I've Been Tagged!

My friend On Fire tagged me for a fun meme. At least, it started out fun. By the last question, I was choking back the tears. But thank you, Fire! It was a great exercise and forced me to think a little. And reminisce a lot!

“What If” Meme

What if I could meet someone in the art world to chat with?

Well, I don’t really know the names of anyone in the current art world, so I will go historical on you. I’d love to meet Michelangelo in person. His attention to detail, his mastery, persistence and his obvious passion for his art are very inspiring to me.

What if I could have one wish granted for the benefit of all mankind?

Since world-wide salvation was already mentioned, I would wish for every child to have a safe, loving home with parents who provide for them and nurture them into caring and loving adults.

What if I could travel anywhere in the world?

This is a no-brainer! I’d jet off to China to pick up my beautiful daughter. But that’s not really a “what if” cuz I AM GONNA DO THAT! Hopefully sooner than later. So then, I’d travel to Ireland with The Boss for a couple weeks of exploring my native homeland :) and visiting the quaint Bed & Breakfasts of the Irish countryside.

What if I could live in a period other than the present, for 24 hours?

Send me back to the colonies! I’d love to marinate for 24 hours in the post-Revolutionary War era, listening to the stories of the colonists. What dreams they must have held, to brave the ocean passage, to leave behind all that was familiar and then to go to war for those dreams. And the textiles? I love the linens and the quilts and the fabrics of that time.

What if I could make over three areas of my body?

I’d go back to my pre-baby body, with a trimmer tummy, hips and butt. And I’d tell myself that THAT was not fat! That was healthy and that was normal! I’d also make over my “I hate exercise and healthy eating” genes.

What if I could become an animal for 24 hours?

I think I’d like to be my diva kitty, Maggie. Every night she curls up into The Boss’s lap, purrs and stretches and enjoys at least one t.v. show’s worth of his petting. :)

What if I could bring someone back to life for 24 hours?

I’d bring back my Grandpa Sam, Grandpa Ed and Grandma Gert. I’d hug them again, smell their unique scents deeply, and listen to their stories again and again, in their voices. I’d get Gram to make me her coconut macaroons. I’d introduce them to my amazing kids. And Grandpa Ed to The Boss. I’d thank them for the part they have played in making me the woman I am today. And for the wonderful things they have left behind, little things I see in me and my siblings and now in my kids. And I’d beg them to stay a little bit longer.

So, now I tag my friend over at God's Grace in Practice, my sister-in-law at Life and Lessons, and the proud new mama from The Five Of Us to jump in on the fun. Tag, you are it and you have to pass it on when you are done :)

By the way The Five Of Us has some great new pics posted
of their daughter who is waiting for them in China.
And stay tuned, I'm going to be introducing you all
to a couple other new moms-to-be
who are traveling SOON to hold their baby girls
in their arms for forever!

Favorites Friday

Over at Politics for Moms, my friend Natalie has a regular Friday feature, called Freedom Friday. Today's feature is a picture of our kids, celebrating the freedom that we have to raise our kids to be kids. To allow our kids to become whomever God calls them to be. I've been thinking about it a lot, like in Wednesday's post on that great Chinese proverb. My favorites today are in honor of the freedoms we enjoy, as a family and as a nation.

Favorite Freedoms of The Gang:

• The freedom to worship. We are unabashedly a Christian family. We worship weekly with our local church family. We gather regularly with other believers to pray, to study the Word, and to share our Christian journey. We do this without fear of reprisals at work, or from our local governmental officials.
• The freedom to grow our family. As a pre-adopting mom of a little girl from China, this is especially important to me. We have the freedom to have as many or as few children as we desire or as the Lord gives us. We are free to add these blessings to our live through birth or adoption. We even receive benefits and breaks from our government in recognition of the effort and expense that children incur.
• The freedom to travel. With family spread out all over the East Coast, we are free travel to see them and connect in ways that are unique to our family group. We can travel to Big Boppa's & Grandma's "cabin" to fish and swim. We can travel to Tiny Boppa's and Grandma's to hike and relax in the Shenandoah Mountains.
• The freedom for the kids become ANYTHING they want to become. I love that in this nation, my kids can be doctors, lawyers, pastors, teachers, electricians, or cowboys. Even my girls. I love that they can explore all kinds of career options, that they can study lots of things on that journey. And in this stage of life, I especially love that they can read lots and lots of different kinds of books that will open their eyes to the many ways they can serve the Lord and His church as they grow.
• The freedom to celebrate our heritage. March is a fun month to me. I get to make a big deal of my Irish heritage. I pull out lots of Irish music, make Irish meals (U.S.-Irish traditions & Irish-from-Ireland ones alike, Li'l Bro!), and fly my shamrock flags. But I also get to celebrate, at any given moment, the pride I feel in being Italian, in my Christian heritage, and in being an "O'&%(&" or a "W*^)@%^" (No, I'm not swearing! These last names are disguised to protect the innocent!). Additionally, I love that The Boss and I get to infuse our own flair for what it means to be part of The Gang. We get to make our team's rules and form our team identity!

So, here's my pic of The Gang, in honor of Freedom Friday. And this is my take on my Favorite things about being FREE! What about you? What do you value about your freedom?

(First photo with the digital camera)

What I'm Thinking Today

I saw this great quote on a friend's adoption website. I've been thinking about it all day.

“If your vision is for a year, plant wheat.

If your vision is for 10 years, plant trees.

If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people.”

~ Chinese proverb

Oh, Lord, that I might plant people. Grant that I might sow strong and mighty oaks that provide shelter from the winds and shade from the bright sun. Move through me that I nurture and protect these mighty oaks-in-the-making, in way that honors their individual grain. Stir in me a passion to push those roots down deep, to teach them to seek sustenance from the deep and living springs of Eternal Water that brings LIFE and thus produces more LIFE. Oh, Lord, that I might plant people.

Derby Dudes

This Saturday was the annual Pinewood Derby for our denomination's boys' ministry. It's always a very loud, chaotic, and crazy event, with lots of junk food, loud music, and sweaty, hyper little boys. This year was no exception. But I learned my lesson in previous years, and LadyBug and I showed up just in time for the finals. The Boss was supposed to call me periodically throughout the morning to keep me apprised of our boys' progress, so I wouldn't miss their cars racing down the wooden tracks. He never called, and I just assumed that meant that both boys made it to the finals. Boy, is it a good thing that was the case, or Baby Blue Eyes would have been crushed. As it was, apparently he was asking for me all morning. The finals began after lunch, and my Derby Dudes made us all proud!

Baby BlueEyes made it to the finals in his younger boys' class, of about 50 or so kids. When I arrived, he was ranked 12th in the standings of 16 finalists. His car was a souped-up bright blue little number, with hand-painted flames dancing across the hood of the car. He named it "The Blue Shark." (The number "5" is in honor of his favorite Eagle, Donovan McNabb.) The Shark did an admirable job of gobbling up the competition, because Baby BlueEyes place 6th in the finals. I was so proud of him: losing was hard, but the realization that there would be no ribbon or trophy for 6th place was even harder. He cried a little, burying his head in my neck to avoid the looks of the other boys. My heart broke for him, knowing how much he wanted to bring a ribbon or a trophy home for his room. But he dealt with the disappointment quickly and was able to cheer his brother along with gusto a few minutes later.

Dr. Doolittle also made it to finals in his class, ranking 3rd in the group of 50 boys. His car was a finely decorated "Screamin' Eagle" complete with our team's logos and colors. He worked really hard to make it extra classy, as it was carrying the Eagles name. The "Screamin' Eagle" flew down the track very well but these finals are double elimination and the races were incredibly close. I'm awfully glad there was an electric eye to judge that last race he ran, it was that close! Dr. D finished the day in 6th place also.

It was bittersweet for The Boss, as this is the last year that he had two cars to prep and two boys to bond with over the experience. I told him, maybe next year, he can do an Open Class car with LadyBug - or maybe even Aidan. Can you just picture it? A bright red lady bug car, complete with spots, flying along? Or maybe a bubble-gum pink car with sparkles racing down the track with The Boss jumping up and down cheering for it?! Maybe, just maybe!

Friday Favorites

Back "in the day" I was the gal that lived for Friday nights. Before the kids came along, we had a busy social life, hanging with friends at local restaurants, late nights in each others' apartments, laughing and playing games or watching movies. When the boys were really little, we just bundled them up in their jammies and brought them along. Somewhere along the journey, our Friday night social calendar stopped filling up. As the demands of a career and three, then four, children started pulling at us, The Boss needed Friday nights to unwind, in the peace and quiet of his own living room. I'd bundle the kids up still, but in their cozy little beds, a bit earlier than other nights. And now? We actually rejoice over the occasional "empty" Friday night on our calendar. We crave them like one craves ice cream on a hot and sunny day. They are our refreshment. Our chance to call our own shots and stop our clock, if only for one night.

My Favorite Things: Friday Nights With The Gang

• Long, late dinners. We can take our time, talk and laugh and tell stories of our day, without one eye on the "bed time on a school night" clock.
• We're all home. With a 13 and 12 year old, I know these occasions will be fewer and farther between, but for now, I love having all my chicks in one nest for the night!
• No meetings. It's a rare occasion that we have church or school functions on Fridays, so we enjoy the chance to dis-engage our "agenda-minded" brains for at least one night.
• Movie Night! We don't always watch a movie together, but I love the sound of the kids laughing together regardless of the differences that may have cropped up between them earlier in the day.
• Late bedtime for all. The kids are all still young enough to view a later bedtime as a treat, so I feel like the cool Mom at least once a week! The Boss usually falls asleep 1/2 way through "Numbers" but I snuggle in with him and watch re-runs and late night tv till my eyes are bleary.

There is something delicious about a late, relaxed Friday evening at home. It's even more delicious to sleep in on a Saturday morning, to be greeted with the smell of freshly brewed (albeit it, ridiculously strong!) coffee. To have no alarm blaring across the room, jarring me awake. But the most delicious thing about it all is the way the whole world outside our doors just disappears and the mad dash through life stops on a dime. If only for one night.

Random Catching Up

It's been a crazy busy week here. Now that all my healthy school-aged children have returned to the classroom, I've been running laundry (clean sheets and blankets and towels for EVERYONE!), cutting coupons, making grocery lists, and running errands. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon at a local play land, just enjoying the opportunity to visit with a friend and be out because I wanted to, not because I had to run out for soft foods or cough medicine!

I spent Monday getting BACK ON TRACK by going to Curves for the first time in 2 weeks. It felt so good, and I've been trying like crazy to get back there since! I think I can squeeze it into today's routine, later. I also trekked around with a gorgeous but slightly beat up antique headboard and footboard in my trunk. We've been planning to strip and refinish it and turn it into LadyBug's bed. That way, when company is here overnight, they still have a comfy place to sleep and LadyBug can bunk in with one of her many siblings :) The first estimate was $450 just to strip it! The second place was far more reasonable, and gave me an estimate of $150 to strip it and sand it. Further, they promised it would be done by the end of the week! SOLD!!!! In fact, they called Monday night to say it's done. Now that's service I can smile about. I am totally kicking myself that I didn't take a before picture to show you how amazing this set it. I was just too focused on getting my life back to normal. . . . One big project off the checklist that never ends.

It's also Pinewood Derby week here for the Gang. So our weekend and our weeknights have been about painting, balancing, weighting, decorating and naming our cars. Last night, friends came over to use some of The Boss's tools and share a pizza dinner. It was a fun treat, as we rarely get together with people on weeknights. I'll share the Derby fun in pictures after Saturday's race.

Finally, I started a part-time job in the midst of all the efforts to return to normalcy. In fact, we are all adjusting to a new normal. I am babysitting on Tuesdays for a local homeschooling family of 5. The mom is also a speech therapist for a local organization and she's been given the opportunity for 8-10 hours a week of work and needs help with her five. I also am "on call" for other days of the week, in case her other childcare falls through or she has additional needs. It's going to be a great way to help out with some of the special projects we have going here, as we get ready for Aidan to (someday!) come home! Including the stripped and soon-to-be re-finished bed . . .

Now, I'm off to the dentist. My absolute LEAST favorite of all appointments, all year. Both of them. My stomach is in knots for hours before each visit; and my head and face aches for hours afterward. As if I don't carry enough Mommy guilt for all the gazillion things I don't do right, or could have at least done better! Then, twice a year I subject myself to the painful torture of someone tugging and yanking at my lips and gums, telling me how shameful it is that a beautiful set of teeth like mine don't get flossed often enough. As if.

I'm gonna need a reallllllly large mug of Dunkin' Donuts hazelnut coffee and a big soft bagel full of cream cheese to reward myself for voluntarily showing up for the appointment and smiling and nodding at my cheery hygienist. (Who, by the way, has elevated me to some kind of sainthood for giving birth to 4 kids and choosing to adopt a 5th! Couldn't she cut this saint a break and just clam up about the flossing? For maybe just one visit of the year cut me some slack?!) Thank goodness that Dunkin' Donuts is in the next plaza over from the dentist. Thank goodness for Dunkin' Donuts.

The First REAL Snow

This weekend, we got the first real snowstorm of the year. That is, it was enough snow to really play in. Enough that it needed to be shoveled. Enough that creative juices flowed freely, after being cooped up in the "sick house" for days. I give you: Fun in the Snow, Gang style!

This is Dr. Doolittle's imitation of a Calvin and Hobbes's snowart, complete with a grimace of pain at the "sword" pierced through his torso.
That boy really needs to get out and burn off some energy!

This is Shaggy's attempt to make the world's biggest snowball. Shaggy is about 5'4" and by the time he was done, the snowball was about 5' tall. And there were ugly brown, mud tracks all over the front yard tracing the path of the snowball's growth!

LadyBug and Baby Blue Eyes spent the morning at the neighbors' playing and drinking hot cocoa. By the time they wanted to bundle up and play in the snow, it was pouring rain and ice crystals. That's it. That was our storm: 6-8 hours of snow, followed by several hours of rain.

But at least the neighbors got to see the warped humor of my sons. Whooo Hoooo!

P.S. If you need a giggle or a light-hearted view of the dreary winter weather, you really must stop by the above link for Calvin and Hobbes' snow art. It's hilarious. The boys got it from my Dad, and we stop by there frequently to laugh again and again.

Favorites Friday

Today is a snow day! Not a delay, or an early dismissal. An honest-to-goodness, real school-canceling, snow-shoveling snow day. My kids were thrilled beyond words, as these are in short supply since we moved from Central to SE PA. We always seem to be on the warmer edge of all the storms, resulting in that nasty wintry mix of slush and mess. Not so, today! Yippee!

My favorite things about snow days!

• Sleeping in a little more than normal - The Boss gets up really early, no matter the weather. So when there is a delay or a cancellation, he sneaks back into our room and turns off my alarm. Such a wonderful man! Such a wonderful treat!
• Long, leisurely breakfasts - The kids and I make a hot breakfast and all curl up on the couch (I with my hot coffee in hand!) to watch Matt, Al, Ann and Meredith. This morning we chowed down on chocolate chip and blueberry waffles.
• Homemade cookies - Almost every time it snows (or rains, or storms in any way!) I get the urge to bake. Usually it's cookies, sometimes it's muffins or cupcakes or bread. Today: hot, gooey chocolate chip cookies!
• Free shoveling - One of the perks of having two, strapping HOOVERS is that I promise the fresh, hot cookies if they promise to get the shoveling done for The Boss. Right now, they are finishing the driveway and are starting the sidewalks.
• Freedom from the normal routine - I have adopted a rather "relaxed view" of the standards on snow days, since we joined the public school system. As long as the beds get made, teeth get brushed and everyone has clean undies, I don't really care if anything else gets done. We watch movies, listen to loud music, drink hot cocoa, eat cookies, and have fun just hanging out.

So, what do you like to do on Snow Days? Do you have any special traditions or projects? Do you make special memories with your family now? Better yet, do you have any special memories of your own snow days?

Viruses, Valentines, and Various Stuff

LadyBug has been home from school now for two days. We had a wonderful weekend away to visit my SIL, over at Life and Lessons, but there was definitely something brewing in The Gang's systems before we got there. Late nights up giggling with her cousin and early mornings playing dolls probably contributed to her little body being too tired to fight off Shaggy's and Baby Blue Eye's colds. Of course, being the principal caretaker and huggy mommy, I have it now too! I confess, I did have my share of late nights hanging out and catching up with my SIL. She's such a great friend and I always enjoy our late night conversations. Speaking of conversations, here's a snippet of one I had with dear Dr. Doolittle about how easily I seem to catch these viruses while caring for my gang:

Me: "I guess maybe I should consider NOT hugging and kissing and cuddling you guys so frequently. Then maybe I could actually get over one virus before I start another."

Dr. D, deadpans: "Excuse me, while I try to contain my excitement at the idea of that actually happening."

Yes, Dr. D has entered adolescence, complete with the utter distaste for all displays of physical affection from his parents. I try very hard to be respectful of this normal distancing that occurs, as long as they remain respectful of the fact that I neeeeeeeed hugs and kisses occasionally. I tell my nephew that it's like gas in a car: I need lots of hugs from the sweeties in my life to keep me going. The Boss has spoken to the boys about this side of my personality, and we've adopted an easy truce: I get the occasional hug and sometimes even a kiss while we are in the house from them. But when we are out, I will respect their distance and their "space." It's definitely harder for me now that TWO of them are in this stage, but I like the balance we've struck.

Apparently, they understand my side of this issue better than I gave them credit for. This year for Valentine's Day, both Shaggy and Dr. D made me "coupon books" for a gift. Lo and behold, each book contains at least one coupon for free hugs and kisses whenever I choose to redeem them. Shaggy's (on the top at left) are hilarious: he put little disclaimers on them and reminded me to "read the fine print!" Dr. D took a page from his uncle's book of Irish humor when titling his coupons (see bottom left). They are such nuts! But you can bet your bippy I'll be redeeming those coupons when they least expect it. I have some devious plans whirling in my brain even now for the redemption of those goodies. Given that both of them occasionally read my blog, I'll not share those details here! (mwaaaaah haaaaa haaaa ha!)

So, we're huddling in for another day, expecting snow and ice in a "wintry mix" this afternoon. I guess grocery shopping and getting out for contact with other humans will have to wait another day. (insert dripping sarcasm here) And I was sooo looking forward to hitting the grocery store this morning, to compete with the other shoppers in their pre-storm stock up rush. Who knows, I might actually get to wear real clothes at some point this week!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Overheard at dinner last night . . .

LadyBug: "Ooooooh, goodie! Tomorrow is Valetine's Day! I love Valentine's Day!"

Shaggy, in a bored voice, already knowing the answer: "Why do you love Valentine's Day, LadyBug?"

LadyBug, blissfully unaware of her big brother's scorn: "Cuz we get CHOCOLATE AND PRESENTS!"

My sentiments exactly, LadyBug.

Happy Valentine’s Day

To You All!

I Think I Love You!

Yesterday, DAVID CASSIDY was a guest on Oprah. And I have to say, except for the long flowing brunette hair and crazy bell-bottom pants, he really has aged beautifully. It was so exciting to hear his old hits, to listen to him tell the story of his career, and how he found "normal" again. I found it particularly interesting that he's so insistent that his son finish college before he pursues his own music career. I loved how proud he was of his daughter and the kudos he gave to his gorgeous wife for their great marriage. But in the attempt to be completely honest here, my friends, I must confess to you that I danced and sang right along with all the DAVID CASSIDY clips and the two songs that he performed at the open and close of the show. Every. One. Of. Them.

My two older boys were completely bewildered, shaking their heads, trying to tease me out of my delirium. They even tried to leave the room. But now, I made them stay to share in the reminiscing. I had a blast! I kept trying to tell them what everyone loved about him and why girls my age and older were crazy about him, but they (being boys) didn't get it at all. At dinner, they proceeded to tell The Boss about my insane behavior and tease me about being stuck in the 70's (which I'm totally not, I'm definitely more of an 80's girl!). It's a good thing I'm secure and confident: their teasing and jesting could have really gotten to me. That is, if I could have heard them over the refrains of "I Think I Love You!" running through my head all night!

P.S. Yes, I know the Cosby Show was mixed in there somewhere, but I was too caught up in remembering all the DAVID CASSIDY songs that I could think of. The Huxtables were great, funny and all that. But they were no DAVID CASSIDY!

Favorites Friday

I'm a fairly new coffee addict. I resisted for years, even though I did enjoy an occasional cup, well-doctored and usually only in social settings under subtle peer pressure. It's only been three or so years that I've become a full-blown coffee junkie. And now, in the throes of a virus that has left my mouth full of painful sores and a head aching from the agony of it all, I am realizing just how much I love my coffee. Today's Favorites are an ode to my morning java. May we meet again soon!

My Favorite Things About Coffee!

• The heat of my full Tigger mug cupped in my hands seeps right through to my bones, warding of the chill of the morning air. That first long draw of heat eases the pain of leaving my warm, dark cocoon of blankets.
  
• The aroma is nutty and rich, tickling my nose with the anticipation of its taste. When The Boss is brewing, the smell is a touch more acrid, giving just the right nudge out of that dark cocoon on a Saturday morning.
  
• Its taste is strong and deep, calling my brain to alertness and giving my taste buds the gentle wake-up call they need to start the day. One big sip and my tongue is loosened and real words begin to form.
  
• The hazelnut creamer only enhances the nutty smell of my morning blend and adds just the right trickle of sweetness. The creamy flow into my giant-sized Tigger mugs is one of the prettiest sights I see all day.
  
• And the kick? Oh, I love the kick! The little surge of clarity and the jolt of excitement as I sip and look over the day's chores cannot be beat. I mean, come on! How else am I supposed to face the mountains of laundry and dishes that appear on EVERY DAY'S list without fail?

These sores cannot handle the perfection of coffee right now. They fare far better with room temperature water and yogurt. Lots of yogurt. But believe you me, when the last of these vile tormentors have left my mouth, I'm making a whole pot of delectable brew. And drinking the whole thing. Just think how much I'm going to enjoy that! Can you imagine how much I'm going to get done? Mmmmmmmmm, be patient dear mouth, be patient.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today marks the beginning of a new tradition for our family: the Chinese New Year! I was planning a big Chinese feast, and was going to make a few Asian inspired creations for dinner with some new recipes I've been saving. But a virus way-laid my plans and I have to roast the turkey that's been thawing in my fridge. So, we'll celebrate the Chinese holiday with a very American feast! Maybe I'll glaze the turkey with an orange teriyaki sauce for some Asian flair.

I'm very happy to share with you all today an exciting update in our adoption process. The following includes some excerpts of a letter we sent to our family informing them of our news. We have decided to pursue a special needs adoption through our agency, Living Hope. While the term "special needs" may sound pretty scary, we have actually felt an increase of compassion towards these little ones and feel the Lord tugging our hearts in that direction. We've been considering this direction since late last summer and actually received the application/informational packet in October. (I know, you are all shocked that I kept it quiet so long, aren't you?!) Since then, we've been praying, talking, and researching information about the conditions that these children are facing. What we're finding is that some of the "special" needs these children have really aren't that scary at all. Especially when we compare those needs to the alternative of a precious child spending the rest of her life in an orphanage or foster home without the love of a family who will be hers forever.

After consulting with our agency, the International Adoption Program Docs at CHOP, and friends who have been through the adoption process, we've decided as a family to go ahead and put our names on the "waiting child" list (China's way of designating orphans who have special needs). This doesn't take us off the track (regular, non-special needs) that we've been on for 2 years, it simply offers a secondary "track" through which the Lord may bring us our Aidan. There are many changes happening in China's Waiting Child program, some of which were announced just this week.

There are several reasons why we feel strongly about moving in this direction. First, and quite frankly, it will most likely bring Aidan home sooner. We've been praying for 2 years that the process would move swiftly and we feel like this decision aligns well with that prayer. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, we see this step as an unfolding of God's will for us that we were unable to see when we started the process. We didn't set out to adopt a special needs child but as we've tried to listen for and obey His voice, it's been pretty thrilling to see the ways He's confirmed our steps and encouraged us along the way - in all areas of this adoption, not just in this decision. Thirdly, we are part of a hospital community that offers the best pediatric care in the country and that is internationally known for its expertise on many of the conditions we are considering. This, too, may be part of that unfolding of His plan.

So please pray with us. We need continued wisdom for the decisions we will be facing as the process continues. We need continued financial provision, especially in light of the fact that this secondary track could move more quickly. Finally, we need prayers for Aidan, for her birth mother, and for the people that will be caring for her until we can claim her as our daughter. Thank you all who have already begun praying for these things. Your support has been priceless and we feel so encouraged by it!

China Needs YOU!

We've been fasting t.v. for a while, so I'm a little behind on world news. But this week we've been doing some on-line research and updating some documentations regarding our adoption. In this process, I have become aware of a really pressing need in China. You may already know about it, but it's very near and dear to The Gang and we'd like the share it with you here:

These past 10 days or so, China has been experiencing unprecedented snow storms. It's crippling the transportation systems, the business community and the schools. What the media hasn't been reporting as widely is the effect these storms are having on the hundreds of orphanages, big and small, across the country. These orphanages are struggling to keep the kids warm, fed, and healthy. Many of them are without diapers or basic medicines. Still others are without heat, electricity or running water. It seems, from what I've been reading and searching out, that the hardest hit areas are the most un-accustomed to cold weather and snow. They need our prayers!

If you need more information or want to know how you can help, there is a well-known relief agency (not a specifically "Christian" agency, fyi) that exists just to care for the orphaned children of China by providing resources and monies to the orphanages they connect with. It is called Half The Sky, and they are running a special emergency fund-raising relief program right now to deal with the crisis. This page gives you the updates on several of the orphanages that are under their umbrella and what they need to make it through till the weather breaks. The need is great and I can hardly read the pages without crying, knowing that so many daughters and sons are suffering.

As I've ventured into this community of International Adoption, I've made many new friends. Some of them are listed in my sidebars. Some of them have their child home, safe, warm and snug. But some of them are in process like me. Some are farther along in the process and actually already know who their daughter or son is. These moms need our prayers. Their babies are in precarious circumstances and they are reliant upon government and agency information about the welfare of their child. Please, pray with The Gang! Please!

P.S. Love Without Boundaries has unofficially won
the Facebook contest
that I mentioned in Friday's post - that's great news
for hundreds of orphans who will receive
excellent medical care from the donations given!
Wooo Hooo!

Favorites Friday

I've been spending a good bit of my time doing research and gathering information related to our adoption this month. We've got a lot going on here at The Gang's house: renewing documentations, updating information and getting familiar with this whole sub-culture within the International Adoption community. I've been making new "cyber" friends, learning a ton, and discovering some really cool stuff. I'm sharing some of it with you today!

My Favorite Adoption-Related Sites:

• Head over to Love Without Boundaries, if you are reading this on Friday, February 1st. They are participating in a fund-raiser sponsored by Facebook and have the opportunity to win $50, 000. That's enough to fund 10 heart surgeries for orphans in China! It only requires a minute, and $10 per person. (Click on the "$10 Saves 10 Lives" button at the top to learn more.) And fund-raiser aside, this site is a wealth of information about the lives of orphaned children and what we can do to help them.
  
• A brand new find, Adoption Mama sells creative graphic tees for adoptive mommies and mommies-to-be, a.ka. "paper pregnant" like me. I can't really afford any of the products right now, 'cuz well, I'm adopting! But, how cute are these shirts?
• Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) has an awesome International Adoption Counseling program. We've been so impressed so far with their knowledge, their helpfulness and the things they've counseled us about. We're really enjoying this resource!
• I found this cool link when I tried to find the Chinese symbols for the word "Hope." I'm brewing a couple "family made" art projects for Aidan's nursery when she comes home (some day!) and I had a blast tooling around this site. You can find your name and see it in Chinese Calligraphy . . .
• This is my favorite of all the sites listed for today. Julie P is an adoptive mommy herself and designs the most amazing jewelry that honors her daughter and the Chinese art of calligraphy. I've already put in my request for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Aidan's Gotcha Day, and so on. And the best part: "50 % of profit will be donated to support ongoing efforts to help children in need." Awesome!

There you have it. MMMMMM, all this talk about Chinese culture is making me hungry. Maybe I'll treat BBE to lunch out with some yummy eggrolls . . . . Have a great Friday, all!

Over Flow!

My kitchen reeks. There is a faint, acrid smell lingering in the nooks and crannies and curtains of the entire rest of the downstairs of my house. I am so irritated!

I made butterscotch cookie bars today. As usual, I doubled the recipe. After all, if one batch of cookies is good, then two is better, right? And . . . well, there's no nice way to say this: I have two HOOVERS living under my roof, by the names of Shaggy and Dr. Doolittle. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I made a meal that had more than one serving of leftovers at the end. These boys are eating me out of house and home, and pantry and freezer and garage and . . . you get the idea.

So anyway, on the back of my recipe card, I had noted a while ago that a double batch of this recipe fills one Pampered Chef bar pan. I remember that I wrote it and felt proud of myself for writing it down so I didn't have to wonder in the future. Because I do that often. Double a recipe and while I'm doing it, wonder what I used last time to contain it all, I mean. So, I was happy to see my "note to self" and proceeded to mix and stir.

The whole reason I went with cookie bars as opposed to actual cookies was to save the "on my feet time." I was babysitting "Miss GOHgeous," writing the bulletin, and working on some renewal documents for the adoption process. Ha. So much for saving time. This particular effort at a double batch proved instead to be a huge TIME SUCKER! Yup, you guessed it. The bar pan seemed quite full once I transferred all the batter, but I went against my instinct and trusted the "note to self." After all, I did take the time previously to help myself for future efforts, didn't I? Oh, silly me!

About 12 minutes into baking time, I sniffed the air. Mingled with the pleasing scents of buttery, vanilla-y butterscotch chips was a faint stink. As I opened the oven door, the stink took over the lovely butterscotch scent. In fact, it took over the whole kitchen. The bar pan was overflowing on to my recently cleaned oven! One of the butterscotch chips actually caught fire. I pulled the bar pan out quickly, shut the oven door and turned on the fans. I threw open all the doors and windows and took out the oven racks to clean up the smoldering embers of butterscotch chips. I was smoldering by this time.

Once the mess was cleaned up and the smoke finally disipated, I threw the bar pan back in the oven, only to have to monitor it every 4-6 minutes while the oven re-heated and the bars baked. I had to keep scraping off excess that puffed up over the sides (which I admit made for some very nice snacking after I skipped lunch), and basically hover over the oven for the remaining bake time. I'm happy to report that only the crustiest edges taste faintly like smoke and the rest of the bars are creamy and yummy.

And all that time I "saved?" Well, now I can clean my oven. Again.

Big News!

Baby Blue Eyes has lost his first tooth! By natural means, that is. You may recall reading about his accident a year and a half ago, where he lost his four upper front teeth. So the event of a "for real" loose tooth has been big news here, and he's been diligently wiggling and waggling that poor tooth to death. Yesterday morning, he informed me that he could see and feel the "little string" that keeps his tooth attached to his gum. (I know, how gross is that?! And telling it to ME? Come on, I cannot STAND loose teeth or anything to do with loose teeth, you may recall. Apparently it's genetic: Li'l Sis was grossed out with me!)


I knew we'd soon have big news to share. But I really didn't expect it to be just a few hours later, while eating pizza with his sweet cousin, "Miss GOHgeous." But there it was, sitting on his plate amidst the pizza crumbs. Big news!


We've never done the whole "Tooth Fairy" thing with our kids (no real reason or deep theology attached, just never picked up another expensive habit!), so imagine our surprise when BBE put his tooth under his pillow. Imagine our further surprise when he was actually irritated that there was no money beneath his pillow this morning. Seriously! We had this conversation at least 3 times last night before bed, patiently explaining each time that we didn't really ever do that with the other kids, and we're not really planning to start now. (Less patiently each time, I confess.) And imagine our complete exasperation when this morning we had to finally request (far less patiently this final time!) that he STOP hinting, pleading and quietly commenting (read: mumbling and grumbling under his breath!) on the issue during our morning routine.

So, instead of the Tooth Fairy depositing goodies under Baby Blue Eye's pillow, he has agreed to this blog posting all about him and his momentous accomplishment! Wooo Hoooo, way to go, Baby Blue Eyes!

Now, can we PLEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAASE stop talking about the "cool feeling hole" in your gums? Seriously. Thanks.

Urgent Prayer Need

Please pray for Ana. Last year, it was discovered that she had a malignant brain tumor. In the course of removing this tumor, she suffered a stroke that left her very sick and incapacitated in many ways. She spent a good part of last year in the hospital. When her family was finally able to bring her home, she started making good progress in her recovery. Even started being able to feed herself finger foods again. Recently, she developed a severe case of RSV (the bronchial infection so harmful and dangerous to babies and those with compromised immune systems). The news is not good, in the doctors' eyes. They have told the family that this little 4 or 5 year-old girl may have only 2-3 months to live. You can read more of her backstory here.

Our church family is standing against that dire prognosis and asking God, begging really, for complete healing. They have a great, solid church family standing behind them and our church has decided to partner with them in prayer and support for this family. This precious family has attended our various children's events over the years, so many in our church are familiar with them. And they also attend the same elementary school as my children, so The Gang has yet another connection with them. And I can tell you, the school community is watching the church minister to them and seeing His love shown strong.

Won't you please join our community, from where ever you are, and stand in the promises that Jesus wants to show Himself strong and mighty in this little girl's body? That He is passionate about seeing her walk in strength, healing and wholeness again? Our church is right in the middle of a season of prayer and fasting, and we believe that adding her & her family to our corporate prayer focus is completely in line with His will for us and the calling we have to our community. Please, consider joining us in lifting Ana to the throne of The Most High God!

Happy News!

I have a new blogging friend. I "met" her through my sister-in-law, who met HER when they were taking their sons for golf lessons at the course in their town. They got talking, as moms do when following their kids around to various activities. Turns out, they live in the same neighborhood of their small town. Turns out, Kateri is in the process to adopt a daughter from China. From the same agency we are using. Turns out their Log In Date (LID) is just one month prior to ours. My sister-in-law put us in contact back in the summer and we've enjoyed getting to know each other and sharing stories. I pray for her often, enjoying the support of a "sister" who is going through a similar journey to our daughters.

Well, Kateri and her husband have obeyed the calling of the Lord for their family and in December they "switched" from the Non-Special Needs list to the Special Needs list. And in the first week of January, they got their referral! In adoption speak, that means THEY GOT THEIR GIRL! So, they are spending their busy days and nights and weekends preparing the final documentations necessary to travel. Hopefully, they will be traveling in the spring - I think they are shooting for April. There is much to be done, a lot of loose ends must come together, and the Lord needs to move on the hearts and the bureaucratic process of Immigrations Services (USCIS) to coordinate all this.

Additionally, they need our prayers and if I may be so bold, they need some financial support. The Special Needs list tends to move quicker than the traditional route for adoption, so coming up with the final funds has to happen sooner than they had originally planned. She doesn't know I'm doing this, but can you consider heading over to her blog and reading her story? While you are there, let the Lord speak to you about what you can do for little Alayna Fu Chang. You can find them all, and their amazing story (back up a few posts to get the whole picture!) at this link below:

Journey to The Five of Us

Tell them The Gang sent ya!

Knowing Where You Come From

Oprah's show had an interesting segment today, about a Harvard professor that has been helping African Americans discover their genealogical roots. Chris Rock, the famous comedian, was featured. In his family history, he discovered that a great(x3?) grandfather served in the Civil War as a freed man and went on to own more than 60 acres of land and serve in local politics. All three of these accomplishments were quite impressive for any man, even more so for an African American in the years following the Civil war. They made an amazing impact on Chris Rock - he was visibly moved. He said a lot of pretty good stuff, about who he is now and how knowing about his roots changes his view of himself. But it's what he said below that really hit me hard. I'll be brewing on this one for a while.

"It's weird how you don't realize what low expectations you have for yourself until somebody shows you what your people have actually accomplished,"

This is the kind of conversation I have with my kids frequently. We have some very compelling characters in our family tree. A soldier who rode with the Rough Riders. A girl who gave up her family's business for love. Her husband, who had to find a way to raise his children after her death. Another father who drove an ice truck to feed his family. A girl who secured her passage to the States by working in Senator Seward's home. A young boy who played checkers on Harriet Tubman's front porch. Determined, gritty, salt-of-the-earth type of people who carved out lives for themselves and their families, no matter the struggle or the discrimination or the hardship. Many of them had deep faith in God and in this land they loved. All of them loved their families and sought to improve their lives. It's a lot to live up to, a lot to live in honor of.

Then there's us. We whine when the garbage man is a day late, or when the hot water runs out. We are offended when we lose a parking space to a faster driver. We complain that our curtains, our shoes, our jeans are out of date. We moan and groan about cooking dinner AGAIN. We get stuck in the mundane of life. We flounder in our ruts of comfort and pleasure and ease. We live our daily lives, often caught up in our To Do lists and our soccer schedules and our volunteer work at school and, yes, even in our church life. We do, do, do. We live below our expectations for ourselves in the craziness of this pace of life. And in doing so, we forget who we are. Where we came from. We start to sound like the Israelites again, only with better haircuts and stylish boots. We forget that we are children of the Most High God. That our accomplishments mean nothing without Him. That we are His workmanship. That we can be called His friends. That the most accomplished Man of all time, Jesus Christ, IS "our people." We often live way below His expectations for us.

Several years ago, I came across this resource. You've probably seen it, or a variation of it several times yourself. I've pulled it out many times over the years. When Chris Rock spoke about the impact that learning of his descendant's greatness had upon him, I pulled it up again. It's good stuff. It sets the bar high. It pushes me forward. And pulls me onward at the same time. Not only do I want to be found worthy of the lives & destinies of "my people," I want to be found worthy by the Creator of my people. I want to live to His expectations.

Favorites Friday

I love to cook, bake and putter in my kitchen. I'm sure most of you have figured that out about me by now. There's something magical about the completion of a full meal, or the conquering of a new and intricate recipe. It makes me feel accomplished. Taking a basic recipe and revising it for my family's tastes challenges me. I love "skinny-ing down" a favorite recipe, and having it come out just as scrumptious as the original. I even love my bright red and yellow kitchen and all the things that surround me when I'm creating family meals.

In addition, I love the connections that many of my recipes evoke. Making my potato soup reminds me of a sweet friendship with a former pastor and his wife, hanging out in their home with their adorable daughters. Layering a lasagna calls up the happy memories of pasta dinners around my parents' table. Putting together my mother-in-law's casseroles reminds me of how much she loves us and how she glories in making our favorites when we come home. Reading a recipe in my grandmother's elegant scrawl brings a tear to my eye as I assemble the ingredients and think of the special occasions when she cooked for us.

Today, I'm sharing with you some of my favorite dishes. If any of them sound yummy to you, feel free to drop me a line and I'll share the recipe. After all, those connections should go on and on - we need each other. Sharing how we nourish and sustain and even lavish the ones we love is an essential part of supporting and connecting with each other. Don't you agree?

My Favorite Dishes

• Chile Rellenos - This egg-y, cheese-y casserole is HANDS DOWN the most favorite of all the yummy dishes my mother-in-law makes. I first had it when The Boss and I were dating, and even though I occasionally make it here at home, NOBODY makes it with the same skill and love as Mom W.
• Ham and Lentil Soup - My mom has been making this for years and it's the absolute best soup for cold winter nights. Healthy and filling, I love to pair it with crusty dinner rolls or hearty rye bread. The secret is in the cloves!
• Whole Wheat Pasta with Sausage & Pesto - (or whatever other additions I can find!) I especially love this recipe because it came from total creativity and ingenuity. I had a little of this and a little of that and no money to run to the grocery store. It's never completely the same each time I make it, but even my pickiest eaters never complain when I make it for dinner. And there are almost NEVER any left-overs . . .
• Baked Oatmeal - I found this recipe in my Weight Watchers resources, and have made it over and over. It's an excellent breakfast or brunch meal and, with a few revisions, it also makes a great snack bar for the kids. There are so many yummy things you can do to this recipe, it's almost fool-proof!
• Chicken Chalupa Casserole - This Mexican-style recipe comes from my sister-in-law, over at Life and Lessons. She's a great cook and this one became a big favorite in our house after she made it for us when she was a newlywed. I haven't made it in a while, but now that the winter weather is really here, it's on the meal rotation for this month!
• Mexican Chicken & Cornbread - My favorite "ooooops" of all time. We were planning dinner with friends and I was "revising" a less-than-healthy recipe I had. The chicken breasts fell apart and we've all been raving about the dish ever since. I'm particularly fond of how easy it is.

Yes, I've noticed that there are 6 here, instead of the customary 5 Favorites. You get a freebie from me today, I'm feeling generous. . . I also noticed that the majority of these recipes are Mexican or Spanish-styled. We like food with lots of flavor and flair around here. The Boss grew up in California and grew up eating this style of food. I love the flavors and textures of Mexican, but I mostly love the casual feel that meals like all of these create around my dinner table. Homey and comfortable - for anyone who joins us. Whatever the origins of the meal.

Cracking Myself Up - AI Style

Okay, did y'all see American Idol in Dallas, Texas tonight? Did you see that cute little perky newlywed, who introduced her new hunky model husband to the judges? Did you hear her say that he helped her pick her songs? And the new hubby say that he thought she sounded great? Did you hear his "Wooo Hooo!" at the end of her song?

Simon commented at the end that at least now she KNOWS that her hubby really loves her. And after she left, Simon said it again, that he "must really love her." I couldn't help it, I lost it. I just cracked up.

Maybe it isn't that he (the hunky model hubby) really thought she sounded that great. Maybe this wise new hubby is just ridiculously relieved that someone else finally told her that singing probably isn't in her future. Or maybe it's just me, cracking myself up . . .

Wings and Womance

Today, The Boss came with me for a couple errands and some "alone time" together. We are in the FANTABULOUS stage of life that affords us a built-in babysitter. Sadly, we find that we are rarely taking advantage of this stage for "couple time." It's become a very utilitarian benefit: "Shaggy, can you watch the kids for an hour while I work out and pick up a couple groceries?" Or, "Shaggy, Dad and I have a meeting for church tonight, can you put the kids to bed for us?" We are trying to break Dr. D into the responsibility but have to proceed differently and with caution. After all, who can bother to check that LadyBug and Baby Blue Eyes are safely occupied when one is engrossed in a Calvin and Hobbes anthology?! (He spends way more time "in his head" than Shaggy does, so the caution is well-warranted!) Anyway, I digress. . .

While we were enjoying our time out (can you really ENJOY a crowded Saturday afternoon at the local Wal-Mart?), we talked about this stage of life that we are in. We can safely leave our children in Shaggy's care for several hours (we always stay very local), call occasionally to check in with them, and enjoy some time holding hands and talking without interruption. So why aren't we doing it more often? Why do we wait till our To Do lists become the driving force that propels us out the door and forces our "dates" to become practical, too? The usual answers - pace of life, increased family busy-ness, increased individual activities, and so on - are just too easy for me. The number of hours that are spent planning, executing, and maintaining our family's calendar, budget, and identity is exhausting. And in that planning and executing, no matter how meticulous we are, some things just fall through the cracks. Recently, time alone together to talk and re-connect has been slipping through the cracks. Neither of us really like it, but it's been so busy that we haven't had a chance to even sit and talk about it until today!

So, after our errands, we stopped at a local Mom and Pop pizza shop for a snack and time to sit away from the crowds in the shopping plaza. We took the time to talk about our adoption process, raising the finances for the process, and what the Lord is speaking to us about that process. We have so much on our hearts and minds. The longer we are part of this new international adoption community, the more we realize we don't know about the details of the process between countries. This brings up more questions about individual nations, agencies, and the journey we are on to bring our daughter home. Our little lunch together brought some answers for us personally; but even in finding those answers, we have discovered a whole new set of questions to be pursued. That's okay, I'm learning a lot and I think he is too. It's a tough journey, but we're in it to learn all the Lord has for us, spiritually and otherwise. It's opening our eyes every day to more that He may have for us in the future.

I came away from the conversation feeling energized on many levels: first, time alone with my husband always energizes me. As much of an extrovert as I am, I love the times I can pull away with just him to talk and be talked to. Second, I feel excited about the level of agreement we were able to reach without very much "back and forth" discussion or debate. That tells me that our hearts are still on the same page, moving forward. And finally, I am incredibly thankful that we made the time to do this. It was a rocky start, as I really bristled this morning over another "utilitarian" date. That was all me, expecting him to read my mind and make it more than I had suggested, without telling him that I wanted something more romantic. I knew better, but I am so grateful we pushed past it and went anyway.

For The Boss's part, he's just really, really glad we stopped to eat. He found "the best wings (he's) had in years" and still hasn't stopped exclaiming to the kids just how amazing these wings were! Who knows, I may be able to milk this one for a while and go back there again and again for wings and my own brand of womance! :)

Favorites Friday

I got to do a lot of reading over the Christmas holidays - snuggled into a deep couch with a glass of eggnog or hot coffee and a blanket. It's my favorite way to 'de-tox' and wind down. In addition to my great love for reading, I love to talk about books and authors and learn about others' thoughts and perspectives.

So, today's favorites are some of my favorite recent reads, old and new, or new to me. I certainly didn't read all of these just over the holidays, or I'd never have come up for air to be with those that I love. But I did make sure to quiet myself in a corner frequently - my own little Christmas break!

Some of My Favorite "Recent Reads":

• Karen Kingsbury - I just read Between Sundays on the trip to and from my folks' house. While it is definitely different in its feel from her Baxter family series, it was no less impacting and powerful. Being in the adoption process, I was especially moved by the foster and adoption story line. A beautiful story by a consistent, gifted and convicting author!
• Harry Lee Kraus, Jr. - This guy is a surgeon-turned-author. And his medical suspense thrillers are amazing! I've been working my way through as many as I can get my hands on over the past several months. The topics are incredibly relevant (cloning, gene manipulation, abortion, etc.) and if even half of this stuff really happens in the medical community, I feel even more inclined to vote NO to universal health care than I already was feeling!!!!
• Ron Luce - I've heard about this guy for years, through the various ministries that he's associated with, but I started Battle Cry for a Generation recently. It's a tough read with lots of statistics and facts that can be hard to weed through. But his writing style is compelling and really pulled me in - I didn't even mind (so far!) all the numbers that he kept throwing my way.
• Liz Curtis Higgs - Recently I re-read her series of the Scottish clan McKie. It's meant to be a fictional re-telling of the story of Rachel and Leah. The settings, the descriptions, and the plot all came together beautifully to expose the hearts of each character and the depth of their need for redemption and forgiveness. I love this series, and I love that I felt like I was in the Highlands right there with them, peeking into their lives. She has that gift with many of her other books I've read!
• EveryDay with Rachael Ray - I know, it's not a book. But I've been devouring it nonetheless! My wonderful sister-in-law gave me a subscription for Christmas and I've really been enjoying the articles and the recipes. Some of the tips and the make-over ideas are great for spicing up the dinner table this winter. I'll let ya know when I try some of them . . . .
  

I'd love to hear your impressions of these authors or titles. Maybe you have some new ones to share? After all, it can't stay in the 50's and 60's in the middle of January forever can it? We really ought to be prepared with some good, uplifting and captivating reading for those cold, windy winter nights, shouldn't we?!

Another Day At The Zoo

• Today, Shaggy got cut from the jr. high basketball team.
• Dr. Doolittle became a finalist in the 6th grade Geography Bee.
• I think I may have gotten majorly "snowed" by a salesman.
• I definitely got put waaaaaay behind in my daily routine by said salesman.
• I haven't even started the bulletin, let alone my grocery list for tomorrow
• Or dinner for tonite, for that matter!
  
• Melting wax from some candles I'm trying to refresh and re-use just splattered all over my microwave door and stove top.
• Somehow, we're out of snacks, milk and orange juice - just decimated by one after school snack!
• And Shaggy just informed me that the National Jr. Honor Society induction ceremony scheduled for tonight has been moved.

Good thing! I totally forgot that I was supposed to have that on the calendar and attend it. Oh, goody. Now I can tackle the 4 loads of laundry that are prowling around my laundry room right now, that should have been running all morning. When I was listening to this salesman run his mouth.

Just another day at the Gang's house. Or should I say, the zoo?! Cuz it feels like a zoo right now. A zoo at feeding time, with all the big cats hungry at once. Only the growling, snarling noises are coming from my completely obliterated "to do" list and laundry piles. Shoot, and I was really looking forward to crashing in front of the tv tonight without a pile of coupons or other crap in my lap to do.

Just another day at the Gang's zoo!

Notes In The Lunch Box

LadyBug has a tiny appetite. And she's a social butterfly. So there are many, many days that she brings home up to half of her lunch. After all, one cannot possibly adequately catch up with one's little girlfriends about the latest in Littlest Pet Shop news AND eat a full lunch in 25 minutes, now can one? :) At least she usually eats the healthier, more nutritious stuff first. I'm okay with her skipping the dessert portion and saving it for an after school snack. I'm quite curious as to how a child of mine can skip dessert, but I'm okay with it.

However, it appears that Dr. Doolittle isn't okay with food left uneaten. Especially when it's obviously been purposed for a particular meal in a particular location at a particular time. More especially when that time happens to be a lunch period that he shares with his sister. How do I know this? Here's the note (to himself) that I found in his lunch box this morning:

"Ask (LadyBug) for her leftovers at lunch today!"

I'm still shaking my head and chuckling.

Not Just Another Family Day

Yesterday, my darling new niece was dedicated to the Lord in front of several family members and her church family. It was a neat time to share with my brother and sister-in-law, pledging with their church family to point her to Christ and to support her parents in their parenting journey. It was also a very convicting time for me, causing me to stop and reflect on my own parenting journey and how I'm doing in pointing my kids to Christ.

Sometimes, when I'm being completely honest with myself, I find that I am more often pointing them toward my path and my agenda. That I am showing them how to pursue selfish motives and self-comfort. It's such a sobering thought: that how I live, how I speak, how I love them and how I serve them will set them on a path. I'm a pretty big-picture thinker, and I tend to take times like these (dedications, weddings, welcoming new members to a church family, etc.) as very personal, internal checkpoints on my own journey. I like that about myself because I think it keeps me aware of who I am and where I'm going. But it makes these ceremonial events pretty intense for me as well. I knew going into the service that I was there to witness the dedication. I started out the morning service by examining my heart in regard to supporting my brother and his wife in their journey to point her to Jesus. But, it never stops there for me! So during the entire worship service I kept re-directing my heart and my mind toward examining my own parenting path. The Boss often shakes his head at how "hard" I make these events for myself, but I don't really know any other way to handle them. I'm a wreck at weddings, let me tell ya!

Anyway, by the end of the church service, I felt a little wrung out. I tend to be pretty hard on myself. Shocking, I know. As I sat through the sermon (which by the way was a phenomenal discussion on Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and how that should help us in our journey as citizens of His heavenly kingdom), I continued by praying that my heart and mind would be open to His finger pointing out my sin. I looked for things to offer to Him as areas in which I can grow. But I also felt the warm approval of My Father. I felt that He was pleased with my heart-check time, and that He is pleased with my desires for these re-directs. I certainly won't pretend that He's always pleased with the daily choices I often make, but it was a wonderful thing to sit and bask a little bit in the idea that He appreciates that I seek His re-direction and adjustment along the way. It helped me connect a couple things that I've been praying about for my kids - that the progress reports are sometimes almost more important than the end product. That how they went about earning that grade in Math is as important as the actual grade. That how the boys are growing in their ability to nurture and cherish their younger sister is as important as the fact that we want them to treat all women with respect and gentlemanly protectiveness. Just for example.

So, it was a great baby dedication. My niece was adorable, as she always is. My brother and sister-in-law were wonderfully humble as they committed to teaching their daughter to seek Christ above all as she grows. And I was humbled and lavished by My Father as I opened my heart through it all, for His inspection and approval.

Favorites Friday

Happy New Year, All! I've been enjoying my little blogging hiatus - using the time to read, hang out with the kids and host my sister-in-law & family after the Christmas visit to my folks' home. We had a wonderful holiday, beginning to end and I'm sad to see it end. I'm quite surprised by the number of people around me who have been chomping at the bit to "return to normal" and put an end to the Christmas festivities. One neighbor on my folks' street had their tree out at the curb by the 27th!

We almost never take the tree down or "de-decorate" the house until the first weekend after New Year's - we like to draw out the season as long as we can. But when I allow myself to return to our regularly scheduled programming, I mean, life :), I dive into a variety of projects and re-organization of my home. Not one corner is safe. My kids quiver in fear of what they will find upon returning home from school. The Boss gives me strict warnings of the zones I am not allowed to tamper with. I try to listen. Really I do. So, today's list is comprised of the first things I love to do to begin the New Year on the right foot.

Favorite Ways I Start to Re-Organize My Home!

1. Tackle one kid's closet at a time - I look for outgrown clothes, broken toys, games with missing parts, duplicates of toys and clothes, and so on. When I can fill one 13-gallon garbage bag a day with either donations or trash, I am a content woman!
2. Take inventory of my pantries and cupboards - I use this to refresh my memory about what I have and what I need. This has been especially important and helpful since Shaggy and Dr. Doolittle started growing like the proverbial weeds. Man, those boys can eat!
3. Take inventory of my freezer - Planning to feed my gang and having reserve for surprises or company or friends who need a helping hand takes thought. Doing a regular inventory has been helpful, but I often lose track of what's "in stock" over the busy weeks from Thanksgiving till New Year's.
4. Give the kids a break - In preparation for the big "de-Christmas-ing" of the house on the weekend, I try to cut the kids some slack with their regular jobs during the New Year's holiday. Especially if we are home with no company. As long as the bathroom is clean, I've found it helpful to give all of us a break from "regular jobs."
5. Get all returns and exchanges done - I really push on this one, making sure that if the kids need something done, I do it before they return to school. It can make for a long day, if I have to bring all four. But this year, my neighbor invited the two little ones for a play date, so I threw in lunch and got to spend the entire afternoon with my two oldest. Two tasks got accomplished: a date with my boys, and all our returns and gift card spending done at once!

These are the things that help me put Christmas behind me gracefully and allow me to focus on the year ahead. I don't enjoy the mad dash to get to this season or the breathless pace that goes with that. I try to make concerted efforts to enjoy the process wherever I can. (As one friend says, I am steeped in traditions and I have one for everything this time of year - dragging out the fun and making memories wherever I can!) I love the "no school, it's Christmas break!" feeling that I still get when the kids are home for the holidays. I dislike the end of lingering over coffee and cookies, of sipping eggnog and watching old movies, and of preparing and sharing special meals with friends and family. Packing up all the gems that inspire "remember when" conversations and putting away the decor that illuminated my home and my heart can make me melancholy. These five things help ease that transition for me. They distract me from the abrupt departure of twinkling lights and sweet treats and move me forward. Onward, to a new year - cleaner and more organized than the previous, I hope!