Recipe for an Incredible Vacation

1) Start out by renting a shack gorgeous chalet in the mountains.


2) Spend some quality time with your siblings.

3) Take in some amazing scenery.

4) Don't forget to get out and play a little (mountainside football anyone?)

5) Then relax your aching muscles or...

6) Catch up on a good book.

7) And last but not least, try something really fun (and new to some members of the family.) Anyone up for a trail ride?

Absolutely incredible - that's the best way to describe our 4 day holiday weekend in the mountains of north Georgia/Tennessee. We stayed up late every night playing cards, enjoyed our fair share of hiking and horseback riding, and took in some breathtaking views. It truly doesn't get any better than this.

Thankfulness

I am thankful for...

the miracle of birth

and the blessing of adoption.


I am thankful for...

two women in China who gave life to my boys

and four dark brown eyes who wake me up each morning.


I am thankful for...

a daughter who shines brighter than all the stars in the sky

and a 12 year old son who is still loves to snuggle with his mother.


I am thankful for...

our soldiers, especially those that are away from home this Thanksgiving

and my children's teachers who are incredibly dedicated yet grossly underpaid.


I am thankful for...

healthy parents

and a sister to share the trials and tribulations of motherhood with.


And this year I am most thankful for...

an amazing husband who holds my hand through life's adventures

and the four children that spread love and laughter throughout our home.

National Hug an Asian Day?

JD jumped into the car this afternoon and immediately gave both of his little brothers a huge hug. I looked at him in astonishment and asked him if he felt okay. He said, "They announced that it's National Hug an Asian Day at school today. I've already hugged 8 people and I thought I should include Kai & Ash!"

I'm still scratching my head over this. Has anybody else heard of this so-called holiday? Is this real? JD went on to say that his school always announces special "National Days". According to him, next week includes National Hug a Freemason Day. Hummmm...?

Thoughts for the Day

I've been thinking about how nicely things have been going lately and it just hit me that Ash has only been with us for 4 months. Wow. It's amazing - completely and totally amazing that I first hugged my little angel this summer. I would love to post a videotape of him talking to let you all see how wonderful his English is coming along. His most irritating habit - the incessant whining - is also getting much, much better. Of course, the whining beast does rear it's ugly head a few times on most days, but he now understands what he's doing and tries to stop (most often to avoid a time out.) Kai and Ash have grown to love each other as much as they drive each other crazy. I'm not sure one could fall asleep without the other (which is nice since we don't have enough bedrooms for them to each have their own.) Ash has no idea what Christmas is about, but I'm earnestly trying to get him excited for the holiday. I've been singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" about 5 times a day. It's never too early to teach your child that acting naughty = no Christmas presents!

In addition to the Christmas joy already in our house, I'm still on cloud 9 about my trip to Africa. Thanks to all of you who sent me good wishes for the trip. Ever since we adopted Kai, my heart has ached for all the little ones left behind. The children who go to bed hungry, the children without winter coats, the children with no mothers or fathers to kiss them goodnight. Two years ago, we were able to tour Kai's orphanage in northwest China. The tiny, cold babies tightly tucked into their cribs were heart-wrenching. However, the older children, many with disabilities, are what I remember most about our visit. Most likely, they will not be adopted, but rather live out their childhood in the institute. I've recently learned that Ethiopia has 5 million orphans. Can you even imagine 5 million children? I honestly can not. I know 10 days volunteering with the orphans in Africa is not even a tiny drop in a very large bucket, but I'm really looking forward to putting in my small contribution.

Cat out of the Bag

I wasn't planning to reveal my next adventure quite yet, but due to the number of phone calls and emails we've been getting, I've decided to let the cat out of the bag. No, we're not moving across the country or to the other side of the world (at least not right now.) My adventure is that I'm going on a trip to Ethiopia to work at an orphanage in Addis Ababa. A new orphanage has recently been purchased and our group (16 of us in all) will be preparing the new buildings for the kids. I'm so excited to be a part of this mission that I can barely contain myself.

More later, I've got to get the 4 munchkins ready for church and out the door in a little less than an hour.

Adventure Underway

Warning: Photo has no coorelation to post.

I just love this picture.

Planning for adventure is currently underway. I'll post more when things are concrete.

Up for an Adventure

I want to move to Oregon, or the mountains of North Carolina, or to China for that matter. I need adventure and David, although much more content than I, loves a good adventure also. We actually had a dinner-time discussion with the kids last night. It was more of a hypothetical, "what would you miss about home" discussion but David and I both knew there was some truth to it. We live in Alabama mainly because our parents live here. We used to need them around quite a lot. It has taken a long time for me to get the mommy thing down pat (and I'm not fully there yet) but I feel much more confident about living away from our families. Don't get me wrong, I love the South. It's gentile and nice here. Southern people are friendly and kind and send casseroles to your home when you have a baby. Does that happen in other areas of the country? I don't even know. But it shouldn't really matter because we're up for an adventure and the South will always be here to come home to.

Who knows if this discussion will stay in the hypothetical stage forever or forge into reality in the near future. The mere thought of it is exciting and that's enough for me right now.