Life at the Lindsey's

Afternoon Recreation

2010-04-13T19:33:00.002-05:00

Granddad caught 6 pigs in his trap this morning. The boys shot 'em this afternoon and Meredith and the crew are cleanin' 'em. Anyone want to come over for a BBQ?

I STILL refuse to let them use "AIN'T". I don't care how often the shoot hogs and rabbits and squirrels!

Hank

2010-03-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

Hank was Meredith's 50th birthday gift from the me and the kids. He is a 7 week old mini schnauzer. He is one of the cutest babies we've had around here. And we've had alot of babies!

He is so active and loves to get the boys up in the morning. It's much more fun than just having a boring mom say, "Rise and shine boys."

Hank loves "life at the Lindsey's" and has quickly become one of the family. Now if I can just train him to stop biting my toes........

SNOWMEN 2010

2010-02-23T14:35:00.003-06:00

Scary, huh?!?!?

Gotta go, the Betsers are on their way over to play in the snow! More 4 wheeling in the pasture. Too bad Granddad's not here to holler at us when we go too fast!! Oh well, we'll just have to have fun without ruffling his feathers at the same time! Don't anyone tell him we said that, k?

Snow Day Pictures

2010-02-23T13:49:00.004-06:00

Meredith pulled us all on the intertube with the 4 wheeler. It was fun. Of course, he had a very mischevious look in his eye when I got on so I quickly grabbed Luke and Laura as I gave him a "Don't you dare try and dump me with these innocent babies" look in my eyes. He was good. Much better than in earlier years when I would have had to drag myself out of the snow with bruised rump and pride while he laughed at me saying, "Aw, come on momma, I didn't mean to dump you!" Yes, he's convinced that I am so old he might actually hurt me.

The kids had a blast on the tube, came in for chips, dip, and hot chocolate and are now outside again building super duty snow men. I'll add pics when their project is complete. Laura and I are inside where it's warm downloading our "fun" on the computer for all to enjoy!

SNOW!!!

2010-02-23T09:10:00.002-06:00

I think that I must be the only person in Texas that gets disappointed when it snows! Maybe this is a confession, I don't know but I am soooo ready for warm weather!!! UUUGGGHHH, more winter!

Intellectual Dog

2010-02-21T19:04:00.002-06:00

I was walking through the living room and look down at our big golden retriever and he had on Meredith's glasses!!!! I looked at my innocent children and asked, "Who put Daddy's glasses on Drum?" With a huge grin and acting VERY proud, Luke pointed to his chest and proclaimed, "I did it, Mamma!"

The New Me

2010-02-18T16:43:00.002-06:00

In November of 2008 I was becoming depressed about my weight because I always felt bad. I didn't have energy to play with my little kids. I felt very unattractive.

So, I contemplated stomach surgery but I knew that for me, it would not work. My problem was that I was addicted to food. I had to overcome this addiction.

The Bible teaches us to bear each others burdens. So, I went to 3 ladies that I thought would help me and asked each one to help me to overcome my obesity.

My cousin Lori agreed to meet with me 3 times a week at 5:30 am to exercise. She was faithful. I could not skip exercise because she was so willing to get up and meet me at the gym. We began December 1, 2008.

My good friend Cindy agreed to call me every afternoon and ask me what I had eaten and what I planned to eat the next day. If I had a birthday party, I would tell her that I planned to eat one small piece of cake. She always asked me the next day if I stuck with my plan. She was faithful to call me and very stern with me if she needed to be. She also encouraged me all along the way.

My other good friend Shiela, is a personal trainer. We lovingly call her "the smiling nazi" because she can force you to do things that you would never think you could do with such a sweet smile and gentle voice. She never gave up on me and I was determined to perform every exercise she made me do. I still go to her gym Mon, Wed, and Fri morning at 5:30am with my mother to work out.

I weighed 235 pounds when I started on Dec. 1, 2008. I have weighed 148 pounds for the last 4 months. I have focused on eating like a "normal" person. I could lose another 10 pounds but I would be miserable trying to stay at that weight. I eat what I want in moderation. I still have a coke several times a week as well as some fattening food. I just don't eat it ALL the time and I don't eat an entire box of cookies at once. Just 3 or 4.

Losing weight has changed my life. I ride horses, race with the kids, and my husband thinks that I am beautiful. God gave me loving friends that cared enough to help me bear my burden and defeat the "demon" of gluttony. I am very happy.

Every day is a challenge. Every meal is a challenge but I just keep saying to myself a phrase that a good friend of mine always says, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels".

I hope my story helps to encourage anyone who wants to lose weight and feel better. I would be happy to give more technical info like my food and exercise plan if it would help.

In the previous post are some pics of me before the weight loss. I am the same person inside except that I feel that I can accomplish anything now. If I could lose 87 pounds and keep it off then I am not afraid to try anything.

God bless you friends. God is good and faithful to give us the strength that we need to overcome our weakness. He is good.

The Old Me

2010-02-18T16:29:00.001-06:00

These are pics of me weighing 235 pounds back in 2008. I was physically miserable and always tired.

Laura's Gotcha Day Celebration

2010-02-17T16:18:00.001-06:00

Pics 1 - 4 - Various attempts at a group pic.

5 - Laura's favorite footwear of 2010.

Laura's Gotcha Day Celebration 2010

2010-02-17T16:00:00.002-06:00

1 - Laura's 2nd Gotcha Day Celebration. She was trying to sing Happy Birthday. lol

2 - Laura surrounded by brothers. No baby dolls, only legos!

3 - Another view of her precious face.

4 - Laura sporting her new Saints tshirt (mommy's a big fan) and her lovely sandels that Nene bought her when they went shopping together today.

5 - Laura was grinning at Grand Daddy while I snapped her picture.

Laura throughout the past 2 years

2010-02-17T15:48:00.003-06:00

1 - Laura with her hearing aid and before her lip repair.

2 - Laura in March 2009 at Lela and John Michaels wedding.

3 - Laura before all her teeth AND while she still drooled!

4 - Laura on her first day after Gotcha Day while still in Lanzhou.

5 - Laura at Lucy's in Guangzhou!

It's been a Wild Spring

2009-05-04T08:07:00.002-05:00

Wel, we have had a time this spring. We had baby kittens but they both died. We had 3 baby goats that are really cute but I haven't slowed down to take pics of them, we have new baby chicks. I have had lots of spiritual and philosophical experiences this season but since I BROKE MY ARM and typing with one hand takes SO LONG, I will keep it all to myself! I do hope you all enjoy the pics and the very short explanations! Forgive any typos please. I won't be correcting them until I get my cast off. The important thing is that our family has enjoyed a richness of life this spring season and we give all the thanks and glory to our Lord!

Baby Kittens and High Heels

2009-05-04T08:05:00.000-05:00

Cowgirl Up

2009-05-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

Cowboy Up

2009-05-04T07:53:00.002-05:00

Pic 1 - left to right- John, friend Garrett, and William

Pic 2 and 3 - John and Buff

Pic 4 - William and Booger

Pic 5 - Tonya and Bitsy

Family Egg Hunt

2009-05-04T07:48:00.001-05:00

Luke and Laura hod SO much fun! Look at all their cousins! We are a fertile bunch, lol!

Awana Spring Derby

2009-05-04T07:46:00.000-05:00

John and his race car

A Baker's Dozen

2009-05-04T07:40:00.001-05:00

Our lovely little hen went next door, to my parent's house, and hatched out 13 baby chicks under Mom's rosemary bush! You should see her trying to keep up with them all in the barnyard!

Fish Fry Anyone?

2009-05-04T07:34:00.001-05:00

After a big night of fishin', Luke didn't even make it to his bed! He just walked right in and crashed on the closest chair he could find!

New Pictures

2009-01-31T20:40:00.002-06:00

Pic 1 - Bradley! He's grown for sure!

Pic 2 - The blue eyed kids!

Pic 3 - John Michael and Skylar

(Our future son-in-law and granddaugher)

Pic 4 - Laura having fun.

Pic 5 - Our granddaughter, Skylar.

Cute Kids

2009-01-31T20:25:00.003-06:00

Hi all! Let me give you just a little info on what going on with us and then we'll get to the good stuff.......PICTURES!!!!!!!!!

Laura's 12 month post placement visit was done today! 12 months!!! Our first Gotcha Day celebration will be February 17. I can't believe it's already been a year.

Laura's surgery to repair her lip will be next week February 5. Monday we were informed by Shriner's Hospital that they were closing the Galveston Hospital and she would no longer be their patient.......PANIC CITY!!!! But, we prayed because we believed that God gave her to us and that he would provide her care. Tuesday they called and said that they would do the surgery at another hospital but didn't know where and when. Some relief and more prayer. Friday the called and told us that her surgery would be performed at the Houston hospital on the regularly scheduled day. Doesn't God know how to test our faith? Nothing has changed except for a few days of having to believe His promises!

Lela is engaged and will be married March 14 at our house. She and her fiance are very much in love and we are very proud to have him as a son-in-law. He has a 21 month old daughter that we are crazy about. So, I will also become a grandmother on March 14. I wonder if she'll call Laura......Aunt Laura?

Basketball is in full swing, rodeo season is starting, garden is getting planted, life is full and busy and fun!

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-24T20:50:00.002-06:00

Pic 1 - Lela and Justin

Pic 2 - Our fearless leader - Daddy

Pic 3 - John and William eating their tiny lollipops

Pic 4 - Lela and Bradley

Pic 5 - Left to Right: Lela, John Michael, Luke in Bradley's lap, Meredith holding Laura and John, Tonya (me) behind William, and Justin (our oldest kid)

We had a blast tonight and are getting in bed soon to start celebrating early tomorrow!

Here it is.....

2008-11-04T20:28:00.003-06:00

Justin's 8 point buck.

Justin's Morning

2008-11-02T13:40:00.001-06:00

Well, Justin shot a BIG 8 point this morning. Sorry, no pic yet. Coming soon.......

William's First Buck

2008-11-01T15:23:00.002-05:00

Well, this morning 6 yr old William got his first buck! A perfectly sized 5 point buck. He shot him out of the same stand that John (8 yrs old) shot his 6 point last Saturday morning!

What an exciting deer season for our family! So far this fall, John and William have put a hog, a squirrel, and 2 deer in our freezer!

It's really cute to take a picture of your son and his deer when your son is missing his front teeth!

God is good!

William and Lightning

2008-10-28T22:10:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, William and Granddaddy took his colt, Lightning, to the vet for a check up. William LOVES his horse. William and Lightning won the heart of "their" vet! After a while of examination of Lightning and conversation with William, the Doc is convinced that Will is going to be a politician! He is awfully cute and charming!

I wish we could get Lightning to smile as big and William. Of course, I don't think he will lose his front baby teeth! And, WHY is the horse wearing the kids hat? Who knows.....they are good buddies........

John's Fall Hunting Season

2008-10-25T12:45:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday morning, Justin and John went squirrel hunting. John shot his first squirrel under Justin's careful hunting instruction! He was so excited.

But this morning, the first morning of the youth hunt weekend, and John's first youth hunt ever, he got the prize!

A great looking 6 point! And I don't know who was more excited, John or his daddy!

It's been a great morning, with all my kids home. And it's a new season for John. He's now on of the big brothers, bringing meat home for the family! God is good!

I have a solution to the .......

2008-09-18T16:57:00.009-05:00

stock market crisis. Instead of the government bailing out the corporate giants who are stealing the money of the middle and lower class, why don't they bail out everyone that is behind on their mortgage. Just pay off the mortages of those people who are struggling. That would fund the mortgage companies, help them out of a pinch and stimulate the economy because struggling Americans would have more money to spend. They could also force the CEO's to lower their annual income to around $2,000,000.00 which would keep more cash in the struggling corporations. I am so smart. I wish someone would listen to me..........

Look at the pics Daddy took of His Little China Doll

2008-09-18T16:57:00.006-05:00

4 kids and a Rhino at Fossil Rim Wildlife Park

2008-09-18T16:57:00.005-05:00

Swimming in the Paluxy River

2008-09-18T16:57:00.004-05:00

Life Size Dinoraurs.....

2008-09-18T16:57:00.003-05:00

Fossil Diggin' at Dinosaur World

2008-09-18T16:57:00.002-05:00

Glenrose Vacation Continued

2008-09-18T16:57:00.001-05:00

Pic 1 - Luke chilling at the pool.

Pic 2 - Laura chilling at the pool.

Pic 3 - 4 on a dinosaur!

Pic 4 - John being eaten by the dino head.

Pic 5 - William was next!

2008-08-08T09:07:00.004-05:00

I do apologize for not posting since June. We have had a VERY busy summer. Our garden is rocking! I have canned beans, squash, squash relish, green tomato relish, rotel, tomatoes, jelly, peach butter and various fruit! There is a picture above of the shelves Meredith and the boys built for me to store all of our canned goods. That is only part of the crop!!! We have peas and beans in the freezer and more coming. We had watermelons and cantalope that were delicious!

We have been busy having fun making music, painting like indians, getting Laura's hearing aid, getting set up for ECI, just activity after activity. We just finished our first week of school and will go to the library this afternoon for more books.

So, I hope that is a good enough excuse for my not blogging in over a month. We have been so busy living life we haven't shared much of it!

Not to mention our poop incident Wednesday. Yep! One of those......poop all over the bed, face, body, mattress, bedding, hair..........I turned in my resignation as soon as I got Laura cleaned up. I told Meredith that I was quitting motherhood for the workforce! He refused my resignation, laughed, and asked me what was for dinner!!! He really knows how to handle my emotional outbursts........he knows that I love and treasure my job and that I would never quit! I know that I must be getting those servant jewels in my heavenly crown!!!! After a little while, the pains of motherhood had been all forgotten and I was back in business. No pictures taken of course! You just have to trust me!

In the 2nd pic, Laura is posing with Meredith's cap. Something she loves to find it and put it on her head. Get a load of those teeth. She had 7 when we got her and she has 18 now!

We had our 6 month post placement visit last Saturday and it suprised me at how much she had developed in just 6 months. 6 months, WOW!

In the third picture, Meredith and Bradley took a little time off working to make some beautiful music. I wish I had time to get them a recording contract! They are really good.

The 4th pic is of a beautiful peach pie that Lela and I made from fresh peaches. We also had homemade ice cream to go along with it.

The last pic is of John dressed as a warrior. He aspires to be an indian. He admires their bravery and wishes for their simple way of life of surviving off the land and making everything they used. He would love to go on a real indian buffalo hunt!

So, I hope you enjoy the pics and I hope to get back to regular blogging as soon as the garden is finished. But, Meredith has 2 greenhouses going up, so..........

Days of Summer

2008-06-16T17:31:00.002-05:00

The following posts are just some pictures of our summer days. We are having a good time celebrating birthdays, weddings, the birth of baby chicks, and great fellowship with family and friends. Enjoy the pictures.

2008-06-16T17:28:00.001-05:00

Our faithful little hen sat for 23 days on 7 eggs. She hatched out 6 little chicks. 4 black and 2 yellow. She didn't move from her nest for the entire time. We sat water and food in front of her so she wouldn't starve. She is a good momma. The chicks will be 3 weeks old Friday.

2008-06-16T17:19:00.002-05:00

#1 - Luke's cousin Bonnie is training him early as to the college of choice
#2 - John practicing for hunting season
#3 - Laura, Grandad, Luke and hats!
#4 - Grandad, cousin David, and Nene
#5 - Luke boating again.

2008-06-16T17:11:00.002-05:00

#1 - Grilling hot dogs at David's birthday party
#2 - David is so excited to turn 7. Bonnie celebrates with her brother.
#3 - Meredith and Tonya after swimming
#4 - Craig gives David his birthday present...a go cart!
#5 - Jonya and Jennifer at David's birthday party.

2008-06-16T17:04:00.001-05:00

#1 - Bradley turns 18

#2 - Laura goes boating

#3 - Laura posing in her Flamingo swim suit

#4 - Drum begs for attention

#5 - Luke goes boating

2008-06-16T16:56:00.002-05:00

#1 - John, Laura, and Lincoln rest in the recliner.
#2 - Laura swimming
#3 - John and Luke pose in the kitchen
#4 - John, William, and Poppy at Liz's wedding
#5 - Boys in tuxes after the wedding on the putting green

JOYFUL or LESS

2008-06-05T12:56:00.002-05:00

I was just thinking (I know you all must think that I do that alot, and I do) about joy. A little while ago, as the kids were playing with these humongous (sp?) balloons, I decided to wear them as earrings. I have on this little pair of pearl studs (dollar store variety) so I put the earrings through the end of these huge white and blue balloons and wore them around the house. The kids giggled and giggled. They thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. It was!!!

Children are so full of joy. They are innocent and they love to be happy and to laugh about things. Why don't grown ups want to be full of joy? We meditate on our problems, some percieved and some real, until we are so joyLESS. And then, if we are really bad we suck the joy right out of our little kids too by grumbling and complaining about our life! How terrible. I know some problems are really bad, but how many of us REALLY have it bad?

If we only could realize that God is so good and loving. If we could just understand that our joy comes through our relationship of love and faith in Him, we could laugh and giggle just like the children. Problems would be placed in the Father's hands, our thoughts would transcend our physical surroundings, and peace and contentment would fill our hearts and minds.

Watch your children today. See how quickly they forgive an offense? See how something so small can create a cute smile on their face? See how a simple candy can heal a wound?

Where is your joy? Is it hiding in unforgiveness, disappointment, false expectations of people, pain or illness? Don't let Satan steal your joy. It's so fun to be happy! Lay those burdens down and the alter and let God have 'em. Have some fun with your happy kids today.

DO NOT SQUASH A GIGGLE OR A SMILE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GIVE UP YOUR UNHAPPINESS! YOU WILL BE SACRIFICING YOUR JOY AND THE JOY OF YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU DO!!

Dad's Dress Clothes

2008-05-24T13:18:00.003-05:00

With my mom in Abilene and my husband in NYC, my dad and I are doing the job of 4 adults here on the farm. One of our assignments was to buy a new sports jacket for my dad. So, today, all of us went to Cavender's and we think we have him suited quiet nicely. Dad dressed up so we could send a picture to Mom for her approval. So, what do you think Mom? Handsome? I must say he looks really striking in his dress clothes.

Mom, can you call dad and let him know that you are happy with his choice? He said, "Your mother will worry about this jacket until she gets home to see it. Can you send her a picture over the computer?" I think what he really meant was, "I am going to worry about the choice I made until you mother says she likes it so will you send her a picture so I don't have to think about it for another week?"

Double click on the photo for a bigger view.

Laura's first rodeo

2008-05-23T17:03:00.002-05:00

Here are 3 of many attempts to get a good picture before we head out to Laura's first rodeo to watch her Great Aunt April ride barrels!

Meredith is in NYC and my mother is in Abilene helping my sister. So, Dad and I decided to take the children to the rodeo tonight. It makes our lonely evenings without our spouses go by faster and keeps the kids busy!

Hope you enjoy my little cowboys and my pink cowgirl!

OH, and one more comment

2008-05-11T22:06:00.002-05:00

In all of the kitchen pictures, has anyone ever noticed the empty black plate holder STILL hanging on the wall? Well, there used to be 3 beautiful plates in the holder with scenes of hens and roosters. My mother-in-law gave it to me for Christmas.

Every time I post a picture of my kitchen I think to myself, "I really need to take that empty plate holder off the wall." But then I think, "No, the thing is made of iron. It can hang there until my kids are grown and THEN I will buy some new beautiful plates to fill it."

Now, how do you suppose those plates got broken..................

Let's think about this, hmm.......7 children.....5 of them boys.........perhaps bulls in a china closet?

More Mother's Day Pics

2008-05-11T21:54:00.003-05:00

Picture 1 - John letting me know how many eggs he has put under on of his hens that is laying
Picture 2 - Lela serving up lunch as Grandad supervises. She just LOVES for Grandad to supervise her!
Picture 3 - Our sweet Grammy Faye!

I realize that I published our day backwards but sometimes things just go that way. Enjoy anyway!

I had a WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-11T21:42:00.004-05:00

Picture 1 - Lela and Bradley being mischevious

Picture 2 - Justin and William being wild

Picture 3 Justin and Anita (my mother) being just a little wild

Picture 4 - Meredith working on the irrigation as Luke and William look on

Picture 5 - Mommy and Laura hanging in there just 3 days post surgery

Just look at all those georgous kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mother's Day Feast

2008-05-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Our family table got used today. All SEVEN of my kids were home to celebrate the day with me. And my parents. AND my grandparents. We had 4 generations together around the table today. 13 people. It was just so much fun. I was so happy.

My kids are great! The grown kids, Meredith, and my mom prepared the meal. The menu?

Grilled Shrimp
Grilled Chicken
Justin's Potato Special
(Above prepared by Justin)

Green Salad
Fruit Tray
Wild Rice
Macaroni and Cheese
(Prepared by Lela)

Home Grown Green Beans
Home Grown Berry Cobbler
Vanilla Ice Cream
(Prepared by my mother)

God has blessed me beyond measure and I have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

Preparing the Feast

2008-05-11T21:27:00.001-05:00

Who's the Boss?

2008-05-11T21:22:00.002-05:00

Laura and I were having a discussion about what the doctor REALLY meant when he said soft foods! She was determined to eat grilled shrimp and wild rice. I offered her vanilla ice cream as an option and she FINALLY consented! And all of this while she was feeling terrible and running a fever. She is one fiesty little lady!

Riding the Ferry

2008-05-11T21:18:00.001-05:00

Crabbing in Galveston

2008-05-11T21:12:00.003-05:00

Boys at the Beach

2008-05-11T20:57:00.003-05:00

Building castles in the sand,
But tomorrow they will wake up a man.
Surfing the waves that last only a minute,
Young at heart and strong in spirit!
Laughing and running and gathering shells,
Inhaling with excitement the salty sea smells.
Today they are boys playing at the beach,
I wonder what heights as men they will reach?

The RACE of Life?

2008-05-06T22:16:00.003-05:00

I was just thinking.....the Bible teaches husbands and wives to be "heirs together in the grace of life."

It seems to me that married people have misunderstood this verse. They have left out the G. They are trying to be heirs together in the RACE of life. The race to have the last word, the race for success and popularity, the race to control the relationship, the race toward bitterness, unforgiveness, and divorce. Then, they truly become the "heirs apart in the race of life".

What if married couples tried what the Bible really says, "heirs together in the GRACE of life"?
The GRACE to let the other person have the last word, the GRACE for contentment and thankfulness, the GRACE to forgive and love each other regardless of their shortcomings?
Then, they truly become the "heirs together in the grace of life."

No unhappy insecure children, no issues to drag from relationship to relationship, total peace within yourself because you harbor no bitterness toward anyone. A relaxed and joyful home free from anxiety and where your children grow up happy and secure without worries and strife.

Oh, how I wish people would clean out theirs ears so they could hear the truth of this wonderful promise from God. What a better world this would be.

I

One Splendid Granddaddy!

2008-05-06T21:45:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 20:29 "The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head." He is quiet splendid!!!!!!

Laura's Surgery

2008-05-06T21:33:00.002-05:00

We leave tomorrow morning for Galveston. Laura has appointments with the team in the afternoon tomorrow. Her palate surgery is Thursday as we will come home Saturday. I won't have internet so I will have to post when we get home.

Please pray for traveling grace, no complications, and minimal pain.

Some New Pictures of Laura

2008-05-06T21:27:00.003-05:00

Picture 1 - Berry picking. BUT, since she is allergic to poison ivy, she had to stay in her stroller and watch us pick!

Picture 2 - Harassing the cat! She loves the kitty. And she loves to carry around cooking utensils!

Picture 3 - John and William dressed her in her overalls today and took her out to play in the dirt. As soon as she was sufficiently dirty, they brought her to me for a bubble bath! I don't know if she has more fun getting dirty or getting clean!

THE FAMILY TABLE

2008-05-06T20:36:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 14:1 says, "A wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands (mouth)." I have a story for young wives and wives to be.........

This is our new table. My husband and young sons built it for our family. It is the family table. For many years I have wanted a large table where many could sit and eat and fellowship. We found one at the furniture store. It was $3500.00!!!!!!! Of course, we talked of how we could afford it, or save for it but that is soooo much money.

So, we began to think about building one. I drew a plan for one and put it on our fridge. Sunday after church, Meredith asked if I wanted to go to Lowes and buy the materials. Well, all I wanted to do was take a nap! But, this was my opportunity. So, we loaded up and went to Lowes. Understand, young wives, that when you husband offers to do something for you, don't put him off. You both will miss a blessing. Just have a cup of coffee, smile, and go!

Around 6:30 Sunday evening Meredith, John, William, and Luke began working on the table. They measured, cut, sawed and hammered for 4 hours. And then they were done. We stood looking at our new table. John and William stood watching me study their work. They asked, "What do you think Mamma, do you like it?" Meredith stood behind them looking at me too. I knew he was as anxious for the answer as they were but he was too grown up to ask. Now, at that moment, I could have been critical of their work. I could have pointed out little flaws here and there and totally crushed them. But, I remembered Proverbs 14:1 about how a wise woman builds up her house but she can destroy it with her hands (or mouth as I usually think about it) and I smiled from ear to ear and proclaimed, "It's perfect. I just love it. Thank you guy so much for building our family table. I am so proud of it and of you!!!!!!!" They were absolutely beaming. The next day I stained and varnished it. It is truly lovely.

There are so many lessons to glean from this project. As I pondered our experience today, this is what I learned.

First of all, the memories we made are priceless. Would they remember so well a furniture truck pulling up in our yard and bringing a factory made table into our house? Or, when they are married will they tell the story of our table to their young wife? Will they tell her of how they built the very same table in which they sat to tell us of their engagement? Will they assure her that they will build her one prettier that mine? Will they remember how proud their little hearts were the night they got to stay up after 10pm to finish it for me?

Second, do you think my dear husband might be just a little appreciative that he didn't have to fork over thousands of dollars so I could have a beautiful table in which to continuously yell at our children not to ruin? Do you think he was proud that he was able to make me happy by building something for me with his own hands?

Third, I was thinking of how our "Family Table" reminds me of our family. You see, it is Meredith's vision that designed the table (he changed my design to a better one) just like it is his vision that gives our family a plan to follow. It is his strength that built the table just as it is his strength that is required to lead our family. Once he had the vision cast and the table built, I added the color and shine just as I add grace and joy to Meredith's leadership within our family. The children made the building of the table challenging and exciting, just as they add childlike excitement to everything we do in our family. God's design for a family is so wonderful and when we follow it, we can be sure that the result will be so beautiful for generations to come.........just like our family table! It will stand strong and serve us for many years just like our family stands strong and will serve the Lord until we meet him in the air!

So, please, stop by some time and see our table. We are all very proud of it. It's not perfect. Neither are we. But we love our table and we love each other. That's all that matters. You are welcome to sit at it and fellowship with us. Have some berry cobbler and ice cream, sit a while, share your time and you life with us and always be sure to ask me about the joy that is in my heart because I am just so excited to share it with you!

So, young wives, please read this and learn some of the most valuable lessons for a happy home. Be very appreciative of everything your husband does for you, don't ask for things that he might not be able to get for you, let your children see you admire their daddy, thank them daily for their service to you, love your family, read your Bible daily, and ponder everything to learn God's lesson for you and your family.

God bless you and your family!

When you walk in the way.......

2008-05-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets beween your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

All Grown Up

2008-04-13T15:18:00.003-05:00

Well folks, it happens to every child in the world. They grow up. Bradley moved out today. Yep, he is sharing an apartment with Lela. How did this happen? He was walking around singing "Mama, mama, mama, mama," only yesterday. I was trying to keep him from eating the butter with his fingers at meals the day before. Just last week Meredith and I were potty training him. I made his 3rd birthday cake on the grill last year..................Time flies when your raising kids! He will be 18 May 29, has one more English paper to write and he will be ready to graduate from high school. He has a full time job as a gunsmith at his dad's gunshop. He's looking to buy a motorcycle to drive to work because of the gas mileage. I have been telling him no for a year but now.........he can do what he wants.

Isn't that what all of us want? To just do what we want when we want without anyone telling us we shouldn't? It just don't work like that. You see, our life is not our own. It was bought with a price. The blood of Jesus at Calvary. To live for Jesus is to die unto ourself so that we can do His will, obey His commands, and work out our salvation unto His glory. LIVING is to make sure we wake up every morning, ask God to fill us with His Spirit, and not step out of that bed until we are sure we are right with Him and can accomplish only those tasks that the Almighty has planned for us today. Don't add anything or take anything away from His perfect will. Then, the glory of the Lord will shine in and on us and spreading the Gospel would be sooo easy because people would always ask us for the secret to our happiness.

Thankfulness is the key. Be thankful for the blood that was shed on the cross, be thankful that we can serve a Holy God, and tell Him daily how thankful we are and ask Him, "How can I please you, today, my Lord?"

I am thankful for my children. I am thankful that Justin, Lela, and Bradley have grown up to be indepentant thinkers. They don't believe you because you say it but because they have thought it out and made the decision for themselves. They are hard workers that can put in a day's work while laughing along side their fellow worker. They are encouragers and can really lift others up just when they need it. They are loyal to friends and family. You can always count on them. I am so thankful to God for my grown children.

I am thankful for my little children. They make messes and they make me laugh. They are cute and they are learning how to be good Christians and citizens. They keep me going when sometimes I want to throw my hands up and say, "UNCLE!"

I am going to miss Bradley. I am going to cry tonight after everyone is asleep. I am going to enjoy our new relationship that alway develops when a child is grown. I am going to pray for him always. I am going to enjoy watching him make his way in life just as I do with Justin and Lela. I am going to give thanks to God because as Bradley drove off today with his bed and his old recliner and TV, I could rest assured that he has been given the knowledge that he needs to become his own man and a man for God.

More Beach Pictures

2008-04-10T11:03:00.002-05:00

Luke and Laura at the Beach

2008-04-10T10:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we took Laura for her hearing test to UTMB in Galveston. Good news first......her cochlea can hear. That's the inner ear part that picks up sound and transmits it to the brain via the auditory nerve. Bad news......her ear canals are so tiny that sound can't get to her middle ear (ear drum) to be sent to the cochlea. We will have to wait until she is 5-8 to see if we can repair the ear canal, find out the function of the ear drum, and let sound transmit normally. Until then, she will have a bone conduction hearing aide. It will look like a head band with a sound transmitter that will send the sound to her cochlea via bone so she can hear "fairly normally". Her cleft palate surgery will be May 8, 2008 with her lip repair following in about 4 months. She will start speech therapy as soon as she has her palate repair and gets her hearing aide. Yeah!!! We were so happy to find out that she will be able to hear.

One of the hearing tests required her to be asleep. Well, let me tell ya. Laura sleeps at NIGHT! But, as God usually works out all things for His glory (and to the benefit is those He loves "us"), He let her stay awake the night before until almost midnight (something she never does) so, about 8:30 am she went into a deep sleep in my lap and the audiologists were able to do the entire test. All I had to do was sit in this comfortable recliner and hold my baby!!!! (my favorite thing to do) I am here to testify that God is good and He knows what he is doing!!!

While Laura and I were at the hospital, Nene and Luke were at the beach! We didn't tell Laura!

I put on this cute outfit with flamingos on it for Laura to wear and she was the hit at the hospital. After leaving the hospital, we went to Fishtales and had a wonderful seafood lunch WITH bread pudding for dessert. Then, we took Laura to the beach.

The girl is not only a country cowgirl, she is a bonafide beach bum!!! No kidding! The wind was blowing and she stood with her face to the wind and headed for the water! She seemed to forget that she can't walk very far yet and she made a trail of little footprints in the sand. She was going swimming! This is the same child that only 7 weeks ago was terrified when I sat her in a baby bathtub. Now she was going to swim in the ocean!! Let me tell you guys, she is a trip. Her smile was bigger than the sea itself. God sure put her with the right family because genetically, she lines up with the same things our bio kids love......the farm life and the beach life!! We are going back soon so all of us can have a little fun on the beach before her surgery.

I got just a few pictures of the children so I'll post them. In most of them, Laura's head looks really big because I was snapping pictures as she was running toward the water from an angle above her. But all the pictures are really cute and the kids are adorable.

Mimi, thank you so much for the little flamingo outfit and for the use of your beach house. You are a fabulous grandmother and sooooo generous with us. We love you sooooo much. Enjoy the pictures!!!!

Laura is Walking!

2008-04-04T20:28:00.001-05:00

Yes, the title is correct. This morning John was playing with a measuring tape. Laura was playing with the other end of it. She stood up and holding on to the tape, she began walking. She then realized that she was walking ALONE! John was jumping up and down with excitement. Laura was grinning from ear to ear.

So, later in the day, she decided to try it without anything in her hand. She has insisted on holding at least one of our hands before today. If we let go, she would just sit down. But today was her day. She stood and took a few steps toward me, fell down and giggled. I clapped for her and she clapped too. Then, she tried it again. She kept practicing all afternoon.

I called Daddy in to see her new trick and she refused to walk! Until he got her favorite toy and teased her with it. Then she walked to him too.

We are so proud of her. She has accomplished so much in just 5 weeks. She is really a conquerer! As soon as I can get pictures of her walking I will post them for all to see!

God bless.

God's Beautiful World

2008-04-04T09:39:00.005-05:00

This morning I was walking over to my parent's house early. It rained last night and everything is so green and serene. I came home and got my camera to capture the beauty. I believe that God created and owns everything in the Universe. He loves us so much that He lets us use it for a time. Then we die and go to be with Him and He gives it to some one else to enjoy!

The first picture is of a beautiful wisteria bush climbing on a archway that Meredith built. You walk through it coming into our yard. It is growing right beside the grape vines that define our yard from the hay field separating our house from my parent's house.

The second picture is very special to me. This bodark tree (horse apple tree) was full grown before I was born. This land has been in our family for almost 100 years. As long as I can remember, that tree has stood by the pond. I never really paid much attention to it until this morning. It was just so peaceful and serene. The new life is blooming on it and the pond water was gently moving in the cool breeze. Truly beautiful. The tree and pond picture reminds me of Psalm 1:2-3 that says,

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whater he does shall prosper."

Having not paid much attention to the tree all those years and then just today noticing it's beauty is somewhat like the fact the God has been standing in our midst for eternity and one day we finally notice he's there and then we are able to recognize His beauty in our life.

That tree has prospered for many, many years. It's roots are planted deep and it drinks of the water of the pond that it stay near for it's entire life. Oh, I pray that all of us will be like that tree. That we will continually stay close beside the Living Water and drink of it every day of our life. God will continue to feed us His Spirit and we shall not wither away but alway prosper in Him. This is my prayer for my family and friends.

I captured a picture of the swing that is in the old bodark tree. My children and my sister's children put it there and they play under that tree and swing from it's strong branches for hours of their life. What a peaceful place to play. Our children are so blessed.

The last picture is of one of our pine trees. Did you know that every year around Easter the pine trees have crosses on them? It is so cool the way that God commemorates the Passion of His Christ. I took these pictures later than I should have so the "crosses" are a little over grown. But just last week, the "new life" growing on the trees looked just like crosses. And the pine trees never fail, year after year, to give honor to their creator during the Easter season. Isn't it interesting that the "new life" on the trees should remind us of the "new life" we experience when we bow to the cross, repent of our sins, and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior? You see, the Bible talks about how even the rocks cry out to their Creator. And yes, the trees do too.

Every where we look, God has put reminders of Himself so that we can enjoy a moment of praise and thanksgiving toward Him. He loves it when we praise Him. I can just imagine his big hearty laugh this morning when He stopped me in my tracks by that tree and reminded me that he loved us so much that he gave us this beautiful world to live in. How much more beautiful will heaven be? I can't wait to see it! Please give your life to Jesus, God's son, today. You will look at the world in a whole new way. I promise!

God bless you today and everyday. Enjoy the pictures and please give a moment of thanks to the Lord for the beauty that surrounds your home. And remember, it's just on loan to us from Him for our short lifetime in this world. Then we will be transformed into heavenly beings and live forever with Him in the most beautiful place ever created. The presence of God!

School at the Park

2008-04-03T13:40:00.002-05:00

Today we needed a change of scenery so we loaded up the bicycles, tricycle, and stoller, AND reading books and headed for the park. It was wonderful. William played with Luke and Laura while John did his reading and then they traded books for babies so that William could read. Luke and Laura enjoyed school today more that usual. We all enjoyed our morning at the park.

Next to the park is the Fairfield High School track and football field. We drove over after leaving the park and watched the big boys pole vault and high jump. My boys were amazed and of course they are sure that they can do it higher and faster!

Here are some pictures of the kids at the park today. Enjoy!

PBB pictures for Joey and Jonya

2008-03-24T20:04:00.003-05:00

PLEASE forgive the background of our pictures! Just focus on the wonderful people. In the first picture from left to right are Mary, Dawn, Tonya, Lisa, Erika, and Michele. We took these pictures for Joey who has wonderful pink toes and a great heart, and for Jonya who is beating cancer as we speak!

The other 2 pictures are with our lovely little children! Aren't they all sooooo cute!

Laura is a true blue Country Girl

2008-03-24T19:51:00.002-05:00

Today we saddled Lady for a beautiful spring day horse back ride. Laura LOVES Lady. She petted her, tried to stick her finger in Lady's eyes, tried to taste her, and had a blast riding her. John was the protective big brother who sat with her and made sure she didn't fall to the ground. I feel it is important to let all know that John can ride the horse by himself but he was helping Nene out with Laura. Carrie Grace, my niece, and Luke took turns riding too. They all love our pony and she is a good girl. My mother led the kids around while Meredith and my dad finished getting the roof on our new chicken house. I can't wait for my PBB friends to come and help me paint pink bananas on the chicken house!
Laura had pinto beans, fried potatoes, and fresh green onions from our garden for lunch and then rode Lady for the first time. She is now officially a country girl! As soon as her hair grows enough we'll get the pony tail going! And she also had on her jeans. I gotta go shopping for boots soon!

Easter 2008

2008-03-23T14:24:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Easter all weekend. On Saturday, we spent the day fishing, eating, playing, visiting, and egg hunting at the family camphouse. My Grandfather, Frank Ward, was there to watch his family fellowship together. It is an annual affair and we all look forward to the day. The sunshine was beautiful and the trees were budding. All of the children enjoyed hunting eggs. Last year, my aunt got married during the celebration in the SNOW! This year, we were in shorts and tshirts and sweating! Weather in Texas........

Laura had a blast. Our family is so big I can't help but think that she is always wondering why we make such a big deal about how many people are in China!!! She got to swing, hunt eggs, meet more family, eat hot dogs and play in the dirt. It is so fun watching her see and do new things. I really wish I knew what she is thinking.

Justin came for a little while. It sure was good to see him. But he had a motorcycle race and so he and Brad were off to Malakoff to get ready for the race! Lela had to work so she wasn't there. When your kids grow up you just have to enjoy them when you can!

We also had a baby shower yesterday to celebrate the birth of my grandfather's 8th great-great grandchild! Yes, we had 5 generations at the camphouse yesterday! We laughed and ate, and talked and ate, and played and ate.......you get the picture. My grandfather handed over the grilling of the meat to my uncle a year or 2 ago. But Uncle Willie was unable to cook this year so my dad had to do it. He cooked chickens, and pork tenderloins, and sausages, and weiners, and briskets! I vote for him to cook again next year!

Sunday, we went to church and celebrated the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus. We are so blessed to be able to worship Jesus so freely. I am sooo glad he isn't in the grave anymore and we are free from the bondage of sin and death. He is alive, my friends. And he wants to live in your heart. All you have to do is ask Him. He is on the throne at the right hand of God and waiting to enter your life. Don't live another day without Him.

We had a blessed time at church. Thank you, Jesus, for your Passion for the entire world. Let us have your same passion for the lost.

Some of Laura's Favorite Things

2008-03-17T21:09:00.003-05:00

Laura loves EATING FOOD, MOMMY'S BED, and our dog DRUM!!! She is growing in leaps and bounds. Her Mimi came to visit and brought her an entire new wardrobe yesterday. She has a closet full of clothes. She learned to clap her hands yesterday and now gets a thrill when we all join in clapping with her. She was terrified of her bath at first but now she cries when I take her out of the bath tub. She LOVES going outside and crawls everywhere. Her cheeks are rosy and she is a happy camper. We adore her. We are totally smitten. I will try to add more pictures soon. Today we celebrate her one month anniversary at home with us. It just seems like yesterday that I was wringing my hands for our TA!

My Beautiful Daughters

2008-03-17T21:04:00.001-05:00

Look at these 2 beautiful girls. Lela is 21 and Laura is 1. I am soooo blessed to have 2 such beautiful daughters!

More Pictures from Wednesday

2008-02-27T18:21:00.000-06:00

The Pearl Market

2008-02-27T18:12:00.002-06:00

This afternoon, William, Granddaddy, and I visited the Pearl Market. I took a couple pictures of our hotel entrance and lobby. It is very pretty. But back to the Pearl Market. WOW! Huger that huge. The third picture is of the outside of the market. The fourth picture is......hmmm, wonder what Granddaddy is holding? I guess you'll have to wait and see, huh. And the last picture is of William and me waiting for the bus to pick us up and take us back to the hotel. We were waiting on Walking Street. It's huge and there is more stuff to buy that you could ever imagine. See how interested we were in all the stuff?!?!?! We had a great time and I will say that Granddaddy made an EXCELLENT purchase at the Pearl Market.

Fun and Lunch at Lucy's Diner

2008-02-27T18:00:00.003-06:00

Wednesday was our Consulate Appointment. It is a very important appointment. Funny things is, we don't even go to the appointment. Our guide helps us fill out tons of paperwork and then she takes it to the US Consulate General here in Guangzhou. The officials there decide if all is well with your paperwork and make the adoption final and official AND agree to issue Laura's visa to enter the US. Well, we passed! We had to stay in our hotel room in case the Consulate needed to question us. But, no questions and at 12:13 pm Connie (our guide) called us to tell us we passed and were free to leave our room. So, we rushed down to Lucy's Diner to have a hamburger and fries. We ate outside and there is a huge paved area surrounded by a park and the Pearl River. The local people played this game with the boys as we looked on. If you look close in the first picture, you will see Luke sitting in the background watching John and Will. Laura watched as well while eating her french fries as well as Luke watched while picking his nose! We really were able to relax and celebrate at lunch. The sun was shining and it was cool outside. We are now ready to come home with out new daughter!

The Chinese Market

2008-02-26T06:57:00.002-06:00

Meredith ventured off the beaten path today. He found the Chinese market. Looking at the pictures you can see that they don't cater to the American tourists. The first picture is huge worms and the second picture is scorpions. There were also seahorses and starfish that he didn't get pictures of. You will also see the most popular mode of transportation. The bicycles are just parked on the streets. With over 9 million people and 2 million that come into the city daily to work, Guangzhou could hardly contain enough automobiles!!!

Beautiful Architecture in Guangzhou

2008-02-26T06:49:00.002-06:00

There are many beautiful buildings and parks in Guangzhou. The English and French settlers built this city. It has a tropical climate and the greenery is magnificent. We enjoy stolling down the streets shopping in the old buildings. There are hundreds of gift shops up and down each street. There is even a Starbucks and believe me, it tastes just like home!

2008-02-26T06:42:00.002-06:00

Today Laura took her bath and then snuggled with Daddy for a little while. Then, she and Daddy went for her medical visit required for getting her US visa. After her medical exam, Mommy went to do all the paperwork with our guide and the rest of the adoptive families.

Tomorrow, our guide Connie, will take all of our paperwork to the US Consulate General here in Guangzhou. They will make sure all the forms we completed are correct. They will then issue her visa.

These are a few pictures of Laura today.

Fun at the Zoo

2008-02-24T20:20:00.002-06:00

Well, after a good night sleep, we went to the Guangzhou Safari Park. We took a bus with other CHI families and our guide. She gave us alot of history about Guangzhou. It has been a city for 2800 years. No wonder there are so many people in Asia!

Our ride to the zoo took about 50 minutes. Then we hopped a tram for the ride through part of the park. In the rain!! We saw all kinds of animals including white tigers and Koala bears.

The kids had a great time as well as the adults.

We are tired and counting down the days until we can come home. Today we are shopping for gifts for family and friends. Tomorrow is Laura's visa picture and medical exam. We will also fill out paperwork for the Consulate Appointment which is Wednesday at 9 am. In the afternoon of Wednesday, we will shop at the Pearl Market. Then, Thursday afternoon we will take out oath at the Consulate and pick up her passport. We will leave out very early Friday morning and that can't get her soon enough now! I am ready to make my little China doll an American Citizen. Which will happen when we touch down in Chicago, Ill.

Oh, the 2nd picture on this post is how Luke fell asleep on the way back to the hotel from the zoo!

Anyone want a picture with Grandad?

2008-02-24T20:15:00.002-06:00

The most popular guy on the bus on the way to Guangzhou's Safari Park!

We enjoyed the safari zoo. The boys could run around and use some of their energy and we enjoyed watching Laura see the world. And she really does take it in! She loves life!! I think she has her Daddy's personality!!

This Post is Especially for Mimi

2008-02-24T20:11:00.002-06:00

We took pictures of these flamingos at the largest zoo in Asia. It is the Guangzhou Safari Park. Mimi, we hope you enjoy the pictures. We love you and can't wait to see you. Could you cook us some of your delicious chili and tamales? Anything but rice!!!

Laura's Evening

2008-02-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

Laura likes her mommy's comfy lap! She loves sleeping all snuggled up to Mommy. Sleep tight baby!

Laura's Life Today

2008-02-23T08:30:00.001-06:00

Pretty good life huh? Laura thinks so!

And More Pictures

2008-02-23T04:27:00.002-06:00

Picture 1 - Soldiers maching in Guangzhou.

Picture 2 - Grandad checking Laura out on Gotcha Day!

Picture 3 - 4 - More Gotcha Day Pictures.

Picture 5 - Bradley laughing about everyone sleeping during Granddad's birthday party.

An assortment of Pictures

2008-02-23T04:18:00.002-06:00

Picture 1 - Laura finds her belly button!

Picture 2 - an interesting building in Lanzhou.

Picture 3 - Luke leaving Lanzhou.

Picture 4 - Tonya, Laura and Stefani (CHI Waiting Children Director) in Guangzhou.

Picture 5 - Laura finds the goldfish!

Saturday in Civilization!

2008-02-23T04:01:00.002-06:00

Okay. So Lanzhou was stressful but interesting.....Guanzhou is beautiful. Shops all around the hotel have anything you could want to buy. I bought Laura some shoes and 2 dresses. I just couldn't resist! I better not see another dress like it in Texas!! We also had to buy some shoes for Luke because his Lightning McQueen shoes kept coming off. Everywhere we went we would have to carry them because he kept losing them.

We had hamburgers and french fries for lunch at Lucy's and boy her french fried can beat anywhere in America. Well, except for the homemade ones!!

We went to Jordan's Place and got kites for the boys. Sorry, our hands were full of children. We didn't get many pictures. We will send more soon.

Meredith, Dad, John, and William went to a multilevel grocery store shopping for food. We eat one meal a day in our room. Breakfast is included with our room so we get a big meal every morning. They were trying to find some shoes for Luke too and had to go to the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor people told them to go to the 4th floor. The 4th floor people told them to go back to the 3rd floor! Can you imagine Meredith and Dad going up and down and up and down to find shoes for a kid?!?!?! And Dad said that there was 3 million people in the store with 3 million shopping carts that they drive just like they drive their cars!!! Needless to say, Dad thinks that Brookshires it frustrating and he's trying to shop with Meredith (need I say more) and 2 restless kids!! I wish I had gone just to take pictures!!!! Chaos city!!!! But, they came back with lots of good food AND shoes for Luke (that are too big)! Meredith even bought me some of those Danish shortbread cookies. He's a sweetie.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that he hit his head on the taxi and hurt his neck. He really is in pain. Please pray for him. He's hurting.

Tomorrow we go to the Safari Park and the Cow and Bridge for dinner. We are just relaxing this afternoon and watching TV. Luke is being good and Laura is putting her necklace in Daddy's shoe. It's usually bb's or hot wheels so now he has something new to guess what is hurting his foot when he puts his shoes on!!!

God bless you guys.

Leaving Lanzhou 2-22-2008

2008-02-23T03:44:00.003-06:00

We got Laura's passport at 10 am. Luke decided to redecorate the hotel room and stripped some of the wall paper off the wall. We called the hotel manager. They came and looked at the wall with our guide, Sally. They told her that they were going to charge us 800 rbm. She scolded the manager and told him that we would pay 200rbm. That is about $30. He agreed and told Meredith it would be 200. Meredith bowed up to them and said that 200 was way too much. Sally looked at him very puzzled, wrinkled her forehead, and said nothing. She was thinking that she had just got the manager to come down 600rbm and Meredith still wasn't going for it. He said, "Sally, 200 dollars is way too much for that wall." She laughed and said, "No Meredis. 200rbm!" We readily agreed to pay $30 for the wall. We all had a good laugh over it. Even the manager.

We then left for Guangzhou. It was a 3 hour plane ride with 2 babies. The snack they served was way too much for me and Dad but Meredith and the boys wolfed it down! They really can tolerate much more than me and Dad. (I must say that while I am posting this we Laura just began crawling around the room!!!!!)

We landed in Guangzhou at 4:05 pm Friday. Our guide was no where to be found!! So, I called her. Thank goodness I had printed her phone number before I left Texas. She thought that we were coming in Saturday. We were able to get a van to the hotel and our guide, Connie, came and visited us and was very apologetic about the mix up. We checked into the hotel and the rooms were about 1 sq ft big so we changed to new rooms. We finally went to dinner about 8 pm. AND THEN, as we were eating, Luke moved him place mat and crash, a broken glass. We just had to laugh. What a way to end the evening.

We got back to our room and guess what?!?!?!? It has an airconditioner!!! Praise God in heaven!!! Cool air. We have it set on 16 degrees Celsuis, the low 60's, and we are in HOG heaven!! Really. AND, they have purified water from the sink. No more buying cases of water and hauling them to our room and stumbling over them!!

We got settled in on Friday night and had a good nights sleep. Both babies slept all night long. Actually, Luke slept in until about 9am! God is so good!

February 21, 2008

2008-02-23T02:40:00.002-06:00

Our last day in Lanzhou was spent packing for the flight to Guangzhou. Meredith, Dad, William and John galavanted about the city. Meredith took lots of pictures but on the wrong setting and the pics were not good! Sorry!!!! Meredith and John went back out and were able to see the back streets of the city. The vendors selling produce and food were very interested in seeing Americans.

Thursday night was the last night for the Spring Festival Celebration. It's equivalent to Christmas Day for us. There were fireworks going off all over the city. People built bonfires and jumped over them. It is the custom to prevent the crops from being consumed by fire. They celebrated late into the night as we watched from our 17th story hotel room.

It was really neat to see their celebration as it was our last night in Lanzhou.

The Yellow River Oasis Restaurant

2008-02-20T06:46:00.002-06:00

After touring Lanzhou, we had dinner at the Yellow River Oasis Restaurant. It is a huge greenhouse built with beautiful tropical foliage, a playground for the children, and a pool with a seal in it. There are waterways that you walk across over small bridges. It is lovely.

Sally ordered our dinner. She ordered fried rice, lilly root and celery stirfry, beef and veggies, baked chicken, and mutton dumplings. The food was very good and we enjoyed our meal. The boys asked if they could take the chopsticks home. I explained to them that it would be like asking to take your fork home in America! They were very puzzled by this.

Laura want solid foods so bad. I gave her fried rice with egg and she was able to chew and swallow! I am so happy about that. She is loving on us, playing with my hair, and rubbing my skin. She wants to touch our teeth and look in our mouth. She is truly discovering what it like to have parents and brothers. I can't wait for her to meet her grown sister and brother back home. We are enjoying her very much. Once again, I am so humbled to be able to have her in our family.

Tour of Lanzhou

2008-02-20T06:32:00.002-06:00

Today Sally took us to see the Water Wheel. It is a large wooden wheel built on the Yellow River and it was used to irrigate the farm lands. It turned and lifted water into wooden runners that were fed into the crop areas.

The second picture is of Meredith and the boys at the Mother and Child Statue. I failed to get a picture of the statue but it is very special to the Chinese people. The mother represents the Yellow River giving birth to the child, Lanzhou. You see, the Silk Road ran along the Yellow River and thus the city of Lanzhou was established. Lanzhou is the capital city of Gansu Province and it is also the only capital city in China in which the Yellow River runs.

The 3rd picture is of our family at the Ganzu Provincial Museum. The museum contains ancient artifacts. The pottery dates back to 5000 BC. It is beautiful. The museum also tells the story of the Silk Road. It also has a dinosaur exhibit. Many fossilized dinosaur bones have been found in Gansu Province.

Anita's Cowboy is in China

2008-02-20T06:09:00.004-06:00

Check this cowboy out. He's a looker isn't he? He is Anita's cowboy. Has been for 44 years!

Hi Mom, just wanted to give you some good pictures of Dad. Don't worry. We won't leave him here. He'll be home in 9 days. He said today that as soon as he get home, he's gonna saddle his horse and rope some cows! He sure does miss Texas! But he misses Anita (mom) more.

Sally, our guide, told us that YaYa (short a, emphasis on first syllable) is grandfather in Chinese.
NaNa (short a, emphasis on second syllable) is Grandmother. So, this tough old cowboy toured China this afternoon singing, "YaYa loves NaNa". I almost got him a plane ticket home I felt so sorry for him.

Boy, am I blessed to have 2 parents so much in love after 44 years of marraige! God is good.

What a Difference 3 Days Make!

2008-02-19T21:24:00.002-06:00

I apologize for the quality of the pictures but our little peanut won't be still! Just look at her! She is smiling and giggling and walking everywhere! Well, someone has to hold her hands but she is like to energizer bunny! She just keeps going and going and going!

Her little snaggle tooth grin is so cute! And her giggle melts your heart. Yesterday she was lethargic and I was so worried about her. Today, she is a different child. In only 3 days her personality is coming through and she really loves on us!!

I am so blessed to be given this wonderful little girl! Thank you Lord!!!

Dingxi City

2008-02-19T15:23:00.003-06:00

I am a little emotional today so I will explain in detail our experience of yesterday later. But I wanted you all to see just a few pictures of our experience yesterday. We went to a remote city named Dingxi where Laura was found and where she lived in a small orphanage for the first 19 months of her life.

Picture 1 - Mom and Laura on the bus ride to Dingxi City.
Picture 2 -homes along the highway to Dingxi from Lanzhou.
Picture 3 - A spring festival celebration in Dingxi.
Picture 4 - Our family and the orphanage staff.
Picture 5 - A narrow lane.

2008-02-18T18:44:00.003-06:00

This is Laura and Daddy after she downed her bottle earlier today.
We wanted to show you the comparison of our little peanut with the hand of her big Daddy!!! She should surely feel safe!!!!

The next pic is of the head chef of the hotel restaurant. His chefs will make you beef noodles, or farm fresh eggs just the way you like them. Everyong said that the coffee is terrible here. I love it. It's about twice as strong as mine, for those of you who have to drink my coffee! It is so much fun to watch him make the beef noodles by hand. I am a bread maker and I don't hold a candle to his ability to manipulate dough! He is very friendly too.

The last picture is of a small part of the buffet in the restaurant. The food is delicious. The presentation is so impressive, at least to me! Last night they had sushi flanked with gerber daisies. It was so colorful! However, I didn't attempt to eat the sushi!

We are leaving for Laura's orphanage in a little bit. When we undress her our hearts ache for she looks like one of those children in a starving children's commercial. But it won't be that way for long. She has already had 2 bottles today!

Pizza and Pictures

2008-02-17T14:11:00.003-06:00

I almost forgot to post some things from yesterday. After we got Laura, our guide took us to have a family picture (me, meredith, and laura) and Laura's passport picture made. We sat down on the stools for the pic and Sally (our guide) and the photographer laughed. They then moved the camera backwards and laughed again. They were talking to each other and Meredith and I laughed. We knew the problem and knew they were wondering how to tell us. The problem is that we are so BIG they couldn't get us all in the pic and we needed to move backwards too. We asked them so they wouldn't have to ask us and they smiled. We moved and we all laughed together!! Laughter is a universal language and is good for the spirit!

After our picture, Sally took us to the Pizza Mira. We had so much fun. The pizza, no kidding, was better than in the US and we had coke with it. No one was brave enough to eat a salad but we munched on the Pizza!

Sally is very interesting and she told us alot about herself , her husband, aand her life here in China. She and Bradley really hit it off and they went shopping again after delivering us back to the hotel. I get a little nervous letting Bradley go off without me in a foriegn country but he love it and he has to grow up sometime. What a wonderful experience for him.

I accidentally added the same pic twice and don't know how to cut it so look at Bradley in one and John in the other!! Boy are we learning to go with the flow!

My Dad's 62nd Birthday Party

2008-02-17T05:26:00.002-06:00

This is how you celebrate a Grandad's birthday in China after traveling for 30 hours, missing 2 nights of sleep, and celebrating Gotcha Day earlier in the day.

Sunshine Plaza Hotel made my dad, Bradley Anderson, a beautiful and delicious cake and brought it to our room. We tried to wake up the boys to celebrate but the pictures show how much success we had with it!!!

Everyone is settled into what we all HOPE will be a full nights rest.

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!! We do love you.

2008-02-17T05:22:00.002-06:00

Laura hasn't cried a bit! She fussed when I bathed her and cleaned her mouth. But other than that, she is playing with us and smiling and hugging and cuddling. I am in shock. When they left her with us she couldn't care less. It kind of worried me. You know, the attachment thing and all. But she seems to like all of us and loves to be played with.
She has a VERY difficult time eating. VERY. It just takes her so long and so much effort. I got a syringe and started feeding her with it, she seemed relieved. She opens her mouth and I put a tiny bit in her mouth and she works it to the back of her mouth and swallows. It takes a long time and I am sure that is some of the reason that she is so tiny. Meredith held her and cried as we fed her as we talked about the fact that she is almost 2 years old and struggles to eat!
She can crawl slowly and sit and stand while holding on to something. She loves to roll around on the floor or bed and play with her toys. She is totally interested in EVERYTHING she sees.
We are totally smitten! Thanks for all of your prayers and for sharing the excitement of our Gotcha Day.

Gotcha Day

2008-02-17T02:37:00.002-06:00

Well, Laura is ours. She hasn't cried yet. She is very happy. She is laying on the bed playing with toys while her Daddy and Granddaddy admire her.

Her brothers adore her and so far Luke hasn't been very jealous. Yet...

She is very beautiful and she smiles alot.

They brought her late because of the snow last night. So we had to wait until noon.

We are very happy that we finally have her.

Sally has been great. She is very friendly and we have a great time talking. More to come. I am missing out on my bonding time. Oh, her Granddaddy thinks she really cute.

A Little Rain

2008-02-16T13:11:00.002-06:00

Well, Luke slept from 2pm to midnight when he woke up crying. Meredith took care of him for a little while so I could get more sleep. Then, I got up and told him that I was going to wash my face and hold him. Luke stood at my side crying. This is what the Lord told me and I told Luke.

Sometimes in our life a little rain must fall. It is raining in Luke's life right now. He has been ill, scared of the airplanes, thrown into a new time zone, and has NO apple juice. He is fussy, clingy, and anxious. This happens to all of us no matter how old or young we are. So, while he walks through his storm, I will comfort him, help him grow into a better person, and love him no matter how he behaves. Why? Because that is what our Lord Jesus Christ does for his children. Just like the weather, sometimes we have sunshine, sometimes the weather is enjoyable and pleasant and sometimes it's a dangerous storm. But no matter what kind of weather we are experiencing in our lives, Jesus said that He will never leave us or forsake us. He loves us, is firm with us, and molds us into better people through our storms. We must trust Him and always believe that He knows what is best for us.

And so it is with Luke. We are being Jesus to Luke right now as he struggles through his storm. And when he is grown, he will understand that he can lean on his Savior just like he leaned on Momma and Daddy when he was little.

If any of you, my dear friends, don't have Jesus as your provider, protector, comforter, and Savior, I beseech you to meet Him and let Him guide you through your life no matter how the weather is for you now. For if you know Him, you will never have to fear the plane ride, feel like no one understands you during your trials, or be alone with your deepest pain. You can be held and comforted during your trials just like we are comforting Luke. He is adjusting and we are seeing a change in his attitude and behavior because instead of being frustrated and mad at him, we are taking the time to adjust his behavior and teach him to trust us and obey us. That is the safest place for a child. And the safest place for a child of God is to let him be your Daddy and Mommy.

God bless all of you my dear friend during the sunshine and the rain. We will be getting our new daughter in just 6 or 7 hours. We are excited to be her Mommy and Daddy and introduce her to Jesus too.

February 16 Lanzhou, China

2008-02-16T05:13:00.003-06:00

Thanks Mary. You are a smart lady! Mary told me how to get around the firewall and be able to access my blog.

Okay, I have a new camera, I can post on my blog and I am ready to get Laura. Sally, our guide, will call us in the morning when they are downstairs with Laura!! I am getting nervous. But more excited than even I could imagine.

Well, today was interesting and MUCH better. After breakfast, Granddaddy the 3 little boys and myself toured the hotel. We found the pool, the pool table, and the ping pong table. We paid for an hour of ping pong and took turns missing the tiny little ball. Granddaddy held Luke up so he could reach to swipe at the ball. And he did hit it a couple of times.

Meredith and Bradley went off in search of food and came back with KFC. They said that it was very hard to order because noone understands them. But they had enough food for everyone and that's what counts. We had chicken. Just chicken. And let me tell you. It was spicy. Really spicy. The little boys were holding their mouths but kept eating! I just can't believe you can't get a Dr Pepper ANYWHERE in China!

Sally arrived at 2pm so everyone went shopping except me and Luke. HE WENT TO SLEEP!!!! God is good. He is still asleep and I am hoping he will make it through the night and get rested. Just to wake up and find that he has officially been booted out of the saddle! I am sure he won't give it up without a fight. Sigh.

Meredith and the boys came back with water. Let me share something with all you spoiled Americans. Water is liquid gold. Preserve it! It is very dry and cold here in Lanzhou and you must drink alot of water which has to be purchased and drank from bottles. Bradley and Sally stayed on the town and shopped for a new cell phone. He got a great deal and Sally is VERY good at getting what her customer wants. And of course, Meredith bought us a new camera. We really must break this camera curse we seem to have. We go through more cameras in one year than is imaginable.

After shopping, we watched Stripes on my computer and now the boys are safely tucked away in Granddaddy's room eating tuna and crackers for dinner. I really look forward to Guangzhou. But tomorrow we will have pizza from the Pizza Mira which other travelers have recommended to us. The hotel dining room is very swank and has good food but it's a little pricey so we won't eat there much.

Meredith and Luke are snoozing and I am typing my little finger off to try to capture every day. For my friends and family but mostly for us since I am sure I will read often of this adventure to Laura.

Tomorrow we will also celebrate my dad's 62nd birthday. We might just have to eat dinner at the hotel restaurant tomorrow night. If I feel brave enough to take 2 babies to dinner!!! lol

Please pray that Laura will adjust quickly and we will be sensitive to her needs as she transitions into our family.

God bless all of you.

From China....

2008-02-15T21:39:00.001-06:00

Hey friends and family. We are in Lanzhou China. Lanzhou was established in 86 BC! We are on the 17th floor of a beautiful hotel called Sunshine Plaza. The smog is pretty bad but we are handling it. The city is still decorated beautifully since CNY and we came through from the airport last night. It was spectacular. It is a cross between New York City and Mexico!!! Very interesting.

We left DFW at 7:50 am CST Thursday morning. We flew to San Francisco which was a 4 hour flight. We left San Francisco and flew for 12 hours to Beijing China. It was really weird because it never got dark. We were flying into the sun and it was day time for us for over 24 hours. We got to Beijing at 3:15 Friday (China time), caught a 2 hour flight to Lanzhou and met our guide at the Lanzhou airport. We then took a 1 1/2 hour bus ride to the hotel. We got to bed about 11 pm. Luke cried alot last night but the other boys went right to sleep. Luke will adjust by tomorrow and then get a new sister!! Boy, is life hard for him right now. He got diarrhea on the plane and during turbulence we were in the TINY bathroom changing him........needless to say, we used ALOT of wet wipes to clean up the place! He is terrified of flying and I held him for 30 hours straight, except short stints when Meredith held him so I could rest my arms. It was hard getting here but all in all it was okay.

When we arrived at the Lanzhou airport, Luke through a fit that was top notch! Really, it was funny to think that there was about 100 Chinese people watching (I mean staring and talking to each other about it) this exhausted American family trying to shuffle a lot of kids and ALOT of luggage with a 2 year old laying flat on his face in the airport kicking and screaming like a wild banshee!!!! I was really embarrassed. It was 15 degrees here and I was sweating. A priceless memory!!!! I can't wait to tell his fiance about it in 20 years!!! I was so tempted to pull his diaper down and spank his ---- but I was afraid the Chinese police would arrest me!

The children and I sat down in the airport to wait on Meredith, Dad, and Bradley to exchange money and people came up and started taking pictures of the kids. They tried to smile and be friendly but they were exhausted! The babies here are so pretty and Bradley is quite impressed with the shy smiles of the young ladies!!!

We are relaxing in the hotel room right now and will go to the museum this afternoon. Our breakfast was great and we are hoping to stay well from stomach problems.

I lost my camera somewhere between the Beijing airport and the hotel so I must purchase new one today. Sally will help me. I will pst photos asap.

We are tired but very excited and happy to be here. Rebel is blogging for me until I can access my blog from here in China. Thank you for helping me Rebel!!!

We love all of you and will update as often as we can.

Bye for now.

Goodbye for Now

2008-02-13T19:12:00.003-06:00

Okay. This is it. The time has come! We leave at 3 am for the airport. We will blog again when we get settled in our hotel room. Love to all. Thank you for supporting us and praying for us!

Blessings, Meredith and Tonya