Our Day Today!

Wake Up Call! Some Astounding Statistics..........

The following is a quote from a book I've been reading...in the midst of some pretty serious research. I don't want this to be a harsh post....but a motivation to us all to "run our races well, with our eyes on the prize."

"There is a mindset in the prosperous west that we deserve painfree, trouble-free existence. When life deals us the opposite, we have a right not only to blame somebody or some system and to feel sorry for ourselves, but also to devote most of our time to coping, so that we have no time or energy left over for serving others.
This mind-set gives a trajectory to life that is almost universal-namely, away from stress and toward comfort and safety and relief. Then within that very natural trajectory some people begin to think of ministry and find ways of serving God inside the boundaries set by the aims of self-protection. Then churches grow up in this mind-set, and it never occurs to anyone in such a community of believers that choosing discomfort, stress, and danger might be the right thing-even the normal, biblical thing-to do." John Piper-The Roots of Endurance

"At conception, a human has come into being. For how long? Forever. Either in heaven or hell. There is no going out of existence...You exist forever. You and God are both in the universe to stay-either as friends on His terms, or as enemies. Which it will be is proven in this life..............When I think of the atrocities on the world, like the genocides of the 20th century, it makes me want to live my life with as few regrets as possible."John Piper-Life is a Vapor

Did You Know That.......
* 50% of the world lives on just $2.00 a day
*the average income of a peasant farmer in Jiangxi, China (where Katherine is from) is $850 per year. 1/3 of that is used for coal to heat their homes. This makes the $2.oo per day accurate.
*27,000-30,000 children in the world die EVERY DAY
* That's 1 child dying every 3 seconds
*According to UNICEF...a child is defined as age 5 or under (what about the ones 5-18??)
*What do they die of??....poverty, hunger, treatable and preventable diseases
*Last year there were ONE MILLION substantiated cases of child abuse in the U.S. alone
*Over 3 million child abuse reports were made last year.
*1973-present- over 40 million abortions performed in the U.S.

Please take 5 minutes to look at this site http://miniature-earth.com....it's not a Christian site but the statistics are impressive and will hopefully make you think. It's also on the Soteria Foundation blog. (thanks Jason!)

"When I think on these things, it makes me tremble at the prospect of living a trivial, self-serving, comfortable, middle-class, ordinary, untroubled American life. I can't keep eternity out of my mind. Life is short and eternity is long. Very long. It is a long time to regret a wasted life. ....Shall we not then live our lives-and prepare for heaven-by strategizing in all our vocations, and with all our talents and all our money , to relieve suffering (now and forever) for the glory of Jesus?.......Man is not getting better. But God will hold us accountable in the age to come not for what others have done. He will call us to account for what blood-bought hope freed US (emphasis added) to do for others in the name of Christ." John Piper-Life is a Vapor

We could not have said it better.This is our motivation.....the cross is our hope. This is what moves us as a family calling...

Gotta love John Piper...my current favorite author...

Hopefully, this stirs your heart as well.......The picture is from our "princess picnic" today with our friend Alexis. After much deliberation and decision making......Katie chose to be Tinkerbell. A huge deviation from the norm. :) The others had very long explainations about their choice of attire. We think they're all beautiful!

Summer Picture of the Day

Thought this was funny today...Leni and Kristi both saw Shrek...so Leni is somewhat of a medival princess (that's quite an imagination there don't you think?! She needs to be in costume design!)....all day...everyday...... since the movie. Kristin and Katie are in competition for the Cinderella dresses as soon as they wake up, when Katie isn't wanting Minnie Mouse with the tulle pink ballet overlay on top of it. They change costumes no kidding like 8 times a day. Then they talk about them in between. It's very cute and very funny! Have you ever seen a Chinese Cinderella? Oh yea.....all this today.....before breakfast....:)

Mystery! If you're squeamish, don't read this :)

We have been solving a mystery around here for the past few weeks! First we found clues......
1. Feathers (big ones!) all over the back yard
2. Gigantic bird p**p everywhere the girls play :)
3. A turtle shell.....missing the turtle part
4. The feeling something is watching you ........constantly

What was it? We discovered a HUGE bird had nested right over the girls swing set. Now to figure out what it was. We watched, we took pictures, we discovered 2 babies in the nest that were also huge.....what were they? After our scientist Dad took over we determined we had a mama, and 2 baby RED SHOULDERED HAWKS living amongst us. We watched them feed on small reptiles, lizards, etc. Mama would bring food (live food) to the babies several times daily. The mama hawk even watched our cat intently. (Leni was very worried as she is the resident animal freak). The babies would peer over the nest and watch every action we made. They didn't miss a beat! And then yesterday.......the babies took flight over the house. The nest is now empty. We yet again were able to watch a lesson in God's marvelous creation and best of all........the cat is safe. All rejoice! Enjoy the pictures!

What we do to entertain the troops here in Florida!

Two posts today! :)

Today was chemo day for our friend Robbie. (We're thinking about you Robbie!) So Julie and I took our girls and Robbie's two adorable kids Lily and Mitchell to the park and McDonalds. We had a wonderful time and the children all enjoyed their time together. We lined them up in chronological order to capture the moment. Now....while we were setting up our photo shoot, Leni hit Kristin in the eye with a stick (it really was an accident :)) so after we made sure she was ok (yes, she is) we proceeded. THEN Kristin got her thumb stuck in one of the holes in the table. After a few tense moments......thumb came out. Can you figure out who is the drama queen?

Kristin's Big Week~

Miss Kristin has had a big week. She finished her first year of Pre-school on Tuesday with a big pizza party. We found (thanks to my neighbor) a wonderful Christian, actual preschool (not daycare format) two days a week. We decided to send Kristin at the same time that Leni went to her "school". That way everyone wasn't being dragged around to everyone else's stuff to the point of exhaustion. Anyway, Kristi thrived. It was an awesome year for her and we're sorry to say good-bye to Miss Sue and Miss Laurie. THEN Kristin's ballet class had their "in class" end of year recital. She's in the 3-4 yr old class and Mommy's very grateful they were wise enough not to include this group in the gigantic 2day big girl recital event. :) They dressed them in lavender tutu's, did their make-up, sprayed glitter on them and put flowers in their hair. They then danced to "Waltz of the Flowers". Very, very spectacular! Kristin was magnificent! She forgot to do half the dance because she was so enamored with her beautiful self all dressed up in the mirror! Mom Jo came (bearing traditional bouquets) and as a suprise....in walks Julie! Julie danced at the same school for years and was in their company program. At 16 Julie had to make a choice between pursuing dance or vocal training. The time required for both was too much. It was a heart wrenching decision...but God directed her steps. She chose voice. This was one of her first visits back to the studio. Julie got to see the ballet master (she hadn't seen in years) and it was a teary reunion.......However, now Kristin's following in big sister's footsteps and it's marvelous to watch! Julie will be traveling to Wales this summer to sing with the Xtreme Band as a mission outreach, and was on Metro's newest worship CD. She made that hard decision over 3 years ago and it's now in a season of bearing fruit. We're grateful for her heart to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit! Enjoy the pics of mom's girls......The top is Julie in Swan Lake, right before she stopped dancing.

She Calls Me Mommy-Mother's Day 2007

One year ago on Mother's Day, eight little orphan girls and their nannies boarded a bus and took the 3 1/2 hr. ride from Taihe SWI to Nanchang. At the same time 8 families flew from Beijing to Nanchang, boarded their own bus and made their way into Nanchang. That afternoon in the Civil Affairs office these 8 babies that had never known a mom or a dad were united with their new families. In an instant, lives were changed...families were born. That day we met our 5th child, Katherine Mei VanLue for the first time.
The room was chaos. Katie sobbed and sobbed. One of my first comments after receiving her was "Scott, she can't even sit up." (at 11 months) She was wheezing/coughing...hot...obviously sick. Our work with this little girl had just begun. She was tiny, frail, and looked at us with big eyes...and cried. I can't even imagine what she thought. Her whole world...the only one she'd ever known was being turned upside down.
Back at the hotel, the doctor [who came with the room :)] got into action. Stethoscope, otoscope, lights, poking, prodding...all part of the protocol. Katie was pretty sick with a bronchial infection, dehydration, 2 ear infections, COVERED with scabies, eczema, and an impacted colon. On top of that she had known little or no sensory stimulation in her short life. She didn't even reach/grab for toys. Developmentally she was a 4-6 month old. All of a sudden her senses were being flooded with stimuli at breakneck speed. Although we didn't realize it at the time (because we didn't know her) her defense system did what many in her situation do...she shut down. It was all too much for her.
In IA there are so many unknowns. If you could be inside your child's skin--to discern and understand what they're thinking/feeling--it would be so much easier. But then you wouldn't need faith. Faith that the God of this universe called you to another country to have THIS child from this city, this heritage, this DNA, placed into your arms. From here on out she will call you Mom and Dad. We had that kind of faith.
This year has been wonderfully challenging as we've walked through the ups and downs with all our girls. Katie spent the first 6/7 months really feeling us out...having to start at point zero in learning to trust, having never bonded with any one person. We did everything we could (even though many, many times she resisted) to assure her that we would be there constantly and not leave. She fought us hard! She had anger issues...would try control tactics...all a form of self-preservation. We prayed...we loved...we were consistent.
Then January came. Our once sulky, angry child emerged as a beautiful, happy, smiling, laughing joy. Her grieving was over--the bonding was complete. We had a different child!! God knew peeling back the layers of this little girl's heart would reveal an incredibly beautiful child. We had perservered and God was faithful.
Today Katie is developmentally ahead of schedule. She's amazingly coordinated! We may have a little athlete on our hands! She's talking in simple phrases and does anything/everything the big girls do. She loves playing dress up w/her sisters complete with high heels/make up and hair. She sings songs constantly and loves her tricycle.
All 3 adoptions have been very different. All 3 girls come from harsh, difficult backgrounds but by the care and concern of an amazing God, they no longer suffer. How kind of our savior to rescue them just as He did us.
I live in wonder everyday at the care of an all knowing/all wise God who loves these girls far more than we ever could. He gave me the privilege of being their mom for our years here on earth. There is no greater thing I could be doing with my time than seeing these girls growing up "in the shadow of His wings." It's an honor that I do not take lightly. What a delightful journey I'm on!
My goal is not to live a wasted life, marked by selfish indulgences, but to run my race with perserverence so that on that day I will hear "Well done my good and faithful servant". It makes all the sleepless nights, messes, piles of laundry, diapers, breaking up of sibling fights...so worth it.
I'm very grateful to my "bio" kids for joining with us in this mission. They both say they want to adopt their own lost children. I like to remind them that they were the first to call me mom ;)
Jesus says, "If you love me feed my sheep". We joyfully sacrifice our lives so that these little ones can have life. It's both a privilege and a pleasure. Scott , Jason, and Julie have the opportunity to go to the nations this summer bringing both practical help but most importantly the word of God to the poor and needy. God reminded me that when we adopted Katie , HE brought the nations into our home. My mission field is to these here in my house everyday. This little China girl represents far more to us than any of you could ever imagine. May God be honored with my/our lives as we seek to live out this great commission.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Please watch this!

My friend Cyndi sent this--she's right--get out the Kleenex. If you have a heart for adoption and don't mind shedding a few tears....this clip is for you. They also have a daughter, Malia, adopted from Taihe with us. We'll be seeing them in June at our Sea World Birthday for the girls!
Click the link to your upper right titled "Chinese Orphan Video

I like how they talk about in the video the difference in children just "existing, or living". It is a huge difference as you think about the estimated 1.5 million orphans around the world (that includes the US. )that merely exist from day to day. Many of these survive in developing nations on mere scraps of food. The Lord has brought 3 beautiful "hidden treasures"to our house and our prayer would be to "go into all the world-bringing help, hope and the gospel" fullfilling the Great Commission to these in need. Scott and Jason leave for Haiti to do just that on June 4, however we are greatly aware that's only through God's mercy and grace on us as frail human flesh that we are able to go. We are very aware of our weakness, but very grateful for the strength only God can provide...............

Just had to share!

I'm saving my sentimental post for actual Mother's Day. This one leans toward the humorous side....as we've found many times laughter gets us through the day! After each of our adoptions (3 of them) we've found it really takes a good year for that child to attach completely and for routines to stabilize (This is when being married to the doctor comes in handy cause he knows what to watch for!). Each of our daughters has come to us from very different circumstances and histories. One daughter has a history of severe neglect, one we received at birth, and one was in an orphanage. I purposefully did not commit myself to anything that I did not "have" to do (even sometimes saying no to the fun stuff:)) so that during "her" bonding year she would know beyond the shadow of a doubt that this was her mom (after all..they'd never had one)...who would be there no matter what....would be the stable force in her life....and unconditionally love her no matter what the day brought. I have to say this last year was an "awesome blur of chaos" ...in which we literally haven't sat down, and we wouldn't trade a minute of it back! It has been the hardest year for me I've ever had...yet by far the most rewarding. Many times the hard road is the road leading to the greatest treasure! We firmly believe that! We've had people honor us with gracious words expressing their thanks for being able to see the heart of God touching these girls lives.......and we've had friends say "I break out in a cold sweat just thinking about doing what you are doing!:)" We know what we are called to do isn't what all are called to. We're very comfortable with that. I now feel like I'm coming out of my "fog". Our girls are thriving, and once again I'm getting organized?!....even though you can count on someone being up in the night still. We can feel God's grace upon us with each new day.
So...knowing that, I got an email this week from an amazing woman that became a good friend while we were in China. She had 2 children at home....adopted her 3rd from the same orphanage as Katie, and when she returned home....became pregnant. She is awaiting the arrival of her 4th after only being home with her China Doll a year. Wonder woman!! My only regret is that she doesn't live closer! (she's in Texas)The email she sent describes MY YEAR in detail.....through humor. If you want to know what a typical VanLue day has been this past year with a 1(with attachment issues), 4, 5(Sensory Processing Child), yr. old and a new grandson, read on. The actual details may be a little different (think homeschooling thrown in there too:)...but you'll get the idea. We've been juggling many balls and spinning many plates this year! Tori, you read my mail!!!!

Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. - Child Activated Attention
Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice
that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal
bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car
keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the
counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the
trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take
out the trash I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check
left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my
desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup
in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the
sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be
watered.

I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been
searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom,
but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot
the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that
after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as
they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen
table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll
water the flowers.

I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So,
I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill.

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At
the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there
is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered,
there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I
can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys.

Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled
because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this
message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent. Don't laugh --
if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.

A big thanks to VICTORIA TOUCHETTE for bring our family many laughs this week. I wondered where my year went and now I know. Enjoy everyone! Happy Mother's Day!

What to do on a day like today?

Well....the plan was that after church Dad would clean the giant blow-up water slide we have and get it ready for the "season". Girls got their bathing suits on, Dad (aka. Clark Griswold:)) got out the pressure cleaner and began. Now Florida is in a giant drought complete with wildfires, smoky mornings, etc. and what does it do today? Huge thunderstorms right in the middle of project clean-a-slide! We're grateful for the rain, however we had very, very disappointed girlies. So after the rain we did the next best thing.......put on our ducky rain boots and played in the puddles! Katie was up from her nap but still in her church dress so her outfit is a little improvised in the pic. Her duck boots come up to her neck by the way....so she made do with her Keds.
Our neighbor is re-landscaping their yard and had big dirt piles delivered yesterday. Hmmmmm....just the thing for wet, mud-jumping, duck-boot wearing girls! They had a good time...then had a tea party for 42 of their nearest and dearest stuffed animals in Kristin's closet. Sounds like a great day, huh?! Julie missed all the excitement as she's in rehearsals for a musical. Sorry Julie! Maybe next time!

Katie, do you want to go to the beach? NO!

NO!!This is the answer to anything and everything you ask Katie. Think she's about to turn 2? The other girls ask her questions just to hear her say no! We went to our favorite beach today with our favorite daddy (ours) and had a wonderful day. Leni is surfer extraordinaire (even with a whopper of an ear infection....oh well...we know where the doc lives:)) and Kristin is surprising us with her lack of fear. She's been pretty tenative until now. She was out in the big waves today with the big kids. The girls caught a blue crab, sand fleas, and fish. Dad had about 10 kids in tow as he kept bringing "creatures" for everyone to see.
Also posting a pic of Cade (our male representative for the diaper crowd in the family) He's walking, and getting some long, lost teeth. :) Ok.......well, it looks like it's time to go put Kristin back in bed......again :) Please leave comments if you want. They don't have to be published if you don't want. We're looking forward to sharing and communicating with you as the VanLue boys prepare to leave for Haiti in a month. Please visit the Soteria link for details. More later...............Miss Katie is crying...and Kristin's here to talk about it :)

Welcome!

Welcome to our new VanLue family Blog! We had a travel blog while we were in China and then have been very lazy ....or rather very busy taking care of all these little people!:) Well....we're back!We'll post current pics, info, trips, and lots of stories about our favorite people! Scott and Cissy are the proud parents of Jason (22) married to Mel , and grandparents to Mr. Cade William (1). Then there's the princess collection of Julie (19) , Leni (5) , Kristin (4), and our Minnie Mulan Katherine who will turn 2 on June 11. It's a busy but fun life held together by the awesome power of God's amazing grace. Look for more posts in the coming days as we figure out how to work this thing!!