Little Cabin In the Woods

5 years with Piper

Five years ago,  a screaming little banshee was handed over to me.   This was one sad, angry little girl and I hadn't  even begun to realize just how traumatized she was.  

In a couple weeks Piper will turn 7.   We have come a long, long, long way.  I am the luckiest of mothers  to have been chosen for this child.  I do not deserve her.  

Each year she grows more beautiful, more loving, more kind, more gentle.  I adore her.  I couldn't say that five years ago.  But the Lord is good and gave me the love I asked of Him in order to love her.  People think I saved Piper,the fact is she saved me. Our relationship is different than with  my other children.  My life is sweeter because she is in it.   Pure sweetness, never in a bad mood, obedient, funny, compassioinate to others, humble and always wanting to please.  This child has a servant's heart.  I pray I can nourish and encourage her to develop this gift.  

I am always discovering something new about Piper and just how special she is.  I thank God for her.  She completes me and fills a void in my life that could never be filled. My sweet, precious daughter whom I thought I could never love has filled my cup to overflowing.  I love, love her.

I hope you enjoy some of these photos from her first 5 years.  Those very difficult, heart wrenching first years,the years of embrace and then the years of acceptance and  pure love.   I think you will notice the change in her through these.

Our first look at Wan Wan

several months later we received an update with this photo.  boy, girl, boy??  she always looked  so solemn especially with a hurt eye.

Then right before we were going to travel we received this lovely breathe of fresh air.  Piper's look in this photo saved me later as I would always refer back and know she could smile.

And.... our first in person sight of Piper!  Whoa was she full of sadness and anger.

The next day.... the happy family. heh

Pinching daddy.  She clung to him like a leech.  She would also bite and pinch him.   I don't blame her. At all.  Poor thing.

After being with us for a week and a half, she still continued to cry all day and at night if she woke up.  My man was a hero. truly.  It was August and hot as Hades.

Piper had an extremely difficult time for that first year.    She  cried daily for months.  Her hands would shake constantly from trauma and post traumatic stress.

  Not much made her smile.   She was the saddest little girl I had ever seen.

So we just barely functioned  many days.

But after that first year. Things began getting a little better. She stopped shaking and crying all the time.  She started doing things.  She began playing and talking to us bit by bit.  Like a little bud she began to open.

She loved horses but at times just went through the movements.

 

But for a while she remained solemn. She had a lot of grieving and healing to do.

But she adored her sister!  This sister helped her sometimes more than I could. Helped her to learn the ropes and showed her she could laugh again.  We started seeing another side to Piper... a nutty michevious, funny side.  It was heaven.

And she learned.... 

slowly but surley... she realized it was going to be ok

She had her sister whom she adores, her mama who adores her and who she now adores ;) and her daddy and brothers. 

In fact, she became settling in so well in the second and third year a lot of mischievousness snuck out!

 My little Fat cheeked girl

What the blazes is  that?

She began to learn. 

And she began to grow in grace and beauty.

still maintaining that bit of mischievousness

Oh yes.  She was gettin' the hang of this now

well, most of the time.

My little comedian

My little beauty

My happy girls with messy mouths!

My hat wearing girl

My super girl always finding a way to enjoy life

My concentration girl

My little beauty so graceful, so lovely and so full of compassion.

Always with her own unique style

her own personality

Happy Gothca Day Piper!  We adore, love and cherish you.  You are mama's precious blessings from the Lord. Thank you for being my daughter.

Mama

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are some photos of Piper from her first months months and years in China.  I am so thankful to the orphanage for these!  I got dozens of them from her first 2 years of life.

Oh how I wish I could have held her at this age.  It would have made all the difference.  this is why I tell others to do their paperwork as quickly as possible.

One of her Lifebook pages

Killin' two birds with one stone.

Her little bowl.  This was in many photos.  I can't not even imagine how she moved around so bundled.  Except her round face, She is a small child!

Let's bundle her just a little more. I have always wondered what in the heck is on her arms?

and..... her bowl again.

Nice coat babushka.

This is WanWan looking at our picture.  She is  concentrating hard, wondering "What is this lady next to me talking about?"  She had no idea.   You can't explain this to a two year old.  Can image telling your two year old that a family is coming to  take them from all they know and to another country where they will live with them ? It was shortly after this we came to get our daughter ~ forever.

 

Passage to Tempie

Three years ago I met an amazing couple who attended one of my adoption seminars  Many couples have touched my heart but this particular couple more deeply than most.  This beautiful mother and father had a deep heart yearning for a child but had none.  I wanted them to know what I have known.  Soon they will.  It is always a joy to see parents and child find each other.   Danny and Shelley  were LID 2/7/07 (for those of you in the know) , the same day we were for Willow.   I have watched them go through the ups and downs of waiting.  Not knowing, giving up, seeing other parents with their children wondering if it will ever happen of if it is only a long reaching dream.  Well, it did happen... it is happening, as they were recently  matched with the most perfectly delicious little baby girl named Liu Yang.   She is 8 months old, a lil' bit of a thing to be sure weighing in at 8 lbs.  (small like Willow).  She is from Zhengzhou in the province of Henan and is residing at the Lily Orphanage Care Center.   She is almost exactly to the day 2 years younger than Willow and they share the same surname ~ Liu which means "Willow".  ;)  Since their referral they have zoomed through their approvals and are waiting for TA which should arrive any day now.  I am over the moon with happiness for this precious couple and know deep in my heart this wee one was born just for them.  I can't wait to meet her and see them together!!   Our Lord is good and this couple has just won the lottery.  For those waiting.... hold on to that faith.  It will happen.

So ,It is with the utmost delight that I introduce you to Tempie Sue Yang.....

May our Lord Jesus be with you sweet little one until your mommy and daddy have you in their arms.

Patricia

If cute has a face.....

I believe it just may be this one...

If you give a kid a muffin

you might want a camera to go with it...

a multitude of expressions will be at your disposal

as well as crumbs

opps

 cuteness is free

ahhhhh's are included

the innocence and joy are ..... mama's. ;)

Patricia

 

 

Little Heaven, Little Flower & Little Pearl

      

Little Heaven Little Flower      Little Pearl

Once upon a time there were three little  wisps floating around the Island of Xiamen off the coast of China.  They didn't know who they were or where they were.  They never contemplated that one day their paths would cross, they just floated.....

One by one each tiny wisp was carefully wrapped  and brought to a place to be nurtured~ for how long they did not know but the three little soul wisps waited.   The people at the place of nurture gave each child  very special individual names:  Little Heaven ~ for she was a pure heavenly child;  Little Flower ~ for she was a dew covered bud opening in the morning bringing  fragrance and joy to all;  and Little Pearl ~  for she was a  demure this little wisp, a  rare beautiful pearl like no other .   Little Pearl was laid in a crib in a quiet room so she could  rest and grow.  Little Heaven and Little Flower were placed right near each other and were always together.  They played and laughed together from morning 'till night ,touching and babbling back and forth.  They were a comfort to one another and inseparable. 

One day , 4 months old later , a lovely couple came tothe place of nurture to choose a child for their own.    They chose the lovely Little Flower for she was delightful and bright.   Arrangements where made for the couple to return and bring her home.  However, when they returned to pick her up she was very ill with pneumonia and they had to chose a another  child instead.  But, God knew.  He was watching and waiting.

Across the ocean in another land, in a small mountain village, a mother had received news that she had been chosen to be the mother of a little girl named (Liu Xiao Hua) which means , Willow Little Flower.  The mother wept great heart tears  and  began to prepare for the journey to bring Willow Little Flower home.  While she was preparing she read through her daughter's papers and noticed that Little Flower's  crib mate, Little Heaven, and another precious little one named  Little Pearl were  also waiting  in the place of nurture. A  sprite named Michelle had told her these little wisps were looking for their mothers. Little Flower's mother wondered  "What if the other little wisps could live and grow and play near Little Flower!"  She spread the news throughout her village and  prayed  that God would lead these little ones to  loving homes.    She told two  families in particular about Little Heaven and Little Pearl expressing  how wonderful they were.  She just knew they were for them.

One morning great excitement broke out in the place of nurture and a hurrying and scurrying was all about.  Little Heaven, Little Flower and Little Pearl wondered what was going on when one of the women  plucked up Little Flower and told her  "You my precious child have been chosen and are going to your mother today.  She has been waiting a very long time ,has traveled very far and  is anxious to have you in her arms!"  Little Flower just stared not knowing what to think for she didn't know what a mother was.   She just liked all the attention she was getting.  She was washed and dressed in five layers of clothes and a bag of comfort items were packed to be taken along for her.  It was a long, tiring  journey and Little Flower soon fell fast asleep. When she awoke she was in a new place.  A place with people she had never seen.  She didn't feel well and was confused.   Where was Little Heaven?  Why wasn't she in the place of nurture?   Among these people, in this strange place,  was one woman unlike the others.  She had fair skin, light green eyes and a bubbling smile. There was something stuck on her face that flashed and it scared Little Flower.  The woman took it off and put it down reaching for her.  What did this woman want?  What was happening?  The people from the place of nurture were telling her this is her mother?  Oh, no, no this must be a mistake. But they kept telling her and the woman swallowed her in her embraced and began crying.  Little Flower started crying.  Everyone else was smiling and laughing.  It was a good match.  God knew.  He was watching and waiting.  Little Heaven was sad and missed her soul mate... what happened to her?  Where was she?  She wept tears of saddness....

Across the ocean, in the land where Little Flower now lived, a mother and father where preparing for their journey to bring home Little Pearl.  She had grown  in the place or nurture and was now fair and lovely.  Oh, what joy when she was placed in her mother's embrace forever!  Her mother and father named her Charis which means "grace".  It was a good match.  God knew.  He was watching and waiting.  Soon she met Little Flower, her red thread sister, who lived in the same mountain village, only a few miles away. 

Little Heaven continued her days in the place of nurture.  She ate and slept and learned to walk.  She never found out what happened to her  soul mate , her crib sister from birth, the little wisp she spent her everyday with and she soon forgot Little Flower.   But God had not forgotten her nor had Little Flower who would ask for her friend often.

Across the ocean, in the mountain village where Little Flower and Little Pearl now lived, a mother and father were anxiously preparing for a journey......

God knew, he had been watching and waiting.

Here today are these three little wisps  

  Little Flower ~ Willow, Little Pearl~Charis and finally  Little Heaven~Anna

Little Heaven gives Little Flower a big smooch

Anna Little Heaven

Three little wisps....

Willow Little Flower

Anna Little Heaven

Willow gives Anna a crown

Anna, Willow and Charis ~ Red Thread sisters

I am thankful today for dreams that come true and the Lord's gracious gifts

Patricia

 

Growing....

Laughter is such a generator of joy.  You can't help but smile when you are around someone who is so jolly.  Sage is one of those people.  She is full of life and captivates when you are around her.  I have noticed in these past few months how much my littles have grown and matured.  They have all just shot up here recently!

I am filled with cheer all my days because of my Lord and my family.  If I were to lose everything and still have them I would be ok.  There is nothing greater than love ~ not faith, not hope, not kindness.  Love, true unconditional love is the best gift you can give your children. 

The Story Teller....

always ready to entertain

and amuse

sly

expressive

reeeeealy expressive

animated

enthusiastic

comical

charming. 

just mine.

Thank you Lord for this gift....

Patricia

 

From the mountains to the ocean

We recently returned from a refreshing trip to visit my parents who live near the ocean.  This was Willow and Piper's first beach experience and they flittered merrily about just as if they lived there all their lives.  Sage who lives life to the fullest embraced the salty sea with open arms. ;)  I admired them and joined in their celebration complete with bouts in the ocean full of giggles and screams.   Although I truly enjoyed myself my love is in the mountains....I can see  however how people desire two homes ~ from the mountains to the oceans.  

Ones of my sons reminded me of a precious Psalm the other day when I was particularly troubled.  How delightful for him to have this brought again to my mind.  Thank you sweet heart.  I have shared it at the end of this post... it is lovely and comforting.

My little dancer

sigh... Piper is growing so quickly... I see this shot and can see her as a young woman

shells

Willow just liked the sand and sun

The gift of the Lord.   Such beauty he has given us to enjoy.

Three Empresses on the seashore

playing in the sand nd water

they grow so quickly

 

Along the seashore...

I will be sharing shared more about these photos and how I shot then edited them.  Just go to the Photography link.   Remember the Lord's goodness! 

Patricia

Psalm 77

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands
   and my soul refused to be comforted.

  I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;  I mused, and my spirit grew faint. 
  

You kept my eyes from closing, I was too troubled to speak.

 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

 I remembered my songs in the night.  My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

  Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?  Has his promise failed for all time?

 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" 
  

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

  I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people...
   

 The oceans saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed;
   the very depths were convulsed.

 The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder;
   your arrows flashed back and forth.

  Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world;
   the earth trembled and quaked.

 Your path led through the sea,
   your way through the mighty waters,
   though your footprints were not seen.

 

 

Pick A Winner

It is my baby girl's  birthday this week.  She is 2 years old.  In her short little life she has endured grief and hardships as I have never known.   The Lord granted me the privilege of this wee one to love and hold.  It is my ardent hope she will have a happy life and know Him.  As I watched her blithely running in the park today, legs flying high as she trotted about giggling with glee, my heart bubbled over with joy.  I thought to myself....If  this little one brings such gaiety to my world just think  how God must  feel when He watches us at play!  How He love His children!  I pray the Lord gives Willow all she needs in life to be committed to Him.  The few months I have had her in my life she has blessed me beyond measure.... my cup runneth over .... as  does my laundry.  Pick a winner sweetheart.

Kids Mamas say the strangest things

Being Willow's mama I  realized is a bit different than my other girls.  She is quite the explorer and continuously discovering her world. I find myself saying the strangest things.... (Attention: No, animals have been harmed in this home or during the writing of this blog)  ;)

"Willow, put the cat down and hand me the nail clippers"

"Willow, where is your diaper?"

"Willow, what is that in your hand?  A slug!! "

"Willow, Now when we go into the store, DO NOT take your diaper off again"

"Willow' get the diaper off your head"

"Willow,  why is there a slipper and a cup in the toilet?"

"Why is there a marshmallow in my shoes?!"

"Willow, where did you hide Jax phone honey?"

"Willow, did you take your diaper off again?"

"Willow, don't pull your dress up in public~ especially when you have taken your diaper off"

"Willow, don't dribble milk on the ground with your tippy cup"

"Willow, don't dribble milk on the cat with your tippy cup"

"willow, please don't suck on my memory stick, now it has slobber on it"

"Willow, don't stick your vienna sausage in my phone charger"

"Willow , don't lick the cats tail!"

"Willow, did you put that grape in my shoe?"

"Why is there ice cream all over my phone?!  Willow?!"

"Willow don't take your diaper off, people will see your tushy!"

"Willow, did you put that popcorn in Jax boots?

"Willow, did you put the cat in the pillow case?"

"Willow, Do not poke the meat in the grocery store!"

"OK,  Who put smashed cheese in my chair, now it is all over my bum?"

"Willow, Where are your clothes?"

"Willow,  get that cup off the cats head"

"Willow, put down that nasty dried up slug!"

"Willow, stop licking your sister!"

"Who poured my flour all over the floor?"

"Who poured bread crumbs all over the floor??  oh well, here are the foot prints.... Willow!"

"Willow,  did you color on the dishwasher?

"Willow, please get out of the dishwasher"

"Who put this shoe in the toilet???  Willow!"

"Willow , stay off my computers"

"Why is there a chipmunk rolling around on a ball in my bread maker?!  Willow!"

"Willow, it is not good to tear up all the stack of  mommy's bills" ( ok well maybe she was ok on this one...;)

"Why is there a shoe in my pot? Willow???"

"Who stuck popcorn through the holes the bass amp?!!    Willow!"

"Willow, where did you get that Red Bull?  Go put it back in Jax room"

"Why is there a loaf of bread in the dishwasher?  Well, it just got washed....Willow!"

"Why is the cat wet?"  Willow,  where are you?"

Willow don't eat the play food"

"Willow , where's your diaper?"

"Willow!  You better run!"

"Why is there chocolate on the wall?"

It's always fun in Willow's World...

This is the Lord’s doing,  and it is wonderful to see!   Psalm 119:23

Faces of Willow....

Thank you

More faces of Willow....

 ( I'm seeing braces )

such a sly, mischievous cute little grin

she thinks I don't see her... heh

she's tasting success...

ehhhh ohhhhh...

ummm.... It's my birthday!

this is what older brothers do when your not home....

and how did that make you feel?

Papa's girl

Mimi is not bad either...

I handed Willow this huge zucchini and then jumped back to shoot this.... yep, a picture is worth a thousand words...

uhhhh.... what is this?

Willow?  Where are you?  On a special computer I'm not suppose to be near....I'm doin'  important work!

Have a blessed weekend!

Little Flower, Little Pearl & Little Heaven...

 

It is phenomenal the means through which God sends blessings our way and how His spirit descends upon His children with urgings and encouragement s to do His will.  The little cherub  above is named Little Pearl.  Little Pearl was born in China....

Once there was a mother with two treasures from China.  She was overjoyed yet her heart  yearned  for another.  She  spent many months in prayer, anxiously waiting,  not knowing who or where her child was.  But God knew, His plans had been carefully laid out.  Across the seas to the East was a little one name Willow Little Flower.  She had been found forsaken and alone.  A few days earlier another little one named Little Pearl had also been discovered  and  two months earlier yet another little one named Little Heaven had been found.... all on Xiamen Island in China.  The three little ones were taken to the Xiamen CWI to be reared and cared for.   These three tiny treasures had no idea that their paths would one day cross and their lives would be forever linked together.  But God knew, His plans had been carefully laid out....

When I received the call for Willow Little Flower ( Liu Xiao Hua) I couldn't believe my fortune.  God had smiled upon me yet again!   A fews days after my referral a woman contacted me.  I will forever be grateful to this woman.  She is an American who lives in China and happened to know my daughter.  She told me all about her and how lovely she was.  I couldn't believe my fortune.  She told me of  a little one who she was particularly fond of and who  happened to be Little Flower's best buddy.  She told me how very close their were.  "Like two peas in a pod" she told me... always together, touching, laughing and "talking" to one another.   Her name is Little Heaven.          A  couple of weeks later in December I discovered Little Heaven  on a list to be adopted.  I couldn't believe it, but knew she must come here to be near her best buddy Willow Little Flower.  I also noticed a lovely hidden jewel  in the list.  A small baby with skin fair as silk and hair black as coal , also in the same orphanage.  Her  name was Little Pearl.  This little snow white  so beautiful and lovely  tugged at my heart.   I had to know more about her!  I reviewed all of Little Heaven's and Little Pearls'  files and began calling people in our area.  I prayed the Lord would open hearts bring these little ones to  families that would raise them to love and admonish the Lord.   I had a couple of  families in mind but knew it would take God to open their hearts and minds!  ;)  But God knew, His plans had been carefully laid out....

One  of these couples just happened to call me at this time.  Talk about timing!  I was planning on calling them and another couple about these two treasures but wasn't sure how they would take  another adoption.  I did know both of these families had big hearts.  Guess God didn't want  to wait....  I talked to them about our newest blessing and then preceded to tell them of two other  beautiful little girls and how they were with Willow on Xiamen Island in China.  I let them know everything I knew about them.  I knew others may be requesting these little ones so time  was of the essence.  :)  I also knew if I sent them  pictures they would be hooked.  (I know, it's a dirty trick but , sigh...)  Jeannie and Bane had attended an adoption seminar I gave several years before and so had one daughter from China already.   Unbeknownst to them God knew it was time for another.  ;)   Little Pearl took hold of Jeannie and Bane  and after much prayer they sent in their application and were accepted to adopt her.  Early tomorrow morning ( Tuesday the 9th) they will be on a plane to China to bring her home.... here to the High Country.  Her new name will be Charis, pronounced Karis.  When they told me this I thought hmmm.. a Greek name and  one of the graces!  (theology major :)  I am delighted for them and  can't believe I will soon meet  their Little Pearl.    She is only a few days older than Willow.  You can follow their journey at China Connection. 

But what about Little Heaven,  Willow's best buddy?   Well, I will tell you!  Years ago, I became good friends with a woman in our town who had seen Sage in the paper in a ad announcing an adoption seminar.  ;) Pictures are greeeeat aren't' they?  She later adopted a little girl with a special need.  When I found out about these little girls I really wanted to call her but..... she  was in the hospital with her daughter who had just had surgery.  I intended on  calling her anyways to see how they were doing sooooo decided to mention Little Heaven to her.  I knew it was bad timing, but also knew another family might request her!  What's that?  You ask if I sent them  pictures also?  Please....  Ok.  I sheepishly admit it.  sigh.   Teresa and Jimmy are deliriously happy and should be traveling in a few months to bring home Willow's best buddy.  I am so eager to meet her!!!  Is God amazing?  Is there a red thread?!  Ah.... life is good.  God is so very good!  Little Heaven is to be named Molly.  Molly!  I love, love it!   When I was in China I wanted so very badly to see these two precious little ones but Willow was too ill.  I did however, tell the orphanage director the story of these three little girls and asked if she could send me some updated pictures of them.  She sent me about six of each of them! 

So from the east to the west God has sent His gifts to three families in the same small town..... Little Flower, Little Pearl and Little Heaven.  God knew, His plans have been carefully laid out.

 A recent picture of Little Pearl ~ soon to be Charis.

Xiao Tian ~  Little Heaven

Tian Tian in March when I adopted Willow.... I cried thinking how she would miss her best buddy.  She reminds me of Willow. I am eager to see her and eager for them to be brought back together.

I pray she will be home by Christmas or New years.

Willow Little Flower

Little ones in Xiamen CWI waiting for a home.....

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things...  Philippians 4:8

 

Three Years ago...

...this 2 year old screaming banshee was unwillingly placed in my arms....

she was utterly wretched in her grief, depressed beyond measure

 

She had been stripped from her foster home, her family and all she had ever known....She loved her daddy  , she loated me...

That first year was nothing short of a nightmare.  During the second year the clouds began parting and a bit of sunshine appeared. 

The third year has been a blessing beyond measure.  There are still a few wee issues we are working on, but my oh my how the Lord has provided us with an abundance of His mercy and grace.  I can honestly say now, I love, truly love this child of mine.... my one and only Piper.

don't grow up

Piper has here own unique way of dressing ~ somehow it seems to work on her

that's my girl!

Happy Gotcha Day and Happy Birthday Piper!! 

I celebrate your life!  How blessed I am the Lord chose ME to be your mother...

You can read Pipers story here: Piper's Story

 

 

Willow's World...

^{Four months ago I became part of Willow's world and she became mine.}  

Four months ago a whisper of a child was placed in my arms... scared and helpless...now a wiggly tittering little 22 month old zips though my home like a flash of lightening.  Nothing I perceived or imagined prepared me for the capacious delight this little tot would pour into my life.  I am blessed among women! 

Willow can say ~  mama, dada, kitty, Piper (Piepa), Sage (tsay), Jack (jaaaaac!), cat, book, Bu (Chinese for NO), bye, Jesus (jejuh), stop it (top it), ju(juice), potty ( poddy), blessing, and is picking up new words all the time.

Willow ~ can  color with crayons, laugh, giggle with glee, finger play isty bitsy spider and apples in a tree.... Use tweezers, drag toilet paper through the house, put food in shoes, take every book and magazine off the shelves through the complete house, draw on the walls, climb up in a chair and get things off the table she is not suppose to have, lose my cell phone, call from my cell phone, drink more juice than a whole preschool, eat foreign objects, pee in my shoe, pee right beside the potty, stick raisins in places they should not be,  try to charge a Vienna sausage with my phone charger, pour bread crumbs all over the floor and  light up the room with her smiles and laughter.  Hallelujah.

I didn't do it I say, It was the serpent!  ( hmmm is that... chocolate on her face?)

Willow ~ has a slight bottle addiction...

Willow~ is a girl scout, she's always prepared...

she will share with you

Willow is Drunk on Chocolate.... guuuuud

Willow has helpers..... to make a clean getaway.... ha ha ha

Willow is ~ a budding artist...

Willow ~ is a enthusiastic patriot

Willow ~ luuuuuvs ice cream

Willow ~ should not wear head bands like this ( her choice by the way -- she's a rebel)

Willow ~ loves the water, cries when she is tired, cries when she is hungry, growls when she is mad, has a temper like no ones business, can point her finger at you and give you the country, can have anything she wants when she looks at you with her doe eyes, hiccups when she cries.

One of my son calls this "For the Horde".  I have no idea what it means....  may be I should look it up

ok.... she's better now

Willow~ loves to be dragged around the house on a blanket...

Willow is my world...

Thank you Lord.

Bound Feet, Bound Lives

It's Show and Tell Friday over at Kelli's House!  (I feel like I'm in first grade--- me first, me first! I have been wanting to share this for a while now ;) I truly enjoy visiting everyone's blogs and seeing their treasures.  So, without further ado.....

Foot binding began around the 10th century sometime during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).  For decades Chinese mothers would begin the brutal, agonizing ritual of breaking and binding their daughter's feet, around the age of six or younger, for two years or more.  The mother's goal, 3 inch Lily's and a high bride price.  The daughter's reward, a husband -- from a good family.  Over 90% of the women in China spanning over four decades participated in this practice which some have called barbaric.  However, a mother knew her daughters only hope of a future was to procure a good husband.  A man's mother searched for a young girl who possessed perfect 3 inch Golden Lily's.  A prize to hold in the palm of his hand.  A symbol of honor for the husbands family.  Foot binding was banned in 1911 even though many continued the custom behind closed doors.  Women were also ordered to unwrap and cease binding their feet but old customs die hard. There are now only a few of these women, with life long disabilities, still living in obscure villages around the country.  A thousand years ago men in China coveted the prized Lotus feet..... now it is a faded memory. 

I hold a certain interest in this cultural practice.... Or rather, the lives of the women and the bondage that enslaved them.  This combined with my love of antiques took me on a search for these tiny curiosities which truly can be held in the palm of your hand.   While in China this last time my friend and I scoured antique shops in search of these "lily" or "lotus" shoes each carefully handmade with intricate and delicate embroider, most of the time by the wearer.  While searching for these tiny wonders store owners would ask "Why you wanta ol' shoe... we get you anew!"   New versions of these shoes could be found ever where.  They didn't understand our love of "old" things and the history behind them.  Our effort was not in vane and Nancy and I came home with 4 pair of these exquisite shoes.  Why did these women endure and subject this horrendous act on themselves and their daughters?  What was the reason?  It's an amazing subject.... but I just wanted to share with you some of my collection.

There are many interesting articles and books on foot binding in China.  I own "Splendid Slippers" by Beverly Jackson which is a splendid book indeed.  Full of countless, beautiful, colorful photographs this book not only educates on the history, practices and methodology of foot binding but Jackson weaves an enchanting story of a young girl's life who suffers through this foreign custom. It will leave you with a deep compassion for these women and a yearning to know more.   And now I just feel like I wrote a book review... ohhhhh  On to my Splendid Slippers!  The above dainty pair of pink satin slippers  are adorned with elaborate needlepoint flowers and are all of 3 inches in length....  feet this small were cherished and called Golden Lotus'.... I wonder....was she a cherished bride?

A 5 inch pair of soft magenta satin and silk embroidered slippers with tiny blue flowers which once held a woman's feet.  I actually found these in Guangzhou.  From the research I have done these were sleeping slippers.   Whose feet did they cover..?

The bottom bears the careful needlework these women dedicated their time to mastering....did she ever know happiness?

This pair was probably after the ban on foot binding.  Many women had shoes such as these made and wore their clothing over them so they looked like normal shoes.... ( Nancy got a red pair) What daily agonizing pain the wearer must have suffered.  I am thankful my daughters will never know this torment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Since it is July 4th ~~~ I am most thankful for my beautiful country and the freedom we so often take for granted. 

Also,  Happy Birthday Mom!!  Thanks for not binding my huge feet and teaching me about music... you are my favorite pianist!! 

And Happy Birthday Daddy!!  Thanks for teaching me about the Lord.  You are my favorite old man!  Man, you all are old! (just kidding... )  ( not really, it's true)

 

 

 

Welcoming Willow...

Willow, Sage, Piper and Mountain Man meet at the airport....

Willow and I arrived in the US on April 5th.  When I got off the plane I rushed through the airport to see my girls breaking into tears of joy when I set eyes on them.  Oh, the complete and utter elation that filled my soul.   I didn't care if people stared and gawked.... A mother was reunited with her treasures.    What an amazing journey this has been and continues to be.  I marvel at the wonderment of it all.  The girls are adjusting well to having a baby sister at home ~ Sage is the motherly sort, changing diapers and always pushing the stroller.  Piper shared her rice with Willow this evening.  This is a stunning occurrence as Piper shares food with no one!  Piper has an indubitable bond with Sage.  I pray one day her and Willow are best of friends holding hands in the park, laughing and snuggling as her and Sage do now.  Jack is Willow's true love however, her face alights when he enters the room and she eagerly pops up and runs into his arms with tremendous glee.  He does that to girls. :)    Mountain Man loves his new little daughter, but she is still warming up to him.  He is thrilled when he gets a chance to hold her.

Willow has fused into our family in a miraculous way.  She is truly ours..... God just had to bring us together.   Such a contented baby she is, playing on the floor for long periods of time by her self or toddling around exploring her new surroundings.  The pediatrician examined her this week.  She is now a little over 19 lbs. - not even on the charts - a tiny little peanut - almost a pound for each month of life(although not as tiny as Luke, Anne!)  She wears 9 month old bottoms and 9-12 month old tops. The doctor is not worried however, because she is developmentally on target.  I think with some good southern food she will sprout up.  She does have an ear filled with pus and is on medication.  Her sleep is unsettled right now, probably from the painful ear and becoming accustomed to US time.  She laughs often and cries seldom.  She will throw her self down if she is not picked up when she wants.  She says mama ( yes, for me :) and dada (the sounds).  She also says some words in Chinese and understands it well.  My house may not be clean right now but, my heart is full.

Oh Bless the Lord my soul and all that is within me joins to bless His Holy name.  Bless the Lord my soul, may I never forget His gifts.  His fills my life with splendid tender mercies.  I will praise the Lord deep in my heart and never forget His gifts.  from Psalm

Willow's true love...playing this little piggy...

er guh Jack..

trying for a smooch...

He is going to be an amazing father one day...

for some amazing woman...

truly...

trying to get a decent picture with three is quite a feat...

hmmm... maybe tommorow...

Sage.... taking great care with her little sister

First car seat experience.  How would you say she feels about the car seat?

With Piper at the doctors...

sisters reading...

I want on Piper's lap...notice how brown her hair is compared to her sisters

waiting for the doctor... ( she doesn't like Doctor Z much)

Playing blocks with Jack...

yuh yuh..  this is what she says when she wants help.  No, it's not Chinese, just baby babble.

Going Home...

This is Going Home Barbie made specially for parents adopting who stay at the White Swan in Guangzhou.  I think it is uncanny, how much we look alike... (u-HA!) well, I do have a Chinese baby.

This is my last post from China as tomorrow Willow and I board a plane for the USA, my beautiful country.  The Lord has cast His mercy and grace on us while we have been here.  It is difficult being a Christian surrounded by non-believers.  In Fujian I  especially found this difficult.  How Paul, Timothy and the many others did it I don't know.  I know I appreciate my life all the more being here yet again.  I can not wait to hold my darling daughters once again and have them united together in my arms.... what a blessed moment that will be, one I anxiously await.

Here are some pictures to leave you with until I can post from home. 

Starbucks... goooood

Need a job?

Starbucks has one waiting for you in Guangzhou, China...

the most smoochable face in China...

Ayi Nancy being silly...

yeah, he does windows

sleeping beauty

Ayi Nancy's gift... yep, it sings too....

double clippy happiness...

marching..

is....

fun!

pulling up the tiles

pausing for a split second to refelct...

then on the move again!

bow legged cow girl...

I don't like shoes... or clippies ( notice the clipplesness)

diddle diddle dumpling my daughter Willow, went to bed upon a white pillow... ( I know, sad)

Willow and mommy

Willow and mommy again....

mommy shooting nancy shooting willow and mommy...

Mr. Jie creating Willow's name chop... this old fellow makes the best chops in China and works at the cultural arts museum.  He also made Piper's.

How he carves the name back wards I will never know...auH aoiX uil - wolliW  hmmm..

oh, the depths of those eyes...

Keep us in your prayers as we make this final journey home. The Lord is amazing and has protected and blessed me so. Yes, Jesus loves me. ;O)

Have a blessed day!! 

A Capable Mother

We made it to Guangzhou and Willow's visa has been approved. Today we take the oath at the US Consulate.  This is a big day in the adoption journey for it is the day you are approved to go home.   I am happy to be in Guangzhou, a place I am familiar with.   On the day we left Fujian we were at the passport office receiving Willow's passport.  One of the officers was speaking to my rep who later told me  she was complimenting me on how I care for and dress my baby. She told my rep the other babies present were not dressed well (according to Chinese standards- American standards they were fine!)  She said I was a very capable mother. A word of high praise in China.  lol  I wasn't about to let anyone out bundle me here so had Willow in 4 layers. ha! ;O)  Poor thing, she was sweating profusely....  all the officials in Fujian were very friendly and accommodating so all the paper work went smoothly.

Aunt Nancy is here with us!!  She arrived late Mon. after the taxi driver dumped her off at the head of the road to the hotel.... a very long way! lol  She also brought us a gift.... a little bunny that sings "Jesus Loves Me" -- for the next taxi ride she said. ;)  Nancy took us on an adventure yesterday into fabric central.  I have never seen so much fabric in my life.  In China they bunch their stores together.  One section will have tools, another curtains, another clothes, fabric etc..  Actually ,it is a good idea because if you want fabric it is all in one place....one large, large place.  This section of the city had every type of fabric you can think of as well as buttons, ribbon, buckles, lace etc.  I bought 11 meters of a white silk/linen fabric which is very soft and light.  It will be great for lining or slips.

Willow is doing so well. The antibiotics must be working because she feels much better.  She is such an extroverted, lively little one.  And I do mean little.  At the physcical examination clinic for her visa, the doctor checked her, weighed and measured her and then told my rep. he was concerned because she is listed as special needs but he could not find any.  It didn't help she was running around and saying "mama" a word she learned a few days ago...  My rep talked to me and I said " She is quite small?"  This is the truth as she is a little over 19 lbs. fully clothed. The doctor said he wanted another doctor to look at her but then he changed his mind saying "Yes, she is quite small"  whew...

I have the flu but started taking Tami Flu a few days ago which has helped.  Besides feeling like I have been run over by a mack truck, a sore throat, being tired and a few other things I won't mention here I fine! :)

Willow is such a bright happy baby.  She loves to smile and laugh and plays alone contently.  She is good at imitating and even tried to take my picture with a disposable camera.  She will throw herself on the ground when she is hungry or tired.  I know how it feels honey. 

I will let my pictures tell the rest.... I am anxious to get home to my family.. thank you for all your prayers, comments and emails!!

In China you see many lion statues like these.  There are always in a pair.  The male has a ball under his claw representing the world and his dominancey over it.  The female grasps  a baby under her claw.  It makes me think....woman came from man but every man since has been born of a woman.

Maybe you use the bushes to smother the fire..?

dong long

my little poot scoot...

in the swan room...

always running... places to go, things to do!

things to climb...

mommy puts clippies in my hair... I no like.

We took a short trip to the Panda research center in Fuzhou. There were thousands of shcool children there and I believed they thought we were part of the exhibits as they croweded around me and Willow chatting and saying "Eeeloo"  "Eeeloo baby".  It was so cute.  I am a big attraction... I thought they were just pointing at the caucasian woman but was told they were pointing at my eyes.  Guess they don't come in green in China. :)

Small Red Pandas at a panda research center...

Small red panda doing tricks...

they love Willow!

help!  As we were being mobbed, Daphne was laughing and filming us.

A young giant Panda... honestly I have more pictures but they are too sad to post...

yeah,  it's a panda band...

A royal empress who had pandas for pets...

bamboo for panda

Amazing Love...

First thing,  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAGE!!  Oh how I miss my babies!  It has been so hard being apart and my heart is torn... sad being away from my babies and happy with Willow. I know Mountain Man is taking good care of them and protecting them and probably giving them lots of ice cream. 

I would have posted sooner but the slowest connection in China is here in Fuzhou.  It takes forever to download pictures... whew.

Sage doing a bit of knitting. :)

What a difference a couple of days make.  Willow has come into her own and is simply fabulous!  Whoa, is she active.  Even though I had been told she could walk I had my doubts as I couldn't imagine this tiny little thing actually walking on thighs I can put my thumb and middle finger around. Yesterday she showed me she not only can walk, but run.  Run very quickly.  The ayis must have played chase with her because if you act like you are going to come after her and say /lie/ ( come) she takes off at an amazing rate of speed with giggles of sheer delight pouring forth.  I watched for hours as she walked and ran around the room frolicking with the toys, shoes, books, bottled water and anything else she could get her hands on.  She proudly brings me her findings, placing them in my lap like a gift then waits for her well deserved thank you.  She is an absolutely amazing child full of giggles and mirth.  My heart soars at the thought that the Lord actually felt I deserve her. What amazing love He has for His children.  She is feeling much better, but I believe I will have my rep let a pediatrician look at her when we get to Guangzhou tomm.  as she is still very rattley and is pulling at her ears.

There is not a lot of shopping to do here as it is not a tourist area.  Fujian is know for it's fragrant Jasmine tea.  I did purchase some of this smooth beverage.  Tea in China is "real" tea,  pure and full of taste.

fabulous...

My rep, Daphne, is nothing less than amazing.  She treats me like royalty fetching what ever I need, ordering me room service, getting me fluffier pillows (without me asking) , and constantly checking on me and Willow.  She is truly a model rep and has helped with over 1,000 children.  One couple in her last group had identical twins.  She said in China, because of the one child policy, many pray to have twins.  She said her mother and family prayed and hoped for twins then when she had her l ittle girl she was thankful she did not as it was so much work!  How do you do it with 6?! she asked me.   Her daughter is 17 months old so we have had some nice chats on our little ones.

only for emergencies...?  the funny thing is there are only bushes here. well, there ya go.

After picking up our notary papers for Xiao Hua's birth certificate, abandonment certificate and adoption registration she walked out with us to a large park beside the hotel.  It was a beautiful sunny day and Willow would lean her head way back, close her eyes and soak in the sunshine.  She thoroughly enjoyed being outside in the fresh air.  ;o)  As we strolled along we noticed a small flock of white birds - pigeons and Daphne pointed to them and said with a chuckle "Bai Niao" (White Bird). lol   We then meandered around the paths over several little bridges.  People were sitting on park benches talking or snoozing. Some ate lunch, others picked their nose.  On one particular path there were beautiful banyan trees, their long roots providing ample shade to a quaint area with a gazebo.... a lake with a small distressed boat spoke of pleasant rides it had once given, a rock water fall to our left beckoned us to the other side where a man was enjoying a meal of rice noddles and another man to the right of us had his pants down and was doing his business for all to see. I guess he didn't see the emergency toilet sign.  Aside from this ;o) it was a very pleasant stroll in the park.

Greece??

Well, my little ball of activity is up... gotta run..literally. I get Willow's passport today and we will be flying to Guangzhou tomm.  I am ready to go home...

Fuzhou, Fujian

on the move...

she's very quick

full of mischief...

Introducing Willow...

Here she is!  We were sitting at the adoption registration office filling out paperwork waiting for Xiao Hua - Willow to arrive when all of a sudden in pop two women with the sweetest little girl you have ever seen.  As I stood up and took her from the woman she began to cry... a little kitten cry, ever so soft.  I thought oh, this must be her ayi from the orphanage.  It wasn't. It was just a woman who drove with the director.  In 3 hours Xiao Hua had already bonded with her.  I knew that she would bond with me easily.  You may not see it from the pictures but Willow is so very tiny.  She was like a little rag doll in my arms.... just heaven.  Her skin is very fair and her hair brown.  her eyes are like that of a little puppy and invite you into their depths.  She was very sad and confused but observant, noticing and taking in everything around her.  In her report it says she is extroverted.  I wondered about this until I was filling out the adoption application.  As I sat writing with her on my lap her delicate foot came up and began kicking at the paper.  No smile, just action. :)  Oh, she is just so perfect... How blessed I am.  How did I get so lucky?  God has special plans for this little one. 

Willow loves the Praise Baby DVD!  Willow also LOVES the mirror... she's simply fabulous. ;o)  I popped a couple of these teeny, sweet milk  rice balls into her mouth and fed her some swan nai ( liquid yogurt) with a straw.  I hope she is good an hungry in the morning.  I can tell she will be a velcro baby as she did not want me to even set her down for a moment.  Lucky me! 

She is very raspy, but is not coughing so think she will be fine until we get back home.  Daphne, my rep, is concerned.  A little one in her last group had pneumonia and had to go to the hospital everyday for an IV.

Teresa and Jimmy,  on Xiao Hua's papers it says: Who is her best friend?   Answer:  Zhou XiaoTian.  :o)  We are still trying to get permission to go to the orphanage. The director at first said no, they are doing construction, but my rep told her the story about how Tian Tian and Zhen Zhen  are coming to live in the same town and she said maybe.  We will know today when we ask again. 

Well, It is 1:00 am and I must try to sleep.  In the morning we have two civil affairs appointments. 

One bad thing about traveling alone.... no one to take pictures!  My rep tried to take a couple, but she had all that paperwork to do. 

Sorry for the poor, sloppy post and pictures... It has been a long, happy, exciting, joyous, perfect day and I am good and tired.

My first glimpse...

Willow with mama and adoption application..... isn't she just total sweetness?

sleeping Willow... she scruched her face when I took this.. lo

That warm fuzzy feeling...

I got here in the city of Fuzhou (Fujian) yesterday.  The flight was barely an hour and my rep Daphne had just gotten in from her flight.  I saw her looking at me and then run to open the CCAI Families sign. lol... She is a very sweet person and I like her alot.  She had no idea about my joyous taxi ride. ;)

Last night we went to a Chinese -- a real Chinese -- restaurant.  It was total madness and I enjoyed it immensely.  Vegetables and noddles for me.  The food was delicious, so full of flavor!  This morning we headed out to a super market to pick up some things in preparation for Willow.  I will get formula this afternoon when I find out what kind she in use to.  I wish I had a lot of pictures for you, but the people in Fuzhou are not -- how should I say it --- foreigner friendly.  You don't get that warm fuzzy feeling here if you know what I mean. ;o)  Daphne told me they are not use to foreigners as there are not as many adoptions from this area as many others.  SO, therefore, they do not like "picture taking" and she warned me against it.  I was also forewarned the civil affairs officer may not give me that warm fuzzy feeling either.  This is not bad, just different!  The officers in Guangxi and Hubei were very friendly, I was just told not to expect that.  maybe with a large group it would be different.  I believe Xiamen Island will be more people friendly.   I think this is a nice area.  Fuzhou is not a big city in Chinese standards.  The hotel is very nice and very big. 

But!  Here is Willow's crib... awwwww.... It is surreal.  I know it is happening but it hasn't hit me yet.  I guess it will in about 3 hours when she is placed in my arms!  I asked my rep how these people are going to take to me having a Chinese baby. hmmmm...  No, it's fine!  Just think ,Willow is on her way now.  First time out of the orphanage.  I pray the Lord comforts her. I pray I can be a comfort to her... her mommy.

I will be posting as soon as I can... one thing I CAN take pictures of in Fuzhou is MY daughter! :) 

What a special blessed day.  He is risen and I am getting a new daughter today.  How good the Lord is to me.  How he comforts and cares for me.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Banana man.... not happy I was taking his picture.  Daphne bought some of his fine produce to make it easier on me.

Fuzhou, Fujian early this morning...

Vanilla Coke

Thank you so much for all the wonderful emails and comments!  They really mean so much to me especially since I am awwwe uhwone.  Just me and my vanilla coke.  I love Vanilla Coke but you can't get it in the US anymore (at least not where I'm from).  I walked into the 7-11 and there she was... calling to me. sigh. Sorry Jax, mama needs it! ;o)

Mountain Man and his little empresses are having great times, eating junk food, going to zoos and parks, getting gifts everyday and staying up late.  You think they  miss me?

As I sit here with my vanilla coke and pretz I spy a card inviting me to join a group for the morning run.... sigh... maybe tomm. I went out and walked around a bit here on Shamian Island. Things have changed since 2005.  Sherry's is closed as well as Jennifer's.... :(  You use to come here and see hundreds of families with children no matter what day or time, I only saw two small groups.  Who knows, maybe they were all at consulate appointments or touring. Such beautiful, beautiful children... What lucky parents. 

I went into a little shop, looking for black silky tops for my sons.  I picked one out and I told her another, then another when she said "How many son you have?"  I replied "3"  "Ahhhh! Oooo! You lucky, lucky mama!" and then she went to tell everyone in the store I had three sons.  When she came back I was looking at these light soft silk dresses unlike the ones I usually see.  She said, "Oh, you need gift?"  I said " No, I need for my daughter" She replied "Oh,! You have daughter too?!"  Me:  "I have 3"  She gasps and runs around the store again telling them how I have a three daughter and a three son!  I was hoping to get a bigger discount ;).  I asked her to find me some antique bound feet shoes... she showed me some and said that they where hand made.  I told her "No, I want 50-100 year old bound feet shoes and I would be back on the 30th to get them if she can find them"  She quizzically asked "Why you want so old... no good.  new"  I told her I like old things. ;o) So she will try and get me  some very old shoes once used for lily feet.  A wonderful thing about China.  If you ask for something, they will go out and find it and bring it to you later. 

Well, it is 1:09 am and I am wide awake... drinking vanilla coke and eating buttery pretz (like a salty, sweet pretzel and boy they are good- did I mention that?). Have a blessed day!  I'm going to Fujian Fuzhou this afternoon! eeee I get Willow tomm.!  Am I dreaming?

Jeannie and Bane; Teresa and Jimmy, I will going to the orphanage on the 26th to take your little sweeties their goodies from their mommies and daddies!

Baby books and Soft silk dresses for the empresses... I will get Willow's when I see how big or how little she is.

Black for the sons - they are finding me the third....

What can I say?  It's 2:00 in the morning, I'm bored.

oooooo, I kind of like this one.  It's the hotel across the river....with  me wiggling lol... artsy :o)

Ending note:  Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.  - 1 John 3:18    Show love to someone who is hurting or in need today with action.

Guangzhou...the White Swan Hotel

It is the 21st here and I am in Guangzhou at the white Swan Hotel.  My flights and connections were effortless.  With delayed flights and bad weather the Lord got me here with ease and perfection.... Well, that is until I got to Guangzhou.  CCAI failed to inform anyone to pick me up.  Nope.  No banner with Welcome CCAI Families.  The Great Wall of China had their reps. pickin' up one man though.  I waited about an hour then called Jason - my rep in this province.  He had no idea who I was or that I was even coming.   So what does a white girl from the Appalachian mountains who speaks very poor Mandarin (not Cantonese) in Guangzhou do?  I go out and rustle myself up a Chinese Taxi.  So, I am on my way to the "White Bird Hotel"  since I can only say Bai Niao Hu (spelling) in Mandarin not White Swan Hotel(bai tain Hu).  The Taxi driver begins his long journey to the hotel then comes to a toll booth.  this is were my troubles get worse. My taxi driver pulls over and says he needs 500 RMB for the toll. Now I know very well he does not need 500 RMB for that toll!  I told him Ai Ya! boo how.  And ask him to call my rep.  He is just a tellin' me off in Chinese and refuses to call saying he doesn't have a phone - the one he had previously used when I got in the taxi mysteriously disappeared.  Mr. Chinese Taxi driver is ready to toss me out in the middle of a busy Chinese highway  int he middle of no where but I refuse to give him any money except his taxi fee. He is shaking his head and telling me to get out.  I thinking' I'll be sold into prostitution (by the pound I'd be worth a fortune) or hopelessly lost and no one will ever find me.  So you know what I do?    One guess.   I'm a singer, right?  Can you guess now?  Oh, I'll just tell you.  I start singing Jesus Loves Me.  Then I start singing Jesus loves me in Chinese.  I know I am not suppose to proselytize here but an amazing thing happens when you sing about Jesus in a foreign country... it just makes people respond.   Yep.  He whipped out his missing phone lickety split and called that number I gave him.  I heard him just a fussin' away ~~ probably about the deranged fat American woman in his taxi singing Jesus loves me ---- he had asked where I was from at the beginning of the ride and I told him I was from  mei guo - America.  Then I heard my rep getting snapping out firey Chinese phrases getting his attention and respect and all the sudden he was saying the measly 70 RMB I gave him was "hao" - good.  I said hen hao - very good? :o)  He said hen hao... chuckle chuckle... we were good friends at long last and he took me directly to the hotel.  So,  I am now in my hotel room looking out on the polluted town of Guangzhou, as it is quite smoggy today.  I was pretty perturbed with CCAI and China at the time but I now forgive them. :o)  How could I not when Jason my wonderful rep rescued me.  He really is wonderful.  He hugged me when I got out of the taxi profusely apologizing.  I proceeded to tell on the taxi driver  right in front of him ( he couldn't understand me anyways)  and how he tried to get 500 RMB out of me or set me on the road! humph. I also told him I didn't know how to say White Swan Hotel so I told him White Bird Hotel.... yeah.  He'll be telling' that one for years to come...lol

So that was my first day in China!  The only pictures I have so far are of these boats from my hotel window... I leave tomm. for Fujian, Fuzhou where hopefully a rep will meet me.

This is me, signing off from the White Bird Hotel.

Slow boat to China... I'm being sarcastic I know!  I feel better tomm. when I am rested and over my "ordeal" lol

Dreamboat,  houseboat

Off to China!

I am off to China in the morning to bring home our precious Willow....  I feel so anxious, excited, scared, blessed, nervous, happy... well, you get the picture.  I will be landing in Guangzhou on the 21st.  Willow will be placed in my arms on Easter Sunday the 23rd.  Oh, how I pray she does well... Oh, how I pray I do well! :o)

CA!!

We now have our CA - consulate Appointment !!  This is where the US Consulate tells us we can bring our little darling home.  It is on April 1st...  hmmmm hope there is no fooling around with our paperwork! 

TA DAY!!

Happy, happy Day!  We finally have our TA(travel approval) to go to China and bring home Liu Xiao Hua, soon to be Willow.  She will be 18 months old next week when we fly out and will be in my arms on Easter Sunday at 2:00 pm.  I'm a happy girl.  I will be posting from China!

Willow...

After much discussion and debate we have finally decided on a name for Liu Xiao Hua.  We had it narrowed down to my choice, Paisley and Mountain Man's choice, Willow.  Piper keeps insisting on the name Cinderella but we just don't feel it suits her.   I felt daddy bear should have the final say.  He really is in love with this little one.... as am I.  She has such a soft look and I can tell she is a tender child.  So her new name will be:

Willow Xia LuSong...

and we will love her forever.

After we had decided on this name we found out that "Liu" , her surname means "Willow" in Chinese....

I received my Visa yesterday and POA from the Embassy of China.  Now all we need is Travel Approval.  Dreams really do come true...

Seeking Confirmation...

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.~ Proverbs 16:30.

It has already been a superior week!  Monday we received our LOA!  This means they will now approve us for travel.  We signed the Letter Seeking Confirmation and Fed Ex'd it back today.   We also received a surprise update of our precious Little Flower.    She is 16 months old now and has hair.  Her face has such soft features and her eyes show a kindness within it's depths.  How precious she is to me already.  I can't wait to invite her into my arms to love and snuggle.  She is 22 lbs. (completely bundled I am sure), 28 inches tall and has 16 teeth.  She is healthy.    We are just over the hill in over in love with this little gift from God.  Her update say she like dolls and like to be held and hugged.  ~~This will not be a problem!~~  There was also a note that said they will give us a note that was left with her.  With Chinese New Year approaching we more than likely will not receive Travel Approval until the end of Feb.   

 

Sage at 14 months...

Piper at aprox. 12 months old... such chubby cheeks...

The warm weather has drawn us  outside before the snow returns.  We decided a tea was in order and after baking pecan twists, setting the table and lighting the candles,  the girls dashed upstairs to change into something more appropriate for the occasion.  After our tea, complete with  apples slices, organic cheese, grapes and homemade pecan twist we set of to the park.    The sun's delicious warmth beckoned us to come out and play!   The girls ran and frolicked  in the warm breeze their joyful giggles filling the air, their cheerfulness bringing joy to my heart.   Sage was a princess in the tower of her castle flittering around on the moat... Piper a little wood sprite fluttering around  mischievously, the look of delight on her face.   How true it is that a cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Tea for Three

A wee bit of sugar

A bit more sugar...

The proper tea cup hold -- pinky up dear

A splendid tea... splendid...

Don't forget the dolls!

Off to the park!

Climbing..

Climbing...

I like to climb...

Stop taking pictures and watch me climb

Someday my prince will come...

I'm watching....

I'm waiting...

I'm praying...

eeee.. ... It's my true love.... ( yes, she's a drama queen)

True sisters...

Skipping across the moat...

dancing....

and pose...

yeah.. she's always dancing...

upside down pose...

stepping stones above the water...

careful....

whew... made it... one more stone...

Sliding is such fun,  especially when nit's bumpy

yeah, that was fun

I like circles

Down the slide...

up the slide...

down the slide... up the slide??

oopsy...

up the slide...

and down....

down  the slide...

whew... sliding is hard work...

tuckered out...

my chubby cheeked cutie

a walk by the creek

come on mom!

come on let's go.

pausing

strolling...

along... enjoying the life the Lord has given us.

Have a joyful day!

Where is Xiao Hua?

On an island which is linked to the Fujian province located on the south eastern coast of China,  anxiously waiting for her mommy to pick her up. :)   Oolong tea is produced in Fujian. You can also look on the map to see Guangxi in southern China where Sage is from and Hubei in middle-southern China where Piper is from. 

Xiamen City, an island right on the coast of China....  I will travel to Fuzhou as that is where the Civil Affairs office is but would love to visit Xiamen if at all possible.  I believe Xiamen is about 3 hours from Fuzhou and I would have to do this before I get Paisley . I do not want her returning to the orphanage after placement as this can be upsetting and confusing to a child.  The weather is warm and humid (ewww) there so the end of February travel would be nice indeed. :)    Xiamen is an island city with a rich a exciting history complete with pirates and European merchants.  Being a port city it is now linked to mainland Fujian. 

Xiamen Island

Xiamen Nanputo Temple,  1,000 years old situated below the Five Old Gentlemen Peaks in the southern part of the island.  I have heard they serve delightful vegetarian dishes.   

Shown here is Proboscis Peak above Nanputuo Temple. The Rock is shaped like a person's nose.  But,  the best thing about Xiamen is....

this little sweetie.... our precious XiaoHua .

Passage of the Heart

How surprising it was to receive this issue of National Geographic Traveler in the mail yesterday.  I have been receiving this magazine for over a year and never once was there an issue featuring China.  Within it's pages are amazing articles full of colorful, emotional pictures of provinces from all over China today.  From the magnificent, symmetrical rice terraces of Sage's birth home of Guangxi, acrobats from a school in Hebei, rising skyscrapers in Shanghi, snow capped villages in the Anhui province,  diminishing cultures in Yunnan, the captivating Tibetan skyline in Qinghai, cities on the water in Zhejing, thousands of uniformed children singing in Guizhou, an enchanting young girl weaving threads of silk in Xinjiang,  intriguing Shaolin monks in Henan and so many more.... it is a must have for anyone who has a child from China or is in the process of adopting from this beautiful country full of rich culture and history.    I have high hopes this  will precede our PA (Pre-Approval) for Xiao Hua next week which we are anxiously awaiting... A passage to the heart.

In the Blue Ridge mountains the sky is exhibiting that gray foggy shade.  It seems the air is filled with quiet as if  introducing the snowfall...     The semester is over for our middle son who is a majoring in law at ASU.  He received all A's and B's.  :)  His girl friend who is an interior design major topped him with all A's :)      There was a cookie exchange at church Wednesday evening.  We have never been to one and throughly enjoyed it.  We contributed three dozen peanut butter cookies and returned home with a couple dozen of yummy cookie varieties.  The pastor told the Christmas story to the young ones, quizzing them on details in playful banter.  We sang Christmas carols to the accompaniment of a guitar then enjoyed sweet homemade hot cocoa and treats.  It was a simple, lovely time for all. 

I dragged Jax (ok, so I bribed him with a free lunch) into town this week with the girls in tow to do a bit of Christmas shopping and found some nice items..... buckwheat pancake mix and walnut syrup from the Hampton Grist Mill which I snuggly wrapped in gold and mulberry wine ribbon will make nice gift bundles.   We let the girls decide on three gifts they would like and also give them books and educational games making sure the focus remains on Christ, telling the story of His birth often throughout the season.  Our gifts to our beloved sons and others also remain quite simple.  While I was shopping I found a basket. Now, those of you who know me know I just love baskets. :)  I like 'em a lot....  Well, this basket was really BIG and was on sale just beckoning me to bring it home.   Jax said "Mama,  What in the world are you going to do with this huge basket?"  I just had to have it and as you can see found the perfect things to put in it.... for now anyways.  Hope your days are filled with merriment and joy in  anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ.  May your basket be full of peace and hope!

A basket of beautiful gifts?? ... smiling and winking

Sailing in a boat???.... there are lots of uses for such a grand basket

My Cup Runneth Over...

I am always amazed at how the Lord blesses us when we are so undeserving.  We would like to introduce our precious Little Flower ~ Liu Xiao Hua.  She is 14 months old today.  Doesn't this picture just say "I love you daddy"?  You can read our adoption stories and more about Liu Xiao Hua - soon to be Paisley -on our adoption blog @  Three Empresses .  Thanks for sharing in our delightful news!

Piper's 4th

Aug. 21, 2007

We celebrated Piper's 4th birthday and had a wonderful time!  I feel so blessed by the Lord's gifts. It was a difficult first year but the next year a little butterfly started to emerge.  This wee one has changed so much over the past two years.  Her wings have unfolded and she is now a happy little sprite flittering here and there.  What joy she brings me.  Future equitation rider.           The Ferris Wheel which I made daddy ride with the girls. :)                I didn't do it.                       The Sage sache'.                   Birthday fun!                                         Is my cake done yet?

Differences

I am finding out that raising daughters is quite different than raising sons.  Boys are just young, rugged outdoors men. If they ever get bored, just give 'em some dirt and water and they will be busy for hours.  Boys don't hold grudges.  They can be mad as hornets at each other one minute and the next they're planning a camping trip.  Boys don't get their feelings hurt easily and if they do they get over it quickly.  If I fussed at one of my sons and hurt his little feelings he would go upstairs and shortly after return asking "Hey mom! What's for dinner?", like nothing ever happened.  I think God puts these very unique traits in males because He  knew they would need them!  Now on the other hand,  females are quite different.  They are like elephants.  They never forget.  And whine.  Goodness do little girls whine.  And talk.  Talk, talk, talk.  My five year old daughter goes to bed jabbering and wakes up jabbering.    Quite honestly I've never heard anything like it.  My boys were just.... active.  They jumped on furniture and ran around all day long. Just feed 'um and they're good.   Girls are constantly speaking.  Just the other day Sage was making two sticks talk to each other.  "Hi, mine name is Emily, what's your name?"  "I'm Jade".  Sticks! Sometimes you have to wonder if they're (were) touched. If they ever get their feelings hurt -- lord have mercy.  It goes on and on..... Are they sensitive or what?  My two year old hurts my five year olds feelings for looking at her the wrong way.  But oh, how I am enjoying my little girls!  We picked blueberries the other day and had such fun. (The boys would have ended up throwing berries at each other and me)  We cook together, clean together, scrapbook together, sew together, snuggle together.... I am in heaven.  from June 27, 2006 ~~ So commit yourselves completely to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 God made male & female different to go together, to compliment one another.  Where one is weak the other is strong.  Where one is made to provide and protect the other is created to love and nurture. Where one is easy to have feelings hurt the other is not so emotional.  I have enjoyed having both sons and daughters and seeing how different they actually are from childhood.  I was also lucky to have my sons when I was younger so I could keep up with the activity.  But now that I'm older it is nice having daughters around who are just happy to sit and be with mama. sigh. I am also much more patient than when I was younger. This has definitely been an asset with daughters... what is it like when girls begin to bloom??

The Little Violinist

from June 3, 2006 ~~ Sage had her first violin recital today...  She was so excited and cute as a button with her little 1/16th violin.  She gave a twinkle twinkle demonstration.   She was truly lovely and brightened up the auditorium with her beautiful smile.

A Tea

 

Mistress Sage and Mistress Piper taking Afternoon tea.

May 7, 2006 ~~  An Afternoon Tea was served yesterday.  Daddy and even guh guh Jack attended.

The dainty social began when a Mandarin Orange tea was served along with dainty finger sandwich's, cheese, water crackers, and a creamy strawberry dessert all of which Mistress Sage assisted in preparing -- since it was her tea.  The table was set with a fine antique linen tablecloth and napkin set from China (guess it's almost an antique since it was mine when I was young and we lived in the Philippines).  The delicate morsels were served on the finest china from Japan (also from our years of living in Asia) and a lovely spray of baby blossom and a lilac scented candle graced the center of the table.

Young Mistress Sage and Mistress Piper were dressed in their finest and Mistress Sage was a most gracious hostess.

Hey, she took this very very seriously.  It was truly the event of the year.  Well, maybe the week.... at least for Sage as you can tell from the picture that Piper was only there for the snacks.... notice the enormous tea bag in her teeny tiny tea cup.... 

Pixie Sage & Snow White

April 2006 On April 29th Sage was in her 5th ballet production held at ASU.  She was a little pixie who danced and fluttered around Snow White - who was quite beautiful.  They even sprinkled pixie dust on her before she went on stage. Sage was so excited to actually get to meet and dance with Snow White.... ssshhhh  Hey,this is serious stuff!

       

Daughter's of China

Daddy & Sage ~ March 2002 I can't begin to express in words the blessings of having two beautiful daughters of China.  The immense joy my daughters have brought to me is immeasurable.  I thank God for allowing me to be their guardians and am so humbled he entrusted this privilege to me.  How lucky I am to have five beautiful, healthy children!

                                                                   ~~~~~~~~

April 2006  ~ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."   I John 2:15.

Pixie

May 2006

This truly shows my Piper's personality.  A Spirited  chocolate loving pixie who loves hates  No posing needed for this little one.

Piper was born in Wuhan, Hubei China in 2003.  She was found in front of a hospital at one month old.  In 2005 we were lucky enough to adopt her and she is now home.