The Two Week Rundown...

What a whirlwind of the past two weeks! From my 38th birthday, adjusting to working full-time, praying my heart out over Haiti and hurricanes, to moving for the 14th time in 16 years, I am pooped! Here are a few things from the past several days:

PandaGirl lost TWO more teeth making a total of FIVE since last November. Poor girl can hardly eat! Maybe I should pull MY teeth and lose weight....nah...I'd just drink chocolate malts. Hmph.

Went to Red Lobster for my b-day like I've done every year since I was a little girl. The food isn't so fabulous, but the nostalgia of always going---keeps me going.

For my birthday my Wild & Precious dear friend made me this domino pendant. It has to be one of the BEST handmade gifts I have ever gotten. She put a map of Haiti behind the Chinese characters for "Life" which is what PandaGirl's real name means. Zoe is Life in Greek. THEN----to make it even more perfect and personal the number of the domino is 12 and my sweet friend had no idea that 12 has been my favorite number since I was a child and that it "follows" me everywhere in many different situations. I am in no way a freak about superstitous numbers, but it is amazing HOW MANY times that number has been a part of my life. Anyway, this is such a great and personal gift!

Teddy Bear picnic at school.

PG had a friend come over after church last week. These two LOVE each other soooo much! They even look like twins from the back with their hair the same length. Sweet friends with a bond like few others. Mmm.

My Guatemala Mission Trip girls took me out for my birthday. We are great friends and love talking about our bond of the mission trip back in February.

Welcome to our humble new-to-us abode. I love it! Little things about it just keeping growing on me moment by moment. PandaGirl is so excited because "all her life" she has wanted a house with stairs! LOL!

My eyes have seen this scene waaaaaaay too many times. The fun part, though is that with each move I have gotten to set up house which I love. THIS house is my favorite in which we have ever lived. We hope to be here for quite some time.

Clifford the Big Red Dog on his 500lb way to the garage with muddy feet...not good for the brand new carpet...during the rain until PP can build him adequate shelter. NOTE: The other part of The Fur went to a new home with marathon runners and gets to be an inside doggy now. Good life.

Miao finding security anywhere he can in his new home. Actually, he is adjusting quite well.

The cutest Kindergartener I've ever seen! ; )

Well, tomorrow I'm off to the land of the working---just 8 1/2 more months to go! Yippee! ; )

Homeless

I've been bawling my eyes out for the last hour and a half finishing the last half of this book.

Literally tears STREAMING down my cheeks almost non-stop.

This book moved me more than any I have ever read. I encourage you to read it, too.

Making it even more real is the fact that PandaPop and I used to live very close to all the locations described in this book. When I would read about the Mission or any of the places in Ft. Worth I pictured it in my mind because I have been there.

God works in mysterious ways and we are all homeless until we--who choose to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior--get to the other side of eternity.

I Wanna Be in the Light...

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the LIGHT of life.
Psalm 56:13

Happy Birthday to Me, Myself and I!

Oh me oh my. 38?

I have always loved my birthday and tell everyone that it is to be celebrated with joy!

Last night I went to check my email and my precious mom sent me an e-card. When I opened it up I noticed the pictures and music were pretty, but when I went on to read her writing or rather, her heart, I couldn't help but let the tears stream. I called her immediately and told her that those words were THE sweetest she had ever written to me. She is a phenomenal writer by God's gifting. I have seen her talent at work countless times over the years. However, today those words pierce my heart and I am forever grateful. Thanks, Mom. (My middle name is Dawn so that's why 5:34am is significant. She named me for the sunrise and new beginnings).

Here's exactly what she wrote:

Seasons come, and seasons go, but nothing surpasses that early morning horizon of pink skies 38 years ago when I awoke to the greatest change of my life. Excitement was in the air. Fear of the unknown wreaked my mind and nature took over my body. My heart raced out of control. The streets were empty in the early morning hour. The fresh autumn air filled my craving lungs. Mystery lay ahead. My beloved husband & precious little son & I rapidly gathered ourselves together for a new journey. They both lovingly patted me & rubbed my arms & back, knowing there was nothing anyone could do to change the events of the moment. No words were needed, though they came softly & kindly from both. The beginning of a new day: the "Dawn" was breaking, the surprise, the joy ruled. For GOD spoke LIFE ... blessing ...changed lives...and at exactly 5:34 AM a new little girl entered this earth... with a wrinkled up little nose, & tiny "rose bud" lips that whispered, "Happy Birthday, MOMMY ...(& Daddy)

A Little Bit-O-Fun...

Woke up this morning ready to make homemade pancakes and very excited to be "off" of work for a holiday. Now that I am working five days a week I REALLY appreciate the time being at home and with my family which is where I am supposed to be. Smile.

Went here today looking specifically for a kitchen island for the new house we are moving into next week. Found one and can't wait to show you!!!! It is sooo awesome and waaaaay better than what I was even thinking of! Woohoo!



The COOLEST thing happened when we got to the store. I've only read about other bloggers actually getting meet people they have been blogging with in person, but today it happened to me!!! We were walking out of the restrooms gearing up for the 26mile hike through the store's maze when I looked up and instantly recognized a blogger mom with a little girl from Taiwan. I immediately said, "Hey! Aren't you a blogger and this is your daughter, Laney?!" What a hoot!!!! We live just about 45 minutes away from each other and had communicated awhile back when we first looked into adopting from Taiwan. It was a GREAT and FUN meeting! You can check them out

HERE!

Aren't these just the CUTEST little cups and snack bowls from IKEA?

Have been wanting a stair-step spice rack forever and finally picked one up at The Container Store. Love looking at all my spices now! LOL!

Made this yummy cherry pie from scratch. Helloooooo Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

PG, PP and I sorting construction paper for the new Kindergarten class as volunteers.

Don't you just LOVE to sort things?! ; )

Well---thankful for the long weekend, but it's back to the grind in the morning....thank you, LORD for the job!

Kindergarten Success!

All in all I have to say that PandaGirl loves her Kindergarten class and teacher. Although, on Wednesday, the third day after the novelty of the first two days had worn off she was downcast in her face when I picked her up. I asked her what was wrong and she responded with, "I really missed my mom and dad today." Sniff, sniff.....from Mommy! She had little tears in her eyes and it just about killed me!!!!! She is doing great and was bee-boppin' all around the next two days.

Thanks for your prayers on her behalf and on behalf of our little man in Haiti wading through Gustav as well as for me starting my new job full-time. We are having to adjust to our new lifestyle, but it is what we need to do to bring our son home. Believe me---I can't wait until June 6th when I become a SAHM again! ; )

This is our little monkey in action before school...

Call to Prayer, Please

I am fully aware that most of you do not think of the country of Haiti in your daily list of to do's. We, however, after starting our adoption process to get our son from there have kept it at the forefront of our minds. Hurricane Gustav that all of America is looking at as a threat to the coastline hit Haiti today. The actual landfall was about 5 hours away from our little guy, but there is devastation none-the-less. The food supply there is already minimal and lacking---the hurricane season makes it all the worse.

Last week our program coordinator from our agency went to Haiti for a visit. I asked her to make sure and take lots of pictures, but more importantly to SPEAK the precious name of Jesus over him. Not only did she do that, but the photographer grabbed him and started speaking and praying blessings over our son. That brought tears to my eyes and joy to my soul. He is a world away, but right here in our hearts. God knows exactly the plans He has for him and can protect him far better than we can.

We have a little heart down there in the middle of all that water. Please pray for his safety, ability to get adequate food and shelter and for his care-takers. It is great knowing who he is up-front in the adoption process, but it makes us hit our knees even harder since he isn't in our care. Thanks, y'all.

First Day of...

PandaGirl got off to a great start and loves Kindergarten!

Let's Back Up a Bit...

Well, I am back. It was just a short break in order to gather my wits. Thank you for your prayers and for still commenting and checking on me.

THANK YOU TO WHOMEVER DECIDED TO ADD ANOTHER $100 TO OUR CHIP-IN ACCOUNT FOR THE ADOPTION!!!!!

We found a place to live and will move mid-Sept, I got a job and don't have to sub, PandaPop got all his stuff worked out for kicking off the new "year" at church, PandaGirl has three new loose teeth and I am seeing light at the end of this tunnel. ; ) Thank you again for the break and for being such good cyberspace friends!


I think I kinda left off my posting with our excitement over the Olympic opening ceremonies. Well, we had a blast getting a little table all set up in front of the TV with Chinese food for all the festivities. We must have forgotten from years past that the program was sooooo long. We ended at 10:00PM and watched the rest that we DVRd the next day. Good memories made!

A few weeks ago someone blessed PG with this darling "pre-owned" Jeep that really drives! Her Jeep sitting right beside her Daddy's black Jeep is soooooo darn cute!

Praise the Lord and hallelujah-----I got the speech therapy job!!!!!!!!!!

On Friday morning, Aug. 15th at 8:30am I got the call that offered me the full-time position at two different middle schools for the year. I cried when the HR person called me because it was an INSTANT knowledge that our adoption would be paid for and that GOD had completely orchestrated the whole thing! I can say that I don't want to work full-time, but this is a means to an end and that end being to bring our son home from Haiti. THAT keeps me motivated. I am already looking forward to being a SAHM again come the end of May. LOL!

PG making cupcakes in honor of heading off to Kindergarten on Monday.

PandaPop and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on Friday night! Can't believe it's been THAT long! Whew! He dyed his hair HIMSELF while I was gone, because I was really tired of the nasty chartreuse green that was on his head....now THAT is a real man who can color his own hair! LOL!

My sweet baby PandaGirl starts Kindergarten in the morning!!!!!!! She is very excited, but nervous as well. I am glad that I have a full-time job to keep me occupied while she is gone to school. I was in dreamland the other day while on my lunch break of all the wonderful times we had during the two year span of our precious White Swan playgroup. NOTHING will ever replace those memories of watching our little Chinese cuties grow and play together at the park, the mall, holidays and each others' birthdays. All such sweet, sweet blessings. Good times. However, life moves right on along and we are now in a different phase. Can't wait to see and experience all that Kindergarten has to offer! Check back later for a "first day of school" update!

Much Needed...

I need to take a blogging break. Too much going on in my life, my mind and my heart. Be blessed and know I will miss you!

Simple Woman #1

Outside my window...the summer air is extremely humid for where I live and not the norm.

I am thinking...about our little guy down in Haiti.

I am thankful for...God's mercies being new every morning. Last night was not so good for me. Very upset about everything going on in the last post along with the potties needing to be roto-rootered all of a sudden at 6:30PM. Didn't show very positive, uplifting qualities. Thank God for the freshness of a new day.

From the kitchen...I'm searching for my never-before-used fondue kit for my last Bible Study group tonight.

I am wearing...brown capris, black top, leopard scarf headband, brown sparkly flip-flops, jewelry.

I am creating...ways to make PandaGirl's first week of Kindergarten fun and enjoyable and NOT focused on us moving.

I am reading...The Traveler's Gift. PandaPop asked me to read it again. He likes to refresh with it when stressed and knows I need it right now.

I am hoping...for the Speech Therapy job!!!!

I am hearing...my bracelets clink while typing and the sound of PG's TV show.

Around the house...there are things just eagerly waiting to be packed into boxes....again.

One of my favorite things...getting a really good and creamy vanilla cappuccino from a convenient store.

A few plans for the rest of the week..get the cat and one dog vaccinated, find a home for one pooch, buy PG a lunch box and some new shoes for school, decorate for a bridal shower.....oh yeah, and find a place to live. ; )

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Another Plate, Please...

Unbelievably I am actually laughing about this. I have to. I am so grateful to be a Believer in Jesus Christ. God is my heavenly Father. Jesus paid the price for me. The Holy Spirit "has my back". I can live in peace admist a backdrop of CRAZINESS! LOL!

Last August on my 15th wedding anniversary, wanna know what we did? We moved. We moved from a luxury apartment that was far less than luxurious three months after moving in it. Not my idea of how to celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss to my beloved, but I was grateful to have my beloved, still be happily married, have our daughter, be at a wonderful new church on staff and be healthy.

Guess what we are doing for our 16th anniversary this year in a couple of weeks??? Moving. Yep. You read that right. This will make my #14 in 16 years. Granted, PandaPop likes to remind me that for three of those moves I was REALLY sick with strep throat twice and once with a bronchial infection. I was quarantined to a back room all three times. Don't feel sorry for us. It's the life of a renter, I guess. The payoff comes when we don't ever have to worry about selling our house like a couple of our friends are desperately trying to accomplish and we don't have to pay for any of the "biggies" when they break. It all balances out.

The timing of this move couldn't be any worse. The reason we have to move is because our landlord decided they wanted their house back. Hmph. Here we go:


~packing, moving, blah, blah, blah....had way too many t-shirts for this one.
~PandaGirl starts Kindergarten on Aug. 25th...want to make it special, not stressful for her by moving.
~I just interviewed this past week to be a Speech Therapist full time with our school district. Last minute work and worry over getting this job. It will pay for our adoption and then some. REALLY want this, but have to wait on them to decide.
~Will be working full time no matter what...either with the above job or subbing. Haven't worked full time since 2003. Can you say stressed?
~Had already committed to PandaPop at the beginning of summer to teach the huge 6th grade Sunday School Bible Study class this year. Didn't know I'd be working full-time, too.
~Just finished all our adoption paperwork with current address. All has to be changed. Lovely.
~PandaPop has tons to do to gear up the Children's Ministry for the fall. He's great, but I carry his stress, too.
~Add in all the ordinary daily things like finishing up the summer Bible Study I've had at my home, decorating for a bridal shower this Saturday, planning the table and stage decor for a HUGE women's event this fall at church, meeting PG's K teacher this week, buying school clothes (SUPER FUN FOR ME!!!!!), finding a home for one of the mutts, getting the other mutt and the cat vaccinated for the adoption home-study, gathering more info for the home-study, playing the waiting game over the job and the new home to live in.


It's all good and everything will work out. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Anyone else need a plate for the Crazy Buffet along with me? Do tell. ; )

Chinese Fever...

Around the PandaHouse we are breathing in all things China right now. PandaPop and I have always made a point to watch the opening ceremonies of all the Olympic games that have come along through the years. This year with the games being in Beijing, China, we are extra pumped about watching and PandaGirl is excited right along with us even though she really has no clue what she is excited about! LOL!

This Friday we are planning to get Chinese take-out and watch the opening ceremonies at home and enjoy all the hooplah surrounding the games.



We have also been very intrigued with Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel and her "Passort" trips to China. These shows have gotten PandaGirl thinking that China is the best place on earth! ; ) We have always told her that when she is around 18 years old we will LOVE to take her back to visit.


I didn't really like visiting China all that much when we got her, but there was alot going on during that time to where I didn't fully get to enjoy the culture. Now after watching these great shows.....I can't wait to go back---especially with my darling daughter and see it through her eyes.


Tonight on Larry King Live, the Steven Curtis Chapman family will be giving their story about the loss of their Chinese daughter Maria. Though their pain is unthinkable...God has again made something good come from something tragic. MILLIONS of people will hear about God's goodness despite pain through them.

I Leave for a Couple of Days and This is What Happens???

Last week at VBS PandaPop challenged the kids to raise a certain amount of money for our missions emphasis and if they met it he would dye his hair green. Well, apparently they did it. LOL!!!! I think he looks so fabulous!!!! We got the idea because our Spicy Family friends did this a couple of years ago with the children's ministry where they served and we thought it was a great way for the kids to really "get" that their Children's Minister was serious about his work.



I====ADORE=====THIS=====MAN!!!!!!!

Now, on to my girls' weekend.....

These little chickadees below were my college best friends for two years. We met up at our local junior college and then all headed on to other pursuits with university or career after those two years. I LOVE these girls! We had so much fun back then and were very close in that short time period. Lots of pictures, laughs and memories made way back then. Over the years we have talked about getting together, but you know how that goes...no one ever makes the actual plans. Well, one of my sweets did and wahlah!---we did it! They all know that we are trying to raise money for our adoption so they all pitched in and paid my part of our hotel expense. Thank you, girls!!! We stayed up both nights talking until 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM. Y'all KNOW I am NOT a night person, so for me to stay up that late...it must've been good! ; )

The weekend couldn't have been more blessed. We had all prayed that nothing would interfere with our plans to meet and left the rest up to whatever tickled our fancy. We ate chocolate, looked at everyone's pictures, strolled down memory lane, shopped, laughed, cried, listened to each others stories over the last umpteen years, went to the movies, ate some more, checked out our wrinkles and completely enjoyed ourselves when some college frat boys tried talking to us!!! (No, we are not cougars! HA!!!)

This is us in 1991 on our very last day to hang out since one of us got married and moved out of state. We actually met up again the next year for her baby shower, but other than that we haven't really seen each other except on a few occasions and never all of us together over the years.

Friday night we went to a great Tex-Mex restaurant, sat outside along a very busy metropolitan street filled with "Friday night life" people. Fun, but very eye opening to my little "Christian Bubble" that I live in. It wasn't like I was in some foreign country, but rather 15 minutes from my house! Dallas, TX is a happenin' kinda place and I saw waaaaaaay more than I do on a normal basis. LOL!

What better movie to see with your best girlfriends?! I have to preface with the fact that the first half of the movie I was NOT liking it at all because of the overt sexuality and inuendo. I don't like that kind of humor. BUT------the music is all fun and then the movie got REALLY good! The actual Mamma Mia scene is probably one of the best ones on screen! SO incredibly FUN! Then there is a song that the mom sings about her grown daughter who is getting married and she sings "Slipping through my fingers..." After the first verse all four of us (who all have daughters) were BAWLING and handing out the tissues! We all want the soundtrack as a memory of our fabulous weekend together!

Saturday after the movie we ate at this very chic Japanese restaurant. You know I have PandaGirl from China, one girl lived in Korea with her hubby in the military and another in Japan with her hubby in the military as well. Yeah, we're all pros with chopsticks. ; )

I don't even remember how it got started, but while in college we somehow started taking "bathroom pictures" at every restaurant or place we went, so of course, we had to have one this weekend! LOL!

My heart is so full of thankfulness right now and I am reeling in from the range of emotions over the last couple of days. Now, it's back to reality and I have to go unpack!