Matthew is in serious trick-mode this week. New skills include spinning in a circle, nodding his head to say "yes" (which sometimes looks like a drunk chicken move) and biting! OK, so biting isn't really a trick...but it is something new he has been practicing...on me! He never does it in anger; he just finds my skin between his teeth and goes to town.
This clip is about a minute long...which is really like 3 hours when you are watching a baby spin round and round and round. But I don't have time to do a grandparent video AND a regular reader video. He does nod his head at the end of the clip if you want to fast forward.
On an unrelated but beautiful note, recently I posted in my "About Me" section that when I read about leperous persons in the Bible I wonder if, upon meeting one, I would love so unselfishly that I would give him/her a great big bear hug...the kind everyone needs now and then. A pretty random thought I guess.
Well...in Red Letters there is an excerpt written by a lady who visited two leper colonies:
The lepers bowed to us in humility, clasping their nubbed fingers together in a sign of respect. As we were faced with the choice of whether or not to shake the nubby hands, no one on the team held back. I can't describe how it feels to clasp the disfigured hand of a leper. It feels like love in a way I have never felt before. We all know that our Father would hold these people in His arms. We wanted to be Him to these people who needed to know His love.
BEAUTIFUL!!!! Every time I read this account, I just long for Jesus to love through me. Oh, another sidenote...if you don't know about the Dalits, click here to learn about this people group deemed "untouchable." The "Facts about Dalits" link is a good starting place.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Odds & Ends
Happy Monday, everyone!
Just some quick stuff as I don't have any new pics to post yet.
I met an adult transracial adoptee online and, through a series of online discussions, she has decided to create a blog for APs and PAPs. Despite seeming to love her adoptive family, she is very open about the pain concerning her adoption. I think it is great that she is moving forward to host a blog where APs/PAPs can ask questions about everything from cultural topics to emotional ones. As soon as she is up and running, I'll post her new site.
An issue that my conversations with her have stirred up in my mind is one of corruption in international adoption. I'm NOT saying that all international adoption is corrupt!!! But I think it is something that APs and PAPs should be better informed about. If anyone has thoughts about or experience with this, please share a comment.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS - we've started using Eucerin's new anti-itch lotion, but we won't really know if it works until M can talk! It is definitely more user-friendly than the sticky, greasy Aquaphor. The prescription hydrocortisone seems to be the only remedy for "healing" the bad spots...but, obviously, you can only use steroids in limited amounts.
SCOTT - since I don't post much about Scott, here are some of his latest thoughts:
I was telling S about two cruiser bikes that could be used for free. He listened with interest and then stated to M "Bubs, you better learn to run real fast so you can keep up with mom and dad."
S said something funny the other day and I asked him "Are you trying to bring 'sexy back'?" (AKA Justin Timberlake) He replied, "No, sexy LUMBAR...back is too general for me."
Just some quick stuff as I don't have any new pics to post yet.
I met an adult transracial adoptee online and, through a series of online discussions, she has decided to create a blog for APs and PAPs. Despite seeming to love her adoptive family, she is very open about the pain concerning her adoption. I think it is great that she is moving forward to host a blog where APs/PAPs can ask questions about everything from cultural topics to emotional ones. As soon as she is up and running, I'll post her new site.
An issue that my conversations with her have stirred up in my mind is one of corruption in international adoption. I'm NOT saying that all international adoption is corrupt!!! But I think it is something that APs and PAPs should be better informed about. If anyone has thoughts about or experience with this, please share a comment.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS - we've started using Eucerin's new anti-itch lotion, but we won't really know if it works until M can talk! It is definitely more user-friendly than the sticky, greasy Aquaphor. The prescription hydrocortisone seems to be the only remedy for "healing" the bad spots...but, obviously, you can only use steroids in limited amounts.
SCOTT - since I don't post much about Scott, here are some of his latest thoughts:
I was telling S about two cruiser bikes that could be used for free. He listened with interest and then stated to M "Bubs, you better learn to run real fast so you can keep up with mom and dad."
S said something funny the other day and I asked him "Are you trying to bring 'sexy back'?" (AKA Justin Timberlake) He replied, "No, sexy LUMBAR...back is too general for me."
Saturday, July 5, 2008
4th of July!
ok...our 4th of july fun could be summed up as "It's all fun and games til someone pukes in the pool!" luckily, it was no one in our family so we took our rain check and high tailed it outta there!
we never go to mcDonald's, but what's more american than the golden arches and greasy fries? so we had our independence lunch there and, well, that was pretty much our celebration!
oh no...there's more! my family back in IL always gets together for the 4th so while talking to smooch i asked what the big contest was for this year. in the past it has been boat races, baking contests, etc. i was bummed to find out nothing was planned, so i told her they needed to have a "4th of july haiku contest" and they did!!!! she called me back, read each one over the phone, and i served as the judge! now that was really fun!!!!
other items:
xena has a new boyfriend. he's a miniature. haven't asked farmer tony what his name is yet, but i'm thinking he is only here for a short time...a time of sweet love...a time of procreation...a time of us walking into our backyard to see this tiny little burro trying to "romance" an uninterested xena. i'm talking EVERY time we walk outside.....
matthew made a second book. this time i had him choose photos from the buckner orphan mag, i cut them out, he helped me glue them into the book. it's a good one because it allows us to look at the kids from various countries and talk about their differences and similarities.
tinyrockstar.com - is REALLY tiny! not kidding! i orderded a 2T for M, and it's gonna be a snug one. so if you order, go with a bigger size!!!
giving to others - just a reminder that, if you feel uncomfortable giving cash to people you meet on the street (like my gas station story), there are other options. for ex, in my case i could have simply filled up her gas can at the pump i was already using...that way i would have known the money was being used for gas. but in other instances, like people who stand with signs on the street, why not put some food items in your car...the thing that comes to mind are the packages of crackers with cheese...that you can easily hand out. or buy some mcDonald's gift certificates and give those in place of money.
we never go to mcDonald's, but what's more american than the golden arches and greasy fries? so we had our independence lunch there and, well, that was pretty much our celebration!
oh no...there's more! my family back in IL always gets together for the 4th so while talking to smooch i asked what the big contest was for this year. in the past it has been boat races, baking contests, etc. i was bummed to find out nothing was planned, so i told her they needed to have a "4th of july haiku contest" and they did!!!! she called me back, read each one over the phone, and i served as the judge! now that was really fun!!!!
other items:
xena has a new boyfriend. he's a miniature. haven't asked farmer tony what his name is yet, but i'm thinking he is only here for a short time...a time of sweet love...a time of procreation...a time of us walking into our backyard to see this tiny little burro trying to "romance" an uninterested xena. i'm talking EVERY time we walk outside.....
matthew made a second book. this time i had him choose photos from the buckner orphan mag, i cut them out, he helped me glue them into the book. it's a good one because it allows us to look at the kids from various countries and talk about their differences and similarities.
tinyrockstar.com - is REALLY tiny! not kidding! i orderded a 2T for M, and it's gonna be a snug one. so if you order, go with a bigger size!!!
giving to others - just a reminder that, if you feel uncomfortable giving cash to people you meet on the street (like my gas station story), there are other options. for ex, in my case i could have simply filled up her gas can at the pump i was already using...that way i would have known the money was being used for gas. but in other instances, like people who stand with signs on the street, why not put some food items in your car...the thing that comes to mind are the packages of crackers with cheese...that you can easily hand out. or buy some mcDonald's gift certificates and give those in place of money.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Walking the walk
This post follows the theme of my sweet heart post.
Last week M and I drove to the west side. (west siiiiide!) I meant to get gas before leaving town but was distracted by 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed, so we were riding on E. As I drove I wondered what I would do if we ran out out gas somewhere on the reservation. Scott was at a Bible Study, so I knew his phone would be off. In my mind different scenarios played out...and I hoped that someone would help us if needed.
Fast forward to the gas station. While filling up, I noticed a lady walking toward me...her hands clutching a gas can. I groaned to myself as it's VERY common in our city for panhandlers to hang out at gas stations.
She asked for money. I said, "No." She walked away.
Immediately my stomach dropped. A kick in the pants from God, I suppose. Had I so quickly forgotten my own desires for help if I would have run out of gas? And now here I was denying assistance to someone in need...someone who, like me, may have been hoping for help as she was "riding on E."
I started digging in my bag to find some cash, all the time watching the lady's unsuccessful attempts to get help. My eyes darted from the disgusted faces of those she approached to hers which grew more pained with each rejection.
With M observing the entire scene, I ran up to the lady, offered her the money, we talked briefly, and she quickly went into the station to buy her gas. Driving away, I watched her fill up her can as I explained the whole situation to Matthew.
This isn't a "Look, I did a nice thing" story, it is a sharing of the true ugliness in my heart apart from God. Now some would say that you shouldn't give money to people like this because you never know what they might use it for. I'm not so sure that's the correct response. Afterall, this lady was using it...was needing it...for gas to get home.
I don't want my first assumption about people to be negative. I want to respond first and foremost with God's love...and let Him give me discernment if needed. I'm not advocating putting yourself in danger or being unwise in the stewardship of your money, but I'm suggesting a change of heart that will lead to a change in actions.
I recently read an excerpt from Red Letters by Tom Davis which drove home what I have been feeling about this gas station situation:
"Would you help me?" he asked.
That stupid voice went off in my head again. The same voice that speaks to me when I happen upon a panhandler back home in the States. He'll probably just buy vodka if we give him money. That inner voice--it's mine. And it could very well be speaking the truth. But it's not the voice I want to hear. I want to hear Jesus. Did he put conditions on the help He offered? A familiar story elbowed it's way past my hesistancy. A story of Jesus helping a woman caught in adultery. Jesus didn't refuse to help the woman because she might sin again. He forgave her and told her to sin no more. She was worth the risk. She was worth helping.
The point of all of this? Walking the walk. How quickly after I was encouraging M to open his heart to those in need did I close my heart to one in need? And why? Because I assumed that she would misuse the money? Because I assumed that her motives might be impure?
I don't want to assume...or to hear my inner voice. I want to hear the voice of Jesus. I want to simply love. And love with the love of Christ.
It can be much easier to give to the cute orphans on the front of a glossy brochure than the smelly, dirty man on the street corner. But the "love your neighbor" command doesn't come with a list of exceptions. If we want our little ones to grow up with big hearts, we must model compassion and giving and love...especially when it stretches us.
Last week M and I drove to the west side. (west siiiiide!) I meant to get gas before leaving town but was distracted by 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed, so we were riding on E. As I drove I wondered what I would do if we ran out out gas somewhere on the reservation. Scott was at a Bible Study, so I knew his phone would be off. In my mind different scenarios played out...and I hoped that someone would help us if needed.
Fast forward to the gas station. While filling up, I noticed a lady walking toward me...her hands clutching a gas can. I groaned to myself as it's VERY common in our city for panhandlers to hang out at gas stations.
She asked for money. I said, "No." She walked away.
Immediately my stomach dropped. A kick in the pants from God, I suppose. Had I so quickly forgotten my own desires for help if I would have run out of gas? And now here I was denying assistance to someone in need...someone who, like me, may have been hoping for help as she was "riding on E."
I started digging in my bag to find some cash, all the time watching the lady's unsuccessful attempts to get help. My eyes darted from the disgusted faces of those she approached to hers which grew more pained with each rejection.
With M observing the entire scene, I ran up to the lady, offered her the money, we talked briefly, and she quickly went into the station to buy her gas. Driving away, I watched her fill up her can as I explained the whole situation to Matthew.
This isn't a "Look, I did a nice thing" story, it is a sharing of the true ugliness in my heart apart from God. Now some would say that you shouldn't give money to people like this because you never know what they might use it for. I'm not so sure that's the correct response. Afterall, this lady was using it...was needing it...for gas to get home.
I don't want my first assumption about people to be negative. I want to respond first and foremost with God's love...and let Him give me discernment if needed. I'm not advocating putting yourself in danger or being unwise in the stewardship of your money, but I'm suggesting a change of heart that will lead to a change in actions.
I recently read an excerpt from Red Letters by Tom Davis which drove home what I have been feeling about this gas station situation:
"Would you help me?" he asked.
That stupid voice went off in my head again. The same voice that speaks to me when I happen upon a panhandler back home in the States. He'll probably just buy vodka if we give him money. That inner voice--it's mine. And it could very well be speaking the truth. But it's not the voice I want to hear. I want to hear Jesus. Did he put conditions on the help He offered? A familiar story elbowed it's way past my hesistancy. A story of Jesus helping a woman caught in adultery. Jesus didn't refuse to help the woman because she might sin again. He forgave her and told her to sin no more. She was worth the risk. She was worth helping.
The point of all of this? Walking the walk. How quickly after I was encouraging M to open his heart to those in need did I close my heart to one in need? And why? Because I assumed that she would misuse the money? Because I assumed that her motives might be impure?
I don't want to assume...or to hear my inner voice. I want to hear the voice of Jesus. I want to simply love. And love with the love of Christ.
It can be much easier to give to the cute orphans on the front of a glossy brochure than the smelly, dirty man on the street corner. But the "love your neighbor" command doesn't come with a list of exceptions. If we want our little ones to grow up with big hearts, we must model compassion and giving and love...especially when it stretches us.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Face flattening (follow up post)
yes, i totally think the right side of my face is flattening out from sleeping on it . it definitely looks different from the left side. i wake up in the middle of the night and think "switch!" and then roll over.
so after reading all your comments to the original post, i'm basically thinking that nobody else has this problem!!!!?????
so after reading all your comments to the original post, i'm basically thinking that nobody else has this problem!!!!?????
Meet the Author
This morning Matthew wrote and illustrated his first book. He had a good time drawing with the markers, but the part he loved most was using the stapler! There will be a book signing at Borders on Saturday....
Last night we had dinner with Scott's family. I was so busy cutting up M's food that I forgot to take photos! And then I spaced it again as he and Layne played in the fountain. Fun stuff! Right before we left uptown it began to rain. One of my favorite things about living in the southwest is that you can be in a total downpour and the sun is still shining! Makes for lots of rainbows!
Yes, I took these pics while driving 70 down the freeway with my baby in the backseat. You can go ahead and put my name on that Parent of the Year nomination form now. I'm pretty sure this has clinched it for me. It's spelled T...I...S........
edited2add: if you are looking for a recommendation on adoption books, check out jenna's comment to this post! this girl is one fierce reader!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Question...but not a 1st time mama one
Does anyone know the answer to this?
If you sleep on the same side of your face every single night for years and years and, in my case, years....does that side of your face flatten out?
Is this medically possible?
If you sleep on the same side of your face every single night for years and years and, in my case, years....does that side of your face flatten out?
Is this medically possible?
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