21 Years of Wedded Bliss...

It was in July of 1982 that we met. It was in August of 1986 that he proposed. It was 21 years ago today that I married my best friend. I can honestly, truly say with no hesitation that I love him more each day. We've shared alot over the years. Yes it's not always been a "primose path" (whatever that is supposed to be). But each year does get better. I cannot imagine sharing my life with any other person. There is no one on earth who I trust more. No one on earth I respect more. No one on earth who I want to come home to each day more than this man. God planned for our being husband and wife and He has stood beside us each day. For this I am grateful beyond words. There has never been a more wonderful thing that has happened to me than becoming his life partner. Praise be to God. Happy 21 years Daddybug. I'm praying for the gift of at least 21 more!

A private note: I'm fondly recalling one year ago when we celebrated our 20th in Guangzhou on Shamain Island. Truly a night to remember. I'm sure you agree...


The Happy Couple


Those Precious Vows

August 20th, a day history was made on Lindy Lane...

Gotcha Day, August 20, 2007


Family Vacation, July 2008

One year ago today we met our daughter, Chun Xue, for the first time. We waited 19 long months for that moment and oh how sweet it was (for us that is). For LL it was traumatic. But by God's grace it was only a matter of 24 hours and she began comprehending that these strangers were someone special. Over the last year we've watched her become acclimated to so many new things. Things like new sleep patterns, new foods, new expectations and a new language just to name a few. If there is one thing that is clear to us all, it is that she is one brave, resilient, adaptable child. I pray these qualities remain with her forever. I also pray that her birthparents are at peace in some way with their decision. The joy that she has brought to our family cannot be measured. The difference in her life now that she lives here in the United States cannot be measured. These immense blessings can only be credited to God. For through Him all things are possible. Each day I praise the Lord for our three children. Each very different, each equally precious in our eyes. We have much to celebrate today now that our family is finally complete. I only wish that Papa were here to share in our joy. But I am sure that all of LL's grandparents are rejoicing in the heavenly realms for this special child.

A Tribute to Dad...

On Wednesday at 1:30 a.m. our family suffered the loss of my father-in-law. To my children he was Papa. To DB, his other children, and us spouses he was Dad. And he never failed to treat us accordingly; that is as if we were his own. We are so blessed to have this patriarch in our family. He is one of Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation, and soon to be a lost generation as time goes on.

Dad was a man's man. No nonsense, no fluff, no frivolity. He was loving, generous and strong, a true rock. He could barely boil water, never took a mop in his hand that I ever saw and wouldn't grocery shop to save his life. Yet, he provided solely for his family of five, built the home we all live in and provided a wonderful role model to six grandsons. How could we ever ask for more? To say we will all miss him just isn't sufficient.

I think my favorite funny memory of Dad was way back when DB and I were just dating--long distance. One weeknight evening my father allowed me to make the one and 1/2 hour trip down here from up north with my music teacher to visit DB, my then high school sweetheart. My music teacher was taking graduate courses in our capital city and made the trip twice weekly. The arrangement was that I would come down with my teacher, stay overnight with a girlfriend and then DB would drive me home on Saturday morning. As a teenager you can imagine the talking I had to do to get my father to agree! So we had gone out shopping and DB noticed when we were getting back in the car that there was a huge bolt laying on the ground beside his (very old) car. Well we carefully drove home (pre-cell phone era) and DB asked Papa what he thought about it and was it serious? I remember Dad rubbing his chin, taking a deep sigh and letting it out loudly, then shaking his head. His report was that this bolt was indeed critical and that it would be impossible to drive the car anywhere, certainly not 85 miles north into the country. At that very moment I felt my heart stop. I imagined the look on my fathers face, and so on. Then...after a brief pause he laughed and explained that that bolt was much too big to belong on a car and it certainly wasn't something to worry about. You can imagine my relief!! It was then and there that I came to learn my father-in-laws quiet and not often revealed sense of humor. But when he delivered a joke it was a GOOD one for sure.

On holidays the big deal was what to get Dad. All he'd ever say was, "Aw, I don't need anything." So you went far above and beyond the call of duty to get that ONE thing that perhaps he would use. As of late it got much easier because his sweet tooth ran wild. I tried to always keep him stocked in snacks for his bedroom. Chocolate, individually wrapped cookies, etc. Upon passing his room you'd often hear the crinkling of wrappers. Yup, Dad was having his bedtime snack :)

In the evening here at home I loved how Dad sometimes had to find where we all were to say his Goodnights. But he always made sure he did as each of us have different routines. I can still hear him saying "Good night Lyn" up the stairs. I hope I can always hear him.

Dad has his favorite chair in the house which we affectionately called the "command center". It contained cubby holes in the arm for magazines, pens, paper, candy and whatever else he deemed necessary. It even had a phone in it. Some years ago it was a gift from Nana to him. Recently and sadly he had to retire that chair as the bottom was just plain wore out. It was replaced by another recliner but not as elaborate. Now that chair sits empty. I don't know what we'll do. But for now I like it there. I can still see him there watching TV, opening Christmas gifts, listening to one of the kids share something with him, or taking a catnap. It is sadly comforting. I miss you Dad--beyond measure. We all do. I don't know what life will be like without you.

The one thing I DO know is that you are in heaven now. Scripture tells us that when we pass on and go to heaven that we will have glorious heavenly bodies. While I don't know what that is, I do know that you are not dizzy or in pain anymore. You are peaceful, healthy and able to anything you choose. I also know that you and Mom have likely found some quiet place and are catching up after being parted for six long years. For this I can be happy. I know that you've seen the face of Jesus. I know the angels rejoiced when you arrived. I know that forever you will be in peace. Praise be to God. Thank you God for creating this family, chosen by Your design.

So much fun, so much rain...oh well.

We just returned from a lovely week away of vacation at the ocean. While I'd like to say that each day was sunny and beautiful...it was not. There were days when we thought we'd grow mold, LOL! However, on a positive note we did make the most of each day be it wet or dry. The challenge lied in keeping a toddler and three active boys happy in one 30' RV, which seemed to shrink as the week went on! For the most part I'd say all were happy and content, so long as we were dry and well fed. Speaking of food, we had a plan to eat some yummy seafood dish each night and indeed we did! The highlight of our trip, in my opinion, was our sunny warm days at the ocean. Both Cuzin' Dee and LL had never set foot in the ocean until this trip. So this made it even more special. Each has brought many fond memories home I'm sure. Overall, I'd say, despite the rain we would do it all over again.

Oh those summer nights...

Oh, those lazy days of summer. Remember when it seemed as if it lasted forever? I wish it DID, LOL!! This beautiful photo was taken on our recent visit to one of our favorite beaches. I just love it!

Short and Sweet....

I didn't have time to find our video camera, set it up, etc. but I HAD to catch this moment on film. Our LL is absolutely becoming a singer and dancer, no doubt. She hears a Latin beat and her feet start moving, she twirls, she "sings", it is absolutely delightfully hilarious and SO SWEET! Today was exceptional as she was in the mood to dress up so she had on one of Mom's nighties and my pearls. I put in DB's new Santana CD and when Maria, Maria came on the little dancer began her performance. Hope this makes you smile at least 1/2 as much as me. Happy Weekend!


Broadway Bound


Singing her little heart out!


You Go Girl!!


She's got her groove on!!


Check out those moves!


Waiting for the applause...

Four Days at the Lake = Four Days of Bliss...

Day One, Fourth of July, Parade and Fireworks

I think the Fourth of July has got to be my second most favorite day of the year next to Christmas of course. Mostly because it is the one day of the year that we can always count on our whole group of friends and their children to be together. It is also the day that I catch up with several of my high school friends that I grew up with. We are SO fortunate to have grown up in a small town where traditions run deep and the value of returning to keep in touch has not faded after (um-hum 20+ years). For this I am blessed beyond measure.

Day One began with our annual trip to the Town Beach in the neighboring village. In truth, it is more like an old-fashioned swimming hole. But the playground and picnic area is great and the beach is very kid friendly. I must also add that it is normally SO QUIET there that the maximum beach capacity is 35, yup, 35. That is one underwhelmed lifeguard. BUT...on the Fourth of July things are different. Thankfully they always politely overlook the headcount that day.


The Annual Photo of all the Children, Priceless!


Paul...what more can I say :0)


The Guyz, getting ready...


JUMP!!!!!


All Kids, Big and Small

The Parade in my hometown is a much anticipated event for the children for two reasons. The candy, and it means the fireworks are coming soon. This year was LL first Fourth of July up north. She held up very well, considering the pace, the over-stimulation, the number of strangers who fussed over her, the late night and the noisy (but AWESOME) fireworks. In fact she had us ALL just about splitting a seam when we were sitting lakeside waiting for the fireworks to begin. I'm not sure what inspired her, but all of a sudden she just burst into "song". It was absolutely hysterical!! She just stood there, with her little back to the lake, facing countless onlookers and sang to her hearts content. Then all of a sudden she would pause for a moment and clap her hands and say, "Yay-y-y-"! All the while fully expecting you to show your gratitude accordingly.


Our Group at the Parade


Santa Rides a Harley?!


Parade Fun with Mama


Um, whatever...


Singing for Joy, Reveling in the Laughter


Lovin' the Audience, Waiting for the Applause


Chilaxin, waiting for the fireworks


Patriotic Music Set Against a Beautiful Backdrop


Ah, There is No Place Like Home...

Days Two Through Four...Family, Friends, Frivolity


Tea Party-Adirondack Style


Flowers for the Centerpiece


Beach Beauty's


Lakeside and Lovin' It


Lovebug and Little Ladybug


LL's New Toy, Thank You Aunt Tammy!


Life is Tough...


Music by the Lake


Another Good Day at the Lake


Storytime with Mama Lovebug


My Three Guyz


BB, Hope your Face Doesn't Freeze Like That!!