Life Unembellished

YIKES!!!!!

2010-11-11T18:21:00.002-05:00

I can't explain where I've been. Suffice it to say life totally overwhelmed me, and I had all I could do to just drag myself through each day. I am just coming out of the long dark tunnel now. Two months....plus. Long time.

Our thirteenth "GOTCHA DAY!" anniversary fast approaches. How can that be? Thirteen years of joy. I am blessed.

I promise, I will try to blog more often...MUCH more often (which, hey...that would be like, every TWO WEEKS, and that would work, considering my long hiatus from here!!!)

Blessings to all!!

Nancy

Prayers for Megan

2010-09-06T11:51:00.002-04:00

A post or two ago I wrote about ShaoXi going with her friend Megan to comfort her as she faced some minor surgery. Today I heard the biopsy report. It is hard news to hear. Our Megan has Hodgkins lymphoma. It IS highly treatable, but it is still not what any of us wanted to hear. The girls just started High School last week. Tomorrow the family meets with an oncologist. Thursday Meg will go in for further surgery on her arm. I suspect my girl will go with her. And then? Probably chemo. Maybe radiation. Hard stuff to swallow. Cancer just hit home here. While I follow many blogs of folks with kids with cancer, so that I can pray for them....it has now arrived in my backyard, so to speak. And NOW...now I need to act. How sad that it took this to spur me to some form of action. Not sure what that action may be....but I will find a way to make a small difference.

Please pray for Megan. This is going to redefine her world. And since we have had some ongoing concerns for where she was headed, we are hoping it will redefine it for the better. This will be a whole new direction for her, and I am hoping ShaoXi will be by her side to help her through to the other side. That is her plan, my girl, and I am all for it. I told Megan's mom that if there was something that was extremely tough, or if Meg was just in a bad place, that ShaoXi would be there, school or not. Some things have to come first. And close friends are one of them. We have to be warriors for those who have fallen and need help to get back up.

Blessings...Nancy

Vacation

2010-08-28T18:38:00.003-04:00

So this is where we have been for the past several days! Recognize it? It's world famous...and rightly, so! Yep, Niagara Falls! Shao & I had never been, and we had the opportunity to go with my friend Wendy and her three kids (whom we traveled to DisneyWorld with two years ago!) It is beyond belief beautiful, and magnificent, and every other adjective you can think up, and then some. We got to see it at night, as well, when the Canadians put colored spotlights on it. And we were there for the Wednesday night fireworks show, as well. We went on the Maid of the Mist boat, right up to the Horseshoe Falls, and went to the Cave of the Winds, which takes you right up to the side of the Bridal Veil Falls, pictured on the right of this picture. If you look closely at this picture, you will see a beautiful rainbow.

We had a great time, and I hope we get to go back another time, when we can explore the area a little more. There is lots to see and do. And we all need to get passports, so we can go to the Canadian side. Unfortunately, mine was expired, and Shao and two of Wendy's three kids don't even have one. So NEXT time we will go and stay on the Canadian side, which apparently is less costly, and has much prettier views. Looking forward to it! Here are some pictures Wendy took. I don't even bother to pull out my camera, as she is a camera hound, and takes 100's of them. I let her do all the work, and enjoy the fruits of her labor! :)

So now it's back to reality...I start work on Monday, and Shao starts school the following day, on Tuesday. And can someone please tell me...first of all...where did summer go???? I am missing it already! And secondly...how in the world is it that I have a HIGH SCHOOL kid now? Where is my baby? This baffles me!

Blessings...Nancy

Ministry in your own backyard

2010-08-17T16:07:00.002-04:00

Today ShaoXi got herself up early and headed off with her friend Megan and her parents. Nope, they were definitely NOT off for a day of fun and excitement. Today ShaoXi volunteered to go with her BFF to have minor surgery, to keep her company and minister to her. Miss Megan is phobic about drs, needles, and all things medical. When I say phobic, I mean she goes absolutely ballistic, kicking, clawing, hitting, biting, screaming, and swearing...and that's the better moments, I'm told! So ShaoXi offered to go along and console her friend. And I'm told it was way better than usual, and that Megan's parents were deeply grateful to ShaoXi for coming. I'm thankful for a child with a giving and compassionate heart. And that Megan's surgery went well. Now we just have to wait for the biopsy results. That could be a bit daunting. Please pray that it is a good outcome.

Blessings...Nancy

Silence is Golden

2010-08-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

Alright, so maybe NOT, in the blog world. We are alive and basically well, here on Planet Earth. :) I say basically, as I continue to have GI issues, ever since my hospitalization in January. I am not liking my "new normal" much at all. And I think I need to try and tweak it, if at all possible. It is just NOT fun to be nauseous 24/7. This can't be right, can it?

Other than that...loving having my girl home. And she is LOVING being home. I had hoped to get down to PA this weekend to visit friends, but she just wanted to stay home. She is definitely a homebody! Having said that...this doesn't stop HER from leaving ME, if a good opportunity comes up...like going out to Block Island for 3 days last weekend, on her friend's yacht. And sleepovers at places that have POOLS, to combat the beastly heat and humidity we have had since June.

I must say though...the humidity is GONE...thus this post! Now, WHAT, you may ask do the two have to do with one another? Well...my computer is in what we call "the back room." Said room is actually an extension of the attic belonging to the apartment below it, which translates...HOT. No insulation. HOT!!! This is always the hottest room in the house, and because it has 3 tiny high jalousie windows on one wall, and a small one on the opposite one, it does not get much airflow, either. Have I mentioned that this room is HOT? I do not have the courage to come in here much when it is hot, and ESPECIALLY when it is humid. I do the bare minimum and get out, FAST! It really is brutal. Thus...no posts for awhile. But last night? I had to close windows in my bedroom, and I was still chilly!

Fall is definitely on it's way. I am going to put one of the blankets BACK on my bed today. I have seen some leaves changing in our area. I am SOOOOO not ready for fall. It's sad. I actually LOVE fall. It is such a fresh time of year, crisp air, lots of blue skies and big fluffy clouds, crisp apples to eat, gorgeous foliage here in the NorthEast. But I KNOW what is right on it's coat tails. And THAT is what I do not like. Winter. Ice, snow, sleet, mush, cold. Not a fan. And so...it makes me really sad to see fall coming. In truth, I'd take the heat and humidity over the cold.

I DO love Christmas, and that's what gets me through to the first of the new year. But then...oh, then it is all about surviving the next 10 weeks or so. Once we hit the middle of March, I begin to relax. I KNOW we can get snow in March and even April. But it doesn't stick around. It melts. There are some brave little snowdrops and crocuses already up and I can SMELL spring in the air. I can HOPE.

So...watch out. If I know you, and you live in a more kindly clime, I may be camping out at YOUR house in the winter, in a few more years. Once Shao is off in college, I am looking for places from which to escape winter! :) You may want to change the locks! :)

We have one more week "at home," and then are driving to my friend Wendy's in the Catskills in NY, then going with her and her kids to Niagara Falls! We will spend 3 nights there, then drive back to Wendy's. The following morning we will leave VERY early to drive home to CT, as Shao has an open house orientation at the High School, and then right afterwards our church is holding a huge event for the teens. Gonna be a busy week, but also fun, I hope! :) And then we have 3 days and Shao starts HIGH SCHOOL, and I go back to work. Can't believe the summer is winding down. What with Shao being away for 4 weeks of it, I feel like it should be just halfway done, not almost gone! sigh Guess that's all the news from here. I will try to blog more often. Pray for cooperative weather! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Dustin's Place

2010-08-04T11:45:00.002-04:00

So, camp is over. But 104 children, and 30 or so Jr. Counselors are still in my heart and mind, and in my prayers. I have to say, that was one of the most amazing camps EVER. I am so excited for where God is going to take this ministry! Skip & Colleen are looking for a large (50+acres) of land, with a lake/pond on it, to buy. Their dream is to have a kid's camp all summer long, then host other groups throughout the rest of the year. They want to have animals at the camp...horses, who knows what?!? :) For next year, they are hoping to have camp for 2 or 3 weeks. After that, the whole summer. But they need to find land. They need to find a BIG piece of land, with certain things on it, to make the camp work well. Please pray for this end, so that the Kingdom of God might be glorified, and many young hearts reached with the message of Jesus' love!

We are talking about me maybe living on the grounds, and caring for the animals. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing ever? If we had too many animals, I would definitely need help. I'm not getting any younger. LOL! :) But I think it sounds heavenly. And to be involved with this ministry...what a gift THAT would be!!! :) I intend to be involved with the kids' camp no matter what. I just loved watching these kids worship God and open their hearts to Him. Precious, precious times!

So...now we are home...the mundane has taken over. I am dog-sitting until Thursday night...then doing it again M-F, next week. Thankfully they left the money ahead of time, so I used it to pay my rent. Unbelievable, that SOMEHOW $1000 came in this month. Of course, I haven't paid any utilities, so that needs to be addressed. But I am amazed that I came up with August's rent. What a clear blessing from God!

The last week of this month we are going to Niagara Falls with my friend Wendy and her kids. I have never been, so am excited for this little vacation. And it's not costing us much, as Wendy is paying all traveling costs, and for the hotel room. We just have to pay for food, and $66 for our Niagara passes, which get us into the Cave of the Winds, the Aquarium, on the Maid of the Mist, and onto the trolley...and something else, I can't remember. $33 each...not really a bad deal at all! :)

That's all the news for now. Hope everyone is having an AWESOME summer. I can tell you that I am glad, glad, glad to have my baby girl home. Oh, how I missed her! :)

Blessings...Nancy

First Day!!

2010-07-26T19:03:00.002-04:00

We have made it through the first day of camp! I can't say that was a particularly HARD thing for me, as I was in the house the majority of the time, just responsible for keeping water jugs full at two sites, and keeping a Koolaid one and another water jug full at all times at the tents, where the kids meet to eat, do crafts, whatever. While they have snacks twice a day, the jugs are ALWAYS full for them at all times.

ShaoXi was a jr. counselor for the group of fifth and sixth graders. She is whooped, and in her room...not sure if I will see her again tonight! :) Hope so, as we need to eat dinner, which is halfway cooked.

It was such a blessing...104 kids, all having a blast. They moved from activity to activity, loving them all...we start out with awesome worship in the morning, then they begin their rotations...kayaking, swimming, arts & crafts, fishing, bible time, story telling, games. These kids are kept BUSY! :) Somewhere in all of that we fit in 2 snack times, and lunch! :) What a blessing to serve at Dustin's Place! I am loving it! :)

Blessings...Nancy

All done!!!

2010-07-25T19:12:00.008-04:00

Shao is home, and I don't have to give her back! She's here to stay! :) This weekend was amazing!

I left for Nutmeg at 7:30 AM Sat. morning. Arrived JUST in time for the observation class at 9AM. Here's a Picture (or two!)

Aren't these neat? Bad lighting, but still!

Then we moved her out of her room, except for the clothes she was going to change into after the performance. We then ran to Mc Donald's for a quick bite to eat, back to Nutmeg, and she had just a few minutes to get ready and go to the theatre. Then I had to go run to the florist, since her Gramma Donna was running late, so I picked up her flowers for her to give Shao.

We finally all got to the theatre, I picked up the tickets, etc., and we settled in for the show. It was wonderful, but no photography allowed, so I could not take pics. Afterwards, Gramma & Grampa went to check into their hotel across the street. Shao & I went for ice cream with her friend Megan, Meg's mom Martha, and Shao's Gramma Bonnie (we are blessed with lots of special "grammas" in our lives!!!) Afterward they left, Shao changed, and we went across the street to have dinner with Gramma Donna & Grampa Ron. Yummy dinner...in fact we are having it tonight, since we had lots of leftovers! :)

We came home, got in before dark...I always love THAT! :) and unloaded the car. I ran to Wal*Mart for oil....light came on....oops! Must keep better care of my car! It's gotta last me awhile! Put oil in the car, carried in the rest (mostly) of Shao's stuff, and went up to take a shower. Oh, joy! Love me those cool showers on a hot sweaty day!!!

Today...precious!!! How do I find the words for this day?!?!? My precious child got baptized, proclaiming to the world that she wanted to follow Jesus, and that she loved Him with all her heart. Precious, I tell you! Here's a few pix of that! :)

Two of Shao's best friends came to the baptism, which made her SOOOO happy. Afterwards, they went swimming, and then came home with us, and are still here at almost 9PM...which is okay with me, although I think Shao will be exhausted by the time they leave!

And tomorrow...we begin at Dustin's Place....can't wait! Here's some pix from there...we had an orientation meeting there last Sunday...oh, my! Glorious views!! :)

This week I need to see God do a miracle...please keep our finances in prayer. August rent is coming up...and I am way short, nor have I paid any utilities since the end of June. Go, God! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Been WAY too long!

2010-07-22T23:18:00.001-04:00

Oh, my! Let's see...I'll have to do this in bullet points!
Lenai (SP?!?) came home with ShaoXi...sweet little girl, but she sure was homesick!
They went back to Nutmeg on Sunday night.
Tuesday I sent an email to let the dorm mother know Shao would be coming home again on Sat., and I mentioned that things were pretty rough in room 208, that I had received a phone call two nights in a row from a sobbing child, begging me to come get her.
Dorm mother went and spoke to girls, who promptly decided it was Shao who had been complaining, and ostracized her even more.
Principal of school called Shao into his office and talked to her, told her she needed to grow up, that these things were all part of life, and if she had a problem not to bother me, but to talk to an RA or the dorm mother.
Shao called me about her mtg w/principal, and I promised I wouldn't send any more emails! :)
ANOTHER girl's mother called/emailed, and asked for her daughter (Shao's only friend!) to be removed from that room!!! At that point, the principal went and talked to ALL the girls.
Girls sat down once he left and had a real heart-to-heart, deep discussion...this was a week ago. Upshot...things have been SOOOO much better in the room...too bad it took 3 of the 4 weeks to
get there!!!!

Shao came home by herself this past weekend. Thankfully, my bro-in-law, Kenny works near Nutmeg, and he brought her home for me...saved me 3 hours of driving! WAHOO!

We just spent the night sitting on the couch cuddling and talking, watching some tv. It was nice. On Sun. we went to church, then to a picnic at a conference center where we are both volunteering next week, for a kid's camp. It is on the water, very, very gorgeous grounds. My job? I have to have pre-packaged snacks and drinks ready for the campers at 10:30 and 2:30. In between? I sit and look at the water. I am NOT kidding you! Shao is a jr. counselor,, of the kids in grades 5 & 6, so she will be busy as a bee. This is gonna be one amazing camp!!!

Tomorrow night at 8PM and Sat. at 2 the Nutmeg students are performing in the Warner Theatre, next door to the Conservatory. There is an observation class at 9AM on Sat. for parents, so I will go to that. Then we will pack up her room, just leaving an outfit to change into for dinner after the show. Then it's off to the show. Her godparents are coming down from New Hampshire and are renting a room directly across the street from the theatre, so we will have dinner with them. One of her best friends is coming up with her mom to Sat.'s show, so that will be fun. Maybe we'll go have an icecream with them afterwards...gramma and grampa made the reservations for 6PM, so I think ShaoXi will be mighty hungry before 6 rolls around!!!!

And then I get to bring my girl home. Sunday morning we have church, and then it's the annual church picnic, at Hammonasset State Park, which is a beach. And my precious girl is getting water baptized! Praise the Lord! I am so thrilled!!!!! Of course, as usual, no one in my family is coming, just as no one is coming to the show. But I will be there...I pledge to ALWAYS be there for my girl!!!! I should say that it's not that they are around, and just don't want to come. Nope, they have all made vacation plans, and everyone of them is going to be gone. So be it.

And Monday morning we begin at the camp, Dustin's Place. Can't wait. Gonna be a blessing and a blast!

Blessings...Nancy

My girl is coming home for the night!

2010-07-10T11:59:00.003-04:00

My girl is coming home for the night, and bringing a friend with her. She called me this morning to ask if she could bring Linnae home. And then she told me that she had a friend sleep in her bed with her last night because she was terribly sad. And what was she sad about? Linnae had been telling her about her life in Washington DC, and about the prejudice she endures, and the physical abuse from caucasions. Linnae is African-American, and it sounds like life is pretty tough for her where she lives. And she is very, very homesick. So my sweet compassionate girl wanted to bring her home and love on her for awhile! How sweet is that? Oh, I love that girl of mine!!!!

So I am straightening up the house as much as I can, and planning a nice supper. Hopefully the weather will be nice tomorrow and maybe we can go to the beach. I need to remind ShaoXi to bring home her bathing suit and have Linnae do the same. We are expecting BIG thunder storms to roll through here tonight, but it is supposed to put an end to the AWFUL humidity we have had for 2 weeks now, and tomorrow and into next week are supposed to be stellar! YAY!

Gotta go back to work! Hope everyone has a great weekend...I know I will, with my girly in my arms! :) And hey, as a bonus, my brother in law is bringing her home today (he works a block away from Nutmeg!) so I don't have to drive all the way up there TWICE in 2 days (It's a 3hour round trip!!!) YAHOO!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Even Keel

2010-07-08T11:56:00.002-04:00

So...they had a big confrontation in room 208, (Shao did NOT go to an RA) and all agreed that by 10:30 they would at least quiet down, that anyone not from 208 would leave. So sleep is a little better. However, it has left a divided room. Shao has one girl, Sarah, who hangs with her. The other four are a clique to themselves, and it breaks Shao's heart. I encouraged her on the phone last night that no matter what, she needed to be a light to these girls, that she needed to heap good works upon their heads, and turn the other cheek, no matter how hard it is. She agreed, and we both agreed it is a very hard thing to do. Considering the stress, Shao wants to come home again for Saturday night, especially since her one friend is having a visit from her mom, so will be gone on Saturday night. It will be good to have her home again. And as far as I know there are no plans for Sunday afternoon, so I will keep her until the last moment (Curfew!)

Keep my girl in prayer. She is LOVING the classes, and has made friends with lots of other girls from other rooms, so that is good.

Blessings...Nancy

AWWWW!!!!

2010-07-06T09:41:00.002-04:00

ShaoXi called me this morning to say "Good morning!" Except what she said was, "Mama, I am sad today!" This breaks my heart. She has repeatedly, over the last 10 days, asked her roommates to PLEASE quiet down after 10PM, to no avail. Their replies range from "You can't expect us to be quiet!" to just totally ignoring her. She is desperate for sleep. They are up at 7:15AM, and their last class ends at 8:15PM. She needs at least 9 or 10 hours of sleep, considering the grueling schedule. She had huge bags under her eyes all weekend. She cried herself to sleep last night. Please pray for my little girl. This is tough.

Considering she has been struggling with this for 10 days, I told her enough was enough, she needed to talk to the dorm mom about it...not to tattle as much as to find a solution...whatever that might be! Poor kid. You know her roommates will be ticked at her for "tattling." But I really don't care, except that this might make her time there more difficult, if they are cold toward her, or not nice. She is the sweetest, most tender hearted kid, and that would kill her. I feel helpless to change this for her. Please pray.

Blessings...Nancy

24 Hours!

2010-07-04T19:25:00.003-04:00

I had my baby with me for 24.5 hours! I picked her up at 3:30 yesterday, and dropped her off at 4PM today. It was wonderful to have her here, even if it wasn't for long. It was NOT wonderful to have to take her back. I cried on the way home. I miss her so much, and this week I do NOT have Vacation Bible School to keep me busy. It's gonna be a LOOOOONG 3 weeks until she comes home!!!

But...she is doing beautifully. They love her there. She is growing and changing, and all in good ways. She is learning what it is to be truly responsible for her own self. Good life lessons, for sure! And I will go up to visit once a week, even if she is not coming home. But reality...I don't think she IS coming home this coming up weekend, and I DO think she is coming home (with a roommate or two) the following, and then the one after that? VOILA, she will be DONE!!!

I will persevere and get through. I WILL! :) Please keep us both in your prayers, and also pray that some work comes my way.

Blessings...Nancy

Joy Unspeakable!

2010-07-02T14:22:00.002-04:00

So this week has been a wild one! I was a "crew leader" for our Vacation Bible School at church. I had 2 assistants under me, and we had a total of about 15 kids. Let me tell you, as annoying as some of the boys were, I came to love those kids. They were all 10, headed into the 5th grade in the fall. Cool age, if a bit antsy! :)

Anyhow...the biggest joy came today. Today I had the privilege of leading one to Jesus in prayer! And then later, at the end of the day, another came up to me and said quietly "I asked Jesus into MY heart a few minutes ago!" Oh, the angels are rejoicing today! What a privilege and blessing! I am SOOOO gonna miss these kids. A few of them go to my church, but most were from the community. I will be praying for Jonathan, Connor, Tristan, Tanner, Emily, Abi, Katie, Austin, J.D., Lee, Samantha, Eli, Chris....oh, man, I think I'm forgetting a few names...but GOD knows who was there! Tristan and Emily are our new little brother/sister in the Lord! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Prayers are being answered!

2010-07-01T17:16:00.002-04:00

The joy is back in my girl's voice! Oh, how I rejoice in that! She called yesterday afternoon and said she LOVED her "partnering" class. That is dancing with a male dancer...something she doesn't get to do much, since there are only one or two of them at New Haven Ballet. Makes me wonder what I SHOULD be doing with her, dance-wise. Maybe New Haven doesn't have what she needs? I dunno. The problem is, there is generally a lack of male dancers in almost any school...except Nutmeg. And at her level? It would require her to attend their boarding school during the school year, to get what she really needs. OR for me to drive her to Torrington every afternoon. An hour and a half each way. And many hours of classes each day. I don't think that is a possibility, eh?

But she is happier, and says her feet are getting more used to it. And she really wants to come home for Saturday night, but she wants to be back in Torrington Sunday afternoon for the picnic and fireworks they have planned for the kids. So it will be a short visit home, but well worth it! :) We miss one another terribly! People have always remarked on the unusually tight connection we have. I am definitely MOM, but still...we are buddies, and we "get" it, and we have the same sense of humor, and we laugh at the same things...and we have DONE all of this since she was really, really young...she really GOT it when she was about 5...amazing. Comes from having an old mama and no siblings, I guess! :)

So...keep on praying. Today is the first, and I am waiting to see what my paycheck (direct deposited) from last week will be...but I KNOW I won't have enough to pay the rent, as I only worked 15 hours last week. Go, God! I am excited to see His provision...I am confident He will provide!

Blessings...Nancy

Crazy Love Prayers needed!

2010-06-28T22:29:00.002-04:00

My girl...she is so homesick. She calls me several times a day. It is only the first day, but she is burning up her minutes on her new cell phone! I feel so bad for her, and I miss her so. Please pray for her, that she will settle in, that she will find joy in her classes, that she will grow and flourish. Pray for her poor feet...she is in agony! Poor kid. I feel so helpless, I can't do anything for her. I did ORDER her to go to the dorm mom and get an ibuprofen, so the pain at least is muted a little. Hopefully some GOOD sleep will help her view of things. She IS enjoying her roommates, and whenever I tell her to have sweet dreams, and to tell them the same, she does, and they all call back to me "Sweet dreams!" So sweet.

Please pray for our finances. I THOUGHT I would be working in July, but I am NOT, and while I will get unemployment, it isn't even enough to pay the monthly rent. I am asking around for work, although this week I am volunteering at our church's VBS. OH, I love my kids! I have the ten year olds, and they are a blast! I just LOVE them!!!! :) So I CAN'T work this week, and it KILLED me this morning when my boss called to see if I could help out and I had to say no. sigh

I also had an offer for a house/dog-sitting job, but THAT week I have volunteered to be a camp counselor at a wonderful camp being run by a couple from my church. They are COMMITTED to helping children come to know Jesus. I have to smile...the two times I am doing something for Jesus, I have had to turn down PAYING jobs. Think He is trying to tell me something? Something like "Trust Me!" You'd think I'd have learned this lesson by now! :)

Thank you for your prayers! We sure are needy! :P

Blessings...Nancy

Tomorrow

2010-06-26T17:39:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow...tomorrow my little girl tries her wings. Tomorrow she puts her toes (literally...haha, ballet humor!) into the giant ocean called life and experiences it on her own, without me by her side. Oh, I will be just a phone call away, but still. Tomorrow I have to drive away with a smile on my face. Yeah, right. sigh. Okay...I'll TRY!

We are pretty much ready to go. Her suitcase is packed, her linens/bedding are packed. I have two small boxes in the hallway...one is toiletries, etc. The other is her "kitchen." Paper plates, plastic utensils, one sharper knife, napkins, paper towels, ziploc bags, a couple of containers, some garbage bags...just in case.

She has her books and Bible packed. We already put the cases of water in the car. Dancing is thirsty work! Her new ballet slippers are all set, elastic sewn in. There are leotards, pointe shoes and ballet skirts waiting for us at Nutmeg's Boutique. It's all good. EXCEPT...she's leaving me. Ever watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? I keep doing the line "Why you want to leave me?" with all the pathos that the Dad used to his grown up daughter. It makes us both laugh...but WHY YOU WANT TO LEAVE ME???

I'll be fine. I think. Oh, I know I will. Still....this is not easy. not.one.little.bit.easy. sigh

We have to stop at a Target store on the way up to Nutmeg, to buy an extra-long twin mattress pad. I know they have them...and OH, why did I not BUY the thing when I was there? I plead insanity. Now we have to go there, after having hit several local (sort of) WalMarts, to no avail. However, we DID get the cell phone she needed! So that was good. I can't believe that tomorrow is the day. Please keep us in your prayers...ShaoXi for fun and excitement, new learning experiences, new friends, health and rest. ME? for not falling apart without my baby girl.

Blessings...Nancy

FIVE DAYS!!!

2010-06-22T10:31:00.003-04:00

My baby goes to Nutmeg in FIVE DAYS!!! EEEK!!! Boy, will I miss her. I am gonna do my best to NOT cry til I've left her there. We'll see...I'm a cryer, so it's gonna be hard!

We took a mini vacation to New Hampshire to visit her godparents. While we were there, they took her to the bank with a large coffee can full of change...cashed it in for dollars, and sent her home with $185 to get things for Nutmeg, and for spending money. Blessings abound. These are the same wonderful folks who are paying for half of the session! They are so very very good to us!

And NH was GORGEOUS!!!! Best weather we've had while visiting there. BIG fluffy clouds, in a blue sky, with the lake and mountains. Oh, how I love it there!!! It fills up my soul.

Now it's back to normal life. I'm working today, and two more days, and then I am done for the summer. I just applied for a dog sitting job for a week in July. Please pray that comes through, because I have NO clue how I am going to pay the rent and utilities for July and August, with only unemployment coming in! That doesn't even cover the rent, never mind anything else. Trusting God here....BIG TIME!!!! Willing to work at whatever I can.

Gotta get to work getting girly ready to go. Right now she is out mowing the lawn. The landlady hired her to do it, and she has been saving money from that, too. So she is very set for new pointe shoes, as needed, and spending money. Thank You, Father!!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Teenage Angst

2010-06-17T11:16:00.003-04:00

Because the picnic with 20 girls wasn't enough, I brought 3 of them home with me for the night. Shao has a close circle of girlfriends that are very precious to her. But they also drive her nuts some times. And two of them lately, more than usual. It would seem that these two, who used to be Shao's friends, and friendly with one another, are now very tight, and unknowingly excluding the others, to the point where Shao and a few of the other girls are really hurt over it.

WELL...let me tell ya...last night was interesting! LOTS of deep feelings came out, lots of discussion, lots of tears and sadness, but in the end...LOTS and LOTS of joy and love and laughter, and I think much closer friendships than before! PLUS...when I went in to say good night? FOUR girlies jumped up for goodnight hugs. I thought my heart would burst! How sweet was THAT? These three girls are very dear to my heart. All for different reasons, all have different needs, all are very sweet, nice kids. I long for them to know Jesus, but Shao longs for that even more. We often take them to church with us, invite them to youth activities, and just keep loving on them. What a delight it was to see such open lovingness from them last night!!!! I hope it lasts...but when I saw them this morning, I opened my arms wide, and each one came for a morning hug! :) JOY!

Please pray for Krista, Emily and Megan. I want them to know the joy and love that is available to them. I want to be a vessel for God in the lives of these girls. They have lovely parents, but each girl has something in them that really needs ministering to, and each need is different. Also, please keep Megan especially in your prayers. She has some lumps on her arm, and has had all manner of tests, etc. Still no idea what it is, so the next step is a biopsy. But the thing about Meg? She is MANIC about needles. I am NOT kidding when I say she goes absolutely beserk, and totally freaks out. So it's a HUGE thing for her, and her parents are dreading telling her that she needs to have the lumps biopsied. It will not be a pretty thing...but GOD. I am going to pray earnestly for this. This kid needs to have some peace about this whole thing.

Anyhow...I now have a yard full of happy NINTH graders (well, they aren't 8th graders anymore, so I guess they're ninth graders now! I hear music, laughter, singing. I see some dancing and sunbathing, and just generally happy girls. YIPPEE, JESUS!!!! And I don't have to work this afternoon, so I can just sit back and enjoy them...and chauffuer them wherever (most likely the beach, but we'll see!)

Blessings...Nancy

Sweetness

2010-06-15T16:34:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I arrived home to warm, freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! :) Today I arrived home to find my girl mowing the lawn, riding around on it like a pro, looking far more grown up than I am ready to face. Why do kids grow up so fast? I need to sit back and savor the sweetness of each moment. Because they really ARE fleeting. She will be off to Nutmeg in just 12 days. She is going to come home her first weekend, as it is Fourth of July, and we always celebrate it with beach and fireworks and friends. I am so glad she wants to come home for that. I spent so many July 4ths alone, wishing I had someone to go see fireworks with. Ever since she came home, it has been what we do. When she was very little, she called them "flowers in the sky." How apt is that? :)

Tomorrow my girl graduates from Eighth Grade. Today she received an award from the State of CT, chosen to receive Polson Middle School's "Eighth Grade Excellence in Citizenship Award."
Can you say proud mama? :) What a treasure she is.

We were supposed to be hosting a Graduation Party after the ceremony for 20 of her friends, down at the town beach tomorrow. HOWEVER...much rain is in the forecast, so we are moving to the rain date, which is Thursday. And listen to THIS....I was all worried about taking Thursday afternoon off, because I am already taking Wed. morning off, to attend graduation. But GOD...in His infinite wisdom, already knew I wasn't even NEEDED on Thursday afternoon, because my student's mom is picking him up! SOOOO...we are ALL set. Yes, I won't get paid. But I also won't put the bus company out, having to find a driver to do my run. Isn't God amazing even in the little details? Thank You, Abba Father!

Blessings...Nancy

My princess!

2010-06-12T21:53:00.002-04:00

Isn't she beautiful!?!? This is the dress I made for her, for her Eighth Grade Social, the end of the year dance. She absolutely loved it. I wasn't quite happy with a few things, but in the end, she loved it, so that's all that counts. Of course, her latest request? "Mama, can you make me my wedding gown?" AIYIYIYI!!! I don't THINK so! :) Here's another picture:

Blessings...Nancy

Still doesn't know

2010-06-11T23:19:00.002-04:00

So, I decided to NOT tell her IF she had decided to go to the graduation. Because I did not want to make her sad, and what was the point, if we weren't even going to be here? And she definitely did want to go to the graduation, and then to the dance, so that is what we did. And now I am still left with the sad task of telling her about Mr. Barker. But she ended up inviting a friend over for the night, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. Time enough to bring her down from her party high!!! She had a blast, and looked GORGEOUS. And somehow I never took a picture of her. Won't she just LOVE it when I make her put it all back on tomorrow, for picture taking?!?!? :) And I WILL do that, believe me! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Sad today

2010-06-11T10:24:00.003-04:00

Just got an email from my daughter's dance school, New Haven Ballet. The artistic director passed away yesterday afternoon from a long battle with cancer. Oh, how we will miss him! He came in the same month we joined NHB. But he had STARTED the school back in 1985, and then left to go on to other things. He was a brilliant, gifted dancer and he leaves behind a whole school of kids and faculty who will mourn his loss, AND a wife and 7 year old daughter.

And here's the part that at this exact MOMENT impacts my life. Do I tell ShaoXi today? There is an open house at the ballet studio from 6-8PM to honor him. No funeral arrangements as yet. BUT...tonight is her big 8th grade dance, the one I made a dress for, the one she has been so excited about. AND it is also graduation night for her old private school. St. Bridget's only goes to 8th grade, so her old fellow students are graduating and going on to schools all over the place. The original plan was to go to the graduation (it's 45 min. away!), leave there by 8PM and get to the dance by 8:45 (it ends at 10). But lately ShaoXi has been on the fence about attending the graduation, so I don't even know WHAT she wants to do tonight. And then there's the open house now. SIGH

This is the tough part of parenting. When and what and how to tell your child. Do you let them enjoy their big night, THEN tell them? But that means they miss the opportunity to choose to attend the open house. But then they will have even MORE confusion as to what to do. As do I. Oh, my goodness. These are the times I kinda wish I was married, and had someone to bounce all this off of! Times like these, it's hard being a single parent. It's a lot to deal with. Thankfully, I happen to have one of the most incredible kids on the planet, so I DON'T have to deal with behaviour issues on my own...not yet, anyways...hopefully, NEVER! :)

Pray for the Barker family...Noble's wife Ruth, and his little girl, Eliza. Pray for me as I struggle with what to do. Please pray for all the children of NHB who will be affected by Noble's death.
Hard times. Thank You, Father God, for walking this path with us!

Blessings...Nancy

100 Pounds Soaking Wet!

2010-06-10T18:21:00.003-04:00

My little/big girl just came home from her Eighth Grade trip, soaking wet and happy as a clam (which, now that I think of it, prefers to be wet!) They go to a place called Holiday Hill, which offers just about every fun thing you can think of for kids, including horsebackriding. So my girl took her first REAL horseback ride today and really liked it! :) She has been up on the backs of friends' horses and on many a pony ride at fairs, but not truly ridden. Cool!

I got to hear every minute detail of her day, which I LOVE. Hope she ALWAYS wants to tell me stuff! And now we are headed down to our local nail salon to FINALLY spend our gift card there. Tomorrow night is the big end of the year Eighth Grade dance, and baby girl asked me to PLEASE make her a dress. So I did! I will take a picture tomorrow of it, I promise! So girly is getting a mani AND pedi! Woohoo! Pretty girl!

Blessings...Nancy

Absolutely right!

2010-06-08T17:03:00.003-04:00

A reader named Sandy commented on my last post: I wouldn't just say that "when she is a famous ballerina, we will be able to say "it is because of schools like Waterbury'sCT academy of performing arts"... I think you should say it is because we serve a mighty God...don't you think? Give credit where credit is due. Only God orchestrated that."

At first I felt taken aback...but then I realized. She is absolutely right. Of course she is! The thing is, THAT is a given. An absolute. In our home we firmly and fully acknowledge that EVERYTHING is a gift from God, and that He meets our needs and even longings of our hearts every day. Thank you, Sandy. It made me realize that here in the "bloggy world" we need to be ESPECIALLY careful how we word things. How would you know that we absolutely believed and confirmed this every chance we get? We've never had the privilege of meeting, so you WOULDN'T! But I hope this makes me remember that I need to be really clear in some cases.

YES...this was GOD, through and through. It was GOD who put this gift for ballet IN my child, long before she took her first lesson! And it is GOD who continues to show her teachers that she is a child who truthfully, it must be a privilege to teach. I say that because she LOVES dance, she is TOTALLY focused, she is loving, polite, and thankful...and gifted. If I were a ballet teacher, I would be delighted to have her as a pupil! NOT to negate the gift of her being ALLOWED to dance on scholarship. Not at ALL!!! But isn't it nice that not only do they get a gifted student, but one who makes them smile every day?!? :)

It is a wonderful thing to be able to point out ACTUAL things that God has undoubtedly provided, and to tell your child "THIS, THIS is God's hands stretched out to us, using His people to provide!" The fact that she is filled with faith, and loves her Saviour beyond measure flows from His direct Hand in our lives!

Blessings...Nancy

Memorial Box Monday...my daughter HAS to dance!

2010-06-07T20:32:00.005-04:00

When we sold our house in 2006, I knew I would HAVE to find a new ballet school for ShaoXi. And I admit, I was worried about that. I KNEW New Haven Ballet was a really good school, but our old school had us there on full scholarship for years, and now what would happen? I was driving past their studio and saw a sign for a free registration/placement class. I noted the date and we showed up there that day. I had sent an email to the office a few days before, but that was at the NH office, and this was their satellite studio in Guilford.

I took her in and went up to the desk where 3 ladies were standing. I said something like, "Hi, I sent an email to the office this past week, but maybe you don't know about it. The thing is, I have NO money, am not working, and we just moved here from Waterbury. But my daughter HAS to dance." I told them I had inquired about scholarship possibilities, etc, in my email. They smiled, said no they hadn't been informed of my email, but why doesn't Shao come in and dance, and then we would talk? Okay...so I sit down in the waiting room, and she goes off with them down the hall.

45 min. later all the little girls and the teachers come out, and the head teacher comes to me and says "I'll be BACK!" She proceeds to go to every other parent in the room, telling them where she felt their child should be placed, etc. After they are all done and gone, she comes back to me, plops down on the coffee table in front of me and says, "Your daughter HAS to dance!" I smiled and said "Yes, I told you that!" Miss Diana said that ALL parents/mothers come in saying that, and it is as it should be...they think their little one is very special. But my girl? Oh, she IS special...and one of the ways is at Ballet. She takes my breath away, honestly. And so, this fall we will begin our fourth year at NH Ballet. And we are so very, very thankful for their support of ShaoXi. Some day, when she is a famous ballerina, we will be able to say "It is because of schools like Waterbury's CT Academy of Performing Arts, and the New Haven Ballet!"

Blessings...Nancy

Three weeks!!! EEEKKK!!!!!

2010-06-06T20:30:00.002-04:00

Three weeks...my baby is leaving me in THREE weeks! YIKES!!!! Oh, man, I gotta start packing! :) Actually, I have already started but just little things like toiletries, as I thought of them. But I really have to begin to PACK soon. THREE weeks! And then I will be all alone for four weeks, unless she decides to come home on the weekends! Oh, my baby. When did she get big enough for all this? I miss her already! :)

THREE WEEKS!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Beautiful!

2010-06-04T23:41:00.002-04:00

Tonight was ShaoXi's year end Dance Recital. It was stunning, and one of my favorites ever. I think because it was all Broadway music, which I love. The ballet suite at the end was all music from West Side Story! Very cool! I am so blessed to have this child! And she is so blessed with such rare talent. AND...her English teacher came to see her dance. Now how cool is THAT?!?! Very, very cool. Loved meeting her. We went out to eat afterwards, and just got home at 11:15. To say we are tired is an understatement....gotta go to bed. Girlie is already sleeping away!

Blessings...Nancy

Heroes

2010-05-30T11:05:00.002-04:00

My daddy passed away a few years ago at the age of 87. I loved him so very much, and will always miss him. He wasn't perfect. In fact, by a lot a standards, he was SOOO far from perfect. But he was my hero, for a lot of reasons. Every little girl looks up to her daddy as a hero, just by reason of him being big and strong. If he is a halfway decent Dad, then he is also loving and protective. For some reason, I was extra attached to my Dad. When I was a kid, I would spend hours in his workshop with him, handing him tools. I couldn't talk much, because he had lots of numbers and measurements in his head, and talk would make him forget. It didn't matter. I was with my daddy. And life was good.

One of the BIG reasons I saw him as a hero is because he WAS. Daddy was a platoon leader in the Army, and on D-Day, he led his platoon off the boat, through the waves, and onto the beaches of Normandy. My daddy was a hero. This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. And I have special reasons to remember, and to be thankful. Thank you to ALL who serve this amazing country we live in, the United States of America. To all who keep it safe, both on the homefront and overseas. Please know you all have my heartfelt gratitude!

Blessings...Nancy

FOUR WEEKS!!!

2010-05-29T11:36:00.004-04:00

In four weeks my baby girl will be heading off to Ballet Camp! I can't believe it's that soon. It seems like just yesterday that I was making lists and thinking how very premature all my planning was! And now it's a month away. Oh, I miss her already! Her gramma/godmother called today and asked how much a pair of pointe shoes were, and she is planning on giving Shao the money to buy a pair as needed, at camp. I just bought her a new pair, and it is likely she may need 2 or more pairs considering how much ballet she will be doing over that four weeks!

Her leotards are all ordered. I still need to order the tights she needs. A sweet bloggy friend and participant in "Crazy Love" is sending us a set of sheets for her bed at Camp...I am sure they will be awesome! Can't wait for that surprise...I LOVE surprises! :) I've begun a box of stuff to take...a roll of paper towels, soap, shampoo, bandaids, toothpaste & brush. Still, there is a lot of little things I need to get: black bobbypins, black hairnets, sanitary supplies, etc. I want to take a couple of cases of bottled water up with her, so she'll have plenty to drink. And I would like to stock her little refrigerator with some wholesome snacks. Oh, I am gonna miss this kid!

I tell people that I spent the first 45 years of my life having lots of leisure time...I'm done with that. I want my kid! :) Poor soul, she likely would have been much better off with a sibling, so she could catch some breathing room. And I would have loved to have many more, but it was not to be. So I support OTHER people's adoptions, and live vicariously through their wonderful stories! :) Anyhow...four more weeks. Then four weeks without her. When asked by others if she will be coming home on weekends, she does not say instantly, "Of course!" So I am laying low, and leaving it up to her. But I hope she does. I will miss her too much. At least the first weekend, which is July 4th, it would be nice to have her home. We'll see. I'm going to let her decide. But it will be SOOOO hard not to beg her to come home! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Memorial Day Monday...ummm...Thursday!

2010-05-27T18:53:00.003-04:00

So, does anyone out there have a toy Dodge Neon that they could spare? Cuz that's what I need for my Memorial Box! Here is an incredible thing...an illustration that God, our God, cares about our every need, and has our WHOLE future in His hands.

The other day Shao's godmother, my dear friend Donna, mentioned that next Spring she and hubby Ron were going to sell their Florida home. Not only were they selling the home (any0ne interested? It is being sold with most furniture, and is REALLY nice, with heated pool, etc!!!), but they were also going to sell their boat (hey, it could be negotiated into the house price!) and their car, too. They just bought a condo in Arizona, to be near to their daughter, and didn't need TWO places to fly away to when it got cold in New Hampshire!

Tuesday night Donna & I were talking on the phone, and after awhile she said, "Oh, by the way, Ron says we are just going to GIVE you our Neon! But you'll have to come to FL to get it!" Now I have a car. But it has 130K miles on it, and their Neon hasn't even hit 60K yet. And I'd rather sell mine (hopefully for enough money to afford to go to FL & collect the Neon!) while it is still doing relatively well. It is beginning to use a lot of oil, so this does not bode well. Donna's car has been garaged all it's life! And it has working AC!!!! WOOHOO!!! That'll be a first for us!

So...I am in need of a Neon...match car size! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Special

2010-05-23T20:12:00.002-04:00

Today was special. And hard. And a little sad. Today, Shao danced in a benefit performance to raise money for the artistic director (and one of her ballet teachers) of New Haven Ballet, where she dances. He is dying of pancreatic cancer. So very, very gifted, with a 7 year old child, and a whole ballet school full of kids...and he is dying. It was his every intention to be at the benefit, but on Thursday he ended up in the hospital, so was unable to attend. It was videotaped, and a copy will go right to the hospital. Not only did NH Ballet dance, but many many other dance schools and companies participated. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to help out one of their own. I cried, as I always do at such times. It kinda broke my heart that Noble wasn't able to be there. But it was wonderful to see all the different modes of dance.

ShaoXi danced divinely, as usual. It's funny...she MAY make mistakes, but since I only have eyes for her, when she is on stage, unless it is a glaring one, or she falls (which she NEVER does), as far as I'm concerned, she's perfect! :)

Today was also sweet Chrissie Patterson's funeral. I can't even imagine. Little girls should get to live to be five years old, don't you think? Sigh.

Hug your loved ones especially close tonight.

Blessings...Nancy

Teenagers!

2010-05-21T09:55:00.002-04:00

So...yesterday, ShaoXi was all upset because she has two friends who lately have been ignoring her, in her eyes. They sit at her lunch table, but they whisper to each other, which ShaoXi has asked them not to do, to no avail. And if she is with one of them, talking to them, if the other comes up, the two just wander away, leaving ShaoXi standing there. I suppose, though she hasn't said it, is that these two girls were NOT friends before they each became a really GOOD friend of Shao's, and then she introduced them to one another. I would imagine that hurts a bit. There is another friend who is also feeling the same way, very left out, very sad. And the two girls are SWEETHEARTS, so I don't even think they realize what they are doing.

Thus...the intervention. I am so stinkin' proud of this girl of mine. She does NOT take after her mama, who talks a good talk, but when push comes to shove, doesn't do this well...she contacted all three of the other girls, and they are having a meeting with a guidance counselor (who Shao said she is going to ask NOT to talk, just to mediate if the need arises!) :) I think it might be about NOW, actually...hang on! Okay...I'm back....bathed it all in prayer again. Sweet girl of mine.

So...life with a teenager. I am blessed that she is not snotty or defiant, rebellious or wild. She is a total sweetheart, and doesn't handle rejection well. Been there, done that, I get it. BUT...she IS willing to step out and make herself vulnerable. You know why? Well, first, because she knows how to be a true friend. And second....she wants her friends to come to know the Lord, to have a personal, on fire relationship with Jesus that lights up their lives. And if she walks away, she feels she will have failed to lead them to her Saviour. I told her that God Himself will provide a way for them, but that it is up to THEM to choose to take the gift of salvation. So I did NOT want her to feel that way, but that I DID expect, even if she chose to walk, that she would continue to care about them and pray for them.

I'll keep ya posted!

Blessings...Nancy

Sadness

2010-05-20T10:01:00.003-04:00

My girl was sad yesterday. She gets that way on occassion, and I seldom know what to do to help her, other than love on her, and pray with and for her. I tell her it is all the new things going on in her life and her body, and the hormones, etc. But that only assures her it is normal, it does not REALLY help with the sadness itself. We talked for a long, long time, we prayed, and by bedtime I think she was better. But it breaks my heart to see my joyful, loving child so teary and in emotional pain. I asked her if she thought some counseling might be in order, but I never did get a definitive answer to that one. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray for the right words. This parenting thing is HARD!!!! Particularly when you are doing it on your own, and have no other parent to bounce things off of, and to have your back. sigh. But you know? I wouldn't trade it for the world. Not for anything short of my salvation in Jesus, itself. That's the only thing more valuable to me than my girl. She is the treasure I am laying up in heaven...I am investing in her, and what a treasure she is!!!! Please keep us in your prayers.

Blessings...Nancy

Dancing with Jesus

2010-05-19T15:41:00.002-04:00

Please pray for the Patterson Family. Their sweet Serbian Sensation, Chrissie (see sidebar button) went home to be with the Lord early this morning. It has been such a long, terrifying, amazing 30 days since her surgery. I feel some emptiness myself, and I never met them! But, OH, how many lives that one little Warrior Princess' life has touched! I pray it goes on and on! Knowing what I do about the Patterson's, I believe it will!

Blessings....and hug your loved ones extra close today!...Nancy

This and that...FINALLY!!!

2010-05-17T09:53:00.002-04:00

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!! No wonder almost no one has visited my blog this past week...there has been NOTHING to draw them here! No excuses...although I guess I could definitely come up with some! :) BUT...I am here NOW. Hello, friends! :)

I have spent much of the past week helping my sister move. It is amazing what one can accumulate in 20+ years. 2 years ago her husband walked out on her, and she could not pay the mortgage anymore. The house FINALLY sold, in a short sale, for probably HALF of it's actual value, and as of this weekend, she is no longer a homeowner. And it's sad. And it's happy. All at the same time. I LOVED her house. An old 1850's farmhouse, lots of original features, etc. But needing lots of work. And Carrie, the new owner? LOVES it! Which makes us smile. She is so excited. My sister, Polly, is now living in a camper trailer, at my other sister's house. That's a temporary situation, as she has a rent but it won't be vacated until mid August. Should be an interesting summer!

I am scurrying about, trying to get things together for Shao's summer ballet camp. I got a letter from our town, offering $120 toward a camp of her choice. What a blessing! That money went toward her leotards and such. Yay! She needed THREE of them, each a different color. $30 each! I am thankful beyond words to see God's hand providing in ways I never thought of!

So...we continue to be blessed, and busy, and happy. Please DO pray for me though. Having some health issues, not quite sure WHAT'S going on, but not feeling quite right. Headed to the Dr.'s for an appt RIGHT NOW!!! Gotta go!

Blessings...Nancy

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-06T21:48:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for just about everything in my life! :) No, really! I am so blessed! I have the most amazing kid I have ever met as my OWN! I have my home, food in the cupboard, friends and family. I am blessed.

But I'll tell you what I am really thankful for, today. I am thankful that these crazy Crazy Love people are STILL coming back to my little blog, and posting comments that they are praying for us. THAT, folks, is something to be thankful for! Prayer changes EVERYTHING!!!!! I know it does, for sure, for positive! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Please know that YOU play a part in every good thing the Father sends our way! Thank you for being His hands and feet, and heart, extended to this little family. We so appreciate it!!!!!!!

May His love enfold you, and may you be blessed many times over!

Nancy

Terrific Tuesday, anyone?

2010-05-04T17:47:00.002-04:00

I am thankful that God's mercies are new every morning, and we can begin again with a fresh start. :) This has been a much better day, although I did lose patience with my bus aide...not that SHE knew I did. Because I bit my tongue and held it in. But.....ayiyiyi! She is a little elderly lady who spends our very LONG rides commenting on my driving "You'd better slow down!" "EEEK, watch out!" "OH MY, watch out for the guy, he's going to pull in front of you!!!!!" "You know, my other drivers never drove in any lane but the far right." "I've never had a driver go over 60 mph before!" All this said in her sweet grandmotherly little way...um, well, no maybe not, since much of it is screeched!

So here's the deal. I'm a good driver. I am a confident driver. I am NOT an aggressive driver. Miss G. is gonna drive me nuts. BUT...school is over in 7 weeks. I can DO this. YES I CAN! But I MAY bleed to death before then, from biting my tongue!

Anyhow...better day, less traffic, no random drug tests. Life is good! :)

Blessings...Nancy

UGGGHHHH

2010-05-03T18:57:00.003-04:00

Ever have one of those days? Well, me too...in fact, TODAY was one! I drive a van for our local school system. My kids go to a special school for autism and it is 45 miles away. Which on a good day can be done in 2 hours, round trip. Except today was NOT a good day. There was a 23 mile back up, over half of which was between home and the exit the school was at. So a 2 hour trip turned into 3. That's a long time to be bumper to bumper, with antsy kids in the van. They did well, though. But, OH, I was tired when I got back into town. I didn't have to go back out for another 4 hours though, so thoughts of a nap danced through my head like sugarplums. Nope. Not happening.

I walked into the office, and got the lovely news that my name had come up randomly for drug testing. I had to turn around and head BACK the way I had come. Waahhh!!! All I wanted to do was go home. And I had to use the restroom...but I couldn't, since I was gonna need to "perform on command" when I got to the facility. Big bummer.

So I drove over there, went to the window, only to be told they had no idea I was coming, and where was my form? Uh...nobody gave me a form. I sat down and called the office, and was told they DID know I was coming, and THEY provided the forms. So I waited...and waited...and waited...and waited some more. 45 MINUTES went by. I went to the desk and said "Uh, I've now been waiting 45 min to pee in a cup. And I had to pee DESPERATELY when I arrived here, so you can imagine my problem!" Uh, yeah...they (same girl who was flustered and clueless that I was coming....ya think she's new or something?!?) had put my paperwork in the wrong slot, and the staff in the back thought I was there to see a Doctor. Which apparently takes a long, long time in that place. Once that got straightened out, I went right in. I must say, I performed magnificently, if not a little frantically, as soon as I went through all the procedures: put purse in a designated place, remove jacket and hang on hook, empty pockets, wash hands, and pick the collection cup from the second shelf (this one puzzled me, don't ask!) By the time I got home I had an hour and a half before I had to go out and pick up my kids. At least the traffic wasn't nearly as bad as the AM run, and I did the whole run in just a little over 2 hours. AND I will get paid for the time getting drug tested. So there is ALWAYS a silver lining, as indiscernible as it might seem!!! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Happy May Day!

2010-05-01T11:41:00.002-04:00

Happy May Day, everyone! Consider your doorbell having been rung, and finding these on your steps! :) Anyone ELSE remember that little May Day custom? No? I'm the ONLY "old" person here? Alrighty, then!!!

It is a glorious day here in CT! Headed to the mid to upper 80's in temp, soft breeze, no humidity! Oh, ya gotta love it!!!! Of course, I am INSIDE, writing THIS. But I hope to get outside and ENJOY, today.

Please continue to pray for sweet Princess Chrissie. She is a miracle, through and through. See her "button" on my side bar. I have seen God do so many miracles in the past few weeks. What an encouragement to my heart, to see Him as a Miracle-Working, Mountain-Moving, Awe-Inspiring, Gasp-Giving God!! Yep, stole it from my sweet bloggy friend, Linny...and I KNOW she won't mind! She wants MORE people to come to know our precious Jesus in this way, believe me!

Didn't have much "new" to post. Just wanted to wish you all a joyful May Day! Enjoy!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Fabulous Friday!

2010-04-30T17:59:00.002-04:00

Yeah, I'm on a roll here...ya wants some chips with that? Get it? :)

Anyhow...Miss Chrissie, the Serbian Sensation (see button on side of my blog) is hanging in there like a trouper. Go, God! Go, Chrissie!!!

It is bright and sunny, and hit about 77 degrees today. Tomorrow they are calling for more of the same, except warmer! Yeah! :) My kinda weather! And tomorrow is...drum roll, please...SATURDAY!!!! PERFECT!!!

The one little fly in my ointment is my bus aide, Gerry (short for Geraldine.) She is VERY old...for a bus aide. Maybe close to 80? And weighs MAYBE 90 pounds...she is about 4' 8" tall. Teeny, tiny. And...I guess my driving scares her to death. The very first comment she made, the very first day, within the first 30 seconds of getting on the highway (I KID YOU NOT...30 seconds!!!) was "I've never had a driver go over 60 before!" Um...lady...the speed limit is 65. It's a van, not a bus. We're allowed to do the speed limit. The traffic is FLYING. If we don't get up and keep up the speed, we're gonna be rear-ended!!!!! Since then, she has told me about all the very many drivers she has been with, all who stay in the slow lane, and don't go over 60. Aiyiyiyi! Luckily, I actually LIKE her, when she's not doing a running commentary on driving skills! :) Thankfully, she does not work on Mondays, so I have 3 days off. And the young man that she aides for graduates in less than 2 months, so that will be that. PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other than that....things are good! :) I have a new endeavor, I am doing digiscrapping for an orphanage in China!! It is run by a South African woman who was raised in the US, and all the babies that come to her are special needs. They can be there for a few months, or up to several years, before they are adopted by their "forever families." And Amanda likes to take pictures...1000's and 1000's of pictures. SOOO...we are making scrapbooks for each baby, to give to their new families. Cool, huh? Lovin' it!!!!

Not much other news than that. Hope y'all have a GREAT weekend!!!! :)

Blessings...Nancy

More Thankfulness!

2010-04-29T11:55:00.002-04:00

I'm BAACK! :) Errands all done, laundry in wash, load in dryer, and I don't have my 12 o'clock run, so I have time to blog a little more!

Thankfulness...actually, if you REALLY want to experience God's miracle moving stuff, go to the button on the side that says "pray for Chrissie." I have been haunting that site for days now, and OH, what God is doing in that little 4 year old's body and life! You GOTTA read it. It's beyond belief. God's still in the miracle business today, folks! You have only to meet Chrissie and you will be full convinced! I am THANKFUL for His great and mighty power...to heal, to love, to forgive. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and ALL that is within me, bless His holy Name!

You know...that's enough...go meet Chrissie...you won't be sorry!

Blessings...Nancy

Thankful Thursday!!

2010-04-29T10:31:00.002-04:00

It's Thursday! Wahoo! A day like any other day...one to cherish and savor, and squeeze until you get every morsel out of it! :) Actually...every day should be that...but it IS fun to have one day a week to actually POST about the thankfulness we should have at all times!

I am thankful for all the "usual" things...my home, my precious treasure of a child, my job, my family, friends, and YOU, my bloggy friends...to whom I sometimes feel closer to than the people I see everyday! :) Strange how that works...how I chat with "them" about this and that, but I pour out my heart to "you." Wierd, really, when you think about it!

I am thankful for the two new tires on my car. Thankful that we did not have a serious blowout but instead had one go flat overnight. Much safer that way, eh? I am thankful that I had the money in my checking acct. to pay for them. I am thankful that I think even with that huge (to me) chunk gone, that I WILL be able to pay my rent for next month. AND pay my utilities, as well. That's God, friends...cuz usually there is NO cushion available!!

I am thankful that when we went to the Emergency Clinic, that Shao's wrist was just sprained, and she just needed to continue what I had been having her do...rest it, ice it, take Ibuprofen 4 times a day. I am thankful that I just typed that, which reminded me that I have to run to the store and get a bottle to take into school for her! So...I'm outta here! :) Might be back, because for sure, I have more things to be thankful for! But gotta go take care of that, before my senility sets in again, and I forget! :)

Blessings...Nancy

A list, as requested!

2010-04-27T16:32:00.003-04:00

So...a sweet reader asked me to post a list of things ShaoXi needs for her trip to camp! My sweet sister in the Lord, Sherri, is buying her a set of extra-long twin bed sheets! YAY! Something we absolutely didn't have. The list the Conservatory sent is divided up into a few different sections. Bedding: sheets, mattress cover (didn't notice this one til right now!), towels and wash cloths (but we have these...may be old, and not matching, but we DO have them!)

Toiletries: Containers for make-up, jewelry, and hair items (makes sense!)
ANd then the actual toiletries. And I am not sure if it is a communal shower room...if so, I guess she would need some sort of a caddy to carry things to and from the bathroom!

Clothes:
Sneakers/comfortable walking shoes (no flip flops allowed! No idea why!) This girl has SHOES!
no problem there! :)
Coverups for over her dancewear...I think I might make her a couple of those dresses that are gathered on top...you just buy the material, enough to go around her, and PRESTO! A dress! (once you add straps!)
Dance bag/dance wear: Most of this will need to be ordered from their Dance Shop, since it is
very specific as to maker, type and color!
The appliances she is okay with...alarm clock, hair dryer and Ipod (I thought that was a riot, that that was listed ans an appliance!!!)
Miscellaneous:
Cup/mug; stationary; hangers (got those!), Laundry bag & detergent (got the detergent!); Quarters to DO laundry; umbrella; raincoat

She will obviously need to bring all the usual personal items, ie, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoos and conditioners, LOTS and LOTS of black bobby pins (they disappear like crazy!), black hair nets for her bun, to hold it all together; etc., etc.

I also told her I will send her up with a case of bottled water to start with. You can buy it in the Dance shop, but I am SURE it cost money! I was happy to hear that the rooms have a small dorm sized frig, so she can stock it with water! Yay! I will also send lots of healthy snacks, some plastic utensils, a jar of PB, and one of jam, some bread, yogurt...you know...so the POOR child doesn't starve to death! Yes, there is a reportedly very good food program. But you know kids!!! :)

I told her we could untie the curtains from her room at home and take them, in case we can use them...they are tie ons, so easy enough, and just sheer aqua so should work...IF there are curtain rods. Not sure. I am sure she will take along a few of her MILLION fuzzy throw pillows and a stuffed animal or two, as well as her beloved bed pillow. Her gramma gave her a laptop, so that will go along. I need to find a cell phone program that has no set amount of months, that is one set price for a month, all inclusive. Anyone have an idea? I am pretty clueless about anything technical! I do manage to blog here, but it's by the grace of God, believe me! :)

Okay...much of this stuff we have at home. I am resisting beginning packing. Believe me, when I was getting ready to head to China, long before I actually got my referral, I began! Maybe I need to get a cardboard box and begin putting stuff in it...toothpaste, shampoo, etc.! I think that would make me feel like I am doing something...relieve my anxiety, a little!

So...there ya go. A list. Just pray, okay, that we gather everything together. I'm not too worried. Except about the actual dancewear. Not that I'm worried. But that stuff we definitely DO NOT have, nor was I able to find it anywhere on line...looking for more reasonable prices, don't ya know? :)

Blessings...and hugs...and thanks!

Nancy

OOOF!!

2010-04-27T11:00:00.002-04:00

That's the sound of me, exhaling loudly. Yesterday was that sort of day. Seriously. To start it off...on Sunday morning, I trotted out to my car (which was parked in an ever-growing puddle), got in, and made it two feet out of my driveway when I realized "I have a flat tire!" Thankfully, my Mom was just coming out of the house, headed to church with my sister, so I borrowed Mom's car, and off I went.

When I got home, Mom called AAA, and they came out and changed the tire. ( I DID move the car to the other side of the driveway, so the poor guy wouldn't have to change it in a puddle!)
Yesterday after my morning bus run, I took the car over to the tire place. He took one look at the flat, and said it was shot. Okay. Not happy, but it is what it is. He said he'd put a new one on the rim and call me when it was done. No call until 10 min. before I was ready to head out the door on my afternoon run, so I told him I would be there after work.

When he put the car up on the lift, it wasn't good news. The OTHER front tire was just as bad as the one that had gone flat. So...now I am buying TWO new tires. Sigh. Walked out $300 poorer, but at least my car is safe to drive! The guy said the back tires looked pretty good. Thank you, Lord! Bad enough. I hate these unexpected things...they really make me scramble for money. I am SURE it is another chance for me to trust God to meet the need. But you know? Sometimes it sure does get tiring! I wish I'd learn the lesson, alright, already! :) Sheesh!

Blessings...Nancy

Memorial Box Monday

2010-04-26T21:19:00.003-04:00

So, Miss Shao is getting more and more excited about Nutmeg! And I am beginning to start my lists of lists, getting ready for the big day. There is a list of things she needs to bring along, some of it dance wear, and some of it for her dorm room. My little girl...in a dorm room. Oh, my heart! Thought I had at least another 4 years to prep for this one! :)

Anyhow...a sweet sister in the Lord, who I am assuming came to my blog through Linny's Crazy Love Challenges, sent me a comment to please contact her. And so I did...and she said God told her it was HER job to provide the extra-long sheets for ShaoXi's dorm bed! Now...sheets, you say. Doesn't sound like a big, huge thing. OH, but it IS!!!!! Cuz the truth is, I just don't have the money to spend on something that she will only need that one time. And sheets aren't cheap, anyways! And MAYBE she will be able to use them again another year. That remains to be seen. And we COULD have used a set of double sheets and made do with it. But no....our God wants to show my girl just how very much He loves her, by using Sherri. And she isn't just "buying sheets." She asked exactly what colors Shao likes. I did tell Shao, and she is very excited to see the surprise when the bedding arrives! So cool! Thank you, Sherri. Thank you for blessing us! We pray that God blesses you back, "pressed down, and running over!"

Blessings...Nancy

Teenagers! AKA Sunny Saturday

2010-04-24T18:37:00.002-04:00

So Miss ShaoXi came home all fired up yesterday. She organized a group of girls to come down to our town beach and do clean-up! Pretty cool, eh? I was very proud of her! So...of course, this meant that SOME adult needed to be there as a check-in person. That, um, would be ME, since it was my kid who was the one who dreamed this up!

Lucky for all, it was a glorious day, and 8 13-14 year old girls spent about 4 hours on the beach...some cleaning DID get done, and a LOT of fun! And me? Well, one of the kid's grandmas brought her, so I made a new friend, a very nice lady, and we had a great time chatting.

Let me tell you, teenage girls are a hoot! I LOVE hearing them jabber and laugh together. But I must say...I am glad (OH SO GLAD!!) that tonight? I am goin' solo...girly went for a sleepover! Peace reigns in shaosworld! :) And I'm thinking...four hours of sun and sea breeze? We should ALL sleep well tonight! :) IF my rather sun/wind burned face lets me! YIKES! :)

You know what I REALLY like? That these girls, who do NOT come from Christian homes, KNOW that Shao does not like swearing or inappropriate things. And so they do NOT swear in her presence. I'm thinking...if they spend LOTS and LOTS of time with her, then eventually, maybe the NEW habit of NOT swearing will come into play more than the old! Meanwhile, I pick her and the two girls having the sleepover up for Sunday school and then church in the morning! YEAH! I'm goin' out into the highways and byways, and bringin' 'em in! Let's get them all saved, that's my mission in life! :) At least at THIS point! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Fabulous Friday!

2010-04-23T09:57:00.003-04:00

So today, I celebrate Friday! This has been an intensely crazy week at work. Coupled with coming back after a week OFF, it has been doubly crazy! So, even though I truly TRY not to wish the days away (when you get to be my age, you want every day to STRETCH!), THIS week I am glad to be done...well, almost. In fact, they just called me to do an unexpected run in half an hour. I pretty much never say no. Which is why they call ME, and not someone else. My mama didn't raise no dummies! :) I need the money, and am thankful for whatever they throw my way. And THIS week, it sure felt like they were THROWING the stuff at me...I was all over the place, and they would send me one place, then call me back, change things a hundred times...nuts.

Anyhow...it's Friday. And next week I am SUPPOSED to be starting a new, permanent run. As permanent as it GETS in the Durham School Bus world! :) This will be my THIRD "permanent" run this school year. I think it would be much less crazy if people would just COME to work. It amazes me how many people call out each day. If I was in charge, (and if we had enough drivers, which we NEVER do!) calling out for no good reason would lead fairly quickly to termination. I go in no matter WHAT! I had laser eye surgery yesterday, and fit it in between my runs. I fit ALL my appointments in between runs, when ever possible. I go in when I am sick as a dog. It's my JOB...it's my responsibility. And it's not like my work can be left undone until I come back...the kids need to go to school and back again!

Okay...enough venting! :) FABULOUS Friday, remember? With a bit of Thankful Thursday thrown in! :)

Today I am thankful for:

my sweet apartment, with all it's beautiful wood floors, and 250 year old charm

my precious daughter, who went to school this morning with a kiss and a smile

my job...having been unemployed regularly for 4 years, this is a blessing! I know there are many folks out there with NO job.

my family and friends who love me despite of myself!

my Saviour, Jesus, Who is faithful, true, and loves me beyond reason!

Hope you all have a terrific weekend! I plan to! Miss Shao has taken it upon herself, in honor of Earth Day, to organize a crew of girls to go to the beach and clean it up! You go, girlfriend! I am so proud of that kid! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Slightly Late Memorial Box Thursday! :)

2010-04-22T10:06:00.002-04:00

A month ago ShaoXi had the awesome opportunity to audition privately for Nutmeg Conservatory. Before we even drove up for the audition, I had inquired about scholarships. I knew the price...$4900 for the 4 week program. That is way more than a third of our annual income!!! So I KNEW that a scholarship was our only chance! But the director did say there were limited scholarships available, but sounded like it was not a shoe in, by any means.

Going up there, I told her I thought it might be about a half hour audition, since she was the only one! WRONG!!! She danced for almost two hours, all by herself, with the director. No mamas allowed. I sat in the foyer and waited...and waited...and waited. After about 90 minutes, the director came and found me, and said Shao was taking a little break, and then they were going to do pointe! YIKES! Talk about thorough!

Finally Shao came down, and Mr. Alexander came and ushered us into his office. The first thing he said was "Well, you're definitely accepted!" That was a relief, and a proud moment, as well! He put a folder out on the desk, and said we would need to get the $500 deposit in very quickly, as the spaces were filling up. And although I knew the price, I asked again. Nothing had changed. So I inquired again about a scholarship, and sounding doubtful, he said he would speak to the scholarship committee. We were hopeful, and trying not to get too excited!

Poor Shao was famished and exhausted, so we went to Applebees and used a gift card we had received for Christmas (Thanks, Dickie!) While there, she called her Gramma Donna to let her know, since she had asked to be called as soon as we were out of the audition. Gramma told Shao she'd see about helping out financially, once we heard from the committee. I figured it would be the end of the week before we heard. It was gonna be a LOOONG week!

But early on Monday afternoon I got a call saying she had received a merit scholarship of $2500!!! WOOHOO!!!! But that still left the other half. Which in our little world is a small..make that LARGE fortune! When Shao heard, she immediately called Gramma & Grampa. Then I talked with them, and Donna said if I could cover the deposit, she would cover the rest. Thank God for tax refunds...I had put it aside, to help us get through each month, especially with summer coming up and no work. But I decided that THIS was important, and that as I have done for many a year, I would just have to trust God to provide this summer.

So...in our Memorial Box will go a little pair of ballet slippers that usually hangs on our tree each Christmas! I guess we will put them back on the tree each year! And of course...at this point I don't HAVE an actual, physical Memorial Box. But even so...we are blessed!

Blessings...Nancy

Prayer needs...Crazy Love Challenge

2010-04-19T09:50:00.004-04:00

Our needs remain the same...financial stability, health, etc. Please also pray for both ShaoXi and I as her time at Nutmeg approaches...we have never been apart more than a night or two. I suspect baby girl will do far better than her mama! :) While I think she will come home on weekends, still, four weeks is a long time! Pray for her to be a strong witness for Christ to those around her, both students and faculty alike. Pray for her to make right decisions while there, without mama to run them by. Pray for me to find ways to keep VERY busy! :)

Also, for the final finances for Nutmeg. We got the paperwork finally, and she needs 3 different leotards, tights, pointe shoes, 2 books, 2 ballet skirts. Yikes! :) Not to mention the stuff to furnish her room, though it's not much. But we don't HAVE extra long twin sheets! So that's another expense...although I MAY see if the twin sheets we have will fit...I do know they are BIG on the twin bed we have! So hoping this works! :)

Pray for my health. While the diabetes is stable, I am experiencing increasing joint and muscle pain/weakness, which is concerning. Either my arthritis and fibromyalgia are ramping up, or there's something else going on.

And here's my heart's desire...I would SO love to be able to go help Katie in Uganda...or Bill and Lynsay in Beijing...or travel with Dw and/or Linny on a trip to Africa or Haiti. But we are scraping by, barely, every month. But I KNOW our God can provide this. What I would REALLY like is to adopt again, but my age is against me...but I long for babies to cuddle and nurture! So I'm thinking...mission trips to baby homes! Yeah!!! :)

Thank you all SOOOO very much! I will pray for you all, as well! Isn't our God WONDERFUL?!?!?!?

Blessings...Nancy

Home, sweet home!

2010-04-17T11:47:00.003-04:00

It's funny. No matter how much fun it is to be on vacation, no matter how much you already miss the folks you were with, there's nothing like coming home. We were ecstatic to be home, to be done with traveling for a little bit, to sleep in our own beds, to be surrounded by our own things. Home. It's a beautiful thing.

And yet...there are so many out in this world who don't have that in any way, shape or form. I think of the people of Haiti, and those in China recently, who have been devastated by an earthquake, and are literally without a single possession other than the clothes on their backs. And I can't fathom that depth of misery. I really can't. But there is a small, teeny, tiny part of me that wishes I could. Oh, don't misunderstand me...I am grateful for all we have. But sometimes it is hard for a spoiled American to even empathize with those in misery around us. And I feel a little shame in that. Maybe more than a little.

Lord, help me to see people through YOUR eyes, which work oh so much better than my own!

Blessings...Nancy

Fun in St. Louis!

2010-04-13T18:18:00.002-04:00

I have never been in the midwest before. It is in the high 80's here, if not 90, and GORGEOUS! Yesterday Richard brought lilacs home from work...our lilac season in New England begins in mid-May, at the earliest!!!! LILACS!!!! My very favorite...oh, the smell!

And today I got to rock their baby to sleep...such sweetness! Heaven, in my eyes!

Today we went to a butterfly conservatory, and apparently butterflies LOVE me. Hmm! I had one "hitchhiker" the whole time I was in there, and several who came and went, including one that came and sat on the back of my hand for a very long time. So very beautiful!

Thursday we are going to see the famous "Arch" in St. Louis, and a basilica, and maybe back to the butterfly place. And I don't know WHAT else. Should be a full day! :) And Richard will take the day off, which will be a blast.

Meanwhile, my girlie is plying her now beloved Uncle Richard with deep theological questions...very cool! He is so cute about it...he actually took her list of questions to work with him yesterday and spent time looking up answers and scriptures! Shao said to me, the other night, "Mama, you were right!" I looked at her questioningly and she said "I LOVE Uncle Richard!" I had told her to just wait, she would LOVE him...yep! Mama knows best! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Tomorrow!

2010-04-09T10:19:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow...tomorrow I will see one of my very best friends from Bible college, whom I lost contact with maybe 10 years ago! I found them again about a year ago (DUH...finally ocurred to me to call his mama, whom I KNEW would still be living in his hometown!) Anyhow...Shao & I were blessed with tickets to fly to St. Louis, MO, to see he and his wife, and their two boys. But it gets better. I THINK he is going to water baptize ShaoXi!!!! She has asked me if this could happen, and he is working on it. He DOES have a baptismal pool at his church. This is so special! You see, he and his wife and his oldest son Alex drove all the way up from North Carolina when Shao was first home from China to do her baby dedication. And now he might baptize her...the only thing left is to help perform her wedding ceremony! How cool is all that?!?!

PLUS...my adoption agency is headquartered in St. Louis! So I get to take my treasure over to see the folks there and thank them...what a gift, beyond all reason, she has been in my life. Hmmm....maybe I need to bake cookies, or something, eh? :) How in the WORLD do you say thank you for such a gift? I have no clue!!!!

We will be there until next Friday. So we get to hear Richard preach a few times, and MAYBE he will be able to set up a baptismal service. I asked him VERY late, as I was waiting for confirmation from Shao that this is what she wanted. And she is eager...oh, my heart, God is good!!!!!!!!

So...I can only imagine they will have a computer at home that I can use. I think I will have some free time, as they both work, although they will take some time off to have fun while we are there. And I did volunteer to care for their 20 month old monkey, Josiah, when they had to work. That will save them some money, which is always a good thing! :) Can you tell I'm excited? It remains to be seen how Miss Shao does. I'm told Alex loves video games, but Shao is more of a climb a tree, do cartwheels, get outside kind of kid. Hopefully they will find some common ground! He is 2 months older than ShaoXi. So, off to St. Louis we go! Gonna be a blast!

Blessings...Nancy

Humbled

2010-04-06T12:24:00.002-04:00

I continue to be humbled and thankful for those who drop by my blog. Not everyone leaves a comment, but I know folks have been by. When I DO get a comment, it is such fun, and such a joy to read. And hopefully folks are praying for us...I know many are, I can FEEL those prayers! Let's keep this crazy love going, folks! God doesn't call us to EVER stop! :)

Blessings...Nancy

Memorial Box Monday: Easter Blessings and Miracles

2010-04-05T10:42:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we traveled down to Downingtown PA to celebrate Easter with my bestest college buddy, Kim, and her husband Henry. We went down on Thursday afternoon, which was the FIRST blessing. On a whim I asked my boss if there was a spare driver with no run, and there WAS...so I did not drive my last run, instead we were able to leave for PA at 3PM instead of 5...which got us in at 9, MUCH nicer than 11 or more!

On Friday we went to visit a family I met on line. They have 3 girls from China, all around Shao's age. When I found out they live near Kim, we decided to go visit, and it's been the tradition ever since, for about 4 or 5 years now. We walk in the door and it's if we had never left. I LOVE that kind of connection. And we don't just VISIT! Wayne is a fantastic chef, mainly of Chinese food! And this year? Well, he outdid himself! He had a printed up sheet of each course, and there were TWENTY of them! NO LIE!!!!! We only got through 16...and that was with leaving the table after several hours, and then coming back to polish off 3 more! :) YOWSER!!!!!

On Saturday Uncle Henry swept ShaoXi off to go shopping for an Easter outfit. Very secretive about all the plans. Kim & I went shopping too, and when we got home, ShaoXi gave us a fashion show. Let me tell you...her Easter dress was drop dead gorgeous! I will try to download a picture! After buying the dress, then going shoe shopping, Henry took her to Gordon's Jewelry Store. And bought her a real pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings. And THEN they had their first fight. And Henry won. He wanted to buy her a beautiful sapphire/diamond necklace and earrings set, and Shao, ever the thrifty one, felt it was too much. It is beautiful. She felt like a princess, and very, very loved! This by a man who is not really INTO kids. But oh, my, does he love my girl! :)

On Sunday we went to church. Henry guided us to a row about 5 back from the front. I usually sit farther up. So I groused a little about being "so far back," and then acquiesed and filed in first. Soon, from the other aisle, a man came and sat next to me, and then two young ladies a little while after. After singing several songs, we greeted all around us, and then sat down. And the pastor then said there was a "friendship pad" at the end of the pew, please fill it out, and pass it down. The man filled it out and passed it to me, and I flipped it open to sign. And gasped. And looked in right in the eye and said, "MARK STROHM????" He said yes, and I pointed to myself and said "NANCY JOHNSON!" His reply was "THE Nancy Johnson???" We hugged, I cried, I laughed. Oh, it was wonderful!!!!

You see, Mark and his wife Ellen had been my dear friends when I was teaching kindergarten at Christian Life Academy in Brookfield CT. Actually, Mark was the principal/director there, and he was the one who interviewed and instantly hired me! And the week I moved up from PA to CT, Ellen gave birth to their 3rd child, little Julie. I fell totally in love with this family, and with their kids. Andy was maybe 3 or 4, Allie was barely 2, and then baby Julie. I was their babysitter, and more. I hung out at the Strohm home all the time. We were good friends. And then they moved to VA, for Mark to get his masters. And I visited them once...on the way down, I stopped at Kim's to drop off my kittens for her to care for...and then they moved again, to Illinois. We talked once in awhile, and then...lost touch. I would say about 18 years ago. This...THIS was my Easter miracle. I cannot tell you HOW many times I have looked at their IL address in my book, and felt sad. THEN GOD!!!!

Anyhow...come to find out...they had left IL about 7 years ago and moved to PA...and had been attending Kim & Henry's church for all of that time. When I went to introduce Kim and Henry to them, I only got a word or two out when they were all "Hi, Kim, how is your recovery going?" (she recently had some surgery!) THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!!! How wierd and wonderful and just like God to do this, is THAT?!?!?!? And Mark has a sister who lives in my town...and they come here all the time. Do ya think we will be getting together? Oh, you betcha!!!! :)

I have Ellen's business card, and it will go in my Memorial Box...at least I won't lose it then! So to say I had a great weekend would be quite the understatement! Thank you Father for ALL that You did this weekend. But of course, most of all, thank You for what you did 2000 years ago, on the cross. That is the greatest gift of all!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Blessings Abound

2010-03-31T10:05:00.004-04:00

I got a call last week from my boss, asking me if I would be willing to change the bus run I was assigned. I LOVE the kids I drove, but I knew they desperately needed help, so I switched. And here's the cool thing...the new run is longer. This means more money! YIPPEE!!!! And it is not any more difficult, although the reason they moved me? There is a girl on the new run who HATED the old driver and really gave her a hard time. Me, she doesn't seem to mind...so FAR. Let's hope it stays that way! I thought she was as good as gold yesterday. She isn't riding the bus today. We'll see how tomorrow is! :) But I am thankful (a day early for Thankful Thursday!) for the increase of income is at least $50 a week! That is HUGE, to us!!!! And you know what? I think it is all those people praying for us, who linked over from Linny's blog, for the Crazy Love challenge! So...THANK YOU if you prayed. It DOES make a difference!!!!! Keep on prayin' folks! We're coming up to April Vacation and no school (plus no school on Good Friday!) And then it's 7 weeks, and then summer, so no work again. AIYIYIYI! :) Go, God!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Memorial Box Monday

2010-03-29T13:48:00.003-04:00

So...here I go. If you want to find out what this is, go to Linny's blog, http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ ! Anyhow. This is my first MBM post! Back in January of this year, I was not feeling at all well. I kind of chalked it up to too much crazy, wonderful, not-so-very-good-FOR-me-but-oh-so-yummy food consumed over the holidays. But as one week went by, and we moved into the second week of January, and then on toward Martin Luther King weekend, I still did not feel well. By Sat. of that week I was in some pain, didn't want to eat or drink, and was kind of miserable. By Sunday night, I was shaking with a fever, then chills, and running a pretty substantial fever. Which says a LOT, since I almost never have a fever, and run about 97 degrees normally! Monday morning found me calling the Dr., that afternoon I had my brother drive me there (which ALSO says a lot, since I am Miss Independent). I went from there to the Emergency Clinic, where they immediately did a cat scan, put in an IV, started me on pain meds and fluids, AND antibiotics, and after 2 hours put me in an ambulance headed for the hospital. First ever ambulance ride, first ever hospital stay. Such excitement.

This all happened right after Christmas vacation. Where the kids had no school. Thus I had no work. So I had JUST gotten my FIRST paycheck of the new year the Friday before MLK day. And now? Out of work for TWO weeks. Not good, friends...not good at all. We live LITERALLY hand to mouth, and usually have $15-25 a week after paying rent and utilities each week, to live on. This was devastation!

But God...in the mailbox was a envelope with a note from my landlady...please do not worry about being late with the rent, and please only pay 3/4's of the usual amount! BUT GOD!!! And then...received a call from a friend from church inviting us to dinner. In talking to her, she discovered I had been ill. About 30 min. after hanging up the phone, it rang again...my church calling to see what they could do. And when I finally went to church that following Sunday, I was handed another envelope...containing $100 worth of grocery gift cards. BUT GOD!!! And so, to start this off with a BANG, I have TWO things for my at-this-point-in-time non-existent Memorial Box! God is good...ALL THE TIME!!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Paid in Full!

2010-03-29T09:31:00.003-04:00

Easter week. This title has such deep, significant meaning to all Christians! Paid in full...our debt of sin, that weight that would take us to hell for all eternity...paid in full by the atonement of the Sacrifice, Jesus. Paid in full. Eternal life...folks, this earthly life? Just a training ground...a missions field. As a Christian, the Bible tells us we are pilgrims in a foreign land, strangers and aliens, citizens of Heaven. We're just put here for a very temporary amount of time, compared to our eternal life! Some day we'll just walk through the doorway from earth to heaven, and God will ask, "Why should I allow you into Heaven?" And the answer? "Because the blood of YOUR Son, Jesus Christ, covers us, and we are as pure as snow." And his reply? "Enter in, thou good and faithful servant!" Oh, the joy!

And in our little world? Beyond that most SIGNIFICANT meaning....ShaoXi's tuition, $4900, for Nutmeg...paid in full! We serve a great and mighty God!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Crazy Love/Chip In

2010-03-26T17:14:00.002-04:00

So...I added a chip in to my blog. And here's my thoughts...I want to (OF COURSE!!!) tithe and more out of what may come in through that...and so...I am going to seed some right back into people's lives and bless them! May not be much, but again...if everyone did a LITTLE, a LOT could be accomplished! This world would be a different, far better place. And although I did NOT mention it before, on my post I linked to Linny's blog...my heart is LONGING...which is a very inadequate description of how I REALLY feel...to go on a missions trip, either to help out Bill and Lyndsay in China, at Morning Star Project, or to Uganda, either (or BOTH!!!!!) with Dw or Linny, or to help out Katie at Amazima Ministries. Oh, how I would truly LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to do that!!!! So...just thought I'd give you a reason why the chip in is up. Figured this was the best way to enact this crazy "Crazy Love" lifestyle! :) Not to mention a few people wandered in from the linky and mentioned it would be easier! :)

Blessings...Nancy

God is GOOD!!!

2010-03-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

Well...our Miracle-working, Mountain-moving, Awe-inspiring, Gasp-giving God (love this, Linny!!!) had provided! Shao's godmother is going to pay most of the balance of Shao's tuition fees for the summer Ballet Intensive course. There is a remaining balance of $950. Go, God!
I am excited to see how He will meet this need. There is a part of me that says this is a lot of money, and just think of how many orphans this could help, etc. And then God fills me with His peace, and I KNOW that this is the right thing to do. This is NOT just something ShaoXi thinks would be fun. This is her LIFE. She is a ballerina. That is her goal. God Himself gave her this extraordinary gift and she truly wants to share it with the world. She is longing to go back to China and teach little orphans to dance! How cool is THAT?!?!? We are hoping to go back in 2 or 3 years. We are going to begin to collect hand-me-down dance wear, so that we can give it to the little girls in China, and then teach them to dance! And I have committed myself to helping this child reach her goals. I committed myself the day her aiyi placed her in my arms and she was no longer an orphan, but a very beloved child...of mine and of God. I believe with all my heart that this child must dance. I think she would rather dance than breathe.

SOOO...I am thankful, so very thankful for Gramma Donna & Grampa Ron for investing in this child's future. They are laying up treasures in Heaven, I do believe!

Blessings...Nancy

Crazy Love!

2010-03-25T13:24:00.004-04:00

My friend Linny, over at http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ , had a amazing idea. Sharing with one another, giving above and beyond, enacting CRAZY LOVE! So...I will be looking for folks to help. But also...I will be posting MY needs.

I am a single mom, having adopted my daughter ShaoXi from China 12.5 years ago. In 2003 I lost my "real" job (based on the stockmarket...sigh), and ever since we have scrambled every month to survive. I interviewed countless number of times, to no avail. SO...I have done: babysitting, cat grooming, elderly care, housecleaning, substitute teaching, to name a few (okay, maybe most...but I think I'm forgetting some!) In 2006 I finally sold my sweet little home, because otherwise it would have gone to foreclosure. I was so happy to own my own place. I had a wonderful 13 years in it.

ShaoXi and I moved down to my hometown, and for the first year I was actually too ill to work for any length of time. But things got better, and I found a part-time job driving a special needs van for our local school system. I actually love my job, as I love kids, and I also love to drive. So that part is all good. But...it is part-time. I make about $1300 a month. My rent is $1000. We live in CT...nothing is cheap here. Nothing.

So...I guess my needs are to SURVIVE. I manage to pay the rent, and keep the bills up fairly well. But it leaves about $15-20 a week to live on. Not an easy thing to do. And summer is coming. There is no school in the summer. I will get unemployment, but that is to the whopping sum of $219 a week. This does not compute...not even enough for rent, in the summer. Things are just tough. But we are blessed. The other night during devotions my girl and I were discussing how VERY rich we actually are! We have a roof over our heads, food to eat (thanks to the local food bank and food stamps!!), clothes on our backs (we LOVE hand-me-downs!!!) and best of all we have our faith, our Jesus.

We attend a Christian Missionary & Alliance church, Christ Chapel, here in town. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my church!!!! They put on a VBS that is unbelievable, and I will be helping with that. I just joined the church at Christmas, so just got "safe place" trained, and hopefully will soon be called on to help in the Nursery, and with Children's Church. Can't wait! In our old church I was the children's Choir director, and SS teacher for 5th grade. Members of our church are starting a summer camp in honor of their son Dustin, who died a few years ago at age 18. ShaoXi & I are both going to be counselors at the camp, and are SUPER excited about it! Their main mission is to teach kids about Jesus! Yeah!!!! Oh, and yes, we DO tithe...and truthfully? It's all because of Linny & Dwight! I decided soon after we began attending Christ Chapel that this was a directive from God that I had better listen to...and while I can't remember exactly, it was something Linny wrote that prompted that life changing decision. :)

So...that is our story! Really, we are blessed. But you know? There are times, where I wonder just how we are going to survive this month! God is so very faithful...I can see His hand working in our lives over the years, and it blows me away! It is such a testimony to my child to KNOW that God provides for her, that He uses the hands of His people to care for us, that people actually DO listen to Him, and are willing to be His hands and feet here on Earth. That is just beyond amazing to both of us.

Blessings...Nancy (email: shaoxi@aol.com)

This girl of mine!

2010-03-23T09:34:00.004-04:00

This girl of mine is amazing. Truly.really.amazing! Two weeks ago she prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. Part of the prompting of this was that a girl from our church spoke during worship service about her experience as a counselor at the recent get-away weekend for Jr. High kids. She was absolutely on fire, and shared with us her experience of leading one of the girls to Jesus after an evening chapel service. Shao was really taken with Jackie, as was I. But I didn't know this until that evening, when she told me.

And Shao had lots of very deep theological questions that I found difficult to answer. And while Jackie is not going to be able to answer them, either, I sensed it would be good for Shao to get to know someone a bit older than her, who loved the Lord and stood up for the Gospel. So I called our Youth Pastor, who is THE BEST ever....really, I absolutely adore this young guy! Such a heart for God! And SOOO much fun!!!!!!!!! And oh my, when he preaches? You could hear a pin drop, unless we are all laughing ourselves silly. Anywho...Ryan hooked Shao up with Jackie, and they spent all of the Sunday School hour AND the regular service talking and reading the Word and praying. Shao came and sat next to me right as Communion was being served, leaned in and said "Mom, I LOVE Jackie!" Cool beans! It is my hope that they will continue to get together as possible, and really form a bond. So wonderful!

And I think that all this has played into her new way of looking at things. She was a BIG TIME worrier, and now? Not so much. And she has been praying that IF God wants her to attend Nutmeg this summer, that He will work it out, and if He does not, that she is fine with that. FINE with that? WOW!!! Fine if her dream does NOT come true. Folks, THAT'S God working in a tender and open heart! YIPPEE JESUS!!!!! (as precious Linny would say!!!)

At the risk of being judged, I will say that we have recently begun family devotions TOGETHER, and it is so wonderful. I regret all those years we COULD have been doing it and didn't. Right now we are reading from a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book for mothers & daughters. Some great little stories in there. And girly? Well, she is DEVOURING the Word of God. I got her a New Living Translation, at Ryan's suggestion. It is also a Bible that is actually geared toward teenage girls, with little stories and pictures, etc., here and there throughout the book. How cool is that? :) Since it is easier to understand, she is LOVING her Bible time! :) Makes a mama's heart sing!

Blessings...Nancy

Merit Scholarship!

2010-03-22T19:07:00.003-04:00

Miss Shao received a $2450 scholarship (half the fee) for the summer session. Way to go, girl!!! Of course, that means that same amount is still owed! YIKES! Praying for a miracle!!!! Cuz we sure don't have it, nor will we in the foreseeable future. GO, GOD!!!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Accepted!!

2010-03-20T22:54:00.003-04:00

Back the very first of the year, I asked ShaoXi's ballet teacher about the course we should follow for her, particularly in the summer. In the world of Ballet, it is all about who you study under, and also what EXTRA things you do. There are what's called "Intensives"...which means full days of dance instruction, for a week...or two...or more. These occur in the summer, and are very expensive, indeed!

When I questioned Miss Diana about this, her first (and only) response was "Call Nutmeg!" Nutmeg Conservatory is the best Ballet school in CT. It has an actual high school boarding school, where students take regular classes from 8:30AM t0 12:30 PM, then spend the rest of the afternoon, and often much of the evenings, learning to dance. But they also do summer sessions, Summer Intensives. And they have one that is 4 weeks long, from the 26th of June through the 23rd of July.

So...way back on Jan. 6th I sent an email to the principal of Nutmeg. And never heard back. And in the past few weeks, Shao's teacher has been hounding her as to whether we had heard. So this Monday I sent ANOTHER email, forwarding the first one, as well, and received an email back that night. I called on Tuesday, we played phone tag, finally connected on Wednesday, and the upshot was a private audition with the principal today at 10:30AM. She danced for him for almost 2 hours. And was unequivocally accepted into the program...EXCEPT...we have no money. And it is $4900 for the 4 week program. If I am willing to drive her up there every day, and not have her live on campus, it is "only" $2900. It is an hour and a half drive each way. Sigh. Mr. Alexander (principal) is going to speak to the scholarship committee this week, but according to him, it is very limited. We are praying. Shao is very calm, she said that if it is God's will for her to attend, she knows it will work out, and if not, then it is not where she is supposed to be. Sweet girl!

But it was an honor to be granted the audition, and an even bigger honor to at least be accepted into the program! According to Mr. Alexander, Miss Diana "raved" about ShaoXi, so that is nice to know! I could tell he saw that she definitely had a gift, and potential. And so...we wait. And pray. And watch to see what God will do. I am supposed to hear this week about the scholarship possibility. Would you be so kind as to lift this up to our Heavenly Father? This child is so very gifted, I cannot help but feel that this is something I need to pursue, to help her reach her goals, no matter the cost (Um...within REASON!)

Blessings...Nancy

What's my excuse?!?

2010-03-18T16:28:00.002-04:00

I don't have one. Not really. I can't pinpoint a reason why I have not blogged. It's certainly not because NOTHING has happened in our lives. Because things have. And one of them was the very best thing ever. I had the humbling, precious privilege of leading my child to her Saviour. Shao asked Jesus into her heart at age 2, but even though her heart has been very soft and malleable, she just didn't quite feel CERTAIN that she was saved. And so we talked, and then we prayed, and the difference...OH, the DIFFERENCE. She looked up from that prayer time lit up from within. It was amazing and wondrous, and joyous. She floated through the week, looking for opportunities to be a light to her friends, to everyone she came in contact with.

I thought she WAS happy. I have always marveled at what a happy, loving kid she was. But the DIFFERENCE!!!! It is a little like the difference in MY life, when I adopted her. I had always thought I was happy. I had a sweet little house, a bunch of furry babies, I gadded about whenever and wherever I wanted. I was away lots of weekends. I could skip supper if I wanted to, or eat at all crazy times, or nap when I got home from work...whatever. And THEN...I became a mother. And my life took a 180 degree change...and I learned what true happiness was! Oh, and along the way, a few other lessons: exhaustion; patience; you name it, Shao taught it to me. All except despair. Cuz this kid...she is pure joy to parent!

I am thankful that God stepped in and "interrupted" what seemed to be my peaceful, self-centered life. What an amazing privilege!

Blessings...Nancy

I cried today

2010-03-05T10:51:00.004-05:00

Let me quickly dispel any fears on your part, and advise that they were happy tears. And for those of you who haven't met me IRL (in real life), I cry ALOT!! Just ask Shao. Ah, the joys of getting older.

Anyhew...to set the stage, the front page of our regional paper featured our town. And not for any good reasons I could determine. To further set the stage...I live in a town on the shoreline of CT. I grew up here. My child is growing up here. Much of my family has ALWAYS lived here, while I moved away for many years, and only moved back 4 years ago. But I love it here, with all its faults and problems. And lately? They have been legion.

It started with a police scandal, the likes of which rocked our town. These officers sworn to uphold the law (not all mind you, but MANY of our small sized force!) were breaking the law in a myriad of small and BIG ways. It was unsettling, upsetting, and frankly, to me, disgusting. I KNOW some of the retired officers and their families, who served when I was growing up here. They are GOOD people, and were just as horrified as I was.

That being said, many were fired, a new chief and several new officers have been hired, and things are moving forward. Let's fast forward to New Year's Eve, 2009. There was a party held, in a home, supposedly with adult supervision, for many kids in Shao's grade, grade 8. Oh, how thankful I am that my little girl was not there...not that she was invited...another reason to be thankful. So...apparently several boys decided rape was not such a bad thing, and forced themselves on a girl...a girl the same age as my precious baby! And it was NOT with any consent, I am assuming, as they have all been charged with unlawful restraint, first degree sexual assault, injury to minors, and on and on. And every few days we hear about another boy being added to the arrest list. They are all expelled. They are all in juvenile detention. They will all, forever, be listed as sex offenders. They have all totally ruined their lives. And that poor little girl...it doesn't even bear thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So...where were the parents who were "supervising" this event? That question certainly begs an answer. And furthermore, where were all the OTHER kids? Did NO ONE step up and say "This is wrong!" and take a stand, and do something? I mean, this defies imagination, in my book, really it does. I just don't GET it! I don't.

And so...my tears? I began thinking on all of this horror, and began thanking and praising my Heavenly Father for the child He entrusted to me...this priceless, precious treasure that I am laying up for Heaven. And truly, she is one of the few that moth and dust and decay cannot touch. And you know? I have often wondered if she REALLY "got it." If she truly understood how I felt about my Jesus, about my God, about my faith. Was she just mouthing the words? Was she going along because this was all she knew right now? But you know what? I don't think so. She wants to go back to China someday, to share the gospel! I really don't think that is the heart of a child who doesn't get it, do you? Oh, I am so blessed. I fully believe that MY child, had she been at that party (perish the thought!), would have stood up and stopped it. I fully believe she know the difference between right and wrong, and WANTS to do the right thing. I have always told her that God has entrusted me with this huge responsibility of raising her for Him, and that I DARE NOT fail Him in this! But I also believe that HE is guiding her, far more than even I. That the Holy Spirit works within my child's life in ways I can't even fathom.
And so...I cried today. Tears of joy, thanksgiving, praise. I love you , Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings...Nancy

And so it begins...

2010-03-04T17:02:00.003-05:00

I have a teenager. That fact has recently become abundantly clear. Oh, not because of any teenage attitude, thankfully. But...last Saturday night, I drove 4 giggly, loud 8th grade girls, mine included, to Friendly's. To have supper. Without me. Without any parents AT the restaurant. Where they met up with two BOYS!!!!! Yeah, 2 on 1...gotta love those odds! :)

They had supper, didn't destroy the restaurant, didn't get kicked out, and were driven home a few hours later. 3 of them came home to my house...it was loud here. They were giddy, they had a blast, and fun, and that was that.

Now, we have house rules. And one big one is we do NOT date until we are out of highschool! And for the most part, Shao is okay with this. Because she is a smart kid, she realizes that this boy/girl thing can be very time-consuming, very emotional, and very distractive to school and whatever else you participate in (in our case, dance, MANY hours a week!) Obviously I do not consider this "dating." Although two of the kids ARE "dating." Which according to Shao consists of ocassionally going somewhere with a bunch of kids and eating, or bowling, or whatever. And MIGHT consist of talking on the phone, or Facebook. And probably does NOT include talking to one another at school, or having lunch together. Too funny. Actually, apparently the term in vogue is "going out." And my question is always, "Just where are they GOING?" And Shao's reply is "Nowhere!" Silliness...ah, to be 13 again! :) I DO encourage having lots and lots of friends, and it is my sincere hope that many of them will be boys. I DO, obviously, encourage well-planned group get-togethers with large groups of kids...mind you, well-supervised ones. And it was a little nerve-wracking to leave them off at Friendly's. But they were told to NOT leave the building under penalty of death, and that since I frequent that restaurant, that I do NOT want to hear of any bad behaviour next time I went in!!!!!

So...we'll see how this house rule rides over the next few years. I am nothing if not reasonable with many of these, and I may change it, if I feel it is okay to do so. I think that she has enough on her plate, what with 4 days a week of dance, school, where I expect her to do her best, and where she usually is on the honor roll, if not the high honor roll. And it's only going to get more hectic. And then there's volunteer work we do in the summer, and Ballet Summer Intensive Sessions. She is a busy girl, and these are the things that will stand her in good stead in her future choice of careers (being a prima ballerina, as it stands now.) But she is an exceptional kid, and we'll see. I still think that it is hard at a young age to handle the emotional aspects of an intense romantic relationship.

Recently I gave her the go-ahead to begin wearing more than mascara. She does a very nice job of it, and it looks natural. She is thrilled. This was a privilege that she knew she MIGHT get in high-school, but not before. But I knew I could trust her so it was a gift for "GOTCHA DAY." She was so cute...I gave her a makeup bag filled with lash curler, makeup, etc. She looked up and said, "THANK YOU, Mommy, but I can't use these yet." And I replied, "Oh, really? Who said?" At which I was proclaimed the best mommy in all the world, and hugged and loved on beyond reason. Love that girly of mine!

So...now I become even more careful and watchful of this treasure God has entrusted to me. It is SOOO hard to let go. I am working on it. She is patient. It will only get 'worse.' Give me strength, Lord!!!

Blessings...Nancy

Spring!!!!!

2010-03-01T10:43:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know...it's three weeks away. But leave me alone to dream, will ya? I truly hate winter...I hate the ice, the cold, the inconvenience of it all. I long for sunshine and warm breezes, and flowers everywhere. I'm okay with it all til Christmas is over. And then I grit my teeth and tell myself "Only TWO months! You can DO this! You can survive!" When March arrives, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Yes, I know it can snow in March...AND April, too! But, it usually doesn't stay around long. The warming air and increasingly more intense sunlight melts the snow away within a day or so. This I can deal with. There is hope. There is a light at the end of a dark, cold tunnel. Spring. It. is. on. it's. way! Yippee for SPRING!!!!!!

My front garden, Spring '09

Blessings...Nancy

The end of vacation week!

2010-02-21T00:15:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Sunday, and then back to work and school we go! We had a nice week. We didn't end up going to the waterpark. Her friend couldn't go, and (duh!) there were no available tickets for the day we were supposed to go, anyways! Didn't occur to me that this is an INSIDE park, so obviously there would be limited capacity. Thus the duh! :)

BUT...she did have her friend over, and I had so much fun laughing at/with them all night! :) They decided to play dress up, and kept coming out in the most amazing outfits/combinations thereof! They loaded themselves with makeup, and looked like Geisha girls!

This is Shao. Please note that the pastel flowers on her head are actually my spring wreath for my front door! I also took them to the movie "The Tooth Fairy" which was very cute. And before we did THAT, they went outside and built a snowman, er, woman, which they named Frostina. Very cute! They had a blast, and I just LOVED hearing them giggle and chatter.

On Friday we went to a local school for beauticians, and got pretty! :) I got a perm, and my eyebrows waxed, and Shao got a haircut and a manicure! All for WAY under $100, including generous tips! The only drawback was...these kids are students, and they are SLOW. We were there FOUR hours! Lucky we weren't in a hurry. I KNEW they were slow, so was prepared to be there awhile. It took Shao by surprise, even though I told her. But it was fun.

So...church tomorrow, which I am looking forward to as usual. I love my church. And I think tomorrow is pot-luck lunch day...it is supposed to be the third Sunday of the month, although I did not see any notice of that in last week's bulletin. We'll see!

Blessings...Nancy

Happy Day!

2010-02-13T21:29:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday...and yesterday I got my VERY large (Thank You, God!) tax refund. SOOOO, that being said, my girl and I spent the day together. We went shopping...and for what seems like ONCE in my life, it was mostly for ME! FUN! I think the last time I bought something for myself, other than underwear! :) was 3 years ago!!!

So...we went to WalMart, we went to Kohls, we went to Payless Shoes, we had lunch at a Chinese Buffet (Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!), and went home happy. I got 5 or 6 blouses, 2 pairs of pants, a really cute sweatshirt, a ring, a necklace, and a new pair of shoes! WAHOO!!!!

So now I am done spending money, except for about $100 more this week, to take Shao to an indoor waterpark. We will both enjoy it, and after all, it IS February vacation! Many of her friends have jetted off to places like the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Florida (although that wouldn't be my choice this year...it snowed there this week!!!) So I decided we deserved a little treat. We are going with one of her friends and HER mom, so it will be fun.

My mom is in Florida right now, and left a birthday card for me with Shao. I got impatient, and opened it tonight. And it made me cry. Listen...my mom does NOT show emotions. I can't ever remember her telling me she loved me...although I know she does. But instead of the usual "Love, Mom" on this card, it said "You are the best Valentine I ever received, Love, Mom." Let me tell you people, that was precious!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we go to church, then at 5 or so, to my sister's for a birthday dinner. She is so sweet to do that for me! Usually it's just cake at Mom's, but since she's away, I've graduated to dinner! :)

Cold here today, but sunny. Very windy, which cuts right through you. Thankful for my nice warm apartment (gotta love a rent that includes the heat!) and for my sweet daughter, who had a really fun day hangin' with her mama, according to her! :) She acted as my fashion advisor, and I can't go far wrong...that girl has STYLE oozing out of her!

Blessings...Nancy

Snow Day!

2010-02-10T17:29:00.002-05:00

By 8PM last night, we already were informed that there would be no school today...thus, no work for me, either! So we slept in, had lunch instead of breakfast (yep, it was that late!) and have been doing some way overdue straightening up, in between just goofing off! :) Right now it is not snowing, but they are saying more is on the way. The wind has REALLY kicked in, and it is dark now, so it is beginning to ice up. I imagine we will have a delay tomorrow morning, for school, but I do think we WILL have it. The storm hasn't been quite as bad as predicted, so here's hoping it won't be too bad tonight, before it ends!

I am starting, finally, to feel better. This has been a long process, which kind of took me off guard. Somehow I thought I would come home from the hospital, and things would just move forward smoothly. Silly me! Instead, it has been 3 steps forward and 2 back. Last weekend saw me feeling miserable, and back on pretty much only liquids. But for the past 3 days I have been feeling fairly well, so I am praying that the worst is behind me!

I have two more days of work, and then we have a week off. Not what I can afford, but nothing I can do about it! Thankfully, I should be getting my income tax refund back any day, and so I am not worried. I am, in fact, extremely grateful. It is a pretty big amount, and if I am careful, will keep us going for months! I am in the red every month, so I can use it to make up the deficit each month. YIPPEE JESUS!!!!!

I AM going to take a little and do a few things...for myself, and for Shao. I am going to do a little clothes shopping for me...I think it has been 2 or 3 years since I bought myself anything, other than underwear! :) AND next week Shao & I are going, with a friend and her mom, to an indoor waterpark in Waterbury, where we used to live. I can't wait...I LOVE the water!!! It should be a blast. It is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, so we will be there for quite awhile! Not the whole time, but it will be fun! It is a little pricey, but actually a lot less than I thought it would be.
And I knew it would be something Shao would love. Not to mention me! :)

So that's pretty much the happenings around here. I am thankful for my improving health, for a warm house, for a precious daughter. Life is good.

Blessings...Nancy

New Experiences

2010-02-02T09:51:00.003-05:00

So, it's been a LOOOONG time since I posted. But I've been BUSY! Very busy...um, well...busy sleeping, for the most part! So here's the details...fun times!

During the second week of Jan., I began to not feel well. Couldn't put my finger on it, but I just didn't feel well. Over the Martin Luther King 3 day weekend, I did nothing but sleep and moan. I had pain in my stomach, and even a sip of water caused major stabbing pains. By Sunday night, I had a fever, chills, sweats...miserable.

So I had my brother drive me to my Dr.'s on Monday. That alone tells you how bad off I was...to ask someone to drive me, to not be Ms. Independence. I tell you, I was one miserable puppy!!
They took me in, and within minutes, said they needed me to go to the ER Clinic 10 minutes away, so they could do a cat scan, and also get me rehydrated with IV fluids. So off we went, and I had my brother just drop me off, knowing I would be there for awhile.

I got hooked up to an IV, got a cat scan, and the verdict: massive infection of my colon, and I was going to go on my first ambulance ride to the hospital! WOOHOO! It might have been interesting, except for the fact that every bump in the road killed my stomach!

First time in a hospital! Such fun. I was immediately hooked up to an IV pump, that ran continuously for 3 days...between the saline, the pain meds, and the IV antibiotics, it was a busy little machine! I named him Patrick. He became my close buddy! On Thursday I was finally unhooked, and they actually let me begin to eat. Hospital food IS all it's cracked up to be....really, really awful. Not nice.

SO...I came home Thursday night, having kept lunch down, which apparently was a benchmark. However, that was one of the LAST meals I would keep down for awhile. I had THOUGHT I would be back to work on the following Monday...yeah, RIGHT! On Monday I went back to my regular Dr., for a followup. He just rolled his eyes and wrote me a release to work for yesterday. And as it is, it still took it out of me to work yesterday. And I am not doing my noon time run this week, to give myself time to rest in between the morning and pm runs. But I AM eating again, albeit I am being VERY careful WHAT I eat. I will have to be careful for the rest of my life, as things with nuts and seeds can be very painful. And trust me, I do NOT want to do this EVER again. It was NOT fun. Not. one. little. bit.

ShaoXi was a dynamite nurse and help during all this. I missed her dreadfully while in the hospital. The first night she slept downstairs at my mom's. But after that, my brother slept upstairs, so she could be in her own house. That helped alot. So...we are doing fine. We survived it all, and God has provided for us, financially, so that I was able to pay Feb. rent with no problem. Our church handed me $100 in grocery cards, so we are good until I get paid again..which won't be until NEXT Friday! And then we have a week of winter vacation, so no pay again. sigh.

Blessings...Nancy

Hard Day's Night

2010-01-14T13:41:00.003-05:00

Last night has to post up there in the top ten of bad ones. Or maybe I should say HARD ones. Here's a little background: Shao has to do a report on someone who is a hero in her life. She, precious girl, chose me. She was given several different virtues, and has to write a paragraph about how her hero (me) embodies that virtue. Over the Christmas break she got started by interviewing me, and asking lots of questions. This week she has begun to write it.

The first paragraph was about fidelity (faithfulness). She equated my promises to the Chinese government that I would care for her, love her, etc., as fidelity. Yep, that was pretty easy. But the second paragraph. OH, the second virtue...that's when things got tough.

She wrote it up on my computer, and then, as is my habit, I looked at it, and went over mistakes, etc. with her, and suggested she change wording, etc., in some places to make the sentence more understandable. So...this virtue was forgiving/forgiveness. And her example? It is something I am working on every day. Some days I am forgiving. Some days I have to hand it all back to the Lord, and ask for help in forgiving.

You see, just after Christmas in 2000, someone killed my 6 year old niece, her half brother, and their mother. He was in custody within 24 hours, has been to trial (a year ago) and is serving 3 consecutive life sentences with no chance for parole. He was 24 at the time of the murder. He had been on the police's radar screen for at least 10 years. He was a bad child, and an even worse man.

But...I am called to forgive. And I do NOT want my life to be about hate. I can't live there. I can't do that. But forgiveness...that is hard. That is a daily handing over to God. And this is not something I can discuss within my family, which makes it even harder. Because they do NOT forgive him. They hate him with every fiber of their beings, and probably always will. And if I told them my feelings, they would probably never speak to me again, as they would see it as a betrayal. So it is a heavy burden, this need to forgive.

And the hard part of last night? Well, in her paragraph, Shao wrote that someone had come in to their home and shot them. But that was incorrect, and without thinking, I corrected that. When she re-read it, it was devastating to her. And I understand. Because interestingly enough, when I was told that Rachel, Kyle and Kitty had been killed, in their beds, I figured they had been shot, also. And no one thought to tell me any different. Until the next night...when I was watching the evening news. And that was the big story, of course. And the reporter began to tell how they were stabbed with a knife. And somehow...that seemed so much more terrible. I don't know why. I guess because I felt if he had shot them, it at least was quick, and hopefully they did not even have time to wake up. But that was not the case. And I stood in my mother's living room, and felt like swooning...or throwing up...or screaming. Forever. I began to sob. ShaoXi is her mother's child. Somehow, we think alike. And it broke her heart all over again to learn the truth. And mine as well, for her sake.

So it was a late night. She needed to talk. She needed to be reassured. She needed to just sit by me. We cried together. We discussed it a little. She was only four, so remembers bits and pieces, but not the whole. It was so sad. And I had to tell her...it does NOT get easier. I no longer cry every single morning upon awakening. I don't, truthfully, think about Rachel every day. And MOST of the time, when I come across a photo of her, I smile, not sob. But sometimes...oh, sometimes it is fresh and new and raw, and it hurts SO much. And I can barely talk. And I miss her. I miss her terribly. She would be turning 16 this March. Almost grown. I wonder what she would have been like. I KNOW she would have been gorgeous. She was a beautiful kid.

Some times being a parent is so very hard. It hurts me when my child is sad. And it is even worse when we are both heartbroken and sad at the same time. I hope I was able to comfort her. I hope she is okay. She slept with the night light on. I understand. For a year after Rachel died, I did not sleep much at night. EVERY sound was that of a burglar breaking in. I was living in fear, and it was not a happy thing. I no longer live that way. And I try not to go back there. Last night was tough, but I was okay.

I miss you, Rach! I'll see you again, I know. But I have to wait awhile...my mission down here isn't over yet! I still have lots to do. But some day...some day I'll get to hug you, and I won't have to let go for all of eternity. That's a happy thought, one I'll hang onto!

Josh, Rach, Alyssa holding ShaoXi, Jake

Christmas 2000

Blessings...Nancy

January....BRRRR!!!

2010-01-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

We are all snuggled up here in our house, side by side on our respective computers! I have done a little housework, some dishes, making beds, straightening up...now I'm havin' fun! :) We got back to our regular work/school routine this week, and while I don't particularly like having to set the alarm clock, it is good to be back in the groove! I like quiet weekends. Shao has no plans to have friends over, or to go to their houses. That's not to say that it might not still happen. But I hope not. We did a LOT of things over the Christmas holidays, and it's nice to chill out! AH...speaking of the devil...phone just rang and it's for Shao...hmm. Okay...this blog is doing odd things. So this will be one big paragraph, as it is not letting me space down! Sorry about that! Let's see...not much new here. Same old, same old, really. Isn't this riveting? :) But I like boring sometimes...beats stressful all to heck! :) Church gets back to normal tomorrow...two services instead of one, and Sunday School in the middle. I've missed Sunday School....two Sundays before Christmas my nieces were dedicated, so I went to that church. Then the Sunday before Christmas we had a huge snowfall, so didn't go. And then it went to one service w/no Sunday School for the holidays. Not sure what classes are being offered this session. I really enjoy SS, both for the learning and the fellowship. Oh...and I joined our new church last week! The previous SS session I went to a new members class. So I am official now! :) Yikes, this one big paragraph thing is driving me nutty! What in the world?!? Maybe I'll just leave big SPACES since I can't go down a line! I'm gonna sign off...this is making me beserk! Blessings...Nancy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-03T13:25:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that the start of your new year was a blast! We stayed home, Shao went to bed around 9:30, and I stayed up and watched the ball drop...and then some. Insomnia is just so lovely!!!

I HAVE MY COMPUTER BACK!! Can you see me doing the "Snoopy Dance of Joy?" Cuz I AM!!!! So far so good...I got it back yesterday afternoon. Happy days!

Miss Shao has one more day off but I have to go back to work tomorrow morning. However I've been told I am to expect a brunch tomorrow. Sounds good to me! :)

Shao & I went to NYC on Tuesday with her friend Megan, and Megan's mom, Martha. Of course, we picked the very COLDEST day of the entire year to go. But we went anyways, and had a blast! Didn't get to do alot of the things we wanted, due to the cold and the long lines, but it was fun, anyways. Martha treated us all to the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall. WONDERFUL! Not to mention we got to sit down, and get warm for two hours! :)
We went to Chinatown, and Shao & Megan did some shopping in a cool store there. We had supper at Mr. Tang's Restaurant...yummy! Saw Rockefeller Center, all the Christmas decorations, and walked for miles. Went in and out of a million stores...mostly to get warm! :)

It is snowing here, just a tiny bit, but the big issue is the 50 mph winds! BRRR. Not looking forward to having to get up tomorrow and deal with the cold. Much prefer staying home! :) In my pajamas, thank you very much!

We are looking forward to a wonderful New Year. Who knows what God will bring to us this year? It is exciting to watch things unfold. He is ever faithful, and has such great plans for our lives. How blessed we are!

Blessings...Nancy

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

2009-12-25T14:15:00.002-05:00

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

Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!

2009-12-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

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

Many things!

2009-12-10T10:10:00.002-05:00

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

Josiah

2009-12-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

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!!!!!

2009-12-05T00:22:00.003-05:00

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

GOTCHA DAY!!!!!

2009-11-26T08:44:00.004-05:00

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

Thankful Thursday

2009-11-19T10:53:00.003-05:00

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

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-11-18T16:28:00.003-05:00

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

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

2009-11-11T10:29:00.002-05:00

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

Stellan...and a Saunders update

2009-11-09T10:41:00.002-05:00

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

Please, oh PLEASE, pray for the Saunders!

2009-11-04T18:33:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-04T18:05:00.004-05:00

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

Carol

2009-11-01T13:20:00.003-05:00

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

So, here's the thing

2009-10-31T22:18:00.002-04:00

...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

Sadness

2009-10-24T21:42:00.002-04:00

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

Nanny update

2009-10-23T13:01:00.004-04:00

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

Nanny saga continued

2009-10-21T08:14:00.002-04:00

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

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

2009-10-20T09:49:00.003-04:00

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

Nanny job update!

2009-10-18T18:30:00.003-04:00

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

Only God!

2009-10-16T23:50:00.003-04:00

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

Nanny Update!!!

2009-10-15T16:34:00.002-04:00

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

Nanny Job Front

2009-10-14T10:53:00.002-04:00

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

BABY SHOWER!

2009-10-13T17:46:00.008-04:00

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

Quick update

2009-10-02T21:08:00.002-04:00

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

Bad blogger, BAD girl!

2009-10-01T13:37:00.003-04:00

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