The perfect mudroom when you don't have a mudroom...

I have delusional dreams of a white beadboard mudroom with cubbies, baskets and lots and lots of coat hooks. Since the Chief says we're NEVER MOVING AGAIN I'll have to put that dream in a bubble. This house doesn't have a real mudroom but when we built it I had grand plans for a pseudo-mudroom. Long story short that didn't work out. Anyway. There is a wall in my back hallway that was screaming for something like this. I loved the bench and shelf from PB but the price tag is RIDICULOUS! Thankfully my pal Cindy turned me on to this one from JC Penney. I ordered it in December and it FINALLY came last week. WE LOVE IT! I ordered it in red (which is more of a dark red rather than a primary red). Anyway, it is well built, looks great and you can't beat $199 for a bench, wall shelf, bench cushions and six baskets. I'm not crazy about the cushions but those are easily changed. If you are on the hunt for something like this look no further.

Project Chosen

5 months ago at this moment we were on a plane en route to Newark, NJ. Three weary Wombles were counting the miles until we touched down on US soil. The time has flown by and some days I still can't believe Mei Mei is really here. Today her story is featured on Project Chosen. Click the above link to read her story along with many other families who have experienced the miracle of adoption.

Hmmmm...

Anyone care to wager a guess? The who? The what? The where? The how?

Threads of Faithfulness...

Every day throughout the month of February Jeanette at Threads of Faithfulness is featuring the story of one family blessed by adoption. It has been so encouraging to read their stories and visibly see the miracles that have unfolded within these families. On February 24, five months to the day we arrived home and became a family of 5, the story of our journey to Mei Mei will be featured. Please take this opportunity to read the stories of these beautiful children and the families who love them. I know you will be blessed.

Channeling her inner Mrs. Courtney...

Apparently SOMEONE stole my camera...I discovered this little rendezvous last night...
when I uploaded our pictures from snow day...In the interest of anonymity the culprit shall remain nameless...
but I'm happy to tell you it was a SHE...
and considering WHO was the subject on the opposite side of the camera lens...
and knowing the culprit was a SHE...
I bet you can figure it out...
Obviously she had a very willing model...
who was quite happy to pose...
and ham it up in front of the camera...
I think we have a budding photographer on our hands...
but I also think Mrs. Courtney needs to teach her a thing or two...about spinning the dial off the green box...
Mrs. Courtney (our resident photographer)...I think we're going to need a little assistance over here. Do you teach photography to preschoolers?

So Long January...

I have a confession. My name is Mommy and I think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seriously. I think I do. It happens to me every year. I LOVE October, November and December. They are my most favorite months of the entire year and pass way too quickly for my liking. Once they are over--WHAM--it hits me! The Christmas decorations are packed away, the calendar turns to a new year and I fall into this icky winter funk. I get bogged down with all the things I want to do in the new year (and then I get overwhelmed because I put too many things on that stupid list). Then I start dreaming of spring time and daffodils and swim day and summer vacations. And I avoid things I love (like friends and blogging) and a few things I don't love (AKA laundry) until...

February shows up...Ahhhh...February. With the flip of the calendar I can feel my mood change.

February--
the shortest month of the year.
the month of LOVE.
the month where your hubby tries to find a new way to say I love you.
the month where my kiddos gift Snicker minis because they know they are my fav-o-rite (and I would never dream of disappointing them by refusing their generosity for the sake of calories)
the month where our family will celebrate a new family holiday...Chinese New Year!
the month where we start planning someone very specials SECOND BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Ahhhh...February. Maybe your not so bad after all. Maybe the marketing centerpiece of this month IS just a Hallmark holiday but it serves as my gentle reminder that I have a lot of people to love. Snap out of it sister. So long January! Go away S.A.D.! You are no longer wanted here.

Let it Snow (n-snow-n-ice-n-snow)...

and snow and ice it did! The sky opened up and poured for over 24 hours (which is a rarity in our neck of the woods). On Friday, there wasn't a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread within 100 miles but there were children everywhere bursting with excitement... "Can we go out yet? Can we go out yet?" was heard about 673 times before they were able to hit the door. By Saturday afternoon our neighborhood totaled about 4 inches of snow... topped with another 3-4 inches of ice... and a little more snow to grow on... Of course that didn't stop Wild Man and Little Miss from doing the "more snow" dance...while MeiMei watched from the toasty comfort of the dining room window. I'm sure she was wondering WHY they would want MORE of the freezing cold white stuff. I'm pretty sure she's never seen anything like it. They have palm trees in southern China--not snow. She would have been fine to stay inside the whole weekend but there was no way this Momma could let the first BIG snow pass her by.

At first she didn't know what to think...but it didn't take long before she was rarin' to go... Little Miss (who just HAD to wear a dress--even to play in the snow) had to teach her baby sister a thing or two about snow days...and MeiMei caught on pretty quickly. Monkey See...
Monkey Do...
Ahhhhh...
I'll let you decide what she thought of it...
The final attempt at a snowman was...ummmm...shall we say...non productive? They learned first hand why it's called a SNOWman (and not an ICEman)but they had a great time trying. Obviously this is not the best group photo but it makes me laugh nonetheless. To think I bribed them with hot cocoa just to catch the three of them in the same frame.
And even though my foyer floor is PILED with three layers of clothing x 5, I would still welcome a few more snows just like this one in 2010. There is nothing like the joy it brings to the faces of my three little Eskimos.

Kupcakes for Kids...

On Sunday, January 24, our Pastor taught from Matthew 25:14-30 about the Parable of the Talents, and then introduced a "Modern Day Tale of the Talents". During each service that day, he gave one of our young ministers a $50 bill, and charged them with investing that money... God's money... in a way that advances the cause of Christ.

Mr. Eddie was Wild Man's Assistant Children's Minister not too long ago. Wild Man thinks he's about the best thing since chicken nuggets (and if you know him you know how much that is). Mr. Eddie chose to use his $50 to purchase the ingredients for cupcakes. Cupcakes? Yep, cupcakes. He sold them for a minimum donation of $10 each. His goal? To raise $500 to buy shoes and socks for the children of a local public housing preschool.
When I told Wild Man we were going to buy special cupcakes after school today and WHY we were going to buy them, the first words from his mouth were "Can I help too?". He said he wanted to use his money to help buy shoes and socks for the kids just like everyone else. After school he dug out the money he'd been saving for Chuck*e*Cheese and bought 2 "Kupcakes for Kids" instead. One cupcake for each of his sisters. He didn't even buy one for himself having no idea I was going to buy one for him either way.

I was SO PROUD of him I could have burst. As a parent, some days we all wonder if we are getting through to them. If they can even grasp the blessings they have been given in this "me-me-me" society in which we live. Today I am thankful for a tiny peek into the window of his heart. There's some good stuff in there, even at 7 years old, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.

Wordless Wednesday...

The Dedication of MeiMei...

For those unfamiliar with a Parent-Child Dedication, it is a ceremony in which we promise to parent our daughter in a Godly home, teach her about the love of Christ and do everything within our power to raise her according to His word. Tonight, exactly four months after we arrived home with her in our arms, the Chief and I pledged all of these things before God, our family and our church family. There is no doubt this beautiful and precious child is a gift straight from His hand. She belongs to Him and we are thankful He chose us to be her parents. From March 27, 2009 forward, her story was, is and will continue to be my living example of "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine". For years I prayed the same simple prayer over the little one who would some day join our family. Ten months ago He answered my simple prayer in ways I never imagined.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

-Ephesians 3:16-21

Merry Christmas to all...

Some of you happen to know us in real life. Some of you come here to catch a glimpse of three of the cutest bebes on the planet (and I am NOT partial to them in ANY way, shape or form ;-) Some of you we've met through the process of adopting our daughter from China. It has been a busy, eventful, stressful yet glorious year of blessings here at the Womble Times. The highest of highs and a few lows along the way but 357 days later 2009 will go down as one of the most amazing years in the history of our family. However our paths have crossed this year, we thank you for sharing your time, love and friendship with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours...

Luke 2: 6-14
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

A beautiful song...

that puts my hearts desire into words...


There are many who read our blog contemplating adoption. People waiting to grow their families but not sure if it is the right decision. I truly believe God's heart is for these children. Children who want nothing more than to be loved. Like the song says, "Someone to sing them Happy Birthday for the next 100 years". Most likely no one is going to show up on your door step with a baby. You will have to open the door yourself. No one will do it for you. When you do I truly believe you can sit back and watch how God will bless your socks off. I can't promise you it will be easy. It won't be. It will be hard and stressful and all encompassing but in the end it will be exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. I promise. I didn't know this beautiful face this time last year but He did. By His grace, this year, I'm holding her in my arms.
I pray the New Year will bring a new child into your lives. Perhaps a child who will spend next Christmas surrounded by the love of a forever family. Merry Christmas everyone...

Twas the Night Before Christmas...for the parentless...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land
there are parentless children, with no toys in hand

No stockings to be hung by the chimny with care
no hopes for a family soon to be there

Their beds are not snug--but cold and quite bare
there are no goodnight kisses--no one to care

While we in our homes, laughing in delight
all settle down for a Merry Chistmas Eve night

When in someone's heart--there arises a clatter
there are children in need--who's lives really DO matter!

Away to the computer please go in a flash
to see the sweet face with whom YOU could be matched!

While a child you see--their beautiful face all aglow
could this be MY child--could I already know??

When in the dreams of the orphan--what always appears
is a family to love them, to care and hold dear

As you stare at that child--your heart beats real quick--
for you know in your heart that sweet face will stick

More dreams sweet children have--to call parents by name-
come mama! come daddy! come family to claim!

To the ends of the earth--your heart seems to call
now child--I'm coming--I wish for you ALL!

So on a plane to your child--over rooftops you flew
to hold this dear soul--a wish did come true

And then in a twinkling-I saw through the door
this child of my heart-that was waiting no more

As I got my camera and was turning around-
into my arms did he come with a bound!

He was dressed in many layers from his head to his foot
and into my heart his life was just put

there was no round face--no plump little belly
just sad little eyes, and legs shaking like jelly

In a swirl of a pen, and a stamp and a seal
my world became brighter--like I could suddenly feel!

We spoke not a word--they weren't needed at all
and I knew in this moment where I got this call

God layed his hands on my heart--and to the occasion I rose
and He could do it for you--this question He'll pose.....

It won't be a shout--no not even a whistle
it won't be real clear--but faint like a whisper

Can you make room in your heart--if you try with your might?
And make a difference for one--help them see the light?

I can see you exclaim as you hold your child tight--
Thank you Lord for this gift--you got it EXACTLY right!

poem written by my
agency friend Amy Dinello who blogs here
Amy-Thank you for allowing me to share your words and my heart.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card?

OK, all you out of town people. Did you get your Christmas card yet? Speak up Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington! I know you're out there. Did you get it yet? I'm trying to wait until you open them before I post it here for my internet friends. Waiting to hear from you...

So close...

So much for my delusional dream of Little Miss being in her room by Friday. Grrr... The inspectors can't come until Monday...because it's Friday...and even though Friday is a REAL work day for most people who WORK...apparently those rules do not hold true for city codes and electrical inspectors. :-(

On a positive note, there are only a few random things to complete and we should be ready for a Monday move in. I am so glad we removed the door and put in the new window. Both changes were a pain but well worth the effort. Those two additions make the entire renovation look like the house was originally built this way. Now this would not have been the optimal way to design the space before we built the house but we tried to make what we had work for us right now. We are tickled pink over how it has turned out minus that ugly ceiling fan but for now...it stays.

I know at least two of you (AKA Grammy and Nanny) would like to see a few before and afters of the new play space. Your wish is my command...

ENTRY BEFORE:ENTRY AFTER:

OLD CLOSET AREA BEFORE (gasp at the unsightly play room):OLD CLOSET/NEW WINDOW AREA AFTER:

STEPS BEFORE:STEPS AFTER:
And this, my friends, is Little Miss' big girl room. More photos to come...
Hopefully soon...

Thankful Thursday on Wednesday...

This morning I am thankful for the countless hours of car seat and mini-van research I have done over the years. We've always purchased those with the highest safety ratings at the time and last night they proved their worthiness.

A woman decided to run the red light of a busy intersection and sailed into an unsuspecting Momma and her three babies. I had just started moving when my arrow turned green so I was not going very fast. I stood on the brakes when I saw her coming but there was no stopping for her. The damage is minimal and mostly cosmetic. Her van took the biggest hit thanks to our super duper reinforced Toyota Sienna bumper. Had I hit the gas two seconds earlier she would have t-boned us on the drivers side. It is so true when people say "it happened so fast I didn't see it coming". We are all OK. Wild Man and I were pretty shaken up at the time but the girls were blissfully unaware of exactly what was going on. I'm a little sore this morning but more than anything I am thankful.

Thankful we are all safe. Thankful for my delay in pressing the gas pedal because I was turning up the Christmas music. Thankful we spent extra money on car seats and a super safe mini-van when we could have spent it on other things. Thankful for all of the people behind the lights and sirens who come to your rescue when you need them. Thankful for a husband who is always brave (even when I'm not). Thankful I woke up this morning to a relatively typical day as a wife and Mommy of three.

Today could have been much different and for that "what if" I am grateful. You know...your entire world can change in an instant because of the carelessness of someone else. With the exception of a few small inconveniences (van repairs and researching new car seats), our world has not changed. Could there be a better Christmas gift than that? I think not. Thank you Lord for protecting our family.

Sunday Snapshot: Little Miss

The past three months have been quite the roller coaster here at the Womble Times. We welcomed home #3 and with that came GINORMOUS changes to the dynamics of our family. Little Miss, our oldest daughter--our second born--our girlie girl--our Momma #2, well, she's had the hardest time adjusting. She's had her heart broken on more than one occasion but she never gives up her quest to be Mommy Big Sister of the year. With that being said, I have chosen her as my very first Sunday Snapshot.

Meet Little Miss...
Little Miss is 3 and a half...going on 13 or 21 or 30 depending on her mood...She is sweet and cuddly...spunky and sassy...and just about as girlie as they come...From the first sign of her existence, she has reminded us that every child is unique...
and one-of-a-kind (even if they share the same parents)...
She can give her siblings a run for their money...
and sprint to their defense in times of trouble...
A Momma's girl from day 1, I see so much of myself in her... but enough of her Daddy to keep her balanced...
If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, her answer is always the same. "A Mommy". EVERY TIME I hear her energetic reply I get a big lumpy in my throat. I want that too, and I tell her, because I want her to know being a Mommy is the BEST job in the entire world.
She's independent and strong willed...but she's teaching us to embrace the moment and stop sweating the small stuff...because behind the umbrella of pink and all things girlie...
is a little girl who loves her family, friends, lovie and preschool. She enjoys reading books, all things dress up and watching Max and Ruby. She's full of energy and excitement about most everything (especially when it's time to pick up Wild Man from school). She's spunky, sweet and at times a little sour and we can't imagine one single day of our lives without her. Thank you Lord for this beautiful and precious blessing you have given to us. We love her all the way to the moon and back again a million times!