Modern Day Cavalcade

Hey, I'm Back!!!!

2007-03-22T11:34:00.000-04:00

Wow, if you are a friend or a family member you haven't given up on the possibility of me actually updating this thing! Thanks! (Special thanks to ShooFlyPieAndGrits) That said and along with everyday life and the fact that reading my friends blogs is extremely entertaining, I just haven't done it. I am going to attempt to be more consistent in my entries.

On the adoption front: No news is good news right? We are still in the waiting stage. It is hard to believe we began the entire process 15 months ago. When we started we thought that we would be home with her by now. As time has gone on, so has the "wait time" for all potential adoptive parents to Chinese children due to the increased interest (which is really a good thing for these children to eventually be placed in forever homes). We are now hoping for a referral (selection of baby girl for us) by the end of year. Above all, we know that this is in Gods hands. He is bigger than any piece of paper or government. That is where we are placing our faith and trust. He knows what is best for us no matter what the out come.

On the home front: My sweet little angelic children were "written up" on the bus the other day. Nice! Want to know what for? Being too loud. Now, the 8yr. old I can see this somewhat. She likes to know where the party is. The boy on the other hand...that's a different story. He tends to be introverted and is very sensitive if corrected. They have been warned over and over. They have had various privledges taken away. Did it sink in? Apparently not. So, off to the principles office they go . (Never been in trouble before...well, there was that time in Vegas...jk) Now, every afternoon I have to go out to the bus stop and ask the driver if my children were behaving or not! I can't ride the bus with them, the fifth graders will eat me alive! What's next, jail time, community service?

Cathy

Chicken vs. Egg...Solved

2006-11-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

That's right, my seven year old has answered the age old question "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?". We were all in car one afternoon and she asks us (her father and I) this question. I am not quite sure these days how to respond to this kind of question. She could be setting us up for a joke (apparently the joke book has made the top 10 list in Mrs. "H" second grade class this year) or she could truly be wondering how the beginning of a chickens life starts right down to the splitting of the embryo. In this particular case she just wanted a "pick one and then let ME tell you what I think" answer from us. She said this, "I think it was the chicken. Because if you think about it babies need their Momas. And if the egg came first they wouldn't be able to raise and take care of themselves. God put the chicken here first so they would be parents for the eggs."
Eggstrodinary!

Soooo Loooong!!!

2006-11-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry! I Have not updated in such a long time! Shame on me! Okay, now that is the past and this is the present and I will get back in the habit of blogging again. However, I do have a meeting this morning and have to leave you but I WILL be back soon!!!

And They Called It Puppy Love...

2006-09-07T14:55:00.000-04:00

10 years ago a really bad storm passed through and knocked power out everywhere.
10 years ago I woke up and painted my fingernails by candlelight.
10 years ago I rode on little winding roads to a country church.
10 years ago my Dad walked me down the aisle.
10 years ago I ate really good cake!
10 years ago we made each others cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
10 years ago we danced to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart".
10 years ago I married the man I still love with all my heart.

Happy Anniversary To My Wonderful Husband.

50 Things

2006-09-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

I borrowed this from WellMannoredFrivolity. #17 has been lost along the way, be assured it was not here.

1. My roomate and I once: lived in a 24hr quiet dorm and where "written up" for being to loud.

2. Never in my life have I: inhaled.

3. The one person who can drive me nuts, then can always manage to make me smile is: Alicia M.

4. High School was: long, challenging

5. When I'm nervous: I say stupid things, then I usually just get quiet. If I am REALLY nervous I have to go to the ladies room.

6. The last time I cried was: last Tuesday when I took the bandage off my nose and saw over 10 stitches (only thought there were going to be 6)

7. If I were to get married right now, my bridesmaids would be: none, we would have a private ceremony and a formal dinner afterwards where friends would come, no need for bridesmaids!

8. Would you rather run naked through a crowded place or have someone email your deepest secret to all your friends? Run naked as long as it's through a nudist camp during an air show.

9. My hair: is falling out at an unnatural rate

10. When I was 5: I would sit on my front porch and perform songs for the immaginary audiance of hundreds that would come from miles to hear this little 5 year old with an amazing voice!

11. Last Christmas: we decided that in January we would start the paperwork needed to bring Naomi home.

12. When I turn my head left: I see a window and through it our yard and street.

13. I should be: doing laundry or organizing MOPS stuff.

14. When I look down I see: the keyboard (someone stumped for some questions I see)

15. The craziest recent event was: usually to tuck the kids into bed we read them each a book, instead the other night we had a Native American Indian Pow Wow, complete with a blanket fire pit, blanket head dress, traditional naming ceremony and "Red as the Rose" gave an outstanding dance performance.

16. If I were a character on "Friends" I'd be: Who wouldn't want to be Rachel right? But, I am a little of them all. Shawna Lee would say I am Monica, Jennifer T. might say Pheobe, My husband might even say there is a little Chandler in there.

18. My favorite aunt is: Aunt Bea

19. I have a hard time understanding: how they decide certain murders are "insane" and some are not

20. One time at a family gathering: I had a migraine

21. You know I like you if: I smile a lot when I am around you.

22. If I won an award, the first person I'd thank: would be the person who gave it to me

23. Take my advice: If your not SURE you should say it, DON'T say it!

24. My ideal breakfast is: strong, smooth coffee, french toast, 2 sausage links, and fresh melon in season of course.

25. If you visit my home town: see me for your schedule

26. Sometime soon I plan to visit: China to soak up all I can culturally and tell Naomi about her homeland.

27. If you spend the night at my house: we will have coffee the next morning and my 5 year old will be awake before any of us.

28. I'd stop my wedding if: the groom wasn't absolutely certain of his commitment to me.

29. The world could do without: Satan

30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroack than: a monkey's behind?, a razor blade? (that is a sick, sick prompt-maybe we should be glad #17 is gone!)

31. The most recent thing I've bought myself is: brown flip-flops

32. The most recent thing someone else bought for me is: MOPS bought me a t-shirt

33. My favorite red-head: my Dad

34. My favorite brunette: my husband

35. My car must have a sign on it that reads: Don't get mad, just go around.

36. The last time I was drunk: 12 years ago or so?

37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds: WHAT? nothing really

38. I shouldn't have been: doing this thing, it is very long!

39. I should have: started planning for our 10 year anniversary about 6 months ago.

40. Last night I: Watched 2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy and loved it.

41. There's this girl I know who: I have known her whole life. I was three when I met her. She came home from the hospital and I remember her throwing up on her Momma's shoulder.
Love that girl.

42. I don't know: how to make a quilt but want to learn.

43. A better name for me would be: "There are Germs Everywhere but She's Trying Not to Think About it-Cathy"

44. If I ever go back to school I'll: major in Art Therapy

45. How many days until my birthday? about 300

46. One dead celebrity I wish I'd met is: maybe Lady Diana

47. I've lived at my current address since: 3 yrs ago

48. I've been told I look like: my daughter

49. If I could have any car, it would be: The new Mercedes Bendz minivan or loaded Lincoln SUV would be nice.

50. If I got a new cat tomorrow, I would name it: I want a dog so bad I can not answer this question. Well, I would probably name it Dog.

The Little Things

2006-08-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

My friend and I went to the Women of Faith Conference a couple weekends ago. It was awesome, as expected, and one the speakers talked about finding the little things in life joyous. Life is too short and we take it for granted too often. Take notice of anything that brings a smile to your face or makes you giggle, that's from Him saying "Just thinking about you, that was just for you, or I love you". Well, all that said, I have to share one of my "little things". Nuked M&M's! Hey, I said little. You put a handfull in a little recycled applesauce/fruit cup, microwave it for about 25 seconds on 50% power. They don't get hot on the outside but, the chocolate just starts to melt on the inside. Now for the best part! When you put them in your mouth and apply ever so slight pressure, they pop! That's right...they just do this little "pop" and chocolate oozes out and occompanies the crunch of the candy shell that is left. Mmm. So good you only need a few. Go ahead try it, you know you want to!
The little things.

Cathy

Did You Know?

2006-08-09T07:14:00.000-04:00

3 people who make me laugh:
Julee
Shawna Lee
my husband

3 Things that scare me:
anyone (especially my kids) choking
being trapped in a car under water
spiders

3 things I love:
laughing until I can't catch my breath
the smell of a fresh pillow case
to hear my children laugh or sing

3 things I hate:
(that is such a strong word, I don't use it lightly)
when Satan deceives someone I love right before my eyes
the fact that my 7yr old is becoming body conscience
migraines

3 things I don't understand
how they decide if murderers are "insane" or not
how the image on the TV travels through the cable and gets on my screen
why "So You Think You Can Dance" has to end--love that show

3 things on my floor
3 pairs of shoes
my purse
lid to the trash can

3 things I want to do before I die
see my children (all 3) give their lives to Christ
accomplish all God had planned for me
that's it

3 ways I'd descibe my personality
introvert
loyal
cautious

3 things you should always listen to
Gods Word
your children
your mother's good advice

3 things you should never listen to
that little voice saying "do it!" when you know you shouldn't
advice from someone who doesn't like you
anything ever sung or said by Ozzy Osbourne

3 absolute favorite foods
beef burgandy over noodles
real scotch shortbread with coffee
pasta with some type of cream sauce and seafood
(these change often)

3 things I'd like to learn
ballroom dancing
how to write a novel
how to play the cello

Cathy

(borrowed from a fellow blogger)

The Cracked Vessel

2006-08-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

(I had heard this metaphor from a former pastor and also from Beth Moore, I have surrounded it with my own allegory.)

As I am walking through the streets of the market I notice these beautiful vases and pots. Never noticed them before and I have been in this place a hundred times. A little older man is sitting in the corner of his unit, just smoking his pipe, starring off in space. I love teapots and pitures. All the different designs and feminine shapes, each one politely inviting you alone or several to gather, sit, relax, reflect while enjoying a cup of something soothing or refreshing. Yes, there is something very inviting about a teapot.

Anyway, I hadn't been looking for one for any particular reason but, noticed this one pot in the back. It looked a bit old and dusty. The lid was missing. The handle had a large chip as well as the spout. As I made my way cloeser to the pot I could see more of the damage that dad been done. There were several large cracks in the base. The handle at some point had been broken off and glued back on. The delicate flowers on the front were still visible inspite of the cracks that at one time attempted to separate them.

I wanted this pot! "Why!?" I said to myself, "Your crazy, this isn't practicle, the thing can't hold tea or water, it has cracks all over it, the lid is missing for crying out loud!" Then I thought, this pot is like me in a way. At one time I was shiny and new, beautiful and on the top shelf. Striving to be feminine and inviting. Not one crack and I certainly had my lid then! (had to do it) And now after years of use and wear and tear, I show some age, a little dust. The trials and experiences have indeed put a few cracks in me. I have tried to repair some of them with glue, some with tape for a "quick fix". Not pretty on the outside but, still the same pot.

I set the pot down and go on to look at some of the newer more beautiful ones. Then God reminds me He is the Living Water. I thirst for Him. He is who I want to sit and relax, refresh and restore with most. I go back to the pot, picked it up taking yet another look. That's it! I am this pot and God is the Living Water! Fill it up with water and it will leak out through all of those cracks and get everything around it wet. That is exactly what He wants me to do. No matter how many "cracks" life puts in my teapot, keep filling it up with His Living Water, then He can flow through me out to others. Whatever I fill it with is what is going to flow out, bitterness, resentment, love, God's word... He can use anyone, no matter how many cracks. The more cracks, the more of Him that is able to flow out to others.

I went home with the pot.

7 Days in Counting

2006-07-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." As the classic goes! That's right parents, you know what I'm talking about, the first day of SCHOOL. I realize the excitment level varies in household and according to child. However, in this house it's your traditional "Norman Rockwell First Day". Ahhh, the clothes, the crayons, rulers, lunch boxes, the endless search for the perfect back pack that is sure to send my 37lb. 5yr. old over onto his back with his arms and legs flailing in the air because the thing weighs more than he does, and my favorite, the most prefectly pointed sharpened pencil not yet dulled by the first stroke. LOVE IT.

My kids are excited too. One is going into 2nd and the other in kindergarten. This will be my "break" year. Or maybe my "get ready" year. Or my "grow" year. You see, both of the children will be in school all day for the first time. Pretty big milestone for all involved. I have one year until our next little girl comes home from China. My plan is to take a break from the "bussy-ness" of life, get ready and organized for the new one to come and finally but most importantly growing in my relationship with Christ (without whom I can do nothing).

So if you will excuse me, I believe I hear that wonderful sound of squeaky breaks and screaming children calling me to the front porch with my arm out streched in a "Hey, don't you pass this house buddy!", oh no, wait that's "Have a good day Sweetie!". I must go prepare for the school year of 2006-2007!

HAPPY FIRST DAY!!! (in 7 days)
Cathy

A picture says a thousand words...

2006-07-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

A picture says a thousand words...

This to me is a complete understatement. I am an artist. I believe everyone is an artist. Okay, okay, let me explain! Some just have not discovered how to let their creative side surface. Some don't realize that it already comes out in a variety of ways and because society has taught them they have to paint or make a pot from clay they don't believe they are creative or artistic. I had an art professor who once gave our class this to think about: Go into any kindergarten classroom and ask "Who can draw? Who is an artist? Who can create?". Just about every hand shoots up in the air with great enthusiasum. Go into that same class of kids in about eight years, say seventh grade, and ask that same question. You might get a couple of hands, maybe. Sad. And forget about asking adults. I'd say 90% claim to have no creative ability whatsoever. Something happens in that critical time in our young lives. Do we learn at such a young age to compare ourselves to others and listen to what society says even about our own personal expressions of art? It's in there, it has just been covered up, stifled, pushed in the back of our brains for so long.
I have not painted since college, or any other art form for that matter (not talking crafts here). Just been busy with life you know, marriage and family. But I miss it and realize it is a vital part of who I am. I am trying to get back into my art. My sweet husband made me an easiel/medevil catapult for the garage to get me started. (It is an extremely sturdy large herricane ready easiel!) So I am ready whenever I make the time. Showing my work is another issue. It is an extremely intimate part of an artist. Art is not about the end result, it is about the journey. With me, there is a lot of thinking, planning, prepration and inspiration. Lately I have been inspired by christian music and particular passages from God's Word, even though I have yet to draw these out and paint them, He is giving me a new perspective on passages and music I've heard a hundred times. So you see, to show a finished work or even a simple drawing to others is like unzipping my heart. Showing them what's going on inside my mind. It makes me vulnerable. However, I am going to get better at this because I believe God wants me to share more! I encourage everyone to do something creative, it's therapy! It gives your mind a break. Noone has to see it. If you like circles, just draw circles: big, little, inside, linked, all kinds. See, start small. It's the journey, not the end result.
Cathy

2006-07-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

We Are DTC!

That's right, our dossier is on it's way to China in the next few days! It has "only" taken us 7 months. I, of course thought it was only going to take us 3-4 months to gather all this paperwork! Anyway, it's all good! For those of you not quite as familiar with the adoption process here is a quick break down:
Phase 1-Paperwork
Phase 2-The Waiting/Referal
Phase 3-Travel
So we have now entered the waiting phase. This is a good time (the adoption ring says) to find a project to do, connect with other adoptive partents at the same phase, find anything to keep your mind off how long you've been waiting and not drive yourself crazy. It is so hard to guess from beginnig to end how long all of the phases take. I have been telling everyone "Oh, about a year from now we hope to be traveling to bring her home." Well, that was 7 months ago and I am still saying the same thing! When you are in the hands of not only your own government but China's you learn to "roll with it". Now we just hope to have here home in the year 2007! That would be nice. But, God had all this planned before me!
Blog must be another word for ramble! I guess I will stop blogging/rambling now.
Cathy

2006-07-25T12:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our blog! I did it! I created this thing all by myself, can't believe it. I will be posting most of the time until we travel, then William will be adding his comments throughout our China trip. More on all that later though, gotta go learn how all this blog stuff works!