Harmonious Practicing

As much as I'd like you to believe my children spend their days playing their musical instruments harmoniously together like it appears in these pictures, nothing could be further from the truth! (Okay, maybe not "nothing", but, it is a rare day!)

It just happened to be a nice day out one day last week, and both Caleb and Camryn were feeling particularly benevolent towards one another, so they decided to practice their instruments together and see what duets they could play. I enjoyed it so much, I had to take a few pictures.

One day, when we get a video camera, I can post video of things like this- what fun that will be! You'll get much more enjoyment out of it, I'm sure... but for now, I hope the pictures will do.

(P.S. Caleb passed down some plain white t-shirts to Camryn, and I've noticed she seems to wear them all the time when she's at home! This isn't the first time I've posted pictures of her and she's in one of those darned white t-shirts. Bleh! She really does own some cute, girl clothes! ;)

Mutant Strawberry and Silence from China

I got a basket of strawberries from a local grower the other day, and as Camryn and I were eating our way through them, we came upon this strange-looking little berry!

Kind of looks like it sprouted antennas, or was beginning to grow some ears!

Okay, so the buzz within my CCAI Yahoo group is that things have been unusually quiet with LOA's and TA's coming in from the CCAA- it seems only one has come in since April 4th. That's just plain weird, but no one from our agency is saying so. We're all speculating as to the reasons why, and wondering if this means things are changing in China- yet we're not being told about it... so, of course, we're all worried our LOA's are going to take MUCH LONGER than normal. Knowing the Olympics are coming up doesn't help with the anxiety. It is rumored that China will close down all government offices for as long as a month for the Olympics. This all just does not look good, but I am trying not to worry about things that may not even be true. I'll keep you posted as we find out more.

Baby Shower Blessings

Here are some of the many wonderful gifts we got for baby Kelly. It was such a nice day- everything was beautiful, and all my friends who came to shower me just made me feel sooo special!

I feel TERRIBLE for not getting more pictures. I'm so sorry! I had every intention of taking several so I could show everyone my shower, but it seemed like everything happened so fast, and before I knew it, it was over and I had only taken the one picture of Jennifer and Tami before it began.

Even though I didn't get more pictures, it was still a special time I will remember always, and I want to thank everyone who came, or sent gifts, and a special thanks to Kelly's Nana, too, who couldn't come, but sent so many wonderful gifts for her "Bebe Boo." (as she calls her!) Kelly, you are loved!

Jennifer & Tami- thanks for everything, my loves!

It doesn't show but a small fraction of the lanterns, but they decorated Jennifer's house with paper lanterns throughout, and they had these darling little fortune cookies made that were dipped in yummy pink frosting and had a personalized fortune message, thanking eveyrone for their love, support, and prayers for Baby Kelly. It was the cutest thing - I loved it!

Clint's grandfather

Sadly, Clint's grandfather (on his mother's side) passed away this week. He was 88 years old. Clint went out to Texas to help his mom with funeral arrangements and to be there for the service. We are all missing him, but we're saying prayers for a peaceful time of saying goodbye.

It has been very busy around here for me lately. I normally work 3 hours a day, but I've been working overtime to help with several projects that have hit all at once. (I work at my daughter's elementary school. I work in the office as a clerk/project assistant- which basically means I do whatever they tell me to do...) We have been working on creating new kindergarten files for our newly registered kindergartners for the next school year. We've also got State testing going on, so there's much to do with that- plus we've got lots of orders coming in for next year's textbooks and school supplies- so it's just a hub of activity up there right now. I enjoy my job and I work in a positive environment with great people, so I can't complain- but it's just hard to juggle work and home and all the other things that go on each day.

Still no word on anything with Kelly- maybe tomorrow..? Actually, it's not likely on a Friday, but say your prayers anyway. You never know!

Also, please say a prayer for Clint and his family too- thanks so much.

Last night we watched the movie, August Rush. If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it. I had heard great things about it, and I love Keri Russell, so I was anxious to see it.

I loved this movie- all the unspoken truths it illustrated- how things work together for good, oftentimes in the midst of extremely painful circumstances, in ways that we don't even realize. I loved how everything that happened in the movie brought them together in the end- I believe the same of every circumstance in my life bringing me to the point that I'm at today, including how God brought us to Kelly.

I loved how the movie honored Evan's perseverance and faith in what he KNEW in his heart to be true, even without understanding why he knew it. I loved how it honored all the people that were instrumental in Evan's life, in him getting to where he needed to be, again, without even realizing it.

I also loved the musical aspect of the movie. I have found, in my life, that music is so much more powerful than I can ever comprehend- it often touches parts of me that I didn't even know existed. I loved how the movie honored it as the gift it is, and how it honored those that have the gift for music- no matter who they are, how they interpret it, or where they come from.

Lastly, I loved how this movie honored life. Even though Evan started his life discarded, unknowingly wanted, yet seemingly unwanted, his life and his existence had so much more purpose and value than his circumstances ever would have revealed. You can not base the worth of a person on their circumstances or where they come from, but rather on the fact that the Creator of the Universe (and Life itself) chose to breathe life into their precious little soul, and there are treasures to be found in each of us that we oftentimes don't even know exist.

Baby Shower!

A couple of my dear friends from church, Jennifer and Tami, are throwing us a baby shower on April 20th!

I'm so humbled by their love and generosity, I don't quite know what to do with myself. We don't have any family in town, so our friends at church serve as our family here. They have loved and embraced us just like family, and we are truly blessed.

This shower will be such a treat, especially considering how tough these past days and weeks have been.

I don't even like to talk about it, because there's nothing I can do to change it, but every day that goes by without getting our LOA ends in sadness for me. It's another day Kelly has spent in an orphanage, no closer to coming home than the day before. It kills me too, knowing her first birthday is on the 29th of this month. I so hoped to spend her first birthday with her- or at least knowing I'd be traveling to get her soon after. Now it looks like we'll be lucky if we travel before the fourth of July, the way things are going. I honestly don't know how to handle the sadness of that reality- the sadness that comes with each day that I don't hear anything. I'm just functioning the best I can and trying to stay productive- but on the inside, I'm just sad sad sad.

I look forward to this baby shower- even though I've been sad and it's been hard, it will be a wonderful day to enjoy our precious friends, and a day to focus on all that we have to look forward to.

I'm so happy to know Kelly will one day come home, not only to her mommy, daddy, brother and sister who love her so- but also to a warm and loving church family who are all so eager to wrap their arms around her and embrace her with all that they have. We are so blessed to be surrounded with such loving people. Kelly has no idea what's waiting for her, but boy is the love that she's going to be surrounded with going to knock her socks off! She's going to eat it up, I'm sure!

Precious Friends

While in the Bay Area, we were able to pay a visit to some very good friends- a very special family we have grown to love over the past several years. Here the kids are, climbing trees and having fun together.

It was so wonderful to see them- Blake and Britney have grown so much! What sweet children they've always been, and what well-rounded individuals they're becoming! They're such a solid, loving family.

I just have to say- Debbie went above and beyond the call of duty! Knowing Camryn was away from home for her birthday, she baked a birthday cake for Camryn and had candles for her to blow out and everything! Thanks Deb, for making Camryn's birthday away from home so special!

It was great to reunite with good friends- we're blessed to have such great people in our lives.

OOTM

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND- STATE COMPETITION!




What an amazing bunch of girls!
Camryn had a blast with her team-
all six girls are pictured below
in their classic pyramid pose!


Here they are with their awesome coach, Mr. Frolli.

After all their hard work, the girls didn't end up moving on to the next level in the competition. They ran out of time while they were finishing the technical element of their performance, which ended up costing them crucial points and put them in 7th place. They were all pretty disappointed, but considering there were 50 teams at the beginning, coming in 7th isn't so shabby. These girls really shined and should be very proud of themselves. I know I am!

Guitar Hero & Pre-Birthday presents

Since we were heading out of town the day before Camryn's birthday and we'd be gone for her entire "birthday weekend," we decided to let her open a few birthday gifts the night prior to our leaving.

Notice how Caleb finds a way to entertain himself while his sister gingerly opens her presents.

Oh Caleb!

Lots of fun "My Scene" Barbies and accessories came from Nana! Such fun!

Oh My Goodness! What is this????

Guitar Hero?!! NOWAY!!!

Of course, she had to break it open and begin the jam session immediately!

This is serious business- just look at that concentration.

Of course, Caleb had to get in on the action!

What fun this game is! If you've never played it, or watched your kids play it- you should! It's quite an experience.

I've got more pictures from our weekend to come soon...

Odyssey of the Mind

Our daughter, Camryn, has been involved in the extra-curricular activity called "Odyssey of the Mind" this year. Back in February, Camryn and her team won first place in the Regional competition! Now they are preparing to compete at the State level this weekend! These girls are a smart and creative bunch- I have no doubt they will do great!

We'll be traveling to the competition, and it just so happens to be on Camryn's 11th birthday, so we're going to make it into a fun birthday trip for the entire family to celebrate Camryn, her birthday, and her accomplishments!

God speed my little sweetie! We're so proud of you!