I love this woman...

My Papa...

Today I said goodbye to the first man I ever loved...my Papa. I can only imagine the look on his face when he opened his pale blue eyes outside the pearly gates of heaven this morning. I wonder if he smiled that smirky grin and danced a jig at the feet of our Heavenly Father. Oh how I wish I could have seen a glimpse of that moment. The moment he traded in his 89 year old body for a new and improved model. I am sure it was a sight to behold.

My Papa was, in many ways, like my Father. He has been the one consistent man in my life for nearly 32 years. The one who called me honey-bebe my entire life. As a child, Papa made sure I was at church every time they opened the door. He's the one who made me get up at the crack of dawn on Sunday so we could pick up half the kids in town on the church bus. Oh, that darn church bus. I hated riding that bus every week but at this moment those days are some of my fondest memories of him. Years later on my wedding day he gave me away to the love of my life. He was proud of that moment and so was I. He loved my husband and knew he was "a keeper" (as he called him shortly before we married). Yes, he certainly was (and still is today).

He was married almost 62 years to my Meme. They weren't the ooey gooey in love kind but they were dedicated to the vows they took the day after her 18th birthday...for better or worse. In recent years Meme's Alzheimers has robbed her of her memory but she has never forgotten the young and handsome Papa she married all those years ago. Please pray specifically for her today. She is understandably heart broken.

He wasn't a fancy man by any stretch but he would have given the proverbial "shirt off his back" to almost anyone who needed it more than he did. That was my Papa. He was a collector of just about anything. I repeat, ANYTHING. He ran his own version of Lowes from his home. If Lowes didn't want or need it anymore, well, Papa did. If anyone wants to call A&E, I'm certain we would make a great version of Hoarders: the Building Supply Edition. What is it they say? One mans trash is another man's treasure? That was my Papa. :-)

My Papa taught me that education was the key to my success. No one was prouder than Papa the day Dr. Sauls pinned my nursing pin on my lapel. It was a moment he had waited my entire life to witness--the first in his family to graduate from college.

A World War II veteran, he loved to tell war stories to anyone who would listen. At this moment I wish I had listened a little more intently to those WWII stories. I'll never hear them again this side of heaven and for that I am a little sad.

On any random day (or night) you would find the TV blaring CNN. This man loved that channel because he LOVED politics. With a capital L! I always told him he loved anyone with a little (R) beside their name. That always made him chuckle. The man was a Republican with a capital R and he could solve all the problems of our great nation in a one hour visit. :-) That was just my Papa. He had an answer for everything and his answer was never wrong. Ever.

My Papa loved the Big Orange. If you are from our neck of the woods you know what I'm talkin' about. When I was a kid I always thought it silly when he said, "we bleed orange around here". Every time I hear someone say that line I think of him. I guess I always will.

He was quirky and he had his ways about him. Some I understood. Some...well...I did NOT understand but I think that's what kept things interesting. We didn't always agree. He liked to push my buttons and I always fell head first into his little "trap". I guess that's what you get when you put two passionate people in the same room. I think he just liked to debate for the sake of debating. :-) Countless conversations ended with "we'll have to agree to disagree" and that was that. My Mom has always said we are a lot alike. I have always argued my way out of that one but at this moment I'll gladly agree. He was a man who loved God and loved people. In that respect, I pray that on any given day someone who knows me well can say the same about me.

He was the one I had the most reservations about with Mei Mei's adoption. Truth be told he had many hurtful things to say about it beforehand. Thankfully I have witnessed first hand what God can do to a stubborn heart tainted by a lifetime of prejudice. I watched my baby girl, who was scared of most everyone and everything at the time, snuggle up in his lap. He was a goner from that moment on--his heart changed in an instant. If you don't believe God can change someone's heart, let an 18 month old Chinese baby snuggle with an 89 year old great grandfather. He did and I am so incredibly thankful God gave me that moment. He called her "my little black eyed Susie". It was a term of endearment to him so I let it be. His little black eyed Susie it was.

I am thankful he is no longer suffering. After six months of illness that is an answer to prayer. Knowing I'll walk into their house and his chair will be empty. Knowing my Meme and Mother are beyond brokenhearted. It's still hard to say goodbye to someone you love. Then I am reminded of what I know to be true. I remember the man with a tattered Bible that sat beside his chair when it wasn't opened in his lap. I remember a man who loved to help people when, by the worlds standards, he himself could have used a helping hand. I remember the man known to my children as "Meme's Papa". The man who loved to see their smiling faces every time we walked through the door.

I loved my sweet Papa more than words can express yet I know this is not the end. Someday, when my time comes, I'll be standing at the gate looking for the blue eyed man wearing a hat and holding a fishing pole. I know he'll be there waiting.

Love,
Honey-bebe

Thankful Thursday...

From Across the Ocean...

At this moment I am studying the words of a beautiful letter. A letter sent from across the ocean to our family via my Inbox. It begins "Greetings from China" and is filled with joy, sadness and hope. It is a letter from Mei Mei's foster family.

A few weeks ago I sent an email knowing they may never receive it but hopeful they would some day check the account they gave me the day we met. And now I'm reading their words. Some of it is lost in translation but I can feel the emotion in their words. I can tell that even six months later they are still so sad that she is gone. I can only imagine it to be like losing someone you love. One day they are here. The next day they are gone.

You see, they did what I can't imagine doing as a Mother. They loved a beautiful little girl for ten months. They gave of themselves to give her what she needed. Then they placed her in the hands of complete strangers and they let her go. Yes, they knew that was part of the job description but I can't imagine that made it any easier. They loved her and then they let her go. You can hear their broken hearts within their words. They want to know if she is eating? Is she sleeping? What are her living conditions? I'm here rejoicing at how far she (and we) have come in 6 months and they are going to bed every night wondering if we are feeding her or if she is safe? Can you imagine? As a Mother, my heart is so broken for this precious family. We are rejoicing in their sadness. It feels so unfair.

Today I am reminded that Mei Mei's life did not begin the day they placed her in our arms. Her life began 18 months before we touched her sweet face. Another woman an ocean away carried her within her womb. An entire foster home of nannies nursed her back to health. A foster mother rocked her to sleep at night--every night--for ten months. She knew that she loves broccoli. She knew that her little head sweats when she gets upset. She knew the joy of her laughter and the flash of her cheeky smile long before we did. How incredibly thankful we are for these amazing people who gave their hearts to our daughter without asking anything in return.

I know some day we will have to explain all of this to Mei Mei. How do you do that as a parent? How do I tell my daughter I know NOTHING about her birth. How do I explain to her that she had a foster family in China who dearly loved her but could not be her parents? How will I help her process the loss she has already experienced in her life. I can't imagine it right now. Please God give us the words when that day arrives.

And now I have to hit reply. Somehow I have to reassure these precious people that our love for Mei Mei is very real. I'm not sure how to do that but I will do my best to try.

(included in email--photo taken 5-1-2009)

Mei Mei's Ladybug Picnic...

Come on--sing it with me...
1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9, 10-11-12...
12 ladybugs at the ladybug picnic

Actually, there were 28 ladybugs at the ladybug picnic and it was simply adorable if I do say so myself. I've been planning this party in my head for way too long. Since this was our first birthday celebration together I wanted to be sure it was super special. Obviously she is just two and will not remember it later but hopefully the photos will speak for themselves.
It was a beautiful spring day so at the last minute we decided to have the party outside. Too bad the wind showed up and changed the plan mid party. It's never a good thing when plates are blowing over and tablecloths are flying in the air. Bad idea. Oh well. Back inside for a few gifts.

It didn't take her long to remember what to do with that pretty paper...

Of course, she had a few "helpers" who couldn't resist...
"Ni Hao Kailan. It's me--Mei Mei. I love you." So sweet...Gifts? Check. Now time for cake. This girly LOVES to eat and she has quite the sweet tooth.
I called her "the cupcake stalker" all afternoon. Mmmmm...
Lighting the candles? Her face said it all. Ummmm...hello? Why is there a flaming cupcake inches from my face and no one seems to have a problem with it? The Happy Birthday song? That was the funniest part. When we started to sing "Happy Birthday" she told Gi-Gi, who was singing in her ear, to "shhhhh". I guess she's been watching a little too much American Idol. We tried to coax her into blowing out the candles but she was having no part of it. I think she was still trying to figure out why we thought this was a good idea. Wild Man and Little Miss came to her rescue and when they blew them out she clapped under the table. I'm pretty sure she thought a flaming cupcake was a bad choice on our part. Maybe next year. Once the candles were long gone she got down to business.

I only took 37 photos of her eating a cupcake before I got "the look". Seriously Mom. Seriously. It's just a cupcake. This was taken shortly before bedtime as we were winding down from Mei Mei's big day. You know it is a great party when everyone still looks happy at the end. TIRED but happy. The smile on Mei Mei's face says it all.
Last year on this day we "met" Mei Mei for the first time. One year later we celebrated her second birthday together. I am continually amazed by the blessings we have been given over the past year. Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Mei Mei! You'll always be our little ladybug.

The Ladybug Picnic Preview...

I've had several people email asking for more details about the party. I am happy to share...

Ladybug and Daisy dress: Little Sweetie Boutique
Invitations: poem written and invitation designed by me
Happy Birthday banner: created by using scrapbook paper and ribbon
Party Circles: The TomKat Studio (printed, punched with 2" scallop punch and taped to lollipop sticks by me)
Themed Partyware: Modern Ladybug theme from Swanky Chics (mixed with other solid colored items)
Party Favors: Chinese take out boxes filled with sidewalk chalk and bubbles
Ribbon and scrapbook paper: Hobby Lobby (wait for 50% off sale)
Ladybug accessories: currently in garden section of Hobby Lobby (wait for 50% off sale)
Beverage dispenser: Crate and Barrel a few years ago
Menu (red/black/white/yellow/green):
--Ladybug bites with BBQ and polynesian sauce (chicken bites from Chik-fil-A)
--Polka dot pasta salad (red & yellow peppers, black olives, broccoli, sharp cheddar, Italian dressing)
--Deli Spirals
--Blue corn tortilla chips and salsa
--Ladybugs on a stick (halved strawberries, mini chocolate chips & blueberries on a toothpick)
--Red Twizzlers
--Chocolate cupcakes with white buttercream
--Ladybug sundaes (premade/refrozen: strawberry ice cream sprinkled with mini chocolate chips & Twizzler "antennaes")

I love to plan parties and this one was one of my favorites. If you have more questions feel free to email me. Happy Party Planning!

Happy Referral-aversary Mei Mei...

This time last year we didn't even know her face. We were praying for a miracle and chasing ladybugs in between.I had no idea March 27th would be the day. THE day we would hear the name of our daughter uttered for the very first time.Zhan Yang Su was her Chinese name. SHE was the one with the deep soulful eyes that stared back at us from the computer screen.
SHE was the one dressed in PINK with a little bald head and the smirky grin.
SHE was our daughter. SHE was their sister. SHE was the answer to many fervent prayers.
That morning we boarded one of the craziest roller coaster rides of our lives. One year ago at 11:23 am we became the proud parents of little "calm ocean" from Guangdong province. I cried tears of joy I didn't know I had within me in the days following her referral. The kind of tears you shed when you realize you've just witnessed and, in this case, been a tiny part of an enormous miracle. We have grown so much as a family over the past six months. We've taken many steps forward (and a few steps back) but more importantly we've done it all together as a family.

To our sweet and beautiful Mei Mei--
This day marks one of the best days of our lives. Thank you for being such a brave little girl, accepting us as your family and allowing us to see more and more of the real Mei Mei. Happy Referral-a-versary sweet girl. We love you all the way to China and back again a million times.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Wild Man and Little Miss

Happy 2nd Birthday Mei Mei...

Today is Mei Mei's second birthday and her first birthday in the arms of her forever family. I still can not believe this time last year we didn't know her face. We didn't know where she lived or who she was but I felt certain that she was already born.

One day after her first birthday we received her referral...
and fell in love with the girl in the puffy suit with the beautiful eyes. Shortly after I discovered Mei Mei was being cared for by True Children's Home and within 72 hours of meeting her face, we awoke to these photographs in my Inbox...


What a miracle we had been given. You see, our little one didn't spend her first birthday alone in an orphanage as I had imagined. She spent it with cake, presents and people who loved her. In the world of China adoption, THAT was a miracle! Her miracle. Our miracle.

A few days later we celebrated her first birthday here on our side of the planet... along with Daddy's 31st...
and we imagined what it would be like to celebrate her 2nd birthday together in 2010. Fast forward one year and here we are. First thing this morning we sang Happy Birthday to her as we always do in this family. She smiled the smile that steals our hearts. The one with the crinkly nose, scrunched up eyes and her head thrown back in laughter. We all smiled the same smile back at her and she laughed even more. My how far she has come in six months. I'm sure I'll say the same thing next year on this day. I'm sure it will be just as true then as it is now.

And today of all days I am thinking of her birth mother. The woman who carried her within her womb. The woman who made a decision I can not fathom. I wonder if she is thinking of her today. I wish I had the opportunity to tell her how much we love Mei Mei. How our love for her grows with each passing day. I wish there was some way for her to know that Mei Mei is living within the circle of a real family. I wish I could tell her that we will make sure she is loved every day for the rest of her life. I wish, more than anything, I could say thank you. I pray that God will grant her peace if she is seeking it today and in the years to come.

Happy 2nd Birthday Mei Mei! Two years of life, six months together as a family and a lifetime to go. You have rocked our world, changed our tune and made our hearts grow in ways we could not have imagined. We love you all the way to China and back again a million times. We are so excited to celebrate the blessing and miracle you are to us and those who know you. Let the party weekend BEGIN!

UPDATE: Today's Cardiology appointment...

Mei Mei's ticker looks completely normal! PTL! Dr. M listened to her heart for a long time and did an echocardiogram afterward. It looked great on echo and he saw no abnormalities! YAY! He felt that whatever caused the spell was not a heart issue. He said occasionally children do crazy things like this and in the end we never find the cause of the spell. Of course that wasn't what this type A Momma/former PCCU nurse wanted to hear but the MOST important thing is that her heart is healthy. If we never find out why she decided to channel her inner Smurfette I guess I'll have to be OK with it. Thank you all for your prayers. We sincerely appreciate them all.

Cardiology Appointment Tomorrow...

Tomorrow morning at 10:20 am MeiMei has an appointment with a Pediatric Cardiologist. I didn't blog about it at the time but about two weeks ago she had a "blue spell" that scared the begeebeez out of us. It only lasted about 4-5 minutes but it was long enough to warrant some concern. She wasn't cold, choking or holding her breath. She was breathing just fine but her face gradually turned blue and her hands were blue as blueberries. To our knowledge she has never had any cyanotic spells, but then again, she's only been with us for 6 months of her almost two years of life. Sooo... all that to say, would you keep our sweet MeiMei in your thoughts and prayers in the morning? We would greatly appreciate it. I will try to post tomorrow afternoon when we know more.

Little Miss' Spring Program...

I love preschool program performances. LOVE LOVE LOVE preschool performances. I love seeing little ones sing with wild abandon for Jesus. I'm usually holding my breath and doing the motions with them once the music begins--kind of like their personal cheerleader. I guess, in a way, that's part of the job description (even in preschool).



The song was "I Love to Praise Him". Little Miss has practiced this song for months. Up until show time, she sang it at the top of her lungs proudly from start to finish. Every word. Then show time arrived. She walked out on stage and quickly realized there were going to be PEOPLE watching her. Not just her class' families. The whole preschool. Her proud singing voice was mysteriously quiet and her nervous tongue started rolling but she didn't forget any of the motions. Bless her heart...it was her first case of stage fright...but she didn't freeze up...she just went with it. YAY LM!

When I complimented her by saying "You did such a GREAT JOB singing, LM" she said, and I quote, "THANKS MOMMY but {my friend} was singing loud enough for everyone so I didn't need to sing. {PAUSE} but I "praised Him". YES. YOU. DID. LM. Yes, you did.

NOTE: The Chief was manning the video camera. Enough said. :-)

Happy Mei-Mei-a-versary...

As of today, Mei Mei has six months under her belt as Womble #5. Six months ago at this very moment many of you were watching this miraculous day unfold in front of your computer screens. I'm sure you were wondering what was going on half a world away. I can barely watch the slideshow without welling up. What a bittersweet day...
The day we met the daughter of our hearts. The one we waited years to meet. The same day her little heart shattered into a million pieces. I will never, in all my days, forget that day. Ever.

It has been a whirlwind since we arrived home from China. Our days have been viewed through the lens of "before China" and "after China". You can't experience a journey like China and not be completely changed by what your eyes have seen. What your heart has felt. I don't think it is possible. We are blessed--our entire free nation as a whole--and we don't even know it. We THINK we know it. We do not.

Over the course of six months, Mei Mei has experienced many firsts. Her first Halloween (as a ladybug of course)...
She has been properly (and beautifully) welcomed home by friends and family...
She has celebrated the birth of Jesus--the first of many years to come...
She has learned what the white stuff is all about...She has celebrated the Lunar New Year as an American citizen (with her pseudo-Chinese family--that's us in case you are wondering)...
and she is slowly but surely realizing that THIS family is forever...
I marvel at how far she has come since the day she was placed in her Daddy's arms. We are both honored and humbled to watch this little one unfold before our eyes. If I am perfectly honest, I know we have a long way to go but I continue to believe she will get there--that we will get there. "Now faith is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see". That is the verse that I chose for her long before I knew her face. It is still just as applicable today as it was then.

Happy Mei-Mei-a-versary sweet one! You have opened our eyes and our hearts to more than you could ever imagine. We love you all the way to China and back a million times.

Temporary Home...

I must have been living under a rock the past few months because I just heard this song. Oh. My. Word. Completely speechless.

Every single verse is beautiful and pertinent to where I seem to be these days. The first verse...a six year old boy in foster care...ummm--that's another story for another day. The second verse...a single Mom and her daughter reminding me of my Mom. The last verse...a sick elderly man reminding me of my Papa. He is still very sick these days and could really use your prayers. Now please excuse me while I find the nearest Kleenex box. They should put warnings on these types of songs. **WARNING: Listen at your own risk**

For Sale...

Almost four years ago I custom ordered this bedding for Little Miss' nursery. I was in LOVE with it. Actually, I still am. Outside a God sized miracle, there will be no more newborn Womble babies in this house. {Sigh...............let's pause for a moment of silence......................OK, moving on.}
I would LOVE nothing more than to keep it forever and ever amen but the Chief reminds me I can't keep EVERYTHING. I think secretly he's afraid we're going to be featured on an episode of Hoarders some day. ;-) With that being said, I hope to see it grace the room of another little girly girl in the near future...
The main fabric is Over the Moon (sage) by Covington Fabrics. I do not remember the specifics of the other three fabrics but they match the main fabric perfectly.One stripe, one floral and one chenille...
These images were taken right before the designer shipped it to me. It is still in EXCELLENT like new condition.
There is also a window valance made by yours truly...
and a skirt I made for the front of a desk we used as her changing table. You could use this fabric to make pillows, etc.I am planning to consign it but wanted to offer it to my bloggy peeps first. If anyone is interesting in purchasing this beautiful nursery bedding please email me here.