Bow Breakthrough...my thoughts!

Well, first things first, I have to show some pics of what Miss Yan has been up to lately. Can we say, "BUSY"? She is learning so much daily, but really she thinks that she's about 15 years old now and can do everything HERSELF! She purposefully tries to get up before me so that she can try to "cook". Ah, the stories I could tell you. Enjoy the pics of her "Eggs" morning. She also enjoyed making beds up for all the bottles of water.

She's getting much better at hiding things as well. Tonight I noticed that she had worn my slippers out of the bedroom while I was doing the laundry. I looked around for them and could not find them in any of the usual spots. I finally said, "Yan, my slippers are missing, do you know where they are?" She replied with a proud, "YES". I followed her to the refridgerator...sure enough on the second shelf with the food. I bursted out laughing. Oh my, what can you do? :-)

We had a bow breakthrough yesterday. I used to try to get bows in her hair all the time, but she would immediately take them right out. Yesterday we were going to a friends violin recital and I decided I would try again...she wore them all afternoon! Wooohooo!!! She liked to bop her head up and down and feel the bow shake. I thought I would post a few pics!

I'm still in the process of building up my caseload for work. I'll be honest, it's really hard to go from being a stay-at-home mom to working outside of home again. I love being with Yan. I love teaching her and feeling like I'm the one with the most influence over her heart. I just wish I could pay my bills and stay home with her! I'm also feeling a heavy heart lately wanting to adopt again. I just have a burden for so many children like Yan that are not given a chance. I was able to talk to my friend Amy the other day, they are in the process of adopting two more children with Down Syndrome (see Luke and Irena on my side bar for ways that you can help). These children age out at 4...they are put in an institution and are not cared for well, many dying of starvation. My heart wants to jump on a plane and bring as many home as possible. But I have no money, I don't have enough support around me yet to make that commitment again.

Sometimes I just have to wonder why? Why do people who have the heart to do things, not have the means. Why are some people who are so selfish and into materialistic things given so many riches to blow on toys for themselves? Where is the justice? I know, I'm whining ...but it is my blog. :-) Anyways, that's where my head and heart are today...please just say a prayer for all those children out there. Jenn

Good Friday!

Well I was so nicely reminded by a friend :-) that I had not updated in a very long time...so here goes, at least a brief snip-it! First and foremost, thanks for your prayers for Grace! She is battling some fluid around her heart right now, but has otherwise been a total rock star! God is good!

We've just been busy little bees. I've started a new job part-time and Yan has continued to keep me hopping! She is growing up so quickly that it makes me sad sometimes. She is SO independent...trying new things every day! She continues to love dress-up as you'll see in the pictures!

We are going to an egg hunt with our Chinese Adoption Group tomorrow...I will take pictures.

Remember the reason for this fabulous Easter...Jesus Christ came to earth sinless, died on a cross and rose again...all for YOU...all so that YOU can live forever!!! That is the best gift imaginable! Make sure you've accepted it!!!

Jenn

Please Pray for Grace!

I have had a friend since I was about 6 or 7 years old, named Amber. We know far too much about each other to ever stop being friends. And today I'm a complete emotional basketcase because Amber's sweet little girl, Grace, had open heart surgery! Grace is only 2 and Amber's family just adopted her last year. She is a little angel (and firecracker all in one).

She just got out of surgery and has already been extubated! Will you please lift Grace and her family up in your prayers? It's quite a long recovery road and I'm sure they can use all the prayers they can get! Here is a picture of fabulous Grace!

Smart Little Cookie!

It has been a rough day, but I had to share what Yan amazed me with today.

I was finishing up a phone call with a friend while driving to a bank (trust me, it's a rare occasion that I talk while driving). I was whining a little bit about the weather and told my friend to feel free to call this weekend because thanks to the weather we wouldn't be going anywhere, even the P-A-R-K. (I spelled it because Yan loves the park and she would want to go regardless of the weather.) I hung up and Yan was staring at me, she smiled and said, "PARK"! :-) I screamed I was so happy! What a smart girl! I almost cried. I love it that she just soaks this in and amazes me!

I am blessed to have her as my daughter!
Jenn

Hi/Lo Post

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and for a chance to win $100.

I'm posting a post for Abby's blog...Abby is a strong, sweet girl who is battling for her life!

Our Hi...is that I know God is still in control and our provider.

Our Low is losing another job and fighting with the bank...but small beans in comparison to what others are going through.

Taking a little break...

I'm totally behind in everything right now. I know I haven't gotten a couple of blog awards posted, sorry Amy and Heather...I'm just a bit overwhelmed with things right now. I'm trying to start some new work, increase Yan's schooling and keep the house somewhat clean, lose weight, etc....and I just can't seem to do it all. So, I may not update for a while...but hopefully things will calm down soon!

Hugs, Jenn

R.I.P. Whu

Last week we were able to go to our local Chinese New Year celebration. Honestly it was a little overwhelming for Yan...they had loud Chinese drums and a lion, dragon and other dancers. Basically, she cried and screamed for the first hour but then calmed down. We sat at a table with a family that we had never met, the Rush family (It's always fun to make new friends :-). They were fun to talk to and have had many sets of students that they consider their "kids" from Hong Kong...in fact they had recently been to Hong Kong.

At the end of the evening we found out that our centerpieces (which were fish) were available for us to bring home. Yan loves fish (especially thanks to "Elmo's World") and was thrilled. The moment I told her we could take the fish home, she signed "Eat fish"...before I knew it she fed the fish a nice serving of noodles. Mr. Rush was kind enough to fish the noodles off but suffice to say, some random bets were jokingly made on how long the fish would last. It was 17 degrees out, the heat in our car wasn't working, the fish was in an open bowl, he already had a lot of oil in his water thanks to the noodle dish...let's face it the odds were stacked against him.

On the way home I asked Yan what she wanted to name him. Expecting to hear, Dorothy, Elmo or Barney I was surprised when Yan just blew (like she was blowing out a candle)...I told her that I couldn't really blog that name, but since we got him at Chinese New Year we could improvise and give him a Chinese name of Whu. Whu has been a great fish for the last 8 days, he was fun to watch, he swam gracefully, he ate well...and today I think, I killed him. Do not put a fish in tap water, even if you are just cleaning his big bowl (okay, it's a vase) out...dead an hour later.

Yan didn't take it too hard...she said, "Bye Whu" and I made her stay in the other room while I "flushed"...sooooo sad! So for your pleasure today, Chinese New Year and "Whu" pictures...RIP good buddy...enjoy the big fishbowl in the sky!