Wordless (Christmas Eve) Wednesday

Family Day 2008

We decided to spend Stephen's very first family day doing fun things together. The day started with a few photos on the beach and then lunch at a local Dave and Buster's type place. As soon as naps are over, we are off to bake a festive cake for our celebration and finish decorating for the Christmas season. The kids really enjoyed this little photos shoot of sorts..probably because it lasted all of ten minutes and they were off frolicking.

If I could freeze time in a bottle....

Four little pieces of my heart...just walking around.

Team Lucas

(Whose the lame-o that forgot to take off the shades in their haste?)

Happy Family Day, Stephen!!

Mustard Seed

Tomorrow, we will celebrate Stephen Isaiah JaeHo's very first "Family Day". Earlier this week we celebrated the first day we met and now, tomorrow is the anniversary of the day he joined our family forever in the city that he has since called home.

We have so many reasons to honor this day. I posted several photos on my facebook account that reflect on his then and now, but only this photo can capture what has really taken place inside his new family and in his tiny little life. You see, when we first were introduced to our little guy on paper, we were given over 40 pages of documentation that painted a fairly bleak future for his education, language skills and his learning. I was told that he has been tested over and over and consistently tested in the below average range. We refused to believe (naive, huh?) this until we could draw our own conclusions. You see, I serve a mighty God, and for those of you who know what this journey was like for our family, you can understand what I knew to be true about my Abba father: He is good and He can be trusted. We stepped out and guess what?

One year almost to the day after arriving in our home, our little "slow learning, slow speaking" son said: "Momma, can I talk to you for a minute? Can I write my name? You help me?", and this is what he did for the very first time with no assistance from his momma except to call out each letter as he penned them.

That my friends, says "S-T-E-P-H-E-N". You might have to look, but they are all there.

As for this little 4 year old's future, I am just gonna trust in a faithful God.

Happy Family Day, Stevo!

Parades, Charades and a day of giving thanks.

Thankgiving day with all of the grandchildren was wonderfully noisy with the sounds of laughter and horse-play. We tried to remember to be thankful for the mayhem that was at times in full swing. Certainly, we were thankful to have each family present and at least one new face this year. We, as Americans are blessed beyond measure to have so much more than we could possibly need. I don't ever want to take basic freedoms for granted..they come at too high of a price.

Anna Claire, Austyn, Meme, Landon, Jake, Stephen, Katie, Wilson and, of course, Chaya snuck in.

Meme has more years of wisdom than all of the ages of the great grandchildren added together. That is amazing to me. We love you Meez.

I still cannot figure out how ALL of the men keep avoiding these photo-ops. Hmmmmm...perhaps they are being tipped off.

(Edited 12/10/08 to add: apparently when this was originally written, I, completely by accident, omitted my very handsome and wonderful nephew Ethan's name. So sorry, bros.)

Bertha, and all her peeps (sorry, family joke). This photo makes me think of Fried Green Tomatoes, Steele Magnolias or something along those lines. Anyone else thinkin' "The mean ol' Weezer..." or "Towanda!!" ?

After dinner dance competition begins...I feel certain dancing with the stars will be contacting one or more of these cousins. Stay tuned...

My cousin's son Jake introduced Wilson to Linkin Park (sp?) and the boys were working hard on the back porch to throw some finesse on the dance floor. Adorable, fer shizzle. No phone calls or letters please if that music is in poor taste...

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Thanksgiving parade: Eastern NC style

No day is complete without a shot with the cow. Chik-fil-a was certainly rockin' the hot chocolate on this freezin' cold morning (Ok, cold for NC. All you northerners would have been sportin' a wind breaker).


Stephen LOVED the firetrucks...they were loud enough to break the sound barrier at times. This one in particular can be spotted on any given weekday in a variety of fast food parking lots. One day I am going to ask them to let him climb aboard and watch him beam!!

Oorah! Semper Fidelis, Marines.

This is the face of misery when you just refused to put on anything but a t-shirt under your coat and now you are KICKING yourself in the 4 year old butt for being so hard-headed before you really ever knew what a parade was in the first place. LOL.

Broadway comes to the 'Hood

Places everyone!

The Camel and the Owl

Over the past few weeks our girls have worked very hard preparing for a neighborhood Christmas play. Tonight was opening night and my, what a fantastic performance! Each of the children represented some type of animal that was learning about the birth of a king who was sure to not reject anyone who came to him...even the stinky pig (Dickie did an amazing job with this role). The Christmas story was spoken so powerfully. Cute,cute. It sure helped to kick off the holiday season with the spreading of Christmas cheer. Bravo kiddos!

Thanks Cathy for working with the kids so very diligently and Leslie, thank you for opening your home each day.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Just wanted to give a shout out to my mom and dad on the 34th anniversary of the day they said "I do". We wish so badly we could celebrate this day with you and hope that you make it a day full of warm memories. MWAH!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Love you so very much,

Jon, Dawn, Austyn, Landon, Wilson and Stephen

Never too old to be "worn".

I believe I've finally figured out why the children in 3rd world cultures are so seemingly mild mannered and never appear to get into too much mischief (beyond the obvious, which is merely survival). Who could stir up trouble when you are tied like a monkey to your mom!

Over the past few days, our little darlin' has been out of sorts and a little charged up, to say the least. During one of his spazoid episodes, I just happened to pull him up into my lap and hold him sort of like a pretzel. To this, he smiled and said "Now, I am happy". Bingo! He needed a little mommy time and I knew just how to give it to him. We dug out the old wrap given to me by a dear friend while I was in India (thanks Mawte) and hooked him right up.

Problem solved. Who knew?

(Is this why a straight jacket is so effective for adults??)

Finding their way home from Africa.....

Have you ever wanted to get involved in the adoption process, but knew you were just not able to parent another child at this time? Well, here is a wonderful opportunity for you to be used mightily thru something that is very near and dear to the Lord's heart (adoption, of course!). On the other side of the world (Africa) there are two sweet little boys that have bi-lateral hearing impairments (totally deaf) and they are orphans. They attend a special school during the day, but have no one to tuck them in at night. Imagine for a moment what that must be like for these two young boys....

Good news. These little guys have a mom and a dad right here in the US who already love them and have done everything necessary to bring them home: home study, immigration papers, adoption papers, court proceedings, etc. Fortunately, they have managed to raise all of the adoption expenses but are down to the wire on their travel expenses (airplane tickets for 4,hotel, etc). They have one week to purchase these tickets through a travel agency and the total cost is $5300.00 (edited amount as of 10/30 is 4900.00). Would you consider helping this family be united? The way I see it, if 500 people gave just $10.00, they could be in Africa this time next week hugging those sweet boys and telling them they will never have to be cold or lonely or scared ever again. Is it worth it? You bet.

Anyway, if you are still reading this, then you must have that old familiar tuggin' on your heart strings and wonder how you can help. Here's how:

Go to this website:

www.Tidalcreek.net

and once you are there, you can go to the online giving section and enter

"Anderson adoption"

in the subject line when you give.

If that's too complicated or if just want to know more..feel free to email me and we

can work something out :-)

This sweet family attends our church and the dad is a United States Marine. Honestly, I can not wait to see these precious boys sitting in the front row with their new mommy and daddy, hearing the sermon through ASL (sign language) and learning about a BIG GOD who loves them so.....

Pray for them as them embark on this new journey together as a family of six. You will be surprised how good it feels to be a part of something SO much bigger than we can imagine.

Our legacy

One day last week I went into our daughter's (she wishes to remain anonymous) room to put something away and happened to notice this chart. She has always amazed me with her organizational skills and her need to plan, but this was just a bit over the top:

It just happens to be a full list of each one of her children (my future grandchildren) and where they will sleep in her "Jon and Kate Plus 8" style home. So, I am thrilled to think that one day I will get to finally meet all of them :-) Sarah, Lexy, Cole, Nate, Myly, Amanda, Laryn, Rose, Mady, Becca, Lily, Maia, Marin and Gracy. Aren't they just perfect already? It gets better. Her family will also be composed of children of her womb and children brought to her family through the miracle of adoption. So far, that will include daughters and sons from China, Vietnam and the Phillipines. Woohooo! I wonder if I will get to travel with her family or if I will stay behind to care for the other dumplins?!!

My mind is already racing ahead with her to thoughts of our holiday celebrations and family gatherings. What a wonderful memory we already have to look forward to....

I keep thinking of Exodus 20:6 where God says he will bless those who love Him to a thousand generations. WOW! With at least 14 grandchildren...think of the legacy we could leave behind?!

Plenty of motivation to press on when the going gets tough, huh?

GRANDCHILDREN? Who'd a thunk it?

Educational Roadtrip

A few nights ago, the girls and I piled into the car with the Murray's and headed to ECU to attend a campaign rally that featured the Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The "Pro-life hockey mom" addressing the Republican crowds

Read my lipstick: It was one of the most educational experiences of my life (don't laugh, I know that is not saying much!) . Amazingly, on some level, this seemed to open both Austyn and Landon's eyes as to exactly what was going on in our country's future. It is one thing to study about the presidential election, but a whole new story when those become living, breathing, speaking people right before your young eyes.

Young Republicans :-) Landon, Austyn, Helen and Joey

The next morning before Landon left for the 5th grade, she stopped me in the kitchen with the strangest look on her face. When pressed, she admitted that she had watched the news and was worried because John McCain's opponent was reported 4% ahead in the polls. I had to laugh. I assured her that one candidate will certainly be elected as president and we will just go on with life as usual no matter the outcome. Ack! Too much pressure for a ten year old, huh?

Random moments in time..

Landon and Stephen getting ready to eat daddy's birthday dinner: shrimp boil.

Stephen loves going to "my cool" (school).

Whoa. His coordination has really improved.

Why does this poor Black Drum's face remind me of the Tide-to-go commercial and the talking stain?? Wha-wha-wha-whawa wha..

Life is great when you have a buddy! Christian and Stephen try to make time to roam the roads each afternoon..thick as thieves they are.

You would think she would know by now not to play on a wet playground, especially with her sister and cousin who were looking for an opportunity to soak her. Lesson learned?

For this child I have prayed...

Introducing Seth Ryan Stanton!

This weekend we had he privilege of attending the dedication ceremony of my dear friends Brian and Mandy's new son. They have been praying and believing that God would be faithful and allow them to be called "Mommy and Daddy" one more time. Two weeks ago, a precious, brave young lady blessed Brian and Mandy through the miracle of adoption. He is perfect and they are absolutely head over heels in love with their new son. We are rejoicing with them as they celebrate this new addition to the family!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

THIRTeenager!

We are now officially the proud parents of a teenager. Jon and I have been bracing ourselves for quite some time expecting her to breakout into sarcasm and slam every door in the house any minute. So far, its quiet on the home front. We'll keep you posted. LOL.

Happy Birthday Austyn Nadine! What an amazing young lady you are turning out to be..

Sign of the times: everyone gathering around the computer to see the latest video on YouTube. Thankfully, it was just Bon Qui Qui and some Christian comedians they learned about from Mr. Wade (youth pastor). Nothing thrills my soul like the sound of my children laughing, and we get mighty tickled while watching Bon Qui Qui (will post later for those of you who have never viewed this little jewel).

Just another sign of the times: Austyn is sending a text message just before we serenade her with a round of "Happy Birthday". What is the deal with texting? Her phone sounds off at least a zillion times a day..what could be that important? I am certain there will be a new syndrome similar to Carpel Tunnel that is caused by excessive texting. Every young person in the continental US will show symptoms, I am convinced. I do love the new language that has evolved from this means of communication. OMG! Its gr8! I <3>? TTYL.

Taking a break from texting, dancing, singing and video taping the aforementioned activities (via cell phone, of course). There were definitely several future techies in attendance at her party.

We are so thankful that Austyn has such a good group of girlfriends. Each young lady was very polite and really sweet, and we did not detect a single Eddie Haskell in the bunch. Phew!

Lyricosis (a deficiency in lyric clarity)

I don't think there is a human on the planet that suffers more from the dreaded "lyricosis" more than yours truly. If there is a song..I can slaughter it good, if you know what I mean. There in lies the rub, because I do love to sing. Just ask my fellow cave dwellers and they will attest that when momma gets going in the shower, there is some serious hacking of perfectly beautiful and allergoric stanzas. More than anything, I love to worship through song.

I get a good laugh thinking that the great Hashem (The name,Yahweh,Lord,esh oklah..or whatever you call Him) is up there smiling and loving being glorified and at the same time is thinking "Honey, bless your heart..you mean well, don't you?"

Well, today I was removing some old material from the dinosaur laptop to my fresh and speedy one, when I came across an old file of iTune worship songs. You would have thought I had nothing better to do as I belted out some timeless tunes. The study was rocking with "Shackles" by Mary Mary, "Who Can Satisfy (there is a fountain)?", of course, lots of Chris Tomlin and finally "Promise Me" by Aaron Jeffrey. As I sang (and stammered over the verses that I tend to slaughter) I began to really listen to the words that were being poured out and remembered that they would not return void.

They were being sung for me and perhaps for you? Were you one of those women who just found out terrible news about your health? Or maybe you were one of those teenagers who just discovered that your whole world is falling

apart because of a boy or someone who pretended to be your friend..
This is for you, word for word from El Roi (the God who sees you):

Promise Me

It's hard to imagine that I've been there too

I've felt the passion burning in you

Every temptation, oh, I understand

Your savior knows what it is to be a man

CHORUS:

Promise me... promise me...

Before the passion turns to flame

Promise me you'll call my name

Promise me... promise me...

You'll remember these scars of grace

And remember I took your place

Promise me

I know what it's like when the Nightmare comes true

Someone left a cross for me

Like they left for you

Trust me when I say... I've been Where you are

The strength to live again my child is

Hidden in the scars

CHORUS:

Promise me... promise me...
Before the passion turns to flame
Promise me you'll call my name
Promise me... promise me...
You'll remember these scars of grace
And remember I took your place
Promise me

For those who stand, for those who fall

Strength is found in one place

Beneath my cross crying out for grace

CHORUS:

PROMISE ME

Out of the mouths of babes.

Each night at dinner we like to let our children take turns and pray over our meal. Since they have been tiny, we have allowed them to say whatever comes to mind, hoping we will not squelch their attempt at really conversing with God through some sort of rote prayer (no offense, just our approach). Since the day Stephen caught on as to what was going on, he has wanted to be the one to pray and normally we let him sort of babble some (he has not mastered many spontaneous sentences) and another child will pick up the tail end. Well, tonight I turned to him and asked him to pray over our Labor Day meal that was hot off the grill. He smiled and immediately bowed his head and bellowed out "Dur Lood, think you fur chee-burgers, amen" and the whole table erupted in laughter. Hilarious.

That's my girl!

Tonight during the hustle and bustle of getting ready for school after the Labor Day weekend and cookout @ chez Lucas I stumbled across a poem Austyn had written for her class at school. She needed to retype it due to some type of water stain, so I gave it the once-over while she explained what had happened to it. I had to grin as my eyes caught my dear soon-to-be thirteen year old's "Bio-poem".

Austyn

Quiet, smart, kind, caring

Daughter of Jon and Dawn

Lover of puppies, Cooking and shopping

Who feels everybody should know Christ, No Marines should be in danger for their life and nobody should have to be poor.

Who needs sleep, cute clothes and a weekly cream soda or coke float.

Who fears mysterious noises, heights and injuries.

Who gives no tolerance for screaming, no tolerance for being late anywhere I go and gives nothing but neatness.

Who would like to see a stop to crime, 13 year olds who can be trusted with driver licenses and no orphans.

Resident of (our neighborhood).

Lucas

There you have it. If you know our girl, you would have said, "Yes, that just about sums it up".

Needless to say...She rocks. I am blessed and challenged everyday by her strength, leadership and zeal for life (did I mention that she loves ABBA, too?).

Where, oh where have we been?

Family vacation: Jon and I always joke that we could spend a week at a local hotel,and the kids would be happy as clams and content to swim in the pool and ride the elevator to the ice machine. One day, we are going to try it, but this year we drove south along the coastline just a few miles to get away. Its tempting when you take a break from the demands of life to pretend all those expectations and responsibilities won't be waiting to devour you upon your return. This same time last summer I spent at least part of our vacation feeling like someone was missing and mourning his absence. Don't think it didn't cross my mind several times again as we were all finally together on this year's family journey. I caught myself smiling over and over as I reflected on the faithfulness of our God. (Count it all joy, right?)

Taking a break. Landon,Wilson, Austyn and Stephen had a blast walking on the boardwalk, going to Ripley's Believe or Not (Wilson's taste in fun) and visiting a sandwich shop that Jon and I used to visit as children.

Check out those socks! I love my girl and her lack of concern for what others thought as she was sportin' tie-dye red socks with leather flip-flops. Now, I also know that you are jealous that you were not able to attend the annual Snead's Ferry Shrimp Festival that she was wearing these great socks to... Well, we were fortunate and managed to attend. Next year, you should join us. Who knew shrimp could be cooked so many ways?

One of the hazards of having friends with a large family: taking up the entire space you are visiting. Here, the Lucas kids and the Murray children are all enjoying a day at the beach on Camp Lejeune. This particular area of the beach is reserved for officers only. My friend Julia (also known as Mrs. Lt.Colonel Murray) was gracious enough to allow us to accompany her family. We were honored and felt like celebrity :-) Gracias, mi amigo!



Nothing special here. I just love this shot of Wilson sailing through the air. I remember when I used to be able to send him flying, too. Hmmmm..what happened? Don't answer that.

Anyhow, we have certainly been busy and when we have a spare moment we will try to catch you up on all of the many happenings with the "never a dull moment" family.

We have missed you. Where have you been?

Chin-ku(s) forever

Stephen Isaiah JaeHo and his dear chinku (friend) Micah JungWoo

Ever since Stephen found out his best friend from Korea had joined his new family in Iowa he has been asking about him and missing him terribly. Each time the phone would ring or we would get in the car to travel he would get "the look" and ask "Mommy..Un Woo?". Micah Jung Woo (UnWoo)'s family recently moved to the South and a wee bit closer to our family. His mother and I spoke several times and I found out that during the packing/moving process that Stephen's best buddy had seen lots of photos of the two of them together. He also began to ask over and over about Jae Ho (Stephen). At one point, Micah stood at the front door of their former home and shouted his friend's name over and over until both of his parents were in tears. These are the moments that rip your heart right out. Us moms decided to make a plan.

Earlier this week, our family piled in the car and headed for Tennessee to meet little "Un Woo" and his precious family. So many people have innocently remarked that they didn't think the two boys would remember each other after such a long time. It has been 8 months since the last time they giggled together, played cars together and attended preschool together.

Tell me, what do you think?

You know I love them if I let them wear UT hats...well, we were in Tennessee afterall.

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Sharing a cheeseburger late night at the Steak n Shake.

Pete and RePete

Micah did not want to eat his breakfast unless he was with "Jae Ho". Here he is after he carried it into our room..pjs and all. Too sweet.


Part of the gang. Between the two families there were ten children, but only eight present. It was amazing how well each family blended and really enjoyed each other. We consider it an honor to have met such a warm family and know that Micah will grow into a fine young man in their home.

Taking a time out for a photo outside the Chattanooga aquarium: Stephen, Rachel, Austyn, Esther and Landon.

A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17