tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-174682662024-03-07T15:11:46.863-08:00Waiting For LadybugShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-79091847112653504472007-07-17T20:03:00.000-07:002007-07-17T20:05:38.014-07:00Another birthday layout<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-b6gO9L1JZuUAid9Vj1kMrm6UN0FmTqi5TGzwWhxDV6wLUrkfjYSZY08JLtiN7ynGJDoLNWKz2MFzJkDGq9oNtr49zKnQfuTMJff2Y8QB82vIuNlqo7hTTJ-kU13VDXF1E-6Ng/s1600-h/bday-princess-web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-b6gO9L1JZuUAid9Vj1kMrm6UN0FmTqi5TGzwWhxDV6wLUrkfjYSZY08JLtiN7ynGJDoLNWKz2MFzJkDGq9oNtr49zKnQfuTMJff2Y8QB82vIuNlqo7hTTJ-kU13VDXF1E-6Ng/s320/bday-princess-web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088367530883212882" /></a><br /><br />Just a few more images from AbbyGrace's birthday.<br />This was the home/cake portion of the day. She had a great time and was so cute opening her gifts. The HUGE box sat on the table for a long time until we said "AbbyGrace, do you want to open your gifts?" She just shrieked with glee and said "OH, this is for ME?" She was so cute! She loves her castle playset that she received for her birthday.<br /><br />LAYOUT CREDITS<br />Template - Penny Miscellany's Princess Party template<br />Papers - Shabby Princess bella kit<br />MissMint stamped grunge alpha<br />Font - Palotino LinotypeShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-87026215035335534432007-07-16T19:59:00.000-07:002007-07-17T20:08:24.050-07:00Birthday layout<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDjOxbvOhXyH1qOeUEWbTusFLGpbRi1SLluOBt-okRmiwYvYPKvLo3QZBOBcxT-zLR8QYkXidgx2TWJYuDpjMQjhn4Dg4HGBtOIklH_cVWFYnqsk6t_APyjbnWpjHdnUYdK4Lg/s1600-h/birthday-ct-call-3.web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDjOxbvOhXyH1qOeUEWbTusFLGpbRi1SLluOBt-okRmiwYvYPKvLo3QZBOBcxT-zLR8QYkXidgx2TWJYuDpjMQjhn4Dg4HGBtOIklH_cVWFYnqsk6t_APyjbnWpjHdnUYdK4Lg/s320/birthday-ct-call-3.web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087995681204659778" /></a><br />Sorry, I forgot to come back and update! I have only done one layout of AbbyGrace's birthday so far. I'll work on another layout tomorrow and try to remember to come post!<br /><br />LAYOUT CREDITS<br />Flair template from Teriann Hanks (from her CT call)<br />Background & asterick paper - Shabby Princess - Bella kit<br />Dark pink bottom strip & bracket paper - Kay Miller Live for the Joy kit<br />Cupcake & present elements - MissMint Party Pants kit<br />Alpha - MissMint Stamped Grunge (recolored)<br />Font - Comic SansShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-79544837462365659052007-07-10T15:41:00.000-07:002007-07-10T15:52:04.220-07:00Happy Birthday, AbbyGrace!It's been a day of celebration! AbbyGrace turned 4 years old today! We've been talking about this day for weeks - "AbbyGrace, do you know you're going to have a birthday? How old will you be when you have a birthday? Do you know how many fingers that is?" You get the idea. She's been very excited about this day! We had planned for several weeks to celebrate her birthday as a family at Splash Kingdom - a family water park that is about an hours drive from our home. We've been concerned that we weren't going to be able to follow through with this plan because we have had so much rain in the last month. However, the rain has moved out of the area, and we were able to enjoy a great relaxing, fun filled day together as a family. We all had a great time together. When we returned home, we enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream. AbbyGrace seemed to be overwhelmed that the ginormous box on the table that happened to be wrapped in Cinderella wrapping paper, just so happened to be a gift for her! When we asked if she wanted to open her gifts, she covered her mouth and gasped, and said "oh, this is for AbbyGrace?" Why, yes. Yes, it is! She loves her Cinderella Castle playset, and is currently coloring in all of her new coloring books that her brother got her for her birthday. She also received birthday cards from Grandma & Grandpa, Nana & Papa and Majors Johnson. The gifts contained in each of these cards will allow AbbyGrace to purchase her very first camera of her own. We will head to Toys 'R' Us tomorrow to purchase the pink Fisher Price camera just for her. <br /><br />Unfortunatley, my camera battery died just as she finished opening her gifts, so I can't post pics until it has charged back up. I'll try to post soon.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-48174562145893912012007-04-08T15:37:00.000-07:002007-04-24T14:14:50.779-07:00Easter 2007<a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1926.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1926.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1940.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1940.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1939.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1939.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1934.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/IMG_1934.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We've had a wonderful Easter. Saturday we had an egg hunt at the corps (had a great turnout despite the SNOW!) and a blessed Resurrection celebration today. Thought you all would enjoy a few pics.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-74847039977305714472007-03-24T20:07:00.000-07:002007-03-24T20:11:17.978-07:00WHEEE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNyD9b8TTkHW1T_JmDJsC-iRrVfsslCnjeRC38u4N97Z4xNsNwwWR4K6sIdPurHEiCxF5i548jpYigJNESMrzV3TFDqpycVeYRfuqvhOL8bbAd8QKIIjUv7C7cw-9H5k3FqHrpA/s1600-h/wheee-web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNyD9b8TTkHW1T_JmDJsC-iRrVfsslCnjeRC38u4N97Z4xNsNwwWR4K6sIdPurHEiCxF5i548jpYigJNESMrzV3TFDqpycVeYRfuqvhOL8bbAd8QKIIjUv7C7cw-9H5k3FqHrpA/s320/wheee-web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045694333989186450" /></a><br /><br /><div>AbbyGrace LOVES to slide. Only she calls it WHEEE! She goes CRAZY every time we pass a slide (McDonalds, parks, etc.) So, with the weather getting warmer, we decided that she needed a WHEE of her own! She loves it!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-53751869681362890362007-03-21T19:23:00.000-07:002007-03-21T19:33:22.625-07:00I know, I'm a bad blogger!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BXFMdScH7qeQqxat9cuFN3CYxMAgJnqNE9Tfnh0sjE1L9Jh6sWKgB_7szqFSTN_w1SWbV0IC8WayUuc8TUCUma8jBqa2fLMd2Vlk42Jl7zgB7bJPqWs4m6GTUmVFH5IzZvrJLg/s1600-h/new-hairdo-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044571032537557890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BXFMdScH7qeQqxat9cuFN3CYxMAgJnqNE9Tfnh0sjE1L9Jh6sWKgB_7szqFSTN_w1SWbV0IC8WayUuc8TUCUma8jBqa2fLMd2Vlk42Jl7zgB7bJPqWs4m6GTUmVFH5IzZvrJLg/s320/new-hairdo-web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I knew it already, but it has been brought to my attention that my blog has been extremely neglected lately. No excuses. Spring is always very busy for us. Though I have been home and been excused from many out of town expectations, Robert has been gone quite a bit already. As the spring turns to summer, it will only get worse. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Life has been pretty ordinary. Just every day stuff. I guess I didn't really think that people would want to know. I should have known better. Those that read here, read because you care (I guess, not because you're bored, right?). So, of course, you would care about our every day normal life too. So, I'll try to be a better blogger.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I do have some new material to blog about! I may work backwards for a few weeks because that's how the pictures are loaded into my program.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>SO - the for your viewing pleasure! AbbyGrace's NEW HAIRCUT! I think it's adorable! It's barely spring weather here in Texas now, and her neck was already constantly sweating, and she was always brushing her hair out of her face. So, I felt for the sake of convenience, it would be best to try a new cut. She pulls it off really well, if I may say so myself!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-13983756497479753702007-02-18T16:16:00.000-08:002007-02-18T16:18:31.202-08:00Xin Nian Kuai Le!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCpv5qHnRlspfWWQgY8BblM7M5AsmbdUvUviFLwoh1zJcbyh6I-ZlBZ8krugIm6V5Z4iEh33Z1zpHeCL50HxOCo8vkWoMLoZHkxOEqjblOLWLTR-kAzk2Ck4voMifyo0TG7ufCA/s1600-h/cny-1-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033032930629909650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCpv5qHnRlspfWWQgY8BblM7M5AsmbdUvUviFLwoh1zJcbyh6I-ZlBZ8krugIm6V5Z4iEh33Z1zpHeCL50HxOCo8vkWoMLoZHkxOEqjblOLWLTR-kAzk2Ck4voMifyo0TG7ufCA/s320/cny-1-web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy Chinese New Year!</div><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1171462091708586522007-02-14T06:04:00.000-08:002007-02-14T06:08:11.720-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/346972/IMG_1821.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/903745/IMG_1821.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1170878057419460482007-02-07T11:53:00.000-08:002007-02-07T11:54:17.420-08:00Just jumpin!<a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/january2007-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/january2007-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1170877962216920842007-02-07T11:51:00.000-08:002007-02-07T11:52:42.233-08:00Pierced Ears<a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/ag-jan2007-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/ag-jan2007-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to get my princess' ears pierced. She is so precious with her tiny CZ post earrings in.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1170721831642140982007-02-05T16:25:00.000-08:002007-02-05T16:30:31.653-08:00Sleepy Head<a href="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/sleepy-head---web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/scrappindisney/sleepy-head---web.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Inspired by Becca at Double Happiness, I have decided to start posting scrapbook pages to my blog. Becca is a very talented scrapbooker that comes up with a weekly challenge of great things to scrapbook about your family. So, this weeks challenge is "sleeping babies". So, here's my first attempt at participating in her challenge.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1170719911324554952007-02-05T15:49:00.000-08:002007-02-05T15:58:31.336-08:00Slightly new directionSince we have come home, my focus has changed a bit. The waiting is over. There aren't updates on the journey. Now I get to enjoy being a mom to two awesome children. So I thought I would change gears here slightly. Since there are some that still like to visit this site to see my children and watch for updates about our family, I thought I would begin to post periodic scrapbook pages that showcase our family, and most specifically, our children.<br /><br />Many of you know that I am a long time scrapbooker. Scrapping has been a passion of mine for many, many years. In the last few weeks, I have taken the plunge to discover the joys of digital scrapbooking. I have found a new love! So, enjoy my new passion, and enjoy the updates of my family!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1169090609943779182007-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:002007-01-17T19:23:29.963-08:00Update<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/824534/IMG_1609.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/168708/IMG_1609.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/661660/IMG_1639.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/224990/IMG_1639.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/133430/DisneyPhotoImage108.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/454705/DisneyPhotoImage108.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/352186/DisneyPhotoImage74.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/649053/DisneyPhotoImage74.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Sorry it's been such a long time since I've updated. We've had lots going on. Following Christmas, we went to Florida where we spent a few days with Robert's family. While we were there, we had a dedication service for AbbyGrace. It was a great service. We were so pleased that the Trittons agreed to perform the ceremony, and that Robert's parents, my parents & Robert's SIL and BIL as well as their children were able to be there for the event. It was a blessed day!<br /><br />Then it was off to Disney World for a whirlwind tour. It was a short trip, but lots of fun. AbbyGrace LOVED it! She went right to Mickey Mouse (wasn't scared at all). Mom and Dad treated her to a visit to the Bibbity Boppity Boutique. She decided that she would become Snow White during her makeover session. This was an easy decision for her, because she loved the SHOES! She had no idea who Snow White is, but she had the prettiest shoes in her opinion, so Snow White it was!<br /><br />We all seem to be transitioning smoothly. AbbyGrace learns more and more English words every day (her word for today is NO! UGH!)<br /><br />So, here are a few pics. Enjoy!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1167281380433700562006-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:002006-12-27T20:49:40.450-08:00First Christmas home!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/607700/new%20bike.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/311486/new%20bike.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/806738/opening%20presents.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/868830/opening%20presents.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/229132/getting%20ready%20for%20santa%20cookies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/416960/getting%20ready%20for%20santa%20cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/204816/Ethan%20AbbyGrace%20Tree.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/700960/Ethan%20AbbyGrace%20Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />What a wonderful day it was! AbbyGrace wasn't quite sure what was happening at first, but she soon realized that there were presents to be had, and that's all it took! When she awoke on Chrismas morning and came into the living room, the first thing she saw was the bike that Santa had left for her. She hopped on immediately, and had to be coerced to stop and open the rest of the presents that were hers. It didn't take long before she was not only opening her gifts, but helping everyone else open theirs as well! She was thrilled with all of her gifts, and played most of the day (and has played lots since then as well). So, what I know everyone wants to see are the pics. So here they are!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1166829877966248192006-12-22T15:11:00.000-08:002006-12-22T15:24:37.990-08:00English progress!It seems that many have been curious regarding AbbyGrace's progress learning english. Between a few mandarin phrases that we have learned, and a few english words that AbbyGrace has learned, we have done well. When we got home, her english seemed to start taking off. She now says "excuse me", "thank you" and "byb-bye" most times without prompting. She says many things while repeating us. <br /><br />When we first got home, she wanted nothing to do with our dog, Caramel. She was terrified of him. After a few days, she would tolerate him in the room. On Wednesday (two days ago) she was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. Caramel was roaming around the base of the table. I guess she didn't want him there, so she formed her first english sentence - "Caramel, go see mama!" She has warmed up to Caramel somewhat now. She loves to let him in and out the back door. When he is in his kennel, she asks where he is. This afternoon, Caramel was in his house. She asked where he was. I said, "Caramel is in his house." She walked away towards her room and then was quiet for a few minutes. Ethan went to let Caramel out of his kennel, and I hear Ethan say "AbbyGrace, no! You can't feed Caramel chips!" She was stooped down in front of his kennel feeding him pringles through the doorway. A few minutes later, Robert comes home. Robert, AbbyGrace and I were standing in the bathroom and Caramel walks in. AbbyGrace proudly proclaims "You can't feed Caramel chips!" For some reason, she said it with a really deep Texas twang!?! Where did that come from?Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1166301379796219562006-12-16T12:35:00.000-08:002006-12-16T12:36:19.810-08:00WE'RE HOMEWe finally made it home! There's a lot of story to be told about the journey home, but there is so much to do now, so it must wait for now. I'll return soon to update.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165967889592376642006-12-12T15:52:00.000-08:002006-12-12T17:47:12.596-08:00I can only post pics in a post by itself<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/866666/ag%20bags%20of%20pearls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/7073/ag%20bags%20of%20pearls.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/445506/ag%20ipod.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/976238/ag%20ipod.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/665989/bags%20of%20pearls-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/346776/bags%20of%20pearls-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/417311/ag%20playing%20pearls-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/738057/ag%20playing%20pearls-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165962579678959302006-12-12T14:02:00.000-08:002006-12-12T15:52:22.023-08:00Longing for homeWe're ready to come home! Don't get me wrong, it is wonderful here. We have enjoyed our time in Guangzhou. At the advice of many friends that have come before us, we have chosen a great hotel to stay in while in Guangzhou. The food here is good. The shopping is great (more on that later!). We're just ready to come home. I'm personally ready to sleep in my own bed, do my own laundry, drink my own coffee in the morning in my own kitchen. I'm ready to take my daughter to the park in the city where I live. I'm ready to get back to my corps and worship with the believers that God has blessed my life with . I'm just ready...<br />It won't be long now!<br />Today is Wednesday (I think). Today, our guide, XiXi, goes to our consulate appointment on our behalf. My understanding is that basically, the US consulate goes over all of our paperwork to make sure that it is in order, and issues AbbyGrace's visa. Tomorrow afternoon, we will go to the consulate to swear an oath (not sure what we're swearing, but I guess I'll find out), and then tomorrow evening, we will leave Guangzhou for Beijing. After spending the night in Beijing, we will leave for home on Friday.<br /><br />NOW, about the shopping. THIS PLACE IS A SHOPPER'S PARADISE! We shopped pretty much all day yesterday. Our group started out at the pearl market, which is a 5 story indoor mall with nothing but jewelry stores. Row upon row of jewelry. Any type of jewelry, it was found there. We wanted pearls (of course, you can't come to China and not buy pearls!). Every store was about the same - you walk in, there are HUGE bags (I mean like tall kitchen garbage can size bags) FULL of strands of pearls. Not just one bag - but bags LINING THE WALL FULL OF PEARLS! It was almost unbelievable. I've posted pics just so you'll believe me. So, the bottom line - how much did they cost? I bought a strand of white pearls for AbbyGrace to give to her on her wedding day (I got a strand for myself for the same occassion) - I was told that they are the best quality pearls (they were the most beautiful to my eye), and paid $60 US for the strand to be strung and added a clasp. I thought that was pretty good. AbbyGrace is my daughter - SHE LOVED SHOPPING HERE! She loved pulling all of the pearls out of the bags, and has love putting all of the pearls on and standing and looking at herself in the mirror. So Cute!<br /><br />NEXT - ELECTRONICS! This was a great place to shop as well. We ended up getting Ethan 4 GB mp3 player and spend about $93. We also bought a TON of DVD's at 12 RMB (about $1.50) each. We bought several movies that aren't even out in the states yet (or at least they weren't when we left for China) - Cars, Pirates of the Carribbean - Dead Man's Chest, Happy Feet, and a few more. That was LOTS of fun!<br /><br />THEN - to the TOY MARKET! We didn't do a whole lot of damage here. Ethan found some cool wheel things that strap on his shoes to turn them into those roller shoes. I think he paid 60 RMB (about $8) for them. We also picked up a few other things in the adjoining "antique" market that caught our eye.<br /><br />We purchased traditional Chinese dresses in every size for AbbyGrace today. We want to have her photographed in these dresses each year and send a picture to her foster family with an update each year. So, now the shopping is pretty much done. Now we can go home. <br /><br />We miss all of our friends and family. Thank you to all of you that have emailed and/or left comments on our blogs. There is no way that you ever know how much it has meant to us to have your support and your prayers for so many months, and now while we have been here. THANK YOU - a thousand times - THANK YOU!<br /><br />Now, let me see if I can post those pics!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165790563601284092006-12-10T14:37:00.000-08:002006-12-10T14:42:43.613-08:00trying again - pictures<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/428390/panda%20-%20ag%26mommy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/985632/panda%20-%20ag%26mommy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/683143/mother%20%26%20child.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/357853/mother%20%26%20child.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/186569/in%20geges%20shoes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/143758/in%20geges%20shoes.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/267161/abbygrace%20on%20cart.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/439819/abbygrace%20on%20cart.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165788650427301922006-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:002006-12-10T14:10:51.210-08:00GuangzhouWe did arrive in Guangzhou (sorry to leave you hanging). I've heard it before, but I'm not sure that you can really get a sense for it until you're here - SHAMIAN ISLAND IS ADOPTION CENTRAL! Every place you walk into, the first thing they ask is "you here to adopt? How old your baby? This size fit her!" The US consulate until recently was here on the island. For that reason, most Americans adopting from China end their journey on this island. All of the people on the island speak at least broken english. They really cater to American adoptive families. The island is packed full of elated parents, and precious children. It is such an amazing experience to walk the streets and see so many families with their babies in strollers out enjoying the day. It is a precious site.<br />The first thing we did when we arrived on Saturday afternoon was head to the famed "Lucy's" restaurant. Every adoptive family has had to have eaten at Lucy's. It has gained a status all it's own among families that arrive here wanting food that in any way resembles american food. It was so welcomed by our family.<br />On Sunday, we went to the Guangzhou zoo. It was a great way to burn off a little energy, and a fun way to spend a morning as a family. We were able to see elephants, giraffes, lions, and a siberian tiger very closely. It was really neat! We also were able to see a panda bear, though it was not near as close, and was caged so the view was somewhat obscured. There was also a small amusement park attached to the zoo, so the kids were able to ride a few rides. We all had a great time.<br />Back to the island we went and enjoyed an afternoon nap, and a little shopping, and rounded off our evening with a great dinner with several other Harrah's families at a Thai restaurant here on the island. I must say, I don't believe that I've ever eaten Thai food. I was very hesitant, but I went along because I wanted to enjoy the company of the other families. I was very pleasantly surprised. THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT! If you find yourself on Shamian Island, YOU MUST TRY THE THAI RESTAURANT!<br />So, now it Monday (I think, the days are kinda all mushed together in my brain right now). Today we will complete paperwork for our consulate appointment, and have our red couch photo taken with the other Harrah's families. I can't wait for that! What a treasure to have a picture of all of these precious children (qt's). <br />Ok - I tried to add pics - for some reason, it's not letting me. I'll come back and try again later.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165619693364887922006-12-08T14:47:00.000-08:002006-12-08T15:14:53.426-08:00Leaving NanningToday we will leave Nanning. It is a bittersweet time. On one hand, we are ready to go. We are ready to move on to Guangzhou and finish the American paperwork necessary for us to return home. We understand that there are many more American conveniences in Guangzhou. We are ready for that. We are ready to meet up with so many families that we have met in the last year along this journey. Many of us will be there at the same time. It will be nice to meet them and see their children.<br />On the other hand, today we will take our daughter away from the province that she was born. We are leaving behind her place of birth. We are grateful that we have been given so many pieces of her life puzzle to be able to piece together a pretty good picture of her past. But, yet, this place is her history, and today we fly away - from the past toward the future.<br />As we leave today, I think of those whose lives have been touched by my precious Ning Yi - her birth parents - who quite possibly were faced with a child who's needed medical attention was greater than their resouces could provide. So on the doorway to a small hotel in Ningming county, China, they took their daughter, with a piece of jade (symbol of good luck in China) tied on a red thread tied as a necklace on her neck, and left their daughter to be found by someone who could care for her. I wonder how they felt? I wonder where they are? I wonder if they think of her every day as I have for the last year? I hope that they know that she will be eternally loved. <br />I think of her foster family who loved for for 2 1/2 years. I wonder if they realize that LiLi will leave today? I wonder if they are able to make it though the day without weeping over her loss. We have told them how grateful we are for their excellent caring and loving of her. We told them how much we love her, and how we will always care for and love her. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. <br />I think of those children who remain in this city without a home. I think especially of those children that have a "special need" that causes them to wait for a family. We are told that very few children have ever been placed from AbbyGrace's orphanage. We were told that very few people will consider a child with a need. The orphanage directer was so very thankful to us for adopting our daughter. I think of those children that remain. Many of which will remain in these orphanages for their entire lives. <br />And just so you won't begin to think more of us than you ought, this doesn't mean that we are "great people" who have done a noble thing. This was a completely selfish act. We wanted a child. We wanted a daughter. We saw her picture, we fell in love with her instantly - we wanted to be her parents. We are the selfish ones.<br />But to those who are not as selfish as we are, that ARE great people, and have the means of caring for a child, I ask you - will you think of these children today with me? Will you condsider parenting one of these children? Woud you count it a privilege to help one of these children grow to adulthood - while enjoying spoiling them every day of their lives? You would change their life forever.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165531242201271492006-12-07T14:23:00.000-08:002006-12-07T14:54:47.383-08:00Mother's Love<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/153575/family%20at%20mother%27s%20love%20statue.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/958459/family%20at%20mother%27s%20love%20statue.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/305115/cross%20plaque%20at%20orphanage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/112432/cross%20plaque%20at%20orphanage.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Today we visited AbbyGrace's orphanage, Mother's Love. It is truly a place of love. I was so incredibly touched by what I saw and learned there. Mother's Love is an orphange that is a now place for children with "exteme special needs". In many respects it reminded me of a children's nursing facility in the US. The children there were treated very well, and it was very easy to tell that they were greatly loved. While we were there, we were given a tour of the orphange, and were able to witness a life skills class in session. Everything was very orderly, and very clean. We were shown classrooms for music classes, physical therapy, computer & basic stimulation. It was very apparent that this orphanage was doing everything in it's power to make sure that these children are given every opportunity for growth that is possible from this orphanage. <br />When AbbyGrace came to this orphanage, it was a slightly different program. At that time, orphanages around the area did not have funds to care for a child with any type of special need. There was no money for hospital visits, or special medications. If a child in the Guangxi province needed special care, he/she was transferred to Mother's Love. We now understand that there has been a slight change in that the various orphanages now have funding to care for some special needs, so only the most severe cases are transferred to Mother's Love. For this reason, the orphanage moved to a smaller facility on the same property about a year ago. Mother's Love now cares for about 20 children in the orphange, and another 20 or so children that are kept in foster homes, and medical needs met by Mother's Love.<br />We were captured by the sights that we saw in this place. Especially by the plaque on the wall that says it all!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165530149253143392006-12-07T14:13:00.000-08:002006-12-07T14:22:29.266-08:00Day 3 - Part two<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/659020/people%27s%20park%20train.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/960479/people%27s%20park%20train.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/609118/people%27s%20park%20mermaid%20ride.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/254388/people%27s%20park%20mermaid%20ride.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/40905/people%27s%20park%20car%20ride.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/155168/people%27s%20park%20car%20ride.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />On Wednesday afternoon, we decided to rent a stroller and take a walk down to the people's park. This place is way more than a park. I is a huge kinda botanical gardens kinda place with a lake in the middle and beautiful walkways all the way around. There is a beautiful bridge that cross the lake, and a place to stop and feed the koi. There is also a section with amusement park type rides. It was a beautiful place to spend a few hours burning off a little energy. <br />Many of you will know that we are huge Disney fans. It looks like AbbyGrace is gonna fit right in!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165477545537359182006-12-06T23:44:00.000-08:002006-12-06T23:45:45.546-08:00JENNIFER HOOSIER!If you come back to this blog, could you please email me with your email address? My email is rsewinters723@cs.com . I need your help with a non-adoption related issue. Thanks.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17468266.post-1165474560664923702006-12-06T22:45:00.000-08:002006-12-06T22:59:04.460-08:00More minority park pictures<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/185686/minority%20park%20family-6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/422026/minority%20park%20family-6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/17665/minority%20park%20family-4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/79980/minority%20park%20family-4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/264564/minority%20park%20family-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/411718/minority%20park%20family-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/1600/694531/minority%20park%20family-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5914/1684/320/700341/minority%20park%20family-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />For some reason, all of the pics didn't load, so I'm trying again.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841025142542672244noreply@blogger.com4