Published!

I'm excited! The book we've been waiting for arrived today!

It's a book many of you, I'm sure, would love to read and relate to on many levels.

A few years back, I wrote Laura's adoption story. Her adoption was not what we anticipated, and it held many challenges. But through those challenges, God was doing His mighty work in our lives, even though we weren't seeing it at the time. It's a story I wanted to share. Guideposts was looking for new stories, and I wrote it hoping to get it published. Her story wasn't chosen. But...

A short time later, I received an email looking for adoption stories that could possibly be published in a Christian book for families in all stages of adoption. So, I submitted the story and it was chosen! A few revisions needed to be made, basically just shortening it a bit, but most of it remained.

I received 2 copies today in the mail and it looks wonderful. It's full of stories, scripture, quotes, photos...

I can't wait to dive in and read it cover to cover.

The book is scheduled to be released in March, and I'm set up to host a

blog "book tour" on March 30.

The title: Praying Through Your Adoption, by Michele Cervone Scott

Those Pearly Whites

I took 4 kids to the dentist today. Can I get an applause, please?

Laura did not accompany us this time.

Although we have an awesome pediatric dentist...Laura is one tough patient.

So, we're trying the "mobile dentistry team" that goes right to her school and works with the kids there. That means I don't have to hold the poor thing down while they clean and floss her teeth...while she flips her head from side to side, screams, tries to thrash her arms and legs, and, yes, bites the hygenist.

Yes...all that from my sweet, happy, quiet, content, little Laura.

But, I digress. Back to today...

Jacob was planning to have two teeth pulled. Luckily, his adult teeth have moved into proper position over the past 6 months, and the baby teeth didn't need to come out after all.

He was a little disappointed that he wasn't going home with two teeth (= money) and a chocolate shake.

I was happy to not have to pay for 2 extractions...oh, right...and that he didn't have to go through the ordeal of having teeth pulled. :)

More good news...

No cavities...well, except Miss Jenna since this is probably the first time she's ever seen a dentist.

But only 3 little ones, and those will be filled later with the help of "happy gas."

Maybe I can get some, too.

She didn't like getting her teeth cleaned.

Poor thing doesn't like the taste of regular toothpaste, let alone the gunk that "tastes like bubblegum." Sure it does.

And really...who enjoys the metal pick jamming its way into your teeth and gums?

I thought not.

So, she feels like most of the world does about visits to the dentist.

Sorry, dental team. We really are thankful for you!

And the kids do love all the fun treats that you give them, and that they can play gameboys while they wait for you...and during the cleaning if they're really slick about it!

And I especially love you because you ask ME if they can EACH have a balloon.

NO!!!!

4 kids + 4 balloons in one van = mayhem!

We had a calm ride home...and a stop at BK for a treat!

Babies, Beauties, BBQ, and Bibles

That sums up a lot of what's been happening here!

Jenna loves her new baby doll. It was given to Laura almost 6 years ago, but, Laura has never fancied baby dolls. So, after sitting on a shelf for as long, this baby now has some lovin'!

And our newest beauty...in her shades. Her little nose doesn't quite hold them onto her face, but she's adorable anyway! Now, if we could just get rid of this detestable snow and get some beach weather...she'd be all set.

Yes...after a teaser week of sun and higher-than-frigid-temps which melted nearly every snowflake, we got hit again. But that didn't stop Jamie from grillin' some burgers for us Sunday night.
They tasted soooo good!

And my oldest, who has always been an avid reader, finished reading the Bible (New Living Translation) in one year.
He was very happy, and let out a big sigh..."I did it!"
His favorite books: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Job, & Revelation
(He likes history and battles!)
His least favorite: Leviticus & Numbers
(I concur!)

Update on Little Miss Barbara

Things have been pretty busy, to say the least, and I forgot to update you all on the AWESOME news about Little Miss Barbara. Remember HERE I wrote about holding a rummage sale for her family to help them raise the $15,000. needed to bring her home? Well...it has been called off!

A couple days after I wrote that post, I went on to the family's blog. I saw their fundraising meter had been increased over $13,000. YES!!! Over $13,000. in just a few days. And here this family had been praying and praying to come up with the money. Like many families, they didn't have a "rainy day" stash of money of this amount. It needed to be provided. And what a testimony they can now share!

You see, about one year ago, a man Little Barbara's family has never met, lost his young wife and unborn child in a car crash. This man chose to turn this tragedy into a blessing for someone else...namely...little Barbara. He used some of the life insurance money to write a check...to a family he had only heard about...for $13,000. Can you imagine? On top of this, the gal that told him about little Barbara and her family's need, is also adopting and need funds. She could have easily pleaded her own case, but she didn't. People's unselfishness is an amazing thing.

And, another person at church gave this family a check for $1,000., and another friend surprised them with an already-organized fundraiser. They are all set!!! And they are expecting to receive the official referral for little Barbara by the end of this month.

I'm sure any additional funds would help with travel and incidental expenses that will be incurred, but as for that big chunk of money they needed...it has been graciously provided.

Thanking God for His provision and His love for the orphan!

Her Own "Do"

Jenna is often standing beside me as I dry and comb my hair, and she wanted in the act today...independent of me.

What do you think of her first self-style??

Lori, we may need some help here!

Christmas in February?

And who says Christmas has to be in December?

What's a girl to do when she finds the snowman dress-up clothes?

Joy Cometh

This is a quote taken from a Beth Moore study on the "fruits of the spirit." Probably THE best study of the Bible that I've ever done. Part of her point was that we need to find joy in the little things as well as knowing that, as Christians, we will joyfully spend eternity in paradise with our God.

Joy!

I also realize that we tend to be a little...maybe a lot...strict with our kids. That's not particulary a joyful process, though we hope it becomes joyful as they learn the joy of an obedient life. We want our boys to learn chivalry. We want our children to obey authority, to honor God in all their actions, to work to their full potential, to look to God for direction in their lives, to love others with agape (unconditional) love.

Then come those dreaded household rules like no running in the house, chew with your mouth closed, sit up at the table, tidy your toys. Oh, the joy in all of this! Sometimes we feel like dictators.

Then comes little Miss Jenna. The rules for her right now mostly fly out the window. She has enough to learn just coping with a new life. And with this, the rules have relaxed...and here comes the joy.

The joy in hearing our kids happily screaming and squealing as they chase their new sister through the house (Jenna screams the loudest!), the joy in relaxing table manners (after all...who can resist slurping noodles with their adorable sister or noisily slurping tea in the Chinese restaurant...hey...it's authentic!), the joy in watching the boys "argue" about who will help Jenna descend the stairs or buckle her carseat or lift her into the van. The joy of happy squeals as they pelt each other upstairs with socks and dancing to annoying...I mean sweet...children's music as they wiggle their little backsides (thank you for teaching us all this, Amarin)? The joy of hearing Jenna's laugh that sounds like she's hyperventilating. The joy in watching the boys vy for her attention by making silly faces. The joy of watching them all give each other hugs and kisses goodnight...more than they did before because now there's another little one to love on...hence, not getting to bed right on time. The joy of hearing "I love you" spontaneously from Jenna. The joy of looking into their rooms to see all FIVE of our children sleeping peacefully.

Joy. What a blessing.

Sentences & Apprenticeships

We have another first for Miss Jenna...her first sentence.

I questioned myself...did I hear a whole sentence come out of that little one already?

After only being with us 3 weeks?

But Charlie caught it, too.

I was helping Charlie finish his shower, so of course, he was standing up in the shower/bath tub.

Jenna prances in (the littles just don't comprehend privacy yet!) and

says, "Oh! Sit down, Charlie!"

No joke. It was so funny!

And her first sentence would just have to be a command to one of her big brothers,

wouldn't it? Look out boys...:)

Another cute moment last night after the girls' baths...

I was drying Laura's long hair. Jenna, once again, prances into the bathroom, swinging her head from side to side, flipping with her hands the little bit of hair that has grown over the top of her ears.

She was smiling and saying something in Mandarin...and I could only guess that she was thrilled to be growing long hair.

But, oh, my goodness. Was she really flipping her hair back and forth? Seriously?

Where on earth did she get that?

Finally, Charlie has found himself an apprentice. Yes, I knew he would be in some kind of bossman/in-charge position someday, I just didn't know it would be this soon. I wonder if his apprentice gets paid?

A Rockin' Mama

Thank you for all of the comments that were left concerning attachment and bonding. We heard from other adoptive families, our social worker (& friend), and other friends, all with supportive advice.

This being our 4th adoption, you'd think it would be a cake-walk by now. But each child is so different, comes with a different past, different age, different temperment, and different needs. We're just trying to meet Jenna where she is to be sure she gets what she needs first and foremost, and perhaps what she didn't get before. We'll never know for sure, so we'll play it safe.

And, thank you, Nicole, for sending me to THIS blog.

Though I'm too late to join the Rockin' Mama challenge, I'm doing it on my own with Jenna. It's simply 15 minutes per day of UNINTERRUPTED time snuggling in a rocking chair...being quiet, reading, singing, chatting, smiling, resting....whatever. Just snuggling...Jenna and Mama. Fifteen minutes may not sound like much, but in the course of our busy days, with 5 children and a hubby, it's amazing how the day slips by!

This 15 minutes allows close contact and bonding time for us which is key for her to understand who mama is right now. "Mama" needs to be more than the name she calls me, but the person she goes to for security and comfort. To those who haven't been through it, this can sound like a prideful thing on my part...wanting all of her to myself (& Jamie), but it's a step that needs to happen so she grows to know love in a family. Just like an infant, it has to start with the parents, and then branch out to others. Even though she's four, she needs to go back to those experiences.

Today's rocking went well. She snuggled right in with her blanket and bear, and we rocked for 15 minutes before she went down for her nap. She seemed comfy and content. I was, too.

She is such a joy and truly doing well!

Little Miss Barbara

So, even though my van is full, it doesn't mean my heart is any different.

The orphans are so dear to me, and it's time I find some ways to help others in their journey to bring home children.

We have friends that are bringing home a baby boy from Ethiopia and I was privledged to talk quite a bit with them as they walked through the process.

He will be home very soon and we can't wait to meet him.

We have countless friends and acquaintances that have told me that they are discussing adoption as a family at their dinner table after meeting Jenna.

Who knows if it will lead families to adopt children,

but they're talking about it now.

They've seen first-hand that it's not impossible.

It's right in front of them.

It's possible, and it's a blessing.

We also have friends bringing home their little girl from Russia...

sweet little Barbara.

Click here to see this sweet girl on Reeces Rainbow.

The Plummer family is working so, so hard to bring her home.

They have done so many, and are still doing, many fundraisers.

They still need almost $15,000. before they can bring their treasure home.

Last year, if you remember, we had an awesome rummage sale, bringing in over $3,000. for Jenna's adoption. This year, we're repeating this rummage sale for the Plummers, and praying it brings in a record amount for them.

What a privledge to witness lives changed, families created, through the miracle of adoption!

Lovin' Everyone

And that sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it's not, and I'm interested to hear from those of you who have gone through this with children you have brought home at various ages. The whole idea of "loving" and snuggling with everyone, and sometimes not wanting to go to mama and baba because their not giving her what she wants. We were wondering if it would happen. After all, Jenna has a million dollar smile, and steals hearts in an instant. I think she's used to flashing that smile to, well, manipulate.

I've read lots of adoption articles that talk about this, but haven't really experienced it. Children come home and look to everyone and anyone who will love them, and give them what they want. They know who mama and baba are, but for a while, they're just the names of those adults at home who set the rules. I think we've reached that point.

So, what have you done? How do you set boundaries so that your child knows that mama and baba are where they go for comfort and love and security, and not every "stranger" that they meet? How do you do this without offending all those who want to love her, too?

Do share!

When the camera comes out...

...the children will pose.

Could my Jenna look anymore girly? I am so giddy about this! Go ahead and play with those action figures and cars. You still are my girly girl!

A friend bought her a little purse and she has been carrying it around constantly. She stuffs everything in it that will fit. And look at that flower in her hair. She's finally loving these accessories. I'll put them in her hair, and she immediately goes to the mirror to look...and smiles. Yep. I have two girly girls. YES!

Jenna met her paternal grandma and papa today.

She took to them just great.

Although, trying to differentiate between the words Papa and Baba (daddy in Chinese) is a bit tough right now.

So, the camera came out to capture these "firsts" with Jenna, and the boys could NOT be left out of the way of the lens. So, the goofy faces started, and chaos ensued. Grandma and Papa must have been exhausted when they went home tonight!

My dear Charlie....my huge, ginormous bucket of energy and dynamo!

This is our lovely "moose," Amarin.

Sorry, Jacob. I'm at a loss for words for this photo. :)

I just hope, for your sake, you don't get stuck that way!

This face was crackin' me up. I've never seen her do this one until her Papa made a funny face at her. After that, this was her response to everyone all night long. What a hoot!


She and Grandma thought it was pretty funny, too!

This little girl is loved more than she knows!

New things...

Today...another day of firsts. I tell ya. These kids that come home to new families, especially from another country, are so resilient. They must be on constant overload. Everything is new...language, smells, the way people look, clothing, food, bed, toothbrushes, weather, their home, routines, jet lag. NOTHING is the same. Not even their name. Their familiar scent is washed away with baby soap. I think if it was me, I'd be curled up in a corner.

Jenna is amazing us with her awesome personality and enthusiasm. She made it through our first attempt since being back, albight a bit feeble, at homeschooling. Jenna sat through the Bible lesson. Can you imagine quietly sitting through one in a foreign language, having no clue what the Bible even is? She thought it was fun to point to all the letters on the ABC chart (in her own random order) with a ruler. She loves to color, trying many hues. She wasn't quite sure what to do with playdough. Legos were played with and number cards held tightly in her hand while she watched me work with Char.

The kids played some more, ate lunch, took rests, and then I decided to take them all outside to play in the crazy amount of snow that fell. So, not having ever seen snow of this magnitude, perhaps not much at all, I bundled Jenna like the Michelin man. The Chinese "clothes police" would be so proud of me! She looked adorable. But I think she's wondering how on earth she's supposed to move.

Seriously...I'm supposed to go out in that? My sentiments exactly, Jenna.

As one may conclude, Jenna was not all about playing in this snow. Her eyes were watering from the cold, and her smile was left somewhere in the house...where it was warm.

Nice try, big brother. Still not diggin' this stuff. (No pun intended!)

How about a sled ride out to get the mail?

Nope.

So, (much to my excitement because I really do NOT like winter), we headed back into the house to bake some cookies.

And she played in water with some kitchen gadgets. No, I'm not making her wash dishes yet!

Mmmmm...she loves cookies. She downed three of them before her brothers even got a chance to eat one!

Here's the crew, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Jenna wasn't big on the hot chocolate.

Later, after dinner, she was luring Jacob to chase her through the house. Jacob would "growl" at her with his arms raised, and she would shriek and run in the opposite direction...all while swinging her little bag and puppy. Jacob laughed and said she looked like an "old lady running with her purse."

Charlie got in on the act, too, and they had so much fun with their big brother. These two are funny together...two peas in a pod. God surely knows what he's doing when He places children in a family!

Yes, we have no bananas...

We are seeing so, so much of this...

Her smile is simply contagious.

Really, how could it not be?

She loves playing and wrestling with her brothers...

And taking baths with her sister.

But, lest I deceive you into thinking that we are living in fairytale-ish,

post-adoption bliss...

we're not.

I'll keep it real here, folks.

Sometimes I get looks like this.

(Jamie took this and she's glaring right at me).
Because I won't allow her to eat 2 bananas.

Well...you know what happens if you eat too many bananas!

And I just can't find the words to explain this in Chinese.

So for now...I'm the mean mom.

That look, which in turn lead to this...

usually followed by whimpers...then sobbing...then screaming...then some good 'ole foot stompin' fun. Her brothers take off running when this happens...usually before the screaming starts. One...because the girl can break eardrums with her volume, and two...they have to stifle their giggles because they can already predict her actions and think her little fits are hilarious.

James 1:27...how to?

I use James 1:27 in my email signature line, and it's the verse that you see at the top of my blog. I don't take this verse lightly. There are approximately 143 million orphans throughout the world. I've seen where some of them live...the conditions, the lack of nutrition and healthcare, the lack of a decent future, the lack of family and unconditional love, the stares at the "imperfections" that will never be accepted in their society. I could go on and on.

Being an orphan is more than just living in an orphanage. It's a life. A life that's headed for heartache, struggles, and lonliness. A life that won't know the blessings of a family, no matter how imperfect that family may be. A life, that when they come of age, will be wandering the streets, looking for something...love, money, a job. Things that unfortunately may come with a huge price.

We are blessed to be a part of adopting children into our family. We had no idea the journey we were headed on when we adopted Laura almost 6 years ago. Our hearts are truly drawn to adoption, advocating for the orphan, and fulfilling James 1:27. And we know that not all families are called in the same way to care for the orphan through adoption. But we are all called as Christians to care for the orphan, and here are some ways that we've seen that action take place over the past two weeks, all so we could travel to China to bring home our Jenna.

1. Grandparents that cared for Laura for over two weeks, cleaned our house, and had dinner cooking for us when we got home.

2. Another set of grandparents that spent time with Laura, and offered their help whenever it was needed.

3. Aunts, uncles, and cousins who were ready at the drop of a hat to pitch in and help with the kids...even if it meant missing work...and school, too, I'm sure! :)

4. Friends that kept Jacob and Amarin for nearly two weeks...including homeschooling them!

5. Another friend who went out of her way to pick up Jacob for band classes so he didn't have to miss two weeks of lessons.

6. Other friends who kept an eye on our house while no one was home.

7. So many who kept us all in their prayers while we were gone.

8. Bloggy friends who followed our journey, and left encouraging notes.

9. Family and friends who drove us to and from the airport.

So, no. All of these people did not journey to adopt a child, but they did "care for the orphan" by caring for our family so we could adopt. We couldn't have done it without them all! So, if you're wondering how to fulfill James 1:27 when you don't feel called to adopt...here are 9 great examples, and I'm sure there are more. If you have more ideas, feel free to share them by leaving a comment.

Home & Family

Oh, it is good to be home. It felt like a long journey home, but from what I've heard from some of the other traveling families, our trip was a dream. One friend had canceled flights, another has a little one in the hospital in Hong Kong. Praying for that sweet girl so the family can get home ASAP!

Our journey home started Friday, late afternoon China time. Cordelia met us at the hotel to give us Jenna's paperwork and visa. We drove from GZ to Hong Kong with another family. It was a longer drive than what we anticipated, but it was fun chatting with our friends. Right before the border into HK, we seperated into two vans. Then immigration...one stop for leaving China, and another to enter HK. I was surprised how involved this process was considering HK is now part of China.

It was another 1/2 hour or so past the border to get to our hotel for the night. Jamie kept trying to chat with the uber-fast driver because it looked like he was really tired. That's always a fun drive, especially since they can't carry on a conversation or even tell him to turn off and take a break. But we made it.

The next morning, we took a direct flight from HK. We left on time, and had a very uneventful flight. Charlie slept quite a while, thanks to Triaminic PM, but it didn't work so well on Jenna. She only slept maybe 2 hours. She had only one meltdown on the plane, but it didn't last too long. Right or wrong, bribery was involved to get her quiet.

We made it through immigration in record time...15 minutes at the most. Luckily, our flight was the first in from Asia, so the lines were nil. The last guy we talked to ask if we were bringing in any plants, etc. Then he asked if we were bringing in large amounts of money. Jamie and I both laughed, and I said, "Not now." He told us to go on ahead...obviously not understanding the joke...loads of money post-adoption? Sure!

Together at the airport.

My dad picked us up at the airport, and brought Jacob and Amarin along, too. It was so good to see them and they looked like they had grown a foot! We road home...half asleep.

When we walked through the door, I could smell dinner cooking. Yes! Mom was there with Laura, and had put a roast with veggies in the crockpot. And the house? Spotless! (I later discovered that she had cleaned rooms top to bottom...including ceiling fans, appliances, and the tops of tall pieces of furniture). A dream come true to walk into the house that's all clean and dinner cooking. And Laura looked so tall, too. Maybe because we were used to hangin' out with a couple of shorties for two weeks!

The boys are loving Jenna and she makes them laugh...even her little tantrum. She's trying to say their names and likes to follow them. Unfortunately, they have already introduced her to Star Wars guys, and she likes them. UGH!

Now that we're home..."baby boot camp" has started. Sharing and obeying are musts, and crying to get your way will no longer work...nor will the charming, beautiful smile you flash. She SO knows how to use that smile! (Beware, because she will use it on you, too, to get her way, and mama and baba will probably seem like ogres for a while until she learns). Only once at home so far has she tried the crying thing. We just sat her on the fireplace, stayed in the room near her, playing with the other kids, and let her cry. She hid her face again with her arm, and would peek out to see if we were paying attention. She finally stopped, we loved on her, and she's been fine. We corrected her "sharing" today, and she didn't cry. Fast progress? Here's hoping!

Her first pony tail!

She slept great in her own bed, in a bedroom that she shares with Charlie. She woke once whimpering, and when I got to her, she had little tears and reached for me. Awww...I held her for a minute, took her into the other boys' bedroom to show her everyone was still asleep, and then she went right back to bed. Charlie said, "I'm right here to keep you safe, Jenna." She slept the rest of the night, and we had to wake her for breakfast at 9:30ish...trying to get us all on the right schedule!

Playing alongside Laura after breakfast.

Final Day Photos

Charlie hiking down the alley among shops and homes.

We are very blessed to live where we do and in the conditions we have.

I was so happy to get a photo of such beautiful flowers...until I found out they were silk.

Love these statues that are all over the island.

Like a big brother...

Mama took me shopping for new shoes.

It was time for a pb&j. Not too shabby going almost two weeks without one!

Faster, Charlie, faster!

Our friends...we'll miss them all!

Local girls that were lovin' on Jenna.

Burning off energy at the White Swan playroom.

Final Day in China

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Our final full day in China. The sun popped out, and we spent the whole day outside…well, except for popping in and out of the little shops. We met our friends on the island, and walked to “old Guangzhou” where there were lots of little shops with traditional items, as well as some souveniers. After a couple hours, we went back onto the island and finished our shopping. Again, the shops are not much on dealing anymore, and the prices have gone up from 5 years ago, but we still had fun. We bought most of our souveniers at Jordan’s and Jennifer’s, both of whom are proclaiming Christians. Jennifer even showed us her cross necklace, but then hid it again inside her shirt. They attend the Christian church on the island, and sell Christian items in their stores. Because it’s out in the open, no doubt, they have governmental permission.

While my friend, Jenna, and I shopped, Jamie and her husband sat outside in the sun with their Starbucks, and let Charlie run around in the walking area. Glad the weather was so pleasant so we could shop longer!

Next was lunch at Lucy’s. We met up with our other friends there, and we all had a fun and yummy lunch. Charlie and his buddy ran around the walking area, laughing and playing ball. Occasionally, we would see a shoe go flying as they kicked the ball and lost their shoe, too. Thankfully, they did not hit anyone in the head!

The kids got in some play time at the playground. Jenna loves the slides, and she and Charlie were racing one another getting on them. Jenna certainly can’t outrun her brother, but she can out scream him…in a fun way. That girl has a set of lungs! I had to get after a couple bigger boys for being rough on the slide and knocking Jenna down backwards. Where are the parents??? The boys looked at me, certainly not upset, but finally did get off the slide and play elsewhere. Our friends and we took a walk along the boardwalk, took some group photos, were stared at by the locals, and then….foot massage time!

The guys went first and we gals took the kids back to Starbucks. 70 minutes later, we met the guys, handed off the kids, and took our turn. Oh, my. $15 and 70 minutes later, my neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet were in complete relaxation. Some of the back massage hurt a bit, but it was worth it. We had fun, drank our tea, and chatted…such a fun time.

We met the rest of our crew back at the White Swan playroom, and headed back to our hotel. It was getting late, we needed to eat, and the kids were obviously tired from playing so hard and not napping. We ordered pizza back at the hotel, and called it a night.

Jenna is still doing great, continues to be a happy girl, and is also beginning to test us. And I guess that’s a good thing because it means she’s trusting us enough to test the limits. I’m thinking with only 10 or so kids at the orphanage, and her probably being one of the young ones, she probably got her way a lot. So, sharing is not easy, nor is obeying mama and baba when it doesn’t suit her. We obviously let things slide for a while…she had enough to deal with. But now it’s time. And today was the day. Several times throughout the day, she blatantly chose to disobey. Nothing serious…but clearly testing us. So, we followed through, and she responded by putting her arm across her eyes and sobbing. But it was a different sob…not the heart-wrenching one from last week, but one that has probably worked to get what she wants. And honestly, with her sweet face and smile, it’s not always easy to tell this girl “no.” Nor is it easy walking down the sidewalk guiding a sobbing girl, not able to see where she's going because she won't take her arm away from her eyes, and locals staring at me like I'm an ogre.

All in all, this has been a wonderful trip. Jenna is just a blessing…such a sweet girl and will fit just perfectly into our family…as if we ever doubted that! Charlie has been a trooper. It’s not easy being the on-sight sibling when so much attention has to be given to his new sister. But he’s had fun, seen and experienced a lot for a 5 year old to take in, and I know the kids have already formed a bond. It has been great to be back in China…the birthplace of both our daughters. To see the sights, and the people, and taste the food…to just be here…it has been a great trip. We’ve met some wonderful friends, shared fun stories, and laughed a lot with them. We’ll miss them, and sure wish they didn’t live so far away! But we’re also ready to be home with our whole family together. I can’t wait to hug those three when we get home! So, without further ado, I bid you farewell from China. The next post will be from home….as a family of 7. Now, where can I find an extended van…

Jenna's Birthday Photos

Jenna's birthday breakfast...so good to be 4!

Examining her new bracelet and necklace.

Puppy looks pretty good in those new clothes!

Balloon fight!

Our funny Charlie.

At the Orchid Park

Two peas in a pod...really!

The infamous red couch photos...our beautiful Jenna. She has a smile that captivates everyone that sees it. Locals will comment on her smile and beauty, and those we're around say her smile lights up the room. Our guide says that when she smiles, "the whole world blossoms."

brother and sister forever!

The three sweeties in our group

Our group...so much fun to be with these families and our guide!

US Consulate...here we come!

A birthday present from friends...a new mirror and comb.

What a pretty birthday cake...pink and Hello Kitty. Perfect!

She had lots of help decorating the cake with candles.

Look at the joy on her face after blowing out her candles!