6/1/08
We Are Back
10/7/07
Dedication Sunday, First Ranger Game and more
8/19/07
Gracie's Birthday - God's Wisdom
So much has happened since the last posting. Ironically, one of the most important being Gracies first birthday and we have no pictures as of yet. Actually we celebrated both Gracie's and Deena's birthdays on the same day as they are only 5 days apart. Needless to say it was quite the extravaganza and Dad made the cake. It was an artistic masterpiece shaped into the figure of the number "1". Too bad we don't have any pictures as it was something to behold. We began a tradition on that day as well, an idea Pastor Chris and Kim Haughee shared with us, about lighting a candle on Gracies birthday for the "birthmother". We lit a table candle as Deena read a poem by Tom Fisher. When the poem was finished, we asked for everyone to celebrate the life that this wonderful and courageous woman brought into the world by lighting a candle. In a room of probably 40 people, everyone lit a candle originating from the "birthmother wick". It was a pretty powerful moment to see all the faces and feel the moment as we all celebrated the birth of "our" Gracie and prayed for the mother who had to let her baby go. The poem is called, "A Mother Love".
"She left you one morning, she had no choice, in a country of millions, she had just one voice.
The law made it clear, one child would do, to obey it would mean no hope for you.
As she laid you down her eyes became blurried, on saying goodbye said don't you worry.
Another will come to take my place, a mother will come from a different race.
She'll hold you and love you as if you're her own, she'll take you away to a brand new home.
She then ran away her heart broke in two, don't ever forget of my love for you."
It is hard to imagine that out of such a tragic moment in time our lives were changed forever and we became blessed beyond belief. God is funny like that. Deena and I cry together for her birthmother and how we have come to love this little person so much over the last few months. Our hearts break when we look in to the eyes of "our" Gracie and grieve for the one who left her, praying herself that she would be found and ultimately life and tomorrows would be given to her by someone other than herself. Her being in our lives for the short amount of time she has been, I could not give her up. Above is a random sampling of photos over the last few weeks and months. The one on top is Deena, Gracie and Amanda. Amanda is Gracie's big sister whose birthday we celebrated in July. She was our first daughter we share time, love and memories with in a very special way. There is a new family photo with Gracie and her brothers, not to mention Mom & Dad. The others are of the little princess herself. Well more later, and as has become the norm, you never know when "Later" will be.
Rick
P.S. - Happy Birthday Lily (Gracie's crib mate from Hunan).
7/4/07
Bloggers Block
6/19/07
Fathersday & More
Post-Father's Day Greetings everyone!!!
6/6/07
It is hard to believe that tonight we have been home two full weeks. That is at Mid-Night we will be home two full weeks! Gracie has adjusted so well. When we really think about it God orchestrated this whole "family" thing from the beginning, so whats the big surprise! Silly people. One thing is certain and that is we love this little girl more and more each passing day. As you can see Mommie is constantly changing her clothes and taking pictures. I am so glad that we have gone digital as 35mm would put us into a second mortgage. The picture of her wall has a new addition. Lt. Mike (or Uncle Mike as he signs his work) painted Deena's heart statement "Dance Like No One Is Watching". The freedom to be one's self. It brings to mind David as he danced before the Ark of the Covenant, uninhibited and unafraid of who was watching. She can do that now. I cry however to think that there are others from her orphanage who may not get the chance to express this unfailing joy. God is so good! Fathers Day is rapidly approaching and I want to wish the Fathers in our group a very Happy Fathers Day. Happy Fathers Day Chris as you enjoy your Lily. May she grow to appreciate the humor you bring to every situation and know the special calling God has placed on your heart as a Minister. Happy Fathers Day to Brian as you enjoy your Faith. May she grow to appreciate the committment that is required of a Physician to care for many and still make time for your own family (they are the best Doctors by the way). Happy Fathers Day to Jeff as you enjoy your Kori. May she grow to appreciate the strength behind the quiet demeanor and recognize the mischevious look behind the eyes of Dad. Lastly Happy Fathers Day to John as you enjoy your Danielle. May she grow to appreciate the love and honesty we see in you when you look into her face. Well I am about out of steam for the evening. For some unknown reason Gracie is waking up about 4:00 and wants to play. The difficult part is that when we go in there with the best of intentions of getting her back to sleep, when she smiles at us we are so hooked our thoughts go to "Let the Games Begin"! Yee Ha! Praise God! (Thank you Bret for allowing me to borrow that saying.)
Rick
6/1/07
Post Memorial Day Greetings
Memorial Day is a big deal in our family. It is the only time during the year that we get to taste Grandpa's Bar-B-Q Chicken. There are a lot of cooks out there, I happen to think that I am a pretty good one, but there is just something about Grandpa's "Chicken". We as a family have a very special place in our hearts for Memorial Day. Both our fathers (Deena and myself) served in the Navy, our oldest son was in the Navy, we still have a nephew who will make a career out of Submarines and our Sister in Laws brother is an Admiral. It is quite humbling to think that we are able to have an open picnic and even worship the way that we do because of the people who serve and have gone before us to insure our freedoms. The little princess was a huge hit as she was passed from Aunt and Uncle to cousin to Grandma to Grandpa and back to Mom and Dad. She made her first swipes at the ever important "Pinata" and finally to be given lessons in technique by big brother Matt. Moving on, she had her first Doctors check up yesterday and all in all passed with flying colors. They made an attempt to draw blood for tests and this was quite an ordeal. I could not do that on a regular basis as a nurse or doctor, even with the best of intentions in mind because it is just not any fun for anyone involved. After all the attempts and the sticks she was only able to produce one vial of blood so I think we are in for another round of "Blood-Letting" at some point. There were a lot of tears on everyones part. We are so blessed to have a Doctor that is going through the Adoption process and they have chosen China. She understands our concerns, she reassures us about Mongolian Spot and shares in the blessing of Gracie. She also happens to be Matthew's Doctor so she knows us pretty well. If she would see humans I would go to her!! Well I need to get ready to go to work. I think the Jet-Lag has pretty much gone by the way side as each of us had a day that we completely melted down this last week. More later! Oh and by the way she has cut two teeth, went on a semi-successful "adventure" yesterday in her running stroller and will be exposed to her first trip to Costco tonight! Life is good. On a serious note, please keep our birth mothers in your prayers, the nation of China, our missionaries and all the adoption workers and caregivers of these precious gifts from God. We are still the ones who have been blessed as the daily caos turns to praises of joy when we look into the eyes of our beautiful daughters. Now really, more later!!
Rick