tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354009972024-03-07T20:36:04.787-06:00The Family Blah, Blah, BlahgUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-28470654383058006712009-01-02T10:11:00.005-06:002009-01-03T16:43:17.540-06:00Saying Goodbye to My Blog<div align="left">I've toyed with the idea of ending my blog for a while for MANY different reasons. The reasons to continue are becoming less important to me these days so I'm feeling the need to say goodbye and the new year seems an appropriate place.<br /><br />I'm not sure that I'll be leaving for good, but if I do come back I hope to have a different emphasis or purpose for this blog. One of the reasons I've been hesitant to quit is because of my passion for adoption and I've loved hearing from families (a few) who've been inspired to adopt because of my blog...that's PRICELESS to me and so I'm going to have to trust G*d will use me to encourage adoption in another way. I think I'll keep the blog here for a while and you can ALWAYS email me with questions concerning adoption (or anything else) at k95 @ comcast.net (remove spaces).<br /><br />I know this sounds dramatic, but this is going to be painful for me. I LOVE my blog...which is mostly the problem (if you get what I mean). Blogging has taken far too much of my time and affection.<br /><br />If I do come back I'd like this to be a little different and since I'm not sure if or how that will be I'm going to say goodbye blog-friends! I've learned so much from you all and hope still to stop by occasionally and visit those of you with blogs.<br /><br />This may not make sense in this context, but it makes perfect sense to me and is my little reminder:<br />(on dying to "SELF") </div><div align="center"><br />"It is never fun to die. To rip through the dear and tender stuff of which life is made can never be anything but deeply painful. Yet that is what the cross did to Jesus and it is what the cross would do to every man to set him free." Tozer in <em>The Pursuit of God</em> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">and another from the same book...<br />"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-9129385481585859342009-01-02T00:02:00.004-06:002009-01-02T01:04:49.393-06:00A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!We had a wonderfully quiet Christmas. It's so rare for all of us to be together so much and we just enjoyed the time we had. We went to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church and then Megan begged for some "Christmas ice cream". Then the kids were coerced in front of the tree for a picture.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (9) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158258981/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (9)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3158258981_90796d2242.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (21) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158197803/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (21)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/3158197803_b6d2437c70.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (30) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3159111020/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (30)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/3159111020_1002901275.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />The girls are excited that their stockings are going to be filled tonight.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (36) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158813716/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (36)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/3158813716_98ae676b94.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Miyah found baby Jesus under the star and gets to open the first present.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (45) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3159122638/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (45)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3159122638_1b0124e37f.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Let the fun begin!<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (46) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158301465/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (46)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/3158301465_a133b935ed.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (48) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3159140116/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (48)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3159140116_bc5f328f78.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Never mind the expensive toys...these Dollar Store swords were the hit this Christmas. I should have known.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (51) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3159145440/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (51)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3159145440_7c27d0cc51.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (69) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158012929/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas 08 (69)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/3158012929_2e0daff10d.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />I know it's strange, but Matt asked for a smoothie maker this Christmas and got the Magic Bullet. I figured it'll be a good dorm room appliance to take with him next year.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (72) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158015945/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (72)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/3158015945_e16f6b4fb5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (57) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158000695/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (57)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3158000695_f876484055.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The girls with their live cubs. They were so excited to get these. This is the only thing they asked for this year.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (146) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158917584/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (146)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3158917584_24199a2a81.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Mei Lin and I fell asleep on the couch in the early afternoon.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (121) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158060647/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (121)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3158060647_d1d8ea18db.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />After dinner we went to a movie then came home for some family time.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (142) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3159173268/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (142)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3159173268_35104541d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (134) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158363985/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (134)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3158363985_c6fbc838ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Enjoying some smoothies.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (174) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158944760/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (174)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3158944760_62ce313af6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Christmas 08 (123) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158062559/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (123)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3158062559_db0224fd3e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Megan's so sweet. She spent some of her break making a quilt for the girls' animals.<br /><a title="Christmas 08 (195) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3158962592/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas 08 (195)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3158962592_4dc595f1b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />On New Year's Eve both Megan and Matt had plans with friends and Pat and I invited some families over to play games. The little ones played and watched a movie while we talked and played games. Both of the families were part of our small group Bible study this summer so it was good to get together again. <br /><br />Happy New Year to you all!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-66431020042212214702008-12-24T12:36:00.002-06:002008-12-24T12:48:38.305-06:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Merry Christmas!</span> </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2009.<br /></strong><a title="Family Photos 11-08 (88) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3016439877/"><img height="500" alt="Family Photos 11-08 (88)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3016439877_8b817a9919.jpg" width="332" /></a><a title="Family Photos 11-08 (66) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3016514721/"><img height="500" alt="Family Photos 11-08 (66)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3016514721_3f5e9437d8.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><a title="Photoshoot (48) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3026238017/"><img height="333" alt="Photoshoot (48)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3026238017_d0eee6f960.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Girls in Cmas dresses (100) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3027067632/"><img height="333" alt="Girls in Cmas dresses (100)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3027067632_6d4792fa89.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-83082511365616495002008-12-23T18:49:00.005-06:002008-12-23T18:53:43.743-06:00Lydia NEEDS Your Prayers!I'm so saddened by today's (Dec 23) journal update from Monica, Lydia's mom. PLEASE keep Lydia and her family in your prayers. <br /> <br />Click below to read the latest news from Monica (under "journal" for Dec 23):<br /><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydialimeieikomiyashita">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydialimeieikomiyashita</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-42069882307484447192008-12-22T21:22:00.000-06:002008-12-23T02:33:27.426-06:00Family Visit and Catching UpYou can usually assume that if I haven't posted in a while it isn't for lack of events to post about, but rather too much going on to find the time to post. I'm hoping to catch up in the next several posts.<br /><br />But first, Pat's brother and his family stopped through for a couple of nights on their way down to Disney. It had been over a year since we'd seen some of them and over two years since seeing the entire family. We all had a great visit and the kids really enjoyed each other. I have the sweetest nieces and nephews and it was so nice to catch up with my brother and sister-in-law. <br /><br />Pat and his brother, David<a title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (106) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129053989/"><img height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (106)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3129053989_e5f5182148.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />My niece Grace with Mei Lin<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129941680/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (91) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/3129941680_d3dd9688be.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (91)" /></a><br />My sister-in-law Colleen and my niece Cate<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129974058/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (101) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3129974058_1baec3192b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (101)" /></a><br />Colleen and David<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129989298/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (98) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3129989298_4699fae760.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (98)" /></a><br />Marty and Megan<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129174759/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (97) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3129174759_042f51b655.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (97)" /></a><br />Playing cards<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130011636/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (87) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3130011636_a6175c3d3c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (87)" /></a><br />The gingerbread house making<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130046162/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (77) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3130046162_edc754c1ea.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (77)" /></a><br />Icing problems<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130291954/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (59) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3130291954_3854a13462.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (59)" /></a><br />Marty<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130068678/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (66) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/3130068678_5ebce57228.jpg" width="317" height="500" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (66)" /></a><br />Cate<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129249749/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (67) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/3129249749_9d5faf793f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (67)" /></a><br />Grace<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129472591/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (30) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3129472591_43e2368f57.jpg" width="308" height="500" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (30)" /></a><br />Liam<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129188619/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (85) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3129188619_264567cb16.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (85)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130311018/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (23) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3130311018_40bcc4955c.jpg" width="313" height="500" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (23)" /></a><br />Grace was like a little mother to the girls and they loved her!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129490531/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (19) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3129490531_1f6b416b61.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (19)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129505577/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (14) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3129505577_a200b301a8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (14)" /></a><br />Pat reading The Advent Book with the kids. Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of ALL of us on the couch for advent the next night.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130343594/" title="Sullivan-Konyn visit (2) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3130343594_749a811295.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Sullivan-Konyn visit (2)" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-7087265387676398332008-12-22T20:34:00.003-06:002008-12-23T02:33:12.863-06:00TraditionsHere are a few of the Christmas traditions chronicled by camera. Most don't need any explanation...<br /><br /><a title="Gingerbread House 08 (9) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130541484/"><img height="333" alt="Gingerbread House 08 (9)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3130541484_82dfb6ce6f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Decorating the little tree (13) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095522793/"><img height="332" alt="Decorating the little tree (13)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3095522793_053d905808.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Decorating the little tree (14) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096364290/"><img height="332" alt="Decorating the little tree (14)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3096364290_4d3f8d5a11.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Decorating the little tree (8) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096361838/"><img height="332" alt="Decorating the little tree (8)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3096361838_1fb4ba2acc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Miyah's reaction to making cut out cookies...<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (24) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130559188/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas cookies (24)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3130559188_1aaedb25be.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Mei Lin's reaction to making cut out cookies... check out that throat<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (23) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130553968/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas cookies (23)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3130553968_1ddc8ed618.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Christmas cookies (28) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129344966/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas cookies (28)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/3129344966_d706338458.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Christmas cookies (26) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129343102/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas cookies (26)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3129343102_6602ee3e58.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130585808/" title="Christmas cookies (110) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3130585808_47c2e49e16.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Christmas cookies (110)" /></a><br />Megan's masterpieces<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (102) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129389626/"><img height="333" alt="Christmas cookies (102)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3129389626_6d55f444f6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Miyah did a great job, too<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (60) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130568940/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas cookies (60)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3130568940_8b5a52a507.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />The day we got our tree Mei Lin constantly sang "O Tismas Tree, O Tismas Tree..."<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (109) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3128564211/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas cookies (109)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3128564211_081a5fe98a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Miyah's just excited about Christmas!<br /><a title="Christmas cookies (12) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129719955/"><img height="500" alt="Christmas cookies (12)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/3129719955_76d1c32361.jpg" width="409" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-30308933390368055932008-12-22T16:51:00.007-06:002008-12-23T14:35:12.835-06:00The Breakfast Club<div align="center">Emilio Estevez? Judd Nelson? High School detention?<br /><br />No!<br /><br />A dozen incredible women? Amazing Support? 6:30 AM at Cracker Barrel?<br /><br />YES!<br /><br />This was our second monthly breakfast and since we're making this a monthly outing I guess we can call it a club.<br /><br />This amazing group of ladies includes adoptive moms and adoptive moms-to-be. I love these ladies and look forward to our time of fellowship. This month we had a few new faces as our little group grows with women longing for the support and fellowship that can only be understood by fellow adoptive moms. We've each been through that long, painful wait to bring home our children and all the blessings and challenges of adoption. Several have been blessed with special needs children that require multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care, and a few have lost a child and can share in the "fellowship of the suffering".<br /><br />I'm so grateful that God has brought us all together. We really DO need each other. And I am truly blessed to call these ladies "sisters".<br /><br /><a href="http://dreier.com/ruby/?p=29">Amy</a> and <a href="http://lifetrain.blogspot.com/2008/12/no-make-up-club.html">Tisra</a> have written about our morning breakfast, as well as <a href="http://roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/2008/11/weekend-wrap-up-part-1.html">Leslie's post </a>from last month. I forgot my camera both times, but Amy and Leslie captured both occasions.<br /><br /><a href="http://dreier.com/ruby">Amy </a>is waiting for her little Ruby from China and has three of the most adorable little guys you'd ever want to see. She also happens to be a part of that fellowship of the suffering. Amy has the sweetest spirit.<br /><br /><a href="http://lifetrain.blogspot.com/">Tisra</a> is a new friend. I just met her this weekend, but I'm sure I'll be getting to know her better soon. She is a mother of three and waiting for her fourth child from Taiwan. I found out she also homeschools and lives two minutes away.<br /><br /><a href="http://roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/">Leslie</a> is mommy to three sweet kids. She adopted Susannah this past fall from Kunming, China (Mei Lin's age and from the same orphanage). Susannah has had a severe heart defect repaired since coming home and will have her cleft lip repaired in March. Leslie is an amazing woman with a strong love for God and his children.<br /><br /><a href="http://family4pack.blogspot.com/">Anne</a> is mommy to Elizabeth, one of my girls' best friends and she's had a long wait for her Clare in China. We can't wait for that referral! Anne is one of the most loving people I know. Her and her husband (and Elizabeth) just exude God's love. She's also a homeschooling mommy.<br /><br /><a href="http://redingtonfamily.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> is mommy to five kids now, two biological, three adopted. All three adopted children have special needs requiring frequent doctor visits and surgery. Amazingly they are looking into adopting one more little girl to round out a family of eight. I know I've mentioned before that Heather is like the Energizer bunny. She's ALWAYS going and always joyful. She and her husband have a huge heart for people and for orphans in particular and have taken in dozens of foster children over the years. Heather homeschools her 6 year old, Wyatt.<br /><br /><a href="http://prayingforanna.blogspot.com/">Jo</a> is mommy to two sweet children adopted from China. Her Grace is Miyah's great friend and Anna is now living with Jesus in heaven. Jo is a strong, giving woman. She always has the right perspective on a given situation and a great story to go with it! Jo is the initiator and organizer of our little breakfasts.<br /><br /><a href="http://meanderingsoflife.blogspot.com/">Teresa</a> is mommy to one biological and one adopted daughter. Isabella (from China) is Miyah's good friend and we always enjoy our visits with Teresa and Bella. Teresa is a cancer survivor and a sweet, giving woman. Even through her most difficult times I've never seen Teresa frustrated or angry. She emulates a love for life that I admire. Teresa also homeschools her girls.<br /><br /><em><strong>Stefanie</strong></em> is mommy to three sweet kiddoes; two biological boys and one little girl she adopted the same time we adopted Mei Lin. She's blessed with daughter, Corinne, who has special needs including a repaired heart defect. Stefanie is beyond sweet because she's sweet, but so real and always thinking of others. When Anna was in ICU she planned our little prayer vigil with Jo. When Leslie was in China getting Susannah, she organized a little prayer group for them. I could go on. She's helped in so many ways. Stefanie homeschools, as well.<br /><br /><em><strong>Angela </strong></em>is mommy to four kids, two biological and two adopted. Her two adopted girls are my girls' ages and the youngest, Claire, is from Mei Lin's orphanage. Claire has just today completed her eighth surgery since coming home in June. Please pray for her recovery. That girl is a trooper and we can't wait until the day she'll be running around with our Mei Lin. Angela is a caring, generous friend. She's been with me through both adoptions and has been a constant source of support for so many.<br /><br /><em><strong>Patrice</strong></em> is mom to three biological grown children and two adopted little ones. Patrice has one of the sweetest spirits I've ever known. She always has a kind word and even though she doesn't look a day over thirty, she's adorned with that beauty of motherly love for everyone she meets. Her wisdom and grace are always an encouragement. Patrice homeschools her kindergartener.<br /><br />And <em><strong>Robin</strong></em> is mommy to one adopted daughter and waiting for her second from China. I haven't had much opportunity to get to know Robin as of yet, but I hope that will change soon. Robin also has shared in the suffering of losing a child.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for each of these women and their loving support.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The miracle of this little group is that as we began emailing back and forth before this month's breakfast, we all became sentimental and sappy about how much each of these ladies means to each of us and most of us had stories of praying for friends just like we've found here. </div><div align="center">God has truly heard all of our prayers and knit our hearts together.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-65281801835776434722008-12-22T15:43:00.001-06:002008-12-23T01:14:09.483-06:00A Dickens of a ChristmasEvery year our little historic downtown closes its streets to host a nostalgic event called A Dickens of a Christmas. Men, women, and children dressed in Victorian clothing portray characters from "A Christmas Carol" and walk amongst the crowds of people and booths. We always enjoy this little event, but this year we went mainly to see Megan dance. The temperature was rather chilly, but we enjoyed all the sights and sounds.<br />It was hard to capture any great pictures during Megan's dance because my view was obscured by a couple of posts and speakers.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130461710/" title="Dickens of a Christmas (34) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3130461710_1f4347c9f9.jpg" width="296" height="500" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (34)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129641797/" title="Dickens of a Christmas (33) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3129641797_9558a698d9.jpg" width="241" height="500" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (33)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129616553/" title="Dickens of a Christmas (43) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3129616553_c436d05960.jpg" width="500" height="354" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (43)" /></a><br />Megan after her performance<br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (77) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129545955/"><img height="500" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (77)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3129545955_db831a9ddc.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (84) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130369830/"><img height="500" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (84)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3130369830_62135def8b.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />I think Santa needs an eyebrow trimmer for Christmas. I think this was the only "visit" my girls had with Santa this Christmas, but you know me and how I feel about the guy anyway.<br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (90) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129553349/"><img height="368" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (90)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3129553349_c8a9f207b4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I'm not sure which Dickens character he would be<br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (103) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129486230/"><img height="333" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (103)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/3129486230_da4cdf8c59.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />After all that walking we stopped at a little cupcake bakery for a snack.<br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (104) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3128656421/"><img height="333" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (104)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3128656421_11c709d446.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Not sure why I took this picture, but JOY seems to be a theme in my life these days. <br /><a title="Dickens of a Christmas (123) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129567969/"><img height="333" alt="Dickens of a Christmas (123)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3129567969_054d0fd505.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />"I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY." Luke 2. And my favorite, "In His presence is fullness of JOY" Psalm 16:11. Christ's presence/coming (Immanuel-God with us) brings great JOY if we know Him and have constant fellowship with Him. I'm constantly reminded that there is joy to be found in every circumstance as I remain in His presence. He came to be Immanuel, "with us". Nowhere else do I find "fullness of joy." Not in health. Not in financial or job security. Not in family. Not in friends or relationships. Only in HIS PRESENCE! That's what Christmas is all about.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-46185342594976831322008-12-22T15:38:00.001-06:002008-12-23T01:48:24.751-06:00Children's Hope Christmas PartyThe girls and I enjoyed an evening with Children's Hope (CHI)staff and families. We used Children's Hope to adopt both of our girls and absolutely love our local staff and social worker. Unfortunately the agency has hit hard times and had to close our local branch. I love all these people and I'm so thankful to them for helping us bring our precious girls home. Some local CHI families planned a little christmas get-together, just like old times. I didn't take many photos, but here are a few. <br /><br />Mei Lin with Amanda, our social worker. Amanda is a new mommy to little Sam. Isn't he adorable! We love Amanda and will have to come up with a reason for her to visit us...but unfortunately it probably won't be a homestudy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129664967/" title="CHI Christmas Party (15) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3129664967_c165147662.jpg" width="500" height="454" alt="CHI Christmas Party (15)" /></a><br />Elizabeth and Miyah<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130513212/" title="CHI Christmas Party (6) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3130513212_fbbe4e57e3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="CHI Christmas Party (6)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3130524002/" title="CHI Christmas Party (13) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/3130524002_c80aab9d01.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="CHI Christmas Party (13)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3129671895/" title="CHI Christmas Party (8) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/3129671895_6fda38dc5a.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="CHI Christmas Party (8)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099206028/" title="CHI Christmas Party (7) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3099206028_f38f242da9.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="CHI Christmas Party (7)" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-86458347695947381842008-12-12T17:52:00.005-06:002008-12-12T23:57:25.829-06:00When in the South...Celebrate Like a Southerner<div align="center">Many of you may remember these from last year. My sister had sent one to us and we thought they were hilarious.<br /><br />Yeehaw and Merry Christmas! </div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A697836' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=R7I4tkp3x3D1J2i9&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=R7I4tkp3x3D1J2i9&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=R7I4tkp3x3D1J2i9&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send your own <a href='http://www.elfyourself.com'>ElfYourself</a> <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards'>eCards</a></div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyMjkxMjU5NDIxODcmcHQ9MTIyOTEyNjMyOTc1MCZwPTQxODgxMyZkPTIwMjY2OSZnPTImdD*mbz1mYThjZjBiYzE*ZWE*NzVlODU3ZjFmZDg3OTcyOTRkYg==.gif" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-17391335820211389032008-12-12T09:22:00.007-06:002008-12-12T11:55:25.087-06:00It's Beginning to Look (and Feel) a Lot Like Christmas!<div align="center">It hasn't really felt like Christmas to me yet this year. I've been having a hard time completely immersing myself in the season for some reason. But as the sun went down yesterday, a very rare snow began to fall and it was the perfect mood enhancer. It finally feels like Christmas!<br /><br />After dinner I took the girls out to find that even though there was only an inch or two, it was the perfect snowman-making snow. Unfortunately we weren't outfitted to be in the snow for long and the girls got cold after an hour. But we managed to make a few snowmen.<br /><a title="SNOW 12-11-08 by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3102139169/"><img height="333" alt="SNOW 12-11-08" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3102139169_af63735804.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="SNOW 12-11-08 (3) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3102208171/"><img height="500" alt="SNOW 12-11-08 (3)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3102208171_50e416f36c.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><a title="SNOW 12-11-08 (12) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3102990816/"><img height="500" alt="SNOW 12-11-08 (12)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3102990816_69d974a03d.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><a title="SNOW 12-11-08 (10) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3103008598/"><img height="500" alt="SNOW 12-11-08 (10)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3103008598_d250054e5f.jpg" width="333" /></a><a title="SNOW 12-11-08 (18) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3103022166/"><img height="333" alt="SNOW 12-11-08 (18)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3103022166_86304eda61.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The snow is quickly melting today so it won't be here for long. That's just enough to make this Yankee girl happy.</div><div align="center">I had to throw this in here, too. Another bed-head picture. I don't know why, but I think my girls look gorgeous just fresh from bed.</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3103079226/" title="12-9-08 (2) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/3103079226_09ae175a1a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12-9-08 (2)" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3102253851/" title="12-9-08 (8) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3102253851_8a4514034b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12-9-08 (8)" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-87279061207102920182008-12-11T08:37:00.007-06:002008-12-11T10:03:12.322-06:00LIFE-Giving Gifts to Celebrate the LIFE-Giver<div align="center">Here's another long overdue post.<br /><br />This year it's been on my heart to do something a little different...to try to squelch the usual buying frenzy and materialism of Christmas.<br /><br />Our friends and family need to pay attention to this one: If you were planning to give us even the tiniest gift this year...PLEASE DON'T...instead we're asking that you make a donation where the money is <span style="color:#990000;"><em>really</em></span> needed.<br /><a title="Copy of uganda_598 by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3100531132/"><img height="300" alt="Copy of uganda_598" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/3100531132_6c9bd63926.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />One of the places the money is definitely needed and a ministry that has touched my heart is Amazima Ministries. Please visit <a href="http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/">Katie's blog</a>. I know you'll be moved by what she's doing in Uganda. Katie (pictured above baptizing some of her kids) is a 20 year old mother of nine (once orphaned) children in Uganda, and she's also a college student here in the states trying to support her kids plus fund the education of nearly 200 other Ugandan children.<br /><br />There are many other worthy causes, as well. We still love to give to <a href="http://www.halfthesky.org/?gclid=CMyMvavnuJcCFQudnAodnm84Sw">Half the Sky</a>. After reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Tears-Journey-Chinese-Orphanage/dp/1438238169">Silent Tears </a>I'm even more convinced of the need for ministries such as this. They do an amazing job of improving the health and lives of Chinese orphans.<br /><br />If nothing else, I hope to inspire you to think beyond the materialism and needless gift-giving. There are so many that need the absolute basics for survival. The $50 spent on St*rbucks gift cards for teacher gifts could instead bring education, clothing, or even survival to a child somewhere (nothing against St*rbucks-they do a lot of humanitarian work, as well...just an example). I know teachers get so many little (many times useless) trinkets each year, so for teacher's gifts and family gifts this year we'll be donating to Katie's Amazima Ministries.<br /><br />Isn't that why Jesus came...to bring LIFE and LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY! I can't think of a better way to celebrate His birth.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-83172774432995081932008-12-10T20:40:00.007-06:002008-12-11T08:26:05.388-06:00A Joy-Filled Thanksgiving<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I know this is a very late Thanksgiving post...but I'm just now catching my breath after A LOT of busyness around here. I came home from Thanksgiving with children eager to decorate, a paper to write, a final to take, as well as several projects for Christmas. Those are all done except for a bit more decorating to do...and a bit of shopping, decorating the tree, baking, wrapping...well, those won't take me long anyway. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So, I finally have time to reflect a bit. It's actually been a year of a lot of reflecting and questioning and praying and praising. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I've watched as so many close to me have struggled through trial after trial this year. It's been sobering at times, but I remember the great promises that come with trials, like this one:</div><div align="center">"Consider it <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">pure joy</span>,</span> my brothers and sisters, whenever you face <span style="color:#990000;"><em><span style="color:#993399;">trials</span> </em></span>of many kinds, because you know that<span style="color:#990000;"><em> <span style="color:#993399;">the testing of your faith produces perseverance</span></em></span>. Let perseverance finish its work <em><span style="color:#993399;">so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything</span></em>." <em>James 1:2-3</em></div><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuQvwd9vzYbj5WsNqyC-bDzmmUC_z7TPTe_uBFHxeRx-CPTc5VgVedrPRfhdR67RRnNJCBPnnD6cpHfqexkJ3UCooysTZVK7OVI3Ge2MSMtG9e45GVGwGO2H9cvrIsvR58EEu/s1600-h/james1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278360542878068898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuQvwd9vzYbj5WsNqyC-bDzmmUC_z7TPTe_uBFHxeRx-CPTc5VgVedrPRfhdR67RRnNJCBPnnD6cpHfqexkJ3UCooysTZVK7OVI3Ge2MSMtG9e45GVGwGO2H9cvrIsvR58EEu/s400/james1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#993399;"> <strong><em>Joy</em></strong></span> is a byproduct of being thankful, I think. And even when it's impossible to be thankful for the trials we're in, we can be thankful for so many other things. So I'm truly finding all the things for which I'm sincerely thankful to God. My faith has been shaken, tested, and ultimately strengthened. And I have that long list of all the mercies and blessings bestowed on our family this year. God is amazing and so worthy of all of our <em>THANKSGIVING!</em></p><p>One reason to be thankful is that my mother did all the cooking this year, bless her heart. She generously offered to host Thanksgiving with the purpose of giving my sister and I a break. It was so relaxing...and DELICIOUS! I haven't had my mom's Thanksgiving dinner in far too many years and it was wonderful! Thanks, Mom!</p><p>My sister Tracy and her family made the looong drive over to have Thanksgiving with us and it was so nice to see them. Here are (a lot) of pictures...I had to seize the rare opportunity and take as many pictures as I could. The sad thing is that we never know when we'll see each other again.</p><p>(below) We took a little hike in the Smokies. Here are the families minus me, Pat, and Matt. There aren't many pictures of Matt and Pat because they only came for Thanksgiving day. They both had class Tuesday night and Matt had to work the day after Thanksgiving</p><p align="left"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (99) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098748131/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (99)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/3098748131_22edc11e54.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>The cousins</p><p><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (112) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099602832/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (112)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3099602832_89e2906135.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>I love this picture of my mom and dad.</p><p><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (232) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099592466/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (232)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3099592466_30bfd3c9ce.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>The kids love the cows behind my parent's house. We did go on the other side of the fence, but the cows weren't looking too friendly.</p><p><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (18) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098781561/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (18)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3098781561_d5dc7aa74c.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p align="center">Miyah<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (40) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099621604/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (40)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/3099621604_155e6a6fa0.jpg" width="332" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center">Brielle<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (41) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098793135/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (41)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/3098793135_46edb16f72.jpg" width="332" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center">Brock Ji Hao<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (43) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098798873/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (43)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3098798873_b96ea16a22.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">This is the sign welcoming us to our hike<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (71) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3069580407/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (71)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/3069580407_1d4e0214f7.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">Don't worry Mei Lin, Miyah will protect you!</p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (75) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098808647/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (75)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3098808647_33da2afd48.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">My sister Tracy and her family<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (77) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098813713/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (77)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3098813713_bf23da94cc.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">My niece, Brittany</p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (86) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099652608/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (86)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3099652608_ffba0531a5.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">My nephew, Brock<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (132) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3069604109/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (132)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3069604109_483654d927.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">My other nephew, Brant<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (135) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3069605073/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (135)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/3069605073_dbc832f2e2.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p>Brittany and Megan<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (137) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3070443180/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (137)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3070443180_ae56f1bb03.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (136) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098829713/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (136)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3098829713_aabfb583f6.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p>Sweet Cousins<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (145) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099670810/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (145)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3099670810_114bed0973.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p align="center">Miyah<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (159) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098843449/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (159)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3098843449_de5aae334f.jpg" width="332" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center">Brock's first Thanksgiving!<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (190) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3069623029/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (190)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3069623029_40265bb3ff.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">Megan enjoying Thanksgiving dinner<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (192) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3070460940/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (192)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3070460940_ec9fa89f0a.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">Mei Lin fell asleep right as Thanksgiving dinner was being served<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (198) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098861945/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (198)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/3098861945_0bb2890d47.jpg" width="332" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center">My dad is excited to get started!<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (199) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3070462608/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (199)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3070462608_819b1ec552.jpg" width="332" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center">Megan and Brittany did crafts to occupy the little ones<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (201) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3070463136/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (201)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3070463136_37503f49e1.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p align="center">Mei Lin and Daddy<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (203) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098873247/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (203)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3098873247_52418a6c6c.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Matt - not sure what he's doing. </p><p><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (214) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099712636/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (214)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/3099712636_ea3e13af3f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />An after dinner game of Phase 10<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (215) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3069629241/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (215)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3069629241_e516b57161.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p>And and after dinner hike behind my parents' house for the rest of us. My parents have a beautiful view and property all around them.</p><p>My mom and dad<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (220) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099725726/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (220)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3099725726_a281e5565e.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p>Mei Lin<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (259) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098899371/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (259)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3098899371_49bbd3db32.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (243) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098909817/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (243)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/3098909817_466da04227.jpg" width="332" /></a> </p><p>Tracy and Max<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (265) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3070481548/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (265)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/3070481548_0e894e7767.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p align="center">Hiking behind my parents' house<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (270) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099774610/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (270)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3099774610_59736aa683.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (297) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098949659/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (297)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/3098949659_be8400877d.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />My dad goofing around, as usual! I wish you could see my mom's face.<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (304) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098954235/"><img height="332" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (304)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3098954235_542b4d1ccc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Miss Brielle<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (306) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099792752/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (306)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3099792752_0a92d2fc74.jpg" width="344" /></a><br />My Dad<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (307) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098965673/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (307)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3098965673_30a4b90d9d.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Piggyback ride for Brielle...and I love this picture because if you look in the distance, Papa is holding hands and walking with Brock Ji Hao.<br /><a title="Thanksgiving 08 (309) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099803214/"><img height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 08 (309)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3099803214_bdf84519c1.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Whew! That's all. I hope you all have a <span style="color:#990000;"><em>joyous</em> </span>holiday season! I have some more posting to do...Christmas parties, gingerbread houses, tree decorating...but that'll have to be for another day. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-6959700916104232152008-12-10T14:29:00.005-06:002008-12-10T16:10:55.510-06:00Holding-On to FallI think I've probably mentioned already how much we love fall at our house, but I haven't posted many pictures from all the days my girls spend in the leaves. So here are some leaf-playing pictures from one day last month. <br /><br />Miyah would love nothing more than to rake the leaves all day. I kept asking her to please put her rake down and move away from the pile so we could play in them and she insisted that there were more leaves to include in that pile! And of course she's right. There are always more leaves no matter how much you rake.<br />What amazes me though is the number of games they can come up with that involve a pile of leaves.<br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (109) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098093939/"><img height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (109)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/3098093939_41c600acd7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (140) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098105353/"><img height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (140)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3098105353_46e3b5d71b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (3) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098846374/"><img height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (3)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3098846374_64190be1fa.jpg" width="324" /></a><br />Efficiency (or impatience) at its best. Why wait for them to fall?<br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (11) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096460556/"><img height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (11)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/3096460556_2f8733441f.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Happy Raker<br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (20) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098857762/"><img height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (20)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/3098857762_383b6fae23.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (29) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098057411/"><img height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (29)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3098057411_bb2893e691.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (146) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098946958/"><img height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (146)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/3098946958_7e438bd8f4.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (160) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098964970/"><img height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (160)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3098964970_3dbb9d268e.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (201) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098984376/"><img height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (201)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3098984376_6c14b148c1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />One of their games: Pile the Leaves on Levi - You'll see how well that went over...<br /><a title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (154) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098953886/"><img height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (154)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3098953886_c4acf68d07.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Then they crashed their little bike into the pile<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098154579/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (205) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/3098154579_c62a950228.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (205)" /></a><br />Our neighbor, Josiah, came home and joined us for some leaf-throwing fun. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098161279/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (228) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3098161279_35cb2cf981.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (228)" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099002212/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (233) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/3099002212_f79fb4507b.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (233)" /></a><br />And finally, the AMBUSH!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3098172915/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (250) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3098172915_ec3b9eaaa0.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (250)" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3099013496/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (251) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/3099013496_c27075c4bc.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (251)" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096531238/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (252) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3096531238_bacb30b068.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (252)" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095691595/" title="Leaf Fun 11-08 (253) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3095691595_a481316464.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Leaf Fun 11-08 (253)" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-40500408946462011272008-12-10T14:18:00.003-06:002008-12-10T14:28:37.540-06:00Kids' PhotosPhotoshoots at our house are always...well, interesting. That's why I rarely do real posed shots. But I wanted to get some possible shots for Christmas cards so this particular day I sort of sprang it on the kids after several weeks of trying to schedule a day when all four of them would be in the same place at the same time...our lives are just that busy. Here are a few that I got. Again, unedited because I don't have time for that right now and many of them could be considered the "outtakes" since they wouldn't really make a great picture. But they were fun and the kids actually (kind of) cooperated!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3097702473/" title="11-08 by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3097702473_06c78874aa.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="11-08" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-8074454648323784842008-12-10T11:37:00.006-06:002008-12-10T20:37:54.270-06:00Happy 5th Birthday, Sweet Elizabeth!<div align="center"><a title="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (14) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095579581/"><img height="500" alt="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (14)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3095579581_3f39c81c3c.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />The girls' very good friend, <a href="http://family4pack.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a>, celebrated her 5th birthday at the bowling alley this November. I can't believe our girls are 5 already. It seems like yesterday we brought them home. The picture below was taken when the girls were about 17 months old and had only been home for less then 3-6 months.<br /><br />Sweet Kisses! They loved each other from the start!<br /><a title="Elizabeth and Miyah by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3097715307/"><img height="375" alt="Elizabeth and Miyah" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3097715307_3fe00259ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (2) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095576361/"><img height="500" alt="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3095576361_03017a69b1.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Elizabeth is growing up to be one of the very sweetest little girls I know. She is so loving, compassionate, and the best friend I could ever want for my girls (she gets that from her sweet, beautiful parents).<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We love you, Miss Elizabeth!</span> </div><div align="center"><br />(below) Not sure what Mei Lin is doing with her finger...Miyah's wearing her lion snout on her head, as usual.<br /><a title="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (6) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096417972/"><img height="332" alt="Elizabeth's 5th birthday (6)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3096417972_aaee008e97.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-51808056189381425222008-12-09T12:24:00.000-06:002008-12-10T12:48:46.590-06:00Lunch and PotteryToday (well actually it was Nov 7) we had lunch with some friends before the kids' pottery class. It's alway refreshing to spend some time with good friends. Zion has only been home for a week and he is doing amazingly well. He is such a joyful little guy and is adapting to his new family so well.<br />Zion (2)<a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (9) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095597339/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (9)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/3095597339_23b92d87cd.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />Mei Lin (This is a little washed out, but I love it...I'm trying to catch up so I'm not taking the time to edit any of these photos). <br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (2) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096436552/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/3096436552_821cfc4788.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Elizabeth<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (1) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096436194/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (1)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3096436194_c22ec1dfd7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Heather and Miyah<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (14) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095598271/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (14)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3095598271_0bcf43f6a1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Miyah at the beginning of her pottery class. Miss Mary reads them a book about the theme for that day and they get to work with the clay before making their actual project. Today it's a gingerbread cookie plate.<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (20) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095599789/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (20)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3095599789_85de90cb4c.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />While the bigger kids are in pottery class, Mei Lin and Zion play together...really for the first time. They were so silly.<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (25) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096441158/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (25)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3096441158_96f9f961ef.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />And they SHARED! Amazing!<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (30) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096443390/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (30)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3096443390_a4739fa5e1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />They played so nice together. It was fun to watch.<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (38) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096446034/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (38)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3096446034_0ccc04d796.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (39) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095605749/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (39)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/3095605749_fd664dfe93.jpg" width="500" /></a><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (40) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095606629/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (40)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3095606629_ee1f7f0f32.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Just LOOK at that sweet face!<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (49) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096450694/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (49)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3096450694_2c91b88db1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The (almost) finished product.<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (53) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3096451322/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (53)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/3096451322_a50d726f22.jpg" width="332" /></a>I'm not sure what prompted this, but the kids all decided to pile on top of each other. Wyatt is in there somewhere, too.<br /><a title="Miyah's 4th Family Day (58) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3095612157/"><img height="332" alt="Miyah's 4th Family Day (58)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/3095612157_32209017b3.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-59394049636249779552008-11-21T23:46:00.005-06:002008-11-22T01:06:51.455-06:00AmazedThis afternoon, in a matter of an hour, arrangements were made for us to have a bone marrow drive for Lydia tomorrow afternoon at an Asian Cultural Festival where approximately 1000 people, mostly Asians, will be in attendance. <br /><br />Testing kits, the perfect location, volunteers...everything came together almost instantly. I don't have time to go into details, but God's hand has orchestrated it all. <br /><br />There is another marrow drive for Lydia planned at UCLA tomorrow, as well. <em><strong>Please pray</strong></em> that there is a match found for this precious girl. To visit her website, see the previous post below.<br /><br />God bless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-6849363619683282962008-11-20T11:02:00.004-06:002008-11-20T11:27:11.249-06:00Can You Help Lydia?All the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span>-holiday busyness has kept me from blogging recently, but I do have something important I'd like to share before I attempt to catch up.<br /><br /><a title="Lydia by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3046326880/"><img height="375" alt="Lydia" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3046326880_ea1e7984ab.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Five year old Lydia (above) was diagnosed with a deadly form of leukemia and her family is desperately trying to find a bone marrow match for her. The problem for Lydia is that because she was adopted from China her family has run into difficulty finding a donor (or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">at least</span> one willing to help - read on). Lydia's story has touched my heart because she's the same age and from the same province as my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Miyah</span>. If any of us adoptive parents were in the same situation we would hope and pray that the adoption and Chinese American community would rally to help find a match for our precious child. It's SO easy to help...a cheek swab is all that's needed to determine if you (if you're Chinese) or your child is a match.<br /><br />Here's a note from her mother:<br /><br />"My daughter Lydia was adopted from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Guangdong</span> Province China on July<br />5, 2004. In August 2008, she was diagnosed with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AML</span>, a very pernicious and deadly form of leukemia. With the help of her Chinese-born doctor, we were able to locate her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">birthparents</span> and some of her siblings in China that her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">birthfamily</span> kept. We know she had at least two biological sisters older than she (born somewhere between 1993 and 2002) who were also abandoned. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">birthparents</span> have refused to assist with her bone marrow transplant, even though two of her already found bio siblings were a match. We are now looking for these other potential siblings to see if they were adopted and might also be a match. Lydia is part of the<br />Hakka ethnic group, and so a match from someone other than a relative is unlikely because of her unique, almost bi-racial typing. Lydia has classic Hakka features: "Brooke Shields" eyebrows, and rather full lips and a round face. I will have my husband post photos of Lydia and her birth family. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to lend.<br />Blessings,<br />Monica "<br /><br />And a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">excerpt</span> from her <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydialimeieikomiyashita">website</a> (<a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydialimeieikomiyashita">click to go to her website</a>):<br />"For those of you who have offered help and who have offered to test yourself and your children, please contact me at kensingtonlawyer@gmail.com. I can send you a kit that you can do a cheek swab, and which you will then mail directly back to the lab that has Lydia's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HLA</span> testing results. <strong>If a group of Chinese people wish to donate (meaning more than 10 or so people), the National Bone Marrow program will actually host your drive, totally funded through the bone marrow program</strong>. Please contact me in either event, as I can contact the local chapter of the National Bone Marrow Program, and get things moving. "<br /><br />We're in the process of organizing a marrow drive in my area. I'll share that information when all the details have been arranged.<br /><br />Please keep Lydia, her family, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">birthfamily</span> in your prayers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-72578775947622518182008-11-10T00:05:00.003-06:002008-11-12T19:47:43.583-06:00Photo CollageUPDATE: Several of you have had trouble seeing this, so I'm going to try to repost it. Let me know if you can see it now.<br /><br />I was just going through my photo file and noticed Megan had made this collage of the girls in their Christmas dresses. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3018646588/" title="Girls in dresses by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3018646588_5349f879eb.jpg" width="500" height="489" alt="Girls in dresses" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-14853304970941196992008-11-07T21:35:00.007-06:002008-11-09T00:04:14.512-06:00Happy 4th Family Day, Miyah!Today we celebrated Miyah's four year adoption anniversary. It's always fun to think back to that incredible, miraculous day! <br /><br />I know I've posted this picture many times before (probably every year), but this one seems to best portray Miyah's "gotcha day". This is among the many moments in my life I'd love to relive over and over again. This is November 7, 2004... <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3011280299/" title="china84 by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3011280299_5937e99138.jpg" width="500" height="490" alt="china84" /></a><br /><br />This photo speaks so clearly, doesn't it? I don't remember her being so itty bitty.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3012108120/" title="china94 by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3012108120_d784e020a0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="china94" /></a><br /><br />But she's still fairly itty bitty, though she's grown and changed SO much! We are so greatful to God for this AMAZING gift!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3010651808/" title="Girls in leaves 11-08 (75) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/3010651808_004af695a2.jpg" width="324" height="500" alt="Girls in leaves 11-08 (75)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3009865497/" title="Photoshoot (165) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3009865497_4144a63f41.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Photoshoot (165)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3010676380/" title="Girls in field 11-08 (173) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3010676380_d560cd8c38.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Girls in field 11-08 (173)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3009830295/" title="Girls in field 11-08 (146) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3009830295_d3b4d1b8fd.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="Girls in field 11-08 (146)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3010645866/" title="Girls in leaves 11-08 (70) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3010645866_65ce5c25e9.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Girls in leaves 11-08 (70)" /></a><br /><br />As we were in a field near Megan's school yesterday we saw two butterflies flying around us and Miyah said, "Mommy, look! That's a Mommy butterfly and a Daddy butterfly going to the butterfly orphanage to adopt their baby butterfly!" And as soon as she said that a third butterfly flew by us. I love how adoption is such a normal part of her world. She sees and hears of so many children being or having been adopted that she doesn't view it as anything other than "the way it is" and I'm so grateful for that. <br /><br />When I woke up today it was raining so instead of my morning walk with my friend Jo (which I enjoy, by the way) I got to sleep in and snuggle with the girls as they woke up. After our "Happy Family Day" announcements we watched Mulan and made heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes (Miyah's favorite) in our pjs.<br /><br />Later we met some friends for lunch and then we all went to a homeschool pottery class where the kids made gingerbread cookie plates.<br /><br />As I put the girls down for a nap I asked Miyah what she wanted for her special Family Day dinner she said, "I want the brown chicken with the green stuff that we eat with rice." I couldn't figure out what she meant, until she grew impatient with me and said, "You know, it comes in that black container!" Aw! Mongolian Beef (brown chicken = beef) from PF Ch*angs! She sounded a little disappointed when I told her that <em><strong>I</strong></em> was cooking dinner tonight. I tried my best at something Chinese with "brown chicken," but let's face it, I can't compete with PF Ch*angs! <br /><br />After dinner we gave Miyah a small gift we bought for her in China...a little gift from China for our little gift from China. This year I had a hard time deciding what to give her, but I chose a little panda tea set. I didn't know what she'd think because she's definitely NOT a girly girl and tea set says...well...girly girl. But she seemed excited when she remembered that Mulan had a tea set! She LOVES Mulan right now...watched it twice today because it was her "special day" as she continued to remind us. <br /><br />After dinner, Matt and Megan had plans so we took the little ones shopping so Miyah could spend her birthday money. Did I ever mention that Mei Lin is having a hard time understanding that it's NOT her birthday? Everything Miyah chose, Mei Lin wanted to buy, too. NOTE for next year...take the birthday child ALONE. They did both end up with a horn for their bikes plus Miyah chose a bike basket and some animals (it's always about the animals). I think Miyah would have spent her money on Mei Lin if we hadn't stepped in. She has such a generous heart!<br /><br />WE ARE BLESSED! Even though we play this as "Miyah's special day," it's a special day for her entire family. How do we even begin to thank God for such a gift? There's something that impresses on my heart so deeply when I look into those eyes and know that she's OURS. FOREVER! I know she's His, first and foremost, but we've been given the greatest honor and privilege of loving and raising this precious child.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-40648059403073746292008-11-05T00:01:00.003-06:002008-11-05T00:10:05.688-06:00Another Beautiful HomecomingHeather and Whitney made it home with Zion last Sunday! I never get tired of airport homecomings.<br /><br />The whole family together at last!<br /><a title="Redington Homecoming (68) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3004351842/"><img height="354" alt="Redington Homecoming (68)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/3004351842_e523bb3342.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Almost immediately, Zion notices his brother's fingers look just like his. What a SWEET moment! Wyatt (Lithuania) and Zion (China) were both born with ectrodactyly.<br /><a title="Redington Homecoming (16) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3004494290/"><img height="361" alt="Redington Homecoming (16)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/3004494290_a65f64bf2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Redington Homecoming (16) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3004475994/"><img height="444" alt="Redington Homecoming (16)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3004475994_cd68e8d77e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Isn't he gorgeous?<br /><a title="Redington Homecoming (88) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/3003531045/"><img height="500" alt="Redington Homecoming (88)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3003531045_d2df775eb7.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Welcome Home, Little Zion!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-31620889693215027952008-11-02T01:28:00.009-05:002008-11-02T09:52:51.748-06:00Another Party, Another HolidayOctober always starts our busy season...right into next Feb/March it seems like we have one holiday or birthday after another.<br /><br />So, we're three down (two family birthdays and a holiday), about seven to go.<br /><br />I'm just going to do a "catching up" post to get it all in here...<br /><br />Last week we had Pilgrim Day #2 with some home school friends...actually we were all friends before we started homeschooling our little ones. Teresa has been putting together a Thanksgiving unit study. The girls are making a cute little pocket "book" while learning the history of the pilgrims and the first thanksgiving.<br /><br />My friends are such a blessing!<br /><br />Here are pics from Pilgrim Day #1 (over a week ago)<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (26) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993922199/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (26)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2993922199_3c449fb3e9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (32) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994766876/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (32)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2994766876_1040fa3696.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Mei Lin loves Miss Anne...and her blankie and fingers.<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (48) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994771340/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (48)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2994771340_7a6c0d33c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />The girls measured the length of the Mayflower...90 ft long...and the width of a bus.<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (50) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993935131/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (50)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2993935131_d1c0f07c1c.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Are you sensing the potential here?<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (74) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993940825/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (74)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2993940825_aaf6d74548.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (82) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994786380/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (82)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2994786380_33acd131c1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Bella and Elizabeth<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (102) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993949063/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (102)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2993949063_d0cdef288d.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Bella<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (156) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994806638/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (156)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2994806638_5ca3d6d81e.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Elizabeth<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (168) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994810966/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (168)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2994810966_cf7d0babc9.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Miyah<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (106) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994793778/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (106)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2994793778_5c8a792b8b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (112) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993957145/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (112)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2993957145_bf37c93f75.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Mei Lin<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (122) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994801258/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (122)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2994801258_7cde0c1834.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Bella Monkey<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (10) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994834470/"><img height="500" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (10)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2994834470_2e624c8d26.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Anne and Teresa<br /><a title="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (184) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994814644/"><img height="333" alt="Unit Study - Thanksgiving 10-08 (184)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2994814644_f5c222f2e5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />And here are a few from Pilgrim Day #2 (this past week)<br /><a title="Pilgrim Day 2 (2) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993978327/"><img height="333" alt="Pilgrim Day 2 (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2993978327_5fca77b331.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The girls were running through the house pretending to be the town criers.<br /><a title="Pilgrim Day 2 (38) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993981589/"><img height="500" alt="Pilgrim Day 2 (38)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2993981589_d7eb9bacab.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />And then they were the "tithing man" or church watchman who used his long fox-tail studded pole to tickle the parishioners who fell asleep.<br /><a title="Pilgrim Day 2 (90) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2993986549/"><img height="333" alt="Pilgrim Day 2 (90)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2993986549_3b6cb54073.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />What is it with these monkeys? Teresa has this hanging from her ceiling to keep her little monkey from climbing furniture...I think I need one of these!<br /><a title="Pilgrim Day 2 (98) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994830152/"><img height="500" alt="Pilgrim Day 2 (98)" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/2994830152_89248cd56e.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />The weather was perfect for taking a ride on a brand-spank'in-new-first-time-big-girl bike.<br /><br /><a title="10-30-08 (26) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994866990/"><img height="500" alt="10-30-08 (26)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2994866990_01a9590fb9.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><a title="10-30-08 (4) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994860588/"><img height="500" alt="10-30-08 (4)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2994860588_84c167a9ea.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />And after last year's mishap (<a href="http://familyalwaysandforever.blogspot.com/2007/10/in-case-you-didnt-believe-me.html">remember</a>?), we waited until the last night before Halloween to carve our pumpkins. Daddy got the job done while I made dinner then we had a "pumpkin-lit" dinner in the dining room.<br /><a title="10-30-08 (134) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994033517/"><img height="500" alt="10-30-08 (134)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2994033517_e23eec1b90.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Miyah loved the "guts"...want some?<br /><a title="10-30-08 (140) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994017057/"><img height="500" alt="10-30-08 (140)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2994017057_01883207b4.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><a title="10-30-08 (188) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994030165/"><img height="333" alt="10-30-08 (188)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2994030165_1c0fefc179.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a title="10-30-08 (248) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994017273/"><img height="333" alt="10-30-08 (248)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2994017273_9d1421af13.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />This warty pumpkin is a "gift" from my friend, Heather. It's sort of a criticism of my taste in pumpkins. I happen to like the fairy tale pumpkins and she, along with some other friends, thinks they're ugly, so she bought me the ugliest pumpkin she could find to leave on my porch. Now that's UGLY!<br /><a title="10-30-08 (60) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994857628/"><img height="333" alt="10-30-08 (60)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2994857628_c9887d9a4b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Then, of course, there's the obligatory Trick-or-Treating pictures. Miyah wanted me to make her look ferocious and so Mei Lin wanted fancy makeup, too. I'm not too sure about it though...<br /><a title="Halloween 08 (12) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994058987/"><img height="333" alt="Halloween 08 (12)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2994058987_467eece012.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />And, finally, Miyah's birthday party with friends at the "bouncy place."<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994048909/" title="Miyah's bday party 08 (34) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2994048909_922a9cfa62.jpg" width="446" height="500" alt="Miyah's bday party 08 (34)" /></a><br />Believe it or not, of the dozen or so shots of this pose, this shot had the most children facing the camera...and two kind of scooched their way out of the frame.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2994891726/" title="Miyah's bday party 08 (30) by pjkonyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2994891726_1d1bdea2dd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Miyah's bday party 08 (30)" /></a><br /><br />And Mommy, from the <a href="http://thewombletimes.blogspot.com/">Womble Times</a>, I haven't forgotten your tag...I hope to post in the next day or two...plus I have another tag or reward or something from way back in August that I've ignored for too long (sorry Sharon). Check back soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-71925563793749671632008-10-29T21:39:00.007-05:002008-10-30T17:25:11.512-05:00"A Whole Hand-Full"...<a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (14) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2985991816/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (14)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2985991816_77f053a768.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><div align="left">...that's what our just-turned 5 year old is telling us she is today! I can hardly believe it. How do the years sneak up on us so quickly? It seems like yesterday she was that little 12 month old who could barely sit up. Now she's a strong, healthy, happy, outgoing little girl.<br /><br />And SWEET! Anyone who knows her well can tell you they don't come any sweeter than our Miyah. She has a way about her that is <em><strong>so</strong></em> endearing and kindhearted. We are blessed beyond belief to have this little girl in our lives.<br /><br />I can't help but think about her birthparents on the anniversary of her birth. Surely the day doesn't pass without them thinking about her and wondering...<br /><br />As Miyah blows out her candles I can't help but breath the silent prayer for her birthparents that chokes at the back of my throat. Surely God will grant them peace on the anniversary of their loss. Joy. Sorrow. Pain. All intermingled for them those five years ago. I sense it as they must certainly have sensed her sweet spirit the moment they held her.<br /><br />I'm sometimes made uneasy by the fact that one woman's profound loss has become one of my most incredible blessings. But I know God's hand is in it all and Miyah was destined to be ours even if I don't understand why loss had to be a part of that plan.<br /><br />Which then leaves the question of how I got to be the luckiest mommy in the world to have these four incredible children? </div><div align="left"><br /><br />God is good in his providence...in his plans that confound the most spiritual and the wisest among us.<br /><br />So we continue to count our blessings in minutes, days, years spent with these precious children. Every bit of it is a gift beyond measure.<br /><br /><br /></div>And what better way to celebrate such a milestone than with a chicken nugget and waffle fry? When we asked Miyah what she wanted to do for her family birthday meal, she said, "Chik-Fil-A* chicken nuggets!" Which is easy (and cheap) enough. It also happened to be Chik-*Fil-A's Family N*ght during the week of Hallow*een, so there were clowns and prizes, along with the usual cow, balloon guy, and free kids meals and ice cream (orange). A ready-made party!<br /><br />We celebrated a night early because everyone had somewhere to be on her actual birthday. As it was, on the night we did celebrate, Matt had to get to his college class and Megan to dance, so they were only able to join us for a little while.<br /><br />I know you're not accustom to all these words, so here's the overabundance of photos as usual....<br /><br /><br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (32) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2985143829/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (32)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2985143829_21cf1d92be.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (42) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986002326/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (42)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2986002326_6e35fe9fbf.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Mei Lin ran up to give the cow a hug.<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (10) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986006242/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (10)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2986006242_228587efa5.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Miyah got a lot of animal dress-up stuff this year (perfect)...<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (52) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986031892/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (52)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2986031892_d97afaca1a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />And she shared with Daddy...<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (56) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986036354/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (56)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2986036354_f9d050c4e3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />and Mei Lin.<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (62) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986042268/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (62)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2986042268_5d352e1d12.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />And she got a new big girl bike she LOVES!<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (76) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986047066/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (76)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2986047066_f2e00051e3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Birthday Breakfast<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (114) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986053386/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (114)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2986053386_72d1d927de.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />The Sweet Birthday Girl<br /><a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (120) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986057908/"><img height="500" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (120)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2986057908_3556061381.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Mei Lin is upset that she can't wear the "Birthday Girl" pin. This face is often seen on Mei Lin these days. Those lips are what first caught my eye in her referral photo...I saw them and knew I needed to kiss those lips.<a title="Miyah's 5th birthday (144) by pjkonyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31789995@N08/2986065438/"><img height="333" alt="Miyah's 5th birthday (144)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2986065438_97ca8c948f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y, S W E E T G I R L ! ! !Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400997.post-82176147534889930252008-10-29T17:10:00.006-05:002008-10-29T23:38:30.184-05:00If Obama WinsI've been resisting any ideas of going political on my blog...aren't we all tired of this political season anyway? Please accept my apologies for adding to the information with which you've already been inundated, but I felt led to post this.
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<br />Let me start by saying that I don't condemn those who've had an abortion in the past. Many women make this difficult decision under much distress or under misleading information. I know there is forgiveness and healing for each of these situations, so I dont' mean to hurt anyone. This is a subject that is close to my heart so it's difficult to remain quiet.
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<br />While the war and the economy are the topics of concern for most voters, it's important to note that more lives have been lost as casualties of abortion than all American casualties of war throughout all of American history. And while we're all feeling the pinch financially, Obama would like to use your money to fund more abortions.
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<br />So here it is:
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">IF OBAMA WINS
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<br />-The Freedom of Choice Act (</span><a title="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,255)" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001vMn2RNrlplvX4uqq4veYe_RaRvP_KOB2aXLx2M4WWb4x_K7QSqO_iDiBDWDRUPf27MvoGvmifHBhH70FBdFv3Sse398NIY31OBjYeNc2wE01P-26mOBgtTSJUY6Wk5IDcuO2s_EU3dI=" target="_blank" 26mobgttsjuy6wk5idcuo2s_eu3di="" linktype="link" track="on"><span style="font-size:130%;">FOCA</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">) will be signed into law <strong><em>eliminating 35 years of laws that have restricted and regulated the practice of abortion</em></strong>.
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<br />-He would very likely offer legislation to eliminate the Hyde Amendment which protects taxpaying <strong><em>citizens from being forced to pay for abortions through Medicaid</em></strong>.
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<br />-Abortion will be covered in his proposed national health care plan.
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<br />-The Mexico City Policy, which bars taxpayer funding of organizations that <strong><em>perform or promote abortions in foreign countries</em></strong>, would be eliminated.
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<br />-Funding for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) would be restored, allowing <strong><em>millions of taxpayer dollars for abortions and forced sterilizations in Third World countries, including China with its coercive "one child" policy. </em></strong>
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<br />-The </span><a title="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,255)" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001vMn2RNrlpluzJD4QSDUn12uAmT9TjOi6PFxeNJKdd6sZHMYTIo8CFGuQdl6A-3Y1agzpgp4QqCOdh-y3ta5BMmFAShBAMNEC768iXmqklGMDv6acy3E-_zTs4ZQKTTGjbFX5oX34guU=" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on" _zts4zqkttgjbfx5ox34guu=""><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Born Alive Infants Protection Act</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and the </span><a href="http://www.nrlc.org/ABORTION/pba/diagram.html"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Partial Birth Abortion</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Ban Act would be overturned.
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<br />-Current restrictions on the performance of <strong><em>abortions on military bases</em></strong> would be removed.</span>
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<br />The link to the info on partial birth abortion is rather graphic, but we all should be informed of the issues on which we're (essentially) voting. Abortion advocates use a misleading line about banning the practice "except when the health of the mother is in jeopardy," which is a catch-all for an unrestricted practice. The mother only has to claim the pregnancy is causing depression or a toothache for that matter to be excluded from the ban. The truth is, if the mother isn't healthy enough to give birth, she isn't healthy enough to give birth "paritially," as the baby is delivered except for the head which is...well, look for yourself. We should all be horrified and ashamed of a country that would allow such a practice! God help us!
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<br />Also, those of us who've heard and read about the horrible practice of forced abortion in countries such as China should be outraged that their $ could soon be funding such atrocities. My own daughters could have been victims of such a practice. In case you are unaware, women in China who have not received "permission" from the government to have a child (it isn't their turn to get pregnant) are sometimes taken from their homes and forced to abort their very loved and wanted child or are coerced to such a degree that there is no other choice.
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<br />I'll close with this from Princeton law professor Robert George:
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sen. Barack Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator and presidential candidate ever. While this may sound like political hype, it's actually a matter of fact. As just one example of Obama's radical stance on abortion, he has promised that, if elected, <strong><em>his first order of White House business would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act</STRONG<>.</em></strong> This legislation is breathtaking in its implications, essentially eliminating numerous laws which have protected preborn babies for decades.
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<br />""Thirty years of effort on our part, in the pro-life movement, would be taken away in an instant by the passing of the Freedom of Choice Act. Evangelicals and Catholics who are supporting Obama should consider that they will be responsible ... if the Freedom of Choice Act is enacted."
<br />- Robert George</span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3