We Princesses Three (Really Four...Most days it seems like more!)

She's 5!

2010-06-17T14:01:00.004-04:00

Katie Mei is officially 5! We celebrated with an appointment for tea at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort where they do it right! This mom's heart was beating fast as all 3 little ladies, Mom Jo and Aunt Tanya tried to NOT break any Royal Albert Old Country Roses REAL china. Whew!! Between the swan cakes, 'grass' sandwiches and lots of the tea stuff......it was a wild success! No major mishaps either!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

Jon and Julie's Engagement Pic

2010-06-01T09:33:00.000-04:00

We Graduated!

2010-05-30T10:02:00.002-04:00

Friday was the last day for Katie Mei's preschool years. She officially graduated from Florida's Voluntary Pre Kindergarten program. We will miss our preschool so much! The teachers and director are magnificent and have made our years there extraordinary!! But alas....we have to grow up. Miss Katie was officially the tiniest of the grads and did us proud by SINGING LOUD and waving at her obnoxious family during the program. Then on to 'Crackle Barrell' to finish off the celebration. Since we have a summer birthday they celebrated Katie's at school that day too.....so we had to wear our crown. The folks at the restaurant seemed to think another celebration was in order so who are we to turn down food??!!

So When You Have Asthma....

2010-05-28T09:24:00.002-04:00

Every three months (unless there's a problem) we go and have our lung functions done. It's a pretty technical and interesting process which never ceases to amaze me. Pretty simple for the patient (yea!!) but fascinating from the interpretation perspective. I wonder how many lives could've been saved had this been available even 25 years ago??!! Leni's numbers were awesome even though she's been running a temp and has some fluid this week. Woot!

Silent (but funny) Saturday!

2010-05-22T11:16:00.000-04:00

No, We Haven't Fallen Off the Face of the Earth

2010-05-20T20:32:00.002-04:00

Just extremely busy with end of the school year stuff. Katie Mei graduates from Pre-K next week. This Mama was asked by the teacher if "you could try and get Katie to class on time at least the last week of the year because we have graduation practice." I am making an attempt of great magnitude...because every 4 year old must be able to have all that grad stuff down pat and committed to memory don't cha think??! Heh. Actually I'm pretty sad because no more little ones in preschool for us. Next year all will be in big girl school.....which is another area we've been exploring. More on that later. Here's the gang on Mom's day. Sorry it's a little blurry. I was laughing at the squirmy, screaming, cutie in Mel's arms that will be pure delight around age one (she's delightful now...just a little high-maintence). We love all our people. Smile.

Proof Positive

2010-04-27T09:01:00.003-04:00

We got to take the classroom dog "Happy Pappy" home for the weekend. Boy did he/she have adventures! Happy Pappy endured a trip to Sea World where you will see 'proof positive' that Katie Mei is officially tall enough at almost age 5 to ride Shamu (you have to hit the bottom of the blue line to ride with an adult).....but Happy Pappy had to sit in the stroller and watch. He was much, much too short and not nearly as brave as Katie. BTW......Leni was 42 inches tall at age....3. Katie is just hitting 39. Poor kid will never be able to leave the kid section at theme parks!

When You Have Alot of Strong Personalities....

2010-04-21T12:26:00.002-04:00

It's bound to happen if not several times a day.....more likely several times an hour around here. What am I talking about? With many personalities bursting at the seams here, someone, somehow, someway is getting their feelings smashed (or a body part) throughout our days. While we strive for peace and harmony....on one recent evening Katie was the recipient of an 'attack' by a sister unheard or seen by the parents. We turned trauma into happiness by bringing out the......nail polish. A mani and pedi for Katie Mei did the trick and she was feeling quite superior as she sauntered back to her sisters to show off her newly glossed fingers and toes (given with lots of hugs....because she's the lowest on the food chain...let's face it). Happy yet again.

Honestly, We Don't Know If We're Coming Or Going...

2010-04-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

These are crazy nutty but glorious days! Lots going on! We can't decide if we're coming or going....or when to come up for air....as these pics reflect. We did take the time to capture the innocence of childhood on a recent trip out to Disney land. They will grow up way too soon!

They're Getting Married!!!!!!

2010-04-05T09:58:00.002-04:00

Anyone want to hear the story?????? Our daughter Julie and Jon are getting married.......probably sometime in the fall.....and we're just a little excited! Oh a Happy Easter it was for us!

Pretty Darn Excited...

2010-03-27T09:41:00.014-04:00

That these ladies have finished their school curriculum for this year! Don't know how in the world we did that other than when we work we work really, really hard. We've had so many interruptions with surgery, and medical tests that this is an amazing feat! However....and that's a BIG however.....we have many days yet unfilled to finish our required days. Yes...we ordered more books, and we'll get around to those....but here's a sneak peek at some of the things we've done lately that encompass school and the world known as .....us. Heh.

Here's Caroline! At a whopping 3 weeks old:)

Cade surprised Katie by picking her up at school and got to PPPPLLLLLLAAAAYYYYYY all day!

Make Paper Mache Easter Bowls to paint....Messy, messy, messy....and did you know the glue is edible? They found that out!

Tried out the pool....brrrrrrr!

Jammed a finger (mine!)....and boy! That mama can whine!

Got buried with our shoes on....after running 2 mi to the park (and back)!

Got in a little dizzyesque spinning.

Took these cuties to the Science Center......here's how I make them line up as we travel hither and yon to keep track of them!

Always time for a gymnastics break when learning all things Science....

My Leni at the new toy exhibit at the Science Center.

Science Center fun....and giving Mel-the-mommy time with her newborn!

The Clean Up

2010-03-21T16:39:00.002-04:00

Yep...they're in there some where. Smile.

Can You Guess?

2010-03-21T16:33:00.003-04:00

The ladies have been very crafty lately....which leads to some interesting discussions and items laying around. I love their creativity! Can you guess.........
Which hand-painted tea set belongs to which girl? If you know them, it shouldn't be a hard decision. Mostly they have LOUD discussions of whose is the top "prize"....but this mommy loves them all!

One Week Old ....

2010-03-11T15:22:00.003-05:00

Got to see sweet Caroline today. She's tucked in all nice and cozy ready for the world to do her royal bidding. Isn't she beautiful?? Yea...we agree. Mom and Dad are doing great! Cade is adjusting well and is today at our house working off some steam with the aunties:)

Tornados, A Nephew and a Couple of Divas

2010-03-11T14:55:00.004-05:00

Messy day today. Lots of rain and tornados around our area. Boo...hiss. So, as Cade came over to visit we had to decide what in the world to do. Cade decided to make his mommy a special refrigerator magnet (SHHHHH! We want Mommy to be sooo suprised!) ...which lasted all of 3 seconds. Heh. All 4 LOVED the colored peanuts made from cornstarch. They stick together with a little water. See the log cabin? Laura Ingalls herself would be proud. Leni painted a birdhouse for her fine, feathered friends that hopefully won't be scared off by the BRIGHTNESS but oh-so-cuteness! ......and please, please take note of the divas getting their nails done. Oh my but they think they are all that and more. Funnest day we've had in a long time.......and it's still raining....and there's lots of daylight left. Guess we'll go paint our ceramic tea set...(GIANT eye-roll from Cade).

The Racetrack

2010-03-08T11:23:00.001-05:00

Here's what the others do while Caroline is sleeping peacefully and being admiringly gazed upon in the other room:)

Meet Caroline!

2010-03-08T11:22:00.001-05:00

Here's a glimpse of new granddaughter Caroline!

Scenes From Behind the Scenes....

2010-03-06T15:56:00.005-05:00

Here's some views of the events of the day....when you choose to give birth in an office park....on a couch....in a waiting room...

Medana was so kind to bring Jason food because his real family didn't want to leave even for a minute (and miss the excitement!) to get him anything. She's the best!

The VanLue family of four....

Peeking at new baby Caroline...born just inside the door:)

Pacing, waiting, praying....pacing, waiting, praying....oh yea...and freezing!

Mel's Dad and brothers set up camp....their way.

Here She Is!

2010-03-06T09:44:00.005-05:00

Caroline Raye VanLue has made her entrance! Isn't she beautiful?! We got the call on Wednesday morning that DIL Mel was in labor and going to the mid-wife's office to be checked before heading to the birthing center. Jay and Mel were really looking forward to this center which would've given them a spa-like experience for the birth and day after. Well....it didn't exactly work out that way. Mel was told at her exam that she was too far along to leave the exam office (NOT set up for a birth!) and was placed in lock-down. Hmmm?! What's that you ask? All patients at the office were asked to leave, the front door was locked, and baby Caroline was then delivered......on the couch.....in the waiting room.....of the mid-wife's small office used for consults and exams.....in an office complex with normal business going on all around them. Zero meds. She was born at 1:42pm and the happy family went home a little after 5. Yea. Mel's pretty amazing and has just raised the bar pretty high for the female race of child-bearing age. Caroline came in at a healthy 7 lbs. 10.5 oz's and 18.5 inches long. A headful of jet black hair is now sporting lots of bows! We are so proud and in awe of Jay and Mel who handled this with incredible poise, unwavering strength and fortitude that would crumble most in their situation. God is indeed good and we are very grateful for his protection over this family! Don't be suprised at the many, many pics of this little wonder that will be showing up in the coming days! And I do have to point out that Cade handled all of this with his usual focus and attention.....not on his parents but on all the cars types and names in the parking lot. He's pretty awesome himself!

P.S. I have no idea why this pic posted so small. Leave it to my computer dumbness I guess but I loaded it the same as I always do. ????

Thou Shall Not Be Left Out.....

2010-03-02T17:24:00.002-05:00

This one couldn't stand being left out.....so she gave it the good ol college try:)

2010-03-01T14:43:00.003-05:00

These two fine ladies were given rollerblades recently by a friend. L and K had yet to try anything like this ....so being the sly
parents that we are.....told them these are special ones that only work......in the grass. Only special girls have these one- of- a- kind grass fed skaty-thingys! They bought it.....and we aren't budging. Smile.

View from the Rearview

2010-02-15T12:03:00.003-05:00

What you see these days when you look in the rearview mirror in the car.....Looks cute and peaceful doesn't it?! Most of the time it is.....just don't mess with blondie:) Katie is OBSESSED with these lensless glasses these days and when this girl gets object fixated it hangs on for a while. Don't understand it....but so be it!

Scenes From Happy Sugar Day (or more commonly known as Kristin's Birthday!)

2010-02-15T11:41:00.007-05:00

Let's just say...the girl was in her element. Games, sugar, people, sugar, fun, sugar, attention, sugar, pink stuff, sugar. Even Pink sugar. Gonna be a while before we bring her down from her heavenly loft of floating sweetness. She had a great birthday. We had a great one with her. You may have attended our shin-dig but may not see your pic. That's because you may have requested no pics on the internet.....or realized the camera maiden forgot her big camera and had to use her phone. (Who would do that?!) .....and it was a bit crazy. Blondie has some great memories!! We love this girl!

Oh yea....only Leni could throw a ball down the correct lane and knock down pins from the lane over. She's the only one we know of that can officially make a bowling ball....bounce. High. It was drama.

Happy Birthday to Our Own Eloise!

2010-02-13T11:07:00.003-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday to our sweet Kristin! Hard to believe this personality laden blondie is 7! We celebrated with burgers n bowling by her request! We had bowlers from age 3-76 and had a "ball"!! Pics soon! We love this girl!!

Katie Mei's first ever cartwheel!

2010-02-11T11:44:00.001-05:00

I know...I know...you've been staying up nights waiting for this moment! But as a parent thing....we have to share Katie's first ever attempt at a cartwheel and the results.....messy, scraggly pony-tail and all. Heh.

2010-02-08T14:55:00.003-05:00

TA DA! After taking a year off....the P.C. and fam got Sea World passes again! This year the girls have their own personal ride hopping go-with-em body guards! Can you spot them in the pic? Yep....we love our older ones of which there in now one more:) Katie is FINALLY tall enough to ride the "Snow-Mu" rollercoaster and Leni's tall enough for....well....anything she wants! She's feeling great these days BTW. Roller coasters...the bigger the better are her thing. This day she rode Manta three times and Kraken twice with a few other rides (the kids section rides are boring mom!) thrown in. Sleep and fun have returned! WHOOO! Can you hear me yelling all the way to China?!

Leni Update...

2010-01-26T17:08:00.005-05:00

"It's all about knowing God is for you and not against you-even in suffering. That's how grace becomes visible." Joni Eareckson.

I've had several inquiries about how our Leni's doing so.....here you go. In a nutshell...much, much better...but SLLLLOOOOWWWW. Asthma is a funny animal and can turn on a dime. About the time you figure out what the triggers are...there comes a turn in the road and another issue flares up. We're used to having a rough February....and a rough May, and somewhat of a rough September. This episode totally caught us off guard and was very scary. A week after our hospital visit....our lungs are still struggling but not as critical. We do routine lung function testing and had just recently passed at the beginning of the month with flying colors. Her levels should be around 283.....in the hospital they were below 100...and are now, a week later back up between 125 -150. Progress...but not great. That means weak muscles, weak brain functioning, and overall fatigue. On top of that we've had several side effects from the meds this time that we hadn't counted on. Bleah. We're still on a nebulizer 1.5 hours a day. That really cuts into your scheduling:) and we're having to be very careful about secondary infections. It is hard, it is time consuming, you get plain old weary from being up all night but it is truly a privilege to care for this child knowing God has time and time again spared her but has/is also allowing her to endure sufferings that would challenge the strongest among us.

All that to say....her attitude is magnificent! This child is so used to not feeling good that to be even somewhat better is sending her to the moon. She's the most amazing display of grace while being chronically sick most of her life that I can think of! So...thank you for your prayers....thank you for your kind words and concern. No question God's hand is and always has been on this child. She's taught me more about how to live by God's grace in her short 8 years than I had ever learned before. I think anyone that has a child with a SN can and will attest to that. To top it off.....this is only one of the issues that we're working through medically with this sweet girl. I've said it before and I'll say it again....I want to be like Leni when I grow up. More soon!

Some Are More Help Than Others...

2010-01-23T10:39:00.003-05:00

The ladies decided to make cookies for this Mommy's birthday yesterday....and in most ways I was amazed. The older two are learning liquid measures in school and this was excellent practice time. Katie is a natural organizer and very 'neat' by nature. She is going to live with her mommy forever because I can hand her a basket of laundry and come back a few minutes later to find everything perfectly folded and matched. So....with our cookie adventure....the hierarchy emerges quickly. Leni thinks dough ..any dough is playdough, Kristin is the natural bossy boss and quite enjoys giving instructions (see it in her eyes??!!) and Katie takes her time with a project, is a perfectionist and a detail person. The cookies came out awesome...and the kitchen is somewhat still intact. Heh.

Leni is some better. The fever is gone (whooooooo!!!!) but the breathing issues remain and are very, very stubborn. This was a doozy of an episode for her. Duh, right?! She's still on multiple steroids and breathing meds....and remains pale and weak but everyday we're seeing some progress. She's such an example of a sweet spirit when suffering! I want to be like her when I grow up
!!

Bronchitis Gone Bad

2010-01-20T10:46:00.003-05:00

All 3 little ladies have had low grade fevers and coughs at random intervals lately. No big deal. However Monday night Leni's fever spiked to 105 (no typo here!) within just a couple of hours. Add Asthma into the mix and it was not just a little scary. We ended up in the Hilton (aka. hospital) Tuesday for chest x-rays and lung function tests. We passed the x-rays but not the lung function:( Our little princess is home...pumped up on steroids and other stuff that Scott can tell you all about....and thanks to many prayers no longer running a fever. We're still not breathing well....but been there, done that and hopefully in a couple of days we'll be up and running again. Now....if I could only get her to eat. She's refusing all food. Wish the Mommy was like that!

On a different note, Haitian evacuees had begun arriving at Florida Hospital South! Awesome!!

...and now, I shall go brush the other girls hair that hasn't been combed in 2 days!

haiti orphanage

2010-01-14T18:44:00.001-05:00

No words necessary. Please pause the music first. We grieve greatly for this country.......

A Few Pics of What We've Been Up To.....

2010-01-11T16:12:00.009-05:00

We went to "The Old Sugar Mill" and made pancakes on our table!! Miss Kathy got to go with us and what a fun, fun, fun time we had!!

This is one of my favorite pics of the girls...reflections of their colorful personalities in action. Self explanatory if you observe closely!!

Blondie here cut her finger on a steak knife and gave us some not-so-needed drama. Gross was the order of the day:)

Happy New Year!! Who knew Mulan here would take to the bottle?? Of Cranberry Apple Sparkling Juice that is! We had to pry the bottle out of her hands!

Doing lots of diagnostic testing on this princess. Here she is doing her lung function test during the coldest week we've seen in a LOOOONNNNGGGG time!

Florida has turned into a REFRIGERATOR!! Actually this day...a FREEZER! This is Julie shuffling to her car in sleet. Yes, sleet. Right here in sunny Florida. Write Al Gore a memo please!

Meet Hello Kitty! We heart Birthday Parties!!

The Princess Collection is back to school after the holidays! We sent our cousins back home to 10 inches of snow and they sent the cold back here to us!! Wish we could say things have slowed down but uh...don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon. The great Florida Freeze has been all consuming lately in our efforts to stay warm. We have even been known to sleep in our coats (Kristin) and wear our coat while making dinner (me) ...even with the heat on! Not good but hopefully to end soon. Don't know how you Yankees do it!!

Thank You Up North People!

2010-01-05T08:33:00.002-05:00

We love all our northern friends but did you have to send your FREEZING COLD weather to our gloriously usually warm state??!! Here's what we are usually doing this time of year.....Making sand angels as compared to your snow ones....but the last few days have found us huddled under blankets and coats (and that's inside!!) while we try and not turn into pillars of ice!! Cold, cold go away!

(I am going to be hopefully redoing, revamping, restructuring the blog over the next-however-long it takes me period. Methinks it's time for an overhaul!!)

2009-12-29T22:14:00.002-05:00

After standing in line 1 1/2 hours!! these little ladies finally got to see Santa the day before Christmas. Of course it took some bribery to get Katie Mei close to him....but once she did she told him "IWANTANARIELBARBIE!" Poor Santa didn't know what to think much less what she said. Good old Santa got a little merry though when Mom Jo sat on his lap and kissed him on the cheek. He asked her to go dancing!! Not sure what Mrs. Claus would have thought about that.....

New VanLue Flip Video Camera

2009-12-27T20:41:00.001-05:00

New video camera for Christmas...the princesses have tested it out and want your feedback!

Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours!

2009-12-24T17:10:00.010-05:00

Should we tell you that this Christmas season Leni (age 8) poured Listerine in the iron to make the clothes smell better? And how about Kristin (age 6) who in protest slept in her coat during our recent cold spell here in Central Florida? Or Katie (age 4) who is still only 33 lbs. and only 36.75 inches tall at 4 1/2 years old? Or the fact that she pulled the stocking holder down from the mantle on her head and the result was a gashed, bloody head that I didn't notice was hurt until we pulled up to her preschool and I turned around to see blood dripping down her head. She is one tough kiddo. Instead, we'll tell about our Savior who was born this season in order that we all may be saved!! Thanks to Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and Friend who called us out of darkness into His Marvelous Light! May you have a glorious and wonderful Christmas!

Technical Difficulties

2009-12-21T10:10:00.001-05:00

We are experiencing tech issues....first it's the internet company...and now it's IPhoto AGAIN!!!!! UGGGGHHHH! I have great photos and can't upload them.

It's taking the Merry out of my Christmas....but I have a feeling it will return soon:)

Happy Birthday Jay!

2009-12-14T16:42:00.003-05:00

Our firstborn and only son turned 25 over the weekend. Jason's awesome wife Mel suprised him with a weekend away which meant one more around our house. The Cadertot came to visit and I don't think the action ever stopped. He is 3 1/2 now and not only can recognize but name every make/type of car on the road. Put that with 3 other girls all spitting out words with machinegun rapid-fire speed, and you have a crazy fun weekend. We took them to the Science Center for kicks.....and did lots of bike/scootering around the neighborhood. Katie and Cade are the best of buddies these days....and begged to sleep together. What could I say??

This Pretty Much Sums It Up.......

2009-12-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Life is grand when you choose to make it so!

Thank You!

2009-12-09T12:21:00.004-05:00

It's been a week and a half since Leni had her tonsils/adenoids out. I must say after the first two days I thought it would be a piece of cake. Was I ever wrong!! She is still running a low grade fever and on pain meds....the worst has been the sharp ear pains that effect her at random times. This is very common on days 4-8 (who knew??) and the nightmares that come with the territory. I was prepared for a sore throat....and that has been the minimal problem. HOWEVER....yesterday was a huge turning point and today Miss Leni is up playing with her nephew. In a rare and unprecedented turn of events.....Leni and Cade are the only ones home at the moment. Katie is at school, and Kristi-Loo is at Mom Jo's house. I picked up Cade W. because Mel isn't feeling good today and when we returned....a box was on the doorstep. Sweet Mirielle from Carolina had sent Leni a get well present which see for yourself how the monkeys liked it. It sings and dances....just what the doctor ordered!! Thank you Miri!! Hope to see you soon!! ( Isn't it great to see Leni smiling??!!)

What's the Matter??!!

2009-12-05T19:40:00.002-05:00

Are you dumb? Don't you know Rudolph is from Central China? Everybody knows that! (and no, you're not stupid...I just found out myself!!)

I Heart Referral Day!

2009-12-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

Man, oh man do I love referral day!! What is referral day? It's when you finally are matched with your child from China (or another country) and you receive his/her information and most importantly their picture! I remember ours so very well as we saw Katie Mei for the first time! Well, Wednesday of this week was referral day for those waiting from March 2006. Yes, we've been back 3 1/2 years and we were logged in on May 17, 2005. That means they haven't even referred a calendar year of babies since we've come back from China. People that received their referral this week have been waiting.....4 years!! So exciting and worth the wait when you finally see who and where your child is for the first time. This means yet another group of children will be on their way to their forever families and will not live out their days in an orphanage. Here's the linkif you want to ohh and ahh over the newest set of babies headed to meet their new parents!

Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back....

2009-12-03T14:52:00.003-05:00

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3" This is the verse that begins a new book I am reading. Yesterday it was an excellent verse to meditate upon because as the title of this post suggests...we went backwards a little bit. Leni woke yesterday (post op day 2) with excruciating migraine-like headaches. It tore this mommy up. Because of her sensory issues, Leni doesn't feel pain like the rest of us. She has the highest pain tolerance of anyone I have ever met other than my husband. Anyway, when this kid says she hurts you listen. No drama from this girl. Yesterday got pretty sad as I struggled to help her in anyway I could. We switched her meds around a little bit and she was able to get some relief. In the midst of it all I found her Build-a-bear ready and waiting for surgery in her chair....and found this pic (which I tried to rotate and it keeps posting sideways!!!!GRRRRRR!!!!) that Leni made during a moment of reprieve. This is the sweetest child. I hate to see her hurt.

Happy to say...today is much better. Today is earache day which they said to expect. She's tolerating that very well. Thanks for praying and hopefully we're on the upswing!!

One Day Later...

2009-12-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

I have to repeat myself...this child is nothing short of amazing. In the last month we've gotten glasses for the first time, had general anesthesia twice, been poked and prodded by 5 different specialists, had not one but two sleep studies, had multiple oxygen levels tested, was diagnosed with Narcolepsy and obstructive apnea, and yesterday had our tonsils/adenoids removed. Yesterday they guaranteed us she would throw up. She hasn't. They guaranteed us there would be blood loss. We've had none. They guaranteed us she would run a fever up to 102. Ours is 99 and holding. Here she is 24 hours after surgery going for a ride in her chariot! Grandma brought over a new butterfly habitat and net yesterday and we've already been on the hunt this morning:) She woke up this morning asking for pain medicine and her sisters. How cute is that?? The pain meds were administered right away.....the sisters will be back within the hour:) Thank you Lord for answers to prayers!!

Surgery Day!

2009-11-30T17:39:00.005-05:00

Do you want to meet the most resilient child on the planet?? She lives in our house! Today we had our tonsils and adenoids out. This kid is such a trooper!! It's late in the day and other than coming out of the anesthesia (nothing but yuck to say about that!!) she hasn't cried once. She's a silent sufferer which is a good and a bad thing. Good because you never have to deal with too much "drama", and not so good because you keep checking her to make sure she's ok. We had this surgery because she's had a blockage in her sinuses that is causing her discomfort/and enhances her breathing issues we deal with on an ongoing basis. Hopefully as soon as she heals this will alleviate much of the problem. Here is our Princess headed into the OR this morning before the sunrise:)

We thank you for your prayers as we continue to "peel the layers" from the mysteries surrounding this child:) and we give all the glory to our heavenly Father for caring for his children!!

Oh...and a giant thank you to my DIL Mel. The only reason this post got done is because Leni is currently under the effects of meds:) and the other two are at Mel's house spending the night. I had forgotten what silence was like.

Our Newest Project

2009-11-29T20:55:00.003-05:00

We had a marvelous Thanksgiving and trust everyone reading did too! Grandma brought the P.C. a new project to occupy the Science side of things for a while. These necklaces actually hold a Painted Lady caterpillar....all the food necessary until they spin a chrysalis and even have a magnifying glass on top. Our trusty caterpillars survived being carted, poked, and shaken and are currently hibernating in their cocoons. In another week or so we will have beautiful butterflies to introduce to their new habitat.

Thanks Grandma for the awesome contribution to the Princess Home school!!

Leni has surgery tomorrow VERY EARLY in the morning to remove her tonsils and adenoids. Hopefully this will correct her apnea and improve her ability to breathe:) If you think of us, please pray for safety during surgery and a speedy recovery for this sweet girl!!

2009-11-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

This is what I look like as Thanksgiving Prep is officially underway!! Wish I had this many hands!!

A Love Hate Thing....and a Little Trip

2009-11-20T10:24:00.002-05:00

I am experiencing a love, hate thing with I-Photo. Mostly hate...but mostly because I don't know how to work it correctly and am very, very impatient with anything electronic. My newest photos won't import so we bring you our recent hiking trip to a state park. Mostly it's too hot in Florida to do much romping in the woods...so when the weather changes we LOVE to take the girls to our fav clear springs and let them run and be pretend injuns. This time my brother went along ...again a greatly needed helping hand to pull girlies out of freezing water. We can't resist getting wet no matter how cold that water gets:) He wanted to give the girls a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits these woods...deer, bunnies, bear, raccoons, etc....but he soon learned that wild indians scream and squeal at the least little crackling of leaves. The wildlife mysteriously never materialized. Go figure:)

Leni is officially scheduled for surgery on Nov. 30th at 6:30 am. Hopefully this mom can be hyper organized about the holidays this year. Right now it seems overwhelming but we go step by step....one day at a time....being guided by the one who knows every step before and behind us!! More than likely there will be no snail mail cards... e-cards will have to do:) I"m adjusting my expectations and replacing it with gratefulness that this little lady is getting the help she needs!

Now...back to fighting with my computer.....

Do I Hear A WHOOT??!!

2009-11-15T21:14:00.002-05:00

We now have I-photo downloaded and life can resume full speed ahead!! Kung-Fu Panda here is ready for action!!

Please keep us in your prayers as this week and next we continue with surgical consults on Miss Leni! She's doing well but we certainly want her surgery done ASAP. I'm happy to be able to blog more normally now...cuz the ladies and little gent are so very full of life and are doing wonderfully! Lots is happening.....so we don't want to miss a thing!

Hello Again...

2009-11-08T19:53:00.003-05:00

Lots has been happening on the home front:) We have a new computer which is awesome, wonderful news. (CAN YOU SAY HULU THREE TIMES FAST???? We double heart HULU!!) We arent' set up to download photos yet but will be hopefully in a couple of days then everything will be back to normal.??!! Leni is doing great. Her asthma is under control with her new meds and is sleeping the best we've seen her in a while. She does have obstructive apnea which is under evaluation as well. She needs her tonsils and adenoids removed but the complicating factor is that she has a partially collapsed trachea which complicates having anesthesia. We aren't worried but the surgeon is. We're seeking a second opinion. We think the risk of her trachea is minor compared to the relief she'll experience having the surgery. The third and largest find is that she has been diagnosed with Narcolepsy. We've been doing our research because in children this neurological disorder is pretty rare. It has to do with a lack of Hypocretin in the Hypothalmus in the brain. It causes severe disruptions in the sleep cycle so her body never experiences recovery sleep so critical to every human. What's interesting is that it causes cognitive, neuromuscular issues, and cataplexy among other symptoms. She has pretty near every symptom associated with Narcolepsy. There is no known cure so for now she'll be on meds until they find one:) Basically we're trying to replace the hypocretin (Using naturally compounded perscriptions) so she'll begin normal sleep cycles. We're excited to finally be getting somewhere and can already see improvement after being on meds only a week. Thank you God!! We're not done yet....as we're set to see more specialists in the coming days. Keep praying!

Here's a quote that has spoken to me in these days comes from my close friend Amy Carmichael.

SOLDIERS
It matters a good deal that your book-food should be about strong meat. We are what we think about. Think about trivial things of weak things and somehow one loses fibre and becomes flabby in spirit. Soldiers need to be strong.
Soldiers have not time for everything. "I have no time for anything outside my profession," a young officer said once, and in measure that is true. WE can't be entangled in the affair of this life if we are to be real soldiers. By its affairs I mean its chatter and its ways of thinking and deciding questions, its whole aspect and trend.

As we go about our week, may we not lose our 'soldier' mentality and labor with diligence for the Audience of One... the one who upholds our every breath and heartbeat. I pray that I would not lose my focus or be distracted by the cares of this life that would continually shout at me to listen to them louder than I believe the promises of scripture. How do we do this?? By being a soldier that memorizes scripture and hides it in our hearts....just like we love our children to do. Very simple actually:) Have a wonderful week!!

Drumroll please......

2009-10-28T22:45:00.002-04:00

We have a diagnosis and a plan of action! I'm still debating how much to share .....so patience please!

Update...

2009-10-21T13:07:00.003-04:00

Well...here goes. Leni, age 8 has had asthma related issues since her adoption and some developmental issues that haven't resolved themselves. Part of the 'plan' included watching her...getting therapy and hoping she outgrew most of what has continued to plague her. Now at 8 years old we are taking more aggressive action to those remaining issues. We started from scratch basically all over again getting tests, tests, and more tests. Here's what has surfaced so far and as much as I'm comfortable revealing. Her asthma remains and after today's pulmonology visit...is still pretty bad. The lung Dr. today said we need to be very aggressive in treating her from now on because her oxygenation is pretty sad.:( We got new scripts and are going to do just that. Leni also had an overnight sleep study done which revealed 'obstructive apnea with excessive sleep fragmentation'....in other words...she stops breathing in her sleep 3-4x an hour. Yuck. Put that on top of low oxygenation levels anyway and now we know why the poor thing has struggled. We will be seeing an ENT on Monday to schedule surgery to have her tonsils/adnoids removed ASAP. The next test will be a daytime sleep study that will look further into another possibility .... She currently has a cyst at the base of her brain stem that they are checking to see if it's putting pressure on the stem. That could also be aggravating her symptoms and causing her hypotonia (low muscle tone) as well. There is a possibility of another surgery here as well.

This is alot for an 8 year old:) but we're grateful to God for his mercy over this little girl. Not once have we ever doubted His great love for her and we know all is in His hands as we walk this thru. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we walk this thru in a way that gives the glory back to God. He is faithful!!

2009-10-19T20:32:00.002-04:00

Hello! We've been gradually getting test results in which is resulting in more tests:) Yes, things are showing up which is actually good news. We have another major appointment on Wednesday after which I'll be able hopefully to explain a little further what we've been up to.

Thanks for your prayers AGAIN!! Back again soon!!

Our Little Patient

2009-10-15T19:06:00.002-04:00

We are in the middle of lots of doctor visits, tests, and more tests. Our little patient is doing amazingly well considering all the poking and prodding going on! There are some asthma issues that Leni hasn't outgrown that they are doing more intensive testing on....in addition to looking for some underlying causes she continues to battle. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we are getting answers! One of those is new glasses for our sweetie:) Here she is after having to have a general anesthesia for one test....being wheeled out in her chariot to the car. If you don't know this angel...she's a silent sufferer and has taken all this in stride. She's amazing!

2009-10-11T13:17:00.002-04:00

We're rockin and rolling with all our appointments around here! Miss Leni has been poked, prodded, and hooked up to all kinds of beeping machinery over the course of this last week. Some of it was fun.... Mostly not so fun but she's a trooper! More tests and doctor visits this coming week. Hopefully I can get some pics to show she approves of:) Thanks for your prayers!!

A Funny!

2009-10-05T10:15:00.003-04:00

We certainly mean no disrespect to the office of the President but this is how I found Katie Mei at our local craft store the other night. The outfit was completely her doing....including the nose-picking. Yea for phone cameras! Isn't this hysterical??!!

Life.....

2009-10-05T09:56:00.003-04:00

Well...we've settled into a dull-but-not-so-dull routine of school, school,activities, school, and did I mention school?? The ladies are doing FANTASTIC this year...so I'm going to ride the wave of this momentum as long as it lasts!! The older girls are homeschooled, while Katie attends K4 three days a week. What's funny about Katie is that last year she loved school but wouldn't talk unless spoken to. This year she's the bossy one...with hands on hips telling all the boys what and where to go! We are by FAR the smallest in the class but we make up for that in the boldness of our mouth (says the teacher!!). Gotta smile:) Survival of the fittest at it's best!

Everyone can pray for us too, if you feel led. We've started the ball rolling on some major diagnostic testing on one of our little ladies. We'll be seeing 5 specialists in the coming weeks....including having to undergo a general anesthetic for one procedure. Not fun, but necessary as the time has come to make some decisions and get the help she (we) needs. It's hard to explain needles and such to a little one...so your prayers are coveted. Thank you!!

I hope to be back on track posting here as well!! I'm finding the multi-tasking is not getting any easier as time marches on!! Now back to phonics fun....!

A Little Fun...

2009-09-21T09:53:00.004-04:00

This Mom and Dad took the night off this past weekend to head out to a benefit for our favorite foundation. The event took place at Universal's City Walk where we dined at the Red Parrot Club then their karaoke club.."Rising Star". Each table had a celebrity that sang for them....all to raise money for Central Florida's working poor...children and adults alike. Our company had a table and our celebrities were the presidents of two local universities. We were in the company of Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick (both of Nsync fame), Nick Anderson (Orlando Magic), local news personalites, various Baseball stars,Molly Hatchet (remember them??), Shaq's Mom who sang a rousing rendition of Respect...and the list goes on. A great evening for a great cause!! Lots of fun!

Life is Sometimes Better When...

2009-09-13T16:50:00.002-04:00

..you make up your own rules!! Katie and Cade are tight. Buddies. Allies. Amigos. We're so glad until it could hurt a body part. I caught these two sliding down into the pool on top of kickboards. Thank goodness they were wearing floaties because they sometimes hit the water...sometimes the steps...sometimes land. They thought it was an opportunity for uproarious laughter and had a ball. Then Miss Katie decided to go 'sans-flotation' and has been swimming-like-a-fishy all in two days. She's so tiny that we still sit poised for rescue action because it's a STTTRRREEETTTCCCHHHH into that wall sometimes. You go girl and boy!!

Mad Scientists On The Loose!

2009-09-13T16:40:00.002-04:00

....well...hopefully not too loose! The P.C. got passes to our local Science Center to enhance the 'academic advancement of their gray matter' this school year and it is proving to be a hit!! Half the time they have no idea what they are studying there but hey...we're working on it:) Here you will see them blasting off to outer space in the Space Shuttle....and Eloise's and Katie's fav...the hamster wheel. Gravity has never been so funny!!

Here's the Gang....

2009-09-11T09:41:00.004-04:00

Here's the latest of the group...minus the grandparents and plus our cute little mexican cousin (lower left in the pink tu-tu!!). Jason and Mel are expecting #2 in early March....Julie is 21, Leni,8, Kristin,6, Katie Mei,4, Cade,3, and the ever ageless parents:) Do you know how HARD it is to get a picture like this??!! But...oh so worth it!!

Happy Birthday Leni!!

2009-09-11T09:30:00.002-04:00

Our first adopted princess, Leni, turned 8 this week! We celebrated with a Hawwaiian Luau Party complete with limbo, pinata, cupcake decorating, Lei necklace making but sad to say....no roasted piggie. This was our first angel to be plucked from "the fields of the fatherless" and we are so very honored to be her parents! She has taught us to slow life down and see things through her eyes...which are beautiful by the way!! When she grows up whe wants to be a vet...because compassion and animals go hand in hand with this sweet girl!! Happy Birthday Leni!!

HMMMMM.......

2009-09-06T20:13:00.001-04:00

Take a good look at the birthday ticker below right and see what our next family event is......somebody's turning...??????

School Days, School Days.. Good Ol Golden Rule Days...

2009-09-06T20:04:00.002-04:00

Yep...we're back. And our lovely group of princesses have started school. Katie is a whopping 4 years old and enrolled in Florida's VPK at her regular pre-school the ladies have attended. What that means....is that it's a state-run protocol but you can stay at your regular private school with your marvelous teachers you're used to!! Whoo-hoo!! Funding was cut some this year and it was uncertain how it was going to look...but yea baby!! We started... and the state came through!! Leni and Kristin are both home-schooled and taking various classes for extra-curricular brain power. It's gonna be a good year...this mom can tell!! Here's Miss Katie Mei on her first day of Pre-K! We are by far the tiniest in the class...but there is another little girl from the Middle East...and a little boy recently adopted from Russia. :) We heart our school!!

2009-08-26T19:59:00.002-04:00

I'm coming back I promise!! I have lost the cord to download pics and well.... You'll see. Found the cord today:) Yea!! Open house ar school tomorrow and school starts Monday!! Ready or not....mostly not:) but we're gonna give it the good ol' college try....heh.

2009-08-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

...taking an itty bitty break:) Be back soon!! Maybe sooner than later!

Coming Like A Child...

2009-08-13T09:09:00.002-04:00

I read this by Joni Eareckson Tada recently and thought it might encourage those who are tired and weary...if you don't know her story please do your research and get to know this woman! She's been a quadriplegic for 40+ years now and every day is a struggle even to breathe. Yet...without complaint through weariness and great suffering she carries on in praise to her Savior! I love this quote from her.

God, Like a father doesn't just give advice. He gives himself. He becomes the husband to the grieving widow (Isaiah 54:5). He becomes the comforter to the barren woman (Isaiah 54:1). He becomes the father to the orphaned (Psalm 10:14). He becomes the bridegroom to the single person (Isaiah 62:5). He is the healer to the sick (Exodus 15:26). He is the wonderful counselor to the confused and depressed (Isaiah 9:6).

I encourage you to cover yourself with scripture when life becomes difficult and navigation may seem confusing. We can look to others both in this world and scripture to be examples of righteous living...and on an even higher level...to the one who gives us the very breath we breathe. Write out scriptures, carry them with you, post them and make them the very essence of your day! It works!!

Daughter or Friend...or Both??

2009-08-06T09:32:00.002-04:00

A funny story emerged at the grocery store the other day. I had all 3 little girls with me and they were being their normal chatty, giggly, overly-crazy selves:) I sent their cute little bums to perch on a bench near the check out so I could finish and make a hasty exit. The cashier heard me telling them to 'sit and wait' and made the comment...." Oh how nice that your DAUGHTER (emphasis minie) was able to bring her friends to shop with you today." This caught me quite off guard...as one little was now climbing OVER the bench....so I must have looked dumbfounded...but I simply replied..."Those girls??" "Yes" , said the cashier..."Well, they're sisters", I responded. "They're ALL my daughters." (said with a giant smile on my part).

"Ohhhhhhhhhh"...said the cashier. "Wow. That's nice. (Boy you could see those wheels turning in her head!!)

Miss Cashier never said which daughter she thought was 'mine' and I never asked. Adoption transcends culture, ethnic background, hair, eye and skin color....very simply..I don't even think about the fact of how different they look from each other anymore. Cashier lady apparently thought as I'm sure many do that I run a daycare :( or had brought companions along for the day! At this point...I wished I'd had Cade too so I could add that story to the mix:) Another funny story along those lines.....coming soon.

We're Taking This Kid to the Race Track!

2009-08-04T17:19:00.003-04:00

Not that we've ever been to a race track...or ever bought a lottery ticket that is! Today Kristin found a lottery ticket in a parking lot just hangin on the ground...and usually I have her throw out whatever current 'treasure' appears in her cute little hand. Today I just happened to look at the item she was holding and it appeared to be a 'new' lottery ticket. I have yet to buy, see, hold one so this was a first for the mommy too. After I donned my 'over-40' reading glasses :) I realized it was an unplayed scratch-off game. We scratched and would you believe...lil missy won 4 bucks!! I had no idea even how to redeem a ticket...but learned real fast and Eloise now has more dollars to her name:) She's so very excited!! It may as well be a million to her because her response was...."Now I can get more than one thing from the dollar store!!" Heh. We're cheap around here:)

Nothin Says Summer Better Than....

2009-08-03T10:10:00.002-04:00

...a hunker bowl of ice cream!! Chocolate Marshmallow from Publix is the best!!

What's Better Than Summer??

2009-08-01T21:15:00.003-04:00

Especially when your moms let you scream-I-mean-play in the rain!!....One of the moms of one of these two adorable tots is preggers and not feeling so hot. In fact reports have it that she's feeling pretty lousy...hopefully not for too much longer. I'm happy to report...IT'S NOT MEEEEE!!!!! Yep...DIL Mel is rawther green these days...we think maybe cuz this time it's "pink"?? Don't know...but we do know that while Mama Mel laid in the chair...these two ran crazy (along with other sisters) even in a couple of downpours. What's summer without a good rain squeal?? (or should I say squall??) Both apply in this situation:) Cade can high-pitched glass-breaking shriek with the best of them!! BTW...just FYI for those unfamiliar with our family breakdown...these two are aunt and nephew:)

Heading.....

2009-07-30T14:53:00.001-04:00

...to see G-Force in the rain! Who would have ever thought you'd need a jacket in Florida in July?????

Some local doctors say health care reform bill is lacking - WDBO Local News on wdbo.com

2009-07-28T21:14:00.001-04:00

U.S.Senator Alan Grayson has asked Scott to be a part of his 'healthcare' committee devoted to providers giving their input on the current state of healthcare and Obama's Universal Healthcare inititive. He spent over an hour yesterday with the Senator discussing current issues. One of our local radio stations interviewed him afterwards and here is what came of it:) Yea Daddy!!

Some local doctors say health care reform bill is lacking - WDBO Local News on wdbo.com

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A Hysterical Moment...

2009-07-27T21:12:00.002-04:00

I put this on FB but realized it didn't make it here. It must ...must...be here to preserve for all time:) The girls LOVE taking part in the Disney Dance Party at Downtown Disney on occasion. Ok...lots of occasions. This time they entered the hula-hoop contest. Now. I don't recall either girl ever in their lifetimes picking up a hoop and actually DOING something with it that's supposed to resemble hula-hooping. Usually they break them the same day. So when they agreed to participate in this contest we all knew funny was just around the corner. They did really good and suprised us all! Of course we were doubled over laughing because one of them has a few coordination issues (she shall remain nameless...heh-heh) and the other attacks things with such a vengence that it's a wonder the poor hula-hoop is still with us today. In this photo...what you see is what you get. It was and still is one of the funniest moments we've had ...to date.....And no...they did not win the contest. Double heh. They got a "puffy white thing" for trying though!!

2009-07-24T21:47:00.002-04:00

Love these sisters in sister photos having a sister moment:) This is what summer is all about...to us anyway!

One Last Photo....

2009-07-24T21:39:00.002-04:00

I'm still waiting for Scott to make adjustments to his awesome photos from our reunion....so...here's a few more from our other camera.

We made an attempt to get one last photo of the girls as the reunion was winding down. Let's just say...how do you get all of them who really don't want to have their picture taken anymore to sit still and smile?? Especially in a pool?? We tried.

Just Because....

2009-07-21T11:37:00.004-04:00

More from our beach day! Mel was here too but lately she has been feeling a little 'green':). We'll have pics of her when she's feeling a bit better. We heart our family!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

2009-07-20T11:34:00.002-04:00

The Dad in our house had a birthday over the weekend. We packed up with Jay/Mel, Julie/Jon, and all the little people to hit the beach. And...it rained. So we packed up AGAIN and headed to one of our fav places...Smyrna Dunes State Park. It's bordered by the Atlantic and the Indian River...and is a giant conservation area for many types of wildlife. Yea for Leni!! Her kind of place. All kinds of fun was had and here are a few of our favorite pics from the day!

The Cadertot. An absolutely hysterical child already at the age of 3.

My sweetest and onliest blondie beach babe....Kristin, caught in a rare thoughtful moment:)

Hunting fishies and crabs at the jettys.

Mommy and the one who makes us look at life through very different eyes.:) She's our angel....

The rare and endangered gopher turtle. The reptile...not the dad. :)

Our Little China Dolls~

2009-07-16T16:02:00.003-04:00

Here's the amazing results of what international adoption does!! Seven beauties from Jiangxi, China...all living in the USA for the last 3 years! Our China reunion was an overwhelming success with families coming to Orlando from Texas, Michigan, New York, Maryland, and 2 from Florida! From left to right please meet....Braiden, Abigail, Malia, our Katie Mei, Alexis, Janey and Kayla! We spent several days at a resort community by Disney this last week. We let the girls play their little hearts out....and along with siblings and cousins they did just that! The parents had a spectacular time catching up on the last 3 years and swapping stories about anything and everything. Some even found time to do a theme park or two:) All these little ladies are now the ripe ol' age of 4 and talk up a storm. Their personalities are priceless!! These precious girls have equally precious families and we love the relationships that have formed. Our goal is to keep these former 'orphanage roomies' the best of friends stateside as well. Isn't God good??!! (click on the pic for an even better close-up)

Scott has the mega pixel whoop-de-do pics in it that may take a while to process. We have more photos forthcoming ....when time and pixel loading permits:)

Rare Photos of the Elusive Not Wanting To Be Photographed Mommy!

2009-07-15T10:02:00.005-04:00

Leaving...very sad...we had such a good time...and the oreo sisters helped me S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E every drop of air out of our giant blow-up turtle!

We did a re-creation of our infamous Red Couch picture from the White Swan with the girls.....then did family photos. (FYI, every travel group to China has their babies pictures taken on their famous Red Couch in the hotel. It's become an adoption tradition...our group included. Our group mostly screamed at the time. :)) Our family shot turned out like this:) Like the girls shirts? They say "It's my sisters fault!" Heh. Usually is!!

We're bbbaaaaaccccckkkkk! We had an absolutely marvelous time, and enjoyed watching all our girls growth and maturity after being home from China for 3 years! I'm awaiting permission from some of the other families before I post pics of all the girls....so here are some where you will see something not often seen in pics. Me! I'm usually the photographer and the pic director......so this time I was in a few. Not to mention that I prefer NOT to be in them as well. To show you I really do exist...and am a living, breathing creature...here's two random shots from this past weekend.:)

2009-07-08T21:29:00.002-04:00

We're off on exciting adventure for the next few days and not sure how much internet access there will be. Actually...we are having an ORPHANAGE REUNION (Whoooooo-hooooo) with 8 families coming in from all parts of the country! Most of these families we haven't seen since we parted ways in the Hong Kong airport.I will be able to upload pics to facebook from my phone so if you want to friend me there....please do so:) We are pretty darn excited about what this weekend holds!!

Proud To Be An American!

2009-07-07T23:14:00.002-04:00

She may not realize it yet...but this girl is proud to be in a country that represents Freedom....Democracy....and the ability to worship God freely without having to 'hide' to do so. None of these things were/are available in her country of birth. I was yet again reminded of all we take for granted as we celebrated our country's Independence Day. She's pretty darn cute if I don't say so myself:)

8 Adopted Feet!

2009-07-05T11:04:00.003-04:00

Julie took this pic on a recent outing while our awesomest friends were in town. Here are 4 sets of feet....all adopted...from 3 different continents. Europe, Asia and North America. These girls are together now, and great buddies! I love what adoption does for the heart of God and for the people He created! Who knows where these little feet would be had not God intervened in these little lives? We serve the one who is worthy of ALL our praise!

*More pics soon!* This was too cool not to post this way!

For Freedom

2009-07-04T09:46:00.001-04:00

May we not forget.....

Get Up On Your Feet And Try This!

2009-07-02T21:32:00.001-04:00

We took the girls (and lucky Jon....see post below) to see the Hannah movie the other day. This is what these girls (minus Jon) have been doing ever since. Try it! It's uh.....hard....but these girls know every word:) Cute movie BTW...Now GET UP and GET MOVING and TRY THIS DANCE!!: You know you want to !!!:) About the 30th time it starts to make sense:)

Cousin Time is the BEST Time!!

2009-07-01T20:56:00.003-04:00

Our cousins are in town....let the giggles begin! What a fun group this is...and they get along so very well!! Lots of fun planned and from the looks of things...is already happenin'! We have an 8 year old, two seven year olds, one six, one four and last but not least one two who weighs more than the four. Yep. We're on a roll :) It's fun watching this cutest group grow up. I have pics of them (when there were only 4 of them) as little littles on this same couch. Now body parts are falling all over the place. Can you imagine this photo in about 5 years??

Who's The Guy Hiding Behind The Cup??

2009-06-30T21:49:00.002-04:00

Oh! That would be Julie's boyfriend Jon! Heh! Jon, his mom Gisele and sister Miri were in town for the weekend so the P.C. and Miri "ddddrrrraaaagggggeeeedddd" Jon to see this Chick Flick. He was the ONLY male in the theater...and had a great attitude I must say! The girls had a blast ....and speaking for this group...want to go again. Can you do the Hoedown Throwdown? Or, is is it the Throwdown Hoedown??

Last But Not Least....

2009-06-26T20:10:00.005-04:00

...our sweet, sweet Leni. This girl would never hurt a fly, is a friend to all animals, "unless you're a cockroach' she says:) At the ripe old age of 7 she's the size of a 10 year old, lives for mud, and is our resident 'dirt magnet'. I never had trouble keeping clothes clean till this kiddo came into our lives:) This precious angel has taught us to love what God loves...and to slow down and see things through very different eyes. She's quiet, unobtrusive, but funloving and a great companion. (Geez...I sound like I'm describing a pet!!) She gets along with pretty much everyone and is very content to take a back seat to the resident blond. (Like the blond really gives her much of a choice...heh.) Actually she and Eloise are best buddies and although only a year separates the two...they couldn't be more different. I think everyone that gets to know this special gift from God develops a very soft spot for her:) Anyway....here is her letter to her Dad on Father's Day.

Dear Dad...
I love the way you fish with me. (Hmmmm....let me think...they dug up friendly worms and fished off the lake bridge last weekend catching 6 fish in about 15 minutes!!) Everytime when I fall and get a booboo you always take care of me. Hmmm.....When I was a baby you used to call me hairball. (Uh...so not true! Even though she is Italian:))Everytime I get scared of raccoons you help me not be scared of them (we had a raccoon family invading our garage at Christmas..The Dad shot them with a BB gun) Mom! Mom! What did you write Mom??!! So, Dad, I love you no matter what and so could we please get on an airplane and go to France? (????) I loved it when we went to Bruster's and so Dad...Happy Fodder's Day! I love you...

Love....

Leni VanLue

If only life were always as simple as this....
All notes in parentheses are by the mother:)

And Then You Have Eloise~

2009-06-23T16:46:00.003-04:00

Yea...this is normal.:) This girl is either high or low. She considers middle ground just plain dull.

This is Jon. Julie's 'Friend' with a capital F. :) Here is Eloise using her manipulative charm on the poor boy...trying to get him to so something for her. I wish I could remember what. She's very dramatic if you haven't gotten the picture yet.

It was close to 100 degrees here and Leni sprayed her with the hose. Do you feel sorry for her?????? Yea...we didn't either.

Who decided Father's Day was the appropriate time to don her Tomato Red Christmas Dress? We love this girl and all her antics! Lately she has been responding so very well and even wrote her own worship song:) (Did we hear angels rejoicing????) Let's peek in on her letter to her Dad on Father's Day and see the realities of our Curly-headed 6 year old's mindset.

Dear Daddy,
Happy Father's Day...(mmmmmmm....giggle....giggle....snort..giggle...twist...turn....stand on head a little.....giggle) Thank you for buying me ice cream, and a webkin from Texas. (Ok, our Dad hasn't been to Texas in a year. Surely she could think of something in the last year he's done to inspire her:)...but ok....she picked Texas) Thank you for buying me presents. That's all.
Love,
Kristin

Clearly....we need to work on the materialism multiplying in this child's heart.:)

And FYI...she's an awesome kid that helps me immensely with the other 2 girls. I couldn't or wouldn't want to live life without her....even though because of her I go to bed exhausted:) Heh.

Happy Fodderz Day!

2009-06-22T16:53:00.005-04:00

Tradition has it that each child writes a letter to Dad on Father's Day. We musn't tamper with tradition.... So....here they are from the bottom up:) First we have Katie Mei's interpretation of a 'Letter to Dad'....

Dear Dad,
Happy Fodderz' Day! (Fingers go in mouth and we're acting very shy even though we're not ....but we just have to be in the mood to do what is being asked of us and this child is very moody). MOOOOOMMMM! Tan you tell me what to say to Dad, MOOOOMMMMM?? Tan you?? (Mom, "Katie, is he a good dad?") Yeeesssss, and I want to draw a mmmiiillleeyyy face, tay MOOOMMMMM?????

Love KKKKKKKK (which is how she signs her name)

(Dad got a smiley face for Fodderz Day from the teeny-tiniest VanLue.)

This pic cracks me up! She was spitting over the bridge into the lake to make the fish come up:) Nothing but high class ladies around here.

We Heart Heart VBS!

2009-06-19T17:01:00.005-04:00

We gotsome saaawwweeeeetttt 'long hair' from the dollar store as a reward for good behavior this week!!:) Eloise shows off her carabiner full of memorized:) scriptures and her "God's Eye" she made today. We are very excited about our new hair the most:)

These kids raised $4200 to support micro-financing farming in developing nations this week!! WOW!! The target countries were the Dominican Republic and South America.

Music Class everyday was a workout!!

Rec class was 'themed' as well around the scriptures of the day:) What a blast!

More rec time....this time it was a relay ball game.

Caught a sneak peek of Katie as she was going to her music class:) Look how tiny she is compared to the other girls!!

Whew! What a week! Here's a few more photos from our busy, busy VBS centered week! I even had a mom tell me today she was going home to 'plant the seed' for adoption in the heart of her husband after being around us all week. This made me smile:0)especially after seeing our girls in full force all week....attitudes and all:) You never know what God will do just by sharing your story!! And now...back to laundry, school (yes, even in the summer) and reality as we seek to immerse ourselves back into real life again!

We Heart VBS!!

2009-06-18T17:21:00.003-04:00

The church where the girls have attended preschool the last few years has the most well executed Vacation Bible School I have ever seen. The last 2 years this mommy has had the privilege of teaching as well. This week the P.C. are in RARE form attending CAMP EDGE!! We have danced, painted, laughed, run, climbed, crafted, swung from giant ropes, and hopefully listened about God's word as we have TREKED through scripture. We spent Sunday decorating our classrooms with a 'camping' theme including pop-up tents, flashlights, bugs, and even a 'fire'! Every day has been a different 'color' which has been a little challenging making sure everyone was decked out in the hue of the day.....and when the teacher I teamed with dropped out on SUNDAY NIGHT!!....well..that was quickly overcome as well. This mommy went on solo teaching one of the 1-2nd grade classes including a certain blond and a certain Italian mama:) It has been a stellar week of memories for these little ladies.The director had Katie in her Pre-K class so I'm hoping to be stealth and sneaky n take a few pics of her as well. Here's a few picures from today. I don't post pics of others children without permission, so you will see only our little ladies on 'red' day making the marble-rolling-in-paint-bandanas that had paint laden marbles rolling all over the classroom floor....and eating graham cracker campfires made with white cream cheese outlined with a perimeter of m&m's with broken pretzel sticks as the 'fire-wood'. Cute huh?? We had 15 kiddos in our class and it has been so much fun sharing the gospel with these little people!! And that's why we heart VBS!! Tomorrow's the last day and we are ssssaaaaaadddddd!

Rumors are flyin....

2009-06-17T18:52:00.002-04:00

...over at China Adopt Talk. We have some friends anxiously waiting their referral from China after 3!!!!years and.....they are next!!!!! Very exciting! We should know something in a few days:) Hopefully I'll have some new pics for tomorrow.

2009-06-15T22:19:00.002-04:00

...stay tuned:) It's a crazy week. What I am doing as a priority is reading "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George. I can't recommend it enough !. It's been a life changer for me:) In the meantime, Katie is at 102 degrees
And definitely not happy, while mom teaches VBS.....which by the way is a blast!

Party Time!

2009-06-13T08:50:00.006-04:00

Miss Katie Mei is 4!! We loaded up and took on Monkey Joe's for a fun afternoon and then back to the house for pizza, cake and a what-has-become-a-tradition pinata. Can't believe my baby is growing up....well in age...not size:) She's still a peanut! Enjoy the pics of our time celebrating!

Julie and Tay

Now...they're 4 and 3! Katie on the left...Cade on the right.

Sweet Sadie tries a ride:)

Love these kids! Poor Colin...the only big boy:)

Whoooo!!!! There goes Katie!

Wild things....mostly referencing the blond:)

I LOVE this pic! Alexis, Lauren, Katie and Kristi-loo

Mama's oldest two...they remind me often that they were here first:)

No comment needed....

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!

Happy Birthday Katie Mei!

2009-06-11T08:16:00.004-04:00

Today we celebrate birthday #4 for Katie Mei! Where, oh where does the time go? Here she is on her first birthday...just a short month after placing her feet on American soil....and here she is today, running down the beach like any Florida girl! We love you Katie!! Happy Birthday!!

While we celebrate today...please continue to pray for those Christians still in China facing persecution for their faith! Please don't allow the freedom we experience here to make us lazy and unfeeling towards those who give their very lives daily as a sacrifice to spread the Gospel!

Does Someone Have Their Eyes Shut?????

2009-06-08T19:15:00.003-04:00

Please meet Katie Mei's new friend....Bailey Kate! She's all of 3 weeks old as we met her for the first time yesterday. Mom Megan and Dad Clay stayed with the Princess Collection X 2 when we went to China to get Katie 3 years ago....at that point they were childless but in faith to have their own. In the last year and a half they have added 3 beautiful little people to their family! The story gets better as they had their first son, Cole....then adopted a little boy Cooper, who happens to be only 2 weeks younger than Cole...then Mama Megan finds out she's expecting Bailey Kate! Cole and Cooper aren't even 2 years old yet! Heh...yea...we're laughing at God's sense of humor too:) This family is amazing us as they love and care for these precious gifts!! Please pray for Megan as she figures out how to take a shower :) and go to the grocery store:) with 3 gifts under 2. What I think is awesome is how God has envisioned this family for adoption and answered their prayers in ways they didn't imagine or could never have expected. I love it!! .....and FYI....the camera was screaming at me that "someone has their eyes shut!" as I was taking this picture. Go figure. And why did this come out underlined????? I do not know.

Happy Birthday Mel!

2009-06-08T08:43:00.003-04:00

I wanted to take the time to tell my extraordinary Daughter-in-law Happy Birthday and to explain why she is so dear to this family:) We knew Mel and her family for years as our first 'set' of kids were growing up. She is the oldest of 6(!) and the only girl. She and Jason first became interested each other on a medical mission trip to Bolivia.I can still remember my husband coming home from 2 weeks in the rugged conditions saying...."I'll bet Jason and Mel get married." I totally didn't see it and brushed him off. Well, here we are 6 years later and I couldn't be more delighted in my son's choice for a wife! She takes superb care of my son and delights in making a home for him. Equally is her care for our little buddy...Cade. He is the joy of their lives and ours as well. I'm amazed at how Mel tirelessly serves the "boys" in not only caring for but anticipating their needs (and wants!!). Her patience is remarkable!! I see her reaching out frequently to the ladies in her homegroup and wanting all to feel cared for as individuals...not just a body in a group. Mel is extremely organized and therefore through her example encourages others to pursue excellence in all things. Her heart for the Lord as she 'runs her race' is evident in the way she chooses to structure her time and days. I wish I had a 'blip' of her self-control and discipline! She has truly taught me to desire more of this in my life!! And last but not least....her care for our girlies and her in-law family. Mel goes above and beyond to include us and make us feel not like the 'married-into-side' but genuine friends. I love the relationship we have with this remarkable girl! So...thank you Mel for caring for our boys and us.....even in all the craziness of an unconventional family!! We love you very much and all you do to make our lives sweeter!

Four Is Easier Than Three...Part 2

2009-06-04T08:32:00.004-04:00

...especially when you bring five and six!! Julie's Jon was in town and we loaded up all 4 pickles (I'll explain that in a minute), and headed to NSB. Gotta get 'em tired! (Julie and Jon too...heh) Anyway, Jon did water duty and made sure all got their surfing fix. Julie was the Top Chef food hander-outer. The only thing to top the day was having a great friend who owns a condo:) Here's some pics of our adventures....

P.S. We now call them the 'pickles' because I was calling them the 'little kids' the other day and a family member thought I was shouting for 'pickles'. It was funny at the time but now seems kinda lame. I thought it was funny so now they are all referred to as the 'pickles' and they really do answer. Heh.

Four is Easier Than Three...Part 1 1/2

2009-06-03T09:05:00.003-04:00

The face of the Chocolate Dougnut! These two grabbed the bag and were scarfing those babies down rapid-fire while fighting over the last one. Yum for them...yuck for me:)..Great delight was found in the ooey-gooey warm chocolate doughnuts covered in sand.. melted in the heat, at the beach ...our happy place:) Thanks to Jon for introducing the little folks to these mini-choc treats! Who knew war would break out over who got to hold the bag that was coated in sand 'n' melted chocolate?? Forgot to photo the bag eventually tattered and torn from so many hands grabbing and shredding. Heh. BTW... I would've never let my older kids have these when they were little. They simply were not allowed. This set...sure, why not??!! And...I must say...the littles were more covered in choc than the photos allow. That's what pools are for:)

Four Is Easier Than Three! (Part 1)

2009-06-02T08:53:00.007-04:00

There I've said it! We had the Cadertot for a few days this past week and all here have come to the conclusion that having 4 littles is a much more workable number than three. The 'little' littles play together magnificently and everyone has a buddy. There was no 'being left out' drama or really any cat-fights. It was glorious! The little ones are currently both 3 years old and K is 6 with Leni at a whopping 7. Needless to say though, my computer time has been non-existent. So...on that note....here's a few pics from some of our adventures. Day one...we took on the zoo. They have a splash park there which was a hit....and all that wanted to were able to watch a cobra eat a rat. Fun huh?? We're very, very sad that Mel missed this exciting feat but I hear they feed daily at 2:30.:) Hurry! You don't want to miss it!! They also give the big cats a giant hunk of meat they can drag around and be taunted by our little angels!Barbaric but true. I don't know why zoo people feel the need to do feeding time while little children and queasy moms are watching. Science maybe?? Sorry...no photos of the rat ingesting but all kiddos and Mom Jo thought it was spectacular. The mommy just stood far, far away under the air conditioning vent.:) We wore these little bodies out so they just fell over at bedtime!.....part 2...forthcoming:)