Wells Fab Five Plus One

To call or not to call....that is the question

2009-10-16T10:02:00.004-04:00

I don't blog much since I'm on Facebook~I don't know if that's good or bad. But here I am today...blogging. Facebook is more for little "blips" of your life. Blogging, at least for me, is more in depth information. But that's just me and how I utilize both venues.

So back to the post...to call or not to call. I needed to get some thoughts out so I decided the blog was the best place since I can't post really long messages on Facebook (FB). Yesterday afternoon, my son returned home from school at around 5:00 p.m. and informed me that his homecoming date (a friend, not a girlfriend), had canceled their date via text message to attend the dance with another boy. Imagine my shock...and anger, when he told me this. I was livid and all he said was, "She could have done it earlier and I wouldn't have bought her the $20 ticket for admission." He said it didn't matter and he doesn't really care. That of course is a big, fat lie!

In my anger and haste, I posted this to FB and got a huge number of responses from friends. Some said to call the mother, others said to let it go. Let it go and let karma take control, let it go since it will make things worse on Tucker, let her go because her parents probably don't give a hoot, just to list a few. Everyone agreed that her behavior was tacky and she lacked any time of manners and integrity.

My first inclination was to call the parents and let them know what transpired, at least from my end. Of course, I would begin the conversation with the fact that being a parent myself, I would definitely hope that another parent would inform me if my son/daughter behaved in this fashion. I was extending this courtesy to them to inform them of the situation and they could do what they seemed appropriate. I in no way would call with "guns blazing" and an accusatory attitude. Because let's face it, I only have 50% of the information.

If I call, I do so because it is what I would want a parent to do for me. I pray that someone would inform me that my children were behaving in a hurtful, mean, spiteful way and give me the opportunity for a "teaching moment" with my child. The fact is, I've taught my children to be more respectful than that. I've taught them that when they make a commitment they follow through with it. Otherwise, they are compromising their integrity and mine as well. Why are they compromising my integrity? When you hear of a child "misbehaving", what is you first thought? Mine is...."Where are their parents?" Let's face it, we all think that. Naturally, it's the parent's that are raising the child and teaching them right from wrong. So when a child chooses what I deem to be "wrong", its probably because the parents did not teach them any better. Kids make choices all the time and many times it is the wrong choice no matter how they have been raised. That's just the nature of the beast. So which do I assume, bad parenting, bad choice?

Many people would respond with, "The parents probably don't even care!" But what if they do care? Again, face it, kids make choices all the time that have parents scratching their heads wondering where in the heck that came from. I know I do. I know that my kids know better, but still make wrong choices. So do I assume they don't care and just ignore the tacky behavior?

If I don't call, I feel I compromise my integrity by not practicing what I preach and by not standing firmly behind my values and morals. I don't want to impose my values on anyone else, but I would want someone to make sure I was being accountable.

If I do call, will she make things even more difficult on my son who already hates his school, feels he doesn't fit in and that people just don't really like him? Will that happen? I don't know. Do I take a chance on making him more miserable than he already is?

After sleeping on it and talking to a few friends, I did what any mother would do....I called my dad. His opinion is the one I value most. He said not to call. I can only say, that high school can't end soon enough for me and my son! My decision has not been made yet...I'm still pondering it.

Teen Angst, Toddler Turmoil, Transition Time

2009-08-05T10:17:00.010-04:00

Summer is going by at breakneck speed...makes me a little sad. It's been an uneventful summer, which can be a good thing when you have four kids and nothing major has happened to anyone or anything. So, for that, I am very thankful!

With that, I can't say that things have been entirely smooth! Tucker seems to be suffering some teen angst. He's seventeen and going to be a Junior this year. My heart sinks a bit as I realize that he will be leaving the nest in just two short years for college. I know he'll attend college (probably West Point, if he has way) and he'll never come home. Although it is not my choice for him to go into the military, it has been his dream since he was 9 years old. I admire his high ambitions and the effort he has put forth to gain entrance into the academy. He still has a ways to go, but for his sake, I pray he gets there.

Taking time to "build" a relationship with his sisters!

But, I digress. Back to the angst...with those high ambitions, he tends to be a bit different than most teens. There are times he feels "alone" and that difference seems to be bigger than Mt. Everest. Not being invited to parties and having "texts" ignored is very painful. Those are the times when my heart breaks in two for him. We've spent several late evenings chatting this out. I see his potential and know where that potential will ultimately land him in life. I also know (from experience) that the popular crowd look somewhat different in 10/20/30 years. Unfortunately, saying that to him, today, right now when he hurts the most, doesn't make him feel a whole lot better. So, I sit and listen, hold back the tears, but on a brave face and just smile when he needs it and kiss his cheek when appropriate. He still hugs me and kisses me when he leaves the house or when I leave. Sometimes, I squeeze a little too hard or hold on a bit too long, but he indulges me and I can feel him smile when I do so. He has planned a bit of a party for Friday night, with the boys. I'm looking forward to it for him. His spirits seem to be a bit higher and he even visited some friends. So, I guess the chatting has help. I hope so!

Me and my girls....

The girls are amazing, ornery, feisty, fiery and yes, bratty! They fight and argue and play together like I had hoped they would. Elise is awesome and starting kindergarten this year. I can barely wrap my mind around that little detail for several reasons. Seems like only yesterday she was placed in my arms in the hot and humid room in Guangzhou. Then I think about me, at my age, having a child in kindergarten. I'm not looking forward to standing next to all those young mothers this fall. First one that asks me if I'm the grandmother might be making a trip to the ER! Feeling scrappy today!!!!

Millie has been home for two years and what a couple of years we have had. I look back and my head spins. Sometimes I wonder where the time has gone and then other times I wonder when the medical journey will end. But she is walking now...fifteen weeks after the hip surgery. It's not a pretty walk, but she's walking and rebuilding her strength and for that I thank the Lord!
Giggs makes me laugh...I just wish he wouldn't stick his nose up my rear end. Yeah, I know, TMI! But seriously, the dog has got to be rubbing up against someone or something all the time. I seem to be his choice, but I think that's because I'm the most convenient. He's developed a great relationship with the girls and they even "play house" with him. The poor guy ends up on a leash, being pulled around the house and locked in rooms with the crazies. But, he's good natured and indulges them. If I hear him start to whimper, I rescue him. But he rarely complains. Tuck is his favorite play toy. The noise level in the house ticked up several decibels when Tuck walks through the door. It requires some deep breathing on my part, but ultimately, makes me smile!

The worst part of the summer has been Steve's transition. He's looking for a job and we are prayerful that one is offered soon. His company is closing it's doors. I would LOVE to go into that, but it would be a bitter rant about an ego-maniac that had no business being put into the position that he was and then the idiocy of those in charge who's egos got in the way of admitting a hiring mistake. But like I said, it would just be a bitter, mindless rant ;-).

As for me....I'm looking to plan a little get away....all by myself...alone. For the first time in my life, I need some time to recharge without anyone or anything expecting something from me. It's a lot to ask for, but I'm crossing my fingers that it can happen. I want to be NO ONE for a few days. I want to sleep when I want, eat when I want and not even hear my name. It's so very selfish and there's a piece of me that feels guilty. But then there's a piece of me that's screaming to get away. I have the perfect place in mind....think spa!!!!

Millie....walking!

Summertime

2009-06-19T08:13:00.008-04:00

Summer is underway and before I know it, it will be July! Where does the time go?? No exciting vacations planned due to the economy and other unfortunately circumstances. So we'll hang out at home and make our own fun!

Elise just finished her first year of dance class with a year-end recital. I was so proud of how she came around and performed. She tends to just stare at the audience and do nothing during this type of thing. But I found she'll dance, she still won't do the little performances at school (singing etc.), but she'll dance.

I took her to have her photo taken in her recital dress. This is our favorite. I have to say, she leans toward stunning. I can say that since I had nothing to do with her looks ;-) .

Thanks http://www.lauralainephotography.com/. YOU ROCK! Elise danced to "Under the Sea" and "Teddy Bear".

This is her shakin' her groove to Teddy Bear. She's even smiling a little bit!

Tucker is off to camp this week. He requested to go to "Junior War College and Military Strategy School. I hesitated, thought it was just one of those gimmicks that sophomores get when they take the PSAT test. We discussed it at length and since it was the very first thing that he asked to do outside of scouting, I had to say yes. We loaded up Betty (that's my Envoy) and headed to Dahlonega for a 10 day camp. The drive was challenging with three children bickering in the backseat. But we made it.

I snapped this photo while two of the three were snoozing. I wish I could sleep like that and not ache for the next several hours when I do sleep in the car. Ah, the joys of flexibility and youthfulness.

I do love the hazy, lazy days of summer, with a splash if Tazo Black Iced Tea...ahhhhhh!

Becoming an Eagle Scout (Randy Pausch)

2009-06-03T10:53:00.009-04:00

New Tree House~Old Tree House

For the past few weekends, I've been helping my son, Tucker, work on his Eagle Scout project. It's been a long time coming~two years. But I have to admit (much to my chagrin), that he would have never been ready to complete this project two years ago. He has matured so much over the past few years. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments when I wonder if he's five again. But for the most part, he doesn't do too terribly bad. He's learning.

Teen life today is challenging and I do worry about him. Sometimes, I worry a lot. That worry causes me to monitor most things he does because you just never know... Some may think it's meddlesome etc. To them I would ask, "Do you have children?" Most will respond, "No. But I would never treat my kids that way!" To them I would add, "Come back and talk to me when you have kids that are teens." We struggle with differences in our home due to being a blended family. But that has calmed tremendously over the last year due to age and proximity. It saddens me sometimes to feel that way, but it's the truth and it's "real".

Completed Tree House

During one of our more challenging discussions, when we didn't see eye to eye, Tucker did tell me that he respected me because I was "real". He appreciated the fact that I didn't hold back with him and was completely honest with him. He understood that honesty can be painful, hurtful and ugly~just like during that discussion. But he preferred that honesty over "sugar-coating" and thinking I was "protecting" him. Yes, I do wonder if I tell him too much. But my opinion is such that he needs to understand my perspective so he can attempt to understand how things may effective me and hence the family unit. I know that's a great deal to ask from a teen, since most teens are very "I' oriented (having two teens, I surely know that). For me, I have learned to be honest with him. I also attempt, to the best of my ability, to present other perspectives and why they probably differ from mine so he knows that I don't just put blinders on. Do I believe this works? Yes, because he always knows what comes out of my mouth is the truth as I see it and believe it. I love having that freedom with him. I never had it with my stepson and never will. I will strive to do the same with my daughters.

So, as this post has turned into a great deal of ramblings, I come back to why I started this. My good friend and godmother of Elise, sent me this quote about Eagle Scouts. Now I wish he would feel the same about wearing his scout uniform ;-). Becoming an Eagle isn't for everyone. Only 2% of the boys that join scouting will successful attain this rank. It's quite an honor and a priviledge to be an Eagle.

By Randy Pausch "The Last Lecture" pg133

I'll take an earnest person over a hip person every time, because hip is short-term. Earnest is long-term. Earnestness is highly underestimated. it comes from the core, while hip is trying to impress you with the surface. "hip" people love parodies. But there's no such thing as a timeless parody, is there? I have more respect for the earnest guy who does something that can last for generations, and that hip people feel the need to parody.

When I think of someone who is earnest, I think of a Boy Scout who works hard and becomes an Eagle Scout. When I was interviewing people to work for me, and I came upon a candidate who had been an Eagle Scout, I'd almost always try to hire him. I knew there had to be an earnestness about him that outweighed any superficial urges toward hipness.

Think about it. Becoming an Eagle Scout is just about the only thing you can put on your resumes at age fifty that you did at age sixteen-and it still impresses

My Soon-2-B Eagle Scout having tea with his sister

My life....

2009-04-21T21:09:00.002-04:00

This is just a small glimpse into what life is like with the Giggsmiester. If I don't pay enough attention to him, he bites me~in the rear if it suits him!

Make a Smilebox greeting

PS If you don't check out Millie's blog (my youngest), you should....we just got back from another surgery in St. Louis click on this link if your interested: Amelia's Journey

Dress Ups....

2009-04-02T14:13:00.003-04:00

"Dress-Up" is an everyday occurrence at the Wells' Ranch. You just never know what they will be wearing when they descend from above, sometimes it's princess dresses or fancy dresses and sometimes its swimming suits. Today it was leotards! Gotta love it!

"Pinto" the pony even got in on the dress ups!

Forever Family, Four years, Five Years Old

2009-03-14T20:40:00.008-04:00

Referral Photo~June 2004

Elise Christine Feng Wells celebrated her fifth birthday on February 2, 2009. I decided that she should have a nice party to commemorate this particular birthday. I also figured that she would be able to handle the social situation even though she still tends to completely shut down when she gets in front of people she doesn't know.

So on February 2, I got to go to preschool and be the Teacher's helper for class. Elise got to wear a special birthday hat and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Much to my surprise, she buried her head in my shoulder and would not look at anyone while they were singing. She was fine for the rest of the morning~such an odd bird.

Then we headed to the grocery to pick up the cake~time for the disasters to begin. Well, they didn't make the cake, that's right! I actually had the forethought to order a cake a week in advance and it was going to be Diego! Elise even picked it out. But no Diego cake, they didn't make it. I was crushed! So we headed down to the Cupcake Factory and see what they had. Well, since I needed the cake that night for the party, we had limited choices. Again, I let Elise pick the cake and she choose "cats". I was shocked. I thought that she would pick the monkey since she was born in the year of the monkey. Nope, nothing doing! So we ordered the cake and told Daddy to pick it up on the way to the 5 p.m. party at Bananas!

At around 1 p.m., the snow started to fly at a rate of an inch an hour. Yep, that's right. At 3:30, they weather service was calling for a weather advisor and asking everyone to stay home. Bananas called me and asked me what we wanted to no since the weather was bad and getting worse by the hour. I told them I was coming!!! At the time, we had Amelia's surgery scheduled for February 11th and this was the only opportunity that we had to get the party in before the surgery. If I rescheduled, then Amelia would be in the spica cast and not able to enjoy the party (this all happened before she got sick and the surgery was cancelled). So at 3:45p.m. we loaded up the car and head to Bananas which is about 7 miles from our house. It took me 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, but I got there. The roads were horrible...creeping along, if moving at all. I had to change direction one time since cars were not going down steep hills. But I put Black Betty in 4~HI and off I went with two toddlers in tow. We invited a few close friends and they were all able to make the party too. I was surprised because it was just horrible outside. Steve got there really late with the cake, but he made it in time. We had the entire inflatable room to ourselves since there weren't any other people crazy enough to go out in the horrible weather. We had a great time running, jumping, climbing and bouncing. Then we enjoyed pizza, cake and popcorn and left at 7 p.m. By then, the roads were much better and we made it home in 20 minutes. It was great fun and Elise was so grateful for all of her friends coming to the party.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

March 9th is our Gotcha Day~Elise Christine Feng Wells has been our daughter for four years now. It's hard to believe that the little girl that we picked up in china that was so quiet and frail is the vivacious, gregarious and silly little five year old that has completely changed all of our lives. I look at her sometimes and thank God that He allows me to be her mother. I thank Him for all that we went through to get to her~all the pain and heartache and then sheer joy.

She loves stuffed animals and sleeps with at least five of them. But her personal favorite is Maggie the Manatee and Maggie goes to school every day in Elise's school bag. She loves to have a story read to her and will attempt to read them with you. She never walks, but hops, skips or jumps everywhere she goes. Her favorite color is pink, her favorite food is mac and cheese & strawberries, her favorite book changes weekly because she loves them all. Currently, her favorite toy is the Ponyville. She plays "dress up everyday", but would rather be Mowgli from the Jungle Book since he only wears underwear! She would wear her flip flops in the snow if I would let her. Dora is still a favorite, but she is starting to enjoy Cinderella and Ariel. Tia Bella is her very best friend, but she has a crush on Jake at school. I want to remember all these little things because before long, she'll be 16 and I'll wonder what happened to all that sweetness ;-).

I find it hard to believe that she will enter kindergarten in the fall. It's killing me, but she is more than ready for it.

To think that it was just four years ago that I held this black haired beauty and gazed into her chocolate brown eyes for the first time. Four years ago that I watched her sleeping in a crib in China with one eye partially open amazed that I had become a mother again. Four years ago that I watched her attempt to crawl, hold a book for the first time, feel leather, hold a baby doll or her very own blanket. Four yours ago, that I watched her sit on a bed a rock herself for comfort (that only ever happened once). Four years ago that she became my daughter and we became a family of five....for awhile.

Happy Birthday, Happy Gotcha Day, Happy Adoption Day Elise Christine Feng Wells. I love you more than you could ever know!

Love,

Mama

Family Photo

2009-03-02T18:54:00.003-05:00

We had family photos taken in December 2008. Thanks to Laura Laine Photography! She's awesome. You can see her work at:

www.lauralainephotography.com

Make a Smilebox photobook

Perfect Balance

2009-02-12T08:24:00.004-05:00

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Been absent for awhile. Life seems to just get a little overwhelming sometimes. I'd like to say it's crazy, but overwhelming is a better adjective! Crazy is such a common term, insane is probably more appropriate when it comes to our house.

I'm excited to say that the perfect balance has been restored to our home. Yes, we have a new dog!

On Thanksgiving day, a lovely family from Mississippi introduced us to Giggsey. They traveled all the way from the South to visit family in our area and brought Giggs along just for us to meet. I was hesitant since Giggs was 15 months old and had been living with another family that decided their lifestyle wasn't conducive to owning a dog. So, Giggs returned to his breeder where he was socialized with four other Airedales. I worried about him being around small children since he was unaccustomed to them. I wasn't worried about my girls, they love big dogs and are petrified of small dogs. Rather odd, if I do say so myself, but that's my girls. When they arrived, I went outside to greet them and Giggs jumped right on me. My heart soared and his owner said, "That answers that question, Giggs has a new home if you'll have him." It took me about two seconds to decide he was mine. I so miss Gordie, but Giggs eases that ache.

When I was a child, my family raised Airedales, the "King of the Terriers". We had several and I loved them all. The first dog I ever held in my arms when it was necessary to put her down was our Airedale, Sheba. At the time, I hated my dad for making me take her to the vet. It was brutal and heart wrenching, but it's something I hold close to my heart now. When Gordie left us, I knew I would get another dog, but not a chow. My heart wasn't ready for that. So an Airedale was the next choice. I searched and couldn't find one. I looked at rescues, but they were all described as "not good with small children".

I'm happy to say that Giggs has "laid in" here. He's fiesty, happy and excitable. He always has a smile on his face. I allow him on the sofa (YIKES) and he even sleeps with me when Steve is out of town (Double YIKES). Yes, he is quite spoiled. But I will say that it's rather lovely to have him curl up next to me on the sofa or the bed. He's a comfort~woman's best friend. Yes, he is my dog. He likes everyone in the house, but loves me best. I guess he just knows my heart. A heart that is once again full with the company of a beautiful canine.

Welcome home Giggsey!

“The Airedale can do anything any other dog can do, then lick the other dog, if he has to.” Teddy Roosevelt

Amelia's Baptism

2008-11-18T14:13:00.002-05:00

You can read about Amelia's baptism here:

http://journey2amelia.blogspot.com/2008/11/holy-baptism.html

This is the blog that I use for Amelia's "stuff". As soon as the casting is over, I'll probably just move to this blog exclusively.

Elise's first sleepover

2008-11-14T16:09:00.003-05:00

Elise had her first sleepover back in August with our her best friend, TiaBella. TiaBella lives two houses down, so I wasn't too concerned since it would be pretty easy to walk to her house and bring Elise home if there was any trouble.

I told Elise that she was spending the night with Tee and that she needed to gather her things. Elise shot upstairs like a missile and quickly started to pack her backpack~without any help, instructions or guidance. Less than fifteen minutes later, she proudly walked into the kitchen and announced that she was ready to go. When I asked her if she packed everything that she needed, she replied yes. Naturally, I asked her if I could check her backpack and she gladly handed it over. Imagine my surprise when I opened the backpack and the only thing it contained was Elise's very so precious stuffed animals, not one stitch of clothing, a toothbrush, pillow, just stuff animals. Needless to say, we returned to her room and I explained to her the necessary items for a sleepover.

Amelia wanted to go along so badly, but alas, this was not her time. Elise was a little indignant, but TiaBella was more than ready to explain to the "baby" why she couldn't come on this little adventure. I didn't hear a peep all night and I awoke the next morning surprised at the fact that it was 7 a.m. and I didn't get a phone call all night.

The sleepover was a great success and I even had to call and ask when my daughter might be returning home. She had a delightful time and the behavior report was stellar so I guess we are safe to try sleepovers again. Maybe the next one will be at our house....if and when Tee is ready for that.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Back to school post....time to catch up

2008-10-30T19:54:00.002-04:00

Back to school at the Wells ranch consisted of sending #1 off to Case Western for his freshman year, sending #2 to his first year at the senior high school and sending #3 off to four days of preschool.

Matt is loving college and seems to be flourishing there. He's already involved in a research project, joined a fraternity and he's only been home once.

Tucker is doing o.k. at the high school. The work load is challenging, but we expected that. He likes it so far....we hope it continues.

Elise loves preschool...it's all fun and games for her. She just loves life and preschool just fits right for her.

I was rather sad this year. I guess it was tougher than I thought watching Tucker drive off this year instead of watching him get on the school bus. This driving thing is hard! I make him text me when he gets to school and he has to text me when he is starting home. I know it's a little overprotective, but his driving just makes me nervous.

I get a few hours alone with Amelia now. It's rather nice, no competition, no screaming....just alone time. She seems to enjoy not having to worry about what Elise is always up to.

I've started back to a new gym and that seems to be helping my mental attitude and physical stamina. Hopefully, my schedule will even out once the trips to St. Louis are over. But for now, I go when I can.

Enjoy the 1st day of school pics!

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Still hard

2008-10-22T23:28:00.002-04:00

Hard for me to come back here and see that mug! I miss him so! We talk about the "Rainbow Bridge" and Gordo waiting for us there. Elise wants to write a book about Gordo going to be with Jesus. I'm trying, but I can't stop the tears and she wonders why. Maybe it will help me heal. I'm not sure yet.

Time marchs on and I think of Gordie constantly, I even imagine I heard him scratching at the front door a couple of times last week. It was so pronounced that I went to the door~call me crazy. I had a dream about him a few nights ago! Then I think of saving a few morsals for him and I remember he's not there. Then the tears come again and I can't seem to stop them. He was just a dog, I try to tell myself then I think was he really just a dog????

Lots going on here that is worth blogging about, but I can't seem to get to it. Maybe next week!...

Tattered and Torn

2008-10-08T13:12:00.006-04:00

Tattered and torn is my heart today. My beloved Chow has gone on to doggy heaven. It was sudden, unexpected and shocking.

Chow's carry a bit of a reputation, if you will. But our Gordo was the sweetest dog. We referred to him as the land manatee, just hanging around, taking up space. He LOVED the girls and carried a particular fondness for Amelia that often surprised me. There were a few times that I found him in her bedroom, sitting or lying beside her bed. You see, she was upset and I had failed to respond in what Amelia believed was an appropriate amount of time. Therefore, she was taking a fit and Gordo didn't care for her crying.

I'll miss his silly face, smushed into the ground as he slept in my bathroom. I'll miss his head popping up around the daylilies when he hears me pull in. I'll miss watching him through the front window as he would stand up and watch Matthew drive by the house, turn around and park his truck in front of the house. The boys thought he was a little goofy, but he recognizes their trucks~smarter than what they think! I'll miss him following me through the house during a thunderstorm because the crack of thunder startled him. I'll miss him lying at my feet in the evening, when everyone else was asleep and I was catching up on my favorite shows. I'll miss Steve telling me how he would fret for me when I was traveling. Steve would often say that "Gordo is stuck up my behind!". I'll miss hearing the back door slam as he would push his way out onto the back porch to check out the back yard. I'll miss the little kids in our neighborhood squeal in delight at the "Lion Dog" sitting in the driveway. I'll miss the way he would cock his head to the side when I would say "Gordo, you want a cookie?" I'll miss him sitting beside me at the kitchen table waiting for a morsel to savor since he got very few! I'll miss him lying on the kitchen floor, staring at his food bowl because he was hungry~no barking, just staring! I'll miss the phone call from home asking if I fed him or not since he was begging at his food bowl again. I'll miss the neighbors laughing because he would hike his leg on my flowers (another passion of mine). I'll miss the occasionaly "passer-by" ask, "What kind of dog is that? He sure is beautiful!" I'll miss the way he would jump on my sister whenever she would come over, often scratching and bruising her. So often, he would surprise us with his sudden bursts of energy. I'll miss him running to the front door, full out (which wasn't much), when I walked back from the mail box, slide across the front porch, then turn and run back towards me often knocking me down. I'll miss scratching him under his chin and watching him try to stretch his head a little higher so I can scratch in a different spot. Mostly, I'll miss seeing him sitting in the front yard, with his majestic head held high, watching over his kingdom. I referred to him as "The Emperor of Cherry Lane Farm" (self-proclaimed).

He was beautiful, loving, sweet and he was mine. He loved me best and everyone knew he was my dog. My heart literally ached as I held him and felt his last breath leave his body. I've held several of my dogs while they left this world, but his departure has hurt me the most. Maybe because of the suddenness~I'm not sure. The ache returns everyday when I automatically think, "Is Gordo inside or outside?" "Did Tucker feed him before he left for school?" So many things that were just a part of the daily routine around the Wells' Ranch involved Gordie.

I've had a bit of a reprieve since we are traveling to St. Louis for Amelia right now. But I dread returning home and not seeing his mug looking at me when I drive in and then that "tail wiggle" that he was famous for. Now there are things to clean up that I will no longer need and I'm not sure how to do that. But when I return, I'll clean the slobber from the walls and the floor one more time. I'll vacuum up all the lose hair and give the dog food and cookies away. Then one final "pooper scoop" around the yard. Oh Gordie, what will I do without you??? I'd rather clean the slobber and scoop the yard than yearn for you the way I am. I doubt the tears and heart ache will end anytime soon. It seems he was a bigger part of me than I ever realized.

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Order of the Arrow Weekend

2008-07-19T20:23:00.003-04:00

It's always a bummer when you return from vacation. There's nothing thrilling about returning to the daily ins & outs of life. Not like getting up early, eating breakfast and heading to the beach for some sandcastle building. Yep, life at the beach is much different than life in the 'burbs.

With that said, the most exciting thing over the last week has been the "Extreme Home Makeover" was in our city this past week. It was very exciting, I even went up to the house one day with the girls. I did get to see Michael, one of the designers, but that was it. I just wasn't very motivated to stand out in the heat with two toddlers and hope to see someone famous. But at least I did go.

Tucker is at his Order of the Arrow Ordeal this weekend. It's the Boy Scouts of America's National Honor Society.

According to Wikipedia this is what the OA is:

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Founded in 1915, it uses American Indian traditions and ceremonies to bestow recognition on Scouts selected by their peers as best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives. Inducted members are known as Arrowmen or brothers and are organized into local youth-led lodges for fellowship and the rendering of service to Boy Scout councils and their communities.

Any scout that has been through their "ordeal', is sworn to secrecy to not tell other scouts about the ceremonies etc. It's kind of like a secret society~think Free Masons or Knights of Templar.
;-). Tucker would just roll his eyes when I said stuff like that. But for me, it made it more exciting.

I dropped him off on Friday night and I'll pick him up Sunday morning. Before he left on Friday, he reviewed his packing list with me. I knew they would be working, so I asked him if he packed his hiking boots to work in. His comment to me was, "Mom, my "Chucks" are my workboots." Those of you who don't know what "Chucks" are, these are it....

Yep, good ole fashioned, high-topped, canvas tennis shoes. Not joking, wish I were. This is coming from my son that finished his freshman year with a 4+ GPA.

I did head to the garage to find the hiking boots, but they were no where to be found...hmmmm. When I asked where they were, "I don't know." was all I got...again...hmmmm.

So I'm excited to get him tomorrow and hear about this weekend. When I left on Friday, there was a bunch of teenage boys, standing underneath a shelter house, looking less than thrilled to be spending their Summer Friday night getting ready to work. I pulled out, with my radio blasting some oldie but good (my windows were rolled up, so they couldn't hear it!) Ah, it does a mother's heart good!

Family Beach Photos

2008-07-14T10:42:00.001-04:00

There really are no words....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The boys afternoon out...

2008-07-09T09:57:00.003-04:00

The boys went parasailing the other evening. We couldn't watch them from the beach since we were not sure where they would be lifting off from. But we were able to get theses photos from the crew. It looks like the had fun 800 feet up in the air. They said it was awesome. I'm sure it was...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

First time to the beach...

2008-07-07T15:32:00.011-04:00

Elise and Amelia are getting their first experience at the beach. Elise isn't so sure of it, but we're hoping that will change as time creeps on.

I don't want to get any closer!!!!

Then there's Amelia...she thinks the water is pretty cool. She walked right out into the surf. Now the sand is another story...she's not liking that on her hands

Yowsa...why's it coming so close????

Let's talk boys...they just jump in and keep going and going until my heart starts to beat frantically in my chest because they look like bobbers in the water!

Red bobba gone! Red bobba gone! (I'm cracking myself up!)

They thought if they sat closer, Elise might get in. HA!

We finally attempted a sand castle. It then turned into "Let's bury Tucker!" What can I say...I was in the spirit of things!

American and Chinese Engineers at work....

Elise helped mama bury Tucker

Life at the beach...doesn't get any better than this!

Elise's photo of Baba and Mama

Grapes and Sunglasses...what more can a girl ask for????

July 4th-Meeting Lisa and Ana Claire Young

2008-07-05T17:35:00.002-04:00

I love cyberspace~it has granted me the ability to meet some of the most wonderful people. When we first started our adoption journey to Elise, I was blessed to meet some amazing families that were going through the same experience. We shared our highs and lows~good times and bad~successes and failures. Having this group of people has been more than I could hope for, but everything that I prayed for. Funny how that happens.

When I realized that we would be traveling through Alabama and spending the night on our vacation, I contacted my cyberfriend, Lisa, to see if it were possible to hook up. Needless to say, Lisa and Ana Claire spent the evening with us and it was fabulous. I wish our time together could have been longer, but I'm grateful for what we did have.

Thank you Lisa and Ana Claire for taking time out of your Independence Day to spend some time playing! You are both treasures! I'm sorry the photos are better, but I hope yours are! I promised to not post anything "bad" photos. I hope these are all O.K.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This is very, special vacation for us. Lisa and Ana Claire made it extra special!

PS I'm getting ready to goggle the "rattail braid"!

Bubbles, piggy backs and beach toes

2008-07-03T23:02:00.004-04:00

These are the Empresses bathing...it's rather unsettling. This is what I found when I stuck my head in the bathroom while folding laundry. Amelia seems to trust her Jei Jei. I'm not so sure that I do ;-)

Elise arranged for both of them to get piggy back rides on their whales while holding their Chengdu Pandas. I thought it was rather ingenious. She wanted to make sure her mei mei had the same thing she had...only smaller!

Finally, you can't go on vacation without getting your piggies painted. Poor Amelia has such stubby toe nails...I hope they eventually get longer but I don't think that's going to happen. We paint them anyway.

Hopscotch

2008-06-30T23:46:00.003-04:00

I've spent the several days attempting to capture video from my camcorder to my computer. Needless to say...it's been a futile exercise since I did not have the drivers for my camcorder. Naturally, I attempted to go online and download said drivers. But I couldn't find them to save my life. Next step...call JVC and ask where I can download the drivers. JVC tells me that the drivers for my particular camcorder are not available online, but I can buy the CD for a mere $29.98 plus tax and shipping. "Are you kidding me???", I squealed into the phone. "You are going to charge me for something that came with my camera, that in all my craziness of trying to hold a house together with four kids, I can't locate it?" Imagine these words in a high-pitched, pig-like squeal. Because that's what I sounded like. Then the poor guy on the other end of the lines just answers, "Yes!" BRILLIANT!!!!

Of course, I had to be stubborn and NOT order the CD at that time. I attempted to use the ILO that I have, but that wasn't working properly either. So I broke down (one day later) and ordered the stinkin' CD. It killed me, but I was desperate to get some video off that camcorder to post to my blog.

Here's the coveted video: It's of the girls playing hopscotch with some other shenanigans going on with Gu-Gu Tucker. Little Miss Amelia was doing her best to keep up with her Jei Jei! It really was one of those special "Summer-Time" moments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln2kl9gS4QY

This is turning into such a great summer! I can't remember when I've enjoyed myself more...and we haven't even gone on vacation yet!!!!

He's got the POWER~VBS

2008-06-29T14:26:00.003-04:00

Last week was VBS for Elise! She LOVED the music so I had to buy the CD and DVD for at home. This is a video of her dancing to "He's Got the Power!". She doesn't stop moving the entire time the music is playing. It's a great "wear-her-out-before-a-nap" activity. Too funny!

Unfortunately, there is a little bit of "Michael Jackson" imitating going on~but what's a mom to do??? I can't stop the video for everything!

One year ago....

2008-06-22T09:58:00.002-04:00

I've been rather nostalgic the last few days. It was a year ago that I embarked on an adventure of a lifetime...backing at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimmeron, New Mexico. We started on June 19, 2007~so our crew number was 619D2. We did not actually hit the trail until 6/20 and that's when the fun began. Well, actually it began before that...as I reread my journal about the first day at Base Camp~I recalled how much I wanted to just come home. I was overwhelmed with the journey that was ahead of us and a little more than freaked over leaving for China as soon as I returned home. I did not finalize our flights for China until a day earlier while in Colorado Springs. To say I was a little stress is an understatement.

As we were departing Base Camp on 6/20, we had to weigh our backpacks. Mine weighed in a little over 50 pounds and I was wondering how I was going to carry that for 11 more days. Fortunately, things were redistributed and I left base with a pack weighing around 42 pounds. That was still a little intimidating, but there wasn't much more I could do. I remember having minor panic attacks as I started out each leg. WOW~I kept thinking I had bitten off more than I could chew!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I actually kept a written journal during that trip and I've been reading it. Holy Toledo ~ did I go through a lot of different emotions. The first few days were the roughest. We started out at a pretty low altitude, 6000 feet. That wasn't too bad, but on the second day, we made an accent to Touchache Springs and that was an elevation change of 2000 feet. Most of that change was done in a very short, uphill hike. It was BRUTAL! I remember our ranger, Scott, telling us to not stop and "just push through it!". I thought I was going to inflict physical harm on the poor boy. I wanted to tell him that he had four adults that were over 40, one was over 50 and he was 19~to "just chill out!". But I kept it to myself. I think the funniest thing that happened that first night was sleeping in a cow pasture with a herd of cattle. Yep, they came right in to camp and checked us out. Our first "wildlife" siting.

I'll probably post more about the trip and more photos. I would go back in a minute, but it doesn't appear it will happen next year.

VACATION

2008-06-17T07:44:00.002-04:00

We are going on a family vacation this year...and it won't be a trip that will add to our family or one that only a few of us are going on (I.E. I won't be hiking with 40+ pounds on my back with just Tucker), and we won't be going with anyone else. Our last family vacation was before we traveled to get Elise and we went with another family. Can you say....DISASTER! Let me tell you something, you really get to know someone when you go on vacation with them. We will NEVER do that again!!!!!!

This summer~we are going to the beach! And yes, all six of us are going. Steve and I are beside ourselves with excitement. I've arranged to meet another family that adopted about the same time we adopted Elise and we will be meeting them on the way! I can't wait to finally see Lisa and Ana Claire in person. The internet is a wonderful thing, but there's nothing like seeing someone in person.

So I'm being a little weired about the trip. We are renting a house so we'll be able to cook. I told Steve I was going to plan a menu to making shopping easier. I don't want to spend my time going to the grocery when I can be enjoying the great outdoors! He think's I'm crazy~I think it's efficient.

Anyway, just had to put those thoughts down today! It's the countdown to the beach!!!!

One or Two????

2008-06-13T12:49:00.003-04:00

Elise is at the awkward stage when a one piece swim suit does not fit her right (if you know what I mean). So I decided to step out (albeit, a little apprehensive) and buy her a two piece. I knew her baba would not be impressed. But you got to admit....she looks MARVELOUS!

Baba just stared at me when Elise pranced into the kitchen last night before heading to the pool. All I could say was, "You can either look at her tummy or look at her bum! Which do you prefer?" Needless to say, he picked up the beach bag and headed out with the girls in tow.

Last day of school, dentists, tornados and cicadas

2008-06-05T08:38:00.003-04:00

Well, the last day of school has come and gone for Tucker. He is no longer at the Freshman school and will now attend the high school. I think he's very excited about it. I think he's more excited about the fact that the girls and I won't be waiting at the bus stop on his last day school ready to snap pictures of him on the last day. Since he was on early release on the last day(out at 10:45 a.m.), we went to the bus stop to wait for him. Imagine his surprise when his sisters were waiting on the opposite corner frantically waving and calling to him. I found it sweet and very special. It's something that I hope he will always remember.

Elise had another visit to the dentist...drama~drama~drama. She LOVES to brush and floss her teeth at home. But she has a complete meltdown when they start that cleaning tool. Holy cow~I made her tough it out! The tears were flowing, but we got them clean. Hip-hip-hooray for no cavities!

We've had some yucky weather in the past week. The other night we had a tornado warning. Tucker came tearing upstairs to tell us. We had just put the girls to bed so we had to get them up and gather a few of their comfort items before we headed to the basement. Tucker was busy running around the house gathering his precious electronics (IPod, PS3, Computer). He never once offered to help get the girls. I thought my head was going to explode. I did tell him to get the dog downstairs. I think we need to have some discussions about material items.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Finally, I have decided to start enjoying my children more~like SCC says..."I'll Dance with Cinderella!" I hope you enjoy the pictures. I love the ones of the girls "cooking".

I'm counting the days until vacation~I can't wait to get away and it won't be a backpacking trip or a 30+hour flight to a foreign country. Just a good ole fashion beach vacation~I can hear the blender spinning now....

Graduation Day

2008-06-02T07:13:00.003-04:00

Matthew graduated from high school this weekend. We traveled to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio to watch the 660+ graduates receive their diplomas. I have to give the administration credit...they accomplished all of that in a little less than two hours~very impressive! The class valedictorian was only 16 and graduated with a GPA of 5.01 (no, that is not a typo). That young man is going to Yale~go figure. The salutatorian had a GPA of 4.75~again that is not a typo.

The day turned out beautiful and we had family and a few very close friends over for an open house. It was such a great day and we all enjoyed ourselves so much. Family, friends food~it was great! We ended the day sitting on our deck with our neighbors saluting Matthew and all of his accomplishments.

Matthew leaves for Case Western in August. He is also working this summer~this is the first summer that he has not had any outside (school) commitments (band/summer school). Here's to a great summer for Matt.

We are all looking forward to our family vacation. This will be the first vacation in many years that we will not travel to China and add to our family ;-). We are all looking forward to heading to the beach, especially Elise.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2008-05-28T16:40:00.003-04:00

Tucker turned 16 yesterday...it's hard for me to believe that my little boy is that old. He's about to complete his freshman year and then it's on to Lakota West High School~no more Freshman School~Hallelujah!

The Celebration was small...just the girls, me and Steve. Matthew is on his Senior trip to Chicago with some friends. We spent the weekend sprucing up the house for Matthew's open house this weekend.

Take a look at the photos...the last one is a video that I shot of Tucker while he was "babysitting" the girls so we could finish painting. WOW! is all I can say!

November 1992

Sadness

2008-05-25T20:34:00.007-04:00

Losing a child would have to be the most devastating thing that could happen to a family. I don't know how I would cope~only by the Grace of God could I survive.

This week, Steven Curtis Chapman lost his youngest child, Maria, to a tragic accident at their home. This is a video of Maria. It just breaks my heart.

Maria was also adopted from China and just turned 5 years old. She is sitting on her daddy's lap in the photo. Her adoption story is inspiring...she was a waiting child that Steven met during a visit to China. The Chapman's had no intention of adopting again, but God had another plan. I believe that Mary Beth rushed to China during the SARS epidemic before they closed the country to bring Maria home before it was too late and they would have had to wait months to travel.

To say that Steven Curtis Chapman and his family have inspired thousands to adopt is an understatement. I was privileged to see him in concert during an reunion picnic with AHH adoption agency. That was three years ago this summer and I captured several photos of all of his girls. It was a very special concert and he sang a very special song that he wrote for his wife, Mary Beth, that he will only sing at his concerts. I'll have to see if I can't download it since I did video it.

Steven's newest song "I'll Dance with Cinderella" is below. I'm sure it's even more poignant for many people during this sad time.

My thoughts are constantly going to this family and another family in our area that lost their very young daughters in the same way. Then my thoughts turn to my father who lost his brother in a tragic auto accident when Dad was only sixteen and his brother was even younger than him. Dad was driving the car. He never speaks of the accident and I never ask. But my heart aches even more for him right now. His brother was named Charles Christopher and they called him Tucker.

We have one young driver, soon to be two, in our home. One new rule will be that no vehicle can be started unless the girls are sitting on the porch or the deck before they can leave the area. That's good advice for anyone of any age.

Dance with Jesus, Maria Sue Chapman! We'll see you soon!!!

Out of Order?

2008-05-20T12:03:00.009-04:00

This is not something that the mother of four wants to see on her washing machine. Since this particular washing machine is just around five years old...one wouldn't expect to see this.

Alas, I reside with a few young men that believe that "heavy duty" washing machine means that three weeks of dirty laundry can fit into ONE load. It doesn't matter what color, forget sorting~one load is the way to go according to these two. I won't go into the fact that they BOTH carry over a 4.2 GPA, one is a presidential scholar nominee (scored 35/36 on his ACT~scored a full tuition scholarship to Case and OSU), both have ALWAYS been on the honor roll and ALWAYS been High Honors (not JUST Honors). So imagine my disdain at the fact that they can not follow simple instructions on sorting laundry and loading the washing machine.

After a week of no washer, waiting for a part to arrive that never arrived and having the repair man leave my house not once, but twice for parts~the washing machine is running. Steve suggested that I go to the laundry mat...Are you feeling what I'm thinking? If you are, it ain't pretty!!!! There was more to the saga...the service call to Sears requesting the status of the parts that I ordered over a week ago and getting the answer, "We don't know where the pump is. It should have shipped. We'll have to research it." Holy Moly! The part never did arrive and when I tried to cancel the order, they told me I couldn't cancel it. I would have to wait until the part arrived and then ship it back for credit. Again, are you feeling what I'm thinking????

Finally, the repair charge was the equivalent of 1/2 the original cost of the washer. Another very sad part of the story. I won't repair it again~next time, new washer.

On top of the repair, the service guy informed me that my hot & cold water was not installed "to code" and was backwards. The entire time I've lived in this hours 10+ years, I have had the hot and cold water hooked up incorrectly!!!!!

My repair guy is very nice and accommodating. He mentioned that I may want to have my dryer serviced since lint can accumulate on the motor and cause fires. I smiled and said thanks, but not today. I'll let you know on that.

Being the "DIY" kind of gal that I am, I decided to clean the dryer myself. Imagine my surprise when I removed the front panel and this is what I found....

That is lint my friends!!!! Yes, lint~more than I care to really admit to, but I am.

After all was said and done this is what I found:

$3.68 in change

2 paper clips

1 safety pin

1 button
1 rubber band &

1 hair band

That's a clean swiffer next to the dirty swiffer!

This is a picture of the amount of lint I found INSIDE the dryer~not in the lint catcher! That's a 12 inch ruler beside that pile. Very nice!

This is what the dryer SHOULD look like.

Both washer and dryer are running great as I type this. Thank the Lord! The only remaining problem is the smell that is emanating from somewhere in the laundry room~probably from the stagnant water that set in the washer for a week. I have yet to find the source of the smell, much to my dismay!

After all of this, my stress level is a little high. So I headed to the frig for some chocolate or ice cream or something. But alas, I opened the door to find nothing on my comfort list of foods. What I did find was an EXPLODED Diet Coke!

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...right?????

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-19T23:43:00.003-04:00

We spent a quiet mother's day at home with three of the four kids. It was peaceful, I took a nap and just did a whole lot of nothing. We attempted to go out to dinner~big mistake! Did you know that Mother's Day is the biggest grossing sales day for restaurants? Well I sure didn't, but I do know now. Needless to say, we got take-out and came right back home. A two hour wait is just not in the cards with two toddlers. Steve and I did head out later and Tuck watched the girls for me. I'll know better next year! Here's a few pictures of the weekend...

Earthquake in China

2008-05-19T08:02:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, there has been a horrific earthquake in China. I have watched so many devastating stories....right now watching a young boy that has lost both of his arms. He is probably 8 or 9 years old. His parents are unemployed farmers and all of their hope rested on their young son. I imagine that there will be many more stories like this in the days to come.

I have been getting daily updates from Half the Sky. This is the organization that did so much for Amelia when she was in Chengdu Children's Welfare Institute. I encourage you to check out their website and see the photos. This is the update that I received today:

Dear Friends,

It’s Monday afternoon here in China. As I write this, the entire country just held 3 minutes of silence to commence a 3 day period of national mourning. It began at 2:28 pm, marking the very moment the massive quakestruck in Wenchuan County, Sichuan. Flags flew at half-staff, the people wore white flowers and, heads bowed, held hands. Across the country, horns and sirens wailed in grief.
There are 32,477 people confirmed dead, more than 35,000 still missing.

Sadly and predictably, we are getting more information about children newly orphaned. We are now bringing together people and resources to prepare and train caregivers to help children through the next difficult phase of recovery. Unlike emergency relief (not our specialty but we're learning fast!), this is an area where HTS does have great expertise to offer. We will give all we can to these children who have many hard of them. I will be sharing our plans as they evolve. Meanwhile, we continue to focus our attention on the most urgent needs ofaffected children – children in institutions and children orphaned or displaced by the disaster. What follows is our most recent news. I’ve posted a few photos on ourwebsite: http://halfthesky.org/work/earthquake08.php and will update asmore arrive

Ziyang Social Welfare Institution – Building sustained severe damage. They care for 48 children, 20 of them under four years-old. They request 50 cribs and cots, bandages, 10 milk pots, children’s clothes, 100 sets of bedding, bowls, spoons, chopsticks, toys and stationary supplies.

Deyang and Nanchong Social Welfare Institutions both have received notification that they should prepare immediately to receive newly orphaned children. All the children are living in tents. HTS will provide additional tents, beds and other requested items.

Guangyuan SWI – The children remain in tents. They were notified that they will be receiving several newly orphaned children (perhaps 50-60)very soon. Shifang saw many of its schools destroyed, hundreds of children and their teachers buried. They sent us this heartbreaking story during the at Hongbai Primary School:

“‘We found him!’ Teacher Zhang Huibing’s body was finally discovered, frozen in a posture of pushing against the door frame. According to the students saved by him, when the earthquake happened, Teacher Zhang was on the platform of the classroom on the second floor, which was very near the door. He yelled to the students, ‘Run outside! Hurry!’ And he somehow held the door frame up with both arms as the children ran out, one by one. Just as all the students were safely evacuated, the building collapsed on him. Teacher Zhang, who was only 30 years-old, had a four-year-old childof his own.”

As I mentioned in my last note, Mianyang has become a major refugee center. Of the more than 20,000 refugees in the city’s Jiuzhou Stadium,“scores” of them are young children. We are told, but this is not confirmed, that the entire center area of the stadium is reserved for toddlers and infants. Most are said to be from Dujiangyang, Beichuan and Mianzhu. Ma Lang is on her way to Mianyang now, so we will learn more soon.

Many children who have lost or become separated from their families are being brought to Chengdu, but not yet to the Chengdu Children’s Welfare Institution. Some have been taken to the Sichuan Children’s Center (an after-school and weekend activity center for children.)

About 30 children, from Yingxiu and Dujiangyang, were taken a Chengdu city park, the Qingyang Sports Center, which has been converted to a refugee camp. Some children have been united with family members. We’re told that some from the media are actively trying to reunite families. Most of the children in this camp who survived were in their teens. They told us that many younger children in their town did not survive because those in the primary schools and kindergartens were napping when the quake hit and could not run.

The youngest camp resident was 16 days-old. The military police made aspecial effort to bring her and her very young mother down to the camp from Yingxiu. The baby was only 11 days-old when her daddy perished in the earthquake.

Perhaps today's most heartbreaking story was about some of the 70 injured children who’d been carried down from the affected areas to Huaxi Hospital. Most of the children were reunited with parents or relatives; some were even well enough to leave the hospital after treatment. But a few children remained alone and unclaimed. They were required to sign their own consent forms so that the doctors could amputate their limbs to save their lives.

Half the Sky spent much of the weekend purchasing requested supplies and shelter, organizing distribution and continuing to assess needs. In addition to the much-needed and wonderfully generous monetary donations from our amazing community of supporters, we have been flooded with offers of in-country help from from volunteers.

As you can imagine, many requested items are getting harder and harder to come by. Just today we doubled our refugee tent order to 200 – all that was available immediately – and already have requests for more. Shoppers in Chengdu have begun filling a no-longer-habitable room at the Chengdu CWI (Children’s Welfare Institution) with everyday goods destined for hard-hit areas. Others around China are working on fulfilling our giant shopping list. Some are flying in to Chengdu, hand-carrying items from our medical wish-list. Our wonderful friends at Gung-Ho Films, a Beijing-based film production services company, are offering logistics support, including shopping, shipping and door-to-tent delivery!

I can’t really express how moved we are by your generosity and your trust in Half the Sky to ensure that the children benefit from your gifts. Today 3 more HTS Beijing staffers and 2 Gung-Ho staff traveled to Chengdu to help facilitate our relief efforts. We all feel privileged to be able to help.

If you would like to donate to Half the Sky’s Children’s Earthquake Fund,it would be great if you would do so at Global Giving as (even though theytake 10% for processing and we do not (100% to the kids but at cost to ourprograms) it allows HTS staff to focus on relief efforts while keeping our programs going.
http://www.globalgiving.com/pr/2100/proj2086a.html

If you prefer to donate directly to Half the Sky, of course that’s fine.Here are the various ways: You can donate by calling Half the Sky (+1 510525 3377) or on our website: http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Children's+Earthquake+Fund

Many companies have announced they will match employee gifts forearthquake relief. Please check to see if your company will double your gift!

If you would like a Canadian tax receipt, please donate at
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s86248

If you would like a Hong Kong tax receipt, please call us at +852 25205266 or online at
https://www.paydollar.com/b2c2/eng/charity/payInfo.jsp?charityId=4947

Thank you so much for your kindness and concern.
with love,
Jenny
Jenny Bowen
Executive Director
Half the Sky Foundation
www.halfthesky.org

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.

My heart aches for my daughters' birth country. What happens next, is anyone's guess. I'm sure there will be many more dramas in the days to come.

Driver's ed and other stuff

2008-05-07T20:48:00.002-04:00

Tucker is finishing up driver's education this week. Can you believe it???? He will be a licensed driver before I know it. Don't think I'm quite ready for that. But it's coming sooner rather than later.

He also has an ingrown toenail (TMI) that we had to get cut out today. That was fun stuff, but after over two weeks of antibiotics and still having problems. Something different had to happen.

Matt is almost finished with high school. He graduates at the end of the month~wow how time flies! Thank goodness Jesus is on our side!!!!!

Down on the farm....

2008-05-01T15:20:00.004-04:00

Today I went with Elise's preschool class to Gorman's farm. It's just a few miles from the house and I have never been there (lived here 10 years, never been~I'm up for mother of the year!). I'm always a little apprehensive about "field trips" with toddlers. It is usually more than Elise and I can handle together. But off we went.

I'm thrilled to say that we had a great time. It started off rather rough, Elise was hanging on to my leg like a leech. I almost put her back in the car and left. But we trudged forward. She really came around when we got to the animals. I was totally shocked. I got some great pictures. Unfortunately, I have a "hate relationship" going on with my "rechargeable batteries right now and my camera died right at the end of the trip. I'm really bummed because Elise was chasing bunny rabbits around in their cage trying to catch one. It was a hoot! She was crawling under the hutches and trying to stick her head down in the rabbit hole. Way, way too funny!

The pig was the best. Her name is Queenie and she was HUGE! Elise wasn't even afraid of her. She went right up and started scratching her back. Everyone kept asking me if she's around animals alot~yeh~Gordo (HA!). Anyway, she did great until she dropped her egg in the hen house and made a total mess on the floor. Oops!

What a fun day! I needed it too~it's been a rough couple of days around our house. I tried taking the girls to see "Horton hears a Who". That lasted all of thirty minutes and we left. Thankfully, we were the only ones in the theatre and didn't disturb anyone. I was sad because I wanted to see how it ended. Poor, pitiful me.

Enjoy the slide show~I picked some of the best shots I had.

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Delicious Strawberries

2008-04-28T15:44:00.008-04:00

My girls love strawberries. Elise will say, "Can I have some delicious strawberries, please?" It's a hoot. So I decided that we should plant our own strawberries and watch them grow this summer. She was all for it. So off we went to Lowes and bought our strawberry plants and potting soil. She had great fun and was a very good listener when I was showing her how to layer the plants. I added some scrapbook pages of the pictures that I took. Hopefully she'll enjoy gardening as much as I do. I know you are asking, "where is Amelia?" Let's just say that things got a little complicated and Baba took her to the playground to swing :-)

Bubbles....

2008-04-28T08:01:00.002-04:00

So what is it about bubbles that is fascinating to a child? When my girls see the bubble bottles, all activities cease and the blowing begins. Naturally, I indulge them with huge bottles of bubbles, bubble guns (is that politically correct???), bubble wands of every size and we even have a bubble machine (compliments of the neighbors). So I took some pictures of them while they were so focused on the task at hand. They are also sporting new sunglasses. Amelia can't seem to get hers on straight, but that is what makes it so charming.

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

A trip to the Zoo

2008-04-21T20:42:00.003-04:00

Friday was a perfect day in Cincinnati, sunny and 70 degrees. You couldn't ask for a better day to head to the zoo. So we did just that and so did about 1000 other people. We almost scrapped the trip after sitting in traffic for well over 30 minutes to go less than two blocks. Actually, I did scrap the trip. But I was going around the block, pass the traffic and I accidentally fell upon the old zoo entrance and there were no cars in line. So, I zipped in, parked right in the front and hauled the girls inside.

This was a big deal for me since I was braving the zoo all on my own, without an extra set of hands. You might think that's not a big deal, but you have to remember that Amelia isn't walking yet and most places aren't big enough for a double wide stroller to fit into, including the eating establishments. But we did o.k. I was rather proud of myself.

The girls were great, the flowers were in full bloom and we had a grand time. Until....the train ride and everything went down hill in a hurry. Fortunately for Amelia, we left right after that so she wasn't too tramatized.

I got some o.k. pictures of the girls sitting around the flower gardens. It was so sunny that I couldn't get them to look at the camera too much.

EaaaarthQuaaaake

2008-04-18T16:44:00.003-04:00

It's not a secret, I'm a light sleeper. So for me to wake up before my alarm goes off is not big surprise. At approximately 5:40 a.m. (my clock is a little slow), I wake up to my bed shaking. So in my grogginess, I think, "If Tucker is doing laundry again, I'm gonna wring his neck". Seriously, I was thinking something far worst than this~but it's not very nice to post.

Let me digress for just a second. We have one of those front loader machines, kinda looks like something from outer space. Well, unfortunately, it's off balance. Nothing due to what I've done, but something that a service guy did when he installed the storage drawers~but that's another long-winded post for another time. When that washer goes into a spin, my entire house shakes!!! It's unbelievable~kinda like a jet engine taking into flight. No joke-True Story!

So, I start to come to my senses and I realize that my entire bedroom is shaking~the bed, stuff on the shelves~everything! And I start to think~is this a dream or what.

Finally, I get up, come downstairs and Tucker is eating 10 minicakes with about 1/2 cup of syrup (on my new sofa...grrrrr) and I say, "Hey, did you feel something shaking this morning?" He jumps up, all excited and starts blurting out that his door was moving, thought I was coming in to wake him because he overslept...blah blah blah! Then the news comes on and says it was in fact an earthquake.

So, yep, The Miami Valley experienced an earthquake today. No damage~just a whole lot of shakin' goin on!

Life is so exciting in Ohio~

Prom

2008-04-16T07:52:00.009-04:00

Matthew & Jessica

Steve & Matthew

Saturday was Lakota West's prom. I can't say we made a big "broo-ha-ha" out of it. I guess that's the way it is when you have a boy. We did have to be at church at 6 p.m. for Tucker's confirmation, so that was another determining factor.

We took a few photos and then tried to get a shot with all of us. All I can say is that there is no such thing as getting seven people to do the same thing at one time~especially when toddlers are involved.

Steve was very successful at staying hidden behind me~I don't think I have any decent shots of him~drives me crazy!!!!!

Hair~Before & After

2008-04-13T23:14:00.006-04:00

For those of you that are interested, here are some very weak before and after photos. I have so FEW photos of me...that I had to use two so you could get an idea of my hair length....

This really shows how long it was~I do not like the way it's looking here!

But this is much better! Ten inches later....I'll probably let it grow a bit, but I really like it this length.

Confirmation retreat and morning ramblings

2008-04-10T06:52:00.013-04:00

Sunrise...

I love the early morning, when everyone else is still in bed and I can sit at the computer and watch the sun come up. Since the trees are not covered in leaves, I can see the sun rise. Right now, the sun is a beautiful shade of pink/purple. The house is quiet and I have a delightful cup of coffee made by my wonderful, teenage son. Tucker and Matt have left for school. I got to spend a few quiet moments with Tucker before he leaves and that is always nice. He still gives me a hug and tells me he loves me before he goes. "I love you Mama!" It's the best! He has always been so affectionate.

This is the best part of the day...before the chaos of feeding two toddlers and getting them out the door to Elise's preschool. Lately, I've been sleeping in and missing this time. I always regret when I do. This is my time, even if it's just 30 minutes. Gordo even likes it...he gets a good "rub-down" in the mornings and then goes out to watch the world go by as he lays on the sidewalk declaring his position as "Supreme Chow" of the neighborhood. He's just too funny~our land manatee.

Last weekend was spent at Tucker's confirmation retreat. I wasn't sure he was going to go~we've had our ups and downs lately. Tucker is experiencing the "teenage years". This school year has been a challenge for both of us. All of the freshman in Lakota school district (15000+ students in all grades) go to the same school. We have two high schools that have the 10-12 grade students. So the freshman school has around 1300 students in it. It's a zoo! The administration does a pretty good job with the situation, but it's hard on some of the kids. Next year, a new freshman school will open and the Lakota East freshman will attend the new school and the West students will stay at the old school. And did I mention that freshman girls are just "MEAN"! I'm talking hateful mean. Some of the boys aren't much better. I'd like to spend a week with a few of them. We'd see if they are all "high and mighty" after a week with me. That's not a very healthy attitude, but it breaks my heart the way some of these kids make other kids feel about themselves. I've been covering him in prayer (which I should have been doing all along) and things seem to be getting better for him~Praise God! But I digress...

Tucker~claiming the new house as "HIS HOUSE"

Back to the retreat. We went to Camp Kern and it was a family retreat. But I didn't feel that it was a good place to take the girls since we were sleeping in dorm bunk beds and Amelia would need a port-a-crib, blah blah blah. So Baba stayed home with them. It was one night, so not so bad for him. Tucker and I shared some good thoughts about God's grace. It was such a wonderful blessing to share those feelings with him. I believe he gets it~but his inquisitive mind has so many questions. I just pray that his heart remains open to the our Lord!

There was a moment during the retreat when he was holding my hand and I yearned for those days when I could hold him in my lap. Do you ever look at your teenager and think about just that, holding him or her in your lap? I guess you kind of forget about it (at least I did), but with the one girl or both sitting on my lap all the time, I tend to think about it. It was one of those special moments when I just wanted to hug him. Naturally, it's not cool to sit on your mom's lap at the age of 15. It was so strange that my heart ached a little for that. But in my mind's eye, I was holding a little tow-headed boy, his head tucked under my chin, head resting against my chest, listening to my heart beat. I could still smell his hair and feel the softness of his hand in mine. We were at Ichthus and it was during the alter call. He looked up and told me he loved me. Do you have a memory like that? A memory that you can go back to and remember everything about that child at those point in time? I always try to make those memories with each one of my kids so I can go back to it some day. I can't remember where I picked that up, but I'm glad I did.

We were able to participate in a high ropes course. It was so much fun. We went through 9 different areas and my favorite was when we used a rope to swing across a bridge. I was told that I had to do a Tarzan yell while swinging. Oh happy day! I LOVED the Carol Burnett Show! I watched it faithfully and her Tarzan yell was amazing. So I grabbed a hold of that rope and with my best "Carol Burnett" impression, bellowed out my Tarzan yell as I swung back and forth across the bridge opening. Tucker was mortified. I was positively gleeful! Tucker was even more shocked when he learned that one of the boys got it on video. His mother emailed it to me this week. Take a look.....you can see Tucker standing off on the right side of the video. Body language says EVERYTHING....

Well, the troops have risen and I must clean up the body glitter that has found it's way to my child and the kitchen table. The fun never ends

Hair cut

2008-04-04T16:16:00.004-04:00

As you may or may not know, I've been growing my hair. But for a good reason...I decided I would donate my hair to Locks Of Love http://www.locksoflove.org. It's an organization that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children under the age of 18 that are suffering from long term medical hair loss.

I was inspired to donate my hair after a friend of mine, Deb, told me she was donating her hair. I'm not a fan of long hair for myself. I believe I'm too old and I have fine/thin/semi curly hair. All of these characteristics do not add up to nice looking long hair. But I perservered only because of a new weapon that fights the frizzies....a flat iron. I paid a pretty penny for my flat iron, but it made my hair tolerable.

I almost didn't make it in China~if my stylist had not emailed me during one of my "bad hair" rants, I probably would have done the same thing I did when I got Elise. I had my hair cut to within 2" all around my head. It was a smart cut and looked very nice for Gotcha Day photos. I was so very tempted~heat~humidity~no flat iron. It was ugly! I have to say, that I do not care for the photos of me in China this last time. Hate the hair!

So, last Friday, I went to Amanda (my stylist) and told her to cut it off! She HATES cutting my hair short. She was so nervous. But I have a philosophy about hair~It GROWS! So after about 18 months of letting my hair just grow, they were able to cut a 10" pony tail. Being the jokester that I am, I squealed when Amanda took the first snip at my "tail". She did jump and did not laugh. But I did!

Now I'm sporting a sassy new doo! I love it! My hair loves it...it's bouncy, curly and not frizzy! All things I just love about hair. I'd post pics but I'm always the one behind the camera so I can't oblige you! But I did want to share.

I'm off to a church retreat with Tuck's confirmation class this weekend. We'll be doing a ropes course tomorrow. I LOVE high adventure stuff! Big surprise huh!?!

Easter Sunday & Uncle John and Amelia's birthday

2008-03-23T21:37:00.003-04:00

We always try to capitalize on our time together as a family. So today we celebrated the Resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my big brother and Amelia's birthdays.

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Lots to do and see~there was cutting down of trees in the backyard and some drought victim evergreens in the front yard. We now have more firewood for our fire pit. Then we had an Easter Egg hunt with a Dora Pinata for Amelia's birthday. Unfortunately, the girls didn't care for "wacking" Dora with the big stick. So being the #1 candidate for mother of the year, I gave the ole girl a few wacks and down she came. Needless to say, just another reason for my kids to be in therapy when they are older. Then there were Easter gifts from Grammy and a nice Easter ham to devour.

Finally, we had cupcakes for the birthday celebration. It was big fun and now I'm ready to explode from all the food. Tomorrow is a big day...we head to St. Louis to see Dr. Dobbs. Pray for safe travels!

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Easter Egg Hunt~Smith Farm

2008-03-21T20:10:00.002-04:00

We took Elise and Amelia to my friend, Karen's, for an Easter Egg Hunt. Karen lives on a farm about 40 minute from our house. I missed the hunt last year...I was training for Philmont~backpacking in some remote place in Ohio/Indiana. But this year....I was there.

Naturally, I wanted my girls to look extra cute. Last year, Elise wore an OSU jersery, hair back in a sad pony tail and mismatched shorts. I wanted her to look "cute" this year. Sadly, we've had so much rain that Noah is building an ark....so "cuteness" was out and rubber boots and jeans was in. Remember, we're on a farm.

We arrived at Karen's and she pleasantly informed me that they had "baby chicks" in the house and that there were eggs in the hunt that had "baby chicks" as a prize. GREAT! I'm thinking of making a quick exit but decide to tough it out. So we take the girls in the house where the "baby chicks" are (remember, this is a working farm) and there is a big box of chicks with about 5 kids gathered around it. All I can think is...."I wonder if they've figured attrition in to the equation today". I grew up on a farm and raised many animals. I know what happens to baby chicks, especially when there are tiny little hands picking them up and "loving" them. I questioned Karen about this...she raised her glass of wine, winked and said, "that's what I'm counting on". So off we went to cuddle a chick.

The girls had a blast! Elise wanted to open each egg she picked up. That definitely inhibited her from gathering too many eggs. She LOVED the candy that was scattered about the field. Smarties are a favorite. Amelia was a CHAMP....she was definitely all about picking up the egg and putting it in the basket. Way too cute!

It was a great day! Thanks Karen and Adam for a smashing good Easter Egg Hunt!

HE LIVES!!!!!

Enjoy the pics...

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Presidential Scholar Candidate

2008-03-14T10:52:00.004-04:00

Matthew has been nominated for the Presidential Scholar Award. Matthew, along with 5 other students from Lakota schools (4 from West, 2 from East).

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our Nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 141 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s highest honors for high school students. In honoring the Presidential Scholars, the President of the United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of high potential.

Final selections will be made in May by a committee of 32 people appointment by the President. There will be one boy and one girl selected from each state, D.C., Puerto Rico and US students living abroad.

Congratulations Matthew! We are very proud of you!

What's up with this table.....

2008-03-11T22:31:00.002-04:00

There seems to be something about our kitchen table that draws my children to want to sit in the middle of it.

This is Elise in January of 2006

This is Amelia~March 2008

Elise looks to be a bit happier than Amelia does! But that's nothing unusual. I just can't figure out what the fascination is with this table. Elise started getting stuck in the middle as she got bigger. It took about four times of her getting totally frustrated because she couldn't get out and we would let her stew a bit before she finally gave up on the entire idea. Amelia doesn't have the leg strength that Elise had so she just sits her bottom in it and pulls herself up. Amelia has amazing upper body strength.

On a sour note, I've totally thrown out my back. Yep, it's so bad that my leg hurts and my foot gets numb. I had an MRI today, go back to the doctor tomorrow. This has been going on for almost two weeks now. Pray that I get some sort of resolution tomorrow. I need to get some sleep. I'm completely and totally miserable. I can't pick up the girls and they just don't get it. They are used to me just hauling them up on my hip and not batting an eye. Hmmmm....maybe that's part of the problem...33 lbs plus 23 lbs= lots of weight for Mamma. Anyway, I'm off to try to sleep. That will be on the couch in the basement since our family room is void of furniture right now. The new stuff is coming tomorrow. We watched American Idol sitting in our fold-up camp chairs!

Happy Adoption Day

2008-03-09T20:24:00.007-04:00

It is so hard for me to believe that it has been three years since Elise officially joined our family! WOW, time does fly! The waiting and turmoil to get to her is a distant memory to us all now. Everyone said that when you finally get her, it all fades away and they were so very right.

Elise is a beautiful and bright child. She goes through her life with a zeal and zest that makes everyone around her smile. I am so grateful that God put her in our lives. What a blessing and gift she truly is.

The day passed by rather uneventful. Our area was hit with a minor blizzard yesterday, so we've been a little housebound. Most of the problem is my aching back...I feeling pretty icky with pain. I'm praying that it subsides a little. But it's been hanging with me for over a week now. And I'm getting rather grumpy with the lack of sleep.

I plan on doing something very special with the girls next week. I think a trip to Build a Bear is definitely a must to celebrate a few things. It should be interesting.

First photo of Elise on 1/6/05

Elise, you are such a delight. Everyday, I thank God for the Red Thread that connected us and brought us together. Thank you for loving me back!

Happy Adoption Day, Elise Christine Feng Wells!

Elise~February 2008

Lakota West Wrestling Firebird

2008-03-04T07:15:00.006-05:00

Tucker is a freshman this year~Yikes! He is wrestling for the Lakota West Firebirds http://www.westfirebirds.com/ . We were thrilled when the high school coach moved Tucker up from the Freshman wrestling team to wrestling JV at the high school. Our freshman school is separate from the high school. Every attempt is made to integrate the freshman with the upperclassman, but it's very difficult since the schools are so far apart. So, it was a big deal when he got moved up. He missed his buddies at the freshman school, but he got some great experience wrestling this year! His record was 24-7, not bad at all!

Wrestling season is over, but Tucker did win his very first tournament this year. It was one of those moments that a parent will never forget. I've added a video of the final match as well as photos of him on the "Winner's Podium"

Link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai7cnKJ3IZA

First Place, Deer Park Invitational 103 lb. weight class

Tucker was also selected as "Hammer of the Week" by his coaches. You can check out his picture here....

http://www.westfirebirds.com/sport.php?sport=w&page=hammers

It's been a very challenging year for Tucker. He's staying active by participating in some tournaments and by doing Free Style Wrestling at the high school. I'm not sure what he'll do this summer, but I'm sure a wrestling camp will be on the agenda!

Four years old....

2008-03-02T09:59:00.007-05:00

Happy 4th birthday, Elise....

WooHoo, it's a party!

Is this all for me???

Singing happy birthday....

Big smile.....

Party Participants...Elise, Tucker & Amelia

Elise turned four years old on February 3rd. We have affectionately dubbed her Tacky the Penguin. Have you ever read the children's books about Tacky? They are a must read for anyone with little kids. Suffice it to say, that Elise reminds us of Tacky. She's a joyful, happy little girl that is full of drama. She wakes up happy as a lark in the morning and goes through her day in much the same way. Don't get me wrong, she has her "moments" of drama and fits. But she goes through life with a zeal that makes us all smile!

There was a very small celebration for her birthday...just family. Elise gets very embarrassed in crowds, so we skipped having a big party. She loves Dora, so we had to have a Dora cake. We're hoping that she outgrows Dora this year....we can only pray for that to happen!

We had professional photos done by my friend Laura. You can check out her stuff at www.lauralainephotography.com My favorites are of Elise with the flowers...they are just stunning. Happy Birthday Tacky!!!!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Philmont Trip June16-July 2, 2007

2008-02-29T13:18:00.005-05:00

"Tooth of Time"

One of my last posts was right before I left for Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimmeron, New Mexico with Tucker and his scout troop. I decided to post some photos of the trip and leave a quick synopsis of that adventure...

I wasn't able to blog while I was there, or I would have. But I did "write" a journal. Yes, it is hard to believe that I did actually write and I did it almost everyday. I went back and reread all of my journal entries the other night. Let's just say it was a very interesting read for me.

We headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a few days to acclimate to the change in altitude. West Chester is about 600 ft. elevation, Colorado Springs is around 5,000 feet and Philmont Base camp is about 6,600 ft. elevation. As you can imagine, we definitely noticed the change in Colorado. Garden of the Gods is full of hiking trails and I did notice a difference in my breathing while we were there.

Our sight seeing included riding a Cog Rail Train up to the top of Pikes Peak. It's about an hour and 15 minutes up the mountain. You are encouraged to drink plenty of water since altitude sickness is caused by dehydration. So, drink water we did. What they don't tell you about is the physiological change that occurs to your body during the ascent up the mountain. Let's just say your bladder shrinks considerable, like to the size of a pea. Needless to say, there were many, many people on that train that were on the verge of embarrassment by the time our train finally got to the top of the mountain. I was one of them. There was snow on top of Pikes Peak and we did engage in a small snow ball fight. The air is definitely "thinner" up there. It was also, cold, cold, cold!!!!

I would have to say that the Garden of the Gods was the most spectacular sight I have ever seen. We spent several hours in the park, hiking and climbing rocks. I can't say enough about the beauty of the area. It's a "must see" for anyone!

Upon arrival at Philmont on June 19, we were put through a series of information gathering sessions before we actually started hiking on the 20th. I will say that during that first night, I wondered what in the devil I was doing there. Traveling with testosterone overloaded boys is quite the challenge. It's safe to say that if I would have had transport, I would have probably driven straight to the airport. But I did not have transportation, so I stayed.

Before we left base camp on the 20th, we had to weigh our backpacks. My pack weighed in at 53 pounds. YOWSA! Needless to say, we had to redistribute some weight. I ended up with about 43 pounds. Tucker's was about the same, but he only weighed about 95 pounds at the time.

The first few days on the trail were very challenging. There were times when I wondered what I was doing and why I was doing it. But I pushed through those moments and I'm glad I did. We did so many fun things; pole climbing, rock climbing, black powder rifle shooting, 3-D archery, conservation, fly fishing and panning for gold. We did all of that and were only on the south part of the Ranch. Philmont is approximately 137,000 acres of land. So there is much more to see and do. Our entire trek was a little over 70 miles when you do all the side hikes.

I was surprised at the unspoiled splendor of the entire ranch. The scouts do an amazing job maintaining Philmont. It really was beautiful. They say when you leave Philmont, if you turn around and look back, then you will return some day. Those first few days, I would have never thought I would look back. But as we drove away from the ranch, I couldn't help but to gaze back at the "Tooth of Time" and sigh. Yes, beautiful, peaceful, tranquil and unspoiled. I would like to return with Tucker's troop in the summer of 2009. Hopefully they will have a spot for me.

Enjoy the few photos that I culled out of the more than 700 that I took:

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Philmont Dedication

These properties are donated and dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America for the purpose of perpetuating faith, self-reliance, integrity and freedom - principles used to build this great country by the American Pioneer.So that these future citizens may, through thoughtful adult guidance and by the inspiration of nature, visualize and form a code of living to diligently maintain these high ideals and our proper destiny.

Waite Phillips - December 1941

Photos of the girls

2008-02-26T14:57:00.005-05:00

I got brave and finally took the girls to get their photos done by a professional. I go to Laura Laine Photography.... http://www.lauralainephotography.com . I love what she does. She did our family portrait a few years ago. We plan on going back to her for another family photo, this one will include Amelia. This is a montage that she just put together today...I LOVE IT!!

Worst blogger ever.....

2008-02-23T19:57:00.009-05:00

So, I'm back...or sort of. I started looking at my blog again. You know how you get away from something and you want to go back to it. But, you've been away for so long, you don't know how to get back??? Well that's me. I got away and I didn't know how to get started again.

I started looking at old posts that I never published and I decided to post them. This one is right after I took Tucker to his Freshman Orientation for high school. We stand beside this tree every year and take pictures. It's kind of like a measuring stick. This photo was taken on August 14, 2007.

He's hitting the "teen years" with full force. Hold on....it's gonna be a wild ride! My heart aches at times when I think of his future. He is still determined to go to West Point. That has been his dream since he was in second/third grade. Yes, hard to believe, but it's still his dream. Then someone sends me a link to a youtube video and s0 many emotions start to flow. So these were my thoughts after that day of orientation and then seeing this music video.

Here's the old post:

Looking at my heart...

I've seen the movie (3X), bought the video and still, it brings me to my knees. I can not watch any part of it without crying as Amelia cries....puddles of tears that only a mother can wipe away....

To my knees, hands held high, head bowed low...I am not worthy! Praise the Lord for Grace...

Mary and my Savior, Lord Jesus,
Be my guardian as I watch my son prepare for a life of service to this country that he loves with his whole heart. Prepare my heart for what he will and must endure to be the keeper of all that we cherish as Americans and "Free People".

Lord, prepare him for what lies ahead. For all that you can see and that I can not. For all that I can prepare him for and that only you know he will face. Lord, he is my light...all that you were to Mary. Lord, open his heart and his mind to you and the life eternal that only you offer. My heart is in your hands...he is my heart, just as you were Mary's heart.

You'll need to cut and paste this into your browser. It's Brad Paisley and Sara Evans and clips from "Passion of the Christ".

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=gh7icqR9zEY

PHILMONT.....Here we come...

2007-06-16T03:04:00.000-04:00

Well, ready or not, I'm heading to Out West!

It's 3 a.m. on Saturday morning and I'm drinking a cup of coffee, trying to get my bearings. Our flight is at 6:30 a.m. (a time not fit for man nor beast IMHO!) I'm in my "Turbo Nerb" outfit and almost ready to go. "Turbo Nerd", you say. Yes, I'm wearing an official Boy Scout outfit. Tucker is mortified. But it's a necessary evil while traveling with the scouts!

I decided to make one short entry before I head out. We depart for Denver this morning and travel to Colorado Springs for a few days of sightseeing. This sightseeing is an attempt to acclimate us to the higher altitude. We reside at around 800 ft. sea level. Colorado Springs is 6000 feet and Philmont starts out at 6500 feet sea level.

On Tuesday, we leave Colorado Springs and make the two hour drive to Cimarron, New Mexico and the famous, Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. We hit the trail on Wednesday and our itinerary is 59 + miles of hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains ~ "Blood of Christ" (part of the Rocky Mountain Range). You can google Philmont and read all about the 215 square miles of ranch that was donated to the Boy Scouts by oil baron Waite Phillips.

I won't blog while I'm gone, but plan to keep a written journal. That should be interesting.

We return on the 2nd and then depart a short 8 days later for China!

This is going to be a great summer.

The heart of a little girl....backpacking in Pike County

2007-03-25T22:56:00.001-04:00

I spent the weekend hiking in Southern Ohio with my son’s Boy Scout crew that will be going to Philmont. We hiked at Tar Hollow State Park on Saturday. We were fortunate to experience perfect backpacking/hiking weather…no rain, mild humidity and a slight breeze. Occasionally, the sun would peek through the clouds and warm our faces. It was a challenging hike (12.1 miles), but one our crew accomplished and did so very well. We are well on our way for being prepared for our trip out west. Personally, I need to do a little more cardio. I’ve made a promise to start doing more this week.

After the hike we drove about 60 miles back to my brother’s hunting cabin in Pike County. This place is near and dear to my heart for it once belonged to my beloved Grandfather, Smokey. I called him Grandad.

Grandad always wore a long sleeve shirt and a tie….even when working in the garden on a hot summer day or at the cabin during hunting season. Another one of his faithful accessories was a hat. These pictures are burned into my memory and the image that I conjure up when I think of him, which is often. He has been gone for over 20 years, but for the little girl’s heart…he left only yesterday.

Grandad sitting outside the cabin in Pike County....he's not wearing a tie!

There were three grandchildren growing up. We each had his heart in such different ways. Chris, my brother, was the only boy and the first grandchild. Therefore he was the hunter and shared the excursions to the cabin with him. I believe that he also healed the heart of a man that lost a son of eleven years old, six years earlier. My brother was his name sake, as is my son, Tucker. (Tucker was a nickname for Charles Christopher Clevenger, the man that would have been my uncle.)

I followed my brother a short 18 months later and my sister was 11 months after me. (I can feel what you are thinking right now). I was the one in the garden with him, learning about planting corn. “Four to a hole Sissy (that’s what he called me). One for the cut worm, one for the mole, one for the crow and one to grow.” I was the one that would spend the night at his house and he would give me a coffee canister full of pennies and ask me to wrap them. My reward was that I could keep half of them. (Nice profit margin)

But my sister was his favorite. He had a special place in his heart for her, the softest spot. He would sneak her treats (and only her) to her room and put them on her pillow, something that she only shared with me many years after he was gone. He would go out of his way just to make her feel special and important because she wasn’t like me or Chris. We were out going and boisterous and ready to conquer anything. She was meek and quiet and shy. He was drawn to her quietness in his own tranquil way.

So this weekend, I returned to his “hideaway”. The place where he went to just be with the boys. As a child, I went on the occasional trip to Pike County. But it was mostly for “The Boys”.

Back then, it was a rough frame house that was the home of many critters that you really wouldn’t want to share a space with. The only water was a hand pump (the pump is still there and still the only source of water) outside the house on the back patio. There was an outhouse and that’s all I will say about that…if you know what I mean. Typically the grass would be high and needing to be cut whenever you drove up. But the peacefulness of the little valley that the house sat in was like a little piece of heaven on earth. In 1997, they burned down the old house and rebuilt it.

I knew a little of what to expect since I have seen the photos of the changes. But I have not been there for close to 15 years. To say that I was apprehensive would be inaccurate, nervous, maybe and anxious to a degree. As we drove along Hackleshin, the scenery became familiar and I was seeing the same places through the eyes of a young girl going to Grandad’s cabin. Down there, time moves at less than a snail’s pace…unlike where I live today with immediate internet access, cell phone on my hip, cable TV…etc. In Pike County, there is no cell phone service, no TV and definitely no internet. OH MY…What’s a girl to do????

Now….you will find a two room cabin, with bunk beds for 10. The kitchen area has a microwave and apartment size frig. There are loads of lights, but no windows. Because sadly, a window is an easy way for a thief to break in.

Each bunk belongs to someone and is personalized to reflect that individual. Some bunks have small shelves with clock radios and photos. There are gun racks made of deer hoofs and favorite college team flags hanging on the walls. These beds tell the story of the man or boy that sleeps there and what is close to their heart.

Then outside….there is an outhouse. BUT…it has a light, exhaust fan and an air freshener (I laughed out loud when I spotted it) and an pseudo sink. Pseudo you say??? Well there’s a sink, but no running water. Once again, a source of laughter for me. My Oh My, how things have changed. The yard is well maintained with bird feeders scattered throughout and you can even spot an occasionally squirrel feeder. If you cross the bridge over the creek and walk up the path into the holler, you’ll find the deer feeders that Tucker talks about filling whenever he goes to Pike County.

As I sat by the fire ring and listened to the running water of the small stream that runs behind the cabin, my heart felt that Grandad would love what they have made here. It’s a place that my heart has yearned for and I didn’t even know it until I went back. The peaceful, quiet of that holler and the bright stars in the sky spoke to the little girl that still lives deep down in my soul.

That little girl stood back and watched her little boy come to life in a place that holds a special magic for her. A place filled with the magic of family, heritage, and tradition, but mostly filled with love.

I left there knowing that I have to go back. I need to hear the stories of Grandad from the men who knew him when he was there on “vacation”. The men that love him deeply to this day. My heart still aches for him and for Granny. They say you go on, but the heart never totally heals. I would have to agree, sometimes the ache I feel for them is the same as the day they left.

A few years ago, I opened my desk drawer (it was once Granny's) and discovered one of his old smoking pipes. Heaven only knows how long it had been there and why I still had it. As I reached for it, I wondered if it still smelled of his pipe tobacco. Naturally, I cupped it in my hands, drew it near my nose and inhaled deeply. I could still smell him and my mind drifted back to him sitting in his leather club chair watching CBS evening news, smoking his pipe. I keep that pipe tucked away in a baggie in my desk. When I think of him, I'll pull it out and smell it once again. Letting myself go back to those days and memories.

But maybe when I’m mushroom hunting this spring, I can remember him taking a little girl by the hand and leading her into the woods for the hunt. I’ll remember him standing in one spot and just staring at the ground. Inevitably, when I would follow his gaze, I would find the mushroom that he had been patiently targeting for me to find. Hopefully I will still feel the leap of my heart, like the leaping heart of a little girl that would scurry with glee to pluck that mushroom out of the ground and slip into Grandad’s bag. Then, I would smile, grab his hand signaling I was ready to go and walk until he stopped again.

Oh how my heart misses him.

Oooh that smell....

2007-03-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

Can't you smell that smell?

Do you know the song I'm referring to by Lynyrd Skynyrd? Is the tune now in your head with the words circling around? (WELCOME TO MY WORLD OF TEENAGERS!!!)

"It's a Simple Kind of Man" is the music that plays when I'm waiting for him to answer his cell phone. What ever happened to a good ole fashion "ring". He listens to AC/DC too. I'm sorry, I am digressing. I just wanted to drag you into my world for a moment.

But seriously, I'm setting the stage for a recent conversation with the middle child, Tucker.

Right after school, he sits down at the kitchen table with me. This is not usual although we have a general conversation about the days events, any homework and what's on the agenda for the evening. He typically high tails it to his room to finish any homework he has so he can do the PS2 thing. So, this caught my attention almost immediately.

Tucker: "Mom, can I get contacts?"

Me: knowing that he is waiting for a "No"! "Sure, why not."

COMPLETE AND TOTAL SILENCE SINCE HE IS IN SHOCK. I'm seriously thinking I may have to give him a "flick" in the forehead to bring him back around to reality.

Tucker: "Oh, well thanks!"

Me: I lean towards him from my chair and start to sniff around his face. "What's that smell Tuck?"

Tucker:" What smell, I don't smell anything!" But you gotta see the look on his face and the fact that he's pulling his shirt up to sniff it.

Me: "Oh, I know what it is....I smell a girlfriend!"

Yes, my teenager has a "friend". So now he's even more concerned about his looks. So what's a mother to do. I know where this is coming from the moment the request is made. He thinks he's a "dork" and it just breaks my heart. I love his kind and gentle spirit. His ability to get along with anyone and everyone. But mostly, that adults enjoy him and think he is a kind and respectful young man. My heart bursts with pride!

So off to get contacts we go. Monday evening was the big trip. Elise just couldn't grasp why she wasn't going to get "her turn" in the chair like Mama and Tucker.

I already see his self confidence improving. I'm happy for him, but sad at the same time. We live in such a cruel world and teenagers can be the worst! I wish he did not have to experience that cruelty at such a young age. But alas, all a parent can do is prepare them and arm them with God's armour!

These are photos of Elise and Tucker before the appointment. I don't think I'll be seeing those glasses on his face anytime soon!

I love my big brother....he's not a dork to me!

Happy "Two Year Adoption Day"

2007-03-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, Elise and I traveled to Michigan to celebrate our adoption day with our wonderful friends, The Summerfords. Tim and Debbie adopted Gracie at the same time we adopted Elise. We have developed a bond and a friendship with this family that has blessed our lives in more ways that we could have ever imagined. We never thought that along with a daughter, we would be getting life long friends! Thanks for the great weekend Summerfords! We appreciate your hospitality and cherish your friendship!

Our course the beauty of visiting Debbie and family is Birch Run~Home of the Coach Outlet and IKEA! Yep, there was some serious retail therapy occurring in Michigan my friends.

Happy Girls headed to Birch Run and the Coach Outlet~ Mama needs a new handbag!

When we returned from shopping and dinner at Cracker Barrel, we had an ice cream and cake celebration! Our children seem to have a "problem" or "fetish" for water. Once again, we found them in the bathroom, up to their elbows in soapy water~ At least Gracie didn't have a big pink cast on her arm to preclude her from the fun!

splish, splash in the bathroom.....

They are now in their jammies since their clothes were SOAKED and soapy from all the water! Can't tell you what the wooden spoons were for~they just had to have them. As you can see, Gracie has her eye on Cinderella!

Happy Mamas and baby girls!

Elise with The Summerfords

Finally, the cake and the hat. Do you like my hat???

Debbie and I headed out early on Sunday to IKEA without the girls. It was wonderful and we spent about four hours there (I think). Elise got a new bed, chair and basket for under her bed. She also got a new artist easel that she absolutely loves. Did I mention I love IKEA. I can't wait for the one to be built that is going to be five miles from my house~YIPPEE!!!

It was a great weekend and we look forward to doing it again soon!

Happy Adoption Day Gracie and Elise! What a blessing you both are!

The "Chick" card

2007-03-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

Do you know what the "chick" card is? It's when a woman/girl/child uses the fact that she is female for special treatment. Now that special treatment can come in all forms. I admit to using "The Card" when I want to sway a decision in my direction, if you know what I mean. BUT, I do not and will not use "The Card" to get out of hardwork or contributing to a team or situation. There are some women in the troop that use "the card" and the men don't like having them in their crew for obvious reasons. I do not want to be lumped into that category of helpless/hopeless scout moms. I want to be an equal contributor!

I'm suppose to be going hiking for two nights this weekend. I wasn't thrilled about it, camping in March in Kentucky. It's cold here and that's all I have to say about that. BUT I bought and borrowed gear, had my backpack packed and low and behold....I started!!!! Yep, I sure did. Now folks, I'm not a big camper, but I do pride myself on hanging tough when I need to. But going hiking on Day 2 of cycle is not going to be a picnic since there are no latrines. All "duties" will be performed in the great outdoors, if you know what I mean. I spent the morning calling friends to get advice about what to do, surfed the internet for advice....and all I got was, "you'll have to carry your trash until you get a place with an appropriate disposal site. This translated into the end of our hike. Are you getting the picture here folks??? Well, you guessed it, I played the "chick" card and backed out of the hike. I just don't have it in me to go through all of that for a two day hike that I can makeup at a later date.

So tonight, I'm sitting here with a toddler that has been sick for 6 days now and no vehicle since I let Tucker's dad take "Black Betty" on the hike. He didn't have another vehicle to drive since he came to pick up Tucker straight from work. Yep, I'm basically stranded. It matches my mood...which is pretty icky!!!!
Kim

Hiking to Philmont & Nalgene bottles

2007-02-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

This my friends, is a Nalgene bottle. Something all good hikers have. From my understanding, this bottle is indestructible (unless you stab it with a knife, which some of the boys in Tucker's scout troop have done). For more about Nalgene bottle, I copied with from their website....

How did these bottles get so popular? Where do they come from?
How it all started…Back in 1949, a Rochester, New York chemist named Emanuel Goldberg developed the first plastic pipette holder. Along with three workers, he began the Nalge Company in a small building at 625 South Goodman Street.
For years Goldberg and his growing team developed the NALGENE line of state-of-the-art polyethylene laboratory equipment: centrifuge bottles, filter units, storage tanks.
Obviously, it wasn't the kind of stuff you toss into your backpack for a weekend in the woods.
But there were rumors floating around ... stories about scientists taking the smaller, more convenient bottles out of the lab and using them on hikes and excursions.
By the 1970s this "unofficial" use for NALGENE bottles caught the eye of Marsh Hyman (President of the Nalge Company in Rochester, New York).
The Boy Scout connection…Marsh had a son who was in the Boy Scouts. He and his fellow Scouts used NALGENE lab bottles on the trail. They were perfect as water bottles; for storing powdered drinks and pancake mix; and for carrying matches and shampoo and snacks and all sorts of camping supplies.
When he learned about these great new uses for his lab bottles, Marsh Hyman went to the Nalge Specialty Department with a mission:
"Spread the word to outdoorspeople all over! Tell them about this new line of high-quality camping equipment."
And that's how NALGENE Outdoor Products started.

So you see, every good outdoors-person, must have a Nalgene Bottle. The one pictured was a Christmas gift from Jena...she outfitted me with several items for my trip to Philmont.

Back to Nalgenes...I thought I take my Nalgene to the gym with water to drink during my workout. I filled it up with ice and water and decided to take a drink. But alas, I couldn't get the water to come out of the bottle. You can't see it, but there's a different sort of top on this bottle that makes it look like you can drink out of the lid. But that is an illusion. An illusion that was revealed to me once my son returned home from school (some six hours AFTER I filled the bottle) and I asked him how the bottle "worked". Let me describe his reaction....He just stares at me, doesn't say a word. He drops his backpack, walk over to the island and picks up the pretty pink Nalgene. The entire time, he's continues to stare at me. The unscrews the lid of the Nalgene, brings the bottle to his lips, take a drink, screws the lid back on and sets the bottle back on the island. O.K., how stupid do you think I'm feeling right now. Yep, I'm Nalgene challenged. All I can say is for you to look at that lid and tell me that you don't think that you should be able to suck out of that thing.

Last night, I made an emergency run to Dick's Sporting goods to buy some appropriate hiking clothes for this 10 mile jaunt today. I know, you're saying, "Why, don't you have clothes you can walk in?" Well, yes I do. But they are not HIKING clothes....or should I say not 100% cotton. Check out your wardrobe....I guarantee nearly 100% of the shirts and pants that you have are made of 100% cotton. You can't hike in cotton. Once it gets wet, it doesn't dry. It's below freezing here today...I didn't want to fall in a snow bank (there's still snow on the ground too) and get my pants wet and them NEVER dry. Not a good think. So I dropped a cool $180 on Under Armor pants and a shirt and hiking pants and a shirt. YOWSA~!!!!!

When I get home, I tell Tucker that I bought myself some winter Under Amour. He looks at me with this look of complete shock and dismay on his face. "Mom, do they make Under Armour for women?" Well, that just blows me away. So I spit back at him, "Don't you mean, they don't make Under Armour for mothers?" Then he goes on to explain that it's just the entire thought of how "clingy" UnderAmour is and all that stuff. Again, it's the whole Mom thing.

So this morning, at 6:30 a.m. I bounced down the steps wearing nothing but my UA and I think I blinded my son. He'll never be the same! I laughed all the way upstairs with my lovely cup of coffee!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

We hiked 10 miles today in brisk weather (39 degrees TOPS!) I was thanking God for that UA as I was traipsing through the woods. I survived, only fell once and still feel pretty good. We're getting ready for a birthday party for my brother tonight. John will be 45 tomorrow!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!

Montgomery Inn Ribs, Chickens and Shrimp just arrived! YUM! Gotta run and prep for dinner! I'm sure there will be photos to follow

Blessings,

Kim

MY SUPERSTAR.............

2007-02-18T20:41:00.000-05:00

Tucker competed in the SW Ohio District Wrestling Meet today at Moeller High School. We went into this tournament with the attitude that it would be a good learning experience for Tucker since this is only his second year wrestling and we wanted him to get a taste of what some of these others kids are doing etc. to be top wrestlers.

It was a difficult decision to make to get him to participate since it is totally optional at the Junior High Level. We went back and forth about participating. Ultimately, a phone call from Tucker's coach convinced me to make him sign up and go. I admit that after I made the decision, Tucker was not at all happy with me! As a matter of fact, he was down right ticked off!!! Tucker's father was not happy with me either! He was afraid that this competition would ruin his attitude and possibly ruin Tucker's wrestling in the future. The past few weeks have not been pretty around here. The practices have been tough and Tucker has gotten to wrestle some boys from other schools that are definitely top notch wrestlers. There was more than one occasion when I almost just told him to quit. But we didn't and today rolled around quickly, much to Tucker's dismay.

It was a little nerve wracking since school has been cancelled all week and there has only been one practice. I had to wonder if he was going to be out of shape or not. I made him go to the gym and run on the thread mill on day...I'm such a good mom!

Weigh in started at 7 a.m. and we have been watching Tuck's weigh all week. He needed to be at 90 lbs....no more on Sunday. He was doing great, but did not like not being able to drink soda, eat potatoes, snacks etc. Then on Friday, I got an email informing everyone got a two pound weight allowance...YIPPEEE! Tuck weighed in at 90.5 lbs this morning....well within the limits. This would be a different weight class for him than what he wrestled all year (he dropped down a weight class for this tournament). We did not have any idea what to expect since he hadn't wrestled any of these kids in the regular season and factor in all the kids that come from other areas to wrestle. It was a real crap-shoot for us.

Another big deal for Tucker today....My dad, stepmother and brother all made the trip to watch him wrestle for the first time this year. Tucker was beyond nervous because he didn't think he would do well and they were all going to be there to watch him. ICK!!!!

The meet started at 10 a.m. and he did not wrestle until 11:30 a.m. His first match was a bummer...he lost to a tough competitor. Disappointment was high for everyone, but losing happens to everyone!! Losing dropped him to the consolation bracket and the best you can do here is 3rd place, first through fourth place qualify for the state tournament. Fifth place is the alternate.

His second match, he pinned the other kid in 35 seconds; third match, he won 4-0, fourth match he won 6-2, he lost the fifth match 2-0. The kid he wrestled was so wore out after the match he could hardly stand to shake Tucker's hand. This loss was disappointing because we really felt he could have won...the kids were evenly match and Tucker just didn't focus.

Losing this match meant that the best he could do would be fifth place or the first alternate position for state. Well, he won the last match 7-2 and came in 5th place out of 19 wrestlers. WHOO -HOOO! It's a red letter day at our house! I'm so proud of him that I could explode. Enjoy the pictures of my Champion....

His face is so red from rubbing it on the vinyl mat, it's called "Mat Burn"....real nice, huh???

O.K. Mom, that's enough!

What an experience for a young man that just started wrestling last year and didn't even want to go to the tournament. He ends up placing and becoming an alternate for state! I think he's having some ice cream right now...to celebrate! (He had a slab of ribs and mashed potatoes for dinner :-0 !

Blessings,

Kim

Three year check up & Dad's day at preschool...

2007-02-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday was Dad's day at preschool. I don't bother to send a camera, he won't use it. But much to my delight, he did take some photos with his camera phone (not the best quality), but it's better than nothing. Since Steve was behind the camera, there are no photos of them together....I forgot to take one, shame on me. If I had a hammer.....

Who doesn't love Pooh????

Kissing the baby doll (I don't know her name....she's on PBS)

Elise went to the doctor yesterday for her three year old checkup. Thankfully, there were NO shots needed. I was thrilled. The biggest crisis of the appointment was trying to get a urine sample. Here's the gist of that mess...

Nurse asked mama if little girl can tee-tee in the potty. Mama answers, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Mostly just no, but we'll give it a shot!

Off to the bathroom we go with the dreaded "cup". Empress Elise gladly disrobes (I had to convince her that she did not need to take her top off the bottoms and socks were plenty!), and gets on the potty. Mama explains what the cup is for and she thinks it's a grand idea.

Let me digress for a moment....Elise likes to sit on the potty for a very long time without producing any kind of result. It's very frustrating and I should have taken this into consideration. I have to remove the TP and tell her that she can only have it if she "produces" something. HA! I actually walk away and leave her there. She will eventually come and get me to announce that she is finished or I just shut down the entire project. I'm not all about pushing the potty training. I would rather her tell me when she is ready....but when she says, "I go tee-tee!" I should listen, right???? HA! Not Empress Elise! Sitting on the potty is some type of sporting event for her.

So you get the picture....after waiting an appropriate amount of time and me being tired of sitting in a semi-public bathroom, I decided to cease the activity. Well, Empress Elise was not happy with this decision and voiced it rather loudly. So loud, that the nurse thought I was forcing her to tee-tee in the cup and rapped on the bathroom door informing me that they didn't need a "sample". Well DUH....she told me that before I went into the bathroom and if you know me well enough, you know I rarely if ever let anyone push me into something that I don't want to do.

After the "tee-tee" drama we went back to the exam room. Elise weighs 33 pounds and is 36 1/2 inches tall. We didn't get a feel about her language since Elise wouldn't talk to the doctor. The jury is still out on whether she is behind on not. My gut tells me that she is behind, but I don't know by how much. I know she doesn't qualify for services through the school system, but I think she would definitely benefit from some type of speech therapy. I am looking into the schools evaluating her, but they have not responded to my inquiry.

This weekend is Tucker's District Wrestling meet, on Sunday. We went into this event with the attitude that it would be like wrestling camp. We knew that there were at least three boys that were going to compete that had beat him this year (he lost four matches), so it would be a good learning experience for him. This would be great for me since I wouldn't be all torqued out of shape worrying about him winning....not saying that my expectation would be low, just realistic. WELL.....I logged on today to check out the entries and everyone of the boys that beat him this year are wrestling in a higher weight class, that totally changes his chances of placing for the better. HOLY COW!!!! Where's that medication....I'm gonna need it now! So much for a relaxing weekend of wrestling! I'll let you know how the weekend turns out.

It's crappy weather here....no school again tomorrow due to weather...too much ice! Hopefully it will improve but I don't think it's going to...heaven help us all. You can't even sled in this weather because it's not snow, just ice. That turns a sled into a speeding bullet, something I don't want to experience since the Urgent Care is too far away in this weather :-)!

Blessings,
Kim

Back deck action and Elise's new guitar....

2007-02-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit of bird watcher....it's something that a country girl does in the 'burbs. I've moved all my feeders to the back deck to try to control the "Rodent" or squirrels from destroying the feeders and eating all the seeds. The long feeder is squirrel proof. The stand for the birds will actually spin a squirrel off of it when it tries to eat the seed. It's rather hilarious. I've watched a squirrel actually spin around about three times holding on for dear life...totally cracked me up. The woodpeckers are back....this year I have a Redheaded Woodpecker, a downy and a hairy woodpecker. The best time for bird watching is the early morning. Elise even enjoys watching them with me.

A Red-Bellied Woodpecker....I just love him...He's beautiful isn't he!

Black-capped Chickadees and a Yellow Finch

Yes there are rodents too....

Elise got a Cinderella bed/sleeping bag for her birthday. These photos are of her watching the Wiggles and holding her new guitar...

Dora gets the best spot...

Nothing like having "purple" (blankie), fingers and a guitar to enjoy the evening with....

Yes, everyone loves a "brown-eyed girl". Kum-ba-yah!

Blessings,

Kim

What I'm doing these days....

2007-02-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Six inches of snow on the ground in Cincy. This is the first significant snow fall we've had since Elise has been home (almost two years). There is no school today, much to the delight of Tucker...who is still asleep at 9 a.m. Who knows what time he went to bed! We tried sledding yesterday, but alas, the snow is too fluffy, it just moves to the side and you hit grass very quickly.

Anyway, I have been working on moving Elise's Yahoo Journey to a "blog" site. This blog will have photos incorporated into the dialogue, which wasn't possible using Yahoo. Many people couldn't get to the photo section of yahoo either, so this will cure that. I have no idea if anyone will care or be interested in seeing her blog. But, I wanted to do it for her anyway.

Two years later, it still gives me chills to reread those posts. What an incredible trip we had and to think we are doing it again! I pray this trip is as good as the last one!

Blessings,
Kim

Wrestling, Big Girl Beds & Birthdays....lots to tell

2007-02-04T09:54:00.000-05:00

It's been a few weeks since my last post and lots has happened!

First of all, Tucker had his last wrestling meet...the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Championships. We went into the match with high hopes that he might win, but that wasn't to be. He lost in the semi-finals and ultimately came in third place out of (16) teams. It was a tough loss for him, but also a life lesson.

Warming up before the match.....

Tucker lost to a very good wrestling in the semi's. After giving him some time to settle down, we had a long conversation. He was so very disappointment, not so much mad, just disappointed. I'm such a "no-nonsense kind of person" that I had to stand there and tell him through his tears (and mine) that the other kid was just better than he was. I took the opportunity to tell him that he needs to start training/conditioning a whole lot more than he currently does (which is only during wrestling season). The boys that are winning, condition year round. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that he deserved to win and that he got ripped off, but that wasn't the case this time. No matter how old they are, you just hate to see them hurting.

It took him some time and he recovered just fine. He won the next two matches and ultimately came in third place. This is the photo of the 1-6 place wrestlers in his weight class.

Tucker ended his regular season with 21 wins and 4 losses. That's a pretty impressive record for someone that has only been wrestling two years! Last year his record was 11 - 4 and he wrestled on the "B" team. He has improved tremendously!

We have decided (at his coach's encouragement) to enter him in the District Wrestling Meet. We know he won't place to go to state (you have to be in the top 4), but we do know it will be a good experience for him. We are calling it "Wrestling Camp" ~ our expectation is that he is learning new stuff from kids from other school districts. I'll keep you posted.

Elise turned (3) yesterday! It's hard to believe isn't it???? So, this week, I finally made her crib into a toddler daybed. She just loves it! She also stays in it....no wandering around the house when I put her down. She did get out of bed a few times the first few days, but now she just sleeps. Nap times are becoming few and far between. She still desperately needs one, but fights them on some days. Depending on her mood, I let her skip them, other times, I make her sleep.

Napping in her "Big Girl" Bed.

We had a very small birthday celebration for Elise for her birthday. Her playmates (and neighbors), Greyson and Tia Bella came over for pizza and cake. It was very relaxed and just enough to not over whelm any of us.

"Attention Everyone...It's my birthday!"
Tia Bella helping unwrap the Pink Guitar.

Today we are just chillin' out. Elise has a mild temp and her Baba is in bed sick...UGH! It will be a peaceful day at the Wells Ranch. I'm rather looking forward to it.

It's about 14 degrees in Cincy....colder than that with the wind chill. I don't think I'll be leaving the house anytime soon!

Blessings,

Kim

Saturday Wrestling Results from the Coaches Classic

2007-01-24T17:10:00.000-05:00

Tucker got home at 11:30 p.m. on Friday night, took a much needed shower and then we ate some spaghetti. Gotta have those carbs!! We had a discussion about his pending match. He was dreading this match (so was I). We knew it would be one of the toughest he would face in the tournament. If he won this match, he would probably win the tournament. If he lost, he would fall to the losers bracket and the highest placing would be third. After much debate, Tucker's father and I determined that one of his biggest problems was his confidence. He is lacking terribly in that department. I told him that no matter what match he was wrestling in, he needed to KNOW and BELIEVE that he was the person to beat....no matter who the other wrestler was. I told him this because I see those some of those boys out on that mat totally intimidating their opponents. Their confidence or cockiness is astounding. Some of them are very impressive, others are just cocky and need to have their heads deflated a bit. I explained to him the difference between cocky and confident. He seems to think they are the same thing. All in all, a nice midnight chat with my incredible son!

Saturday morning came early. Tucker needed to be at the school at 8 a.m. and he said the meet started at 9:30 a.m. I knew this wasn't true but didn't go in to that with him. I have learned that he needs to have his parents there when the team is warming up....even if that is an hour before the meet starts. So naturally, we arrived early and watched the warm ups. This photo is of all the teams warming up on the mats Saturday morning. There were 23 teams there but only 22 returned on Saturday.

Lots and lots of wrestlers - 23 total teams

Can you smell it?????

Nerves can't describe how I was feeling when it was his turn to wrestle. I knew he would be in for the match of his live...this kid is tough (or a stud as we dub the best wrestlers). He opponent has wrested for five years (Tucker is in his second year), he has a private wrestling coach and trains year round (Tucker starts training in November for December matches). Of course the coach only shared this information with Tucker after the match. No one wants to be foretold of the impending doom! Unfortunately, Tucker lost the match 8-0. He did not get pinned, which was a bonus. I will say that there was a moment when I thought I would come out of the stand and hurt someone. This kids literally picked Tucker up off the ground and threw him to the floor like a small sack of potatoes....did I mention his was a stud??? It wasn't a good moment for me...fortunately, I wasn't video taping. Tucker has to take a medical time-out. After the match, he had a pounding headache. We gave him some ibuprofen and made his lay in the bleachers and sleep for about 1 1/2 hours. When he woke up, he felt much better. He wrestled two more matches and won both to secure third place. The kid he lost to in the 3rd round, went on to win the weight class. Tucker wrestled the kid that came in second a week ago and pinned him to win second place in the previous tournament. So, according to records, Tucker was ranked #2 after the meet. It just so happened that he met the "winner" of the weight class too early in the bracket or he could have probably gotten second place. I know, I sound like a typical parent. Tucker's record is 17-3. That's pretty impressive. This weekend is the GMC tournament. He has a good chance of placing very high or even winning. I'll keep you posted!

92 Pound Weight Class winners. Tucker is #3.

Lakota Ridge Wrestlers that received medals from the meet....with their coaches. We were only missing one of the boys for this photos.

There was a professional photographer at the meet and I'm waiting for those photos. I'll post them when I get them.

Other things going on: I have two other blogs you might want to check out and I'm working on one for Elise. You can find them in my favorite blogs on the side bar of this blog. They are for Amelia!

I've decided to transfer all of the posting from the Yahoo group and start a blog that everyone can read. I'll let you know when it's ready to look at.

Blessings,

Kim

Praise the Lord and pass the pizza....

2007-01-23T16:44:00.000-05:00

My tech guy just called and he had good news and bad news. Good news first...He was able to save all my data....HALLELUJAH! Bad news is that I will have to reload all my software since he could not clone my old hard drive. YIPPEEE! I can pick it up tomorrow. I promised him that I would leave my broom at home. Let me backup a second...when I dropped off my computer on Friday, I was not in the best of moods. He literally stuck his head out of his office and pointed at the front desk and sheepishly said, "You can leave it right there!" I obediently put the machine on the desk, saluted and road my broom out of their office. They are great guys. I don't know what I would do without them...probably go postal or something like that.

So, I'll have photos tomorrow and more updates.

I can't tell you what a relief it is knowing my machine it going to be o.k. I do like Steve's laptop. The keys "click" so nicely and all that stuff. It's rather decadent to use a new PC. BUT, I can put whatever I want on my computer and I'm not comfortable doing that on Steve's.

So, until tomorrow. Happy Blogging everyone!

Blessings,
Kim

PS I'm starting a Survivor Fiji Fantasy League. Let me know if you are interested in joining and I'll send you an invitation!

Another Day WITHOUT my computer

2007-01-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Yep, you read correctly. My computer has been gone all weekend and is still not home. I guess our tech guy had the stomach flu all weekend and didn't get to it until today. So, I am suffering from withdrawal. Although, I readily admit that I LOVE Steve's laptop. It's sweet! I foresee a new laptop in the near future. I just can't put the kind of things on this computer as I would on my own. Get where I'm coming from????

I was also at a wrestling meet all weekend. Let me rephrase, Friday night and all day Saturday, not ALL weekend, just 75% of it. My weekend is a blur of 12-13 & 14 year old boys (some of them were MEN!) throwing, sparring and squishing one another on the mats.

I have loads of photos that need to be uploaded, but I can't do that without my computer. So, until them...I will just have to be satisfied with small blurbs.

Blessings,
Kim

I am stuck in Computer Hell

2007-01-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true. It happens to me every single tax season....my machine has some sort of out of body experience and I end up completely panic-stricken, yelling at tech people from India and the Philippines, trying to get my machine to work correctly. I just want to turn it on and have it work without any kind of error what so ever. Not me....NO....it can't ever be that simple.

So, my poor computer is at the computer hospital getting a new hard drive. We can only hope that I have her back sometime on Monday. For now, I'm using my wonderful husband's computer...that means no photos until mine comes back. I don't want to download anything to this machine. He already informed me to be sure I erased everything that I put on it...GEEZ!

I spent all of this evening sitting on the very hard bleachers at Reading High School at a wrestling meet. Yep, we are at it again this weekend. This is a two day meet dubbed "The Coaches Classic". There are 23 teams there from the Cincinnati area. Let me say this...their gymnasium is not large enough for 23 teams, their stinky gear and all the parents. It's crowded, hot and stinky. Did I mention it was stinky???? I've learned to dress appropriately... in layers. I can't even tell you how hot it is in those bleachers. Then the space to sit down...there is none. It's so packed that you can't help but step on gym bags and people's coats. It's not like they have coat checks at a wrestling meet (although I think a club or team could make a great deal of money providing that service).

So you know the drama of the meets...let me give you the time line of today...

3:24 p.m. Tucker phones from school telling me that the bus is leaving for the meet (the meet is about 20 minutes from the house and is suppose to start at 4:30 (according to our website schedule). But I checked the other schools schedules and it suppose to start at 5:30 hmmm..

4:00 p.m. Call Tucker's dad to ask him is ETA at our house to determine departure time for the meet

4:10 p.m. Depart our house for the meet

4:15 p.m. Receive phone call from Tucker telling us that his team is warming up. "Where are you at Mom, when are you gonna get here?" me: "10 minutes, Son. We'll be there."

4:25 p.m. Arrive at Reading High School for meet. Go to gym to pay entrance fee...very nice gentleman says,"Go ahead and go in, we're not collecting money yet. We'll clear the gym in a little while to get your entrance fee".

Are you hearing the bells and whistles going off??? Yep, we are way, way early.

5:15 p.m. Exit gym and go to cafeteria and pay the entrance fee.

5:25 p.m. Find seats in stand. Tucker joins us. Ask son if he has any idea when he'll wrestling? Answer: "No."

5:30 p.m. Wrestling meets starts at the designated time....hmmm...wonder why we didn't know that???

5:35 p.m. Announcement that weight brackets are now on sale and can be purchased for $1. There's a mad rush of parents from the stands to get the bracket. Fortunately, no one injured themselves trying to get out of the "cozy" spot back down to the cafeteria to buy their bracket.

5:40 p.m. After reading said bracket, discover that Tucker has a "bye" AGAIN since he's second seed in the tournament. There's something to be said for not being seeded #1.

9:00 p.m. Tucker gets on the mat for his first match.

YES, you read that correctly... 9 P.M. My butt is sore, my head is throbbing from the heat. I've had a power bar at around 8 PM. I had to steal my son's power bar for fear that my sugar level would drop and I would become the "Wicked Witch of the West". Fortunately for everyone, that did not happen.

9:30 p.m. We leave the match. Tucker stays with the team because he has to "weigh out" and they still have several matches to go.

9:50 p.m. Arrive home to a lovely glass of Chardonnay waiting for me on the island. DH has spaghetti ready to go on the stove for Tucker since he needs the carbs for tomorrow. Unfortunately, Tucker is not with me. So the food goes in the frig.

10:00 p.m. Hear Elise through the monitor...go upstairs and rock her for awhile. We sing ABCs, One Little Indian, Jesus loves Me and In a House.

10:10 p.m. Put the Empress back in bed after much snuggling and smooching

10:35 p.m. Tucker calls, "Mom, can I spend the night with Jared and Tyler?" me: "Are you kidding me...NO!!" Tucker: O.K.

10: 38 p.m. Tucker calls again..."Mom, can you come and get me?" Well NO, because Steve is out with friends, Elise is in bed and Matt is asleep! UGH....I'm freaking out because he needs a good spaghetti dinner before bed and he needs to get a good nights sleep.

11:08 Tucker calls and tells me that the team is leaving.

So now I'm waiting to go pick him up, feed him some dinner and put him to bed. But first, I have to give him a huge pep talk because he faces one of his toughest opponents tomorrow....Mason. The kid from Mason is a stud, but Tucker is pretty amazing too! He won his match tonight with a pin. He should have had a pin in the first period but the referee was waiting for a Presidential invitation before he called it and time ran out. I was videotaping the match. I HATE the fact that you can hear what I say. I'm typically pretty quiet....I know that shocks many of you, but it's true. Tucker's dad won't sit next to me so he can't be heard on the tape. Let's just say that I'm going to need some "voice-over" work on this particular match. I wasn't very complimentary to the ref...it's true. I was down right ugly! Back to said pep talk...he needs to believe in himself. He needs to believe that he's "The Man!" He doesn't think he's good, but he is. He's amazing for a kids that has only wrestled for less than two year. His record is 15-2....YOWSA! He's never been to a wrestling camp or anything like that. I can only imagine what he could do if he had.

Well, I'm off! To pick up Tuck, give him a pep talk and hit the sack.

Good night to you all. Send up good prayers for a successful day tomorrow! I tell Tucker that my prayer is that he will win or loss with dignity and pride.

Blessings,
Kim

"Black Eye" Update & My newest "Nemesis"

2007-01-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

It just keeps getting better....that black eye. I've attached two new photos taken on Tuesday. It's really icky now. Yes, it is as puffy as it looks.

I can't decide which view shows it better. All I know is that when Elise went to preschool yesterday, the first word out of the teacher's mouth was "OUCH"! What can I say, she's a real pistol ;-)

Elise had a play date with Tia Bella today. I had to get the poor kid out somewhere to burn off some energy. Nap time has been a challenge this week since she hasn't been able to go outside and play. We went to a place that had a HUGE indoor jungle gym type thing. I ended up going through most of it with Elise and Tia Bella and Tia Bella's mom (Margie). As we were crawling through one of the tubes, Margie yelled back at me...."Aren't you glad we can do this with our kids?" All I could say was, "Yes, but remember you are 12 years younger than me!"

The joys of being an older parent...I wouldn't trade it for anything. Thank the Lord I'm healthy and CAN climb through that stuff at the ripe old age of 43. Elise is sleeping like a log as I type this :-)

My Nemesis

But it's just a pair of boots! That's what you are thinking, I know it. And yes, it is a pair of boots. They are "long range" hiking boots from L.L. Bean. They are the bane of my existence right now. I intend to wear these boots while hiking this summer at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. But first, they must be "broken in". That means clunking around the house with them on (as well as thick hiking socks). Why clunk around the house? One reason only, if they don't feel right, I will need to return them. You can't return shoes that have been wore outside, hence the clunking around inside. So I will clunk around a few more days and attempt to determine if they feel "good". Then it will be up to me to be sure they are "well broken in" (the description on the Official Philmont Packing List) before our first "prehike " on February 24th. I am in complete denial that the prehiking is beginning in a month. I don't even know if this is a day hike or any overnight hike. I'm praying that it is a day hike since it is February and I cringe at the thought of pitching a tent and sleeping in it February (let's not even talk about potty time!).

That's all for today. We are gearing up for another HUGE wrestling meet this weekend, The Coaches Classic. We will be there Friday night and Saturday (all day). Please pray for me....you can how I get.

Blessings,
Kim

PRAYER REQUEST: Tucker's dad is going through a "reorganization" of sorts at work. Pray that he maintains his current job status. Thanks!!!!

The Tale of the Terrible Trampoline

2007-01-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

Santa brought Elise a trampoline for Christmas. Yes, I can just hear you all saying, "You've got to be kidding me? She has a what???" But before you decide that I am completely insane, let me tell you about the thought process for this gift. Elise loves gymnastics, particularly the trampoline. I thought it would be a great way for her to expel some energy on those cold winter days when she can't get outside. It has a bar for her to hold on to, so she won't fall off. There is a padding, albeit a thin one, around the perimeter of the tramp. It should be fine or so I thought. (Some one just said, "There she goes thinking again!" I heard it!)

She loves the tramp! She will jump on it while she's watching Baby Einstein or Signing Time or whatever. BUT.....she does have a tendency to raise her legs rather high and cause the back legs to come off the ground. Have I mentioned lately that she's a little rambunctious????? She has yet to tip the thing over, we can only hope she doesn't. Only time will tell.

The tramp is stationed in our family room (until the basement if finished). It doesn't really cause any problems there, it moves out of the way when not in use....seems to be working out rather well. Well, last evening, while Baba was watching football, Empress Elise bolted into the family room and did a "face plant" right into trampoline. The crying ensued and it took Baba about 15 minutes and an ice pack to calm her down. Needless to say, a bruised raised up instantly on her cheekbone. I don't know what it is about Asian skin, but when she gets a bruise, it's a doozie! I've posted a few photos for your enjoyment. I couldn't let this little incident pass.

This is my trampoline.....

I hold on to this bar and jump really high.....

Check out the left cheekbone
A side view....

Glad those home study visits are over ;-)

Saturday.....A day at the "Mats"

2007-01-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today was spent in Lebanon, Ohio at a 13 school wrestling tournament. I arose at 6:30 a.m. to be sure that Tucker arrived at his school no later than 7 a.m. for the 30 minute bus ride to Lebanon. I must confess that I rarely change from my PJs for the short jaunt to the school since we stay off the main roads and the school is less than one mile away. So off we go in my flannels and Bean slippers. I no sooner walked in the door at 7:15 and the phone was ringing....it was Tucker. "Mom, I can't find my head gear." Those of you who know anything about wrestling, know that this is an essential piece of equipment for the sport. You can't wrestle without it and you DO NOT want to borrow your buddy's headgear. There's a thing called "Cauliflower Ear" that a wrestler can contract from sharing their headgear. It's painful and very, very ugly and can cause permanent scarring. I have forbidden him from sharing or borrowing any one's headgear. It's a rule and one I will NOT bend on. So now I'm rifling through his room trying to find his headgear. He's rifling through his locker at school, the coach is yelling at him (I can hear this through the phone). I'm yelling at him telling him things like; you need a check list to keep track of these things, your inability to keep track of your things should not constitute an emergency on my part. Things like this. By now, the entire house is awake. How can they not be after all of the Hub-Bub!

Fortunately, I was able to locate his headgear from last year. I bolted down the stairs, launched back into "Black Betty" (that's what we have affectionately dubbed my Envoy) and scooted back over to the school is as safe a manner as possible. Well...........when I arrived, there was no school bus. There was a bus there when I left the first time, but no bus now. Do I need to remind you that I have on my PJs and slippers and IT'S RAINING!!!!! After inspecting two doors (in my PJs), I realize that they have departed the school for the tournament. I carefully, but not calmly, return home to get dressed and go to the tournament. But first, I needed to call my beloved son. No wait, he's calling me again as soon as I get home FOR THE SECOND TIME. "Hey Mom, we left the school already." Well DUH!!!!! That wasn't all I said. It wasn't one of my finer moments as a parent. But let's be honest, I was at my wits end. He calls me in a panic looking for the headgear, he needs it to wrestle, can't wrestle without...Do you get the picture???? I inform him that I will get the gear there as quickly as I can without killing myself or anyone else. If he misses a match, then he'll learn to keep track of his stuff! Think life lesson here. I'm out of the house by 8:15, the tournament starts at 9 a.m. I've got plenty of time, or so I think.

I zip over to Lebanon but not without receiving ONE more phone call from my son informing me that the tournament is at the HIGH school, not the middle school. "Got it", I said. Yep, you guessed it...he was WRONG. I drove right past the middle school and after about five miles, realized I was not going to the right place and had to turn around and go back. In the mean time, Tucker has called me yet again to tell me to hurry since he will be wrestling soon. Again, not one of my finer moments when I told him "tough bounce". "I'll get there when I get there". I arrive BACK at the middle school at 8:55 a.m., double park Black Betty only after jamming the SUV into park when she's still rolling (can you hear the transmission grinding????) and running inside to hand him his headgear. So, I made it....just in time....or so I THOUGHT. Let me back up and say that Tucker's father called me and asked me to please not "Chew his rear before the match. He won't have his head in the match and he already called me all upset." Too late, Bucko! His rear end is already missing a big chunk out of it and if he doesn't need plastic surgery to repair it, it will be only by the grace of God. Again, not one of my finer moments as a parent....did I mention that?

I return to move my illegally parked vehicle, gather my belongings and scurry back into the building to watch my son that has claimed that he will be wrestling very soon. I find a spot, video camera and digital camera in hand, ready to capture the match. His first match was not until 12 noon!!!! Yes, you read that correctly....I waited THREE HOURS for his first match. Since he was the second seed in his weight class, he lucked out with a couple of byes (no opponents) and he did not wrestling his first match until noon. Alright, stop laughing. Yes, the joke is on me. I know it, you know it, etc. He did win his first match in 40 seconds. He pinned the young man and that was the end of that match. My poor sister, pulled into the parking lot right as the match started and she missed the entire thing since it only lasted 40 seconds. He then did not wrestle again until 3 p.m. in the championship match. Did I happen to mention the numbness in my back side that I started experiencing around 1 p.m.? Yes, that is also true...I need one of those fancy seats to sit in.

Let's not forget the distinctive aroma that can only come from a wrestling meet. As I entered the stands and climbed to the top to find a seat behind my son's team, I noticed the smell. It's unmistakable....that stench. Tucker's equipment is currently soaking in a tub of Febreeze (God bless the team that created that stuff at P&G). Then there's the heat of all those bodies pressed into one place.....I had my moments when I thought I might pass out. YOWSA! And what's with that AXE stuff the boys spray on themselves to cover up the smell. I have banned that stuff from my house....it's deplorable! Sorry, I'm digressing!

The final match rolls around and he's wrestling a kid that is undefeated (13-0). This kid has his friends try to intimidate Tucker by telling him how "bad" he (Tucker's opponent) is and he's undefeated, etc. I told Tucker he needs to casually throw out something like, "Cool! I'm 10-1 myself, an expert marksman and a lifetime member of the NRA (wink). How 'bout yourselves?" I told him attitude is everything. We need to work on his "comebacks" with these kids. Don't let them get the last word.....Look them in the eye, don't crack a grin until you are finished saying what you have to say, wink and walk away. (Don't forget people, I started the day off badly. Did I mention I spilled coffee all over me and my seat on the second trip to the school to take him the headgear when he has already left....Minor detail!) The only problem with those comments is that these kids grew up out where I did....so the chances of them being all of those things that Tucker could have stated are greater than 50%. So, he would need to throw in there that he's a straight A student and fast tracking it to be an Eagle Scout before he's 16....that would definitely get them! But then again, the species hasn't evolved much out in that area in the last 25 years since I left. It's sad, but true!

So, Tucker got a big life lesson in his final match. He lost in the second round....by what we consider to be a VERY questionable call by the referee. He said the kid pinned Tucker, but it was at the very end of the period....the kid didn't have control and the ref slapped the mat AFTER the time keeper ended the period. It was very discouraging since the score was 2-0. But again, it's a life lesson. Tucker got hosed, but I told him that won't be the last time something like that happens. Hold your head high and be proud of yourself. He got second place in a 13 team tournament and his team got third place overall. So, it was a good day for Lakota Ridge Wrestling.

I'm finished for now. This wrestling thing wears me out. I get so worked up and nervous. So now I'm off to find some flannel PJs that don't have coffee stains and curl up in bed with HGTV softly playing in the back ground. Elise is tucked into bed with her purple blanket, Nemo and baby. Steve is out playing soccer, Tucker is with his dad and Matt is playing computer games (or more likely talking to Jessica). All is right with the world at the Wells Ranch. I leave you with some photos from the match today.

Top four in the 92 pound class. Tucker is second from the right.

Lakota Ridge Junior School "A" Wrestling Team - 3rd Place at Lebanon Invitational Meet. Tucker is standing on the far right.

Blessings,
Kim

Two years ago and so forth and so on.....

2007-01-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

This is the first photo that we saw of our daughter on January 6, 2005....isn't it just precious....

Here she is today, in front of the Christmas tree pointing at her Elmo ornament.....

I don't know what to say other than how very blessed we are to have her as our daughter. She is a real pistol. I often tell people that it's rather interesting how I had to travel half way around the world to find a child just like me. Heaven help us all!!!

We spent a few days in Chicago before Christmas. Our oldest, Matthew, was there with the Lakota West Symphonic Winds Band performing at the Midwest Band Clinic. The performance was about an hour long and they were just incredible. I would like to say the trip was perfect, but the weather was a little rainy, but not too cold. Tucker wasn't thrilled with shopping the "Magnificent Mile", but it was a nice little get away for us.

Matthew is third from the left. His girlfriend, Jessica is beside him.

Matthew will also be the section leader for the trombones in the Lakota West Marching band next year. The band was also selected to go to the 2008 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. It's quite an honor and he is very excited about it.

We celebrated Christmas with Steve's mom a little early since we were not going to be able to do it after the Holidays. She was able to come to our house and spend a few days and she actually got to see Matt's band do a dress rehearsal performance before they left for Chicago. It was wonderful that she was able to see him play.

Matt with Grandma and Jessica.

We spent Thanksgiving at our house with my family. I don't have any photos since I was busy cooking. Steve took some photos with his camera phone....needless to say, they aren't good enough to publish. I keep asking him to use the digital camera, but he won't. Oh well, no Kodak moments to share, just thoughts. Dad, Lisa, John, Candy and Patrick were here for Thanksgiving. It's always too loud and too much food, but it's one of my greatest joys....having everyone here for dinner. I always set the table with Granny's good china and we sit down the good ole fashion way and have eat. I never mind how long it takes to cook or how much of a mess there is to clean up. I love having everyone in one place.

Christmas was overly calm. The boys were gone and it was just Steve, Elise and myself. We went to my sister's house on Christmas Eve for dinner. We got to meet her new addition, Roxie. Elise was a little mystified by her. This photo tells it all:

I do believe Elise thinks Roxie is going to take Elmo.

The only caption fitting for this next photo is probably...."Katie-BAR THE DOOR!"

The New Year was rang it relatively quietly here. We walked to the neighbors for a short time and then had Elise at home and in bed before 10 p.m. I heard the new year ring in from bed....I just can't stay awake like I used to.

I'll leave you with this final photo of Elise on Christmas morning have a bit of a snack with her new friends.

Happy New Year everyone. We're holding out prayers for a safe and prosperous year for everyone.

Blessings,
Kim

Where oh where have I been????

2007-01-06T16:56:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I know, it's been FOREVER since I've updated this blog. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years have come and gone. It's pathetic, I know. I've actually received emails asking me to update by blog. That's when you know you've been ignoring the obvious. So, today is a short update since I have small group tonight and I must leave in about an hour.

So, what's up with this weather? It's January in Ohio and I have wore my winter coat about a handful of times. Currently, Elise is outside running around like a lunatic looking for her friend, Tia Bella. She just rang the door bell with a stick (couldn't reach it otherwise) and yelled, "HI MAMA!" when I opened the door. What a hoot. I'm not complaining about this weather, don't get me wrong...I'm just wondering when the bottom will drop out on us. My Flowering Quince bush is blooming in JANUARY!

I spend a better part of today at a wrestling meet. Yep, Tucker is wrestling for Lakota Ridge Junior School. He wrestles in the 92 pound weight class (he weighs 89 pounds). Let me just say that these meets are very "stressful" for me. Not kidding when I say that I am a total basket case. I have heart palpitations, can't stray too far from the restroom , hands shaking....I'm a mess. It's actually quite pathetic. I did have the presense of mind to video tape the matches today, alibet a "shakey" recording it will be. Not to be a braggart, Tucker's record is 10 wins and one loss. He wrestled three times today and pinned his opponent everytime. Wrestling can be very exciting....I will say that. For all the anxiety that it causes me, he seems to enjoy it and as long as that's the case, what's a mother to do?

For those of you who do not know it, we are adopting again. Yes, you heard it right. Our documents for our second adoption from China were mailed to China on September 1st and officially logged into their adoption process on September 26, 2006. Currently, our documents are in what is referred to as the "Non special needs" route, but our hearts are open to the possibilities of adopting a child with medical needs. Let me first emphasis that these children with medical needs are typically taken very good care of in China and once in the US thrive like any other child. The medical needs are easily taken care of either in China or here. It's just a classification that China must give these children since they may have had some medical issues early in life.

All of this being said, the adoption process in China has changed 180 degrees since we brought Elise home two years ago. Speaking of which, two years ago today is the first time I saw my sweet daughter's face. I'll never forget my co-worker Claire watching over my shoulder as I clicked on the "open" button of the email to look at the photo the agency had sent me. I had my eyes closed and all I could hear was Claire say, "Boy Sister, you got a deal!" Gotta love your friend's honesty. We waited six months to find out about Elise once our documents were sent to China. The current wait is 14-16 months (UGH) and is getting longer. The other thing is that China has dramatically changed the requirements for adoptive parents. These changes will not be enforced for anyone that already has their documents in China. At least that is what they are saying, but the cynical side of me doesn't necessarily believe that. The problem in China now is that so many people have requested children, that the demand is more than the supply. How can that be you say? It's true, Elise's orphanage is now closed and another family has told me that the orphanage their daughter is from typically has around 400 children in it. They currently have 200 children. Most of this is due to fewer children being abandoned by birth families which is a very good thing. Economic conditions are improving in China and families are less likely to abandon a child if they are financially sound. So, we will wait and see what God has in store for our family. We aren't getting any younger, but I'm sure God has the perfect child in mind to complete our family. This will be our LAST child....we are all in agreement on that!

Then there's the entire adoption community as a whole....this time around, I have encountered more intolerance of Christians and people with faith than I can believe. I am shocked at the people that openly request that individuals involved in internet support groups refrain from expressing anything that has to do with God in their emails/posts. Again, I'm shocked and dismayed. I would have thought in today's society that embraces everything, it wouldn't be a problem...but Christianity is. It makes me very sad for those people.

I've blogged enough for now. I have attached a photo of Steve's mom and Tim. They came to visit right before Christmas. I'll blog more about that at another time. I'm off to group!

Blessings,

Kim

WHO-DEY...A NEW BEN-GAL???

2006-10-30T13:10:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I went to the Bengal's game with my good friend Gayla. Although they lost, it was so much fun being in that stadium with all those crazy fans! It's an atmosphere like nothing I can explain. There's just something about football....that's all I can say!

Needless to say, we went to the pro-shop and I found something for Elise...BIG SURPRISE!!!! I couldn't resist. At first she didn't care for it....but today, she was looking for it and insisted on wearing it. Oh my! But how could I resist! Now all she needs is her OSU cheerleader outfit and she'll be good to go. I'll be looking for that this week since the "Big Game" is only two weeks away. She's refining her 0-H....I-O...Go Buckeyes! cheer. It's adorable.

Enjoy the pics.
Blessings,
Kim W.

Shaw Pumpkin Farm Field Trip...BRRRRR

2006-10-26T13:02:00.000-04:00

In the Hundred Acre Woods...with Rabbit

Hangin' with Pooh on the wagon top

Piglet was the cutest

Giving Tigger a hug

Eeyore was Elise's favorite

Gazing with adoring eyes....

Elise's preschool class went to Shaw Pumpkin Farm on Tuesday for a hayride. It was great fun for Elise although it was very, very chilly. As you can see from the photos, she LOVED all the "Pumpkin Characters". She would run from character to character stop and turn toward the camera and as cheezy as possible she would shout, "CHEESE". If I didn't indicate to her that I got the photo, she would yell cheese again. Then off she would run to the next photo op. I was freezing, but she seemed to be unphased by the cold weather. She actually enjoyed the hayride too. Since the weather was so dismal, only two other kids from her class showed up. I'm so glad we decided to go, it was so sweet watching the glee she experienced searching out the next animal or character that she might know. When it was all over, she got to pick out a pumpkin. The pumpkin is rather small so she carries it around the house saying, "My punkin". What a treasure!!! We are truly blessed!

Blessings,

Kim

Lakota West Homecoming

2006-10-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Look who is taller now.....

What a handsome couple.....

Matthew & Jessica.....

Last weekend was the Lakota West Homecoming. Friday night the Firebirds stomped the opposing team by 35 points. It wasn't much of a game, but it really isn't any fun if you lose your homecoming game, is it??? Saturday was the dance. Matt picked up his girlfriend, Jessica and went to dinner with a few friends before the dance. This was Matt's first homecoming (Steve's also, he never went to homecoming in high school. We won't talk about me ;-0 ). Matt didn't get Jessica the traditional corsage, but he wanted to give her long stem roses. He gave her four red and two white. If anyone knows the significance of that, please let me know. I have a feeling it means sometime special. He called the house at about 9:30 p.m. (I think the danced started at 7:30 or so), he said they were "insanely bored" and could they go to the movies. Suffice it to say, we weren't surprised. The group of kids he hangs around with aren't really the type of kids that get into homecoming stuff. So, off to the movies they went in their nice clothing. Who knows if he'll go next year, but chances are, if he is still dating, he will.

On another note, Matt did have an accident in his mother's truck two weeks ago. No one was hurt and he didn't get a citation since the accident happened on private property. We're thankful is was minor and hopefully a lesson learned. He's without a vehicle for awhile, so Steve is back to driving him around.

Have a great day everyone!

Blessings,
Kim

Tall Stacks....Cincinnati, Ohio

2006-10-10T15:03:00.000-04:00

TALL STACKS IN CINCINNATI

Steamboats on the Ohio River with the Great American Ball park in the background
Well, he is a lifetime member of the NRA...he was a little frustrated there was no firing pin!?!?

Tucker in the sleeping quarters of the LST 325. The bunks were 4 high and there were sometimes 3 soldiers assigned to a bunk. They slept and worked in 8 hour shifts.

A motley crew; Candy, Kim, John and Dad (funny how we stand in birth order...)

The Great American Ball Park, The Belle Of Lousville, The Natchez and the Majestic (Paul Brown Stadium in the the far background)

The Clevengers at Tall Stacks:

Dad, John, Candy & Tucker

This weekend was the Tall Stacks Festival on the Ohio River in Cincy. I went on Thursday with my Dad, sister, brother and Tucker. Yes, I took Tucker out of school to go. The weather was kind of misty and chilly. But we still had so much fun. We cruised on the Belle of Louisville, an authentic steamboat! Then we had dinner at Newport on the Levy and watched Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys perform at Sawyer Point. I do love Bluegrass Music! Then we returned on Sunday, with Steve's mom and Tim. The crowds were HUGE, it was such a beautiful day. Tucker and I went earlier than everyone and visited the LST 325, a WWII Landing Craft that was used in the invasion of Normandy. I stood in the bottom of that boat and my mind was filled with the young men that stood there on that day. How did they feel? I could only imagine what was going through their minds? I was filled with pride for all that those men did for us! Then as I stood on the upper deck, tears streamed down my face as I read the tribute to all that had served on that vessel and how the LST 325 would have felt had she been able to speak. It was a humbling moment for me. A moment when I thanked God for blessing me with an incredible birth place.

Standing on the upper deck, I watched my son as he listened intently to everything the crew members had to say. Tucker knew what a "Higgins Boat" (that was the boat the men landed on the shores of Normandy in) was and how many men it would hold and how much their packs weighed. Did you know that some of those boys weighed about 14o lbs and by the time they got their packs on, they weighed 300 lbs??? Tucker is an amazing kid and he does love his history. I had to drag him off the boat since we were meeting everyone on the other side of the river. But before I did, I looked at the skyline of Cincinnati and all those Steam Boats cruising up and down the river...the caliope's from the Natchez had me tapping my foot and I realized how very blessed we are to be living in such a wonderful and incredible country. God Bless America, Home of the Brave!!!

Blessings,
Kim

Tumbling

2006-09-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Trying to climb up the wall....

My new tumbling outfit!

Elise went to tumbling on Monday. It was rather interesting, since she was beside herself with excitement. While the other little girl (yes there was only one other), sat nicely on the mat, Elise ran around them in a circle. Have I mentioned that we are doing this so she can work on her "listening" skills????? Anyway, her favorite part was the trampoline. She did just fine, but has to listen better. Next time should be better. The photos are not the best, so I'll try again next time with a "new charged" battery.

Blessings,
Kim

First Day of Preschool

2006-09-18T08:18:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Elise has started preschool! Yes, I know, it's so early. But she needs the extra stimulation! As some of you may or may not know....she's VERY active. The teacher was concerned that she may have "seperation anxiety"....I just laughed. She just takes off when we get there. She could care less if I leave or not. But I also have to remember that preschool is at our church and she goes into the same room that she goes to for Sunday School. So, it's very familiar for her. Our first day was abbreviated and her first full day in tomorrow, Tuesday, September 19th. I will be the "Helper" for the day, so I'm sure I'll have plenty to report on that. Today will be another first for Elise, she is starting a tumbling class. Like I said, she's very active and needs the extra activities. Enjoy the photos.

Blessings,
Kim

New Blog

2006-08-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! This is my first posting to our new blog site. I decided to "get on board" and start one of these so our family and friends can keep up with us. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up to date!
Blessings,
Kim