Anyoung ha seyo!

Dinner with wonderful friends. Yummy, Kalbi tang! :-)

You're the ONE, 1-1!

(Why is it always this time of year when I find myself so far behind documenting our childrens' lives in cyberspace? )

Anyway, Landon celebrated her 11th birthday in March with a few friends. We had originally planned to travel to a local park and play games and have a cook out per her request. So, we allowed her to invite quite a few of her friends thinking it would be easier to have crowd control of a bunch of pre-teen girls outdoors with entertainment. Well....we did not even consider that it might poor down rain just moments before the party started. Ok. Jon and I decided we could do this...how hard could it be to have 20+ girls over for a birthday party indoors?

In retrospect, we will arrange the garage so that it can double as a dance floor, but other than that..we had a fabulous time and just plain wore out the Wii and Disney Sing-It. The hardest part was keeping the little brothers out of the mix *smile*

"You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show..."

Happy Birthday, Tallula!

Landon posing with her peeps at school.

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.

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

Oh no!

Warning! If you have an older sister and she is bored:

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

Summer brings good friends and warm memories

Well, it is officially summer around here, and summer is meant for sharing the warm weather and time away from busy schedules (in theory) with family and friends. We are in full swing here at the Lucas camp. Last weekend we were blessed with a visit from some wonderful friends who just happened to be old neighbors. It seems like just yesterday that Dana and I met at the park and we had four children between us. The oldest ones were barely four and the youngest was just weeks old....and then there were 8. It still amazes me. The kiddos pick right up where they left off, as usual, and it is just like old times once again (only we can no longer borrow butter).

Team Lucas and Team Edmisten :-)

Maia and Landon

Boys will be boys (they had lots of rough-housing to catch up on).

Austyn does love Miss Maia.

Everyone takes a turn at Baggo or Cornhole, or whatever it is called in your region.

Dana and I decided we would always have to be friends, because we just know too much. :-)

Stevo sneaks in a hug for the princess. They both had such a good time playing and watching all of the activity. We truly enjoyed their visit and were thrilled that they finally made it to our home. Thanks Edmistens. We miss you so much.

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Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew, Ethan!

Ethan and Too Too (my sister) blessed us with a last minute visit to celebrate Ethan's 11th birthday and his big 5th grade graduation. We are so proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his elementary years. He is quite the scholar and has really matured into a fine young man. Kudos, Master Ethan. Mel and I stayed up late every night and did what sisters do :-) I love the way she just drops everything and hops in the car and drives 4.5 hours just to see her baby sister (that's me). You won't find a more loving, selfless sister in all the land (don't think for a second I couldn't have killed her growing up,though).

Two days later we rose at 430 am to send Miss Austyn off to youth camp in Hilton Head, SC. She was so excited. She had good reason. She has an excellent youth group and the camp is put on by some of the finest men of God you will meet (Dr. Danny Akin and James Merritt, for those of you familiar with local pastors). Funny thing, though: I missed her as soon as the van pulled away. She has gone to camp before and I missed her, but this time was different. It was as if part of me was leaving. Silly, I know, but I really like her and enjoy her insight and company. It started me thinking about the precious time we still have left to spend with her while she is home...

Silly girls: Landon and Helen took a break after tennis camp to swim for a bit. It has truly been a busy first week of summer. We have had four ballgames, one practice, Adventure camp, Youth camp and tennis camp all in one week.

Even Stephen and his best bud, Christian, were busy at preschool story time at the library. It was a first time visit for both boys and don't think for minute we didn't get misty. You have never seen two prouder mommas when those two boys sang "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" and stood among their tiny peers.

We are off to make some more memories...you coming?

More SB fun...

This is turning into the sermon that spans the season. Here are just a few more clips from our much needed travels back to the place we have called home for most of our lives. These photos are just pieces of what we did during the middle of the week. One might think that sweet Maia spent the whole time with us...Stephen just loved her and we took LOTS of photos. Of course, I sure did not mind spending time squeezing her and telling her how happy we are since she joined the Edmisten family.

We also spent a wonderful morning at my grandmother's home. The kids always love to see their MeMe. It reminds me of when I was a child. I loved to go visit my great-grandmother's house because there was so much to do. She had great places to explore and even better stories to tell about the treasured things in her home. The same is true for them...they had a wonderful time just visiting and exploring the backyard. We love you, Meez.

Stephen and Maia sliding (sort of..)

My sister just started a new business (bleaching teeth) inside the mall. We were so excited to finally be able to check out her set up. The kids begged me everyday to just go and hang with her while she worked. I finally figured out that they had the 4-1-1 on the video game store. She has gotten to know the owners quite well and they have allowed Ethan to spend a good deal of time playing computer games... It took me a moment to catch on..see, they thought I was just going to drop them off and let them veg out while playing video games endlessly. Sorry, not happening. :-) Her kiosk is probably the cutest and most inviting one I have seen in some time. Go Mel, go!!

Getting sugar from Maia

She must have kissed him twenty times. It was the sweetest thing, for now :-0

Dana refers to Joy and me as her "detergent friends".

I also managed to spend an evening alone with some of my friends (Mika, Liz, Cheryl and Julie). We ate dinner together and laughed until we cried. It did my heart so good to see them again and actually spend time catching up with them. When I returned, the kids were still awake..my poor mother had shown them such a fun evening that they couldn't wait to tell me all about it. Yikes!

Spring Break Visit-a-thon

There's no place like home....

The kids and I have just returned from a week long visit to Grammy and Papaw's house (over the river and through the woods in April, no doubt). We had sure been missing them and were looking forward to spending the week with them. How wonderful it was for the kids to have some much needed time off from school (Spring Break 2008)... We actually had time to visit with some friends and family that we miss so dearly these days. Believe it or not, after all of the running around, we still did not manage to squeeze in all of those that are so precious to us.
I had an itinerary all set up just to make sure not one moment was wasted. The verdict is still not in on whether or not we actually accomplished this goal...I mean, hey, there were four kids to dress and feed every time we left the house. We had an absolute ball and thoroughly exhausted ourselves in a good kind of way (?) I wish you could have seen little Stephen jumping right in on the action and going with the flow...it was as if he could sense that all of these people and places were familiar to us and that was enough for him. Amazing.
I have decided not to chronicle the whole journey, but figured I would share at least few highlights from each day. Words cannot express how happy it made us to be around those who bring us so much joy...it was so nice to be "home" for a short time.

Dinner at the beach with the Thompsons and a walk on the pier.

Like father, like sons...Jon and the boys "check out" the sharks that were being caught in Emerald Isle.

First Stop: The Wooten's

Oh how I miss my Mariel. Such a wonderful hostess. Breaking bread with her family was a neat treat on the way into town on Sunday.

....some of the boys take 5. We managed to squeeze in some "girl talk" even though there were 8 boys and 2 girls running about.

Austyn getting some hugs on our first quick stop to see sweet Maia Faith.

Monday night: Papaw Gary's new place. His bachelor pad was equipped with six new puzzles that kept the littles entertained. Stephen's was a small Disney "Cars" puzzle..Perfect. You would never know Papaw Gary had only met Stephen briefly one other time. Good call, grandpa!

That's it for Sunday and Monday! Sheesh...I am already tired just reliving it.