You know, like Mary Poppins!

PandaGirl was getting ready this morning and I asked her to try and make her bed for the day. She is four and I understand that she won't get it how I like it (ya know, with the pillows actually ON the bed and the covers pulled up straight), but I give her some responsibility to learn that she must take part in taking care of our home.

She yelled into the other room, "Hey Mom, can you come make my bed?"
Me: "No, you can do it and then I will come help you finish it."
PG: "You can just do it quick."
Me: "Well, it is your job and I asked you to do it."
PG: "Can't you just poof it made like Mary Poppins?"

HAHAHAHA! I had to laugh at that one! Wouldn't it be just great to pull a "Mary Poppins" every now and then....or how about ALL the time? I can just see me pulling all kinds of fun things out of all those bags I collect and then floating around singing and smiling as my darling child sips her medicine with a bucket full of sugar...I mean spoon...and then when I was done with that little episode I could just blink myself skinny like I Dream of Jeannie!

Busy & Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

We had a whirlwind of a time visiting family for Thanksgiving, but are so blessed to have our health, family and a loving God who showers His grace and mercy on us. Thank you, Jesus.

This is a family we have known for 15 years. Actually PandaPop and the other dad were best friends in high school and the other mom and I became friends in about April of 1991. My last post shows that PP and I met in Nov. 91. One week later PP wanted me to meet his best friend. I introduced him to my friend. We all hit it off and were engaged within weeks of each other and married two weeks apart. We live away from each other, but dearly love being together. A special blessing was to eat lunch and hang out on Wed.

PandaPop's parents have bought land on which to retire in a couple of years in our hometown. My parents live a few miles from it as well. We haven't lived there since 1993, but would love to one day move back there. The land is called "The Triple C" named for three generations of us with our last name starting with C. It is beautiful!!!!!!! The pic above is all of us with shirts that have a logo for "The Triple C".

On the land PandaGirl had an amazing time playing with the freedom to roam the area and ride this adorable tractor all by herself. So fun!

PandaPop's mother invited some of their family from Oklahoma to come for Thanksgiving to the Triple C. Since there is an old house that needs remodeling and not much room for the whole turkey dinner shindig we decided to forego the traditional meal for a Fiesta with Mexican Stack-ups for food and a pinata for kicks! We also had a surprise 60th birthday party for PandaPop's father.


I love this pic of PP and PG roasting marshmallows over the fire to make S'MORES!

On Friday we went with my parents to a huge buffet place and to see Happy Feet. Darling movie, but you HAVE to see the documentary March of the Penguins to get the whole accuracy of the kid movie. Priceless!

When visiting this set of grandparent's home we discovered that the next door neighbors have a donkey and a burro. Very funny to walk right up to them and they come trotting over for some people lovin'. Smile.

PandaPop and I love our family, but are at the stage that it is really nice to come back home and do our thing our way. I guess Dorothy had it right when she said, "There's no place like home." We came home early Saturday morning to our sweet Miao who really missed us and then put up our Christmas decorations. This is Miao's first Christmas so he had a blast batting all the ornaments on the tree which are right at his level.

Putting up Christmas decorations would not be complete in our house without watching White Christmas as the icing on the cake. We LOVE this movie! I so want to visit the lodge there in Vermont with the dreamy circular indoor fireplace and quaint charm of the little place. PandaPop keeps trying to convince me that it was only for the movie and doesn't even exist!! Well, a girl can dream, can't she?........I'm dreaming of the lodge in the movie....imagine this to the tune of White Christmas. ; )

Moonlight Kiss...

Fifteen years ago today PandaPop and I went out on our first date!!! Fifteen years??? That is a long time. If you read my previous post you saw that we met three days earlier. My eighth grade cousin was in his youth group where he was the Youth Minister. She had been trying for a month or so to introduce us and neither of us were interested at the time. Finally I got the curious bug to see what he looked like. He had just seen a picture of me and I thought it only fair for me to see him, too. I planned to go pick up my cousin from the Wed. night service at church with my aunt and possibly get a glimpse of him. As we pulled up in my aunt's huge red Suburban the entire youth group huddle around the vehicle and were yelling to PandaPop, "She's here!! Come out and meet her!" We were both in shock of what was going on, but I think loving it, too. We met, had an exchange of kind words and ba..dum..bump. The next night we had our first phone conversation that lasted SIX HOURS!!!! We hit it off great. A couple of days later we went on our first date. We chose to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast. LOVED IT! Maybe I just loved being at the movies with this new guy that I fell for so quickly. After that we got some late dinner and went back to my home out in the country. It was cold and a full moon (or at least a nice bright one), all the gorgeous stars were twinkling and I was wearing my date's jacket. Yeah, we moved fast for a first date, but after that six hour phone call I think we knew something was clicking. He had already asked me if he could kiss me and I said, "No, not yet." Then just standing under that awesome moon, stars above, cold country night air, in the arms of this really cute guy.......oh yeah, I couldn't wait any longer. I laid on one big fat long moonlight KISS! I will always remember it! One of my favorite chick-flick movies is Serendipity. In it there is a song called "Moonlight Kiss" by Bap Kennedy. I melt when I hear this song. The words are so perfect accept for one line towards the end about "having another" that doesn't really fit in with my wonderful dreamworld! HA! Other than that I am putty in his hands when I hear this song. I also love the scene in the movie when it plays. Sarah and Jonathan are ice-skating in the softly falling snow at that big ice-rink in NYC with the Christmas tree light in the background. Yeah. I love it. Smitten. The image of the guy and girl kissing is so perfect that I think it was drawn of us. I just "googled" it. My hair used to look exactly like this drawing. I had to have it along with this post. Too perfect!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Three Years Ago Today...

PandaGirl's referral picture taken at 9mos. old
PandaGirl at 4 years old
On November 20, 2003 we saw the face of our precious daughter for the first time. We had tried for eight and a half years to start our family, but God knew that this little angel awaited us at just the right time. His Time. Many tears had been shed waiting for "our turn", yet all the while we knew that God had plans to prosper us, not to harm us. Plans for a hope and a future. If you are not familiar with the Scripture from the Bible then go find a Bible and look up that verse in Jeremiah 29:11. God is our only hope. We deserve death and hell. He lavishes forgiveness and blessings untold. This day is so special to us. Twelve years earlier than 11-20-03 PandaPop and I met for the first time, too. Pretty awesome how this Big God can bring together tiny details for us to enjoy. The hard part of that day was that I got our referral call from our agency at 11:00AM and PandaPop was at work until 6:00PM!!! AAAAHHHHH!!! I waited until he got home that evening before opening the email with PandaGirl's referral picture. I felt like I should have gotten some kinda of trophy for that!!! We had been through so much to get her...we HAD to experience this moment together. We sat on the couch, prayed, took a really deep breath and clicked "open". Oh....my....goodness.....I had no idea that I would be so overtaken with emotion. She was so much more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. She was perfect!!!! We cried together and were speechless and then we couldn't shut up!! ; ) We immediately hit our knees in thanksgiving to God for our darling daughter. Now the even HARDER wait began. We wouldn't travel to China until January 29, 2004. That is waaaaaayyyyy tooooo loooooonnnnggggg to wait for your baby on the other side of the world. Now three years later we are working on daughter #2. Angela Hope. Oh, the anticipation is there, but not the overwhelming sense of wanting something so badly that your body hurts. We have seen God provide for us. He put PandaGirl in our heart and He has put PandaBabygirl in our heart, as well. His timing is perfect. We would have her right now, but it is not time. Keep posted as the days (...and years!) unfold on the journey to expand our Panda Family. Mmm-good.

Double the PandaGirl, Double the FUN!

This little cutie pie is NOT our PandaGirl, but she and her family were our buddies on our trip to China because they named their darling the same name as we did!! We had soooo much fun with this family from Minnesota. What a hoot to have their accent mixed with our hick Texas accent trying to communicate to the Chinese people! HA! Since the other PandaGirl's mom had older children she was my "mentor" on the trip and kept me SANE! Our daughters clearly loved each other and were used to being around the other one in the orphanage. Sweet, sweet memories flood my heart over this family. We live so far away, but are connected eternally by these Asian beauties. It is so fun to watch all the girls grow up who were on our trip together. They each are bonded to the other just because of starting out at the same place in their lives. I pray that throughout the girls' growing up years we can keep them connected at least through pictures. I would just love to hear the Minnesota PandaGirl's accent by now with her saying, "Don'tcha know?" and have them hear our PandaGirl saying her good ole', "Hey y'all!"....long and drawn out, of course. ; ) Minnesota PandaMom....I know you are reading this and please know that we miss you and want you to get yourself on this blogging thing with us!

This changed my mind today!!!

I have had PandaGirl in a simple little booster seat for about 8mos now and was always wondering how we went from a very tight harness to virtually nothing but the flimsy seatbelt keeping her in place. I am going TODAY to buy a large booster with the five point harness. I know nothing in this world is guaranteed. I just want to keep her as safe as possible when we have the knowledge to make better choices than were available when we were little. This is a moving video that broke my heart, but moved me into action.

PINK ICE!

The memo must have gone out at our church today for everyone to wear pink! I know I counted at least twenty women and one boy wearing PINK today......it became a game to see who was next in line! PandaGirl's vest has silver sparkles in the pink fur making it look very "icy". Her favorite color used to be purple, but about a month ago she informed me that it was now PINK. That info was given to me right after I bought her a load of purple things for her B-day! Timing is everything, right?

Secret Garden...

Nestled so secretly in-between two of our church buildings is a quaint little prayer garden that most people forget about. We were walking to and from one of these buildings on Tuesday and I just happened to have my handy-dandy camera with me so PG and I caught a few photo opps. There is even a little stream of water rolling over beautiful rocks surrounded by vivid foliage. I am always captured by the beauty of God's creation. I easily get lost in the wonder of how perfect all of His creation will be in heaven. If some things are so pretty here, I can ONLY imagine how captivating everything will be when all is made whole and perfect. Ahhhhh. Thank you, Lord, for your paintbrush.

My Big Girl...

A couple of months ago PandaGirl asked if we could grow her hair out long. I have kept it in a darling little bob that shapes her face very sweetly, but I thought it was time, as well, to get some length on her. I put knee socks on her for church with little black Mary Janes. She was so adorable to me! Very mature looking, yet still very much little girl. I had four people at church look at her in wonder at how much she has grown up seemingly overnight! It had to be her hair being down and the knee socks making her already long legs appear even longer. Or maybe it could be that she really is growing up....naaaahhhh. I don't mind her growing up, though. I actually LOVE it! I can't wait for the "next phase" to show up each time. I love watching her grow spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. So much fun being a mom!!!

More Miao!

PandaGrandparents...

We had a fun time with Grandma and Pawpaw visiting for the day. We took them to (well, they treated, woohooo!) a neat "mom & pop" BBQ place for lunch. We did a little bit of running around and then came back home for some R&R which was interrupted by all the talking going on! HA! The pic below is of PandaGirl and her Grandma sharing pickle juice!!! Yes, they both love to drink this stuff! I know some people love it, but it is a bit too stout for me. Give me chocolate anyday and that'll do it for me! Thanks for a fun time, y'all!

Official Mascots of the 2008 Olympics!

I just stumbled upon these cute little Olympic Mascots today! They are called "The Friendlies"! Enjoy!

This cute ittle guy is Beibei! (Blue Olympic Ring)
In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life.

The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among the Five Friendlies, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.

I love this one! This is Jingjing!(Black Olympic Ring)

Jingjing makes children smile, and that's why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. You can see his joy in the charming naivety of his dancing pose and the lovely wave of his black and white fur.

As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress, which are inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234), symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature's gifts--and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations.

Jingjing is charmingly naïve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.

Huanhuan (Red Olympic Ring)
In the intimate circle of Friendlies, Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport--and passion is the blessing he bestows.


Huanhuan stands in the center of Friendlies as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008--and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people--can be felt. The firery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals--with just a touch of China's traditional lucky designs.

Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.

Yingying (Yellow Olympic Ring)
Like all antelopes, Yingying is fast and agile and can swiftly cover great stretches of land as he races across the earth.


A symbol of the vastness of China's landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying's flying pose captures the essence of a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the first animals put under protection in China. The selection of the Tibetan Antelope reflects Beijing commitment to a Green Olympics. His head ornament incorporates several decorative styles from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures and the ethnic design traditions of Western China.

Strong in track and field events, Yingying is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring.

Nini (Green Olympic Ring)
Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital.


Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular. Nini's figure is drawn from this grand tradition of flying designs. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city.

Among the Friendlies, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.