Looking Lovely in Red
The BIG Event!!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
We did it, finally, after much hesitation...
Yup, this weekend was it. I've hesitated, fretted and hesitated some more. LL was given the cutest little ladybug earrings months ago and has been YEARNING to wear them. Of course, what she didn't realize, is what it takes to get them done. I, of course, did and finally got the courage to have her ears pierced today. So, in short, she did GREAT! Not a peep, just a look as if to say, "Hey, um, no one explained the hurting part of this!" But once she looked in the mirror she was very pleased, and that was it. No fuss, no muss! Praise the Lord for all blessings, great and small! Also this weekend we had a special dinner out with Ke-ke and her friend Constable C. They took us to a beautiful Chinese restaurant called the Plum Blossom. I just cannot say how amazing the decor is. I truly felt like I was in China. In fact, I'm not sure we even witnessed a restaurant as lovely in China! All in all we had a great time, thank you Ke-ke and Constable C!
Looking Lovely in Red
The BIG Event!!!
Looking Lovely in Red
The BIG Event!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Four quiet little words...
Today as LL settled down for her nap she was particularly snugly. Most days she goes from total busyness to complete sleep in about 5 minutes flat. Such is my busy toddler. But today she was particularly snugly so I wrapped her in her quilt and sat in the rocking chair with her. This was a regular routine when she first returned home as I felt it critical in the bonding process. Besides who doesn't LOVE the feel of a sleeping baby in their arms! But as time has gone by we both have stopped doing this and I miss it.
As we sat there in the silence just rocking, she snuggled tight up against me and settled down under her quilt, hugging her "Asher Kitty". She took a deep sigh, opened her misty eyes and lovingly in a very sleepy voice said, "I love you Mama".
I know these may seem like routine words to some. But in my heart they will always feel like a gift straight from God. When you have waited for a child through adoption, and I can imagine infertility is much the same, you feel as though you've been given a miracle. We were blessed with two healthy biological sons whom I just "expected" would arrive on time, healthy, and all would be well. They were indeed and I Praise the Lord for His goodness. During those long 659 days that I waited to hold LL for the first time there was not a day that went by that I did not long to see her face, yearn to hold her in my arms and pray unceasingly for her well-being as she lived out her days in an orphanage a world away. So now to hear her speak, in English so clearly, those beautiful words that I waited SO LONG to hear, is still a miracle to me.
I can almost see the Angel wings :)
LL has been home now for nearly 15 months and I find something in her everyday that amazes me. She has opened her little heart to five strangers (and many more now!) and taken us as her own. She has left all that is familiar behind and now we are all she'll ever remember. Some days this grieves me so. I feel badly that we have removed her from the culture that God birthed her in. Though I realize that in her staying, she would never know even a shadow of the life she has now. My commitment to her in this regard is to help her hold tight to her Chinese heritage. We are doing this by attending programs, visiting museums, reading books, and even attempting to learn some Chinese. And most importantly adding some of her Chinese customs to our "old" family customs. This is the best I can do, though I realize it will never be enough to replace what she left behind.
Everyday I find such joy in seeing the relationship grow between her and her brothers. Today in the car she said, "I miss my boys at school". How sweet is that! BW, in his 18-year-old stage in life that is largely all about him, has this special voice he uses--just for her. He has a few pet names too. When he hugs her and nuzzles her, she giggles and squeals with this special laugh that only he can evoke. And there's BB, to her he is the source of all good fun. They run around together, they snuggle and watch movies, and she looks to him to solve her troubles saying, "Mitchell fix it".
I will forever feel we've been given a far greater blessing in adopting her than she will ever receive from us. God is good, all the time He is faithful and good.
Delivering the post
Picking the Perfect Leaves
A Card for Daddy
As we sat there in the silence just rocking, she snuggled tight up against me and settled down under her quilt, hugging her "Asher Kitty". She took a deep sigh, opened her misty eyes and lovingly in a very sleepy voice said, "I love you Mama".
I know these may seem like routine words to some. But in my heart they will always feel like a gift straight from God. When you have waited for a child through adoption, and I can imagine infertility is much the same, you feel as though you've been given a miracle. We were blessed with two healthy biological sons whom I just "expected" would arrive on time, healthy, and all would be well. They were indeed and I Praise the Lord for His goodness. During those long 659 days that I waited to hold LL for the first time there was not a day that went by that I did not long to see her face, yearn to hold her in my arms and pray unceasingly for her well-being as she lived out her days in an orphanage a world away. So now to hear her speak, in English so clearly, those beautiful words that I waited SO LONG to hear, is still a miracle to me.
I can almost see the Angel wings :)
LL has been home now for nearly 15 months and I find something in her everyday that amazes me. She has opened her little heart to five strangers (and many more now!) and taken us as her own. She has left all that is familiar behind and now we are all she'll ever remember. Some days this grieves me so. I feel badly that we have removed her from the culture that God birthed her in. Though I realize that in her staying, she would never know even a shadow of the life she has now. My commitment to her in this regard is to help her hold tight to her Chinese heritage. We are doing this by attending programs, visiting museums, reading books, and even attempting to learn some Chinese. And most importantly adding some of her Chinese customs to our "old" family customs. This is the best I can do, though I realize it will never be enough to replace what she left behind.
Everyday I find such joy in seeing the relationship grow between her and her brothers. Today in the car she said, "I miss my boys at school". How sweet is that! BW, in his 18-year-old stage in life that is largely all about him, has this special voice he uses--just for her. He has a few pet names too. When he hugs her and nuzzles her, she giggles and squeals with this special laugh that only he can evoke. And there's BB, to her he is the source of all good fun. They run around together, they snuggle and watch movies, and she looks to him to solve her troubles saying, "Mitchell fix it".
I will forever feel we've been given a far greater blessing in adopting her than she will ever receive from us. God is good, all the time He is faithful and good.
Delivering the post
Picking the Perfect Leaves
A Card for Daddy
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Musical Weekend...
The past few weeks we have been keeping very busy with house projects, homework, yard work, homework, jobs, errands, homework and family logistics. Did I mention homework? So my posts have been sparse.
In fact we've been so busy that I forgot to post a picture of BW, who recently turned 18, yes 18. Man, I just don't feel old enough to have a child that old. YIKES!
So this weekend we all decided to goof off and just enjoy ourselves. SO MUCH NEEDED! I'd even dare to say that the boys were acting bored this afternoon. Good for the soul I'd say in this busy world we live in.
On Saturday night BW treated us to some babysitting services for LL so DB and I went to see one of our favorite Adirondack artists in concert at a local coffeehouse. A very nice evening. He even read some beautiful poetry before performing each song. Such a nice touch. Hearing his music just lifts my spirits and makes me SO appreciative of the wonderful childhood I had in the glorious ADK mountains. What a privilege to share them now with yet another generation.
Then after church today we went to a Fiddler's Jamboree. It took a little convincing but both boys came along too. After all, they both have learned to play the violin and viola from Mom and had lessons at school. But somehow I've lost them to the drums and guitar. Guess those instruments are much cooler in the guy world, LOL! There is still hope that I may get a violinist yet, LL has yet to discover her talents. I can wish! Nonetheless, we enjoyed hearing some talented musicians and LL had a ball dancing to the fiddle tunes. She even made a new friend who equally enjoyed dancing too.
It is now Sunday evening and we are all curled up into our favorite corners of the house. The fire is burning, the lights are dimmed, all are in their jammies. I love Sunday nights...
Happy 18 Big Guy, where does time go?
Snuggling with Daddy on Saturday Morning
Beetleboy's Cute Photo of Little Ladybug
Twirling to the Fiddle Tunes
In fact we've been so busy that I forgot to post a picture of BW, who recently turned 18, yes 18. Man, I just don't feel old enough to have a child that old. YIKES!
So this weekend we all decided to goof off and just enjoy ourselves. SO MUCH NEEDED! I'd even dare to say that the boys were acting bored this afternoon. Good for the soul I'd say in this busy world we live in.
On Saturday night BW treated us to some babysitting services for LL so DB and I went to see one of our favorite Adirondack artists in concert at a local coffeehouse. A very nice evening. He even read some beautiful poetry before performing each song. Such a nice touch. Hearing his music just lifts my spirits and makes me SO appreciative of the wonderful childhood I had in the glorious ADK mountains. What a privilege to share them now with yet another generation.
Then after church today we went to a Fiddler's Jamboree. It took a little convincing but both boys came along too. After all, they both have learned to play the violin and viola from Mom and had lessons at school. But somehow I've lost them to the drums and guitar. Guess those instruments are much cooler in the guy world, LOL! There is still hope that I may get a violinist yet, LL has yet to discover her talents. I can wish! Nonetheless, we enjoyed hearing some talented musicians and LL had a ball dancing to the fiddle tunes. She even made a new friend who equally enjoyed dancing too.
It is now Sunday evening and we are all curled up into our favorite corners of the house. The fire is burning, the lights are dimmed, all are in their jammies. I love Sunday nights...
Happy 18 Big Guy, where does time go?
Snuggling with Daddy on Saturday Morning
Beetleboy's Cute Photo of Little Ladybug
Twirling to the Fiddle Tunes
Monday, October 20, 2008
Just Cuz..
Yes, this little one is HARD to get a good photo of. I mean you REALLY gotta work to get this smile. So, I had to post it, well just because she's so darn cute. I'd do ANYTHING for that smile! Thank you God for this precious child!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Leaf Peeping and Rock Hopping...
Last weekend we traveled north to view the fall foliage in our beloved Adirondack Mountains. As always Mother Nature did not disappoint. It was not quite "peak", perhaps a week shy but it was glorious nonetheless. We took along Chatterbug, who had not yet made a journey northward with us. Sharing something old with someone new always makes it seem in some way as you too are seeing it again for the first time. We find great pleasure in introducing these mountains to yet another generation.
Before I go on I must share a tense moment that happened just as we arrived. On Friday night we had a surprise visitor. It seems we took our neighbor off guard because we arrived at 10 pm, much later than normal. Setting up an RV is not really a quiet task either. Backing into position, removing the tow bars, four kids and a dog, you get the idea. So, looking out for our best interest, he called the State Police thinking we were vandals or burglars. Poor Daddybug! Just as he was coming around from behind the RV, hands in pockets because it was chilly, an officer shines a light directly in his eyes and says with hand on his pistol, "Would you mind removing your hands from your pockets?" You can only imagine both their thoughts right? Well DB quickly did so and asked the officer what the problem was. No sooner did the officer see our set up and realized we belonged there and the situation quickly de-escalated, WHEW!!! Of course, all this happened and I had no idea as I was in the RV setting up, tending to Little Ladybug and making snacks. Real threatening group we are right, LOL! In short it's good to know we have a neighbor who looks out for our property, be it ever so humble, in our absence.
So after the excitement was over, we decided it was too late for a fire and made ourselves cozy in the RV. LL and Beetleboy were tired from a long day. Boll Weevil and Chatterbug huddled in their tent, chatting till the wee hours I'm sure. That gave DB and I time to unwind. This has been much needed as I have been back in school, both of us working, and DB assuming much of the family care on the two nights I'm gone. He has been SO supportive and I tell him "Thank You" all the time.
Saturday morning we awoke (not so early) and made our way north to Tahawus near Newcomb. It is a beautiful area for viewing the mountains and the leaves. The boys had a great time exploring, LL did too.
So Saturday night was rather low-key after dinner. We made S'mores, chatted a bit by the fire and then retired.
On Sunday morning we decided to hike to the top of the ridge on our property, hence the name Cedar Ridge. This is by no means a true hike, but it's more than a walk so that's what I'll call it. At the topmost point of our land, years ago, my father carved his initials is a grand, stately birch tree. We've made this a destination point over the years. Likely and mostly because I was so surprised to have literally stumbled upon this tree many years ago. My father never told me this tree was there but I found it, God willing I'm sure. One time when I mentioned this special tree, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law must've made a mental note of it. On my birthday they gave me a beautiful copper leaf embossed with a face. Attached to this leaf is a poem called, "The Spirit of the Forest". Sadly I don't know who it is written by as it is not listed. Otherwise I would gladly give credit for these beautiful thoughts. When I received this there was great debate in the family as to where it should be placed. After a season or two of pondering it was decided that this special tree deserved such an adornment. Hence, our treks to the tree began. That was about 12 years ago I guess and we are still hiking there today.
Here is that poem:
It’s peaceful and calm,
the trees seem endlessly reaching upward to touch the sky.
Branches sway slowly,
creating an orchestra of leaves bustling together
as a gentle breeze passes by.
This is the “Spirit of the Forest”
whose watchful eye
provides peace and a safe haven for all who enter.
It so beautifully sums of our little slice of the Adirondacks. Praise be to God for making these glorious mountains.
Before I go on I must share a tense moment that happened just as we arrived. On Friday night we had a surprise visitor. It seems we took our neighbor off guard because we arrived at 10 pm, much later than normal. Setting up an RV is not really a quiet task either. Backing into position, removing the tow bars, four kids and a dog, you get the idea. So, looking out for our best interest, he called the State Police thinking we were vandals or burglars. Poor Daddybug! Just as he was coming around from behind the RV, hands in pockets because it was chilly, an officer shines a light directly in his eyes and says with hand on his pistol, "Would you mind removing your hands from your pockets?" You can only imagine both their thoughts right? Well DB quickly did so and asked the officer what the problem was. No sooner did the officer see our set up and realized we belonged there and the situation quickly de-escalated, WHEW!!! Of course, all this happened and I had no idea as I was in the RV setting up, tending to Little Ladybug and making snacks. Real threatening group we are right, LOL! In short it's good to know we have a neighbor who looks out for our property, be it ever so humble, in our absence.
So after the excitement was over, we decided it was too late for a fire and made ourselves cozy in the RV. LL and Beetleboy were tired from a long day. Boll Weevil and Chatterbug huddled in their tent, chatting till the wee hours I'm sure. That gave DB and I time to unwind. This has been much needed as I have been back in school, both of us working, and DB assuming much of the family care on the two nights I'm gone. He has been SO supportive and I tell him "Thank You" all the time.
Saturday morning we awoke (not so early) and made our way north to Tahawus near Newcomb. It is a beautiful area for viewing the mountains and the leaves. The boys had a great time exploring, LL did too.
So Saturday night was rather low-key after dinner. We made S'mores, chatted a bit by the fire and then retired.
On Sunday morning we decided to hike to the top of the ridge on our property, hence the name Cedar Ridge. This is by no means a true hike, but it's more than a walk so that's what I'll call it. At the topmost point of our land, years ago, my father carved his initials is a grand, stately birch tree. We've made this a destination point over the years. Likely and mostly because I was so surprised to have literally stumbled upon this tree many years ago. My father never told me this tree was there but I found it, God willing I'm sure. One time when I mentioned this special tree, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law must've made a mental note of it. On my birthday they gave me a beautiful copper leaf embossed with a face. Attached to this leaf is a poem called, "The Spirit of the Forest". Sadly I don't know who it is written by as it is not listed. Otherwise I would gladly give credit for these beautiful thoughts. When I received this there was great debate in the family as to where it should be placed. After a season or two of pondering it was decided that this special tree deserved such an adornment. Hence, our treks to the tree began. That was about 12 years ago I guess and we are still hiking there today.
Here is that poem:
It’s peaceful and calm,
the trees seem endlessly reaching upward to touch the sky.
Branches sway slowly,
creating an orchestra of leaves bustling together
as a gentle breeze passes by.
This is the “Spirit of the Forest”
whose watchful eye
provides peace and a safe haven for all who enter.
It so beautifully sums of our little slice of the Adirondacks. Praise be to God for making these glorious mountains.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Up, Up and Away...
This weekend was our annual camping trip at the airport where the ADK Balloon Festival is held. Last year LL had just come home and this was her first BIG outing. We look back fondly to last year and likely every year as this marks her coming into our family and the extended family too!
Balloon Festival 2007
Not too sure about those balloons!
The airport is closed for the weekend and hundred of RV's are given the privilege of parking right on the grounds to experience the balloons up close and very personal. In fact, our club sponsors two balloons.
A View of the RV area
On Friday night everyone is busy setting up and getting reaquainted after one whole year has passed. All the while we eagerly anticipate the next day's launch of the balloons. DB and several others work very hard all year to be sure that we enjoy a safe, fun weekend. It's alot of work but SO worth it.
The Prez, DB and LL doing the rounds
On Saturday morning it was a gorgeous, clear and chilly Fall morning. We woke at 5:30 am and stumbled to the trolley with coffee and donut in hand. As soon as we got to the airfield we were awake at the maginificent sight of all the balloons inflating. No matter how many years we do this, it's still spectacular.
This year Uncle Fix-It had the special treat of going up in a balloon that our club sponsors. He shared with us after he arrived back (safe and sound, Praise the Lord) that the flight was wonderful. They landed in a farm field and were greeted by the family who owned the farm. A table was spread with a delicious breakfast for the pilot, passengers and the chase crew. How gracious of this family! And it is tradition that when a balloonist lands in your yard to have a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion. How nice for Uncle Fix-It! He will surely remember this for years to come.
Uncle Fix-It Ready to Go!
Up, Up, and Away!
From Inside the Basket
Once Uncle Fix-It took off we enjoyed some of the specialty balloons.
In Awe, having fun with Cuzin' Higgly
The Beagle
The BumbleBees
One HUGE Polar Bear!
Our Favorite, The Not-So-Little Ladybug!!
Once all the balloons had taken off we went back to the RV's for some breakfast via the trolley. The trolley is alot of fun for the little ones because there is a special seat up front where the bell ringer sits. Guess who, got to be the bell ringer this time?
Waiting for Trolley with our friends from Vischer Ferry Station
Our Little Bell Ringer
After lunch and nap we decided to let LL try and brave the bouncy bounce and slide. Several months ago she had a truly traumatic experience on one and has not set foot on one since! She was a brave girl and after some, OK lots, of coersion she went on.
Apprehension
More apprehension...
I did it, still not happy though!
As if the morning launch were not enough, there is also a 6:00pm launch, weather permitting. Well, the weather did not disappoint, and neither did our location. We have a gorgeous view and can sit and actually eat dinner while the balloons go aloft. What a treat!
The View from the RV Area
As Saturday drew to a close, Mother Nature treated us to the beautiful sunset over the airport. Truly a sign of what was to be tomorrow, don't you think?
Breathtaking!
Well, I wasn't wrong. Sunday morning was just as beautiful as the day before. We awoke to this lovely sunrise!
Making one more trip down to the airfield to get a few more shots of our favorite ballons before they flew away for another year, coffee and donut in hand again. Life is good!
Who'd have thunk, Ladybugs and Dogs are Buddies
Now that would be one massive garden, LOL!
One more glimpse at our pretty Ladybug
As our weekend drew to a close I couldn't help but notice the wide range of ages, each having an equally wonderful time. Now THAT'S special! Thank you God for all things, big and small.
BW and Molly
Balloon Festival 2007
Not too sure about those balloons!
The airport is closed for the weekend and hundred of RV's are given the privilege of parking right on the grounds to experience the balloons up close and very personal. In fact, our club sponsors two balloons.
A View of the RV area
On Friday night everyone is busy setting up and getting reaquainted after one whole year has passed. All the while we eagerly anticipate the next day's launch of the balloons. DB and several others work very hard all year to be sure that we enjoy a safe, fun weekend. It's alot of work but SO worth it.
The Prez, DB and LL doing the rounds
On Saturday morning it was a gorgeous, clear and chilly Fall morning. We woke at 5:30 am and stumbled to the trolley with coffee and donut in hand. As soon as we got to the airfield we were awake at the maginificent sight of all the balloons inflating. No matter how many years we do this, it's still spectacular.
This year Uncle Fix-It had the special treat of going up in a balloon that our club sponsors. He shared with us after he arrived back (safe and sound, Praise the Lord) that the flight was wonderful. They landed in a farm field and were greeted by the family who owned the farm. A table was spread with a delicious breakfast for the pilot, passengers and the chase crew. How gracious of this family! And it is tradition that when a balloonist lands in your yard to have a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion. How nice for Uncle Fix-It! He will surely remember this for years to come.
Uncle Fix-It Ready to Go!
Up, Up, and Away!
From Inside the Basket
Once Uncle Fix-It took off we enjoyed some of the specialty balloons.
In Awe, having fun with Cuzin' Higgly
The Beagle
The BumbleBees
One HUGE Polar Bear!
Our Favorite, The Not-So-Little Ladybug!!
Once all the balloons had taken off we went back to the RV's for some breakfast via the trolley. The trolley is alot of fun for the little ones because there is a special seat up front where the bell ringer sits. Guess who, got to be the bell ringer this time?
Waiting for Trolley with our friends from Vischer Ferry Station
Our Little Bell Ringer
After lunch and nap we decided to let LL try and brave the bouncy bounce and slide. Several months ago she had a truly traumatic experience on one and has not set foot on one since! She was a brave girl and after some, OK lots, of coersion she went on.
Apprehension
More apprehension...
I did it, still not happy though!
As if the morning launch were not enough, there is also a 6:00pm launch, weather permitting. Well, the weather did not disappoint, and neither did our location. We have a gorgeous view and can sit and actually eat dinner while the balloons go aloft. What a treat!
The View from the RV Area
As Saturday drew to a close, Mother Nature treated us to the beautiful sunset over the airport. Truly a sign of what was to be tomorrow, don't you think?
Breathtaking!
Well, I wasn't wrong. Sunday morning was just as beautiful as the day before. We awoke to this lovely sunrise!
Making one more trip down to the airfield to get a few more shots of our favorite ballons before they flew away for another year, coffee and donut in hand again. Life is good!
Who'd have thunk, Ladybugs and Dogs are Buddies
Now that would be one massive garden, LOL!
One more glimpse at our pretty Ladybug
As our weekend drew to a close I couldn't help but notice the wide range of ages, each having an equally wonderful time. Now THAT'S special! Thank you God for all things, big and small.
BW and Molly
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
There has been a strange sighting on Lindy Lane...
This morning there was a report of a gremlin roaming the lane. Have you seen such a thing?
If you see this critter call 1-800-IAM-CUTE
If you see this critter call 1-800-IAM-CUTE
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