Friday, December 25, 2009

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Let me tell ya, this is a labor of love! My computer is in the shop (second time in a week!) and I am borrowing my daughter;s laptop...which I am grateful for and hate, all at the same time! I cannot seem to type...at least not well...on this thing, and I have to look at my text all the time to make sure I am not merrily typing gibberish, because my fingers are not on the right keys. They are squished together, or something, and it is enough to make me pull out my hair!

Onward! Just got done with all my family visiting....madhouse, as usual. And throw into the mix two 11 mo. old, mobile, curious baby girls...you get the picture! :) My mom's living room is probably 10X14, and there were 19 adults, a 4 yr old, and the babes. YIKES!!! Pandemonium! We ate well, and laughed alot, and it was all good. Crazy, but good.

Miss ShaoXi is busy getting to know her new camera and all it's functions. I have been declared the very best mother in the universe...should you have any quibbles with that, take them up with my girl....and good luck convincing her of anything different! :O) One of her other presents is a trip into NYC on Tuesday with one of her best friends and her mom. Should be fun, albeit exhausting. We will leave about 9AM, go in and look around, eat in Chinatown (where else?!?) gawk at the store windows, maybe have the girls skate in Rockefeller Plaza, see what we can see of Juilliard, where Shao hoy pes to go to college, and who knows what other craziness we will find to do!?!? She is very excited about it, and excited to bring her camera, as well!!!

Got to see my incredibly handsome nephew Andrew, whom I love to death. He is a senior in college this year, and just one of the nicest young men I have ever met...honest...if any of you have 20ish daughters, he is the catch of the century! I cannot believe how hunky he is! :) I love that boy!

My niece Kelly was somewhere in New Zealand, jaunting about. She has become a world traveler, and quite an adventuress! We are never quite sure what she will do NEXT! She has lived in England, France, and now New Zealand. And whilst in those places, has traveled to so many more. Quite the girl, our Kelly!

Hannah, who is a year older than Shao, was here. Poor girl, she got retainers in her mouth on Wednesday. Not only do they hurt, but you can barely understand her. She is glad she is off school for another week...that is how long the dentist said it should take her to get used to them and be able to talk again!

Those are just my brother Bill's kids...okay it has taken me 3 tries to get this sentence right. I'm signing off...here's hoping I will get my own computer back SOOON.

Blessubgs,,,(SEE?!?!?) Blessings!!!!!!!!!!

Nancy

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!

Whoa...long time, no blog! Lots of ground to cover...so here goes!
Most of the last two weeks have been devoted to CLEANING! Gramma and Auntie were flying up from Florida to see ShaoXi dance in The Nutcracker, so house had to be READY for Christmas, and clean to boot! :) It looks wonderful...thanks in no small part to my sister, who came in the day of their arrival and did all the floors for me! I was SO busy with straightening, dusting, putting things away, decorating, that floors would have...well...FLOORED me! :) So our house is clean...and is generally STILL clean, even though, sadly, Gramma and Auntie Milena are gone.

The Nutcracker was WONDERFUL! What a joy it was to watch my girl dance on pointe. However...the weather was LESS than wonderful!

We live in coastal Connecticut. We had a blizzard come in on Saturday. We have well over a foot of snow on the ground. SO...we switched our ballet tickets to the Sat. matinee, and right after the first half, Gramma and Auntie M left for Rhode Island and the airport. I TRIED to talk them into staying and riding out the storm, but no go. Their flight was for 6:30 or something, on Sunday morning. Another NO GO! As we all knew it WOULD be. But they had booked a room in a nearby hotel, and there they stayed until...THIS MORNING...TUESDAY!!!! They are probably in Charlotte NC on a layover as I type. They will be back in FL early enough to have lunch there. What a crazy trip for them! But we are OH SO THANKFUL that they came. It made the experience so priceless! Gramma is ShaoXi's "patron of the arts" but had never seen her girl dance! Blessing!!!

The day they were to arrive...my computer died. The following morning I took it into the shop, and got it back last night. At first I thought it did NOT get fixed. It was doing bizarre things. But I shut it down, came back awhile later and turned it back on, and diddled around a bit with settings, backgrounds, etc., it seemed to be fine. So we are on a watch and wait mode. Thank you Gramma for my Christmas gift of computer repair! PERFECT!!!

My girly went out Christmas shopping last night with my sister Polly. She had a great time, and bought me a whole BUNCH of gifts. Sweet girly. I know she wants so BADLY to buy herself a camera, but she spent her money on me, instead. Little does she know...I could only afford to get her ONE gift this year...and it's a digital camera!! She is gonna be SOOO freakin' happy! :)

We have received many blessings this holiday season. Our church surprised us with some grocery cards, as did the Madison Police Dept. The police dept. also gave me gifts for Shao, as well as some gift cards for her. The Town Soc. Services just dropped off a food basket with a HUGE Butterball turkey in it! We will be able to feed the town with it! It is 18 pounds! Frozen SOLID. It might not thaw til AFTER Christmas! :) Seriously. No, actually, I will probably do the cold water thaw, so I can cook it up on Christmas Eve. We can have fresh turkey sandwiches on Christmas Day! YUM...and soup, too! I make a mean soup! :)

So, as blessings abound here at our house, I hope they are flowing at your house, as well! But I am most grateful for the gift and blessing of my walk with my Lord Jesus, who came as the FIRST Christmas gift, and the very best! Love from our home to yours!

Blessings!

Nancy

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Many things!

I hope you had a chance to go to Lynsay's blog and meet Josiah. She also needs volunteers during the month of February, to help out with the babies, as I think her nannies want to go be with their families during that time, plus several of the babies are scheduled for surgery. I sent in an application to do it, but God would need to work mighty miracles to make it happen...like providing all the monies, since I have $8 in my checking account. And that includes money to pay the bills HERE, as well...and someone to step up to the plate and care for ShaoXi. It's a lot, but we have a GREAT, BIG GOD, whose heart is broken for these precious little ones.

ShaoXi is gearing up for next weekend's big production. She was given the role of a Snowflake in the Nutcracker Ballet!!! This is an on pointe part...her first time to dance on pointe!!! Excitement reigns! Her godmother, Gramma Donna, and our dear friend, Auntie Milena, are flying up from Florida to see it! Even MORE excitement!!! We are gonna have a blast! They have never seen our house, so we are on high alert, getting ready for them...not to mention, decorating for Christmas...which in THIS house means a tree of some sort in every room, and stuff GALORE everywhere else! It is really something! :)

Of course, on Sunday Shao casually mentioned that she thought she needed new pointe shoes. WHAT?!?!? NOW?!?!? So I had her show them to her ballet teacher on Monday evening...Yep, she needed 'em...IMMEDIATELY!!! Like, as in, the next day! Cuz it would take time to break new ones in, but there was no way the old ones would last through the performances. YIKES! And to make it all sweeter (tongue in cheek, here!), just before she LEFT for her Monday night class, her ballet slipper broke...the elastic came untied, and one end disappeared into the casing...never to be seen again. I told her to ask the teacher if this was fixable...NOPE. SOOO...I pulled her out of school early on Tuesday, and we headed into New Haven, to the ballet store. $140 later, we left. sigh. But she is all set for awhile. And her precious Gramma Donna is sending us the money to cover it. I charged it. I do have a charge card (silly people gave me one!) but never use it, as I can't pay it back! :) Comes in handy now and again!

My sweet little great-nieces are getting dedicated this Sunday! Should be interesting...they are just in the beginning stages of "stranger anxiety" and I can't imagine what they will do when the pastor tries to hold them! HA!!! Hayleigh will WAIL...I think Cadence will be fine. Can't wait to see them dedicated. So sweet, they are! I love those girlies beyond reason!

That's pretty much the highlights of things here. Yesterday we woke up to snow and blowing wind. While the town we live in had school (90 min. delay), the school I drive for was closed. So I only had a noon time run. Not what I needed...I am still trying to play catch-up from being out of work a week with back spasms in Oct. Can't wait until I can file my income tax...I will get some money and get myself out of the hole!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Josiah

You need to go to my friend Lynsay's blog. You need to click on the paragraph about her new foundling, Josiah. And you need to see why she is doing what she is doing. You need to see why God's heart is broken over these little ones. We all need to step up to the plate. Her blog is www.stinkytofuandotherthings.blogspot.com

Blessings...Nancy

It's the year of Jubilee!!!!!

I have asked for prayer in the past for my friends, the Saunders, who are passionate about adoption and helping orphans. They have been struggling for almost 2 years to adopt a precious little girl in China that they have named Jubilee Hope. It looked pretty bleak about a month ago. Guess what?!?! YIPPEE JESUS!!!! Jubilee will be HOME for Christmas!!!!! IF they can fly home into Colorado...which gets lots of snowstorms...so pray for no big storms there from Dec. 22 to the 24th, okay? Cuz Jubilee NEEDS to be home for Christmas (as does her mama and big sister Emma, who are going over to get her!)

This is some of the best news I have had in a long while! I am so thrilled for them!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, November 26, 2009

GOTCHA DAY!!!!!


Twelve years ago today I climbed on a bus in Changsha, China, and said to my travel mates, "Hey, guys...I was just thinking. Every morning for the last month I have looked at the picture of my daughter and said "Hang on baby, Mama's coming!" And NOW (gulp) I am!" Which instantly made 16 tense, preoccupied people laugh, and then cry! An hour later a wailing and writhing bundle of joy was placed in my arms, and my life changed instantly for the better.


Today my girl is 13 years old. How can that be? I am TELLING you, it was just yesterday she was a tiny little peanut! I am so over the top blessed with this child. Thank You, Father, for the unimaginable gift of ShaoXi. Please bless her life, keep Your hand upon it, and let her know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You love her and have a plan for her life. AMEN!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Count your blessings...I promise you, you have many!
Blessings...Nancy


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful Thursday

You know, it makes it easier to jump in and blog a little, when you have these "themes" for some days! SOOO...thankfulness. I'm full of it! :)

I am thankful...first and foremost, for my Lord and Saviour, Jesus! For His redemptive work in my life, and for His mercy to me, a sinner. For the Holy Spirit Who dwells within me, helping me to live this life IN HIM.

I am thankful to live in this amazing country, The United States of America. Where I can walk out of my house and go anywhere I want, and no one questions it. I can worship freely with my amazing church family anytime I wish. I am thankful for the people who KEEP this country that way...for our servicemen and women who put their lives in harms way on a daily...no, hourly...um, maybe MINUTE by MINUTE basis, so that I can keep these freedoms. I am not only thankful for those who currently serve, but for those who have served in the past, since the founding of this great land. I think of my Dad, whom I miss dearly, who led his platoon onto the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, in WWII. Of his bravery, and all those who followed him.

I am thankful for my family, but MOST especially for my precious daughter, a gift beyond measure, priceless and cherished. I often think that if I could have had free rein in China, to pick ANY child I wanted, I could NEVER have chosen as well as God did, when He gave me the gift of ShaoXi. Blessings abound!

I am thankful for every day that I wake up and LIVE my life.

Oh, I have so much more...but time flies by, and I need to get to work! A job...another thing to be thankful for!

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday!




Well, almost! :) Because who can resist saying...aren't they the CUTEST things? My baby nieces, Cadence Rae the cow, and Hayleigh Christina, the lamb!
Blessings...Nancy


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Precious Stellan is doing GREAT! It is truly a MIRACLE. The surgery did EXACTLY what it was supposed to do! God spoke into the ears of the dr's who were about ready to give up, and they tried an unthought of procedure...and it was spot on! They got it done! He is awake, somewhat crabby, and ALIVE!!! And as far as they know, his heart is now FINE! They will do an esophegeal study tomorrow, as well as an ECHO, to make sure all is well. But they are rejoicing in Boston, let me tell ya!

AND...the Saunders heard back from a SENATOR (remember, a congressman had already said "Nope, I can't help you!") and so they continue to leave Jubilee in God's Hands, and trust in Him.
I'll keep you posted!

And my friend Wendy's little guy, Steven, who is 3, had successful lip revision surgery. He was born with cleft lip and palate, and the lip was repaired in China...but not very well, cosmetically. Soon after he came home in Spring of 2008 they had his palate repaired. Little man should be coming home this afternoon! YIPPEE, JESUS!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Monday, November 9, 2009

Stellan...and a Saunders update

There is a "button" on my sidebar, "Pray for Stellan." NEVER has he needed it more. He is at Boston Children's Hospital. Was supposed to have a risky procedure done TOMORROW, but he "crashed" last night, his heart has stopped at least once, and they are struggling to keep him alive long enough to do the procedure. Trust me, he is one of the most beautiful baby boys I have EVER laid my eyes on! Please pray for him, and his mama Jen, who is all alone in Boston. Pray for her husband, who is on his way from Minnesota. Jen is all alone. It breaks my heart.

The Saunders...what can I say? A congressman has either failed to help them, or was unwilling...not really clear about this. But it didn't work, and so...the last twitter from Linny is that they have given up; Jubilee Promise belongs to God, and they are asking Him to keep her safe. I believe they will still pursue her adoption, but only God knows if it will go through.

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Please, oh PLEASE, pray for the Saunders!

My precious friend Linny and her family so very much need our prayers! Long story short, they have been pursuing the adoption of a specific, precious little girl in China, already named Jubilee Promise Saunders. It has taken SOOO much longer than it should, and just an hour or two ago, they learned that somehow immigration had messed up something, and they would need to begin over again...not sure exactly how much, and what, but this little one is WAITING, and Linny and Dw and their kids are, too!

If anyone knows ANYONE in power in Colorado (where the Saunders live) that might be willing to get involved in this, please email Linny at aplacecalledsimplicity@yahoo.com and let them know! But please pray...and go to Linny's blog, if you have never been there...read about their hearts for orphans...and I don't just mean Linny and Dw's hearts...every one of their kids is invested in adopting orphans, too! aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com

You really need to go back to the beginning and read the whole blog...it is WORTH reading. You will find the very heart of God revealed there. Satan is NOT happy with this family. It is amazing the blows they have taken from that Father of Lies. And yet they still hold fast to their Saviour, still hold out for the orphans, and still move ahead with the plan of God, working out through their lives. Amazing grace!

Blessings...Nancy

Home

Tonight I'm sitting here reveling in the smells of a wonderful pot roast dinner cooking in the oven, the sounds of my daughter humming in her bedroom, and the wonderful sense of "HOME." And it makes me wonder...if these truly LITTLE things can do this, what might happen if we actually caught a glimpse of our REAL home, heaven? What wondrous things might happen in our lives, in the lives of those around us, in the lives of everyone with whom we came in contact?

I am thankful today...although it is not QUITE "Thankful Thursday." 12 years ago I was flying about like a crazed thing, getting ready to head to China for the adventure of a lifetime. I didn't have a CLUE what an impact this little baby would have on my life. And isn't that much what the very first Christmas was like? No one then, even Mary or Joseph, who must have had an INKLING, had a REAL clue as to how this tiny soon-to-be born babe would turn the world upside down.

Life is full of lessons. I am thankful that I have a heart and mind open to learning them. How sad it would be to not see the beauty and the truths in the experiences we go through every single day...to see the value of them, indeed the value of each and every life. There are those who do not...who, in my opinion (and remember, we are all entitled to our opinions...and anyhow, it's MY blog!) live very sad, dark, unhappy lives...and even if they do not think they are living that NOW...they will be for sure, in eternity! And THAT breaks the heart of God.

Yikes...in the middle of that last paragraph, my daughter came in...and brought up the subject of beliefs (mind you, she is only 13!) and said that there was a "quiz" on whether you were conservative or liberal, and she "tested out" as a liberal. Which scares the pants off of her mama! YIKES!!!! Oh boy, back to parenting 101!!!

See...even with all the peace and serenity God gives us, there is always contention in the "Garden of Eden." Darn that old snake, anyhow!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Carol

Last night we received the heartbreaking news that our precious friend Carol lost her courageous battle with cancer. She was one of the wittiest, funniest, sweetest, generous people I have ever met. I just LOVED hanging out with her, it was so much fun!!!! I can only imagine that her husband Bruce is lost right now without her by his side. I can't imagine his pain, nor that of her kids and grandkids. She was younger than me by a year or two, I think. Oh, how our family loved her! She will be so very much missed by all who knew her.





My girl doesn't know yet. She was away for the night last night, so I will have to break the news to her, a task I do not relish. This little girl (okay, not SO little anymore! But still little to ME!) had lost more people in her short life than I have in my entire life. I hate that for her. When I told her a few weeks ago that Auntie Carol's cancer had come back with a vengeance, and she only had a week or two to live, Shao cried. And in typical kid fashion (not to belittle her grief, it was VERY real!) she lifted her head, tears on her face, and said "Oh, MOMMY!!! WHO will buy me all those amazing presents? (Aunt Carol had a talent for finding the perfect gifts!) You know I love Uncle Bruce, but he gets me things like "Boys Smell Funny" ( a book/journal that she loves and uses, but still!) Kids are so funny, even in the darkest of times.





Here is a layout I did last night, and a poem I wrote. I will miss you Carol, but I will see you one day soon!





Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, October 31, 2009

So, here's the thing

...I wish I had a whole bunch of really, really, really wealthy friends. Cuz here's what I would ask of them: Please apply to adopt a baby/child from China, from Uganda, from Ethiopia...who cares? Please bring me WITH you when you go to collect said child. And when we all get home? Please just give me that precious life to raise as my own. You see, it would be NOTHING to you to put out the money. And besides a trip to wherever, you'd be off the hook. Because I would give just about ANYTHING to be able to bring more children home and love on them. I would be SO happy to have another child. But I can't. By many I'm considered some or all of these things: too old, too poor, too heavy, too "single". How sad. How very sad that my arms ache to hold a tiny little one, and there are MILLIONS of them out there who long for arms just like mine...and we are separated by what seems a world of difference...or is that indifference?

If you are a lover of God, of Jesus, then I don't know how you can ignore him when He said the TRUE religion is to care for the widows (which I take to mean all single women trying to make it on their own in this world!) and orphans. Yeah, I know...I'm likely preaching to the choir here.
But oh, it hurts to want something SO badly and know it won't happen. I have often wished there were a way to place a large neon like sign in the sky over my place, saying "Feel free to leave your unwanted baby here!" So many little ones in need of a mama.

Okay...just had to get that off my chest. I am in a melancholy mood tonight...a dear friend lost her battle with cancer yesterday, and I can't IMAGINE the world going on without her. She was SUCH a great person...witty, kind, loving, generous, SOOO funny, bright...oh, I could go on and on. I will miss you Carol, and you have given me one more reason to not fear death, but to step through into the other side of eternity, and give you a hug!

Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sadness

So...I did not get the nanny job. I think I am numb. Or maybe I am just trusting God...cuz while I am disappointed, I am not overwhelmingly so. And as in every situation, there is a silver lining...Shao's godmother just told me that at least we now did not have to worry about us coming to FL in the spring. Her husband wants to fly us down to visit. So...yep, we can do that. I won't have a new job to worry about. FL in April is very nice...we were there once before. Not TOO hot, but plenty warm enough to swim...and need a/c! :) So that's something to look forward to, at least. But I am still sad. I do, however, know that I have a Heavenly Father who only wants good for me...in fact, He wants the BEST for me. So I rest in that, trusting that He will continue to provide.

Blessings...Nancy

Friday, October 23, 2009

Nanny update

Nothing. I've heard nothing. This is torture. This is SUCH a perfect job for me, and I am so very, very good at raising kids! I would be SOOOO wonderful for them, and they for me! But it is not my decision. And in truth, it is not THEIRS, fully, either. Whether they know it or not, it is really in God's trustworty Hands. And while my heart and soul know that He ALWAYS wants the greatest good for me, I long for this job. I have to continually rein ME back, and ask HIM to lead. It is hard. It is maybe one of the hardest times ever. Except the wait for referral for my own precious baby. Oh, now THAT was agony! And I don't envy those waiting NOW...3 or more YEARS wait! Although the prize at the end? OH MY, worth 10 times that wait!

So...I wait. I can only imagine I will hear within the next two days. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray for God's guidance and wisdom, and for His will to be done, not mine, not even theirs. He knows, cares, and loves me, and I can trust Him to keep me.

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Nanny saga continued

Got an email last night entitled: From Christine and the boys. Basically it was saying she hadn't had a chance yet to check references, time gets away from her each night, but she definitely will get to it and be in contact by the end of the week. So...no news is good news. I had sent a "thank you" email on Sunday night, thanking them for "sharing the babies" with me for an hour, basically telling them how nice it was to meet them. Keep praying! I am trying desperately to not get my hopes up, but also to not despair. TRYING to rest in Him, who has my greater good in mind ALWAYS! My frail human mind still tries to grasp at straws, but God knows, loves, cares and provides for me, His beloved child. Thank You, Lord!

Blessings...Nancy

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

12 Years Ago! THE CALL!!!!!!!!

12 years ago today I arrived at work and soon picked up the phone to call my adoption agency. I was feeling somewhat down, having spent the previous day with friends who got on the subject of my adoption, and kept saying things like, "Are you sure this is legit? Maybe they took your money and ran!" Since I personally knew and attended church with the local reps from the agency, I knew that was not the case. But still...what was to have been a 4-6 month wait was now nearing 10, and I was weary. I left a rather whiney message on Jim & Marie's answering machine, something to the effect of "Hi, Marie, this is Nancy. Could you call me? I'm just feeling a little crazy."

About 45 min. later I received THE CALL. Such a funny series of coincidences! First, Jim had installed a new answering machine in the basement office, and had forgotten to turn the ringer back on. So while Marie was HOME, she did not know the phone had rung. Meanwhile, Caroline from Children's Hope had ALSO called her and left a message saying "Hi, Marie, we have a referral for one of your families, Nancy Johnson. Alright, well I guess I will call her, she's waited SO long!" Marie, headed through the office to the laundry room, noticed the blinking lights on the machine, and checked the messages. She frantically called me back.

When I answered my phone, Marie sounded really strange...very hesitant. She did not know if Caroline had called me yet. She desperately wanted to be the one to give me the good news. So when I just began to whine to her, she interrupted me and said "Nancy, I have good news for you today." I replied, "What?" Marie repeated herself, and I repeated, "What?!?" She then said "I have good news. Don't go anywhere. I have to call St. Louis (HQ) and I will call you right back!"

Now remember, I was at work. I was standing up by this time, and my friend Anita thought it was bad news, as I was shaking uncontrollably, turning red, then white, and crying. I couldn't talk well, and when I finally managed to convey the message, my whole team at work was electrified. A few minutes (I am SURE it was HOURS and HOURS!) Marie called me. I had a precious 14 mo. old daughter waiting for me in ShaoYang, Hunan Province, China. She was healthy and her name Shao Xi meant "doubly happy." For about 10 seconds I was sad that I had missed so much of her life, but then I just didn't care because she was MINE!!!

Later on that day Caroline faxed me over a picture of her. It is on my sidebar, and I am sure you will agree that there was nothing else for me to do but fall deeply, madly in love with my child.

I am thankful today for all of God's miracles, but most especially thankful that He chose this child for me. She is a blessing beyond compare and the very best part of my life. TWELVE YEARS...doesn't seem possible! TWELVE WONDERFUL YEARS!

Blessings...Nancy

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Nanny job update!

I went to meet the babies today, and their Dad, not to mention Jake & Rudy, their two rescued Labs (from Hurricane Katrina). Nicest people in the world. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the boys! Robbie was getting a bottle when I arrived, and Eli was sleeping. I got to play with Robbie, who has the GREATEST belly laugh and giggles constantly! Then Eli woke up, and he was a bit quieter, but such a sweet smile. I was there about an hour, and had a blast. I feel very good about the interview, and should hear back in a few days, I guess. They are going to check references, etc. I am cautiously hopeful. And in prayer. As I drove home I prayed for them to come to the right decision for their family, WHATEVER that might be, because I would be heartbroken if they DIDN'T pick me, and their choice wound up hurting the babies. It happens, and it is horrific. But I KNOW it can happen, and I cannot IMAGINE these precious little guys being anything but loved to bits! Oh, they are SOOOO stinkin' cute!

Blessings...Nancy

Friday, October 16, 2009

Only God!

Listen to this story. I think it is unbelievable. I mentioned before that my sister's home of 20 yrs is in foreclosure. She tried to work things out with the bank, under the new Obama deal, but no go. Her debt ratio is just too high. So they have been cleaning out and sorting 20 years worth of stuff. The other day they put two riding mowers out in front, with for sale signs on them. A young teenage boy stopped by, and my sister and her boyfriend were very impressed with him. In passing, they asked him what his dad did for a job. His answer? "Oh, he owns a gold mine." WHAT?? That's kind of bizarre here in New England! So...Frankie wants to buy one of the mowers. He rides his bike back home and comes back with his Dad. And my sister gets to talking with him, and he asks her why she's moving. She tells him, and he says something to the effect that he may be able to help her out. The idea is that he will make a lowball offer, get a no money down mortgage, my sister will pay the mortgage and all upkeep, and in two years she will buy the house back from him, and pay him $10,000 above the mortgage cost, as his return on investment. Cool. Only God. It isn't a done deal, but it is pretty miraculous, even so. Please pray. She REALLY doesn't want to move. She LOVES her home, it is a 1850's farmhouse. It needs work, but they keep plugging away at it, room by room. It is so charming, and has a terrific yard...very park like. Oh, by the way...the Goldmine is out west somewhere! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Nanny Update!!!

OO...OOO..OOOO! I just got an email from Christene that she would like to have me come up and meet her husband and the babes this weekend! This is encouraging, to say the least!!!!!!!!
KEEP PRAYING, PLEEEEEEASE! I do so want this job! And I figured out I would be making TWICE what I make now. That is HUGE! So huge, I can't wrap my mind around it! :)

I'll keep you informed! Okay, back to your regular broadcasts!!! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Nanny Job Front

So, on Monday morning I had a face to face interview with Christene, mama to the babies. I think it went REALLY well. I liked her SOOO much. Hopefully it was reciprocal! She is an asst. principal in a Jr. High. Very down to earth. I told her that even if she found someone that she felt was a better fit, I would be delighted to babysit any time they needed a sitter. Anyhow, she will let everyone know by the end of the week who has "made it into the finals." She told me she had over 30 applicants, but narrowed it down to about 6, of which I was one. So now she's going to narrow the field down some more, and then have people come to the house to meet her husband and the babies. IF you pass that muster, then you will come for a weekend day, and spend the day with them, learning the schedule, etc.

I found out that the boys have been in daycare for the past 2 months, but they have had numerous colds, ear infections, you name it. Their pediatrician suggested they might be better off with a nanny. And so here we are. They love the daycare, but the health of the boys comes first, of course.

Keep on praying! I think I would really fit in well with them, and of course I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having babies in my life every day! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

BABY SHOWER!

Dear Ones:

Do you remember this precious baby girl? She is the first baby to be cared for at Morning Star Baby Home in Beijing, China. Now there are FIVE babies, and many more to come! BUT.....

CORRIE

God has given them a place to house these babies, and it is in the process of being built! But, I digress. Corrie still has a piece of my heart!!!! Anyhow....some wonderful folks who have had the privilege of actually cuddling some of these little ones, and getting to know Bill and Lynsay, and their girls (they are the folks who stepped out in faith and began this ministry)...well, having seen the need in person, they are throwing a "baby shower for Morning Star! PLEASE consider donating. These babies are the most fragile of the frail. Babies that orphanages have begged them to take, knowing that if they did not, these precious little ones, the heart of God, would not survive! You can go to the link for Morning Star on my side bar, and donate. Please help. Please be a blessing! Please think of ways you , and possibly your whole family, could continue to support this precious ministry, and these little ones. The baby shower is going on now...the ministry hopefully will go on for years and years, until Jesus comes, or every one of the 147 million orphans have homes and families of their own! Morning Star needs your ongoing help as well, if you feel so led! God bless you for prayerfully considering this! If we all do our seemingly small part, God will do BIG, BIG, BIG things, I just know it!

Blessings...Nancy



Friday, October 2, 2009

Quick update

On the Nanny job front...I have exchanged several very encouraging emails with Christine, the twin baby boys' mom. She herself is an older mother, and really likes that I am mature, and my outlook on things. I went back and read the original job posting, and the one thing I somehow missed is that they do not want someone who must bring their own child to the job. HOWEVER, I did mention, not even having a CLUE that this was in there, about maybe having to bring Shao if there was a school closure, etc. And she didn't seem fazed by that in her subsequent emails, even though she had said no. I imagine she meant someone bringing their own SMALL child with them every day.

So PLEASE pray for me, on this one. I am SOOOO afraid that my weight will become an issue. But I AM in the midst of changing a lot of my eating habits, and I do hope to lose some more weight (I lost 40 about 18 mos. ago), AND when I was home with Shao, running around after her, I lost alot of weight, too! :) I have not mentioned this factor to Christine, as I think it should NOT be one, but you never know. I am so very used to discrimination on this subject...it is very hurtful, and after an entire life of it, you'd think I'd be enured to it, but NOT so much. SOOO...pray that if this is what the Lord wants, it will work out. And if not, that He will very firmly close the door!

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Bad blogger, BAD girl!

Oh my, I am a VERY bad blogger. For some reason, the last few weeks have felt like a merry-go-round that I REALLY wanted to get off, but couldn't. So I think I had better catch up in bullet points! Here goes!

Baby...Didn't come. Her mama got custody back, and moved back in with baby and Grandma. Eventually mama will have to find a job, so it may happen at some point. I am sad. I finally took the car seat OUT of my car the other day. I was in denial.

Shao...doing great in school. Auditioned for the Nutcracker Ballet last Saturday. We should hear within a week from now. Went to her first and last Youth Group meeting last night. She was MISERABLE. According to my social, loving, friendly child...no one talked to her, which she said was just as well, since most of the casual conversations she overheard were very liberally sprinkled with profanity. She is SOOO not into that. Her friends from school all know this, and do NOT swear when with her, although according to her, they do it plenty when she is not around, or if they are in large group of kids. She said besides the profanity, the actual topics of conversation were "not appropriate" and "not what I care to hear." SO...no more youth group at our church. However, there is a church in the next town that has a Wed. night service, and a special group for girls. We are going to try that and see how it goes. Plus, I can go to the adult service, which will be nice!

Me...through some pretty miraculous happenings, I am now seeing a chiropractor and getting myself "fixed." Believe me, I need it! I have LOTS of joint issues, and am in constant, unrelentless pain SOMEWHERE in my body at all times. I had a back molar pulled, which took over two weeks to really resolve, thus I was in a lot of discomfort from that. I think that was a big part of my feeling overwhelmed the last few weeks...I just did NOT feel well.

Job...same old, same old. I applied for a nanny position which I hope to actually interview for soon. It is a 50 hour a week position, so if it works out, I might actually MAKE it financially. They will pay about what I make now an hour, but it's 20 hours more per week, or more! It is for TWIN baby boys! Meanwhile, I am enjoying the runs I was assigned this year. I have a mid-day run with three 3 year olds, who are a hoot. I love 'em! But I am annoyed as all get out at the office people. They asked me to make curtains for the office and employee break room. I did, brought them in when both happened to be out of the office, hung them...a week ago...and neither one of them has said a WORD to me about them. I am miffed, to say the least. They came out really cute...the print is "back to school" stuff, with little kids, and crayons, and school buses, and bright primary colors. I am happy with them. Supposedly they were going to pay me for making them, but since they haven't even MENTIONED them, who knows? Did I mention that I am miffed? That's putting it mildly, at this point.

I am having a BLAST doing digital scrapbooking!!!!!!!!! It really is fun! AND I went insane and bought myself a new printer/scanner/copier! It was only $39, and I have begun the arduous task of scanning in my MILLIONS of photos, mostly of my girl since day one. But when they're all done, OH, the layouts I will be able to do! :)

My sister has to move out of her house by the first week of December. It is in foreclosure, and she tried with all her might to work things out with the bank, but they were not very helpful. She even applied for the plan that Obama put in place, to no avail. She has lived there 20 years, and now will lose her home. Very sad. And nervewracking...where will she GO? Plus she has 3 cats and a dog, her son and grandson living with her. And 20 years worth of accumulation. Oh, dear.

Can't think of much else that is truly new. I will try to be a more responsible blogger in the future! For now, I must go to work...the school bus is calling my name! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New baby is coming...I THINK!

So, I don't have the baby this week. Her Grandma managed to get one more week off. Her mama goes to court today on something totally different...then on Friday for custody hearing. I have doubts that they will allow her to HAVE the baby. But hopefully they will allow some visitation, probably supervised. I have met Mama, and she is a sweet but messed up young lady. I would imagine the state would need to see some effort on her part to get her life straight and in order, before they turn the baby back over to her. It is a sad situation, but at least I will have the opportunity to help, and to love on little K., and to be a Godly influence through it all.

SO...the word on the street is, next Monday she will arrive at my house at 2:15, where Grandma & K will be met by a lady from our church, who is going to cover the 2 hours before I get home from work, at my house. That will be interesting...but perhaps it will spur me on to make my bed EVERY day, and keep up with the dishes! :)

Other than that, all things are good here. Shao is busy, busy, busy with school and dance. This weekend is our local state agricultural fair. It is a pretty big one, with a midway, events, juried entries of animals, crafts, and food; draft horse, oxen and tractor pulls, and a lot of mud, usually. It NEVER fails to rain on Guilford Fair weekend, and the fairgrounds turn into a morass of mud and more mud. Not a pretty sight. Nor are the people who emerge from visiting the fair. Hosing down is recommended!!! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Up in the air

So, I am STILL not sure if little Miss K is coming my way, or not! Last I heard, her Grandma needed to go back to work TOMORROW, but I STILL don't know if I am caring for her tomorrow. Grandma was trying to get a little more family leave/personal time off, but as of Friday afternoon, her employer had not let her know if this was going to happen. SOOO...here it is, almost Monday, and I still have no clue. I have not yet actually met the Grandma, and I have not met the baby. Who knows what is going to happen. I am trying to put it aside, and let God work out the details. As much as I would LOVE to take care of this peanut, it has to be HIS will, not mine.

We had a typical, busy week. Shao began dance classes, and now things get hectic. And in two more weeks, she has Nutcracker auditions, and things will get REALLY hectic after that, as weekend rehearsals begin. They are not performing the Nutcracker until the weekend of Dec. 18th, this year, which is late. It is usually the very first weekend in Dec. So this is the weekend right BEFORE Christmas. I am looking forward to it, as is Shao. Since she has moved up to Intermediate Level, a lot more parts are open to her. Exciting!

My car is fixed...praise God, it was NOT the engine, but something else...so it was only a third of the original price! YAY!!!!! Let me tell ya, it is NOT fun not having a car. It was almost two weeks of begging rides, and walking to and from work most days. Not fun at all.

That's about it from here. Nothing terribly exciting. Life marches on, God continues to be faithful and loving, and we are blessed!

Blessings...Nancy

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Teenagers!

I have a teenager. My girl turned 13 today. My prayer is that she will continue on being the incredible, marvelous, happy kid she has always been. May I be spared the majority of teenage angst, PLEASE, God? She is thrilled with her gifts...I bought her a bunch of colorful things for her room from Wal*Mart: an adjustable laptop table (bright purple); a full length mirror (bright aqua); a floor lamp (bright green). Her bed set is all those colors, so these work great. How nice of WM to have her room colors in mind with their new stuff this fall! HA! She also got a gorgeous pendant from her godparents, a beautiful gold pinky ring from her Gigi (my mom), and money from several people. Tomorrow we will have cake and ice cream with the family (most of them were going to be away today, being it is Labor Day weekend.) And in two weeks, we will have a kid party, I hope. So the girl is doing well! :) Such a precious child. I keep wondering just WHEN I will stop being head over heels in love with her. I'm thinking maybe never! :)

So...here's what I truly think is a "God" thing. To set the stage...in case you haven't guessed, I LOVE babies!!!!!!!! I would have gone back to China for more, in a heartbeat, had I been able to do so. Shao longs for a sibling. We had discussed doing foster care, but discovered that I could NOT bring a little one with me on the school van, because I drove special needs kids. So that wouldn't have worked. SOOO...last night Shao & I had dinner and game night with some dear friends whom I've known for 35 years. While I was there, Kathy received a phone call from a neighbor. And here begins the saga!

This lady has a 27 yr old daughter who has not chosen well in her life. She struggles with addictions. Last week she gave birth to a little baby girl, a month early. The babe tested positive for drugs of some sort. SO...mama is not allowed to see her (nor is her father, who is MUCH worse than Mama!) If Gramma hadn't stepped in, the baby would have gone to foster care, as DCF is involved due to the pos. drug test. Gramma took vacation time from work to bring the baby home...BUT she HAS to go back to work. And guess what? She works 3-11 at night. And she doesn't mind the baby going to a sitter's home versus her own. Getting my drift here? There is a possibility that I might get the chance to care for this tiny little girl every night while her grandmother works. I am trying DESPERATELY not to get too excited, because it might not happen. But I AM praying about it all, and I am asking the Lord to bathe the entire situation in prayer, and to close the door if it is not to be. But what a chance to do what I love, get paid some for it, and minister to this gramma and precious little one! Pray, won't you?

My car is currently dead. After thinking over all the options, I have decided to have a newer engine put into it, and buy another 3 to 5 years from it. By then, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to get a really nice car. Probably not. But who knows? :) But it has been a nightmare of epic proportions to NOT have a car. It is NOT fun. I have been walking to work each morning. It is a ways, but not really too far. And it's good for me. But it is not exactly the way I like to wake up in the morning! Hopefully I will have my car back the end of this week. PRAY some more, please! :)

That's about it from here. Hope all are having a great long weekend.

Blessings...Nancy

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Another week goes by!

Not doing so well on the blog upkeep! Been preoccupied by a bunch of things...Shao's back to school, I have a sewing job I HAVE to finish, I have learned to digital scrap, although I am not very good as yet, I had a few bus runs the first two days of school, but my reg. run begins tomorrow.




So...digi scrapping...FUN!!!! I will TRY to show you one of my layouts...let's see if it works...
COOL!!!! Hope you like these...I know they are small...I wonder if they will get bigger if you click on them? Try it! :)
Uh-oh...just looked at the time! I have to start supper. Big Girl already told me she wants to be in bed by 8PM tonight! :) I cannot BELIEVE she will be 13 in ONE WEEK!!!!!! Yowser!
Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Playing Catch up!

Whoa, talk about neglecting a blog! Holy cannoli! Alright, I guess I have a LOT of catching up to do! I think I will do this bullet form, as it is VERY late, and my pretty much normal insomnia is kicking my you know what.

Let's see. Last time we "talked" I was trusting God to get me through. He did, of course. As of right now, my August rent is paid, and so are my utility bills. We have food in the frig and pantry. God is good...ALL THE TME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had SUCH a great time at my friends', Kathy & Tom. I have known them for 36 years. They were saved just a few weeks before me, led to Jesus by the same precious couple, Pat & George Self. Kathy often describes that time as the Book of Acts...the fellowship we belonged to was that sweet and precious. We played some VICIOUS games of Spoons and Phase 10.

The following day was the ladies' pool party. It was the loveliest home, with an incredibly beautiful yard and pool. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the GREATEST, although it never truly rained. The company made up for it all, though (and the food! OH MY!) I LOVED LOVED LOVED getting to know some of the ladies of our new church. I have wonderful friends, but they live all over the country. I desperately need some close by ones to supplement the treasured ones I have had for a long time! :)

Shao absolutely LOVED Ballet Camp, and feels that she has progressed hugely in those two weeks. Her regular Ballet school has moved her up to Intermediate in all classes, so I guess they think she is doing well, too. Hopefully they will be delightfully surprised at her progress over the summer!

On the 15th we attended our former church's Annual Fair and Auction. I bought very little this year, but if you want to cook lobsters, OR roast a turkey, I now have the pots/pans for both those tasks!

The following day, Aug. 16th, we headed up to Boston area, to reconnect with one of my dearest friends from college days, who I had lost touch with about 23 years ago. The miracle of Facebook...Jo, we had a blast! Can't tell you often enough how wonderful it was to see you again. We are NOT going to lose each other again! Shao loves her new Aunt Joie...she thinks we are twins, as we have the same sense of humor, etc.

This past week has been full of various and sundry things. Mostly it has been HOT AND HUMID! Holy cow, summer FINALLY arrived...with a vengeance! We do NOT have air conditioning here at our house...sadness! Can't afford to run it, anyways, if we did! :)

This Sunday my friend Wendy is coming with her three kids for a couple of nights. Should be a wild and wooly few days. Wendy is an avid scrapbooker, and is going to teach me how to do digital scrapbooking. Good luck, my friend! I am a trial to all teachers in the technology field!

We hope to hit the beach with the kids on Monday. We might even see a little surf, thanks to Hurricane Bill. We seldom have any surf since we are on Long Island Sound, not the "real" beach. But Monday might be fun!

Wednesday Shao has a dentist appointment, and Thursday she starts school. I don't go back until the following Monday, Aug. 31st. On September 6th my girl becomes a teenager. YIKES!!!!! I am not quite sure how this happened? Where did my baby go?!?

That's about it. Life here moves along. Not always interesting, but that's life!

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Updates

So...many things to mention!

First of all, Shao is LOVING Ballet Camp! She is learning SOOOO much! I am thrilled for her. We have already put 400 miles on the car...it's about 100 miles a day...translates into LOTS of gas money. I COULD cut that in half, if I were willing to stay up in East Lyme for the 7 hours of camp...don't think so! Plus this week I am dogsitting again for my brother, so that wouldn't work, anyhow. Next week is another story! :)

Rent...not paid yet. I will now owe a late fee. There is a possibility of monies coming in soon, but I am not sure. However, my sister does need me a couple of times next week to clean with her, so that will be good. Meanwhile, for reasons totally unknown to me, Unemployment has a hold on my benefits check, which doesn't bode well for next week's, either. I am going to try and call them tomorrow, but that is a nightmare in itself. Not fun trying to get through to a real person!

Cindy...precious Cindy died this past Monday, peacefully at home, surrounded by family, holding her husband Howard's hand. Pray for this dear family. They have 10 kids, and 4 or 5 of them are under age 10, one is adult, and the rest teenagers. I think all but the oldest are adopted. The littlest ones have only been home a year or two. This has to be devastating, all around.

Stellan...that precious baby boy is doing GOOD! Read his mama's blog for more info, but if you ask me, it's right up the "miracle alley."

We had a BLAST last weekend! The parents of Shao's friend asked us out on the boat, to motor over to Greenport LI for the day! It was such a blast!!!! The day couldn't have been better, weather wise, and we had a lot of fun! Except...for maybe getting on and off the boat in Greenport. Let me set the scene. First of all...me...short stubby legs, short period. Second: dock...fixed not floating. This means it does NOT move with the tides. So if the tide is OUT, the boat is low, but not the dock! Tide: OUT. Movement of boat: LOTS OF PITCHING, both out and in, AND up and down...and not in very good, dependable rhythm, either. Me (again): afraid of heights/falling. Umm...make that afraid of making a fool of myself! :) Height differential: at least 3 feet. Distance differential: at least 3 feet. Summation: I DID it...but it wasn't easy, pretty, or fast. I had to really work my courage up! YIKES!!!!! Next time, I think I will just jump in the water, then SWIM to the swim platform at the back of the boat! :)

Anyhow. It was a blast. This coming weekend Shao has a sleepover at a friends on Saturday night, and I have been invited to friend's for dinner. On Sunday we have church, then I am going to a ladies pool party with ladies from the church. Looking forward to really meeting people...I know one or two by name, other than my dear friend Kathy Mac, who I've known since 1973!!

So...that's our story for now. God is good...all the time!

Blessings...Nancy

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Please pray for Stellan...and Cindy!

Baby Stellan is again having serious heart problems. You can read his story and follow along by hitting the "Pray for Stellan" button on the sidebar. ALSO...please pray for a precious sister in the Lord, Cindy. She has TEN children, most adopted, most very small, and has "terminal" cancer. I put that in quotation marks, because many of us are fasting and praying for her healing, if God wills it! Her faith is unbelievable. You can follow her blog at http://faithfulpromises.blogspot.com/


I promise you, you will be blessed! Thank you for your prayers. They can change the world, those prayers!

Blessings...Nancy

Pushing on toward the prize!

We had an awesome weekend...headed up on Friday morning, right after my bus run, to Grantham NH, where my dear friends Ron & Donna live in the summers. They are in FL in the winter, although that may change! Works for me, cuz they are considering moving to Phoenix AZ, where Donna's daughter lives. And Phoenix is where my dear friends the Mars live...so we can "kill two birds with one stone" if that happens! :) To truly sweeten the pot, another dear friend, Milena, was there too, visiting! So I guess we already killed two birds! Poor little birds! :)

We drove home on Monday, an uneventful drive, which is always my favorite! Just a stop for gas and a bathroom, and we drove all the way home. We are dog-sitting for my brother's dogs this week, which is not a big deal EXCEPT it means I have to get up every morning to go let them out and feed them. I also can't go far, as I have to let them out several more times during the day, etc. My brother lives right around the corner, so it certainly isn't difficult. Just makes it impossible to go anywhere much.

Next week Shao begins Ballet Camp. Not sure if it will be one week or two, as I still owe money, and don't even have enough for the rent, never mind camp. Worse case scenario, we only do one, and Shao's godmother will hopefully get a refund. She paid for one week, and the town paid for part of another. But I was supposed to come up with the difference, and between not working, the $651 car repair that was NOT expected, the town car taxes, the utility bills, the yearly emissions inspection, me no longer working until September...things are a bit...um...beyond tight. More like non-existent, money wise. Oh, then on occassion, ShaoXi likes to eat...what is WITH that child? I fed her YESTERDAY, can't she wait a few more days? :)

I have consciously decided not to worry, not to scurry about trying to figure this out, not to borrow money. I am trusting God. I have done ALL I CAN to come up with enough, now I just have to trust Him. I THINK my brother will likely pay me for caring for the dogs...not sure, as I WOULD do it as a favor, but they insisted on paying me last time...so we'll see. It will be a real gift, if they decide to do so! And I am praying that SOMETHING comes up that maybe one of my sisters will need my help...they do housecleaning, and maybe, just maybe they'll need extra help. I am trusting that someway, the funds will be there.

It is quiet here tonight. Girly is sleeping over at a friend's house...can't say as I blame her. Summer has FINALLY arrived in New England, and it is hot and humid. And friend Megan has a POOL!!!!! Lucky Shao! Saturday, weather permitting, she and I are going out on her friend Krista's boat! I am so excited! It is no real big deal for Shao, who goes out with them all the time. But it will be the first time I have ever been on it when it's MOVING! :) I have spent lots of time sitting on the lanai with Krista's folks. But we are either going over to Long Island, or up the Connecticut River. Sounds like a blast! And on Sunday, after church, we are going over to the marina AGAIN, for a big party they are throwing. Gonna be a busy weekend! For such money poor folks, we sure are blessed! :)

Somehow this week I HAVE to get in some baby time with Cadence and Hayleigh! Must call their mama tomorrow and see what we can do! :) Other than caring for dogs, boating, and hopefully playing with babes, that's about it for this week! Next week I have to drive Shao to Ballet Camp every day. It is an hour's drive round trip, and I have to do it twice a day. Camp is from 9 to 4 each weekday. She's gonna be one tired puppy, let me tell ya!

Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Up and down

Yesterday I only had to drive bus in the morning. So I was all done by 9:30, but had the dreaded annual company physical at 10. Dragged ShaoXi along with me, then did something I seldom do...I took her (and myself) to a movie. "UP" was great...and had a great message...don't waste your life! DO something. Make it count. Have fun. LIVE!

Today...not so good. I got mad at ShaoXi. She truly IS the best kid I've ever known. But she's a kid. And I was telling her something, and each time I said something, she had a rebuttal. I finally lost it and screamed at her to go to her room! She stood there, so I jumped up, still screaming, and got in her face. She went to her room. And to her credit, she did not slam the door. I finally went to my room, UNDRESSED (we were supposed to be going to a party) and crawled into bed. After awhile she came in. This child humbles me. She came in and asked sweetly if I was okay, put her arms around me and hugged me, brushed the hair from my face, told me she loved me, and that I was the best mother ever. Humbled. Wasn't I supposed to be the one that went to her? She is SOOOO the better person than I am!!!!! Humbled.

Anyhow. We talked, we hugged, we snuggled, we went to Wendy's for lunch, and now she is at a friend's for a birthday sleepover party. She didn't want to leave me. She said that in 5 years she will be leaving for college, and so she doesn't want to leave me NOW. Sweet, funny girl. She is molding me into a better person. I know why God chose her for me...He wanted her to make me more like Him...more like her. I have much to learn, but I am thankful for the angel He saw fit to entrust to my care.

I think I am stressed about life right now. And it all coils around inside me until I lose it. Not pretty. Not nice. Not good parenting. But that's the reality of my life at the moment. I am not doing very good at trusting God to supply what seem to be mountainous needs in our lives. And yet, has He NOT been supplying for the past 6 years, since I lost my "real" job? When am I going to learn this lesson? When will I NOT let Satan push me around?

Hope things are on a more even keel for you. I have a life preserver on, so don't worry, in the long I am going to be fine. Never thought of my Jesus as a life preserver before...makes me smile. How do people get through life without His love to sustain them? Beats me!

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Why, oh why?

Okay. I am nowhere NEAR as down as I was awhile back. But still. I am facing countless bills. I have to come up with $200 more dollars by the 3rd of August, for Shao to take her Ballet Intensives. My car is going to be $500, a very unexpected expense, but what can I do? Shao's birthday is quickly approaching. It would be nice if I could get her a few gifts. I have to pay for the Emissions inspection before July 29, and I have to pay the town car tax by August 1st.

I usually manage, SOMEHOW, to pay the monthly bills. It always amazes me that I am able to do so. But the extra, unexpected ones...well, that's another story. On top of it all, I have one week left to drive, and then am off for 6 weeks. I will get unemployment, but it is only 2/3 of what I make during the usual school year. And since it is difficult to make ends meet during the reg. school year, it should be impossible with what I get through unemployment.

On top of it, I am finding that dealing with an almost teenager, even if she is the greatest kid I personally have ever known, is challenging. I can't seem to impress upon her why it is important to wear modest clothing. It is not that she is TERRIBLY immodest. But she loves those spaghetti strap tops that all the girls wear. And while they look so cute on her, they are far from modest. Her bra straps show, and she HAS to wear a bra (my girl is growing up!) And there is a fair amount of skin showing, although her hair does cover alot. But ya can't count on that! So tonight she got into a mood, and pulled almost every shirt out of her drawers, saying they all had to go, because they are immodest. Not that she WANTED to get rid of them. She just wanted to have her little fit of attitude. And now she wants me to come to her room, so she can show me all the shirts she has to get rid of. It's an impressive pile. But none of this is done because of HER c convictions about modesty. She's mad at me, and hopes that this will make me feel bad. I KNOW her. And I am sorry, but it will NOT make me feel bad. Although I do think she is going overboard. Because she can wear these shirts here at home, and just hanging around. I don't have a problem with that.

Oh, man. Venting at it's finest. I am spinning around like a top these days. It makes me dizzy, to say the least. Not one of my favorite feelings...I was never a "twirler" when I was little. Shao is...she used to judge a dress on it's "twirlability" when she spun around. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I can get her INTO a dress. She loves to give me a hard time about it. I insist, most of the time, on a dress for church on Sundays, as well as for the big holidays. The rest of the time she is welcome to choose her own outfits, as long as they are MODEST! There's that word again.

Sigh...guess this is just the beginning of a lot of battles. I need to learn to pick mine...but modesty is not one I will budge on.

Pray for me...wisdom would be good! And peace in the midst of the storm of everyday life. Thanks, folks!

Blessings...Nancy

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Alrighty, then!

After 10 or more hours holding on the phone, after 4 servicemen coming out at different times, it is all over. The last guy who came, Terry, was WONDERFUL. And he came upstairs and looked at my computer, asked me what I was using, and told me, on the "sly", as it were, that I should cancel the DSL with AT&T (his company!) and just stick with what I have! And that I could ALSO cancel AOL, because they do allow the ability to use their system for free, and keep my email address, etc., which I have had through them for 11.5 years (which tells you EXACTLY how long I have had Shao...I got it the day after we got home from China!)

SOOO...not frustrated anymore. Being credited for the modem, the overnight delivery charge (which is a joke, since it hasn't worked yet, so it's not like I needed it on July 1st!) the actualy DSL service, and who knows what else! :) And I cancelled AOL, as well. Feeling like I accomplished a lot today, even if it was all non-physical stuff. But hey, I DID change the sheets on my bed, and did some laundry. So, there you have it! :)

On the car front...not such good news. $500!!!!!!!! Wheel bearing shot, and my brake pads and rotors are terribly rusted. The mechanic asked if the car had sat for a long time recently. Nope. Although with the price of gas I don't go far. I put about 100 miles a week on it, at the most, unless we take a trip. He said it was very wierd, that he was sure it had, as that's what happens when cars sit unused. Anyhow...I have enough in my checking account, thank God. But since that is my rent account, it will be interesting to see how God provides the rent for August 1st!

OH....and I MEANT to tell y'all...the results from the biopsy are in, and it is not malignant. Just a pile of dead cells. They want me to come back in 6 months, just to make sure it hasn't changed. They put a little "clip" ?? in there to mark the spot. So, that is good!!!

Shao & I are getting ready for dinner, so I have to vamoose.

Blessings...Nancy

Can you say frustrated?!?

Venting here...since July 2nd, I spent countless hours either on the phone, or waiting for a repair man to come and get my new DSL internet service set up. I feel like I am whirling in circles here. People have come out, and into my house...my house wires, etc., are fine. It's outside...the phone lines aren't set up or split, or something, to carry DSL into my house. I was told this would be done by Sunday night at the latest. It's now Tuesday morning. Had to call again. Told the same thing. So....I very patiently made sure the fellow on the phone checked all former comments on the account. That he was well aware that this was becoming ridiculous. I actually had to TELL HIM what needed to be done. Otherwise, I think we would have jumped right back on the carousel of phone madness. And I'm getting dizzy...I want OFF! I THINK I got through to him. I told him I wanted a call from the technician when it was done, and I wanted the technician to hold on the line while I AGAIN hooked up their modem, etc., and made sure it worked BEFORE they left!!!!!!!! This is crazy!!!

Okay...on the home front, things are quiet. I am driving bus this week and next and then will be off for the remainder of the summer, until August 31st. Looking forward to a little down time, the first week I am off. But then first two weeks of August ShaoXi will be going to Ballet Intensive, which is from 9-4 every weekday. And it is an hour round trip...so I will be on the road 2 hours a day, taking and picking up! That's a lot of driving. It's worth it, though. She will be dancing under Joffrey Ballet Company's former prima ballerina and their former principal dancer (male equivalent of prima), so she should learn a lot! I'm excited for her...but I know it will be exhausting. She'll be one tired little puppy by the end of the second week! :)

My car is in the shop. Heaven help me, another bill! Not even sure what is wrong...I have to call the mechanic today, to find out. But it was making some really BAD noises, although it was driving okay. But it sounded like it was in the wheel area, so I was afraid it might fall off, or something! Never a dull moment.

That's about it...gotta go...the phone just rang, and it's the phone service. They must speak to me immediately, press zero...so I do, and now I am on hold. Go figure! So I'd better hook their system back up!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Corrie needs your help


Corrie needs surgery. She has a very serious heart defect, as well as an intestinal issue. Both surgeries are $5000 each. Can you pray? Can you help? Go to the link on the side of the blog for Morning Star Project! Had Bill and Lynsay NOT taken Corrie in, she would not be alive today. There have been so many moments over the past 11 months that they were sure the Lord was going to take her home. Instead, she is doing fairly well, but her health is fragile, and these operations are vital to her staying alive. Thank you for praying for sweet Corrie! And she STILL needs a forever family to love her!
Blessings...Nancy

Gratitude

Happy Fourth of July, folks! Just got home from the 2 hour parade. What a privilege to live in a country that celebrates freedom, both for our land and us personally. It was heartwarming to see all the veterans there, and to see the crowd rise to their feet to honor them. Last night I sat on the beach for 5 hours, and spent time worshipping and praising our Lord for the beauty of His creation, and praying for so many dear friends who are gravely ill and need His healing touch. Again, what a privilege to live in a country where we CAN pray, and are free to follow our hearts and souls.

The little girls were at the parade. How sweet those two babies are! They were all dressed in the 4th of July outfits I bought them on ebay for 2 dollars! They looked SOOO cute!

Shao's "Big Sister" from Yale University is spending the weekend with us. Bonnie is from LA, and all this New England pride and celebration is fascinating to her! As well as the green grass, and big open town green, and lots of room for kids to run free and play. Guess there's a shortage of that in LA! :) She is a real sweetheart, and a lot of fun. And she motivates Shao to help out, which is ALWAYS a good thing. Don't get me wrong...my girl is the most INCREDIBLE helper in the world. But sometimes she doesn't move too fast to DO it...takes a lot of pleading on my part, at times. At other times, I will come home from errands, or something, and she will have been a whirlwind, doing a whole bunch of things to surprise me. As I always say, I am VERY blessed with this child!!!

I am working for the next 3 weeks, and then off until the 31st of August. While I look forward to the off time, it also means no pay. I DO get to collect unemployment, so it will help some. But summer is always an interesting time for bus drivers, financially. Good thing I happen to have a Father who owns the cattle on a thousand hills...not to mention the hills, themselves! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Much, much better!

Yikes! Figured I'd better post or you might think I'd been committed! :) I am in a much better frame of mind. In fact, I was better by Friday night, and pretty much back to normal on Saturday. It helped that I spent time with some of my favorite family members (my daughter, my niece Jen and her twin baby girls, and my sisters) AND that we went tag sale-ing...that word does not look RIGHT as saling...but I guess it IS. Wierd. English can be wierd at times!!!

Anyhow, I am done work for 10 days, then go back for a 3 week summer session, then off for a month. Have NO idea how I am gonna manage rent, bills, etc. But nonetheless, am looking forward to some time off!

Speaking of which, we head out early tomorrow morning for a 5 day jaunt to NH, to visit our dear friends (and Shao's godparents.) Can't wait to BE there, and relax! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Friday, June 19, 2009

Tough day

So...today I am struggling. I have been crying pretty much all day. I am so tired. I want to lay down and give up the fight. I feel like a camel, who's had one straw too many loaded on, and is broken now. So many little things, all coalescing into hopelessness.

Aiyiyi...gotta go to work now. Only a few more days, then I will be off. School is over next Wednesday. Thankfully, I will be working 20 hours a week most of the summer, and collecting unemployment when I don't work. But since I am not making it NOW, I am definitely NOT going to make it this summer. I am going into it owing all kinds of money. Not a pretty sight...and neither am I, today. Red eyes, snotty nose, and sadness. Oh, dear. Well...I SAID this was going to be a reality blog. So here it is. To make it worse, my girl is not coming home until late tonight. I miss her, unlike many parents who breathe a sigh of relief to get time off. I would rather have her here. My sweet, sweet girl. SHE'S the reason I get up every morning. Right now she is in a white stretch limo, headed to a shopping mall, then out to dinner, with a bunch of girls. How's that for a 13th birthday party? I can't wait to hear all about it. :)

Sorry for the blahs...I don't usually have them...but I am just feeling a bit hopeless today.

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, June 11, 2009

TOO FUNNY!

Couldn't resist sending these along! :)

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan Last Sunday: ''I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours”

Remember..."laughter doeth good like a medicine!"

Blessings...Nancy

This and that

Nothing much new going on here. Same old, same old. ALTHOUGH...I AM cleaning the house!! Not that I NEVER do that...but I am ORGANIZING! FILING! Actually unpacking and settling in! WHAT?!? What's that, you ask? When did we move? Oh, well. Umm. Well...ah, almost 2 years ago! :) But to my credit (alright, NOT my credit, but DEFENSE, okay?!?!) I no longer have 20 or 30 boxes piled up in various rooms of the house, waiting to either be gone through or put up into the attic! AND, I might add, I HAVEN'T had any (or more than a few, from time to time) for at least..well...probably 9 months? So there! :)

I FINALLY got around to straightening up the small back bedroom, actually setting up files and filing away all the boxed paperwork, etc. It's beginning to look like a room! Of course, you cannot sit on the bed. But not because of junk. Unless you consider stuffed animals junk. Hey, watch it! These are my special fuzzy friends! Yeah, I cannot bring myself to get rid of them. I have purged a few...a very few. The rest? Hey, their part of the family. No can do. Maybe some day. Until then, they sit on the daybed in the backroom, reminding me of when Shao was tiny. Most have a story. Many are Panda bears. Some I bought before she even came home. The large fluffy duck waited in her bassinette for a year, along with her bunny Bun-Bun, whom she sleeps with...or at least, who is one of the privileged few to gain inner sanctum in her bedroom. The rest are relegated to here.

Her dollhouse is in here too. It is large. And beautiful. And lovingly made by her godfather, Uncle Dick. And too fragile and precious to be put in the attic. But I wish there were a little girl to play with it! Perhaps when the twins get bigger...we'll see.

Why all this sudden frenzy, you may ask? Well...my sister just became a Pamper*d Ch*f Consultant. So I am having a party at my house, to help her out. It will be fun, and a chance for some of the folks at work to see our place. Several of Shao's friends' Moms are coming, and of course, bringing their daughters. I imagine the girls will hang out in Shao's room, except when there's food available, of course! :)

While I always feel frantic at this times, I also welcome them. They motivate me, and that's a good thing. I am looking forward to this house being more organized. YIPPEE!!!

Gotta go...lots to do, and bus driving to do, as well! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Beautiful!

My girl is so very beautiful. Last night she danced like a dream. It's funny how they almost ALWAYS place her front and center in each dance number. I suppose it's because she is good? Anyhow, she did a wonderful job. People kept coming up to her and remarking on how impressed they were with her dancing. What a gift God has given her! Speaking of gifts, her godmother is helping pay for her to go to two weeks of "summer intensive" ballet camp. The instructors are from the Joffrey Ballet company, and from the Alvin Ailey Dance company. These are two of the best ones out there. I am excited for her, and I think she will learn so very much.

Poor girl was so exhausted last night. But not so exhausted that she and her friend Stephanie didn't scheme and get us moms to agree to let Steph spend the night! In hindsight, probably not a good idea. Steph woke Sleeping Beauty up at 7 AM. About 3 hours LESS than she would have normally slept, after such a hard day on Friday! Needless to say, Shao was tired and out of sorts all day. We went to the beach for the late afternoon, and then Steph's parents came and picked her up. Shao immediately retreated to her room. I tucked her in awhile ago, and hopefully she will sleep a good 10 hours tonight. Church tomorrow, but it starts late, 11:15. So she really doesn't need to get up until 10.

Blessings...Nancy

Shu Li needs to come home!

Won't you go over to my bloggy friend Lori's blog, and join in the efforts to bring their new daughter Shu Li home from China? China does not allow children to be adopted once they turn 14, and Shu Li is close, so time is of the essence, and money is tight. Lori has crafted some amazing things, and is having a contest to raise money! Maybe YOU will win something...but I will be MAD if you win the rag throw quilt, since it has HEARTS on it, and if you KNOW me, you know I'm all about hearts (can't help it, came by the addiction honestly, I was born on Valentine's Day!)

go to www.joyunspeakableandfullofglory.blogspot.com ! You won't be sorry!

Blessings...Nancy

Friday, June 5, 2009

Are you my mommy and daddy?


Corrie needs a mommy and daddy! Please spread the news! Go to the Morning Star Project button on the sidebar, and it will take you to her!

Blessings...Nancy

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Where's the heat?!?



It's cold here today. Not jacket cold, but it is rainy and grey and I am SOOO ready for summer to come! It feels more like April than June! But hey, there is no snow or ice, so all in all, I'm good.

A few days ago I got to babysit for the twins. They are SOOO stinkin' cute it isn't funny! They were, as usual, wearing something I had given them. I think this signifies that I buy them far too much! I can't seem to help it! And I don't buy new, for the most part. I ebay or tag sale. It's amazing the bargains you can get!!!!!!!

My needle aspiration/biopsy is scheduled for July 2nd. I am totally at ease about the situation. I took the radiologist's 99% view and am running with it! My friend Lori also got good news...no node involvement. YIPPEE!!!! She will do chemo and radiation, but her prognosis for cure is nearly 90% good, so I am running with that, too! :)

My girl's ballet recital is tomorrow night. I can't wait to see her dance! :) One of her friends from her old ballet school, and her mom, are coming, too. Plus my Mom and my two sisters. Should be a great night! But poor Shao is going to be exhausted!!!!!!!!! Her band trip to Lake Compounce (an amusement park) is ALSO tomorrow! Elaborate plans are in place to pick her up early, so she can come home, shower, and get ready! It's gonna be a crunch!!! Guess I will let her sleep in as long as she likes on Saturday! :)

I will leave you with some pictures of Cadence and Hayleigh. I finally got my camera to work AND remembered to bring it! :)

Hayleigh, looking pensive
Cadence playing!Blessings...Nancy

Monday, June 1, 2009

Looking good!

OOPS...sorry, didn't mean to leave you hanging here! My appt on Friday went well. Upshot is, a cyst, which will be needle aspirated (can you say ouch?!) and possibly needle biopsied. But the radiologist was not at all concerned. So I am relieved, to say the least!

That's it for now. Just wanted to update about that. OH, and my friend Lori is doing GREAT!! She is expecting the lab results this week, but it looks like she will need a little radiation, and that's it. YIPPEE, JESUS! as my friend Linn would say! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sacrifice

On D-Day, my dad was on Omaha Beach. He was a platoon leader. He led his men up the beach, watching some of them die right beside him. He was awarded every medal there is to be had. He was commended for single-handedly holding off enemy troops until backup arrived, at one time. My dad was my hero. He was exceedingly human and flawed. But he remained proud of having served his country. He was severely wounded by shrapnel at one point, and that shoulder wound was a cause of much pain and trouble his entire life. Daddy passed away at the age of 87 (almost 88!) 2 and a half years ago. I miss him very much. And I miss his integrity and grit, his honor and pride in America. I can only hope that we are raising up young people to follow in his footsteps as we go forward into this new and frightening world developing around us. It's scary out there. Thanks, Dad!

Happy belated Memorial Day to you all!

Blessings...Nancy

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Consider it all joy...

Sometimes things happen that take your breath away. Or at least give you pause to think. Today I got an email from my precious friend Lori. She is having surgery today to remove a lump, one in EACH breast. And of course, the fear is that it is cancer. She has two precious daughters from China, the oldest of which was adopted at the same time as my ShaoXi. Please pray for the whole family. I love them so very much! To top it all off, her husband needs to find a new position within his present company, or he WILL be laid off in a month. Lori was laid off in December from her job of 20 something years. AND over the weekend they were at an event where a little boy drowned...so things are a bit traumatic in their household. Pray, please.

So, I am sitting here, praying for Lori and family, the phone rings. And it is the radiologist. I myself had a mammogram, last Thursday, and they want me back in for more pictures...and possibly an ultrasound. Note to self, "Take a deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth! Breath, now!" How's that for timing, huh? The fact that the very nice lady on the phone seemed to urgently want me to come in THIS week was not exactly reassuring. Prayer needed here, folks. I am a little nervous. Not really frightened, but still. And to take a lighter tone...hey, I could USE a breast reduction! I think I would lose a lot of weight if the worst were to happen! Oh, man. Still nervous. Pray, please!

So...I'll post later. About other things. Right now I have to go practice my deep breathing.

Blessings...Nancy

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, that you might be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sometimes...

it feels like I have NOTHING of interest about which to blog. Sometimes it seems like it is all I can do to just get THROUGH every day, and arrive at the next. And that bothers me. I am thankful that I AM able to see the blessings in each day, as they come. But the overall view of life...not so great. I feel, at times, that I am just slogging through the murky waters of each day, with no real purpose in mind, no real destination, other than to get through it.

I wish I could SEE that this is what is happening, when it happens. But there are no revelations in those days, just the next hill, the next task. But then I come out on the other side, and suddenly there is joy. As a Christian, I am sure that it is ALWAYS supposed to be that way. It is amazing to me how weak we actually are. How MUCH our flesh gets in the way of serving our Lord, of living our lives as He would have us live, of proclaiming His Son to the very lost and dying world. It really IS true...we see through a glass darkly. Oh, how I long for the day that I see Him face to face! Now THAT is JOY!

Anyhow...we are fine. My eye is doing SO well. I am down to one drop in the eye every OTHER day, for another 4 times, then done! And I go back to the eye Dr. the end of August!!! Now THAT'S progress. I really did think I was going to go blind in that eye...and frankly, I think the Dr. thought so, too! THANK YOU LORD!

Friday night Shao went to the end of the year 7th grade social/dance. She had a blast. But we had a LONG talk about how people there "presented" themselves. She said most of the girls wore full-out makeup, had extremely short skirts on, and didn't even look like themselves. Frightening to me. So far, she thinks this is all SO unnecessary, and so immodest. We are reading through and discussing a book together, that is all about modesty, and I think it may be life-changing for her. Not that she is exactly immodest NOW, but sometimes I think that she is doing this because I say it must be so, NOT because of her own convictions. I really do think, if she takes what this book says to heart, that it will change the way she thinks about a lot of things. So far, she really likes the book. I am reading it TO her, and we discuss points as they come up. Very cool!

Saturday (yesterday) I went tag-saling with my niece Jen and the two baby girls. Oh, did we have fun! Those little ones get sweeter and cuter, and more dear every day! They were full out laughing yesterday. At one point I was talking to Hayleigh, and she was laughing hysterically at me, when I turned and looked down at Cadence, who was smiling from ear to ear at me, and when I spoke to her, SHE began to laugh as well. I love those babies, I truly do! I bought some clothes for Shao and a necklace and hairband for her. Jen bought a whole bunch of clothes for the girls...we stumbled on a tag sale of a family with 22 mo. old twin girls! How perfect was THAT?!?! Fun was had by all!

Today we went to church. Man, I love my church. I cannot TELL how wonderful it is to look forward all week to going, to be EXCITED that it is Sunday and we can go to church! Today the Youth Pastor, Ryan, preached again. Man, I love that young man! What a precious heart he has for the world! This was the second part of "Jesus & Culture." Today the message was about how WE as Christians CAN and SHOULD affect the culture and world around us. Very inspiring, thought-provoking, and challenging. Man, I love my church!

Shao is spending the afternoon at a friend's house, and tomorrow she will be marching with the Jr. High Band in the Memorial Day parade here in town. Pretty much all my family is gone away, so no picnics or family stuff for us. But I have some plans. The open house for the "Katherine Hepburn" memorial theatre in Saybrook is tomorrow...she lived nearby, in the Fenwick section of Saybrook, only 20 min. from us. Her will gifted the town with a place/venue for shows, etc. It is finally ready. Thought that might be interesting. Then nearby a local Morgan Horse farm has an open house. They have two new foals (possibly three...one was due this week!), so it should be fun. Plus I want to scope Shao out to see if she might like to volunteer there on the farm. It is one of the premier Morgan farms, working hard to keep the breed alive, and Mary Jane, the owner, is quite up in years, thus many folks volunteer. The volunteer system is loose...you just show up, no real schedule, so it might work well for us! :)

That's about it for us. A short work week for us, then the following week is "Production Week" at the ballet school, culminating in the recital at the Schubert in New Haven Friday evening. Then 2.5 more weeks of school and SUMMER! We leave the morning after school gets out for New Hampshire, to see our beloved Donna and Ron/Gramma and Grampa! They are coming up from Florida the first week in June. We are so excited...it's been much too long since we saw them last! It's hard to be so far apart!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings...Nancy