Daddy has a heart cath in JAX tomorrow morning. Stress tests showed an abnormality.
Grandma Tatum was admitted to the hospital today. She's had pain in her hip for over a week. For the past 48 hours, she was unable to get out of bed....at all. Dr's can't find the reason for the pain.
Thanks for the prayers!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Philosophy....Ellie Style
So, tonight, after prayers, lying in the bed with the girls, talking about how no one is perfect, becuase Josie-Tatum puts too much pressure on herself to be perfect, Ellie says....
"Yeah. I am the way God made me. I try to be nice, but I just can't help myself."
Listen to that with a straight face, won't ya?"
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Help for the Clements Family
There will be a benefit barbeque for the Clements family on Feb. 19th from 11-6 PM, at Wall's IGA.
Following Riley's kidney transplant, there have been some complications that have kept him in the hospital in Atlanta since November. In addition, the birth of his new baby brother has kept his mom at home. While his dad has used all of his sick time, he has taken an unpaid leave of absence from work to be with Riley.
If you live near Blackshear, please consider purchasing at ticket...or even better taking orders!!! If you'd like more information, send an email...
rbmattox@bellsouth.net
Please help us be the hands of Christ and show compassion to Theresa, Chester, Riley, Regan, and baby Tate.
Love to my bloggy friends,
Robbie
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Could you ask this question?
We held a tent revival at our church over ten years ago. It was one of those times when I saw the HOLY Spirit move like never before or since in my lifetime. The evangelist was Ronnie Owens, and at the end of the service, he offered this challenge:
Find someone you know who is here tonight, someone whose salvation you are not sure of and say, "I'm going to heaven. Are you going with me?"
I knew who the LORD wanted to me to speak to. It was Uncle Ronnie. I never remember him being at church before, but he and Aunt Gloria were there for that night of our revival. I grew up really close to my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Uncle Ronnie was the husband of my mama's baby sister. I had spent many days on his farm, and his family had spent many days at our house. We had visited at my grandparents house every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major and some minor holidays. I didn't know, though, about his relationship with the LORD.
It took some courage. Why is that? Why is it hard for us to ask the people we love the most that simple question? But, I walked up to him, took him by the hand, and asked it anyway. And, I have never been sorry that I did.
After that question, I learned that Uncle Ronnie had made a profession of faith, but he was not living his life serving the LORD. And, the following week the evangelist moved from our church to a church near Uncle Ronnie's home. Brother Ronnie Owens let me know that Uncle Ronnie did not miss a single service that week.
Uncle Ronnie began to fervently serve the LORD. He became a deacon in his church and became the church treasurer. He was faithful at visitation of the unsaved and faithful to visit the sick and elderly. He continued to follow Brother Ronnie Owens's ministry. He even traveled to Bristol, VA, to help Brother Ronnie put up his tent.
He served at Camp Jubilee, where he helped to maintain the facilities. At Camp Jubilee, many children and youth come to know the LORD. At their Fall Camp meetings, adults from all over the country, particularly the east coast, are revived and encouraged. Uncle Ronnie loved that place.
One year, I was preparing to take a large group of children to camp at Camp Jubilee, at least a 10 hour drive from our home. I needed another male chaperone, and we were unable to find another man in our church who could get away from work. Uncle Ronnie stepped up to the plate, and spent the week helping me because he loved Jesus.
When I was an assistant principal, I had planned to serve snow cones to students with perfect attendance. I need help. Uncle Ronnie came to my school, where I was his only connection, and spent the day serving snow cones to children he had never met.
Uncle Ronnie developed ALS over a year ago, and his health has continually deteriorated. He went home to be with Jesus last night. But, you know what I know,
"I'm going to heaven, and I know he is going to be there."
Can you ask that question?
Find someone you know who is here tonight, someone whose salvation you are not sure of and say, "I'm going to heaven. Are you going with me?"
I knew who the LORD wanted to me to speak to. It was Uncle Ronnie. I never remember him being at church before, but he and Aunt Gloria were there for that night of our revival. I grew up really close to my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Uncle Ronnie was the husband of my mama's baby sister. I had spent many days on his farm, and his family had spent many days at our house. We had visited at my grandparents house every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major and some minor holidays. I didn't know, though, about his relationship with the LORD.
It took some courage. Why is that? Why is it hard for us to ask the people we love the most that simple question? But, I walked up to him, took him by the hand, and asked it anyway. And, I have never been sorry that I did.
After that question, I learned that Uncle Ronnie had made a profession of faith, but he was not living his life serving the LORD. And, the following week the evangelist moved from our church to a church near Uncle Ronnie's home. Brother Ronnie Owens let me know that Uncle Ronnie did not miss a single service that week.
Uncle Ronnie began to fervently serve the LORD. He became a deacon in his church and became the church treasurer. He was faithful at visitation of the unsaved and faithful to visit the sick and elderly. He continued to follow Brother Ronnie Owens's ministry. He even traveled to Bristol, VA, to help Brother Ronnie put up his tent.
He served at Camp Jubilee, where he helped to maintain the facilities. At Camp Jubilee, many children and youth come to know the LORD. At their Fall Camp meetings, adults from all over the country, particularly the east coast, are revived and encouraged. Uncle Ronnie loved that place.
One year, I was preparing to take a large group of children to camp at Camp Jubilee, at least a 10 hour drive from our home. I needed another male chaperone, and we were unable to find another man in our church who could get away from work. Uncle Ronnie stepped up to the plate, and spent the week helping me because he loved Jesus.
When I was an assistant principal, I had planned to serve snow cones to students with perfect attendance. I need help. Uncle Ronnie came to my school, where I was his only connection, and spent the day serving snow cones to children he had never met.
Uncle Ronnie developed ALS over a year ago, and his health has continually deteriorated. He went home to be with Jesus last night. But, you know what I know,
"I'm going to heaven, and I know he is going to be there."
Can you ask that question?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Please Pray for Ellie
How like the enemy, the day after a post on prayer, to attack my faith. Well, when I was overwhelmed today, God spoke to the right person who said, "Talk to the Healer."
So, I began to talk to him and to ask others to petition Him as well.
Ellie has a UTI. The bacteria causing it is resistant to many antibiotics. We have only one antibiotic to choose from that is NOT an IV. This one is not usually prescribed for children, however it is better than a 10-14 day hospital stay.....
Please pray the antibiotics clear up this infection.
Thank you, Jesus, for you hear my prayer, and you answer!
So, I began to talk to him and to ask others to petition Him as well.
Ellie has a UTI. The bacteria causing it is resistant to many antibiotics. We have only one antibiotic to choose from that is NOT an IV. This one is not usually prescribed for children, however it is better than a 10-14 day hospital stay.....
Please pray the antibiotics clear up this infection.
Thank you, Jesus, for you hear my prayer, and you answer!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Prayers----Big and Small
So, do you wonder how purple elephants and prayer are related?
It was during my bedtime prayers with the girls that I was struck with this thought....we've been praying for the money to take the girls to Disney World for Ellie's birthday next month and Josie-Tatum's Gotcha Day. Not every night, but many times, I heard Josie-Tatum ask, "And, please let us get enough money to go to Disney World." (She reserves every night for orphans.)
So, we're praying tonight and I realized that God has sent his angels to answer the prayer of a child.
I received a promotional deal from Disney in the mail, and saved 30% on a value resort in the park.
Once again, we will have several admissions given to us by grandparents of friends. Praise the LORD!!! We still had four tickets left to purchase. Then, I saw the advertisements on television for the Disney, Give and Day, Get a Day program. It didn't take long for me to be on the computer checking that out.
Last Saturday, Stan and I spent the day in Valdosta at the ReStore for Habitat for Humanity. In return for our work, Disney will give us each a ticket. Two to go....
Then, I heard from another organization who will be sponsoring an activity that will allow Josie-Tatum to vounteer and earn a ticket. One to go......and then, I realized a way to earn another.
My grandfather gave the girls their yearly birthday/Christmas money, and now the hotel bill is covered....all but $130. I can't wait to see how the LORD provides.
So, the elephants............
Josie-Tatum took a photo of the elephants. Yes, Kim, we spent the afternoon crafting. JT, Ellie, and our friend Kati, whose family is joining us at WDW, spent the afternoon making Valentine's cards for Senior citizens. I found some really cute ideas at FamilyFun.go.com
And, then I began to reflect.....I thought about last February, when Josie-Tatum had the flu, and she really wanted to go to Chinese New Year. I remembered that she asked me at bedtime who we might call to ask to pray that her fever would go down. We called Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Bobbie, and you guessed it...her fever broke.
And, of course, last year, when she had the desire to go somewhere to help orphans. And our Wonder-Working God made the crooked paths straight, sent more than the $6,000 we needed, and we found ourselves in South Africa.
If only we all had the faith of a child.......
Enjoy the photos of our afternoon. More to come when we're done...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Greatest GIFT!!!!!
Like all of my favorite heart-warming stories, it begins on Christmas Eve.
In this story, though, I would play a supporting role.....
I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to put the turkey on the smoker.(You know I love to cook.)
I rested a little while longer and then spent the entire day cooking, preparing our home for our Annual Family Christmas Eve Dinner.
At 5:30 p.m., dinner is almost ready. I run, as I do every year, to the bathroom to freshen up my hair and make up. I place the dressing and sweet potato casserole that I prepared earlier in the day in the oven. And, as usual, the girls and I make a mad dash for church.
Every year, on Christmas Eve, we meet at our church to share the LORD'S SUPPER. It's always a quiet service, with many families out of town and unable to attend. And, though I have been busy during the day, I love those few minutes when I am able to stop and reflect on THE GIFT of Christmas.
I had no idea, though, that on this Christmas Eve, the LORD was preparing to send me another gift.
We pull up to the church, and I have TWO minutes to get to the piano. (I am the pianist.) Josie-Tatum, though, slows me down. She asks, "Mama, what do you have to do to be saved anyway?" The question is so sincere, I know in my heart she has become a true seeker. I have only two minutes, though, so I say, "Tonight, when we have our Bible story, we will talk about it."
We finished the evening with services at church, the best ever meal, opening gifts, and family fun. But, after puajamas and just before bed, with thoughts of St. Nick in many little ones' heads, Josie-Tatum and I began to read the Bible.
And, we walked down the Roman Road.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
As we discussed each verse, Josie-Tatum said she believed it all. She said, "Of course, I believe it. It's in the Bible isn't it?" I asked her if she was ready, and she pondered a moment, before saying she was. After we prayed together she said, "I feel so good!"
And, tonight, she showed outwardly what the LORD has worked inwardly.
What a joy, what a blessing! To know that God gave her to me, so I could teach her about His Son, and give her back to Him. What a privilege! My other children all expressed their desire to be saved at church, and other adults in the church lead them through the plan of salvation. But, this time, I had the most blessed opportunity of all.
This Christmas, I truly received the greatest gift!
In this story, though, I would play a supporting role.....
I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to put the turkey on the smoker.(You know I love to cook.)
I rested a little while longer and then spent the entire day cooking, preparing our home for our Annual Family Christmas Eve Dinner.
At 5:30 p.m., dinner is almost ready. I run, as I do every year, to the bathroom to freshen up my hair and make up. I place the dressing and sweet potato casserole that I prepared earlier in the day in the oven. And, as usual, the girls and I make a mad dash for church.
Every year, on Christmas Eve, we meet at our church to share the LORD'S SUPPER. It's always a quiet service, with many families out of town and unable to attend. And, though I have been busy during the day, I love those few minutes when I am able to stop and reflect on THE GIFT of Christmas.
I had no idea, though, that on this Christmas Eve, the LORD was preparing to send me another gift.
We pull up to the church, and I have TWO minutes to get to the piano. (I am the pianist.) Josie-Tatum, though, slows me down. She asks, "Mama, what do you have to do to be saved anyway?" The question is so sincere, I know in my heart she has become a true seeker. I have only two minutes, though, so I say, "Tonight, when we have our Bible story, we will talk about it."
We finished the evening with services at church, the best ever meal, opening gifts, and family fun. But, after puajamas and just before bed, with thoughts of St. Nick in many little ones' heads, Josie-Tatum and I began to read the Bible.
And, we walked down the Roman Road.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
As we discussed each verse, Josie-Tatum said she believed it all. She said, "Of course, I believe it. It's in the Bible isn't it?" I asked her if she was ready, and she pondered a moment, before saying she was. After we prayed together she said, "I feel so good!"
And, tonight, she showed outwardly what the LORD has worked inwardly.
What a joy, what a blessing! To know that God gave her to me, so I could teach her about His Son, and give her back to Him. What a privilege! My other children all expressed their desire to be saved at church, and other adults in the church lead them through the plan of salvation. But, this time, I had the most blessed opportunity of all.
This Christmas, I truly received the greatest gift!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Life is Crazy
I promise to post some fun pictures of our Christmas break....after Christmas Day.
But, let me whine and gain some sympathy.
In the past 24 hours.......
I went back to work, whine, after 2 weeks off.
I balanced the check book and realized we had spent more than I thought on Christmas, so a very tight January.
My dog ran under the tire of a truck.
The man who hit the dog tried to help.
My dog bit the man ON THE NECK!
I invited a bleeding stranger into my house.
The dog's vet bill was $157.
Did I mention the very tight January?
Ellie spilled her drink at supper.
Stan yelled. (We were all a little stressed.)
The heater started acting up.
STan fixed the heater.
The well filter clogged.
Stan and Daddy replaced the filter.
At 3:30 a.m., Stan got up to....GO....and there was no water.
The filter had clogged again, and the pressure was cut down so, though we left water dripping, pipes were beginning to freeze.
Stan was able to get things going.....
At 8:30, Whitney called me at work.
Our laundry room was flooded.
Daddy came over and replaced a leaking pipe on the water heater.
Brandon left for college again.
I came home to soaking laundry that my big kids left on the floor.
I did lots of sorting and more laundry...some I had already done once!
I'm going to bed.
But, let me whine and gain some sympathy.
In the past 24 hours.......
I went back to work, whine, after 2 weeks off.
I balanced the check book and realized we had spent more than I thought on Christmas, so a very tight January.
My dog ran under the tire of a truck.
The man who hit the dog tried to help.
My dog bit the man ON THE NECK!
I invited a bleeding stranger into my house.
The dog's vet bill was $157.
Did I mention the very tight January?
Ellie spilled her drink at supper.
Stan yelled. (We were all a little stressed.)
The heater started acting up.
STan fixed the heater.
The well filter clogged.
Stan and Daddy replaced the filter.
At 3:30 a.m., Stan got up to....GO....and there was no water.
The filter had clogged again, and the pressure was cut down so, though we left water dripping, pipes were beginning to freeze.
Stan was able to get things going.....
At 8:30, Whitney called me at work.
Our laundry room was flooded.
Daddy came over and replaced a leaking pipe on the water heater.
Brandon left for college again.
I came home to soaking laundry that my big kids left on the floor.
I did lots of sorting and more laundry...some I had already done once!
I'm going to bed.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Celebrations
We have had much fun and family time this Christmas season. I've been so busy I haven't had time to post, so I turned the bunches of photos into collages.
I had so hoped to be able to find ways to spend time with the big kids and the little kids. Our first opportunity came a couple of days before school was out for JT, E, and me.
Josie-Tatum ran in our school's annual Jingle Bell Jog Fun Run. Caleb ran with her to help her keep up the momentum, and we all were there to cheer for her. The night before we made posters, and Josie-Tatum said, "I'm so glad you are my mom." Music to my ears. She also placed fourth out of 100 girls in first grade. One of her best friends was first.
Preparing for the holiday, I asked the boys to rake the pine straw in the yard. I must admit there was a little pouting with that request. They turned it into a game, though, as usual. They decided to see how high they could pile the straw. The girls were fascinated, as were the Stretch children who came over for dinner that night. We had fun with the adults and my big kids all bowling on the Wii!
We had the pleasure of watching the children perform in a Christmas play. Don't you love to hear children singing Christmas carols, to see their excitement before the program begins? If only we would all be so excited about sharing the good news. I think I saw the most precious camel and angel ever!
One night we all had fun just watching Ellie bowl on the Wii. You have to see the faces to appreciate how bowling became a spectator sport.
As has become our tradition, we spent the day before Christmas Eve baking cookies, some of which will be left for Santa. The big kids had asked as often as the little kids when we are going to make the cookies. Last year, I invited friends to join us and my boys were upset with me. I didn't make that mistake again. ;) If my boys wanted our cookie baking to me a "family-only" time, then I would certainly make sure it was. (I just don't have all of the awesome photos that Joli took last year when her kids were with us.)
As has become Ellie's tradition, she ended up covered in flour, having as much fun rolling out flour as she did cutting cookies. And, as has happened the last three years, since adding Brandon to our family, before the day was over, he made sure everyone had flour on their face. I was so thankful for the time with all five of my treasured blessings.
On Christmas Eve, I had already spent two days cooking in anticpation of our annual Family Christmas Eve Dinner at our house. It never ceases to amaze me how willingly my children will clean and help cook on Christmas Eve. The spirit in the house was ever so sweet all day long.
God's love has poured down on us this year as it has every year. I pray that you have had time to reflect on His goodness, and that we will all remember Him in the year to come!
I had so hoped to be able to find ways to spend time with the big kids and the little kids. Our first opportunity came a couple of days before school was out for JT, E, and me.
Josie-Tatum ran in our school's annual Jingle Bell Jog Fun Run. Caleb ran with her to help her keep up the momentum, and we all were there to cheer for her. The night before we made posters, and Josie-Tatum said, "I'm so glad you are my mom." Music to my ears. She also placed fourth out of 100 girls in first grade. One of her best friends was first.
Preparing for the holiday, I asked the boys to rake the pine straw in the yard. I must admit there was a little pouting with that request. They turned it into a game, though, as usual. They decided to see how high they could pile the straw. The girls were fascinated, as were the Stretch children who came over for dinner that night. We had fun with the adults and my big kids all bowling on the Wii!
We had the pleasure of watching the children perform in a Christmas play. Don't you love to hear children singing Christmas carols, to see their excitement before the program begins? If only we would all be so excited about sharing the good news. I think I saw the most precious camel and angel ever!
One night we all had fun just watching Ellie bowl on the Wii. You have to see the faces to appreciate how bowling became a spectator sport.
As has become our tradition, we spent the day before Christmas Eve baking cookies, some of which will be left for Santa. The big kids had asked as often as the little kids when we are going to make the cookies. Last year, I invited friends to join us and my boys were upset with me. I didn't make that mistake again. ;) If my boys wanted our cookie baking to me a "family-only" time, then I would certainly make sure it was. (I just don't have all of the awesome photos that Joli took last year when her kids were with us.)
As has become Ellie's tradition, she ended up covered in flour, having as much fun rolling out flour as she did cutting cookies. And, as has happened the last three years, since adding Brandon to our family, before the day was over, he made sure everyone had flour on their face. I was so thankful for the time with all five of my treasured blessings.
On Christmas Eve, I had already spent two days cooking in anticpation of our annual Family Christmas Eve Dinner at our house. It never ceases to amaze me how willingly my children will clean and help cook on Christmas Eve. The spirit in the house was ever so sweet all day long.
God's love has poured down on us this year as it has every year. I pray that you have had time to reflect on His goodness, and that we will all remember Him in the year to come!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
It's Beginning
to look a lot like Christmas!!!
Last week when we were home from school, we had a great time decorating the house for Christmas. We decorated the front porch, the front door, the indoor balcony, the dining room table, and the mantle. We have three Christmas trees, one upstairs that shines through the big window, one in the dining room for the family to enjoy, and a small one in the girls room. I love Christmas!!!
I think the girls had the most fun preparing the decorations for the tree in their room. We strung cranberries and popcorn. We were making memories, the best kind!
The girls had fun making snowman pins for their teachers, an easy "craft kit" purchased from Oriental Trading.
Thank you, Jesus, for my family, for the memories of my childhood, for the memories you bless me to make with my children. I pray for children who have no family, that your Spirit would move upon those who have room in their homes and their hearts, and families would be made complete.
Last week when we were home from school, we had a great time decorating the house for Christmas. We decorated the front porch, the front door, the indoor balcony, the dining room table, and the mantle. We have three Christmas trees, one upstairs that shines through the big window, one in the dining room for the family to enjoy, and a small one in the girls room. I love Christmas!!!
I think the girls had the most fun preparing the decorations for the tree in their room. We strung cranberries and popcorn. We were making memories, the best kind!
The girls had fun making snowman pins for their teachers, an easy "craft kit" purchased from Oriental Trading.
Thank you, Jesus, for my family, for the memories of my childhood, for the memories you bless me to make with my children. I pray for children who have no family, that your Spirit would move upon those who have room in their homes and their hearts, and families would be made complete.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
If Not You, Then Who???
I really should be in bed....it's back to school tomorrow, but I can't stop these thoughts rolling around in my head.
Stan and I went to see this
Thanks, Gwen, for recommending it.
It was the most powerful movie I've seen in years. It moved me like no other movie has in a long time, and it's a true story.
As, I watched the actor play the part of Michael Oher, I couldn't help thinking about him.
I took this photo before he became part of our family, when he was just "Caleb's friend," when he didn't share all that was going on in his life, when he pretended things at his house were just like things at ours, when I didn't know what he faced every day and every night.....
And, I thought of all of the other children out there, who pretend, who need love, who need stability, who need a family.
What are you willing to do?
Will you go here:
Adopt Us Kids or Adoption.com
Will you pray? Will you ask God what He would have you do? Would you help a family adopt? Will you sponsor a child? Would you feed an orphan?
If not you, then who?
Stan and I went to see this
Thanks, Gwen, for recommending it.
It was the most powerful movie I've seen in years. It moved me like no other movie has in a long time, and it's a true story.
As, I watched the actor play the part of Michael Oher, I couldn't help thinking about him.
I took this photo before he became part of our family, when he was just "Caleb's friend," when he didn't share all that was going on in his life, when he pretended things at his house were just like things at ours, when I didn't know what he faced every day and every night.....
And, I thought of all of the other children out there, who pretend, who need love, who need stability, who need a family.
What are you willing to do?
Will you go here:
Adopt Us Kids or Adoption.com
Will you pray? Will you ask God what He would have you do? Would you help a family adopt? Will you sponsor a child? Would you feed an orphan?
If not you, then who?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Counting my Blessings
What a beautiful day here in south Georgia, sunny skies, cool dry air, just cool enough for long sleeves....absolutely perfect.
And, all of my children have been home since Tuesday night. It's been a few months since we've been able to spend this much time together. My heart has been full! I've enjoyed every moment (okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration) with all of my children. Stan has been home, too, not yet back at work since his surgery on November 4th. We've cleaned, cooked, decorated for Christmas, watched old movies, and laughed A LOT!
Today we spent much time with extended family and eating far too much food. We had lunch with Stan's family, aunts, uncles,and cousins, and then dinner with my family, more aunts, uncles and cousins. I love watching my children play with my cousins' children. It brings back the fondest memories of days when I didn't know all of the cares of today.
And, may we all take the time to remember those who do not have the blessings we enjoy, more determined today to do more than we did yesterday. To God be the glory!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A Day to Celebrate!
This day, this time, six years ago, I was distraught. Referrals had come for other families logged in at the same time as our family. A week had passed, and still we did not have a referral for our precious girl. It was nearly 6:00 in the evening on a Friday, and our family of four was getting ready to go out for dinner, when the phone rang. When I checked the caller ID, I almost didn't answer it, because I didn't recognize the name. I was glad I did!
I heard the voice of our social worker, "Robbie....," and I knew!!!!!!!!!! She had news of our daughter. Her name was Gao Jie Lun, her birthday was November 22nd, and she was living at the Gaoming Social Welfare Insitute. I remember my voice quivering when I realized her birthday was the following day. Stan was downstairs, and he could tell by my tone that I was finally answering THE CALL.
We were a little late to meet our friends for dinner. We began making phone calls, and continued on the way to Jesup, both Stan's and my cell phones busy all the way. Once, I realized Stan was calling my best friend's husband, and I nearly yelled, "Oh, no you're not," I'm going to tell Melanie. So, I had two cell phones in my hands. All of you adoptive moms our there, you know the excitement of that moment. And, if you're like me, you close your eyes and it takes you back to the joy and peace of that day.
We had to wait until the weekend was over to see her photo, for the stork, aka UPS to deliver that priceless package.
Look at that face! Can you imagine how desperately I wanted to hold her, to love her, to make her smile.
And, just look at her now.
Happy, healthy, and full of compassion.
She spent that first birthday in an orphanage, where it is likely no one thought to say, "Happy Birthday." But, she has never spent another birthday without a celebration.
And, this year, we had an awesome party. Her birthday party was today, while her birthday is tomorrow. Josie-Tatum wanted a Chinese themed party, and we all had a wonderful time. Each of the girls was allowed to put on a Mandarin outfit for a photo op, we made Year of the OX photoframes, bracelets with Chinese character charms, and sun catchers. The nine girls were working so seriously that they hardly talked. It was funny! They enjoyed green tea in the tea sets we brought back from China. We made memories!!!
I heard the voice of our social worker, "Robbie....," and I knew!!!!!!!!!! She had news of our daughter. Her name was Gao Jie Lun, her birthday was November 22nd, and she was living at the Gaoming Social Welfare Insitute. I remember my voice quivering when I realized her birthday was the following day. Stan was downstairs, and he could tell by my tone that I was finally answering THE CALL.
We were a little late to meet our friends for dinner. We began making phone calls, and continued on the way to Jesup, both Stan's and my cell phones busy all the way. Once, I realized Stan was calling my best friend's husband, and I nearly yelled, "Oh, no you're not," I'm going to tell Melanie. So, I had two cell phones in my hands. All of you adoptive moms our there, you know the excitement of that moment. And, if you're like me, you close your eyes and it takes you back to the joy and peace of that day.
We had to wait until the weekend was over to see her photo, for the stork, aka UPS to deliver that priceless package.
Look at that face! Can you imagine how desperately I wanted to hold her, to love her, to make her smile.
And, just look at her now.
Happy, healthy, and full of compassion.
She spent that first birthday in an orphanage, where it is likely no one thought to say, "Happy Birthday." But, she has never spent another birthday without a celebration.
And, this year, we had an awesome party. Her birthday party was today, while her birthday is tomorrow. Josie-Tatum wanted a Chinese themed party, and we all had a wonderful time. Each of the girls was allowed to put on a Mandarin outfit for a photo op, we made Year of the OX photoframes, bracelets with Chinese character charms, and sun catchers. The nine girls were working so seriously that they hardly talked. It was funny! They enjoyed green tea in the tea sets we brought back from China. We made memories!!!
 |
 |
| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Just Plain Fun
So, last week, I found Ellie wearing the above wig and crown. When I snapped her picture, JT had to get in on the fun. Who knows why she chose a Santa hat and an American flag. You know you're the mother of young children if a person can find a wig, a crown, and Santa hat, and a flag, all in the same basket in the great room.
Saturday, though, was one of those days when it was just plain fun to be the mama. I spent the day realizing just how blessed I am.
we enjoyed a family reunion at Stan's cousin's farm. Regan was with us, because her parents and Riley were already in Atlanta, preparing for surgery. She had spent the night with Her Bennetts, aka my parents. Regan and Ellie are such sweet friends. I loved this photo, following behind the girls, as they walked past the goats and the pond to see the horses.
When we finally made it to see the horses, it took the girls a few minutes to trust them. They were MUCH bigger than the ponies they had ridden at the park the week before. Oh, to see animals through the eyes of children.
As if the goats, horses, and cows weren't enough to entertain the girls, there were puppies!
Then the girls had to face a difficult decision...stay later at the farm and miss part of Daniel's birthday party, or leave the animals to go to Daniel's birthday party. The party finally won!
We stayed until there was nearly no sunlight left. How wonderful to fellowship with adult friends while children play, to hear the laughter, to watch their carefree spirits, and enjoy cake and ice cream! It was also humbling to be spending time with Joli just days before the kidney transplant, with Regan too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Ellie Min Chun
Josie-Tatum's MeiMei
