Introducing our Bamboo Baby

Lindy (2 months old) in her foster mother's arms July 2005

"...learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

I will admit, I'm not a natural born fundraiser and I'm not really very good about asking for help. I'm typically not one to publicly advocate for things and I like to keep what I'm involved with kind of quiet. However, lately, I've been reconsidering things. After a lot of prayer, I believe I'm called to do things that aren't second-nature for me and to step out of my comfort zone. Thus, the reason for this post.

There are some who think the fact we adopted Lindy and are waiting to adopt again makes us special; we've even been called, "heroes." While we appreciate the kind words and sentiments we have received through the years, we don't feel like we're special or heroes because we adopted Lindy. We desperately wanted to become parents and we fulfilled our desires through the avenue of adoption. Truthfully, it is not something we had ever dreamed of doing and it was not really an easy road getting to that point.

Insert GIGANTIC however here! Adoption is now something we're completely convicted of and feel very strongly about. Our hearts have been pricked and verses that have been in the Bible for over two thousand years now leap off the pages and have greater meaning. It is heartbreaking for us to think about the millions of orphans in this world and Don and I both agree that adding children to our family to fulfill a desire and void isn't enough.

A couple months ago, a good friend of mine went to work for Pearl River Outreach. Up until about two weeks ago, I hadn't had the chance to check out the work they are doing. I was so excited and nearly jumped for joy when I found out they were helping children who are from the same orphanage Lindy was from in Changsha, Hunan. Their funds go to help the children in the orphanage, as well as those in foster care. Lindy was in foster care from two months old until we met her at just shy of 11 months. We are eternally grateful for all those who had generously donated funds to her foster program so she could receive such wonderful care and love.

We have decided to sponsor, "Lili," one of the children from Changsha. We loved the red thread connection we have with her--her birthday is one day (and three years) off of Lindy's (May 8, 2005) and May 9, 2005 was our log-in date for Lindy. It is our prayer that it won't be long until Lili meets her forever family. Until then, we hope she'll be taken care of extremely well, just like we know our sweet Lindy was.


Pearl River Outreach is still looking for some sponsors for their Bamboo Babies. If you're interested in helping, go to their blog or web.

On another exciting note, if you feel called to help but can't commit to a sponsorship, there is a fundraiser taking place right now for the orphanage in Changsha. The Meadows Family is trying to raise enough money to send 88 care packages to the children there. They are trying to raise $1000 by December 1st or they're requesting items such as socks, hats, mittens, toothpaste, and coloring books. If you'd like to know more about this special collection, please read about it here. What a wonderful teachable moment it would be to involve young children to help collect simple items for other children thousands of miles away.

I am excited about the special work being done in Changsha! I hope you'll join us in helping out these wonderful children. If you can't financially, they sure could use your prayers!

Thank you!

Many blessings~
Lisa

Will hike for diamonds

November 16, 1991
See the little black box???

Today is Don's birthday. It is also the day we got engaged 18 years ago. On his 24th birthday we drove to Lake Tahoe. I knew what was going to take place that day but acted like I didn't.

Don had always said that if a girl loved a guy enough a cheeseburger should be enough and that she didn't need a fancy, gigantic diamond ring to symbolize their love. I tried to modify his philosophies slightly but, honestly, I was so smitten with him, I would've gladly accepted just a cheeseburger. When we got to Tahoe, we did stop at McD*onald's and he sprung for a cheeseburger and then we set off to go hiking.

After a bit of a hike, we made it to the beautiful and scenic water's edge of Emerald Bay at Vikingsholm. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I forgot to say, "yes" and it is funny to me that my failure to answer actually caused him a slight scare. Eventually, I sealed the deal and we were married seven months later on June 13, 1992.

Judging by my pictures nowadays, he's showered me with more cheeseburgers than diamonds. It is probably time to work on adjusting his philosophy again AND maybe even plan a hike...

I never had heard of formal engagement pictures
but this was taken shortly after our engagement.

Proud of our veterans

"This nation will remain the land of the free
only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

I am so thankful for the men and women in the military who have served and continue to serve our country. I know it isn't an easy road. I used to laugh when Don would tell me he was weaving the blanket of freedom I sleep under every night. I no longer laugh at that statement.

On Monday I had to go to the mall and I got there a bit early. I had 1000 things to do that day and didn't want to lose one second of time. However, I went and got a mocha and decided to walk a bit--counterproductive, I know. Anyway, it was approaching 10:00 so I went to camp out in front of the store I was planning on dashing in and out of. I sat down next to this lovely couple in their 80s and it became the highlight of my day. The man was wearing a powder blue jumpsuit and a ball cap that read, "WW II Veteran." His wife was absolutely adorable and so incredibly sweet and kind. Immediately he started talking to me and she chimed in. I asked him which branch of the service he had served in and he asked me if I had heard of General Patton and then proceeded to tell me he had fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I thanked him for his service and suddenly rushing off to complete my errands didn't seem so important. He introduced me to another one of his friends--also there to walk--who had also served in WWII and jumped out of airplanes. It was a privilege and honor that day to be with men who had served in such a huge conflict and lived to tell about it.

On this day, I hope you will join me in thanking and praying for our veterans. I am especially proud to thank my husband, father, grandfather, great uncle, and uncle for their service in the Navy.

May God bless America!

Menu Plan Monday

I remember the good old days when every once in a while I would actually get motivated enough to post my weekly menu. It has been over a year since I've done that. I guess I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, so I thought I'd give it a whirl...

Monday, November 2nd-Chili & cheese turkey dogs on whole wheat buns, butternut squash, and another veggie (which honestly might be corn chips...NO JUDGING please)
Tuesday, November 3rd-Cranberry chicken over rice, green beans, garden salad
Wednesday, November 4th-Out
Thursday, November 5th-Pumpkin baked ziti, broccoli, salad
Friday, November 6th-Leftovers

I also am going to bring this dip with gingersnaps for MOPS on Friday and this salad for a potluck after Ladies Bible Class tomorrow.

I love seeing what other people are having for dinner here.

What's on your menu this week?

Weekend in Dallas & Fort Worth

Howdy~

Last weekend we took a jaunt to Dallas and Fort Worth and packed a lot in our short trip to the metroplex. Our "inspiration" event, so to speak, was the Navy/SMU football game. All other activities were planned around that blessed event. My parents hadn't really ever been to the area as tourists and they decided to fly down from Kansas City and meet us there for some fun.

On Thursday we spent a few hours at the Texas State Fair. It is the largest state fair in the country and we certainly didn't get to a fraction of it. While we all passed on this year's featured deep fried item of butter, we did indulge in a famous corny dog and tried a deep fried peanut butter cup macaroon (really a waste of a good peanut butter cup IMHO).


While we didn't have tickets to attend the famous Red River Shootout (UT/OU game) on Saturday, we did pay a quick homage to the Cotton Bowl which is on the fairgrounds. Hook 'em!

On Thursday night, my parents and I went to see the Broadway musical Mary Poppins. The only word I can think to describe it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the story, the movie, musicals, and a fun time.

On Friday morning I introduced my mom to Sam M*oon. It is a mecca for me when I'm in Dallas (which isn't often). It is just rows and rows of fun jewelry and accessories. It is like Claire's on steroids. We could've stayed there for hours but the men and child got a little restless. So we decided to mosey on over to Fort Worth, specifically to the Stock Yards. We made it in time to see the 4:00 cattle drive down Exchange Street.

Lindy did not want to get on Pecos Bill but didn't mind taking a more conservative approach as shown below.

When in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Texas, do as the Texans. We all attended our first rodeo at the C*owtown C*oliseum which was the sight of the first indoor rodeo in the early 1900s. Lindy seemed to like the sparkly belts and accessories that the cowgirls wore but she was a little hesitant about being a cowgirl when Don took her down to the ring to participate in chasing the mutton (no pictures available).


After a full Friday, we embarked on super-packed Saturday. We spent a couple of hours going through the S*ixth Floor M*useum at the T*exas State Book Depository. That is the sight of where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy. The museum is very informative and done quite well. I liked history during school but never seemed to get past World War II it seemed. This museum has helped me understand more of what was taking place in the years just before my birth. My parents both were in high school when it happened and for their generation it is an event that they can vividly recall.



We walked around downtown Dallas and made our way to P*ioneer Plaza. I had planned this on our itinerary but had never seen or been there. I kept telling my family it was some bronze sculptures of cattle and I think they were wondering why we were hoofing it all over the city streets to see some statues. However, it was pretty amazing! It wasn't just a couple of cattle--it was at least 50 some cattle (give or take)...They were so life like and pictures can't really describe but I took a bunch, so I'll post them anyway.





Phew... After all that we headed out to Southern Methodist University to go to the long-awaited football game. You always want to get to a Navy game early because they do cool stuff beforehand like have Navy SEALS parachute in with the game ball and flag or send three F-18s to do a low and impressive flyover. You also may sit near a former president or see one (this time George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush were there).






This was my mom's first football game--ever--I think and I was concerned she'd be bored, too cold, or lost trying to learn the rules of the game and follow the ball. To my surprise I think she had a terrific time. We were sitting next to the band and all the cutie patootie YOUNG Midshipmen in their dress blues. Besides a good game that Navy won in OT, we had so much fun watching the youngsters cheer and do their special little Navy dances and traditions. During Don's tenure at the Naval Academy, they didn't have a good football program so I don't think he knows as many cheers.

The weekend was great and almost perfect. Sadly, my poor dad didn't feel well the entire time and initially thought he had a cold. It was obvious on Saturday night and Sunday morning that he was getting worse and it was more than a cold. Last Monday he found out he has H1N1. I felt terrible knowing he had persevered through the full days and nights feeling absolutely rotten. The good news is that he is getting better, my mom has not come down with it, and neither have we. Still praying for his complete healing and protection for my mom and us.

I know there is probably tons more to do in the Big D but we got a pretty good taste of it in the few days we were there. Now waiting for the next adventure...

Y'all come back now, you hear!

And I'll have potpourri for $200, please...

I've been told it has been a while since I've done any blogging and was surprised--but not shocked--to see that it had been a month since I've touched this blog.

So in an attempt to catch up, I present you some randomness from the past month.

Twice a year, Don travels to Idaho and Utah to lure unsuspecting college students and graduates to intern and work at the fine institution he's a part of. It is a busy, busy week for him as he travels to two universities and meets with college classes, professors, and interviews lots and lots of people. This trip he had a Sunday afternoon to spend time outdoors hiking in the mountains which is one of his all time favorite things to do. Here are some pictures of his little excursion in the Tetons.

Good thing I'm not the jealous type... :-)


Gotta love a self-portrait!


A couple lone aspens providing some color

My picture would be blurry, too, if I was that close to a moose because those guys can be AGGRESSIVE! Don saw a family of three--this is the papa...Momma and baby were ahead.

In the past month I got to see two friends I haven't seen in a long time. The first was my friend Kelly. Kelly and I used to work for the same company--although in different states. She and I were on several projects together and used to enjoy hanging out whenever we were on the road together or she was on my home turf or I was on hers. It had been over three years since I'd seen her and I was excited that she squeezed a visit in with me while she was on business travel here. We celebrated by having a pizza and p*izookie from an eating establishment we discovered together years ago in California that is now in San Antonio.

The other friend I got to reconnect with is a friend I hadn't seen since May 1988--the close of my sophomore year of college. Yes, you read that right--1988. What? You didn't think I was that old? Awww, thanks... A lifetime ago, Deena and I went to East S*troudsburg University and were in the same sorority. Unfortunately, we lost touch with each other because she graduated and moved and I moved, too. Last year we reconnected via F*acebook (which you know I love) and I found out she works for the same company as Don and had spent a lot of time in San Antonio at the corporate office. This spring she found out that her office in Virginia was closing and she moved here this summer. We FINALLY were able to get together and visit and it was so nice. No we didn't start singing our sorority songs and we really didn't talk too much about the old days. We really just visited about life as it is now and had a lovely time together. I can't wait to do it again--sans the four year old!


I will be back soon with some more posts.

Hope everyone is happy, healthy, and enjoying a lovely fall.

Parenting with A.W.E.

"Nine tenths of education is encouragement." Anatole France

I've been attending a great parenting class at church called Confident Parenting. It is based on the book of the same name by Jim Burns. There have been many super nuggets to think about and apply as I journey down the road of parenthood. This week we talked about parenting with A.W.E. I love that because the acronym is simple to remember. However, while the acronym is quite easy to remember, it isn't always simple to apply--especially when you're in the moment...

A=AFFECTION

W=WARMTH

E=ENCOURAGEMENT

I think I'm pretty good with the A and W. However, I think I'm really going to have to work harder on the E part. I have noticed that I am not always great at providing encouragement to those who are closest to me. I give my best to others and don't always reserve as much as I should for Don and Lindy. It just is easy to get in that rut of being nit picky and more critical than affirming and encouraging.

I want to parent with A.W.E. It is my prayer to continue to get better at giving Lindy affection, creating a warm home by minimizing stress and conflict, and to grow leaps and bounds in the area of encouraging her.

Friday Night Lights

In case you've been in a cave, high school football is a REALLY BIG deal in Texas. Perhaps you've heard of the book, movie, and TV series called Fr*iday Night Lights??? It is set in Texas and some of it is based on actual events. Okay, okay, I'll totally admit I get just a teensy bit defensive when some people (ahem, Don Osborn) think Texas is the only place where high school football is king. My high school alma mater, C*entral B*ucks High School West in Doylestown, PA, was quite the powerhouse in the 1980s. I am super proud they were undefeated during the entire time I was there and that their coach (and my really challenging Global Affairs teacher), Coach P*ettine, was a class act. His son, the star quarterback in 1984, is currently the defensive coordinator for the NY J*ets. How 'bout them apples? Did I mention two of the greatest quarterbacks who've played the game--Dan M*arino and Joe M*ontana--are from PA?


Whoa, did I digress or what? This past Friday we had the opportunity to get out and watch some high school ball--Texas style (which meant we WEREN'T freezing to death). Lindy had lots of fun hanging out with her Auntie Carolyn, going into the swanky suites, drinking "Sprout," and eating who knows what. She loved watching the band, the cheerleaders, dance team, and, oh yes, the game. Don and I call very enthusiastic people "woo hoo" people and our girl is definitely a "woo hoo" girl. Every once in a while (when she was with us in the stands and not socializing in the suites), we'd hear her cheering and she did admit having fun at the baseball game. (We're still teaching her.)


While I was in the stands, I really enjoyed people watching and taking in the sense of community. It was a lot of fun seeing little tiny children, parents, and grandparents, friends, and family assembled together donning their appropriate school colors and supporting the kids and a fun tradition. It also made me think about a man we knew from church who routinely made it his ministry to support high school football players from our congregation by attending their games. Charlie passed away last week at the age of 56 and was laid to rest on Saturday. Although I didn't know him well, I am certain he was a huge source of encouragement to the young athletes he cheered for from the stands. I also am certain the next time I see Charlie it will be light and bright because we'll be basking in the presence of God in Heaven. How wonderful it'll be to be under that light not just on Fridays but for eternity. And that, I believe, deserves a big woo hoo!

Happy Birthday, Dad

"Live your life and forget your age."--Norman Vincent Peale

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Dad!

I love you~
Lisa

Thankful Thursday

It has been a while since I've done a Thankful Thursday and I really felt called to take a break from my housework and do one right now...

Today I'm thankful for many things, especially my parents. Today they are celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. They were kids when they got married and have been through many things--both wonderful and difficult--together. I'm so thankful for the Christian home I was raised in and for the way they still teach me about love and life and doing the right thing. I love them so much and they mean the world to me. Congratulations, Mom & Dad!!!

I am thankful for news of new babies! Two of my dear friends are expecting and publicly announced their great news yesterday. It will be fun watching these little mommas-to-be blossom and dream and I pray they will both be blessed with a safe and healthy pregnancy and that God will give them the desires of their heart.

I am thankful for birthdays. Oh, no, NOT MINE. This week my sweet sister-in-law and Don's baby sister, Anne, had her birthday, Lindy's adorable little friend, Henry, turned three, and one of my "big sisters", Trina, has a birthday on Saturday. There are others, too, I haven't mentioned. I love the people God has brought into my life and celebrate each one of them!!!

I am thankful for the Chinese adoption community FAMILY. There are many things I can say about this but I'll just say it is wonderful to see how people come together during exciting, difficult, and challenging times to encourage, educate, exult, and edify. Over and over, I'm blown away how people--whom often HAVEN'T met--call on each other for support and receive it in tremendous ways. Just this week, I have a dozen examples that come to mind.

I am thankful for the opportunity to get in God's word more as I work with my friend to write our Ladies Bible Class lessons for the fall semester. It is time-consuming but worth every moment. It is true that you learn more when you teach. I know I have lots to learn!!! Our series is called Unwrapping God's Gifts. It is based on the book The Ultimate Gift, which I highly recommend! We are taking the gifts in the book and putting a biblical spin on them. This week we examined the gift of work. It is a challenge for me to always find worth in what I do and I don't often feel a lot of pleasure in sweeping the floor over and over. We issued a challenge to the class to meditate on Colossians 3:23 this week, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." I realize I don't always find joy in what I'm doing and I focus so much on myself in the process of the mundane chores. So, in addition to being able to work on the lessons, I'm thankful for the work I have and the opportunity I have to stay at home with Lindy and (hopefully) bless my family.

I'm thankful for all the rain we had last week and for the hint of cooler weather in the air! It has been a LONG, HOT summer and the hope of autumn brings a huge smile to my face. I can smell the wonderful scents of cinnamon now...

I could keep going but I have the gift of closet organizing waiting for me!!!

What are you thankful for today???

Wordless Wednesday

Mid-day meal monotony

I need a little help...Lindy starts back to preschool this week and I realized that means I better have some lunch box appropriate stuff in the house.

I don't think lunch is really her favorite meal (it definitely isn't mine, either), so I've got that working against me and then there's that whole issue of her being social and not really getting to the business of eating while she's at school.

So, won't you please let me sneak a peek into your lunch box and see what you pack your kiddos??? I'd love to hear your ideas for healthy lunches! And, hey, I'll trade you my pb&j for whatever you've got in there...

Wordless Wednesday