I Am Your Daughter.

Ahhh....it's late. It's about 11:30, and my house is quiet. Well, all except for the clock ticking, the girls' lullaby music playing softly, and Linny's playlist from her blog, as I type. Today wasn't a particularly stressful day. It wasn't particularly tiring. It wasn't specifically reflective. But, as I settled into bed with Tony, I couldn't shut my mind off. I just couldn't relax and sleep. Do you ever have those nights?

Honestly, I used to have more of these kind of nights before the girls came home. I would lie awake and dream about what life would be like as a mother. And before that, I would lie awake and wonder what it would be like to be a wife...Tony's wife. All wonderfully blissful things came to mind. But with that bliss brought insomnia. I never was one to drift off with dreams of sugarplums. If I think about the joy going on in my life (or life to come) I get a good dose of adrenaline...and I always turn to writing. Well, these experiences are fewer and fewer now. No, not because I'm not experiencing joy...trust me, my cup runneth over. It's just that after a long day at work, and time with the girls at night, I fall into bed exhausted. I haven't needed the sandman for a long time!

So where does that leave me? In the living room...typing. Talking to you. And to God. And to myself. Heheh.

It has been a long time since I've simply taken a few moments to relish in God's grace on my life. On me. Now, Tony and I try our best to update the blog with weekly quips and hilarity the girls impress us with, but it has been a while since I've gotten truly emotional. (For those of you who know me, you know I am one emotional chickadee!) Well, I've had this post building for a while...so humor me.

The girls had a great day today. They had ZERO time outs at our good friend, and their sitter, Theresa's house. She said they were good all day! When I picked them up, it was like seeing them recharged my batteries. (Now, mind you, there are nights that I'm too exhausted to enjoy them...it's not always sunshine and roses.) I mean it. We had a great talk on the way home about the clouds, their Baba, airplanes, China, dinner, birds, the semi-truck next to us, etc. And the rest of the night continued so well. We did beauty shop, played, read, sang, danced, bathed, they ate dinner well, and went to bed without a fuss.

But I had a moment with them. You know that moment. It's that one minute of time you wish you could freeze forever in your mind. I had both girls curled up in my lap while we were sitting on the floor. They said they were both babies and wanted to suck their thumbs. Well, this game made them giggle hysterically when I would tell them they weren't babies and would try to pull their thumbs out. They both were so carefree and just joyous.

After a particularly funny episode of this game, they both settled down and looked at me. I told them that they would always be my babies. I would love them forever. Abby looked at me and told me she loved me and kissed my arm. This prompted Laney to do the same. (Which is big, because Laney is becoming so affectionate too! I love it!) Then Abby said, " I am your daughter." (We've been working on this because she used to ask if she were my mama, like I was hers.) And I said, "Yes, Abby. You are my daughter, and I am your Mama." She snuggled in deeper and said, "Baba is my daddy and Mei-Mei is my sister." I agreed with her and she seemed just perfectly content. Of course Laney had to confirm it all, just to be sure, that she, too, was my daughter. Seriously, it was pure bliss.

Did you see it? Look again. It all comes down to that end mark. The punctuation after Abby's comment. It's a period. Not a question mark. Seriously, look again. "I am your daughter." She said it as a statement of fact. It wasn't a question in her mind at all. She has been declaring this for several days. Many times a day she will smile at me, or Tony, and say, "I am your daughter." Yes, my love. You are my daughter. How powerful that period is!!!!

And so, as I sit here in tears relishing in the perfect evening we had tonight, I think once again of God's grace. How in the world am I worthy of a God who heals, refreshes, forgives, challenges, grants, loves, adores, showers, raises, praises, saves, seeks, teaches, scolds, blesses us? It's by his grace. His blood. Without this, I would not be able to snuggle deep in His arms and say those same, innocent, powerful words that my Abby said.

"I am your daughter."

Wow. I am so thankful to be a part of God's family. I am so thankful that He deemed Tony and me worthy enough to raise two of His beautiful creations. Thankful doesn't describe the joy, the ache, the adrenaline I feel when I say those words...I am your daughter.

I am your daughter.

Polyphenols?

So, have you seen the Welch's grape juice commerical with Alton Brown (the Food Network guy)? Apparently Laney has seen it too.

We were watching TV while eating lunch. The commercial came on. When Laney saw/heard the commercial she immediately said "phenols". About one second later Alton Brown made a statement about the juice having Polyphenols in it. WOW! (I looked up Polyphenols on Wikipedia - they may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer if you were wondering.)

I guess when you think they are not paying attention, they really are...Polyphenols of all things??

P.S. - thank you for all of your comments on our last post RE: things you are thankful for...

Drink your Welch's.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for so much...and I'm emotional today, so it's best if I don't post a long one...

How about, instead, YOU tell US what you're thankful for by leaving a comment! YES, even you lurkers. Even those of you who NEVER EVER EVER leave a comment. Uh huh, I'm looking at you!

I just want to praise God for all of YOUR joys today. So, yep, it's all about you.

Ahem, now's the time to comment. Go ahead, click it...COMMENT!

Learning about God...

After church Saturday night, the girls came upstairs and we were in the foyer talking. Their teacher (and our good friend) Jerry came up and was talking to us. He told us the girls were learning about the 10 commandments. We were impressed when he asked them, "Girls, how many Gods are there?" They chimed, "ONE!" YAY!

THEN he asked, "Where does God live?" Laney piped up and said, "DOWNSTAIRS!" HAHAHAH! Makes total sense to me! I mean, that's where they learn all about God! But, yes, we had a chat with them about God and Heaven and how he's with us wherever we go.

Is it just me, or are these girls too smart for their own good?!?!?

Thankful Thursday

A friend of mine posted this on her blog. She said someone put it on a Yahoo group she belongs to. Wow. Talk about a gut check.

Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice when He could do something about it. But I'm afraid God might ask me the same question.

Today I am SO thankful I serve a powerful God that is big enough to listen to my questions, but gentle enough to remind me of my part.

What a mighty God we serve!!!!

WOAH

OK, the following photos could NOT wait until Fun Foto Friday, or Wordless Wednesday. Take a look...

WHAT IS THAT?

WHO CARES, LOOK AT THAT PURE JOY ON THEIR FACES!

I know that a couple of you already know what the pictures above involve, but can any of the rest of you figure out what in the world is going on? It's SHAVING CREAM!

Here's where you come in. Can you come up with a good caption for the first picture? Leave a comment with your most creative captiion! The winner gets a lot of praise, a healthy pat on the back (virtual or in person), and a link to your blog (if you have one)!

Thankful Thursday...on Wednesday night

This post is from Abby (top) and Laney (bottom).

Hi friends! We are thankful for great birthday gifts from friends (Chris, Sarah, Amaya, Paige, and Jaxon). We finally convinced Baba to put our "little white house" together. Now, if they would just trust us with markers to PAINT it!

P.S. I know my picture looks silly, but Mama said to say, "CHEEEESE" and really smile. So I did. Thanks for understanding, Abby.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is easy as pie for me this week. But it's gonna be looonnng!

• I'm thankful I married a man who loves God and wants to do his best for Him.
• I'm thankful I married a man who loves his children with every ounce of his being and would go the ends of the earth (or China) for them.
• I'm thankful I married a man who knows his heart (and our HOME) are big enough to love on kiddos that need a Mommy and Daddy.
• I'm thankful I have two precious daughters that teach me way more than I could ever teach them.
• I'm thankful for family and friends who support us (or me) when we come up with off-the-wall ideas.
• I'm thankful for a mom and a dad that raised me to be who I am.
  
• I'm thankful I have a job.
• I'm thankful God blessed people with the gift of medicine. We have needed those people lately.
• I'm thankful for a church that knows it's time to challenge us to BE the love of Jesus. (Wow, read the daily verse to the left!)
  
• I'm thankful that I have a workout buddy, Beth. I'm especially praying for her right now.
• I'm thankful for a group of friends in our homegroup. They challenge, pray for, and encourage me.
• I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and the word of God in my heart.
  
• I'm thankful for bloggy friends near and far.
• I'm thankful that it's almost Friday!!
• I'm thankful for the snow. I'm thankful for the rain. I'm thankful for the sun.
• I'm just thankful.
  

(Thanks for the reminder, Sarah!)

Making a house a home!

OK, if you didn't read the last post, scroll down and read it! Read it especially if you need a good laugh!

But now, I want to post something especially sweet that the girls say. I mean sweet to the point I want to cry. (NO comments how I cry at everything, thank you!)

When we come home, we drive past the front of our house to go around and park in the garage. Every time we get close to home, the girls will say, "There is our home!" I will say, "Yes, it's our house!" They BOTH immediately say, "It's not a house! It's our HOME!"

I choose to believe that they are passionate about calling it our home because it's the safest, loving place to be. And every time they say it, it warms my heart.

Yes, girls. It's our home.

We're so thankful God blessed us with a home that has space for kids. Does your home have space? Wouldn't it be awesome to have a kiddo change YOUR regular old house into a home? Adoption is a great way to make that happen! So many kids just want a place to call home, and a family to love them. You just might have THE house they need! This might just sound like an adoption plug, but trust me, my friends. I NEVER EVER want just a plain old house again. I'll take a home any time!

P.S. We treasure our home because it's the first place the girls ever had a family in. Friends of ours, Linny and Dw recently lost their special log cabin to a fire. They are an adoptive family and are willing to be mommy and daddy to others (because 10 isn't enough!!! HEHEH). If you want to help, click the button to the left. We all need a place to call home. If you want to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged by them, just read their blog.

Out of the mouths of babes...

So, today, while Tony was pumping gas, Laney asked me to watch her make fishy faces. I giggled and told her they were adorable. Then she asked me to make one AND pretend I was swimming. So, buckled in the front seat, I did my best impression of a swimming fish. (STOP that laughing!) She then giggled, so I told her it was her turn again. She complied, including the swimming part. This is where the conversation about KILLED me. I mean it.

Laney: I'm swimming, but I don't have a tail like fish do.

Me: No, people don't have tails.

Laney: Hmm, well, Baba does...(wait for it, wait for it) in the front!!!

Me: Bwahhahahahahahahha!!!

Seriously, tears were STREAMING down my face. Tony could hear me laughing outside the Jeep. I could barely contain myself to retell the story! Heck, I can barely contain myself now, but I have to because the girls are sleeping. Seriously, aside from her astute observations, isn't she just so stinkin' smart?

These girls are hysterical. And the more I laugh, the more calories I burn. OK girls, tomorrow make me laugh about 1,000 times to burn off all the wings I ate tonight!

I love you girls!

Are you kidding me?

Yeah, so I have another wonderful snow day at home and the girls have been great. (Orginally, I said they were "angels" and was sarcsastic. Well, honestly, they have been good. I'm just a crabby mama and not feeling well) I'm sitting here thinking, what educational and fun activity could I work on with them? At this point, Abby yells, "I can't get out!" I look over and she has wedged herself into a little purple plastic basket. (I know a pic would be better, but our computer has recently been wiped out and I don't know if the program to upload the pics is still on the computer).

SOOO, the first valuable educational lesson the girls received today was...when your butt is stuck in a little plastic basket, just roll to your side and you can get out. Quality. My girls are destined to be geniuses!

This is kind of a dark picture, but the girls are working hard on their thank you notes from their birthday party. Laney perfected her simple, one line signature, while Abby perfected her doctor signature. If you didn't get a thank you card, I'm blaming the mail system!

Have you ever seen the Christmas Movie called "A Christmas Story"? Well, everyone who knows me, knows I LOVE that movie. I watch it about 20 times a season. Anyway, one of the kiddos (Randy) on that show gets bundled up to go to school. It takes place in Indiana so it's quite chilly. Anyway, his mom gets him all dressed for school and just as she finishes wrapping him up, he says he has to go to the bathroom (and that he can't put his arms down). Well, here my girls are giving their best impression of Randy. For the record, last year they screamed bloody murder when we put them down in the snow. This year, we can't get them to come back inside!

The girls and I shared a first together. We played Candyland together for the very first time. Monopoly was more my speed as a kid-hehe No really, it was my first time ever playing Candyland. Baba had to teach all of us! They know their colors, so that wasn't the issue. The issue was they thought they could put their little gingerbread man on ANY red, blue, purple, etc. It was a long game, but Abby won! It was also the first time Laney expressed that she was totally displeased with Abby winning, Usually, when we play a game that someone wins, they are cool with losing and just want to play again to see if they can win next time. Not after THIS game though. Laney kept saying, "But, I WANT TO WIN!" We had our first little chat about winning and losing, Which, was hard. Because I don't like to lose either. EVER. I'm uber competitive. So, Laney, my girl, we'll have to learn this lesson together.

Who doesn't love a giveaway?

Especially when it does so much good!!

Check it out!!!!

You can click the link above, or the button on our sidebar!

Fun Foto Friday

I agree with Sarah, that with the craziness of this week...sometimes we just need cuteness to make you smile.

This is one I dug up from our days in China. We were in Guangzhou and the girls were wiped out. We actually have this as our desktop wallpaper on our home computer too. It's just TOO cute :) I love it! Can you tell which twin is which?




As a side note, Linny and Dw (blogger friends of ours) are dealing with the phrase, "When it rains, ir pours." First, their loving log home catches fire. Then, their son Graham has to have emergency surgery (he's ok!). Now, Dw has the flu. AND, this has all taken place since Wednesday. You can follow their story here, but be sure to praise Jesus for their safey and pray for their strength and sanity along the way!

PLEASE PRAY

Please pray for good friends of ours (we've never met them, just formed a friendship online). Linny and Dw have experienced a devastating fire today and need our prayers.

You can check their blog for updates.

Praise God they're all safe!!!!

Christmas, Birthday and More...

Hello. Thanks for checking in to see what is happening. We haven't posted anything too substantial in some time. The little stinkers keep us more than busy when they are awake. When they are sleeping we try to do the same (and clean, pay bills, etc...).

This year Christmas was fun with the girls. Last year they were only home less than one month when we celebrated Christmas. They did not quite get the gift thing yet. This year they understood that they would be getting presents. When asked what they wanted for Christmas they would say "pink presents" or "green presents" for example. They also wanted "Happy Birthday Jesus cake" (it was Jesus' birthday after all). They would have been happy with some empty boxes, balloons and Happy Birthday Jesus Cake. What they received (and we're not complaining) is more stuff than we, or they, could imagine. They received dolls, pretend guitars, digital cameras, books, play food, clothes and more. Thank you to everyone.


Ironically, one morning after Christmas (I was lucky enough to be able to take some time off) I let Rett sleep in and I fed the girls, bathed them and got them dressed. After I got them dressed I asked them if they wanted to go play. Laney immediately said "YES! I want to play hangers". I was a bit puzzled. She then picked up a plastic clothes hanger off the floor and then proceeded to the closet and pulled another clothes hanger out. She handed one to Abby and they headed for the living room. They then proceeded to spend the morning playing with two plastic clothes hangers. They had more toys that they could image and hangers were the toy of choice. It was hilarious.


After Christmas we took our 2nd annual trek to Indy to attend the Indy Auto Show and to do some shopping at Circle Center Mall, Target and etc... Last year when we to the event and we said it was their first American cultural experience :) In addition, last year when we went we first stopped at Babies R Us and purchased a double stroller. It makes us sad because we realized this year that they are quickly out-growing the stroller. The year flew by.


As you may be aware, the girls also have a birthday a week after Christmas. Last year we celebrated their 2nd birthday with just a few family members because they were only home for about a month and 3 days. This year we decided to throw them a party.


They had experienced a birthday party or two over the past few months. They soon began asking when they would get Happy Birthday cake? We kept telling them January 2nd (and January 3rd, the date of their party). They could not wait. Again, they appreciated the gifts, but on their birthday all they really wanted was Happy Birthday cake. We purchased them a small chocolate cake. They ate almost all of it on their own. We then went out for lunch and let them choose what they wanted. We ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings and they had exactly what they requested, chicken and fries (mostly fries).

The Happy Birthday Cake they ate on their birthday.


After their lunch of fries and chicken, we thought we would introduce them to more American culture, bowling. They loved it. At first, they could not get the balls to roll all the way down the lane. At one point we had two stalled balls and the bowling dude had to come save the day. He then gave us a ramp for them to use to launch the balls down the lane. That is when the embarrassment began. Let's just say that we did not exceed Abby's 115 and Laney's 114 score...even using the bumpers like they did.

Roll the ball then RUN back to see how many pins they knocked down. After their success (including many spares and strikes) there were high-fives all around. (Laney Pictured)

Another strategic send-off... (Abby Pictured)

The next day was the long awaited birthday party. We held it in the church's youth center. The colorful youth center quickly became overshadowed with PINK! Pink balloons, tablecloths, cup cakes, plates, plastic ware, napkins, and a custom pink cakes created by Rett for the girls. The girls had a great time. Friends and family all attended. They received many great gifts which they love AND received more of their requested item, Happy Birthday cake!!

Their custom cakes created by Rett...can you tell she has been watching Ace of Cakes on the Food Network? Maybe we can move to Baltimore and she can work for Duff...?

Pink and more pink...

and more pink...

and more PINK and PINK cake...

With all of that said, there are tons of things I am leaving out. All the cute things they say (like Laney calling the refriderator the "frigilator" or Abby's new way to communicate with you using her fingers like little moving whiskers when she has something important to say to you and more...).

Per a previous post, months ago, we converted their baby beds to toddler beds. All has been well up until the past few nights. All of a sudden they realized "hey, we can get out of these things!". Let's just say we are having new parental challenges. Just this evening Abby was out of bed because she felt she needed to do some coloring on her magna-doodle. Again, now you understand why the insightful posts have been few and far between. Enjoy the pictures and please let us know you stopped in by leaving a comment. Have a good week!

Funny on Friday

OK, I'd LOVE to do FOTO Friday, but I'm at school and no access to cute pictures. (Besides, we're WAY behind...we'll be showing you Christmas and birthday pictures on Valentine's Day at this rate!) So, instead I thought I'd do a Funny on Friday...

Last night, Tony gave the girls each a couple of peanuts to eat. They loved them and wanted more. So Laney said, "May I have some more pea corns Baba?" Pea corns? Ohhhh a cute combo of peanuts and popcorn! Heheheheh.

And Abby, last night, just kept wanting to play and play. She said to me at one point, "Tickle me, Mama!" So as I dove in to tickle her, she immediately yelled, "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Hehehe. Well, what do you want baby? To tickle, or not to tickle...that is the question!

Just thought I'd share!

Thankful Thursday

Ok, THANK the LORD Sarah posted on her blog about being thankful and not complaining. I needed to read that! It was like the Holy Spirit was tapping me on the shoulder (and by tapping me on the shoulder, I mean pounding me on the head).

I have been in a slump lately. Don't get me wrongI have so LITTLE to complain about. We had about the best Christmas and holiday break ever! I felt blessed beyond measure. My time was so precious with my family. I treasured every second...honestly! But in my "other life", my work life, I have been struggling. And really, it has a lot to do with how great my "real life" is. I miss my real life when I'm at work! I won't go into detail. but this year has been choc full of changes. And, if you know me, I like change just about as much as a going to the dentist. So add that to feeling like I'm missing tons of growing up time with my girls, and I've been one big, fat, Eeyore!

SOOOO, I need to just start opening my mouth a little wider (Sarah DID say I was loud!) and start praising Jesus for the opportunities He has blessed me with. I have a great job. Heck, who cares if it isn't great? During these tough economic times, I should praise Him if I have a rotten job...any job! Thank you Lord, for blessing me with a wonderful husband, children, family, friends, and job. I live to serve and praise You and I will do a better job at it!

P.S. I am also VERY VERY thankful for the beautiful bracelet that a new, dear friend Linny brought me back from Uganda. It is gorgeous and it will remind me to pray for her family, and for all those strong, beautiful, smart, loving orphans in Africa.

Just so you know...

1. We are still alive.

2. We have NOT gone on blogger strike.

2. We had about the best Christmas and holiday break EVER!

3. The girls are now three :(

4. I'm on a snow day...just one more little gift from God!

5. We WILL be blogging again soon. Like maybe tonight, soon.

6. We appreciate you faithful readers! We'll be back!

Six-word Wednesday

Rock-and-Roll!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Two More Days!

Only TWO more days until Happy Birthday Jesus!!!! Abby is SOOO very excited. But, not for Santa. Nope, not for presents. And no, not even for yummy holiday food. She's pumped because she gets "Happy Birthday Jesus cake." She has been asking for His cake for days now!

I'm just giddy. For the first time since childhood, I have that twinkling, fluttery feeling inside. Every Christmas is special. Last year was super special because it was with my girls for the first time. But this year is different. Abby and Laney get it. They get the idea behind it. Yeah, yeah, Santa and all that jazz...but Jesus' story too. At least they get it at a two (soon-to-be-three) year old level. It has been such fun!

Next year might be downright perfect though, when some family that is out of town returns. We'll all be together and we will all be TOTALLY be pumped. :) We miss them terribly.

Don't forget to celebrate Jesus' birthday. This holiday is, afterall, all about Him! Hug your family tight and thank Jesus for them. And don't forget to pray for those who have nothing to celebrate. They might not have family (nearby) or the money to celebrate. Or they might not know the love of our God (yet). Pray for those kiddos who won't let themselves get excited because they are expecting disappointment. Pray for those kiddos who do not have families to call their own. Especially for those kiddos. Christmas is just another day on the calendar for them. Nothing special. Please pray for them. Thank you for being faithful!

OK, ok, I'm super emotional right now, can you tell??? We'll post again after our fun celebrations. I just wanted to take a minute to pop on here and with you the merriest of Christmases!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS

and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful that one of my kiddos has had this flu/virus thingy. OK, not exactly THANKFUL, but glad I got to be the one to take care of her.

Laney started out Tuesday night not eating dinner. Um, hello? Something has to be wrong, my Mama's intuition told me. Then, Tony pulled her on his lap whereupon her lunch made it's first reappearance. Mama's intuition kept going off saying, "Nope, this isn't the last we've seen of beef and noodles." Heheh. She got sick a few more times that evening, but then was just sluggish.

The reason I'm thankful is because Laney is our little independent one. From day one, she's kind of kept us at arm's length. Now mind you, she's randomly told us a thousand times that she loves us and hugs all over us, etc. She even told me she really missed me after spending their first night at Mimi's house. Just what a Mama wants to hear! But when she is sick or stubborn, she seems kind of aloof. (My mom says she has an old soul that can see right through you...I agree!) Well, on Tuesday night, after the third clothing change, she crawled up in my lap to snuggle. It was downright lovely. We watched Charlie Brown and just enjoyed each other.

Fortunately, we had a snow, or rather ice day, on Wednesday so I got to stay home with both cuties all day. It was great. They were both in good moods and we played and played. When they asked if they had to go to the sitter and I said no, Abby said, "We stay here with you, Mama?" and I said yes. Laney said, "That makes me happy." Awwww, melt this mother's heart! Heheh, then Abby added, "It makes me happy too!!!!" Not to be left out!

Now, I'm NOT so thankful that now Tony has this same bug. He was sick all night last night so it was all me getting the girls ready to go to the sitter today. We have five minutes till we absolutely had to be out the door and Laney started complaining about her tummy again. After many tears and no evidence of her tummy hurting, this Mama had to go to work. My mother-in-law (a.k.a. savior today) came and took over for a bit before heading to work. I feel bad...maybe Laney just wanted to stay home together again. I wish I could have. I was a bit snappy with her because of the time and situation. Looking back, she was probably just trying to get us to stay home. Bummer. I wish I could have.

Only one more day girls. Mama has only one more day at school then TWO WEEKS we get to spend together!

I'm excited. I miss them when I'm not with them. NOT that they don't drive me nuts, but that's their job right? To just be two smart, beautiful, ornery kids. Oh Father in heaven, I am SO thankful for them.

Finally, I'm thankful I'm from a family and set of friends that pray for us. Please pray that Tony gets well (he went to work late b/c he had MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR meetings today he had to be at...ugh) and that Abby and I avoid this bug. I see a major Lysol coating coming!

Gonna Get Real

I'm tired of some people thinking I'm just another person with a "passion" that they'll humor listening to for a while. I'm tired of some people thinking that yes, my girls were orphans at one point, but that now they're not so we should move on. I'm tired of some people thinking that this orphan business doesn't affect their lives, so why should it matter? I'm tired of some people thinking I'll get bored with this and move on to something else. I'm tired of some people thinking they'd rather donate money to buy a child locally a toy, instead of donating blankets in Russia, or a heart surgery to save a life. Who said it was an either/or question? Why not do both? A child is a child. They all need us.

And bigger than that, we need them. We need them to know the love of God. A God so huge he cares enough orchestrate events to help us with employment. A God so huge he cares enough to pave the way for for a future surgeon to help heal an ailing loved one. A God huge enough to unite families that lived on two separate continents and several oceans apart. This is MY God. This is YOUR God. Aren't we blessed?

I'm SO blessed that I try do what God says. I try to be a good child. Am I perfect? No. Do I stumble? Yes. Fortunately my God loves me unconditionally and picks me up each time. He knows I try. One way I try is by following his instructions. James 1:27 says, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. I can do that. I can't do much, but I CAN look after orphans. It doesn't mean adopt every child (though I would if He told me to!), it just means be faithful by them. As a friend of mine Linny typed, "Till my last breath" I want to know I have done all I can for those children that are the face of MY children.

I'm tired of a lot...but I'm thankful for a lot too. I'm thankful for the beatiful family God raised me in and blessed me with. I am thankful for the Godly man I am married to. I'm thankful for his Godly family as well. I'm thankful for my perfect children that not only God created in His image, but that He loaned them to me! I'm thankful for a loving and supportive family who understands the needs out there and are willing to follow me (or my blog) to the ends of the earth while I try to do what I can. I'm thankful for friends who listen to my endless hopes, dreams, and wishes and challenge me to try. I am just so stinkin' thankful.

Regarding God's command...it's hard to wrap our minds around that ridiculous number of 143,000,000 orphans that there are worldwide. Here's a YouTube video to watch to help us get a handle on it. It's time my friends, to get real.

HO HO HO-LY COW!

Baby steps. That's how my girls work. Baby steps.

Last year, we had been a family for a mere month and we thought we knew it all. We hadn't planned on forcing the girls to meet Santa last year but thought, well, it might be worth a try. We dressed the girls all cute-like (red and green and all that jazz) and headed to the mall. Lo and behold, the big guy was there. He sat upon his velvet throne so mighty and cheerful. We thought, yeah, we can do this. I mean, there wasn't one screaming and crying kid in a two mile radius! He had NO ONE in line! It was surely meant to be!

OK, so we stepped closer, and closer, and closer. One step too far and Laney violently shook her head no. I'm pretty sure the little voice in her head was shouting in Mandarin, "BOO YAH!" (This is the phrase our guide in Ch*na told us to say to get the vendors to take us seriously and leave us alone) Ok, ok, so we didn't push our luck. Santa was nice enough to come over to the little fence and give our girls high fives. They were cool with that. Santa was neat...as long as he is inside that fence. (Kinda like we view tigers)

Fast forward to this year. This has been the best Christmas ever! (If you don't count the year I got my 10-speed bike). The girls have been such fun. They GET it! They understand the concept of Santa, the reindeer, the presents, etc. Well, as much as a near three year old can understand.

So this year, we have been building it up. We started talking early on about sitting on Santa's lap and telling him what you want. Sweet Abby just kept saying, "No, I can't like Santa!" She meant that she doesn't like Santa. No chance her cute little hiney was touchin' his soft red pants. Laney just sat the fence. One time she said she'd be brave and sit there, and another time she'd say "NO WAY" (The 2008 verson of Boo Yah)

Well, we got up bright and early on Saturday morning and got the girls ready in their red and green gear. They opted for lunch first, but I think they were stalling. So we ate and then headed to the mall. Third in line!!! Can you believe our luck? Santa just got back from lunch (carrying a slurpee nonetheless) so we were early in the "we're skipping our nap for this" frenzy. Life was good. The girls were good. They thought Santa looked neat. Awesome!

One family done. Only one more between us and Santa. (Holy cow I'm channeling Ralphie on Christmas Story) Well, we stepped up to the same metal fence from the year before and anticipation built. I was settling last minute picture package details (I KNOW--20 bucks for WHAT? Memories? Oh, yeah. I forgot) when all of a sudden an adorable little child started to cry somewhere. What? That's MY adorable little child? My brave little Laney started sobbing at my feet. No time for tears sister! We're NEXT! Dry it up! :)

We trucked past that little gate with two girls crying and saying, "NO SANTA!" Thank the Lord Santa was as sweet and patient as the stories make him out to be. He immediately pulled out two coloring books and talked so sweetly. The girls immediately calmed down. While a line of tired parents and impatient children began to grow, we tried to convince the girls to sit on this nice stranger's lap. The young perky photo girls immediatly piped up and said they had some stools the girls could sit on so they coulld be "near" Santa without sitting on his lap. We all happily agreed.

This, my friends is our best shot.

So, we're making strides. Last year, high fives outside the fence. This year, inside the fence and on stools near Santa. Who knows, maybe by next year the girls will text Santa while sitting right there on his lap!

Memories, my family, memories. I wouldn't trade one second of that experience!

Yay God!

Ok, a great new blogger friend Linny (and her family) just got approval to bring their two newest cuties home from Uganda!!!!!!! YAY GOD! You will SO want to check out their story! They are living, breathing testimonies of God's word!

You'll be home soon Elisabeth and Elijah!

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Ok friends and family...do you think Laney and Abby are ready for a sister or brother? How about from Africa? (Yes, I just gave Tony another gray hair!)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Here is a photo from last year's Thanksgiving (in Nanchang City, China) and from last week. They sure have grown!! Stay tuned for a final post on the myadoptionwebsite blog. Thanks for stopping in...

Thankful Thursday

Family Day - The girls with their Family Day cake and presents in the pink boxes

Hello everyone. Thanks for stopping in again. As we continue our one year anniversary of meeting the girls, we thought we would share a recent photo or two of the girls. We are continually amazed at how much they have changed since we met them and how much they have learned. It is still hard to believe we were in China one year ago at this time. We watched our videos from the trip with our parents Sunday and on Family Day we watched the DVD with the girls Michele sent us of the trip (THANKS MICHELE!). We also feasted on KFC on Family Day....you are probably wondering why KFC aren't you? Well, KFC is what we ate after we met the girls on Family Day 2007. Mary (our guide) and Michele ran into KFC for us on our way back from the Civil Affairs Office after meeting the girls. So, the fingerlicking greasy chicken holds a special place in our heart. Enjoy the photos and stay tuned for more Abby and Laney.

The girls opening their gifts - silver necklaces with a little diamond and engraved charms (Initials on the front and "first family day" on the back), note the KFC on the table behind them...

Look at the artwork - it is incredible.

It's here...

OK...I promise I won't get all emotional...I won't get all nostalgic...I won't gush...I won't...I promise...oh, who am I kidding?!

A year ago tomorrow (actually, in Ch*na time it was just a few hours from now) our lives changed forever. We became the parents to two gorgeous, smart, opinionated, challening, joyous, dramatic, lovable, ticklish, perfect daughters. Our labor room was a chilly, wooden-clad room on an upper floor of the Civil Affairs Office in Nanchang, Ch*na. Our doctors were a petite agency guide and the director and assistant director of the girls' SWI. Our videographer and photographer was two wonderful women we met while on this adventure, who would later meet their daughter and niece in that same room.

There were tears, there was a camera rolling, there was rapid-fire Mandrin being spoken where all we could understand was Mama and Baba. Mama and Baba. Our new names. Forever Mama and Baba. The girls did not know it yet, but they were so loved, so prayed for, so wanted. All they knew was when they woke up that morning, it was business as usual...then their world turned upside down.

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We have been enjoying this time of celebration with the girls. Since it is our first anniversary as a family, we wanted it to be special. This weekend, we had both sets of grandparents over and we ate Chinese food and watched our Ch*na videos. It was the first time either set of grandparents had ever seen them. Abby sat riveted to the screen. Laney, chose to play. When I asked her if she remembered Ch*na, she said yes. When I asked her what she remembered, she said, "I don't want to remember." It's ok baby. You don't have to.

Everyone had fun though. We all celebrated and loved on these two little ones till we thought our hearts would burst. Thank our Lord Almighty we had such a good reason to celebrate. We have been so blessed!

Tomorrow just Mama and Baba have some special things planned for the girls. I'm not promising every year will be this elaborate, but we wanted a first anniversary to remember.

Stay tuned because we will be doing a final update to the website we used when we traveled. We will be sure to link it for you as long as you promise to sign the guestbook there. It will be posted in the next week or so.

Ok, I promised not to get too emotional. So I better go. :)

Happy one year family anniversary baby girls! It is a day forever etched in our minds. Thank you God for giving us these girls.


(If you want to read what we posted on this day a year ago, click here.)

One year ago today...

Last night I stood up and stretched. My whole body was tired. As I surveyed the damage in the living room, I started to cry. It was one year ago on November 13 that Tony and I were furiously packing for our biggest adventure yet. The next morning at 4:00 A.M. we would head to the airport to fly to China and become parents. My tears were those of joy and remembrance.

Last year on this very night, our house was spotless. Someone before that day had casually said to take a picture of our clean house now, because it would never be the same. That was the understatement of the year! Last night, there were dolls, and monster trucks, and Magna-Doodles, and other miscellaneous toys strewn about. I had to step carefully to avoid falling over. Yes, we should have picked them up, but why? It was evidence that we had two little gorgeous, smart, funny, dramatic little girls sleeping down the hall.

Last year, we packed what we thought a two year old would want to play with. We packed snacks we hoped they’d eat so they'd never feel hungry. We packed a bottle in case they needed it. We packed blankets to snuggle with and feel secure. We packed clothes to help them feel warm. We packed pajamas with feet to help them feel secure. The invisible things we packed were fears, anticipation, love, expectations, joy, intimidation, passion, God’s security, prayers, and family.

Last night we softly walked down the hall toward the girls’ room. They were both snuggled under their blankets that we chose for them. Tony and I just looked at each other. It seemed so surreal. A year ago, we looked around our house, and specifically, their room to try and visualize what it would be like. We would try to picture these two little bodies in their beds dreaming of wonderful things. Never, in a million years, had we imagined it this good.

A year ago, on the morning of our biggest adventure, our families came to take us to the airport. They had shuffled out the suitcases and Tony and I stood in our kitchen and looked at each other. I said, “You realize that when we walk out that door, we leave as a couple…but we return as a family.” A year later, that family is the most important thing in my life.

Follow the beginning of our story by clicking here. We will definitely post more as our anniversary of Family Day approaches. We have several special things planned for the girls and our family this weekend and next week. We’ll let you in on our joy and celebration!

Buckle up…memory lane tends to get a bit bumpy!

I'm NOT going to reinvent the wheel...

So...please read Sarah's blog. It explains what our church is doing and how you can help!

If you love our girls (and I KNOW YOU DO) then hop over to her blog and see what impact you can make in the life of an orphan!

(Stay tuned...I'll give you an update on how the project is going! Also, soon we'll be celebrating our ONEYEAR ANNIVERSARY as a family...yep, I'm crying already!)

The Great Pumpkin(s) Showed Up!

Our first pumpkins with the girls...ooooh spooky!

For their first ever Halloween they were certainly diggin' it! Every house they approached they said, "Trick or Treat" and when the person gave them candy, the girls looked shocked. They couldn't get over the fact that these people were willing to part with their candy!

They had a full week of sugar-filled fun! We went to our local Safety Village that I work at in the summer early in the week. It was here they were matching kitty cats because those costumes were WARM and it was so COLD outside! Everyone thought they were Hello Kitty...so we just went with that.

Then, on Halloween, they partied at my school, at Gigi and Papaw's, visited Mamaws, Uncle Randy and Aunt Kathy's for the goods, received candy happily at other friends and neighbor's houses, and ended up at our church's Trunk-or-Treat party where we actually managed to steer clear of more candy! They played the kids games and partied like they were 12! We have a huge green basket of candy that's proof of their cuteness! This time, they were gorgeous butterflies complete with sparkly faces and hair!

Life was good with Laney until the top of the pumpkin came off. Then she was all girl and grossed out!
With Abby, the messier the better! She was fascinated with the colors and textures!

We also worked on cutting out our first jack-o-lanterns with the girls. Let's just say Laney was unimpressed. Abby helped scoop and clean out the pumpkins like a champ. Laney had just two words for the whole mess..."It SMELLS!" However, both girls loved the concept and absolutely LOVED the finished product. They look for their pumpkin friends to be lit up each night. Tony moves them around the yard each night. The girls have found them hiding or showing up on the deck, on the railing, on their play set, and other places. Watching their faces when they see their pumpkin friends is worth its weight in pumpkin guts!

A good time was had by all! Now I say, BRING ON THE TURKEY!

Wow.

Ok, you NEED, NEED, NEED to read this blog: The Journey

It is about an amazing young woman who...well...you're just going to have to go and read it. She's simply amazing. And I am WAY humbled by how God is using her. I know it may seem long, but go back to 2007 when she started it. Who am I kidding? You'll read two posts and want to go back just to get the full story.

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IF you do your homework and read this blog (notice I said, IF) then I'll reward you with pictures of the girls' first pumpkin carving experiences and Halloween. Ok, now go and do your assignment!

They grow up TOO fast....

The girls have been talking, talking, singing, and talking some more. Tony and I just giggle/laugh/choke every time they say something new and exciting. Before I forget all of these precious things though, I need to document them. So really, my friends, this post is for them. For their on-line baby blog book of sorts. Some more fun milestones to document. But if it interests you, read on!

• Abby's all-time favorite song is "Five Little Monkeys" and she sings it with such joy and enthusiasm, that one cannot help but sing along, She LOVES the part where the doctor says, "NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED!" and we know she loves it because it is often recited at level 10 volume and with such inflection. It's a riot. That's not even the best part though. The best part is when she says doctor. All you hear is the "ct" part. Ok, say doctor aloud. The "ct" part sounds throaty and German. Like a "kt". Well she gets into it and you hear, "Mama called the "kt-r" and the "kt-r" said...you know the rest. Tony and I were in TEARS the other day at this little Chinese American girl in our backseat emphatically singing this song sounding SO German! If I can figure out how to upload a video, we'll post it. You, too, will laugh.




• Another Abby-ism. The girls both want to take a turn praying before lunch and bedtime. Well, Laney got smart and asks to pray first for lunch. She figures she'll get to eat sometime that same day if she prays first. See, Abby is our little preacher. She's a walking-talking-two-year-old Holy Spirit. She prays...and is SO thankful for everything. Her prayers are about 10 minutes long (ok, I exaggerate, but they're long). At bedtime, she always says, "Thank you Jesus for my bamily (family). Thank you for Doug, Theresa, Evelyn, Carter, Jessica, Jiselle, Mickey Mouse, Tigger, Gigi, Mimi..." You get the picture. Sometimes, even Mama and Baba get remembered! And I say she's a little Holy Spirit because she convicts you if you forget a part of your prayer. When Tony and I pray before or after them, Abby always chastises us if we forget to say thank you for our family. Goodness, that little sweetheart. She is amazing and I pray that she, and Laney, grow up into powerful women of God. God's gotta be thrilled that she's showing us the way already!
  



• How's Laney doing, you might ask? I'll share two Laney-isms. Of course the girls are two, AND sisters so they're bound to argue. Well, when they fight, we have been dealing with a four letter word flying from their mouths. (I KNOW! And I was just talking about how holy they are!) Well, this four letter word is "MINE!" So, Tony and I have been responding, "No, now, mine is an ugly word. We do not use that here. Besides, that toy (doll, etc.) isn't 'mine', it's ours! We share!" Oh that Laney-Mei. She uses that against us at every opportunity. The other day Tony had some candy or something and she reached for it. He said, "No, Laney, that's mine." She immediately responded, "No Baba, it's not mine, it's OURS!" HOW the world can you argue with that?




• She has also been surprising us with some of her newly learned manners. She is getting really good at asking politely for something, or to do something. She will sweetly say "May I sit there?" or "May I help you LaLa?" or "May I have that please?" She especially turns on the charm when it's something she wants and was told she couldn't have. We're in big trouble with that girl. She's two, remember?
  
  


Here's Abby showing off her big girl bed!



• Life in the big girl beds is slowly taking shape. When Tony took off the side of Laney's crib, she yelled, "Oh no! Baba broke the bed!" :) I'll be honest, when we set the cribs up (ok, Tony set them up, I cried) I was really sweating it. Everyone gave us horror stories. Now, mind you, I'm not naive. I know that there will be a time we'll smack ourselves for not leaving them in cribs till they're 20, but for now, it has been great. In the mornings when they wake up, how great is it to just yell, "Good morning! Come in Mama and Baba's bed!" and NOT get up? And bless their hearts. Other than that first night of telling them not to get out of bed without letting us know, we haven't mentioned it. Well, Abby chucked her glow worm out the other day and would NOT get out of bed to get it. So I just told her, no, you threw it out, so it's out. (I didn't remind her that she could get up to get it.) Laney just told her, "La La, Baby Bug is sleeping on the floor tonight!" And tonight, it was too funny because one of them was yelling from their room, "Where is my ribbon blanket?" I told them to look for it, and within a minute we heard in a sing-song voice "Ribbon blanket, where aaaarrrrreeee youuuuu?" Yep, we both laughed aloud. How cute is that?
  
  
  

Laney LOVES the little rails on her bed! Abby's bed style didn't have them. Good thing both beds are low to the ground!


• Tony wanted me to document that Laney is becoming more and more like her Mama. The other day when he was taking them to the sitter (which he does every day--gets them dressed too! THANK YOU LORD, for this man) they pulled up to a stoplight. Well, evidently Laney thought they had waited long enough and yelled, "GO Baba!" He had to explain how he had to wait until the light turned green. Hehe, so she doesn't have the patience of a saint, neither do I!
  
  
• One last thing. The girls are starting to get that they were born in China. Occasionally we'll ask them where they were born and they'll say, "In a airplane. Baba got sick" Heheh. Yeah, well.... :) But recently, when a friend of ours, Patti, had her mom and dad here, the girls really took to them. At church this past weekend, they asked for hugs from the girls because they were going home. I told Abby they had to drive back home to Canada, where they are from. She looked at me funny, so I asked her, where are you from? She said, "China!" YAY! And if you ask Laney where she lives now, she'll say, "In-knee-ana" YAY!
  

Well, that's it for now. We'll have more to post soon because we're slowly approaching the one year anniversary for our Family Day. The day God chose to unite us in China. I am super emotional about it, and about everything tonight, so it's good that I'm not posting about it. I'd be a blubbering fool. I just wanted to get these fun, growing up moments down on paper. :)

Laney has been experimenting with facial expressions lately. Here's one of the common ones we see now. Dang, she's cute even with a little snoot!

Abby came out of the restroom the other day looking like this. Can you see what's a little off in this picture? Yes, yes, the belly is adorable and kissable! However, look closer. She put her jeans on backwards! To some of you, big deal, but in our family, it's a hoot! The girls' Aunt Nae Nae use to do that when she was younger. If she had jeans on that didn't have front pockets, she'd problem solve! Turn those babies around! I immediately had to snap a picture for Renee! Love you Renee!

I have been tagged!

Well, this is my first time of playing "Blogger Tag". I guess we will have to see how I do. I was tagged by JEN, at to list 7 random/weird facts about myself. Oh my, I feel so vulnerable!

1. I LOVE avocados! I would eat them like apples if the outside wasn't so yucky!

2. I know just about every line to the movie, "Pretty Woman"--sad, huh?

3. My underclothes MUST match my outer clothes! :)

4. I would secretly love to be a speaker at conferences. About what? Not sure, so guess that won't work!

5. My alarm is set for 5:15, but I don't get up until 6:30 (or whenever the girls get me up) and I STILL run late!

6. I'm ultra competitive and spoiled, therefore I cheat. I cheat at checkers, Monopoly, and whatever game I'm challenged in. Anyone up for some UNO?

7. I am obsessed with my daughters looking nice! No, I mean it. I need therapy, I swear!

Ok, there they are. Seven revealing facts about yours truly! Now, my goal is to get Tony to do this too.

So now I must tag 7 others..............

Sarah-Are We There Yet?
April-Miles and Miles to Mylei
Beth-Not of This World
Robin-Journey to Lyra
Vickie-Expanding our Family
Mary Mia-Salsa in China
Melissa-It's All About Caitlyn

Ok, my friends...TAG! YOU'RE IT!

My little cuties

Ok, I took some adorable pics of the girls enjoying some popsicles a few days ago, but those can be saved for chilly day in December. We have some way better pics to share.

We are lucky enough to have traveled to China with several wonderful families We have stayed in contact with several of them and really treasure their friendships. One family, Scott and Tina Ferrell were traveling to bring home their second daughter when we went to China! It was so nice to have their expertise in Guangzhou. They hooked us up with a laundry service, and they showed us the path to the cheap, wait, affordable squeaky shoes!

More than that, they've been available to listen to our questions, and rejoice in our victories. Well, their greatness doesn't end there. They also just happen to be phenomenal photogs! Since they were traveling to Indy (from Ohio) to do several other photo shoots, they offered to stop by and snap some pics of the girls and catch up. The slide show you see below are those pics. Some are posed, some are just spur-of-the-moment shots. Honestly, I love them. If I didn't, you'd never see them. I usually hate myself in pics, but there's just something about being in a picture with my family. My girls. My husband. It helps ease the self-loathing.

So, thank you Scott and Tina! We had big fun playing at the park with you. We need to do it more often! Want to see their other work? Check out: http://capturedmemoriesphotography.zenfolio.com/

(To the family---you WILL get copies!!! Relax!!!)

If it doesn't load, click "View all pictures" you'll see them there.

D.C., Angels, Jeff Gordon and Post Placement...

Hello! We're sorry for the long delay between posts. The little twinsters have kept us more than busy. When Rett posted the last time we were in our nation's capitol. Here is the story.


A few weeks ago I received a call from our Congressman's office. The gentleman on the line said that Congressman Pence had nominated us to be recognized as Angels in Adoption through the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. As a result, we were invited to D.C. to attend a series of events and be recognized as Angels in Adoption along with about 179 others from across the United States. Since we had about a week or two to plan for the trip we spent a ton of time on the web researching flights, hotels and etc... We finally decided to drive (the Jeep got an impressive 22 mpg, not bad for an "evil gas guzzler" SUV) and stay over on the way there and way back.


We made the trek there and we stayed at the Hyatt on Capitol Hill per a recommendation from Debbie in the Congressman's office. It was a perfect place to stay. We could see Union Station from our hotel and when we walked out the front door we could see the Capitol Building. This was convenient because all of our events took place in the general area (and Union Station had plenty of shopping and food all within walking distance).


We arrived on Sunday and walked around the area and ate at Union Station. On Monday we took an open air double decker bus tour. We were able to see all the sights in a very convenient way. On Monday afternoon we learned that there was a change in venue for the Monday evening event that we had planned to attend. Unfortunately, due to the change, we could not bring the girls. But it all worked out for the best. Our good friends Tony and Treva took a train in to D.C. from Baltimore to have dinner with us. We had a great time and we appreciate them taking the time to do this.
On the bus getting ready for the tour.
On Tuesday we took a cab to the Hart Senate Office Building where the main event was held where all of the Angels were to receive their certificate and pin. This too ended up being changed to another location, luckily to the Russel Senate Office Building next door. As a result, we were able to cruise around two Senate office buildings (and the tunnels below them). The event was fun and the girls were very well behaved.

After the Angels Ceremony

After the event we ventured out to go to Congressman Pence's Office. The Congressman's office offered to take us on a tour of the Capitol Building and Congressman Pence was going to meet us at the Capitol Building for some photos. When we arrived at his office we met another couple from our hometown! Imagine that. They were going to be on the same tour. When we arrived in the Congressman's office the girls took over (see photos). But don't worry, they didn't use the red phone on his desk. The girls posing in front of Congressman Mike Pence's desk while Abby wonders what she can get into next...

Counting the starts on the Congressman's rug...

The tour of the Capitol Building was great. It was nice having a personal tour with just two other families. We met the Congressman on the steps of the Capitol for photos. Once inside he took us on part of the tour. Cool stuff!! We were able to sit in the gallery of the House chambers and watch the debate on the proposed offshore drilling bill. We were able to see and learn many unique things about the Capitol.



On the way out we had a brush with a celebrity, sort of... Everyone was very nice and held doors for us since we were pushing a double stroller with sleeping twins. As we exited the Capitol some nice people held the door for us. When we arrived at the bottom of the ramp, Ryan, the Congressman's staffer, asked if we saw who held the door open for us? We said no, we were trying to get the girls maneuvered out the door. He informed us that Jeff Gordon (the driver of the #24 Dupont Chevrolet) held the door open for us! I hopped on a nascar website later and there was a story about Gordon being at the Capitol Building that same day...it was Jeff Gordon.



The trip was great and the recognition was an honor! Thank you Congressman Pence. Although the girls may not remember the trip, we took tons of pictures and we will tell them about the royal treatment they received when they get older.



Shifting gears...we have some other exciting news. Last Friday we went to Indy to our home study agency. We met with them so they could complete our final post placement report. It is due on the date we met the girls so we had to meet now so the report could be generated, translated and sent to China. It is hard to believe it has almost been a year with the girls!



Below are some photos of our trip. Enjoy. We promise to provide the next update in a more timely manner. Thanks for stopping in...

The girls wondering what the big deal is...a bunch of old buildings?

The trip is fun, but we like the simple things in life like a good book.

White House? NO WAY. GO PINK!

Dear Readers,

Mama and Baba asked us to pop on here and let you know that we're all still living. Well, duh Baba! They said something about life being very busy and so that's why they have been lazy, wait, they didn't say lazy, they said distracted and haven't blogged. We do have to admit that we have been keeping them on their toes. We're spotting new things to get into daily, and we aren't exactly the best listeners when they tell us "No." We have also let them in on our little secret...we can talk...um, lots. We are chatting so much it wears their ears out, they say. So, I guess that's why they haven't blogged. They fall asleep minutes after they think we have!

Right now we're in this place called Washington, D.C. Baba is not feeling too well, but he sure is happy to be here. He said something about it being special to us, now that we're Americans. Mama parked our stroller on this side walk in front of a building called "The Capitol" and Baba took a picture. I'm sure when they post you'll see how excited WE are to be here. All I know is they promised us a vacation and all we have gotten to do is ride in a car! We learned really fast how to get them to let us out of the car though. We took turns yelling, "Mama! My tummy hurts!" or "Baba, POTTY!!!!" The louder you yell it, or the sadder you sound, the faster they stop that Jeep! It gives us a few minutes to stretch our legs and get a snack usually! DO NOT tell them we told you about this!

Ok, well, it's late. Baba is in bed snoring. Pray he feels better soon. He wants to be here so badly, and we just hope he gets to enjoy it. Tomorrow Mama said we get to go to a White House. Not sure why it's white. White is so boring. We prefer everything in pink. A pink house. Now wouldn't that be nice?

Hugs to you, from us!

Love,
Abby and Laney

P.S. Thank you Mimi for feeding Kyler! And thank you Jordan and Ben, for playing with her and spending time at our house! We'll be home soon!