Forever home, Forever family, Forever journey

Counting the days

2006-05-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

You can go to this link on Counting the Days on Abi's blog to read the full post.

Moving day is coming whether I like it or not. We did find that the kids could not be in the house for us to pack.

The Horse, the snake, the ram, and Two Dragons: Mother Day's Gift

2006-05-20T12:18:00.000-05:00

The Horse, the snake, the ram, and Two Dragons: Mother Day's Gift

At this link I blogged about my mother's day Gift from the kids. If you go here, you can see what the gifts are. I couldn't ask for any better gift, other than the real people, and I am so blessed by the real people.
Thanks go their Sunday School teacher for the idea. What a wonderful teacher they have.
Abi

Mother's day, Zach's Birthday, and other news

2006-05-17T05:59:00.000-05:00

First: Wednesday, Zach turned 4 years old. Yea. We sang happy birthday to him in church and we so embarrassed. I kept telling him, that he was going to have a birthday, and he would tell me "no". I don't think he understands what it means. But Wednesday we sent a cake to the day care for them to have a party. Well, I sent 2 cakes, 1 for Zach's class and the other class that eats with them, and another for Katy's huge class. Don't know if there was any left, and don't care. We have gifts for him, but we will wait until mom comes home from another conference to have our family celebration. Here is a link to Zach's pictures. So here's to Zach;

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Zachary

Happy Birthday to you!

Second: Mother's day.

We celebrated Mom's day, by bringing her flowers and cards. Kara kept wanting to give her my card for me, and I had to explain that this was from me to mom. At church the kids had made picture frames with their pictures in them. The S. S. Teacher had taken their pictures weeks ago to have ready for the mom's day. They were really cute. They also made a card with a bible verse in it for mom. We then went out to eat at the Hong Kong Chinese restaurant in Roanoke, which the kids call "The Chinese New Year" restaurant. That was the end of celebrating, we then went home, put the kids and big kids down for a nap. After that it was packing, picking up, getting the kids ready for the new week, and playing. Our friend Mikey came over and announced that he too was moving but even further away to Penn. Boo Hoo. We wish him well. Several phone calls. One which was my sister calling me to tell me my oldest sister Katherine had had a heart attack and was being rushed from BrenhamTexas to Bryant Texas. It was not good news. But today the news is a little better for her, except this heart attack really damaged her heart. She will have to take better care of herself. God bless all the mothers. My mom is dead, she died in 2000 after living a long life. Abi's mom is still living and we called to wish her happy mother's day, all the kids talked to her which brightened her day.

Well as I noted earlier, Mom is away at a preaching conference so she can continue to improve her preaching skills, although I think it really is to get away. She registered for the conference long ago, and when she found out we were moving was thinking about cancelling it, but we decided she needed to go. She left me a detailed list of what is to happen everyday of the week, and put out the items that went with whatever day, except the dance costumes. Boy do I have my job cut out for me. Teresa, a member of the church is helping me with Kara, school and on dance practice night. Abi don't do this to me again. I am on my last week of work, I will have to down next week and process out, but Friday is my last day at Ft. Benning. And boy are they squeezing every little ounce of it out of me. I am glad and sad. I am worried I won't be able to find something in or around Florence. I can still work civil service, but neither the VA or Redstone Arsenal are hiring yet. I know that we can make it to Jan, when my social security kicks in, but I am used to working, and it will be different. So say a prayer for us about these major transisitons we are in. We believe that God is good and God will provide our needs, he has done it before, and he will do it again.

Pictures are posted

2006-05-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hi,
I know i have been promising the posting of the beach pictures, and just have not gotten around to it. But today, I have been working on a new blog, where you can see our families' pictures.
You will find beach pictures, tee-ball pictures, dash and bash pictures so have a look.
Here is the link. If you click it, it should take you there.
Thanks,
Abi

Report on our new home and setting

2006-05-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Mom made the long trip to Florence to meet some of the church members, see the church, and the parsonage. Several members were there to greet her, and take her out to lunch. They had a nice lunch at O'Charleys. The present Pastor and his wife joined them so it was a nice bantor of conversation. They were most congenial. They then took her over to see the parsonage.
Nice parsonage, and finally a garage again, with a storage shed. Yea! (We don't have either right now, and have been concerned things would disappear, but have not so far.) They even have an attic, (we had to put one in here when we moved here.) Big back yard, no fence though. 3 houses down from the church, not right next to it. New laminated flooring inside. 3 bedrooms. Great room, 2 bath, and formal living room/dining room. Laundry room. It has the essentials. Nicely furnished. She liked it, and She thinks it will suit us. We are going to have to have a moving sale though, but we were thinking about doing one anyway. Moving gets harder every time. And wouldn't you know it, she forgot to take the camera to get pictures of the inside, so the kids could see their bedrooms. Oh well.

The church has a very nice Family Life Center which is used a great deal. Nice classrooms. The youth have some nice space to meet in and play in (always a plus.) The office is in the church, not in the parsonage. She has a secretary, I don't have to do all the secretarial work, Yea. but of course that means deadlines for Mom. The sanctuary is beautiful. They have some good members. They have a little play ground area, the play equipment needs some work. Houses all around, apartment complex down the way, school nearby, community center. Mall, all the different stores, Walmart, Target, all the eateries, lake and river, nice parks. Its looking good.

Mom did however have a long drive there and back. And had to fight the 18 wheelers all the way. What was it, trucking day? The late afternoon drive wasn't as bad. Although she did run out of energy and the ability to concentrate by the time she got home. Thank you Lord for a safe drive. We'll go up there as a family when my job ends and school is out so the whole family can see it.

Packing and moving

2006-05-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well, I know you don't want to hear about this, but I am going to blog it anyway. I am getting help with packing and am making headway, well some headway. I am just not able to do it when the kids are here.
The office, and the living room are full of boxes, and not every thing is packed. Help we are being taken over by boxes.

And it is upsetting them that we are moving, they are not sure what to think. Even Katy wanted to know if we were leaving her behind. No, we are not leaving anyone behind. Even the dogs and cats are moving.

Tomorrow I am going to Florence, so you might want to click here to read all about it.

Mom and the Trooper

2006-05-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

Today, mom got a ticket driving to her Dental appointment. Now mom has not gotten a ticket in a long time, and has even done better in driving the speed limit. (She has tried to stop being Abi Andretti.) We sure appreciate it. But she was running late, and so was going over the speed limit. Uh Oh, that can only spell the blue light special. Mom forgot how the troopers treat people sometimes, not always, but sometimes when they stop them. The meanie made mama cry. Now, here's the thing; she admited she was speeding at 65, but the Cop wanted to push the issue and argue with her, which she did not understand when she admitted she was speeding. When asked several times why she was speeding, she told him because she was late for an appointment at the Doctor. (That didn't stop him from giving her a ticket.) Nor did she understand getting pulled over when she was following someone just as fast as she was going. He accused her of going 70, when she had set her cruise control at 65, he told her it didn't matter what her's said it matter what his said. Yep, that's right, how could she argue that one, other than to say she had to by what hers said, and she couldn't read his. Mama tried to be polite. Oh well, its off to court we go, hi ho, hi ho. And oh yes, Mama was even later for her appointment. And she did not drive back the same way, and probably won't ever go that way again. She is thinking of writing a letter about how to be polite to mama's driving white vans. (I thought they said white vans were the safest.) Not today. I am not a criminal nor I am a drug pusher, or any of those things. I am a mama driving a van with too many distractions. Mama said she was going to slow down no matter how late she was.

The kid and the Dentist

2006-05-04T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well even though the three kids have seen the Dentist, it was not the Three Stooges and the Dentist. However, like so many of the kids from China and the orphanages, the teeth were the last thing to receive care. Katy had one cavity that was fixed when she was little.
Kara had one already fixed, they found one that needed fixing, and one to watch because they think it will come out already. Kara would not let the Dentist fix the cavity. After the shot, she just clamped down with her jaws and there was no fixing her teeth. He referred her to a Pediatric Dentist.
And now the boy, the first time we saw his teeth, we knew the Dental bill was going to be big. Well, when the Dentist came in to look at his teeth, I believe he named off everyone of the teeth having a cavity. He referred him to the same Pediatric Dentist. He told us they would probably put him in the hospital, put him to sleep to fix all those cavities. Poor boy. But he sure was good for the Dental tech while she cleaned his teeth.
We also know past the cavities and regular cleaning, there will likely be more oral surgery for the two with a cleft palate, once they fix the hard palate, at about age 8 or 9.
Thank you for Dental Ins.

On a sad note, our dearly beloved Dentist, Dr. Binns, has a brain tumor. He has turned his practice over to Dr. Tulley, a very nice capable young man. Dr. Binns used to take his group on Dental missions to various countries in need. His office has paintings from these countries. He is a down to earth Christian man. He is now in the care of Hospice.

Blogging, timing, communication, news

2006-05-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, I apologize for not being more regular with this blog. Several of you have let me know about my falling behind. I haven't even posted the recent beach pictures. But I will. I promise.

I will try to do a better job on posting, and I will have to. Many of you know already, but here is the news. We are moving from Wadley to Florence June 14th. The Cabinet has deemed it a good thing that I will be Pastoring St. John UMC. It will be sad to leave Wadley after 5 years here. This is the place my kids have known, the church, the town, the people. It will be hard for them. And yet Florence offers a world of opportunity for us and them. St. John is a good church from everything everybody has told me. Schools are good. It is a bigger place. A good District. There are other Forever Families up there. Zach's friend is in Huntsville. There is a medical community up there. I am hearing God's voice as well in this. I have not visited yet, but I am looking forward to visiting Florence, the church, our new home, our new friends, and some old.

So I have been warned by the kids' friends blog or they will kidnap the kids.

So Here I BLOG.

Here is the new church address

Saint John United Methodist Church

457 County Road 7,

Florence, AL 35633

(256) 764-3972

Here is the parsonage address

10411 County Road 7

Florence, AL 35634-3976

(256) 757-0177

Gone on vacation

2006-04-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

Hi to all the faithful. It is Spring break for the Wadley School. We are gone on vacation to Destin, Florida. I will be doing some serious meditating and reflecting. Not. I will be relaxing though. And I will be soaking up some rays. Playing with the kids, as I enjoy their excitement. This is a first for Kara and Zachary. Katy is an old beach bum so she will be leading the way. Even if I want to read, it will take the two of us to handle the three mousketeers. I am glad to be leaving the pollen as it has seriously messed my sinuses up.So what are you doing on your Spring Break?Here is a link to where we will be staying at the Destin Rec Center. It also has link to the area chamber of commerce.

Don't think there will be at a place that I can blog, but if I can I will keep you posted, and try to post pictures without Bob's help! (See previous post).

Easter Egg hunt

2006-04-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

Well, we did have a good time hunting Easter eggs, eating hot dogs, laughing, and having fun. We had a good little crowd of children and adults, considering we have a small church. We divided the groups up with the little ones from 4 down, and the big ones, 5 up. The little ones did great, of course they had the parents helping. Zachary was really finding the eggs, he caught on quickly to what you are supposed to do. But then he decided to quit after a certain amount. (He still found the most eggs of that group.) While we were waiting inside for them to hide the eggs, I told the kids the story of Jesus, his death and resurrection. Kara kept asking me; Did Jesus really die? “Yes, Kara Jesus did die”. I also explained as best as I could, the connection of Easter eggs. One parent said, “I didn’t know that.” I am not sure I had it exactly right, but pretty close. I am going to look it up and make sure.

Sadly, Bob accidently deleted the pictures from the Easter egg hunt and Easter Sunday. Do not let your clueless spouse touch the digital camera. And Bob that goes double for you!

Yea! Well Boy

2006-04-13T11:19:00.000-05:00

Well, after a stay in the hospital, we are back home.
In the afternoon, I received a call from the NP, after a discussion, we agreed he needed to be in the hospital. So rounded things up, fed the dogs, called someone to take care of the girls. Called Bob to tell him where we were headed. Loaded Zachary up, and went to the hospital. The NP told me we had a direct admit, but what that means is not what one might think it means. It just meant we didn't have to go to the ER first, sit there for hours and then be admitted. It still means you have to fill out a bunch of paperwork. But as soon as that was done, they hooked him up to an iv of saline and antibiotic. He did not like the needle part at all, but made it through it. Sat in my lap most of the time, and then slept with me. Needless to say, I am tired. But he woke up this morning in a better mood, ate breakfast, and played. The Doctor gave him one more round of iv antibiotics. Told us that Zachary probably did have Strep throat even though the first test didn't show it. We got to come home after lunch, and boy was he glad. We all were. Bob took him home, and I headed to Wal-Mart to get the prescription filled. (That's another story.)
Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts.

Sick Boy

2006-04-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, my new little one Zachary woke up at 2am with high fever and wanting Mama. Mama then took him and held him. Dad administrated the motrim to hopefully lower the fever. At 6am we gave him tylenol. At 11am we were in Doc's office with him, while he cried and cried, and was burning up. The Nurse Practioner(NP) found some external infection in the ear which calls for ear drops which I have. Then they tested for strep because his tonsils were swollen and red. No strep, thank God.
Then blood work and the obligatory pee in a cup. He was really good with the stick,
Didn't like it but who does. Gave him motrim. The urine showed he was dehydrated, tell me something I did not know. Started talking about hospitalization. I was ready to do it right then and there, but the NP wants to wait and see if I can get him to drink. I told her he is probably not going to drink. Of course he immediately goes to the water fountain and drinks. Thus I am home now with very sick child, whom I still think is going to end up being hospitalized. But I'll wait. By 4 she should have the results of the blood work done too.
Say a prayer for Zachary, please.

The last days

2006-04-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

The last days have been hard for all with adjusting to a new family member. Kara is not happy at all with a new brother; thinks he has taken her place with daddy, not mom but daddy. So, she has been doing some major acting out toward everyone and big time toward dad. Then when you talk to her, she thinks you are going to throw her away. Have had to do a lot of disciplining, reassuring, and attaching. A friend of ours today reminded us that Katy went through that when Kara came, and that it will pass. I told her I hoped she was right.

Brother has had trouble going to sleep. Wants momma to put him to sleep in the big bed. We tried at first to have Bob go ahead and do the bedtime ritual, but that did not work. So Mom is putting Zachary to bed in the big bed. Hope after awhile that changes, and he can go to bed in his bed.

Katy is the only one who seems to be doing pretty good. Maybe its because she has been with us the longest, or she went through once before with Kara. But she is doing okay. Now she does get irritated with Zachary's aggression toward her, and his teasing her. But she will play with him. I don't want to ignore her though, because she could be keeping her feelings inside.

Bob is really pained over Kara's actions toward him. She really only showed me that kind of behavior when she first came, not him. So, I told him now you know why I was so frustrated in the beginning.

The pets are doing okay with him. the cats are his best friends. He truly loves the kitten Rianna, wants to hold her close, and I mean tight, Rianna wants nothing to do with this. Trying to teach him gentle. Hope it comes.

Then there's me, I feel like the spoke in this spinning wheel trying to hold it all together, and a little crazy for doing so. Sunday night I skipped choir to stay home because Zach and Kara were acting out. Last night I had to change where I was going, and go to dance instead of United Methodist Women, Kara was really having a hard time. Wonder what I will miss today?
But I am committed to my family and getting them adjusted and attached.
Abi

Friday

2006-03-31T13:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I am trying to avoid writing Sunday sermon. Worked on it last night and this morning. It stunketh right now, but hopefully it will come together soon.
Things are moving along on a roller coaster ride fashion. It is not easy adopting an older child or toddler, they just have got some issues to work through, they speak another language, they have come from nothing into your Disney Land Home, they are overwhelmed, making adjustments, you don't look like them or the people who took care of them, you don't even smell right, plus you got dogs and cats that they have never been around. You see what I mean. But I got to tell you this Boy, Zachary is doing great. Oh sure he has thrown a few tantrums, so what if its when you are driving down the highway and he wants to get out of his car seat. So what if he hits you, your child, your pet, how else is he going to communicate his anger at this point. But he is giving hugs and kisses to us, and to the animals. So here are some pictures of him and the girls.

Wednesday Night Comments

2006-03-29T21:58:00.000-06:00

I said I was going to post about the girls going back to school, but haven't. And I have some new pictures of Zachary with the kitten to post. But to tell you the truth, I have Jet Lag so bad, that I can't really think to do it. I just can't seem to get going. Alright, alright, its only been a week. I do so expect so much of myself, hope I don't put that on the kids.

Well going back to school has gone well, although they are tired when they come home too. Kara has lots of home work and class work to catch up on. Looks like though she will be graduating kindergarten, hadn't heard otherwise, and they accepted our deposit on her cap and gown. She is really working hard on catching up, but I think tonight she had had enough of it. She just wanted to play. So we let her play some, and imagine this, she came back and worked on some more of it without complaint. the other thing is people have just hugged on her and told her how glad they were to see her back at school. She told me that evening that she could do her work at her table for all the people coming up and talking to her. That will do a lot for an ego.

Katy has had the same positive reception at her school. Big hugs and welcomes. Its good to get them back in a routine. Katy and Kara are signed up for t-ball. So every night Katy wants to come home and practice t-ball. That girl can hit the ball, and she has an arm. Yesterday, I bought them some batting gloves from wal Mart, and they wore them. too cute. They thought they were something. Will have to get some pictures. And oh yes both girls are switch hitters. Any of you coaches looking for girls that can switch hit?

I had bought Zachary a glove and ball to, but he wasn't interested, he just wanted to run and run away. We are having to keep him in the fenced in yard. Got to get some locks, he was already trying to figure out how to open the gate. Bob bought him a swing to go on the swing set, put it up today. He was out there swinging up a storm.

Everybody was mad at me at church when I didn't bring Zachary tonight or the girls. But they were all three out of sorts and had thrown fits. So Bob and I had decided to give them down time, and play time. Ya got to do that every now and then. The question I have is when is Bob and my down time, play time?

Tuesday comments

2006-03-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

We made it through our appointments at The International Adoption Clinic .And then Kara made it through the floroscope at Children's Hospital. The team at clinic were very pleased with the boy. His looks healthy to them. They ran some bloodwork on him, which will tell more. The OT couldn't believe how quickly he was able to do the tasks she had him do. The family therapist felt like he must have attached to someone in his orphanage to be able to trasfer his attachment to us. But she says it will be a while before we see some real acting out by him. He already though has shown us some. She was concerned about how the girls are doing, and we discussed ways to help them through this adjustment.
The OT did an assessment of Kara, and what a change in what she was able to do when she was here the first time, and what she is able to do now. I was even amazed. She was less anxious than I have ever seen her. The therapist discussed with us that the testing we did on her showed she had PTSD, and how we could help her with it. She said though she could even see the difference in her than the last time we were there to see them.
Also, the Social workers, Karla and Amy from Lifeline came by to see us and welcome us home. Thanks to them. They reminded us that Lily, our wonderful Chinese liasion will be in Birmingham after going to Chicago. We plan to be there to see her, and see a lot of our friends. Hope you will be there too! Their website has the information if you want to know more.
Kara made it through her Floroscope appointment at Children's Hospital . Although all the way up there she was worried they were going to do the Nasal endoscopy again. It will take 2 more weeks before we hear from Dr. Grant when surgery is scheduled. Kara was still somewhat upset, but not that bad. My friend Doreen Duley, the Chaplain came and sat with us for awhile. She is very good at what she does. The Chaplain department also has a wonderful ministry at Children's Hospital. When Kara had her palette repaired they gave her a lion called Simon, the loving lion. Here is a link to their website where you can follow a link to Simon the Loving Lion program.
We headed home after getting the kids and yes the big kids some ice cream. They fell asleep though not much after leaving Birmingham.
Needless to say it was an exhausting long day for all.....I did plan to see another friend later, but it just did not work out.

Today both Katy and Kara headed back to school, I'll let you know how it all went later.

Monday Dr. Appointments

2006-03-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Today we have appointments at the International Adoption Clinic for Zach and Kara in the morning. Then this afternoon, Kara will have a floroscope at Children's hospital. This will identify more specifically what the surgeon needs to repair. I'll post about the visits later.

Sunday play

2006-03-27T06:54:00.000-06:00

It is so good to see these three playing and having a good time.

Sunday church clothes

2006-03-27T06:47:00.000-06:00

More Saturday Pics with Mike

2006-03-27T06:42:00.000-06:00

Saturday's dinner pics

2006-03-27T06:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday pics

2006-03-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

First Sunday home

2006-03-26T18:35:00.000-06:00

This was Zachary's first Sunday at home, and with all our Sunday happenings. I am so glad that I did not preach this Sunday, I just could not have done it. Katy came in the bedroom at 3am wide awake and hungry. She kept pestering me until I got up, fixed her something to eat and drink. After that I was a lost cause. Can't imagine why.

But Zachary did great at church. Stayed with me during Sunday school. Handled first part of worship really well. The nursery worker told me he was the best child during their time in there. And of course he won everybody over.

Stan Jones, a Judge in Gwinett County, GA, preached in my place. He is the son of one of our members, and plans to retire to our area. He is also very active in his home church in Lawrenceville. He told the church he was not a preacher, and a great deal of respect for those who are trained to do so, and stand in the pulpit. He said instead he was going to speak. Well, I don't care which way he was going to do it, he did a great job. And I even stayed awake! The sermon series for lent is on the 7 deadly sins, and his topic was the sin of sloth. Boy did I feel convicted. And he was able to say something that a preacher could maybe not say, or be heard if they did. Thanks Stan Jones. I sure appreciate those who preached for me while I was gone.

After church we went to eat at the Hong Kong King Buffet. It was great as usual, and they all put away the food. The owners were so glad to see us back. The moved to the Los Angeles, from Shanghai originally. They recently moved to Roanoke and opened their restaurant here. They really love being here, and they are doing a good business. It is not as greasy as some Chinese restaurants that cater to the American palette. They were cooing over Zachary and the girls.

Abi

A fun Saturday

2006-03-25T21:49:00.000-06:00

Today was a fun day or no school day as the girls call it. Kara had a girl scout fun day up at Camp Cottaquilla, north of Anniston. So Mom went with her. Now mom thought she would just get to sit or stand around and watch. But oh no, they had the adults involved. She learned one thing, she is truly out of shape hiking round that place told her so. But Kara had a lot of fun. And she met an adopted Chinese girl, Elizabeth, age 8, who is also a girl scout. I think the most fun that Kara had was dancing to 50's music with mommy! Someone else took that picture and when we get it I'll post it.
But I do have a picture of Kara getting her face painted.

Bob spent the day with Zachary and Katy, which they enourmously liked. They ran into just about everybody at the local Wal Mart. So far Zachary has charmed himself into everybody's heart.

Then tonight, a friend of ours stopped by to visit. The girls just adore him, Mikey, well Zachary hit it off with Mikey too. We took Mikey to supper with us at the local resturaunt, the Bison Barn. They got into taking pictures, being silly, and having fun. Zachary is being Southernized-Americanized, he had hot dog, some of mom's chicken fingers, and some fries. I am posting some pictures from that too.

So hang onto your seat and here we go with some pictures of our fun Saturday: Well I wrote this thinking I could easily upload the pictures to Blogger, but no luck. I'll post them later.

Bedtime for Boys and Girls

2006-03-23T21:11:00.000-06:00

Sleepytime, and bedtime for boys and girls.
They are all in the rocking chair with their dad.
They all fell asleep, even dad.
While mom is blogging away.
Yes, they are sharing a bedroom for now,
and yes it is pink, don't make anything of it.
He slept in a room with lots of other kids,
so to make him comfortable,
we put them all in one room,
and moved the toys to the other room.
And yes, he did put one of the girl's veils on his face,
he just adores and idolizes his sisters!
But don't make anything of that either.
He is all boy, and a USA citizen boy at that.
Now shush and go to sleep, sleeptime mom!

Forever Home, Forever Family, Forever Journey

2006-03-23T20:58:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are at home. We are all jet lagged, dazed, and tired. But this little guy walked into our hearts and into our home like he had always been there. He was a little scared of the dogs, but they were so excited to see us they were jumping everywhere. He loved the kitties, meow-meows as he called them. He got to playing right away. He found the trike and took off on it, making the siren sounds. Hope he sleeps a little better tonight than last night, but I know it will take some time. He does like his bed here as you can see in the picture. Already speaking in English some phrases, quicker than Kara. He is just so happy. But he has also caught a cold, not surprising, and so tonight he did not feel as well. But he still clowned around. We may be back from our journey to China, but now we embark on a lifelong journey with Zachary. I will be updating this with news, adventures, pictures, etc from that lifelong journey, so don't go away. Please keep checking back with us.

China Boy All Boy

2006-03-23T20:52:00.000-06:00

Pictures from China

2006-03-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from the last days in China. They really look like China dolls don't they?

China Time vs Us time

2006-03-23T03:34:00.000-06:00

Guess who woke us up at 3:30am after we all got to bed at 10:30pm. Yes, its someone who has lived on China time. And boy once he was up, we were up and I do mean up. It wasn't long until he was pestering the girls. He really has Katy's number, but then they also play the best together. Kara just stays clear, hasn't decided she wants to play with him. And me, I just try to understand what he says. He did actually try to share his peanuts with the girls. But they didn't understand.

I Kiss the Ground you Walk on

2006-03-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

We are here in Atlanta. The trip started fine in Guangzhou, although really really early. But then the disaster began in Hong Kong. Even though we had confirmed our flight and seats, they had none for us except those scattered throught out the plane when we got to Hong Kong Continental Transfer desk. I do not know how we kept our calm. Although I did start praying. They even made us wait to the side while they tried to find us some, and continue to give others their boarding passes and seats. What is wrong with this picture? When I came over they were still trying to offer us the scattered seats. I was ready to say either you fix the problem you created or get us seats all together on the next flight. Finally they got us two and three. Do you know we boarded when it was right at time to close the gates. I was not a happy camper. The CEO is not going to like the letter he gets from me. The person at the gate then said she would get us seats all together on the Atlanta flight. That was a joke, if anything it was worse. It was 2 and 2 and 1. I was really livid then. It is not going to be a nice letter. Father forgive me for I have sinned.
But I will say I am glad to be in Atlanta, and will be more glad to be home all together. The kids are tired and so are we. We are beyond exhaustion. You just cannot sleep on the planes.
Abi

Goodbye to China

2006-03-21T05:08:00.000-06:00

We are leaving in the morning so we bid China goodbye. I have really enjoyed being here but it is time to go. You won't be hearing from us for awhile. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.
We'll see you on the other side.

Almost home

2006-03-20T18:09:00.000-06:00

We are almost home. We are counting down now. Today we get Zachary's VISA and do the swearing in. Tonight we pack. Tomorrow we leave o' dark thirty in the morning for the airport. The plane then flies with or without us at 9:30am. The kids are starting to get anxious.

The Boat Ride

2006-03-20T17:56:00.000-06:00

Here we are on the boat ride. And yes it was a dinner cruise. They warned us against the pig's feet, and some of the other foods. I did eat the rabbit, the veggies and some other items. It was deliciosos as the girls would say. But they only ate the rice and cookies. The girls did enjoy it after all the fuss they made to not go.

The Guangzhou skyline from the boat...

2006-03-20T17:49:00.000-06:00

yesterday

2006-03-20T17:34:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures yesterday.
One is playing in the park. This is a sculpture of the swan in the park. You just don't see how wet the kids' clothes were from stomping in mud puddles.

There is one of the girls wearing the white robes. They called themselves the bad girls. Cute uh.

The other is of the kids' with their cell phones answering all your telephone calls! This resolved his playing with our cell phones and the hotel phone.

Monday night in China

2006-03-20T03:07:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody we did stay here today, and it turned out to be the right gut choice. He had a temper tantrum over dad saying no to you. This turned into a crying spell. It was time. After that he has calmed down and be so much better easier to work with less testy. We also played in the mud puddles after lunch. It rained here and is been sprinkling all day long. We did go shopping here on the island. The girls had seen some dresses that they wanted to try on, and had begging for several days now. So we bought dresses, chinese outfits, shirt and a pair of pants. And oh yes we bought some play cell phones. The boy was playing with our cell phones and the hotel phone. He is happy now with his own phone. The girls have their's too. The only thing I can say is that it is awfully noisey in here now.
Tonight we go for a Boat ride on the river. The girls kept saying they did not want to go, they were afraid they would fall in the river. Mom had the final say, and we are going. I don't know what got into the girls, last time they really enjoyed it, and they love the boat at home.

Its Monday morning in China

2006-03-19T17:51:00.000-06:00

Today is a big choice; Shopping with Lily which is always and adventure, or Staying here to play. Which will I choose? M-m-m. I am leaning toward staying here and playing with the kids to keep the attaching process going. I am not going to take him in that loud crowded atmosphere at least I don't think.
Today Rebecca takes our paperwork to the consulate to go through it and make sure everything is right. They then will begin to issue his VISA. Tommorrow, we to get it and swear him in as a American Citizen. Yea. Then the next day we fly out 9:30 in the morning for our long trip home.
We'll be seeing our Wadley friends in a couple of days yea. Marty tell the dogs and cats we are almost home.

pictures from the zoo

2006-03-19T17:36:00.000-06:00

Marty and Virginia the Wolf picture is for you. I did get one of the wolves to communicate with me. The thought did occur to me, that it was interested in the little ones or didn't like the smell of cigarette smoke. A little thin, but beautiful none the less. The girls talked about the wolf reminding them of Tecumseh.

For my catchatters group the pictures of the big cats are for you. Too bad they were asleep. Well most of the animals were asleep. As you know you don't see manycats or dogs in China. But I have got to tell you we saw a lot in Benxi and Shenyang.

The mandatory red sofa picture

2006-03-19T03:59:00.000-06:00

Today we had required red sofa picture taken that every adopted family has made here. Here are the kids from our group. All of them have special needs. It is a unique group in that everyone of these kids came from a different province.

Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh my!

2006-03-19T03:56:00.000-06:00

Today we went to the zoo. Had a great time. The kids all of them enjoyed it. They are trying to make improvements at the zoo as well. This time it wasn't so hot as it was when we got Kara and more of the animals were out and about. But the best part was the amusement park. Here are the future drivers of America!

Dinner at Lucy's

2006-03-19T03:51:00.000-06:00

Here we are at dinner at Lucy's. Zachary went absolutely wild before the food came. Turned out he was really hungry. How else was he going to tell us if he does not speak english and we don't speak chinese. Although I am working harder on some of the words. But I can tell you this, he ate my french fries, some of Kara's noodles and just about all of his fried noodles with chicken.

More play time

2006-03-19T03:23:00.000-06:00

I am telling you the play room is worth its weight in gold! While dad was filling out the paperwork for the consulate, mom took us to the play room. Boy did we have a ball, and met a lot of other kids being adopted. Something unusual this time is there are more special needs children being adopted. Yea! These kids will now really have a chance!

Pretty umbrellas

2006-03-18T06:10:00.000-06:00

On the way back from the medical exam we stopped to get some shorts that fit for Zachary. The girls had been begging for umbrellas. They found these at the same store, and of course brother had to have one too.

Playtime again

2006-03-18T06:05:00.000-06:00

The sister act

2006-03-18T05:58:00.000-06:00

Here are Katy and Kara helping add to the noise of the medical exam area or trying to help entertain, I am not sure which. I do know they liked the different noise makers. They did help some as well.

The Medical exam

2006-03-18T05:48:00.000-06:00

No one likes a medical exam. But how would you like it if you were in the room with a bunch of screaming babies and kids? It is a chaotic mess. It usually doesn't take long, and there is usually not a long wait. But this time the group in front of us had 30 families! It was a long noisey exhausting wait. The girls and the boy were scared. The only time the Zachary cried was when the Dr. made him take his clothes off. Then he cried. Poor baby.

Playing away

2006-03-18T05:38:00.000-06:00

Here they are playing in the play room in the White Swan. Sponsored by Mattel. It is a God Send to parents. Thank you to Mattel and all of you who have bought Mattel toys.

Byebye Shenyang

2006-03-18T05:32:00.000-06:00

These are our goodbye pictures from ShenYang. Bye to the hotel. Bye to Amanda. Bye to the cold. Bye to what was home for Zachary

Shangrila Trader's hotel

2006-03-18T01:51:00.000-06:00

Hi,

Just wanted to show you these. We got to know the General Manager of the hotel. And when we left the girls gave him a gift. The PR person took these pictures of us and emailed them to us. Thought you would like to see them. They told us they had never seen him like this. What charm my little ones have.

White Swan

2006-03-17T17:44:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are at the White Swan. Got in at 4 o'clock at the airport. Lilly met us, and got us through the huge airport although she almost forgot one floor. It does take a quite awhile to get here. I won't bore you with pictures of the White Swan unless you want me to.
Took our laundry to Ann at the China Doll. The kids had to get panda bears. Katy had one already and Kara has been wanting one ever since. After talking with Ann and her sister, we went to eat at Lucy's, good food of different varities, especially American and Mexican. I had an Encilada that was so gooood. So glad to be here. And as one of the commenters says, you do get more relaxed because it is warmer, more relaxed, more adoptee families.
Will post more later, more pictures. We go today to do the medical.
Thats all for now.

What more pictures

2006-03-16T04:05:00.000-06:00

Oh good grief... that royal family loves to have their pictures made don't they.
Even if it is their backside. Ha!

More of the Royal family

2006-03-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

It just doesn't get any better then this....except every room was freezing. Don't believe I'll stay here tonight. No wonder they moved the imperial palace down to Beijing.

More of the Wilke dynasty

2006-03-16T03:56:00.000-06:00

The royal children or at least they think they are royal.

The Imperial Family of House of Wilke

2006-03-16T03:51:00.000-06:00

These trees are over 300 year old trees and are protected. The children are not 3oo years old and are protected. They were playing hide and seek with Amanda

Last night in Shenyang

2006-03-16T03:38:00.000-06:00

We are waiting for Amanda to bring the final paperwork and passport for Zachary.
The kids have been absolutely wild, loud and wilder. Zachary is feeling his freedom and testing the limits. His sisters are not helping him slow down, they are doing the exact opposite of speeding him up. It is kind of hard to be stuck inside a small hotel room, and when you go out it is freezing cold. But today we found a little play area in another KFC. And boy did they play, but it did not slow them down.
Went this morning to the imperial palace here in ShenYang. Amanda knew a lot of the history which she filled us in on. There were some spaces the kids could run, and boy did they. This boy has muscular legs, he was running and jumping. It is obvious he got to get outside and play at his orphanage, they have a playground there. After the palace the kids were tired and hungry, so we came back and went to the KFC.
We are packing for our flight out tomorrow morning. You probably won't hear anything from us until we are in Guangzhou. At least the temperature won't be so freezing. And there are parks near by. I am myself ready to get there.
I told Bob I might could live here, if I had all the niceties near by. After awhile I would probably be speaking and understanding the language so it would be easier. But I sure miss my friends, family, my cats and dogs, my good ole American food, my church, my freedoms, and comforts of home.

Benxi Hospital

2006-03-15T17:07:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post this picture. This is where he was left. The three people in the picture are as follows, the male director, the female director(red blouse) and the teacher(pink top).

Benxi

2006-03-15T04:28:00.000-06:00

Wow what an awesome-ful day. So glad we went to Benxi to see the Orphanage. For one thing our suitcases are now lighter having taken all the gifts for the Orphanage to them. Secondly we got to see where he has been living all this time. Third we got to eat this huge meal of all kinds of dishes, but especially some really good dumplings. Fourth we got to go see the Benxi water cave, the world’s longest water cave.

Zachary was quiet the whole time at the orphanage except when he sang and danced, and recited his poetry, and when they asked him questions. They did ask him how every thing was going, and he told them well. He asked him if he liked his mom and dad, and he said he did. They asked him if he wanted to come back to the orphanage or go live with us, and he told them he wanted to go with us. Yea, and good for him. He stuck close by me most of the time.

The Director has painted murals on the walls which makes them look more colorful and less stark. He got along with Bob, being that he is former military and so is Bob.

They also took us to see where he was left as an infant, and found. He was left at the door of the Benxi Clinic, which is the picture of the building with the Directors and teacher standing outside. He spent two days, and then he went to the orphanage.

Then we went to see the cave. You actually walked some, and then road a boat. It was beautiful to see what nature has made and is still making. The girls really enjoyed it. Not sure about him. I will say this it was freezing outside and inside. A lot of wind coming off the mountains. There was still ice and snow on the ground. Had to be careful walking in some spots.

We didn’t get any outside pictures anywhere because it was so windy and cold.

Kara was the one we had problems with, and well it is still going on. She wants to see her bed in her orphanage which is actually below Guangzhou, and once she gets something in her mind, she can really be stubborn, and not let it go.

He is so happy to be with us, he is really letting go now. He has a great laugh! And we are so glad he is with us.

I wish I could respond to all the emails and comments. It is so meaningful to have your prayers and support and encouragement. It means so much to us.
When I can, and when we get back we will comment them as we can. God bless you all.

Pictures from last night

2006-03-15T03:53:00.000-06:00

Happy ice cream from KFC. Down time in the hotel room.

Orphanage shots

2006-03-15T03:48:00.000-06:00

This is the bed he was in when he was there.

pictures

2006-03-15T03:41:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from today inside the orphanage. The boys sang and danced for us. The Zachary repeated a poem. Zachary has the blue jacket on.

Headed to Benxi

2006-03-14T16:18:00.000-06:00

Today,
we are headed to Benxi to tour the orphanage. Not sure how this will go. He was not to happy about yesterday seeing the director and teacher again. I remember that Kara did not like going back to her orphanage although she put on a face about it. So we will see. Katy was too young
We went walking most of the afternoon. Was able to get daddy's glasses fixed, this is the 2nd trip to China that he has broken a piece of his frames. Again got a lot of stares, a couple of smiles and thumbs up. Ate supper at Kentucky Fried. Yea, the manager spoke English, so no problem ordering. And the kids had to have ice cream. Had a bit of a problem with him spitting at Katy. We could not get him to stop by saying no, nor did Bob getting between him and the girls stop it. So we had to take some extreme measure, which he got really upset at, but no more spitting. He calmed down after we held him, and soothed him. Got to find out the Chinese words for stop spitting. And if that is all we have with him, that is nothing compared to what we went through with Kara when we got her.
Kara had a big meltdown too, but with listening, talking, soothing, holding, and loving she got through that too. Whew a lot of emotional energy going out.

Pictures to come later can't get Blogger to cooperate

Added Pictures

2006-03-14T02:28:00.000-06:00

Cookies

2006-03-13T21:35:00.000-06:00

The manager just sent cookies up to us, what a nice surprise. And guess who grabbed all the cookies. The first two don't count, and no it was not me.

Morning business

2006-03-13T21:21:00.000-06:00

The pictures are of him with us this morning. He really slept well. The girls woke up early ready to play, and he was too. Much more active today, being a boy into everything. The breakfast buffet really got his attention, but he didn’t try to eat everything in spite of the possibility. After breakfast we took off to the provincial office to finish all the paperwork here to adopt him. While we got there he got really quite and almost had tears in his eyes. His teacher thought he might be sick and unhappy. But it turned out that he wasn’t. When he got back in the van with us he was all smiles, busy and talkative. Just as I thought he was afraid that he was going to have to go back to the orphanage and that this was all a dream. He fell asleep in his Ba Ba’s arms (daddy’s) the rest of the way back. I don’t blame him, it seems like this morning we were in the van from here to there. But boy has he been Mr. active in the hotel room. He is playing with the little cars and ball that I bought him. Well guys as of 10am China time, we have adopted him, and he is ours! He is happy and we are happy! I'll post pictures later, Blogger seems to not want to upload pcitures from my computer today.

2006-03-13T16:16:00.000-06:00

Zachary Pictures

2006-03-13T07:22:00.000-06:00

I am still having trouble uploading. Boy don't you know from China to America.

In the first picture is Amanda, our guide, playing ball with the kids.

The second picture is at the infamous McDonalds.

The third well it speaks for itself don't you think. Go Atlanta!

more pictures

2006-03-13T07:10:00.000-06:00

Aren't sure if the others pictures posted. Can't see the blog. Hope they are up.
The last one was actually the first picture taken of Zachary and I.
Abi

We have Zachary!

2006-03-13T03:41:00.000-06:00

Well after breakfast, Amanda, our guide, took us to get Zachary. We got there before he did, so we had a little time to visit. Another little boy was there waiting on his adoptive parents. Poor guy started crying the minute we walked in. But our super girls were to the rescue, and after a while the three were playing away. We were there about 20 minutes or so when the orphanage director and teacher came in with him. Oh is he beautiful to see. He is not crying and comes right to me. I take him in my arms, and hold him in my lap. The girls are all excited as we are. They are taking pictures with their cameras. He is a little scared and unsure, but he is happy. We have to also sign some papers. He is a little thing, not heavy at all, short, and small. Seems healthy though. They have let his hair grow out some. But without a doubt we know who he is, and he seems to know who we are. Momma is very smart and has packed a ball and some hot wheel cars for him. They are a big hit. We have to go get his passport picture made, and our family photo made. He is a good boy driving around and while there. He is taking it all in. Very curious and quick learner. He loves his sisters cameras. We go back to our hotel with the Director, teacher and guide. We fill out more paperwork, and hand over some big bucks. Tomorrow we go through the formal adoption proceedings. The girls and him are playing ball in the room. Oh yes, Amanda has brought some marshmallows and gummi bears for him. He really like them, he has a bit of a sweet tooth. After they left we headed over to none other then McDonalds to eat. And boy did he eat, he really put it away. Came home and napped, surprisingly, he did nap, slept next to Bob. We are happy, he is happy. He is with us now! yea!

Sorry I don't have photos yet, I am having a little trouble with the camera and the computer. Will try to get it fixed today. And oh yes, the IT guy came up today and hooked us up to their DSL, we have internet.

Its Sunday

2006-03-13T03:38:00.000-06:00

The next morning, Sunday, I am awakened by a little girl’s voice shoving a colored picture in my face saying here mom this is for you. I am not awake. I tell her I will wake up as soon as the coffee is ready. And I do, 8 o’clock in the morning, I don’t remember how long it’s been that I have slept that late. Poor Kara had bad dreams the night before and is having a hard time waking up. Got to breakfast. What a breakfast buffet. Wow awesome. The chief steward has taken up with us and the girls, he speaks a little English. Reminds us to dress warmly as it is freezing out there. We get our coats, gloves and hats together and go outside, and head where? We head to Wal-Mart which is 2 blocks down from the hotel. Can you believe it? The have tunnels that go under the street corners, and a mall under the street. We like this, because it is warm, and safe. Although it was very refreshing to have the cold blasts on our cheeks. We caused quite a stir in Wal-Mart, the only non-Asians in there, and having two Asian daughters. It is a superwalmart so of course we have to explore everything. Got a few items we needed, and couldn’t find sweetener, bob forgot to pack. But that’s okay. Came back and rested well more like slept, we are not adjusted to the time change. Then woke up late. We were going to go out to walk again, but that didn’t happen. Dad has taken the girls down to eat, and so I am putting this together to get on the internet. And wouldn’t you know it, now the girls have come back hyper active, and certainly not ready for bed. But I am, because we get up early in the morning to get our little one. I can not wait. After all that’s what this trip is all about. The girls are ready too. Pray for us as we get him, and begin the attaching process. Hope to have pictures for you as well.

Around the world in 24 hours

2006-03-13T03:17:00.000-06:00

Forgive the grammar and spelling. We spent 24 hours traveling from Atlanta to Shanyang. Full flights, full airplanes. It sure did help to spend the night in Atlanta. Then the marathon flying began the next morning. It was a pretty good flight from Atlanta to Newark airport. We met a woman on the plane from Atlanta who was going by herself to adopt a little boy. Could not imagine going by myself. But she hooked up with us and followed us through NewarkÂs maze. We met the North Georgia College Softball team that was going to a tournament in Hawaii, they loved the girls. One of the girl's boyfriend played Baseball for Southern Union in Wadley. She could not believe it that we were from Wadley, and of course we could not believe someone knew something about Wadley.
As the girls would say, "thatÂs a big plane mom," that we flew from Newark to Beijing. The girls were tired and fell asleep for awhile on that flight, but then woke up and were their active selves. It was hard to sleep all the noise, the literally straight back chairs, the kids. I got a crick in my neck trying to sleep some. Food and service was pretty good. The stewardesses and stewards loved the girls. The woman behind us was going to China to adopt a boy also. The family in front of us were going to adopt a baby girl. The family next to us, was returning from the US from her dad's funeral. There were some students from Emory taking their Spring break to China. We were 12 1/2 hours in the air flying over the pole. Believe it or not, the girls were great! We got through Beijing and its maze, all the government checkpoints with no problem. It helped that we had been there before. The guy that helped get our luggage and cart it over was helpful also, expedited things. We went to one of the old areas of the airport to catch our flight to Shenyang. Had to wait for sometime along with others, and then they would bus you out to your plane. The girls found a friend to play with, and boy did they have fun. I will be posting a picture of the three playing together later. We met a Luthern Minister from Norway, who grew up in China during WW2, and now was over their Seminaries in China. Wow, what a story we learned in a brief time from him. His daughter was with him, she teaches Marriage and Family therapy at the Seminary, and has translated a marriage and family book into Chinese to use for teaching. Boy was it cold in Beijing, which gave us an idea of how cold it was going to be in Shenyang. We all fell asleep on the flight to Shenyang. The girls were totally out, didnÂt wake when they brought around a sandwich, and didnÂt wake when we landed. We had to really work to get them up. It was around 8:30pm when we got there. We were met by our driver and guide who then took us to the airport. We had so many luggages; the back would not shut and stay shut. He had to stop several times to try to slam it shut. The van was an older van and sounded it, and acted it. We were going really slowly while the other vehicles were whizzing around us. And when he would start out from a stop light, it would sputter and stop and then lurch forward. WasnÂt sure what was going to happen. It sure seems like there is more honking here then in Beijing and Guangzhou or I just am not remembering things right. Folks I tried to hook up the computer to post the first night, but had the wrong converter and wire for the DSL port. So that is why you get this long note now. After many attempts, I quit, and crashed in the bed absolutely exhausted as everyone was. Good night.

traveling with children

2006-03-09T09:15:00.000-06:00

You know, I thought packing to go get Katy was hard, because we had never had a baby before. I had a friend come help me pack.
I thought it was hard to pack for two four year olds, when one was actually still in 2ts and 3ts, and didn't know what size the four year old, Kara, was.
But Please those trials have nothing to compare to getting ready for this trip. I have a 5 year old almost 6, Kara, who is in 4ts and 5s. Katy, age 5, is in mainly 4s. And again we don't know what size Zachary is, although we got a hint from Lisa, who adopted the little girl from the same orphanage. But the other thing is the weather. It is freezing in Shen Yang, and warm in Guang Zhou. Arrgh. I am losing my mind. I don't even know what to pack for me.

And I still have the last minute things to finish for church. Pray for me. Pray for Bob. Pray for the kids.
Abi

10-9-8-

2006-03-08T23:17:00.000-06:00

Blast Off!!
This is it everybody. We are out of here. The living room is a mess right now with suitcases, clothes, gifts, you name it. My mind is a blur. But in the morning it is all going in the car to Atlanta, and from there on to China. Going to get us that sweet little boy. YEA!

It's getting closer

2006-03-07T18:25:00.000-06:00

Well, we got the room ready for the little boy. Boy it was work to get all the furniture moved around. "Honey, I thought we weren't moving anytime soon."
A member of the church lent us a big suitcase. So I think we are going to make it okay. We will be leaving some of the items for the children at the orphanage, and giving gifts to other persons. Hopefully we won't be buying so many other things, since we have don't that already. Would like to get the kids some Chinese outfits.
We are almost there, ready or not, and I have a feeling it is going to be or not.
But we did find out there is a Wal Mart in Shen Yang. Go figure. Actually there are two. So if we forgot something, Wally world here we come. How do you say that in Chinese? Wonder if they got the same things we have here in our little ole Wal Mart? I bet they don't have the hunting items we have.

Counting down

2006-03-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

Four more days and we will have blast off. Today all the money was wired to China to pay for everything. Today we are broke. I am still arranging things in order to go. Tomorrow will work harder on the packing. We have to plan for 2 climates, one very cold, and the other warm during the day. The girls are ready to go now. Their dance teacher Miss Vicky is back from getting her baby in China. And she taught dance the day after getting back. Boy the jet lag gets me too much along with the time change. But the girls were glad to see her.

THE WHITE SWAN

2006-03-04T12:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, Here is the hotel we are staying at in Guangzhou. It is THE Adoption Hotel. However, in the last years some families are choosing some of the other hotels. It was a good place to stay because you were virtually next to the consulate. However the consulate has moved out to the new airport. So I am guessing in the future the place to stay will change to a newer hotel out by the airport. But guess what Frommer says about this really fine hotel; "This was one of China's first luxury hotels (1982) -- a labyrinthine monster whose location on Shamiàn Island and views over the Pearl River make it perennially popular. The slightly tacky lobby features a waterfall and fish-stocked pools crossed by bridges. Former guests include Queen Elizabeth II and former U.S. president George Bush, Sr. Many agencies organizing adoptions use the White Swan: Every floor is fully kitted with diaper service, parents get a free toy, and the hotel goes quiet at nap time." At least Foder has something nice to say about the White Swan: The huge luxury complex has landscaped gardens, two pools, a jogging track, and a separate gym and spa. Its restaurants are second to none; the windows of the elegant lobby bar and coffee shop frame the panorama of river traffic. Even if you don't stay here, visit the lobby and take a look at the spectacular indoor waterfall." Hey, just call us King Bob and President Abi Wilke!

Shenyang hotel

2006-03-04T11:51:00.000-06:00

Here is the hotel we are staying at in Shenyang. It is called the Shangrila Trader's Hotel. You ought to read what Frommer says about it: "What this jungle-themed Shangri-La-managed four-star lacks in amenities, it makes up for with stellar service and a convenient location in the heart of the Tàiyuán Jie shopping area (within walking distance of Shenyáng Zhàn). Standard rooms are large and fully equipped, but bathrooms are on the small side."
Okay now here are the ammenities list: "complimentary buffet breakfast, Shang Place (Cantonese-style and regional Northeastern cuisine), Safari Bar, Traders Club Lounge, and health club with fitness center, spa tub, steam bath, and sauna. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, concierge assistance, a paid parking area, 24-hour front desk service, a business center, and valet laundry service.
All rooms feature high-speed Internet access, minibars, coffeemakers, complimentary bottled water, evening turndown service, bathroom telephones, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards (on request), sewing kits, voicemail, safes, and satellite TV."

What is Frommer thinking? It sure beats the Wilke Bed and Breakfast in Wadley, Al. In fact everytime I have come back I find myself wondering where the hotel workers are who make my bed, clean the room, have the meals ready, etc. Instead it is back to well you know. It reminds me a little from where we stayed in Beijing. This should make it an interesting place to stay with three kids! especially with the jungle theme.

Tickets

2006-03-04T06:24:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody,

We got our tickets to go to China and back. Whoa does it cost when you add two kids.
Our flight from Shen Yang down to Guang Zhou costs about as much as our flight over. But then you add another kid to that flight. Can't wait. Spending the night on the 9th in Atlanta, flying out early in the morning to Newark, and from Newark to Beijing to Shenyang. I'm putting leashes on the kids in the airports. And I'm crashing in Shenyang. Got a day to recover before we get the little boy. And believe me we are all going to need it, that time change and jet lag can really get you.

Ash Wednesday Thoughts

2006-03-01T06:24:00.000-06:00

Today is the beginning of lent. I go to a Methodist church and well, am married to a Methodist minister. She brought the Ash Wednesday service with its ritual of disposition of ashes to this little church and town. It has become a meaningful service for all here. The ashes remind us that we come from dust and to dust we return. It reminds me of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. The ashes remind me of rising from the ashes. As I think of that I think of Zachary who will be in a sense rising from the ashes to new life here with us. My life was in the ashes at one time, and God brought me out of the ashes to new life. I pray that my life reflects to Zachary and my girls how God can love them, care about them, and is making all things new. That with God there is always a chance with the power of his holy spirit and grace in our lives. I pray for all the children little and big that they may know that. (Okay the truth be known, my wife wrote this with me and Zachary in mind.)

Maps, Maps, and Maps

2006-02-28T06:33:00.000-06:00

Over to the top right is a map of China. We fly into Beijing and then go to the northeast Province near North Korea above Beijing. And then go back South to Guong Dong province to Guong Zhou.
This is a map of Liaoning, so you can see where Shenyang is. This is where we get our son, Zachary. We have to be there by March 12. No problem!
(Both these maps can be clicked to take you to the original website with a larger view.)

consulate appointment

2006-02-27T09:14:00.000-06:00

It's here! The consulate appointment is on March 20. So now we are waiting for the itinerary for China, and we can make our flight plans. We are going to China! We are going to China! Can't wait.

Now to rearrange all the appointments, commitments and work. Oh boy this should be fun!

Yea, Zachary we are not that far away now.

The Dreaded Dragon Lair

2006-02-26T16:37:00.000-06:00

Well,
Yesterday we were able to accomplish a lot in the girl's room. We faced the mighty dragon and went into its dreaded lair; the closet. After mastering each one of its traps, whatever was lying around, we were able to get to the floor. There is a floor! We tamed the mighty dragon bringing it to its knees by the amount of trash we brought out, clothes they had outgrown, toys they no longer played with, candy wrappers. What are the candy wrappers doing in there? m-m-m.
Now, you would thinkg that today would go smoother in the girl's room. Instead the baby dragons have spread their toys, clothes, books, hair-bows, you name it everywhere, you can't get in there at all. I think the baby dragons are worse than the big dragon. As you can guess the girls are our baby dragons, as they were both born in the year of the dragon. Lily, our Chinese liason, warned us about the dragon in each of them. Lily, you were so right!
Where are we going to put the boy and his things? I have an idea if I can just get Abi to go along with me....."Honey, it will only be for a little while, until he gets used to being here."

Getting Ready

2006-02-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday and today,
We are spending getting ready for Zachary coming home with his forever family. That means sorting through the clothes that Mom bought him months ago when we first thought we were going. Only we can't find where she put them all. MOM you have got to stop hiding things that you can't remember where you have hid them!
And it means getting his room ready for him, which means mom and dad moving out of their room into the back room, and setting up his bed and things. Oh boy this could prove to be interesting. Good thing it is another rainy day in Alabama.
In the meantime, I think I'll sit here with the girls on my lap watching the Saturday morning cartoons. Mom already fixed the coffee, and she is talking about the cinnamon roles for breakfast. M-M-M good. Can life get any better?
Yep, get the little boy home. "Hey, mom, you think you can move that dresser by yourself, I can't move, the girls are on my lap."

Our pictures

2006-02-24T17:37:00.000-06:00

And just so you will know. Here is the family. See I told you they were beautiful girls!

A little about Zachary

2006-02-24T17:18:00.000-06:00

Zachary lives presently at Benxi Number Two Welfare Institute, Liao Ning Province. His Chinese name is Dang Fu Qian which means a thousand blessings according to the translator. Two days after his birth he was abandoned on a table inside the nursing room of Benxi Steel Factory Headquarters and found by some of the workers who called the police for help. He is a healthy boy from all we have read, but he does have congenital cleft lip and palate. At fourteen months of age his cleft lip and palate was repaired surgically.

First pictures

2006-02-24T17:15:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the first pictures they sent us of Zachary.

Here he is:

2006-02-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

Here he is,
Isn't he a sweetie. I cannot wait for the face to face meeting with Zachary. He is such a little fellow for 3 yrs old almost 4.

Finally Going

2006-02-24T16:38:00.000-06:00

Well,
Here we are finally down to the wire of going to get Zachary. It seems like it has taken forever. And it has taken longer than usual, due to the interuption we had because of a possible job move. But at last our agency is saying that our Travel Approvals are here. They have Fed-xd us them to us. (I'll believe it when I see it!) They say that on either Monday or Tuesday we will be hearing about our exact travel dates once they make our consulate appointment. We cannot wait.
Hey Zachary Hang in there, the Wilke Calvary is coming to rescue you!
Oh no, now I have to pack, get the room ready, get the girls ready, arrange for a pet sitter, arrange things at work. Hey I may need the Calvary!