Fam of 6!!!!

We are home - safe & sound.
We are tired but good.
Will update soon.

Perfect Ending

Tonight was probably one of the most special times that I have had in China as a group. We all decided to grab some pizzas and hang out in the hall of the hotel and just enjoy everyone's company one last time before we head back to the States in the morning. We shared funny moments and laughed and played with all the girls. For the past several weeks, these families have been our families. We have shared with each other as our little girls have blossomed. For some, it has been a harder journey than others. I don't know why it has been that way, but some of the children had a harder time adjusting than others. We have shared baby wipes, cheerios, and other things. We took delight as each little girl began to show their personality that had been bottled up for who knows how long, but it was the beginning of the end for us as a group. I am thankful for my friend Mike who took it upon himself to reflect on God's Word. It was a precious time as we sat around and listened as he unfolded the Word God had given him. As you can imagine, it was a very emotional time, because what you may not be able to understand is that for each of us, this adoption was as much (if not more) about God as it was about our precious girls. Each of us felt a burden, given to us from God, to adopt from China. We all came to it in different ways, but as I looked at Hannah Grace tonight, I couldn't help but see God's fingerprints all over her. Along with those that have helped us along the way. Family, friends, and others who made this moment possible, by their generosity of either finances or prayers. She is not just mine, she is His also. So we took a moment and prayed over these precious girls. Praying for God's divine intervention to get us together. Praying for the families that are now forever attached because of this adoption. God has given us friends that I know that will be separated from us by miles, but never separated from our hearts. I pray that these girls will be able to stay in touch in some way for the rest of their lives. I will miss the "Rowdy Gang" on the back of the bus. I will miss the special times shared with these new friends and their beautiful daughters.

Andy

Red Couch Day

The Beijing Group
Our Red Couch Family Photo

She LOVES the fish

I just love this face - her eyes get so big!!!!!

Getting ready to head out to the pool


We have had a big day. We took the oath this afternoon so now all she has to do is step down onto Us soil for her to become an American citizen. She will officially become an American in Chicago on Thursday. Tonight we talked our guide into taking us on a riverboat cruise. It was alot of fun & it was really pretty. All the buildings are lit up with bright colorful lights or video shows. Hannah Grace loved being on a boat. She would just squeal & jump up and down.

Heading to bed. Everyone else is asleep.

Boys - we love you & can't wait to see you. It won't be long now. Keep praying for us. We are praying for you. Heath & Noah sorry we missed you today, we will call you later tonight (tomorrow for us.) Have a great day. I'm off to get a little beauty sleep.

Just A FEW Pics of Summer Palace & TS

Miss Priss pitching a fit at the Summer Palace (don't think she was really appreciating what she was seeing. LOL)

Boys - this gate is just outside the building that you see in the Mulan Movie (don't worry, we've got tons of pics to show you & lots to tell you about)

Her daily routine in Beijing - run from one fish bowl to the other. How do you like that ensemble? She refused to take the capris off when she put the dress on - TOO FUNNY!

Beijing Group Pics (& I don't know if I spelled them right or not)

Kevin, Tammy, & Grace

Michael, Lorie, & Kimmi

Shannon & Amelia
(she doesn't normally look so sad, it was the only pic I could find tonight.)

Beijing group having a pizza party.

So Happy - ready for the acrobatic show

Look what the stork delivered!!!!!

She has this whole sumo wrestler routine that is hilarious. I've got to post some video of it when I get back. She definitely knows what she's doing.

Princess Hannah Grace

I've tried this 4 times now. If this doesn't work I'm giving up.
Sorry everybody. Hope the pics will work.

Thanks to all of you who have been lovin on my boys. You will never know how much we appreciate all of you. It is so comforting to know that they are being loved on while we are away. We've been able to skype almost everyday & it has been a lifesaver. I don't know how the parents in our group are doing it that haven't called but a couple of times. Thanks for keeping us up to date on what they are doing. It's great hearing about them.

Today was a pretty free day. Our lawyer went to the consulate for us & we all passed! YIPPPEEEEEEE. Our girls are coming home. Tomorrow we will go & take the oath after our morning "red couch" pictures are made. It should be a fun day. Today we did some shopping. It's been kind of hard because so many of the shops have closed. We have found a few to buy from. Tonight Shiyan was going to take us to the Italian restaurant that everyone talks about, but they didn't answer when she went to make reservations. We think it may have closed (boo). She said their business has been very slow lately. We are planning on checking tomorrow for lunch so I will let you all know. The construction on the island is for the Asian games that are coming. Everything is supposed to be done by Nov. When it's done it will be so beautiful, but by then the government will have driven out most everything. All the shop keepers talk about how they don't even know what the government is trying to do on the island. It's definitely different. It's really sad when you hear them talk about how they were forced to move to a smaller location or they gave alot of their building away to another business or how they just closed down their friend's businesses. "We aren't in Kansas anymore Toto."
Oh but a good thing about the Asian games coming - it's bringing more Western stuff over. We ate at the new Subway for lunch. It was delicious. And yes, I had lettuce on my sandwich (and yes, I prayed over every single bite as I shoveled it in my mouth.)

Andy's trying to get Miss Priss to sleep. She is worn out. She never took a nap today after swimming (she doesn't take naps, but I was hoping the swim would wear her out - instead we created a bear.)

Boys, don't forget to call Aunt Cande today & sing Happy Birthday to her. SMILE

Some Catch Up Posts

Elephants were her FAVORITE!!!

Sharing her stickers makes you a part of her club!

Herbie - our guide at the cloisonne factory - this man is a hoot!!!
If anyone is going & has a little room in their luggage - I regret not getting one little thing. I'd be happy to pay you to ship it to us if anyone is willing to help us out.

The Beijing group getting ready for the zoo.

HG opening her present from Autumn - we have the whole thing on video. It's precious. Wait to you hear her saying your name. It's adorable. I just know you two are going to be good friends. I think you both have lots that you can teach each other.

I am truly amazed by the blogs I have watched over the years. How in the world did you find time (& the internet) to post every day? It has been a whirlwind. I know I won't have the time this morning to catch up everything but I am going to start. I will have to finish up the journaling when I get home so I can print out her book.

Let me first put out a prayer request to all my warriors out there. I TOTALLY believe that God is in control of this trip. His hand has been seen so much. But I have to admit, my fear of flying still hasn't been conquered. On the flight from Tokyo to Beijing we were put in a holding pattern of sorts - he turned back & made figure 8s over the water until the storm passed. And considering the weather he brought us down very gently. Then on the flight Andy talked about we first didn't get to leave Beijing on time due to the weather in GZ. When it was just about time for us to land, our pilot told us we would be landing in another airport due to the weather. We landed in Xianmen & sat on the tarmac for about another hour before taking off. We were blessed that God spared us - our flight attendant whipped out his iphone & showed us the video of lightening in GZ - it was crazy. (So thankful that we didn't land in that) But it made for a long day. Some of the families didn't even make it, they had to spend the night in the airport. So, long story short - I am asking God for a peaceful set of flights home. My nerves are shot. Tammy & I cried probably half the trip - thinking about leaving our girls birth home behind & then my emotions and tiredness set in. We really are quite a site to watch on these flights. LOL

Yesterday we went to get HG's visa pic made & then next door we went to the mass chaos known as the medical exam. WOW. It was interesting how everything worked & I was glad to see it first hand, but really it's nothing like an exam back in the states. We did discover how much of a caregiver HG really is. She DID NOT like the fact that her little friends were screaming their heads off. She was so worried about them. She was a trooper. You could tell at first she was apprehensive because others were crying but she made it through each station with flying colors.

On our way we met Jordan & have already spent some money in his store. He really is a nice man. He just laughed when we told him we were looking for the "famous Jordan." Due to the construction on the island, business is really down right now. People are having to come out to the path that all the adoptive families are taking & they hand out fliers & coupons & such to try to get people to come in their stores. Everybody has certain % signs off in their windows just to get us to come in. For those of you coming - after it rains the humidity is so much worse. We hadn't been out even 5 minutes & we were all wet!!!! Really think about what shoes you want here. The construction is everywhere!!!! The new sidewalks they are putting in seem to be pretty slick when it rains plus you are constantly watching for holes, debris, wood with rusty nails, etc. Just a thought.

Other thoughts for those of you coming:
Don't bother with the chocolate milkshake at Lucy's. Tammy & I were pretty disappointed. It's not thick & you barely taste chocolate. I can't believe I am going to say this but McDonald's was so much better. Also, now that we have air-conditioning Miss Priss is cold. The rooms have alot of marble looking tile that gets pretty cold. While Andy & I are loving it - she doesn't want to walk on it with her bare feet. Most of her socks are now dirty & she's starting to not like her crocks here because the sand gets in them around the island. I guess it's time to do some more shopping. ;0)
If you forget your electric converter thingy - no big deal. Both hotels have them. We somehow left ours in Beijing, but they have given us one here.
Internet is faster here in GZ - so don't lose hope, it will get better.

Today we are going to an arts museum & then a park. I am really looking forward to it. And then of course tonight we'll probably do some more shopping.

Just A Few Beijing Zoo Pics

One of our favorite expressions of hers. She goes "ah" & then her eyes get really big (will try to catch those eyes soon.)

This is my pouty face.

Our new friend. He meets all the adopted kiddos & teaches them about the pandas.

More Pictures

Sis peeled her grapes this morning.

We've been waiting so long to see this. Still can't believe we are here.

White Swan Barbie was delivered this afternoon.

It has been crazy the last couple of days. We have been without internet because we have been travelling to Guangzhou for our US Consulate appointment. There were thunderstorms in Guangzhou, so our 2.5 hour flight became a 6 hour flight. We had medical exams today and things went well. But more importantly, here are more pictures. We know that is what you really want to see anyway. Charity will fill in all the details as soon as we find time. We miss everyone and can't wait to introduce HG to everyone real soon.

We are good. Internet is gone until we get to GZ tomorrow - borrowing from the Monday's (thanks guys.)
Will check back soon. Love you all.

HAPPY 65th Wedding Anniversary to my Nana & Papa. I just came over here to call them. Papa was so excited that I called him from China. What a blessing.

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, Heaven in China!!!!!!!! We've also seen 31 Flavors & Ha'agendas.!!!!!!!

What I've Learned This Week

Yep, it's been a whole week that we've personally known Miss Hannah Grace. And I've learned many things like:
She is so smart.
She is too independent.
She only needs to be shown once how to do things.
She pouts when something doesn't go her way.
She is so willing to learn.
She doesn't give up - she is a very determined little girl.
She has the most contageous laugh.
She laughs at alot of things.
She sleeps well.
She LOVES bath time.
She enjoys riding on the buses - I hope she still likes it when she has to be in her carseat.
She is OCD.
She is a perfectionist about some things.
She has discovered McDonalds & has decided it's a good thing.
She whines when she isn't getting her way.
She LOVES elephants. (When she saw them at the zoo she kept yelling at them & shaking the gate door. Our guide told us she was shouting "elephant, elephant, open the gate!!!!" Isn't that just the cutest?
She is a star no matter which nation you are from. Chinese people, American people, even European people are stopping us to talk to her.
She is starting to shy away from strangers & look to us for comfort when they come up to her.
She can eat some pizza - she eats 2 full pieces.
She isn't picky. She has only refused mashed potatoes with gravy so far.
She loves her Baba the best.
But she wants her Mama for comfort when she's upset.
She can count to 10 now in English.
She corrects our Chinese constantly.
She is so funny when she's mad at us - she fusses in Mandarin & you can't help but laugh.
She loves to try on new clothes. She will put them up to her & go "ah". Yes, Andy is in trouble.
She loves lip gloss and hair bows.
She has to have all the lights on when coming into a room.
She is very flexible.
She doesn't want to sleep now because I am over here. I guess I will have to end this post so I can get the lights turned off. Sweet dreams everybody. Have a fun day. We'll update soon.

The Wheels On The Taxi Go.....

HG with Susan

HG being measured for her pearls for now

PEACE

HG with Grace

"I Believe I Can Fly"

She loves to jump from the window ledge.

Yesterday was our free day. We had a great time. We went to the pearl market. THANK YOU Charles for your recommendations to Ru Pei Pei's store. They were so nice & you were right Susan took good care of us. They all fell in love with HG. We were able to get a lot of nice things.

The pearl market has everything you could imagine in that place, from electronics to North Face to pearls - it's crazy. After we were finished spending all our money we went down for lunch. Then when we got back the women walked to the grocery store to stock up on snacks & water. Then when we came back we all decided that McDonald's sounded good for supper. And I must admit - IT WAS DELICIOUS. I don't know if it had to do with being tired of eating just Chinese food or what. But we all agreed that it was the best meal from McD's we've ever eaten!!!!

Now let me tell you about getting from the pearl market back to the hotel. Going out isn't a big deal. They take excellent care of you here at the hotel. I think they would blow our noses for us if we'd let them. LOL So, they got our taxi's & sent us on our merry little way. Well, coming back you don't have that luxury. You must get your own taxi. And for some reason some of the drivers completely ignore us Americans. Of course we have the "others" who are constantly preying on us. We knew not to take an unmarked taxi because they are illegal - but I will give them credit they are persistant. Our first group was able to get a taxi with the help of our TALL blonde 23 year old Kristen!!! So, now it was up to us to get ours. WRONG. We tried 2 different taxi stops & couldn't get one. We finally decided to go back to the entrance of the pearl market. We found one but he would only take 4 of us - like we'd leave the 2 girls behind. WHATEVER. Then we found another guy, he didn't know where we were going. Last guy - yes he knew where our hotel was, yes he would take all 6 of us. Let's go......

He didn't have a meter- uh oh. He started bargaining with us. FINE. We paid a little more to get back but I didn't care. We were tired. Just get us home!!!! We knew where he was going. He didn't. We had to show him where our hotel was. WOW. I couldn't get over it. Later when we told Joy, she couldn't get over it that they didn't know where our hotel was. Unusual phenomenas in China.

Anyway, let me get to the point of this rambling story. We almost had numerous wrecks thanks to this lost taxi driver. I couldn't stop laughing. And he knew more english than some, so I hope I didn't offend him but I couldn't help it. It was just too funny. Then because he was already mad that he's losing money on us because of his stupidity - we are making a uturn. The taxi in front of us is doing the same but didn't quite make the turn. He starts to back up. Then it happens - He misses us by centimeters. Now make sure you understand he DID NOT hit us. Our driver GETS OUT of the car & starts yelling at him. Then the other guy gets out too. Oh my. I thought that if he threw a punch at him I was getting out & was going to run away. They exchange a few choice words. In the mean time traffic is backing up, everyone is honking, & there we sit in the middle of the road. I just knew everyone else was going to push our car out of their impatient ways. Oh you've just gotta love China traffic. Totally unbelievable.

Whew What A Day!

Grace watches Hannah Grace and
Hannah Grace watches Ally. We have a little train going on the bus.

Yesterday we went to tour a Hutong in a rickshaw (TOO COOL) then to the Forbidden City (AMAZING) and then Tienammen Square (STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I STOOD THERE!). I guess I really liked the tour yesterday because I took over 500 pictures. LOL . Really. I can't believe I took that many. They are still on the camera, but I started going through them & I got some amazing shots.

The tour was incredible - really there aren't good enough words to describe the magnitude of what we saw. If you ever get the chance to come - DO IT!!!!! But make sure you bring your good shoes. Your feet will be killing you by the time you find your bus.

Speaking of feet: My tips for those of you coming (Hi new friends!!!) Make SURE your shoes have NEW EXCELLENT soles when you climb the great wall. There are inclines that are 70 degrees. Can you believe it? It was funny to watch some of the grown men in their nice shoes & some in suits actually slipping & sliding down the wall. (That's why I didn't take HG all the way to the top.)

We are able to do everything on the internet. We got Freedur for about $20. We have an IT guy with us & everything he tries they are blocking so I highly suggest using the proxy server. I can't tell you how much it's meant to be able to see all the comments from home on Facebook & the blog. It has really helped us. And of course we are able to see the boys with Skype (even if we can't hear them. haha - sorry grandma.)

Beijing is DRY. We are all having major problems with the dry air, but it does lend itself to washing clothes here in the room. Now, I won't have to send anything out until we get to GZ where it's less expensive.

Andy & HG have gone downstairs to exchange some money so Mama can go shopping. Today is our free day because Joy had to take the others to the airport so they can meet their daughters this afternoon. We are so excited for them. Please pray with us that their meetings will be wonderful. We won't get to see them until we get to GZ, but we have one of their blogs & some of their emails, so hopefully we'll be able to check in on them.

Oh gotta mention - after all the talk about how crazy the driving is Andy finally saw a wreck. They do happen!!!! He went to McDonalds to pick us up something & he said one of those big buses just plowed into this little car. He said there wasn't anything left of it. So, I guess we were wrong that they never have wrecks. ;0)

We are headed to the Pearl Market. BIG SMILES!!!!!! Hopefully tonight I'll get a chance to download some of the 500 pics to share. Talk to you soon.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I haven't been up very long but it already has been an amazing day. I wake up to see an adorable little face all cuddled up next to me. Then when I get out of the shower those 3 sweet words were the first ones out of my dear husband's mouth. Then he calls me to the computer to see a video that my son's had sent me (THANK YOU CANDE!!!!) I am sure we will watch it many times today & the rest of the time here. Now, I just wait for the princess to wake up & give me a kiss. What a blessing these 4 are. Boys - I love you. THANK you for the video. I LOVE IT. You made me cry (in a good way). We'll be calling you in a little bit. Can't wait.

For those of you coming: 1. if you are with Bethany then your schedule will be like ours. So that is what I am going with. Your great wall day you will visit the Cloisonne (I know that's not correct spelling but you understand) factory. BRING YOUR OWN TOILET TISSUE. You will need it. They don't use it there (TMI I know) and you will want to go there before going to the wall because you will NOT want to go once you get to the wall. If you have allergies - bring some meds. There are blooming plants ALL over the place at the wall & around the factory. Don't forget a hat &/or sunscreen, any explanation needed? Be prepared for that gondala ride if you go to the Badaling portion. It looks like it's over 100 years old, but it seems to be in good (very loud) working condition. And yes, Andy has great footage of Mama not being so happy on that thing. UGH. Next, be prepared for your mouth to hurt like on your wedding day. We were constantly being asked to smile for a pic with people. The Americans are quite the celebs there. So don't be surprised when they want your pic. because the will.

HG's birth mom - I can't imagine what you are feeling today. Yes, I know you guys don't celebrate today like we Americans. But, I have to know that you think about her everyday. Who wouldn't. I don't know what forced you into the hardest decision of your life. I can't imagine not being able to know where & how this precious child is doing. I pray for you alot. I pray first that somehow someway someone will share with you Jesus Christ. I so pray that we will be able to meet in heaven & I can thank you for the blessing that you have given to me & my family. Words will never do this justice, but we appreciate (don't understand) all you have done to ensure that HG is safe & loved - which she is. I also pray for you peace. Please know that we love her very much & promise to take the best care of her. I see this bustling city & look into eyes of women & wonder if I am seeing you. I find myself actually looking for you. The women here look tired and worn out. It's rare that I see even a smile among the people walking by or sitting on a bus. You seem to have ard lives. I pray it will get easier for you. Please know that you will always be a part of our family whether you realize it or not. Blessings to you Ma Li Jun's first mom. It's time for me to take my shift. I promise to do my best like God asks us to do.

What China Needs

I have to say that I really love Beijing. It is an amazing city full of all the history and heritage that anyone could want, but yet modern at the same time. I don't know if it is the bumper to bumper traffic all the time or the lull of the blaring car horns that draw me in, but being a southern boy, I can only think that Beijing is primed and ready for one major thing it is lacking. What am I talking about. Well, of course, it is NASCAR. On any given day thousands of ready drivers await their yearnings to drive outrageously fast while trying not to hit each other. I can see the related industries that would flourish under this new venture. Chewing tobacco, Country music (while I am not sure if they are ready for Asian singers yet) and of the unfortunate consumption of alcohol (of course I do not approve). While I have never been to a NASCAR race myself, I do know that there is a lot of money to be made. Ask any good publicity manager for a racing team (you know who you are), NASCAR is here to stay in America and it is fine time that America shared something with China. Of course they will just improve it and sell it back to us in about 10 years. One thing that would have to be different about NASCAR in China is that there would have to be bicycles and pedestrians scatter all over the racetrack that these skilled drivers would have to dodge throughout the race, but trust me, these drivers can handle it. So, please NASCAR look into expanding across the ocean. There is a group of Chinese waiting to drawn into the roar of the engines.

Andy

we have a ton of pics - The Great Wall Is INCREDIBLE.

words can't do it justice.

more info later when I come back after being home probably

HG's new friend Ally. HG literally watches her every move. Now they are playing like they've been BFFs. Ally will become a big sis on Monday!!!!!

HG & Grace popping bubbles on the ride.

Our only pic with all 3 in front of the wall. It was quite windy today as you can see (sigh)

Diva!

She can't go ANYWHERE without glasses, hair accessories, etc.

Seriously. The girl gets upset if she doesn't have it together. LOL