Back in the Saddle Again...

Helping Mama Make Rice Pudding



Ready to hit the slopes!


I am happy to post that both BW and LL are back to a normal pace and normal activities, Praise the Lord! It seems that BW had mono some time ago and this round of fatigue is caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I was not aware of this condition but after the doctor diagnosed it, it sure fits BW's symptoms. He now has to learn to pace himself and pay more attention to how much sleep he is getting and how many extracurricular activities he is involved in. Hmmmm...if you are a parent of a teen or know one, you can imagine the conversations that have sprung up as a result of this. Not fun...but tough love IS a part of parenting. Deep down he knows it's for his best interest. Fortunately, this past week BW was off from school due to Regents testing. This allowed him to have a relaxed schedule and to sleep late. So on the weekend we gave him the OK to snowboard and give a friend lessons. We figured they wouldn't leave the bunny hill anyway, LOL! Both had fun and he came home happy to have potentially created another convert from skiing to the world of snowboarding :)

As for LL, well, she is back in the groove of being Mama's little helper or should I say clone (lovingly so)? Her cast came off on Thursday and she was so appreciative she kept telling the doctor, "Thank you, thank you!" Along with her charming smile, I think she has become one of his favorite patients. Basically, we just have to be VERY careful with her arm and the motion that she is allowed... until she's four! YIKES, that ought to be easy ;)

As for BB, he's been gone since Thursday on a three day ski trip with his friends to Vermont. Last night he came home with many stories and an afro helmet cover that is absolutely hysterical on him. He did not take any photos all weekend because in his words, "He was having too much fun." So I'll have to wait until another day 'til I can catch him on the slopes.

The Latest on Little Ladybugs "Owie" and Boll Weevil too...Oh No!

Bath Time Fun, Crazy Hair too!


Her Pinkness, with the lovely new cast


The Princess and her Faithful Companions

LL went back to the bone doctor on Monday. He took off the pink cast and told us to watch her arm overnight and she how she did trying to use it. She didn't use it, at all. It remained hanging there as a lifeless object; same as the last seven days. Furthermore, when I gave her a bath and got her "mammies" on she was in alot of pain, still. So, back to the bone doctor on Tuesday. This time a different doc, but the same practice. He concurred that she should have another cast for eight days to let it rest some more. So...now she is sporting a lovely purple cast. DB and I jokingly said that when all of this is done we are going to fill them with plaster of paris and make book ends. I know, sick isn't it? But, you've gotta find humor in this somewhere. I must say that this cast is much nicer than the other one in that it does not cover as much of her fingertips. This is allowing her to pick up more things and even balance her sippy cup, YEAH! It's these small things that I'm sure she will not take for granted again. So young, so many life lessons ahead. Good thing she has NO IDEA, huh? On another note, BW is not well either. We found out earlier in the week that he has been with the mono virus and none of us knew it. You cannot imagine how bad DB and I feel about this. So, today I am bringing him to the doctor for a follow-up visit to his last. It was then that they took blood and discovered the lingering signs of mono. BW jokingly told me that he didn't even have fun getting it the typical way. Guess it seems he shared a drink at school with a buddy who had it, UGH!! Being a nurse to two ailing children is not what I wanted to be doing as I feel terrible for both of them. But I am grateful to be here to lovingly restore them both to good health. With time, TLC and prayer they'll be good as new soon. Keep those prayers coming please!

Little Ladybug's "Owie"

"Her Pinkness" even has a pink cast, LOL!


Good job splinting DB, now off to the ER :(

So, January 5th is a day that will go down in our family's history books. It seems LL has a condition called Nursemaids Elbow. According to the bone doctor it is caused by an undeveloped cartilidge around the elbow joint. When the elbow is moved "just wrong" it goes out of joint. This happened when DB was getting her out of the bathtub and wrapping her in a hoodie towel (of all things!). He feels SO badly and has apologized at least seven hundred times. The doctor reassured him that there was no wrong doing and that this is a common condition; though not always requiring a cast. It seems her won't stay in place so...she is sporting a pretty, very pink cast for seven days. So far, I'll be honest she is miserable with this appendage. And I can't blame her. So some prayers for patience for her to learn to tolerate this foreign object on her arm would be appreciated. And an extra dose of patience for DB and me wouldn't hurt either. Such is life in the day of a parent. You learn to take the good along with the, thankfully, not so frequent bad events.

Snuggling Up, Bundling Up...

As we woke this AM the thermometer reads -9 degrees. So bundling and snuggling seemed the fitting title for this post as I reflect on the last week or so. Life up north this time of year can either be joyful or miserable, it's all in how you choose to spend your time. We take the cold in stride by spending time with friends and family. Creating memories is the only way for me to look fondly upon this time of year. I rather prefer the more moderate months myself. Such is my tip for survival...LOL!

Holiday Blessings and Photos to Share

I guess it would be mild to say that this Christmas on the lane was special to our family. Christmas of 2005 and 2006 had passed since we submitted our paperwork to the Chinese government for the adoption of our daughter. When we originally applied, our agency told us the wait would be six months from date of acceptance of our dossier to travel to China. Well...as many near and dear to us now know, that wait turned out to be 19 LONG months. Each Christmas there was an empty hole in our hearts that only this sweet child could fill. Those who have been through this know the unique pain involved. It is unlike a pregnancy type wait. I've done both and cannot find alot of similarities. But this year, that emptiness is gone. She is here, Praise the Lord!

Making the holiday even more special was the fact that the whole family was on vacation for two weeks together. This happens every year, but somehow this time seemed even better. LL sure enjoyed having her Baba and Ge-ge's there every morning when she woke up.

BB and BW did some snowboarding on their vacation. Between them they covered four mountains, not too bad I'd say. DB went with them also, but he is a skier and they tease him so badly about how snowboarding is much better. He solidly maintains that "two planks are better than one". Now that LL is here I may even take lessons once she is ready to hit the slopes. The male contingent was very pleased to hear this news as they have never liked it that I don't ski or snowboard. Once that happens I'll have the big decision to make and so will she...one plank or two? That ought to make for some interesting dinner talk, LOL!

Our two weeks off consisted of alot of time with family. We spent Christmas Eve with extended family from both sides. Then Christmas Day we were home on the lane, just the six of us. So nice!! We did something new this year which was fun (and appreciated by me). For our big meal, each family member chose a part to create themselves. BW made the salad with LL helping. BB made apple crisp for dessert. DB, the good husband that he is, peeled MANY potatoes, both regular and sweet. When all was done we enjoyed a delicious meal and had lots of laughs preparing it too! The pix say more than I can do justice to. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that DB did ALL the dishes too, WHEW! Thanks DB, cooking is SO much more fun when you're my partner.

Later in the week we celebrated Uncle Fix-It's 70th birthday with a wonderful party. The Faraway Cuzin's were here from Seattle and helped Aunty Ess prepare a magical Winter Wonderland theme. Unfortunately though, we had to leave early as BB came down with a brief but "intense" stomach bug. New Years Eve was quiet for LL, DB and me. We went out for a nice dinner while BW and BB went to a party hosted by a mutual friend. New Years Day was another visit with the the Faraway Cuzin's and a shared meal. We must make the most of our time together!

Today is a really quiet day on the lane as everyone but LL and I are back to work and school. But... at least I had time to do my belated holiday post ;)

Christmas Reflections

Each year as Christmas arrives I look forward the seasonal shift that occurs. Not just in the environment but in the heart and home too. Our little village becomes cozy as it is blanketed in white. The glow of holiday lights in windows transforms the façade of each home to a place of welcome; not just another house among the masses.

In stores there is a camaraderie between shoppers. Each having a common goal of finding the perfect gift or creating that special holiday meal. During the off-season we would likely pass in the aisle and not speak a word.

At home and school we are looking for an opportunity to thank that person who has done for us and our family. Our “brothers-keeper” sensitivity is also fine-tuned. Often times to the point of being self-sacrificing.

What is particularly note-worthy to me is that this attitude of the heart transcends believers and non-believers alike. Many would deny their actions were motivated by any faith-based notions. Rather they are simply doing the right thing at a time when others are in need. As a firm-believer in Christ and His miraculous birth and life, I say this is no coincidence. You may deny Christ’s sovereignty, you many deny all religions completely. But this seasonal shift of the heart and actions cannot be denied. Ask any retailer, any Pastor, any nursing home director, any manager of a charitable organization.

If this is so, then what is the true cause and motivation one would ask? I maintain, in my humble opinion, that the roots of such beauty, joy, generosity and outpouring of love are firmly planted by the Creator Himself. Yes, we have grown into a country where all theological perspectives, or the absence of them, are accepted. But these were not the ideologies of our founding fathers and their ancestors before them. In contrast theirs was a narrow path by which to walk that led to a life well-lived. They fought hard and long to create an environment of equality and acceptance.

Generations later we have strayed far from that path they trod at such sacrifice. The details of that could become a long and unpleasant dictation. My point in this reflection, from a positive perspective, is that all has not gone astray indeed. If even for a season we hold to those “old-fashioned” beliefs and “traditional” behaviors, what a difference it makes!

In my quiet moments I wonder what would happen if it were to be so the whole year long. What would happen if all year we turned our eyes to Jesus and strived to live as He did. That our thoughts would be pure as new fallen snow. What glory, what grace! But alas, I need to be content with these weeks as they are. It is my prayer that we will maintain our freedom here in the US to always enjoy this season, openly and freely. That every village, every city will maintain that lovely glow that only Christmas brings to the heart and home.

Praise you Jesus that you are still the sovereign Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of my heart.

The Wizards Do It Again...

On Sunday Beetleboy competed in a robotics program sponsored by Lego. They have been programming, researching and running the course since September. Finally, all their hard work was done and the pressure was on to perform for the judges. There were 34 teams in the competition comprised of kids ages 8-14. Each selects a name and attire to match accordingly. This year BB's team wore shirts designed by ML and pants painstakingly, hand-painted by Coach Fisherman which were awesome. Of course the team wore their traditional wizard hats too. The event was held at a local technology college in their field house. It was a noisy, busy day with lots of standing and very little rest. The Wizards team consists of seven boys all in BB's grade. They are a great group, really complementing each other with their various strengths and abilities. The competition consisted of three parts. The first is an oral presentation on a subject relative to power plants. The Wizards chose to do theirs on alternative energy sources. The second part is to present their robot to the judges and explain their programs, the design and their plan to run the course. The last, most exciting (and emotionally draining) part is running the robot through the course. It must perform several different tasks successfully and quickly. After several heats each robot is judged for efficiency and timeliness. Once all is said and done the teams get to rest (Coaches too, WHEW!) while the closing ceremony is being prepared. The Closing Ceremony starts out with cool giveaways, a funny video prepared and narrated by the judges. Then all teams efforts are recognized and medals are awarded to all participants and Coaches. Next, several categories of awards are presented. Last year the Wizards won the trophy for Best Presentation. This year we all held our breath each time a trophy was presented as we were not sure if another would be earned. But sure enough, when the award was presented for First Place in Robot Design, the Wizards got it!!!! As his Mom I must add that the robot was designed by BB, not that I'm bragging at all. In no way was this a solitary effort; the whole team deserves credit for the win. But I just had to add that detail, LOL! After the event we all retired to the Fisherman household for pizza, wings and delicious gourmet cookies shaped like, you guessed it--wizard hats. Thanks Mrs. B! We are so proud of the WHOLE team for all your hard work, perseverance, patience and sportsmanship. You really shined Wizards!! We can't wait until next year, but let's give the Coaches a couple weeks off, OK?