Happy 3rd Gotcha Day

Thank you Father God, for the continued blessings of our children. Today three years ago, we welcomed Faith into our forever family. Now it seems like way before she was placed into our arms, we imagined what she would be like, but no one could have prepared us for the past three years, let alone that moment when she was placed in our arms.

After traveling across the seas to Hong Kong on a 16 hour flight, we arrived at midnight (after customs) slept four hours, back up and on the “bus” for 6 a.m.. Traveling to main land China from the bus was exquisite. The butterflies in my stomach were fanatical. Once through customs on main land China, we arrive at the airport and are flown to Jiangxi province. The luggage could not come fast enough as I knew we were now in the same province as our little girl. I just wanted to go to bed, as it was Sunday, and I was convinced we would not meet our daughter till Monday. Surprised on the bus, by the tour guide that we were going to pick up our daughters, now, Sunday afternoon, jet lag and all, the adrenaline was rushing.

Our bus pulled into the Civil Affairs office at the same time as a bus full of babies from the Tong orphanage, not our orphanage, but who could stop the tears. Frightened babies, on their possible first bus ride, to be handed to perfect strangers that will become their MaMa and BaBa’s. How frightened, you could see it in their eyes, how exciting you could see it in every parents eyes, and how joyous that we were to be families, at last.

Our orphanage was running late, so all of the other families in our travel group received their daughters before us, and the tears of joy were flowing. Then came the moment when the three Feng Cheng girls arrived, instantly knowing which was Feng Yu Le, our Faith, our hope, our joy, our daughter.Moments, which seemed like eternity, which was only like 30 seconds, they compared passports to papers, and handed our daughter into our arms. She was frightened, crying, sweaty and just plain scared. Nothing will replace that moment for me, of being the one to hold her first, kiss her first, and love her. I remember that moment with Adam. I said, “I am your MaMa Yu Le, and I have loved you long before I knew you, dreamed of you long before you were born, and hope that you will love me half as much as I love you.”

We were whisked away to take pictures, which will be part of her adoption certificate, hot, sweaty, sleep deprived, you should really see it, its’ the best photo we have! So, today as the families that we traveled with look at their daughters, I want to say, HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! I remember for the first time mothers, the joy in your face, the sparkle in your eye, and the wonderful memory of being part of your forever family.

Mommies kiss those babies for us , Abbey, Ava, Carmie, Gwen, Julia, Maggie, Jillian, Alyssa: we love them, and Faith will be your forever sister.Today Faith will tell you she was born in China, that her mommy and daddy came to get her because we love her. She’s right. We do love Faith Yu Le. We love her smile, it’s contagious. We love her laugh when she falls down because the laughter is too much to keep her standing. We love her questions, mostly which is “why”, but when given enough information to her liking, she will say o.k.

We love the way she loves her siblings, AA, BB, TT and Megan. She will scream…. I love you……a lot!!! Today Faith Yu Le, I love you a lot, more than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. Happy Gotcha Day sweet sweet baby. You have made my life complete, and for that I will forever be grateful.

Remembering

This day, three years ago, we were waiting for a package that would undoubtedly change our lives. Inside this package was a referral that we have waited for 20 months. The months that led up to this process was agonizing and filled with anticipation of what our daughter will look like. The process of putting together your dreams, your love and desire, will all have a face when we get the package. We knew she was coming, we tracked her from New York, then to Reading (tried to call and intercept the package but I was 10 minutes to late), then to Mar Lin.
I had my husband leave work several times to look and see if we got the package. Then at 1:00 on August 2nd 2006, the phone rang at work. Beck, she's here. Oh my, I ran to the car, made it home in less than 5 minutes to run through the door, and screamed, "where is she". My husband didn't open the package, he was waiting for me.
We opened the Fed Ex envelope together. Inside a red envelope. I remember my hands shaking badly, as we opened the folder, there she was. Feng Yu Le. She was so beautiful. I was jumping up and down, tears flowing down my eyes. I told Bill, I knew she would be beautiful, but this beautiful I could not have imagined. We called our family, told them she is here. Bill went to work, I went to Staples, photocopied her photos, and sent our acceptance letter within the hour.
This day, we knew the face behind the love, today we know the love behind the face. She has been such a blessing to our family. Our lives changed August 2, 2006, for the better....in every way.

Weeding.......contemplation

Surrounding my house exists mulch where flower-life is planted to grow, in between the shrubs. The annoying thing about seasons like winter is that when spring rolls around, you find that other greeny plants have been growing in that plantless season - weeds. They seem to sprout out everywhere. Sometimes, there seems to be more weeds, than shrubs or flowers. Today I decided that I would weed from the soil they had embedded themselves in, not an easy task, as some of them have really long roots. I was out there for a good two hours just tugging and pulling.
There are a variety of thoughts that I drew from my weeding experience (hey, you have to keep yourself occupied during such a boring activity). I think first of all, did noone see these weeds but me, or even care to pick just one as you walked through the jungle to the front door. So then I pondered some more, what about the seriousness of weeds in my life. In plant-sense, weeds are green and deceptively look similar to their flower counterparts, but end up taking water and choking the flowers they are next too . This is very similar to the walk I am walking right now.
Some things in life appear to be harmless and may have good intentions at first; however, later down the road a self-serving weed may bloom out of a simple seed. The simplest blade of grass has roots buried deep, some not even directly beneath it. The can sprout of our no where, beside it, around it, feet from it.

When weeds are fostered alongside good character, it becomes a conscious competition between human and Godly desire. To root out those wicked weeds, I will take patience, and even a very long time to fully get to the end of the weed.(Did I mention how long I let the weeding go?) But when the weed is finally uprooted, how joyous is it! New growth is then possible where a deadened nature once thrived. Pray for me this day that I have the perseverance of treating weeds and for the want to give up the ground in my life that I let weeds grow.

Molly

Tomorrow is my best friends birthday. So tonight I am taking the time to make a tribute to her on my blog. This friend has been in my life for ......years (we won't say because it makes us old, even though I take her out for one drink and she gets carded...go figure). She is one that I can pour my heart and soul to, listen for a Godly response and loves me no matter which path I choose. True Friends are the best. She is the God mother of my son, my matron of honor from my wedding, and one of God's finest gifts to not only me and my family, but to all that meet her. So here are the Top 10 Reasons I love "MY MOLLY"......

10.) That it only takes one Jolly Rancher for you to start talking and talking and talking.
9.) That you are the only --year old that can get carded at the bar.
8.) That you are an excellent mother to Dani and Alex......they don't realize how very lucky they are, but they will and the reward will be great.
7.) That you are steadfast in all that you do, an excellent example to me
6.) That you give with all of your heart, every time, unselfishly...a true testimony of your Faith in our Lord.
5.) That you are my son's God mother, loving and showing him Biblical principles
4.) That you stood beside me, when I got married, sang "my wedding song", and had a great sense of humor when we introduced you at the hall.....aw the memories.
3.) That we can finish each others sentences then hysterically laugh.... then in an instant forget about what we were laughing about, which then makes more laughter......
2.) You are my sister....and I love having a sister.. especially you!
1.)That you are the best friend, any one would be honored to have......I know I am.

So to my best buddy....HAPPY 3- th Birthday (see I didn't say it). I love you and even though there are many miles between us, I couldn't be prouder to call you my friend. I hope you have a day filled with many blessings that you have given to me. I love you!!!!




A friend drops their plans when you're in trouble, shares joy in your accomplishments, feels sad when you're in pain. A friend encourages your dreams and offers advice--but when you don't follow it, they still respect and love you.
-- Doris Wild Helmering

Five Minutes for Mom's

And More

And More

The Start of the Photos

It all Started with a Mouse

THE SPIRITUALITY OF WALT DISNEY
"A prayer, it seems to me, implies a promise as well as a request; at the highest level, prayer not only is supplication for strength and guidance, but also becomes an affirmation of life and thus a reverent praise of God." -Walt Disney

It all started with a Mouse........Walt Disney

See you real soon!!!!

Disney on Ice

Tomorrow we leave for Disney World, so this past week we gave the kids a prelude of what is to come and took them to Disney on Ice at Hershey. Celebration of 100 years of Magic, the kids truly loved it and have talked of nothing else, I can't wait to enter the Magic Kingdom.... MomMom, Baby, AA, Aunt Missy, Alec and Erika and I all went, had dinner and then went to the show. Enjoy the photos.

Easter morning Photos

My sister in law and her family visited for Easter morning. Here are some photos of the Easter Egg hunt where the Easter Bunny left 328 eggs in the yard. The kids has a great time and were excited with opening all the eggs. The hunt took almost an hour. Enjoy!

Rainbows

My daughter ( and my son at one time too) belong to the church group of Rainbows. A group of children age 3-5 that get together each week to learn about God. Earning badges of animals to Noah's ark while sharing in the Savior's love. They have a song:
I'm a rainbow, a promise of God's care
I like to share my happiness, with my friends everywhere.

Recently, over the past week, there have been spotting of Rainbows at the house. While anyone at the Schuylkill Health School of Nursing can attest, we read about Rainbows when taking the fit test, and how they are a prism of light. A rainbow is a spectrum of light that appears in the sky when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the Earth's atmosphere. So of course there is a scientific answer to why there are rainbows and my right brain can attest to all of them. However, the sightings here at home, have had way more meaning. The Bible states:
"God said, 'Here is the sign of the Covenant I make between myself and you and every living creature with you for all generations: I set my rainbow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the Covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:12-13)

"When I gather the clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will recall the Covennant between myself and you and every living creature of every kind. And so the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all things of flesh." (Genesis 9:14-15).

"When the rainbow is in the clouds I shall see it and call to mind the everlasting Covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is found on the earth." (Genesis 9:16).

The rainbow, the sign that God will see us through the storm. Lately my heart has Eric on it, morning, day and night. Then I think about the rainbow, a sign that God will see us through the storm, he will ease our troubles, and keep us in his care. When I saw the rainbow, I can't help to think that God is telling me that he is there to help me through the storm. I pray that my family, sees the rainbows, knows that my God loves them so, and he will hold us through the storm.

Happy Birthday TT

Ok, so I am a day late and always a dollar short, but not in love or wishes. Time just seems to get away from me lately, so I apologize.
Yesterday was our oldest daughter's birthday. She is stationed in Germany right now, and we miss her daily, but happy that she is enjoying it. Here are the top reasons we love T.T.

** Her spirit is gracious, she would do anything for anyone, and that is in her soul, beautiful.
** Her red hair......would kill for that color.....lovely
** The way that you love A.A.....he looks up to you and is so proud of you.
** The way that the baby knows you, and can't wait for you to come home so you can play BARBIES
** That you have made a choice to serve our country, the same choice I made, and I couldn't be prouder of you for that.
** I picture you in so many different ways, marching in the band, playing with your friends, trying your take at track and field, driving with your friends....reminds me of the song: "I hope you dance".
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.


I hope you always dance T.T.
**That your daddy thinks you hand the moon and stars...and I do too, you are a great daughter, friend and woman.
**That you have touched my life in such a way that I will be eternally grateful to you. You have brought laughter to my house, joy to my life and love to my heart. I will be a better mother and woman for knowing you, loving you and sharing moments with you. I miss you, can't wait to see you..... Happy 20th Birthday sweet sweet daughter. May you know how much you are loved, today and ALWAYS!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Semi-Formal

Pictures say it all......perfect!

Thursday with Megan

So today, my daughter in law took our daughter out of daycare and had a girls day. The baby barely slept last night and I was concerned that she may not be in the best of moods today. But much to my surprise (and I don't know why I am surprised, because she loves Meg so much) she woke up in a great mood. Ready for daycare without a problem, loads into the car and the questions begin to fly. When is Megan picking me up? Why is she not here? Where is she? Why, why, why? But you can be assured that by 1000 Megan was at daycare getting her baby sister.
One thing is for sure, they love each other. You can see it so clearly with every interaction they have. Its like, they look at each other, and understand each other completely.
So as I get it from the baby, they went to Wendy's which was super good and "yummy" chicken and french fries. Then they went to Megan's house.
"Megan friend my hair mommy" She got her hair done with glitter, fingernails painted, " me toes too mommy" and then topped it off with McDonald's play place. So I asked her tonight, "Does Megan rock?" Yep, as she nods her head. "Me love Megan" "me hug Megan and kiss her too ......alot".
After I picked her up which was 6-615 ish she was sleeping before we went 50 feet in the car. Once home, the tales of joy that she tells of her "girly girly day" sounds magnificent. So Megan, thanks for making my daughter happy. Thanks for blessing our lives continually. Thanks Faith for loving us unconditionally. Thank you Father for the continued blessings of our daughters. Oh how we love them so.

The YEAR OF THE OX

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox

Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

The Ox is the sign of prosperity in the Chinese Zodiac. The Ox in Chinese Astrology is not a bull. Solid and hard working, this powerful sign of Ox is a born leader. Being dependable, calm and modest, Oxen possess the ability to achieve great things in life. Strong-minded and highly intelligent, their balance and strength inspire confidence. Lady Oxen have the tendency to trust the wrong partner, so it is important to always get an outside opinion from someone they trust and who is wise before they make a commitment. Oxen usually have happy childhood without incident in their childhood and youth. Oxen may encounter difficulties in their marriage in their middle age. However, they usually are able to smooth them out and achieve peaceful and happy life in their older age.

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox - Characteristics

People born in the Year of the Ox are highly intelligent, and most dependable. They work hard and enjoy helping others. They are born leaders, fearing neither responsibility nor risk. They need peace and quiet to work through his/her ideas. Once their mind is set, it is hard to convince them otherwise. They are conservative, honest, gentle, reliable, and inspire confidence from all around you. They are a truthful, loyal and committed to their friends and business partners. They work hard and like peace. Women are usually good wives who pay attention to their kid's education. They are easy to trust others, but should be cautious to others' cajolery.

Strengthness

Oxen are born leaders. They are intelligent, logical, calm, modest, solid, dependable, resolute, and hard working. They have a keen eye for detail and an admirable work ethic. They are usually quiet, but they can be both articulate and eloquent when necessary. Trustworthy, truthful, caring, honest, and honorable, Oxen usually are very well liked by friends and families. They are good-hearted, loyal to friends, love humor, and make themselves a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion. They are good listener, unwilling to take sides until they know the whole story, and willing to provide steady and unbiased advices to other. Because of they are reliable, fair, logical, and intelligent, Oxen are often rewarded with positions of authority and trust. They are often traditional, and prefers systems and conventions.

Weakness

Oxen are stubborn and sometimes quick-tempered. Oxen are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain, thus they may not pursue some opportunities that present to them. Oxen may lack of imagination, they need to be encouraged to try something new every now and then. Oxen are perceived as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. It is important to remember that the oxen are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure. Since Oxen are generally quiet type, they tends to become introverted in a crowd. A good lesson for Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature or being too serious. Oxen need to learn to value their own good qualities to stand out of a crowd.

Gaining on It

So its been a while since I have commented on the baby's Attachment Disorder. Mainly because everytime I take two steps forward she takes three steps back and it is a grueling uphill battle each and every week. So this week I am excited to share some changes with you:

1) She has officially announced she is a big girl. No more need for pullups at nighttime, as big girls wear big girl underwear. She has been dry for 4 solid days and nights.

2.) She grabs her pillow and blanket and goes to bed on her own, not in my lap, not with me laying with her, not crying, just goes and lays down...AMEN!!!

3.) She wakes up and is excited about going to the babysitter, something I never saw with Daycare.....she is happy to go, packs her own bag with toys in the am and is jabbering all the way.

While these seem small, in my house this is HUGE..... huge progress, to know that she is loved, comfortable enough to let me leave the room, and going to bed on her own...well I actually get to blog. How about that?

Wordless Wednesday

Right Now

One of my friends Classic Mama posted the other day and asked what am I doing right now. So here it is:


Right Now I am listening to the Mickey Mouse clubhouse, while both of my children are in their rooms playing with their toys.

Right Now I hear the baby, singing Twinkle twinkle little star to her babies, okay it's more like shouting but it is still music to my ears.

Right Now I hear AA swinging his lightsaver pretending he is in the middle of Star Wars fighting off a galaxy, "no over here" as he jumps up and down swinging the lightsaver

Right Now I am wondering what to make for dinner, since school was canceled today and I have all day to plan it.

Right Now I am trying to figure out how five people accumulate so much laundry in one week, it's a never ending dryer cycle around here.

Right Now I am on the computer, trying to pick something special for my husband's birthday that will let him know how special he is and how much we love him here with us.

Right Now I am sitting in front of all of the family portraits, looking at happy moments and thanking God for each one of my family, the moments we have shared, and the time he has provided to do so.

Right Now my heart is a little sad, a little happy and a little confused. Each day brings its share of sadness for Eric, happiness because of the many blessings that we still have and confused of why we couldn't have it all.

Right Now I am looking at the rain pouring down and thankful that it is not snow.

Right Now I am going to end this post, change the laundry, play tag with my children (yes inside....we only live once) and get ready to make the children lunch.


What are you doing right now?