways we brand ourselves and others. She says:
"I've decided it's time to start reminding myself of some other words that are true. Today as I was brushing my teeth, I saw my reflection in the mirror...no contacts yet, so I looked softer around the edges. Before my mind started assessing the toll of time, I spoke in an early morning whisper to my forty-six-year-old reflection: "You are made in the image of God. You are the salt of the earth. You are like the starlight shining our in the darkness. You're the light of the world." What is it about these words that is so mysterious and powerful? I am just repeating what has already been said. What is already true."

Thanks Amy (see, we're friends now), I needed that.

I really expected the book to be a collection of sweet, interesting stories, but it is much more.

Piper is still sleeping, so I'm going to settle in and read another chapter!

Good Friday

2008-03-21T15:19:00.005-05:00

It's been a great day around here. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I just love days like this where everyone in the family seems to have had a great day, getting their cups filled in just the way they needed it.

I needed to get a lot done today - 4 loads of laundry, bathrooms cleaned, floors mopped, grocery list made....and on it goes. We are having our family over here on Easter so there will be 15 of us here for lunch on Sunday. I am so glad to have my family close by, what a blessing!

One of Ella's sweet friends came over and they played and played and played some more while Piper and I cleaned together. It was so cute listening to Ella and her friend play "orphanage nannies". They were so busy lovin on their babies as they chatted in "Chinese", and took pictures of the babies with their Barbie cell phones!

All the while I got to listen to some great teaching by Chip Ingram. Oh, I got me a word, yes I did!!! Go here, and listen to a great, great message (titled "What difference does it really make?") on how to break through the familiar of Easter(church, family, etc.) and experience the supernatural - awesome!

Meanwhile, Scott took Hunter to one of his favorite places on earth, a local nature/wildlife preserve. They had lunch together on a hill top, counting 64 turtles and enjoying the gorgeous creation before them, just about to burst with spring. This fills Hunter's cup like nothing else, and I am so glad they got spend Good Friday together out in beautiful weather, enjoying the Creator's handiwork.

I'm going to go listen to that Chip Ingram message again...

Have a great weekend!
Dena

Style tips by Piper, 22 months old

2008-03-14T10:03:00.004-05:00

By the time I found my camera, Piper had been carrying these 3 purses around for quite some time. She'd managed to keep them on as she looked at books, danced to music, and carried a grocery cart down the stairs!
She wasn't going to let go of those purses, even for some chocolate milk.
She had to adapt her keyboarding in order to keep the purses in tact. Eventually this became the last straw, and she looked at me and said, "Purses - OFF!!!".
Her original outfit this morning consisted of the pink shirt and black pants. She then brought me the jacket saying, "coat - ON!!!". When she and Ella emerged from their room, she'd added this lovely bikini to the mix.
You like???

God did a very good thing when he made kids cute. Somehow it makes up for all of the messes, the loss of sleep, time, money, energy...but I digress. I really enjoy watching them "become". All of their quirky ways make life so interesting in the midst of the most mundane tasks like laundry and dishes. Oh, and sweeping up the mess Piper made seconds after I took this photo, by dumping the bag of pretzels on the floor!

I completed something!!!

2008-03-12T10:26:00.005-05:00

I made this...
while they collected these.
Yes, those are worms.

I never knew I'd ever feel so grateful to a group of worms. But I'll be darn if they didn't keep my kids busy for an hour and a half.

I've been trying to freshen up Piper and Ella's room for a while now, but it's just now coming together - so fun! I got the canvas for the chandelier painting at the local thrift store for $2.99. In it's previous life, it was a bright red and purple painting of an Indian chief. Well, he got a little make over, and is now a very girly chandelier.

Also, truth be told, I got a lot done yesterday due to the fact that we couldn't find our phone, all day long. Long story, but my hubby left it in the attic the night before! So, with no one to talk to, and the kids absorbed in their earthworm expedition, I had time to work, time to think...a luxury for sure.

2008-03-10T08:51:00.003-05:00

Ok, my heart is complete mush, it's official.

A couple of nights ago we were sitting around the table eating dinner when Piper(22 months old) started naming everyone at the table:
"Hun - ter, El-la, Momeee, Dadeeee, Je - sus!"
We had never heard her say His name before, and we all just stopped and looked at her. Does she see something we don't?!!! Most likely yes. It brought to mind these words from Jesus:

" At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

And then this morning, out of the blue, Piper came to me and said, "Thank you, Momeeee." I stopped, got on her level and said "You are welcome, Piper!". She smiled and then said, "Thank you...God!".

It reminded me of my conversation yesterday with Hunter. He'd learned about God's omnipresence at church. We talked about how God is everywhere, in our house, in our hearts, outside, at school, etc..., and then it hit me in a new way...in the orphanage in China. If I really believe as I say I do, I must believe that Jesus was there with Piper, those first 10 months of her life. Hearing her say His name in her sweet little voice was such a blessing to me.

So, yes, my heart is complete mush these days, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love this boy...

2008-03-06T20:21:00.002-06:00

The view out Hunter's window

Hunter got out of school early today b/c of the weather. We got home, ate a snack, okay a small meal, as we watched big fat snowflakes fall. I tried to capture the snowfall on camera, but just couldn't. It was absolutely beautiful. It just snowed and snowed and snowed.

Hunter then said he was going to do his homework up in his room, so that he could go out later. I went to check on him about 15 minutes later and found him at his make shift desk, making the most of his great view. He had music playing and was working away.

I love this kid.

March Madness....let's review

2008-03-06T20:13:00.003-06:00

Tuesday morning
Tuesday afternoon, snow all gone, beautiful warm weather
Thursday afternoon

So much for global warming...

2008-03-06T12:59:00.002-06:00

OK, it's SNOWING...AGAIN...in March...in the south. Hunter and Ella are both at school, I'm sure they are soooo excited. I'm about to go get them, school is closing early. It's really snowing hard. Heck, forget about the kids, I'm excited!!!

When did God think of adoption?

2008-03-06T10:01:00.005-06:00

Xiushan Orphanage, China

Oh, I love me some John Piper. Listen to him explain adoption. Love his passion. Love his little encouragement at the end. I really needed this today, as it reminded me to keep praying and stay open to how I can encourage others in adoption. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the number of orphans, by all of the injustices and red tape that stand in the way of children having parents. I also need the reminder about my own adoption - and what a huge thing that is.

A couple of weeks ago I read along as several bloggers I read went to Africa with Compassion International. As they prepared to come home they were brought together to discuss what it was going to be like when they returned home to their comfortable suburban lives. They called it "re-entry" and said it could be a difficult time. One blogger mentioned having survivor's guilt at the stark contrast b/t her life and the lives she encountered in Uganda.

Something happened as I read their accounts. I realized that for the past year, since we came home from adopting Piper, I have been struggling through some sort of "survivor's guilt", for lack of a better word. I just have had such a difficult time thinking about the difference b/t Piper's life and the lives of the children that still reside at Xiushan Orphanage. Just writing that, the tears are rolling. I can't put into words how much I love Piper Grace. Just like any proud mama, I think she is one of God's most beautiful creations. But then I think about those other children, they are God's creations as well, and now that I can really see them, and feel a kinship with them...it's just hard to accept. They deserve to have a family that celebrates with them as they take their first step, or learn to say their own name. They deserve a mommy who will comfort them when they are sick and tell them they are the most wonderful baby in the world. Don't they?

Anyway, these thoughts feel very incomplete still. I don't really know what to do with these feelings, besides offer them up, and remember that God is in control, in the good and in the bad, that I know. My job is to pray, and stay close to Him and listen when He speaks.

"Be open to the possibilities - of God's promises to grow good things in hard places. Be open to the possiblilites that these circumstances hold more than what I see right now. Be open to the possiblilites of discovering new hope. Be open to the posiblilities...one day at a time." Carol Kuykendall (thank you to my mother in law for that quote, I love it...)

The best PMS fix around

2008-03-04T13:22:00.004-06:00

Once you enter into this crazy, wonderful community of China adopters, something very special happens about once a month. BABIES! Referrals come out, and families are formed. I love looking at the pictures of the little ones who have no idea that a family is freaking out, in a wonderful way of course, on the other side of the world as they study every centimeter of their photos.

Now that we are on the other side of this process, I can somewhat picture what's about to happen in these families lives. They are about to embark in an out of this world adventure of love, travel, bonding, discovery...just life at it's fullest. It's just all so exciting! So if you'd like to see a few of these sweet faces, go here, and enjoy.

Dena

Snowy March Surprise!

2008-03-04T11:18:00.005-06:00

Yesterday evening, little white flakes began to fall.

Little did we know that we'd wake up to several inches on the ground.
We live next door to a big hill and the kids had a blast sledding down.
Ella was the first try it, and had great technique from the very beginning.

This is the first time it has snowed here this year, and it was a good one - soft and fluffy, perfect for playing. Piper was such a trooper and hung with the big kids for the entire time, only complaining when it was time to go in. It's already starting to melt, but it was fun while it lasted. My hats off to you Northern moms who deal with all of paraphernalia that goes with snowy weather on a daily basis. I just kept thinking that I had to be burning extra calories!

Hello, my name is Dena and PMS is real.

2008-03-03T08:26:00.004-06:00

This is a public apology for all of the private thoughts I've had over the years about women/friends who complained of PMS. I plead ignorance. I didn't know. I do now.

It started sometime after I had Ella, 5 year ago. It seems to be getting a little worse each month. So by the time I go through menopause, I'll probably be living by myself, in a box somewhere, and happy about it, because, HELLO, no one will talk to me there.

For 2 days every month, I want to run far, far away - without the running of course. I feel like if I could just not have anyone talk to me, I'd be fine. The other members of my family don't seem to understand how revolutionary those two days could be if they just wouldn't say anything, thankyouverymuch. The 2 other females in the house seem to feeding off of my irritability, and the picture is not pretty this morning.

Piper kept saying "EGG - WANT IT - NOW!!!!"

So, I gave her a hard boiled egg, cut up nicely on her plate, only to have her toss it on the floor. "EGG - NO WANT IT!!!"

It's cloudy and rainy here. I do realize in the big scheme of things, PMS is not the end of the world. It just makes you wish it were!

I'll be darn if Piper just didn't come up to me and say,
"EGG -WANT IT! Now!!!"

Lord, help us.

Busted!

2008-03-02T19:09:00.005-06:00

"Twash LOUD!" she kept saying.

I'm in a major simplifying, cleaning out, getting rid of stage right now. Most of the toys we are parting with get donated, but as I was secretly collecting my little treasures to haul away the other day, I couldn't bring myself to donate one of Hunter's toys.

It was with great glee that I picked up this plastic siren thingy that screeches loudly with each push of one it's 10 annoying buttons. I put it in my secret bag where toys go to say their last goodbyes, unbeknownst to the 3 little ones.

But... I have this little problem of over thinking even the smallest of decisions. As I went to hide my stash, with that annoying screechy thingy on top, I mentally followed this little toy's new path. I would donate it to the local resale shop where the proceeds go to charity, and then some unknowing 1st time mom would buy it for their little tot, take it home, and then curse the person who gave it away, knowing the torment all those LOUD screechy sirens would cause.

And I really don't like being cursed. At all.

I could not knowingly pass it along, so in the spirit of sisterhood, I secretly placed it in the bottom of the kitchen trash.

Occasionally when the trash is full, I will place it by the back door, hoping the trash fairy will come take it out for me. It happened once back in 1997.

So, on her way to searching for an open bathroom door, Piper spotted it, and as all good 22 month olds would do, began dragging it behind her.

Well, much to her surprise (and mine), the trash screeched, oh so loudly, at her, as flashing lights blinked on and off through the bag. I don't think I've ever seen that version of shock on Piper's face before! But once she got over her initial terror, she settled into playing with the bag of trash for a good part of the morning.

And really, insulated by old diapers and milk cartons, those sirens weren't so terrible. Maybe I shouldn't have thrown it away after all...

What???

2008-03-02T19:00:00.006-06:00

So I'm loading the dishwasher after dinner tonight and Ella(5) starts yelling:

"MOMMEEE!!! Piper put her hands in the toliet and picked up some poo poo!"

I nearly drop the plate I'm holding and run (ok, walk briskly) to the scene. Just as I think I might be ill, Hunter(7) yells from upstairs:

"OH, that's not poo poo, that's my dessert!"

WHAT???

Like it's an everyday occurance, "I put my chocolate in the potty, that's all."

Call me crazy, but something about this conversation strikes me as odd, I just haven't figured out which part yet.

Letting Go

2008-02-28T09:43:00.003-06:00

I loved this post, over at Big Mama's. If you're in need of a faith lift (who isn't?), go over and check it out. Love the verses she ended with:

Psalm 103: 2-5 “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

We've been a family of five for one year!!!

2008-02-26T16:29:00.006-06:00

Piper, showing off her Gotcha Day outfit from last year.

Piper this morning, looking at a picture of one of her Xiushan buddies dressed in her Gotcha day outfit

The outfit fits her much better this year. It was HUGE on her last year.

Same outfit, last year...Me and Piper, w/all of our new friends in the background getting to know their little ones.
February 26, 2007-what a blessed day!

I can't believe it's been a year since that wonderful day when we first held Piper. She has changed so much, and it's neat to look back at these pictures of that day, now that we know her. What in the world what she thinking, I wonder!!! We were just in awe of her, and the entire process. It felt like a miracle.

Still does.

I'm so excited!

2008-02-23T15:27:00.003-06:00

Our friends, Anton and Christie just got a wonderful surprise - a call - they are parents...finally. Go here to see them as they get their news. I am crying happy tears for them!
They started their process to adopt from China just a bit after we did, but because of the extreme slow down, they will not get their referral until next year sometime. Soooo, in the meantime, they decided to adopt from Ethiopia. These two people will make absolutely wonderful, fun as all get out, loving parents.
Did I tell you how happy I am for them???
Thank you, Lord! Keep little Quint safe and loved until Christie and Anton can get to him.

Read this.

2008-02-22T11:43:00.001-06:00

Great, great article about a dad changed by adoption.

The Lantern Festival - it's been a year!

2008-02-21T10:52:00.007-06:00

February, 2007 The Lantern Festival, in China-Piper lit up when we put this dress on her, and then the shoes, oh, she loved the shoes!
We were on a boat like this one.
Brett and Estee, Estee and Piper were dressed alike that night.
Piper and me.

One of the dads, Tom, from our travel group, posted this on our group this morning:
"Today is Lantern Festival, marking the end of the Spring Holiday Season. Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao) has been celebrated for more than 1000 years, beginning in the Tang Dynasty. By traditional Chinese reckoning, it is one year since a dozen little girls went cruising on the Pearl River."

Those dozen little girls were Piper Grace and the other girls in our travel group. We happened to be in Guangzhou on the night of the Lantern Festival, so our guide took us for a cruise on the Pearl River to celebrate with the Chinese. At that point, we'd been in China with Piper for about a week.

One of the other moms posted that she missed China. I do too. It was such a magical time, being there with Piper - in the country where she was born, so rich in history. I really hope we get to go back again when Piper is older.

So according to the Chinese lunar calendar it's been a year since these girls were forever placed in our arms. On our calendar, that blessed date is February 26th, next Tuesday. Still don't know how we'll celebrate, but we will.

A few of our favorite things...

2008-02-14T09:30:00.006-06:00

For Valentines Day, I thought it would be fun to interview the loves of my life. So, this morning, over these donuts, we did just that.

Explain what you think "love" is.
Piper(22 months): "Mine!"
Ella(5): "Love is Jesus coming from our hearts."
Hunter(7): "Love is triple times 'like'."
Scott(40): "An enduring bond b/t two people." (who is this guy?)

What are some of your favorite treats?
P(we helped her a little): "orange juice, mommy's make up, chocolate"
E: "donuts, icecream, spending time praying with God"
H: "family parties, going to cousins house, Wisconsin, donuts, cake"
S: "lemon icebox pie, diet coke"

What is your favorite thing about our family?
P: "Mine!"
E: "That we love each other and we all have Jesus in our hearts."
H: "That we love each other."
S: "That my wife looks like a supermodel as she runs our family with grace and love." (Ok, so he wasn't present for this question, but I'm sure that's what he would have said)

What is your favorite, everyday thing, our family does together?
P: "Mine!"
E: "I like when we take walks together."
H: "I like sitting at the dinner table together."
S: "playing and laughing together"

Pretend you are Oprah and list your Favorite Things.
P: (Ella and I helped her a bit) "laughing, jumping, climbing, singing, copying, dogs, cats, playing under the covers, SHOES!, dresses, looking pretty"
E: "horses, dogs, ponies, hearts, friends, God, mommy, daddy, brother, sister, Mama Linda, Papa Roman, Mandy, Grandma, Papa, all my cousins, earth, that God loves every single one of us, loving, sharing, when Grandma Linda and Papa Roman send us stuff in the mail
H: "Heard Museum, Dinotopia books, Half Priced Books, God, singing, music, African drums, history, writing, sauropods, drawing sauropods, praying, science, my whole family"
S: "my family, reading to the kids, hugging wife, dinner with family, Alabama football, and God" (but not in that order he wanted to clarify, but in some way, Alabama football and God go together in his mind)

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

My mom's idea of "taking it easy"...

2008-02-14T09:15:00.004-06:00

Ella, modeling her new, "most beautiful dress she's ever seen", made by her Grandma. My mom and I found some really cute dresses online and got a little obsessed with finding cute material and a pattern. She's wearing it to school for her Valentines party today, and is just sure no one else will have a dress like it, because "most Grandmas don't know how to make a dress like this!". This is my mom's way of taking it easy post surgery. I could get use to this! She's making one for Piper too!
Later today, I'll post our Valentine's Day interview...

For mature audiences only...Preacher discusses being a "real man" rather than a "male"

2008-02-12T10:45:00.001-06:00

I believe I may have a sick sense of humor, but I find this terribly funny. Sad, but terribly funny.

Self Esteem builder for the day

2008-02-11T11:12:00.001-06:00

Have I mentioned that Ella is 5 and is sooooo ready for Kindergarten? Unfortunately it's still over 6 months away, not that I'm counting. Meanwhile, I've discovered a great game for lazy parents...Hide and Seek. Ella loves it when we play, and I've learned to love it as I've discovered that if I find a good hiding place, I can be assurred of a few minutes of absolute quiet time.

This morning I put Piper down for a nap with visions of getting some things done. I had barely walked downstairs when Ella said, "Are you ready to play Hide and Seek???!!!!"

She helped me unload the dishwasher first, and then we prepared to play. As she was going over the rules, she says, "I'll count first while you hide. It's going to be SOOO easy to find you, because YOU ARE SOOOOO BIG!!!".

Thank you, Ella. Thankyouverymuch.

"Ready or not, here I come!" You'll probably hear my big heavy feet headed your way, b/c in case you haven't heard, I am SOOOO BIG! I'm not bitter or anything. I'm sure she just meant tall, yes, that must've been what she meant.

Piper says "HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, Ya'll!"

2008-02-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

Moving On, part II

2008-02-06T11:10:00.000-06:00

The "after" shot

The picture makes it look a little more distressed than it does in person.

While the sofa drama was playing itself out, I calmed myself as all artsy types do...by painting something.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided the little desk I was using as a buffet in our dining room was too small. All the furniture was the same height and that is just not right. I had gotten that little desk at my favorite local resale shop for $8.00 a couple of years ago, and decided they could have it back if I could find something to take it's place.

Then, over the weekend, we were organizing the guest room, which serves as the "small" playroom for all toys that fit neatly into a 21 month old's mouth. The clouds broke open, and there it was...the perfect piece of furniture to use as my buffet. The only problem was it was black with pink and white drawer fronts - not quite the look I'm going for in the dining room. And, it needed to be a little taller. Other than that, perfect! We had gotten this dresser unfinished before Hunter was born, 8 years ago. We(I) painted it white and blue for his nursery. When Ella came along, I painted it the black and pink/white combo. for her nursery.

After a trip to garage, where I found 4 fence post finials that would be perfect for new feet, the new buffet was on it's way. Scott went out of town for 2 days and came home to our beautiful new, but antiqued work of art. I love it so much, I keep walking by it just to say hi. It needs new knobs for the bottom drawers, but I'm sure I've got some around here somewhere.

My only regret, one that keeps haunting me project after project, is that once the creative process takes over, I can't seem to slow it down long enough to take a "before" photo. Trust me, the change is dramatic, unbelievable, astonishing really.

Really, the most unbelievable part is just how much pleasure I get out of things like this. Scott says a drill and a can of paint are my crack. Joan Steffand has nothing on me. From "trash to treasure" is my middle name. Well, that and, "one who forgot to take before photos".

Moving on is harder than it looks

2008-02-06T09:43:00.000-06:00

Now that China's weather emergency seems to have settled down, I can move on to the decorating emergency developing in our home.

My floral sofa and I have had a rocky relationship lately, ever since the new wood floors came to town actually. The floors changed the look of everything, and got my eye wandering to new, simple sofas.

In an impulsive moment, late one December night, I posted pictures of my loyal floral sofa on Craigslist, and offered it up for sale. I received several responses, which mostly ended with people named "Victoria Smith" and "Amy Letsmakeadeal" offering to wire me money from Brazil straight to my bank account, and could I give them account information please?

I gave up and decided to try and work things out with my loyal floral sofa. After all, it doesn't show a darn thing, and believe me, my kids have tested this out thoroughly. And, we have a history together, we know each other well, and that has to count for something.

But then, everything changed. Last week I recieved an email from "Sweetie". "Sweetie" had seen my listing on Craigslist and wanted to know how long my loyal floral sofa is. Nice try, "Sweetie". I emailed her back a short, curt response.

"It's 82" long. CASH ONLY. LOCAL ONLY." And no, you can't have my bank account number.

She emailed me back saying how much she loved my beautiful sofa. It was just what she was looking for. Could I send her some more pictures, please? After many emails back and forth, "Sweetie" appears to be a real live person who apparently "adores" my sofa. She is sending her husband over tonight to PAY FOR IT WITH CASH!

How did this happen? Months ago, we were a happy pair, and now I am faced with saying goodbye to my loyal floral sofa, and more importantly find a younger fresher substitute. I have my eye on one, but it's a little risky, however I'm in a dangerous mood.

But, we have to wait and see if Mr. "Sweetie" actually shows up with real CASH tonight. I've already made my emotional break with the "Sweeties" new loyal floral sofa. Ella, on the other hand is having some trouble dealing with the loss.

The drama, it is dramatic.

Trying to empathize, I gently said, "we've had a lot of fun on that couch, haven't we? Reading books, talking, watching shows..." My plan was to then talk about how we'd do all the same stuff on our new younger sofa.

She interrupted me saying, "I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!!!"

All of this on the Eve of Chinese New Year. I hope our family can weather this storm and come out on the other end stronger, closer, and with some real live CASH!

National Emergency

2008-02-02T07:43:00.000-06:00

Though we've barely heard about this on the news, China is experiencing a disaster which has been likened to Hurricane Katrina by people who are actually there. Many areas in central and southern China have been under snow and ice or several weeks. Their climate is very similar to the South here in the USA and Mexico, so they are completely unprepared for these conditions. It appears the government is also completely unprepared as well, and the people are left to handle this crisis as well as they can.

We've been receiving updates from Jenny Bowen of Half the Sky who now lives in China and runs the organization that places nurturing nannies in orphanages, and strives to have a lifelong caring adult in the life of each orphan. You can read more about their wonderful, life changing work here.

They have asked for reports from each orphanage they serve. Some are okay, despite struggling to keep the babies warm, and have asked that help go to other orphanages first. But some are not okay. These kinds of situations shine a glaring light on why God, over and over in His word, tells us to care for orphans. Who protects and cares for these children who have no parents? They are not getting any sort of media attention and will not. So here's my little attempt to give them some sort of a voice.

Here's an excerpt from Jenny Bowen's report:
"Chenzhou, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable."

You can read the rest by going to their website http://www.halfthesky.org/ . You can also make a tax deductable donation to help these orphanages. Look on the right hand side for details.

Because of Piper, these children are very real to us. We know they exist and we can picture their little faces. As Piper runs around here today, we will pray that God would make His presence known to those quietly caring for the ones that are often forgotten, but close to His heart.

Why I write

2008-01-31T12:52:00.000-06:00

Warning to mom: Blogger's spell check is not working right now, so I'm publishing this post as is. Read at your own risk!

As life has gotten more and more full lately, I've asked myself why I spend time writing about our life, when I could be doing something more productive. As I've thought about this for the last couple of weeks I've realized that, for me, writing is a real way to slow my "Martha like" self down. Slow down my brain and heart enough to reflect on what's working and what needs some attention. Writing slows me down enough to savor the little things that make up this life of mine, and helps me to laugh about the challenges involved in raising 3 little ones.

When I sit down to write, I am forced to stop and think.

Often, it's not until I try to write about something that I realize how incomplete the thoughts swimming around in my head really are.

When I find myself avoiding writing, it's usually because I am really avoiding something else.
I use this spot to write about things that I don't mind others reading. My journal is more where I pour out my heart and pray to God. I also record scripture that I'm focussing on at the time. I picture my kids someday reading what I write here, while my journals...maybe after I'm long gone they can get together over a cup a coffee and gasp at their mother's craziness together!

The other day I went back over some old posts, and can I tell you, I am so glad that because of Piper's adoption, we started this blog. So many details that would've been forgotten, little treasures, that are worth every minute I spent at this computer. Wouldn't you love to read your Grandmother's blog?!!! Years ago, my mom found her father's journal that he kept before he got married. He only wrote a few sentences for each entry, but it was fascinating to read. He died when I was very little, so I really only know him through that journal and things my mom has mentioned.

I think the point of this post is to give myself a little encouragement to keep writing. There will always be a bathroom to clean and floors to be dusted, but these days...these days and the stories they contain will be gone before I know it.

Because I don't scrapbook...

2008-01-29T07:53:00.000-06:00

Piper's big thing right now(21 months old) is dressing herself, or "dressing" herself. She is constantly on the lookout for that special something to complete her look, like this pajama top for her legs or Ella's boots.
or...someone's (whose could they be?) undergarments for her neck and socks for her hands...of course.
And Ella wanted me to take this picture and "put it on the blawg!", that's my girl.

Piper's language is exploding right now and is a constant source of entertainment for us all. She is a very good mimic and the kids to can get her to say almost anything. Ella conducts daily language lessons with her where they go through the entire ABC song, letter by letter, with Piper copying each thing Ella says. Piper has developed a very strong voice when she says things like "STOP!" or "NOOOOO!". This morning she wanted some cereal so I said, "can you get a bowl?" . She looked at me and said "Sure, MOMMEEE!". That cracked me up for some reason, I'm not used to her being able to answer me I guess.

I really hope to be back later, when Ella is at school today, and do some updating to this "blawg" of mine. I've been on a little self imposed vacation and am ready to get back to it!

Hello, anybody there? Anybody?

2008-01-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

I will be back soon, I really will.
I made a promise to myself that I would not blog until I had completed a few tasks first, like work through the paper pile on my desk, and clean the bathrooms, and you know, pay attention to the children. Little things like that.
Anyhoo, I'm making progress, and hope to be back in full swing this week!
Dena

Never ever give up....

2008-01-19T14:40:00.000-06:00

I'm still trying to get a picture of those 3 little munchkins together, why is this such an impossible task?

Taking care of and loving 3 kids...no problem.
Getting them in a picture together, all eyes open, semi-still...impossible.

They're both in red, but one's a Democrat and one's a Republican...

2008-01-14T08:23:00.000-06:00

(disclaimer: We here at Room for Grace do not endorse any particular political candidate or party. We realize the power we have to sway the election, and unlike Oprah, have decided to stay uninformed and quiet about our preferences.)

So the other day, Hunter overheard Hillary on Good Morning America, and wanted to know what she was talking about. I'm just glad he asked me and not his Papa. Papa would've been glad to inform him of course, but let's just say his response may not have been completely "fair and balanced".
So, as best I could, I explained the difference b/t Democrats and Republicans. You know, big government vs. limited government, the government solving people's problems vs. the people solving their problems, etc.. I really tried to not interject my own thoughts and opinions, and told him there were good people on both sides, and explained the criticisms that both sides receive.
At the end of my explanation, Hunter declared he was a Republican.

The next morning...

I was pouring myself a cup of coffee when I heard Ella(5) announce: "These are THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE!!!"

Why?

"I can get my breakfast ALL BY MYSELF! I can get the cereal, the bowl and the milk ALL BY MYSELF, with NO HELP!!!"

Less than 60 seconds later, from a horizontal position on the couch, Hunter(7) yells:
"Is anyone going to get me any breakfast???"

Oh, Hunter, I do think you may need to rethink your political affiliation. But then again, this is probably more of a gender issue, now that I think about it.

P. S. I just realized after rereading this post that I have single handedly offended half of the human race and half of the American public. We here at Room for Grace would like to state for the record that we love all people, regardless of their gender, politics, or willingness to get their own Cheerios.

Thursday at the Park

2008-01-10T15:28:00.000-06:00

While Hunter and Ella are away, mommy and Piper play!

Piper had so much fun leading me around the park today. She got to be the big girl, while Hunter and Ella were at school. Though she loves being the little sister, I think she enjoys having some time as the one and only too.

Last night at dinner, Hunter aptly stated: "Piper really has a sense of humor." It's so true. We can see her joining in the family jokes and trying to make us laugh, which she does all the time. I love this age, watching her grow before our eyes. She says new words and phrases each day, and just seems so pleased with herself. I love her little voice, and really just every little thing about her!

I know, enough already!

A little bit o randomness

2008-01-10T08:55:00.000-06:00

Piper's new favorite friend, "Dog Dog".
Showing Dog Dog the lights.
I love the smiles where their eyes disappear.
I heard Piper saying "Light! light!", saw this, and ran to get my camera.
Ella says, "Have a good day, ya'll, and you can never really have too much pattern!"

Point of Grace - How You Live

2008-01-08T10:23:00.001-06:00

(link via www.boomama.net)

How about a little good news?

2008-01-03T18:12:00.000-06:00

My mom is done with her 4 hour surgery to remove this darn breast cancer. The doctor gave us good news. Looks like her lymph nodes are clear, very welcome news.
She's been in recovery for about an hour and 15 minutes. Hopefully we'll see her soon. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for her. All in all, it's been a good day.

One year ago today...

2008-01-03T08:31:00.000-06:00

January 3, 2007.

The details of that day are so vivid in my heart and mind.

We had prepared for that day for over 2 years. Thousands of prayers had been uttered, mountains of papers filled out, stamped, authenticated, certified, sprinkled with magic dust.

And here we were.

Scott was at work, Hunter and Ella at home, still on Christmas break. I was trying to keep busy, between my 5, 289 visits to the computer. We knew it was coming and the anticipation was almost unbearable. When I am waiting for something, I have a slightly insane aversion to anyone talking. That becomes a problem when you have an excited 6 year old and an excited 4 year old in the house. My mom called to see how I was doing and I think she quickly got the picture and offered to pick up Hunter and Ella and take them to a movie.

God bless that woman.

Once the house was quiet, though my stomach was turning flips by the minute, I felt much better, that I could now concentrate on just how crazy, excited, scared, and nervous I felt. Sometimes a girl just needs to concentrate on her crazy. Thankyouverymuch.

At about 11:00 a.m., we got an email saying our agency had received a package containing referrals! We knew our group was in there b/c the prior month we'd missed the cut-off by ONE DAY. At least we knew we were next. But then I started to worry our referral would somehow be missing from the pack. The clock ticking on the wall was making my head hurt as I waited for the phone to ring.

Scott was in a big meeting at work, so we were emailing all morning. I'm sure he was very productive that day.

Sometime around 1:00 p.m. THE PHONE RANG - oh my, this is it, I am about to give birth! And I've never been the home birthing type, in any way shape or form.

It was Erin, from our adoption agency, and she had something to tell me.

We were skipped, I knew it, just say it Erin, just say it.

"You have a beautiful baby girl! She's 8.5 months old and is residing at Xiushan (pronounced Shu-shan) Social Welfare Institution."

me: "We got a referral???" Duh.

E: "Yes! And she's got chubby cheeks and not much hair, do you want to hear more about her."

me: "Yes!!!! Double yes!!!"

E: "Her name is Xiu Fu Zhu, she was born on 4-18-06 and..."

Upon hearing her birthday, I LOST IT. Completely and totally lost it, as in the ugly cry kind of way. Don't know why it was her birthday that did it for me, but it did. In that moment Piper Grace became a real live person to me, my baby, and I hadn't even seen her picture at this point. She had a birthday. She'd been born in April. I love April.

The rest of the story can be read here. Start at the bottom of the page and work your way up. I read these posts this morning and relived every sweet moment, so thankful. So very, very thankful. I can't imagine living my life not having experienced this. Piper was so worth every minute of difficulty it took to get to her.

The Lord is faithful. Very little of the adoption process played out as we expected. But His ways are truly higher and better and more rich in every way than ours.

Happy 1 year referral day anniversary!

Oh, Glorious Day!

2008-01-01T12:01:00.000-06:00

The sun is shining on this first day of 2008, as Scott and I sit by the fire and reminisce over the last year. The joys, the sorrows, the pain, the triumph. What a wonderful time we had last night, ringing in the New Year...

oh, wait, that's my fantasy life.

The sun is shining on this first day of 2008, that much is true. And we are reminiscing...but it's about what it feels like to get an uninterrupted night's sleep, something that has eluded us since last Monday night. A week ago. That's how long Piper and Ella have been suffering from some sort of plague that involves large volumes of mucus and late night hacking spells. Last night was almost the night. Piper slept through like a baby on Benadryl. The only interruption took place when I woke up to the sound of Ella breathing in my ear, standing by my bedside. For some reason when Ella gets out of bed in the middle of the night for an "emergency", she won't tell us she's there. She just stands there, breathing, until one of us (guess who) wakes up. We always wonder how long she's been standing there. One time I woke up to the feeling of her sneeze landing on my face.

Her emergency last night involved not being able to find Spotted Dog, her beloved beanie baby. So I got my cheery self out of bed at 2:30 am to find Spotted Dog, who was laying right on top of Ella's bed.

And this morning, this morning Ella has thrown up 3 times. Welcome 2008!

I have a post in my head about 2007, and I really want to get it out of my head. It's knocking on my skull, demanding to be set free. Since that post is not making it into blogosphere until things settle down around here, I'll link to my friend, John Piper, on his focus for the New Year...a life marked by prayer.

Hopeful Post Christmas Melancholy

2007-12-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

We had a fairly simple, good Christmas this year. Even though I know it was not physically easy for my dad, he made the trip out to our house with my mom early Christmas morning to be with us as we opened our gifts. Piper was excited to see him and said, "Papa, Papa!".
It was Piper's first Christmas home, and the significance of that was not lost on me as I watched her celebrate with her family. I still cannot fully wrap my mind and heart around the fact that she spent last Christmas in an orphanage in Xiushan, China. I know God was there with her, keeping her safe, and preparing her for what was to come. Next Thursday is the 1 year anniversary of the day we first saw her sweet face. Though that day was just like every other for her, on the other side of the world, a family of four became five, as we stared at her picture, and thanked God for His wonderful gift.

The kids love their super duper jumper thingy, although it made marks on our wood floor (ugh) and had to be moved upstairs. Nothing like the sound of jumping elephants above your kitchen!

Hunter thinks he's just too cool now that he has a real live shark, that he named Zambi. Hunter and Ella now include Zambi in their mealtime prayers, that he'll "have a good, long life". Ella has spent many hours playing with her new Twin Doll House and Diego vehicles. She and Hunter have many scenarios worked out that involve the twins and Hunter's plastic dragons and Siberian tigers. It doesn't quite look like the picture of the kids playing on the outside of Twin Doll House box, but hey, it keeps them occupied.

Christmas night, my parents had our family, my brother's family and my sister in law's parents over to open our stockings and celebrate my brother's birthday, which he happens to share with Jesus! Ella was amazed when she realized (after 5 years of celebrations), that my mom actually gave birth to my brother on Christmas day.
(In complete astonishment) "So your birthday is the real day you were born, and it stays on that day for the REST of YOUR LIFE???"
It was as if the world stopped for a moment as she took in this newfound bit of information. Why hadn't anyone told her this before?

It always takes me a couple of days to "recover" from Christmas. It strikes me as odd, how much I need some quiet time alone with God to reconnect after being so very busy celebrating His arrival on earth. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this little gem by Jon Bloom, that finally put words to what I have experienced for so long.

Scott took Hunter and Ella to the movies and I have a completely quiet house while Piper naps. I'm off to take advantage of this rarity, and do something crazy, like maybe sit in a comfy chair and do absolutely nothing for a few minutes!