The Spear Clan

Empty Handed but Alive

2012-01-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

"Empty handed but alive in Your Hand" are the words that stick with me from our day in Haiti today. We spent the better part of a morning attending a Haitian English speaking church service with Angie (the American missionary who is working here full time.)

I heard that Haiti is now considered a "4th world country" due to the poverty here. Every building that we have been in is surrounded by tall cement fences to keep it separated from the outside street environment. Once you leave the walled area that you are in, you encounter a much different picture of life. Piles of rubble and garbage and street vendors selling many different items. Skinny baby pigs, chickens, goats and you name it running in the streets. Today outside the orphanage they were burning large piles of garbage that left a wonderful odor in the air.

The people here are beautiful and friendly and the children in the orphanage definitely work their way into your heart! They LOVE attention and literally try to climb up our legs to get us to hold them.

There is great poverty here, but it hit me at the service today that the people who were worshiping there were so alive. They know what it is to have desperate need and they obviously fill that need with the Lord. So even though they are "empty handed" from a material standpoint, they are certainly not without hope and joy.

2012-01-15T13:42:00.001-08:00

Glimpses of Haiti Day 1

2012-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Numbering Days

2012-01-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

These past few days I have been pondering Psalm 90:12. I am not sure exactly why that verse keeps coming to mind, but I am starting to wonder if maybe I need to learn the truth in it and put the words into practice....

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

I know I am not "over the hill" yet (I am not even sure what the official "over the hill" age is). Maybe as one ages in years, one starts to wonder how much of a difference your teeny tiny life is making in this great big CRAZY world. This past year it has been made more clear to me then ever before that life is a vapor and truly we have no promise of tomorrow here on earth. Am I going to let this thought cause anxiety in me, or am I going to go out there and live each day by God's grace .... doing what He wants?

If I am honest, I spend WAY too much of my brain power ( which might be fading due to too many blonde highlighting sessions) on things that don't really matter. I want to be wiser like this verse says. Wiser with my words, my thoughts, how I express myself to others and the list goes on.

I love these words from the Mandisa song "Waiting for Tomorrow"

I can't live my whole life wasting

All the grace that I know you've given

Cause you made me for so much more than

sitting on the sidelines.

The sideline is definitely not a place that I want to be. It seems inviting to think about just chillin out and definitely not as much "work". Some days being obedient is just a drag; especially when I try to get it all done in my strength. However, when I recall all that I have been given FREELY, that is when I can find the energy to go out and do what has been asked of me. And really, what has been asked of me is nothing, absolutely nothing....

Chefs in the making!

2011-09-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

The two older girls have been wanting to make us dinner completely "on their own" for a little while. I most certainly am not going to argue with someone cooking me dinner so that idea was a definite winner! Last week in the Safeway produce area, they found a bunch of recipe cards with pre-printed recipes and picked out a few to try. Then I was given a grocery list and told to stay out of the kitchen while they were cooking.:) Below is the menu they created for us. All their own idea I might add.:)

Here they are with their menu.

1st Course: Minty Fruit salad. This was delicious I must say! The only disappointment to them was that the minty glaze that was supposed to be on the on the top was burned on the stove so they couldn't use it. The reason it was burned: A bottle of olive oil and 2 bottles of flavored vinegar somehow mysteriously fell out of a cupboard during the cooking fiesta and shattered all over the kitchen floor. A shore forty-five minutes later, after their dad and I had finished cleaning the splattered mess up, they realized that they had left the minty glaze for the salad on the stove and it was now "minty crystals".:) So many good life lessons learned this afternoon. Everything turned out fine and most importantly we all had a good laugh about it.

2nd Course: Grilled Corn Tomato Cups. These were actually Avocado cups because we aren't big fresh tomato fans around here. These were awesome as well and was so impressed with their idea to hollow out avocados to use as the "bowl".

3rd Course: A Grape Vinaigrette salad: Yummy!

Main Course: Homemade tacos with all the fixings. They actually were bean burritos because some of the glass from one of the bottles that fell unfortunately landed in the meat. Again, very good.

Elani gave the meal a thumbs up!

Dessert: Fruit Sorbet and Ginger cookies. We will be enjoying these tomorrow night as the meal and the spill took a little longer to prepare then they had planned. Life doesn't always go like we plan and there are little mishaps along the way; I think this is the main lesson that they learned tonight. Like their dad said: " It doesn't matter how the meal turns out, as long as you come out of it smiling". And they did.

Kiersten's quote of the night after making dinner :" I think I just need to go take a nap".

Maddie :"It is alot of work to cook for this many people".

Ya think???

Packing in the fun, summer is almost over.....

2011-08-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

The long, hot August days are coming to an end quickly I am afraid. I feel the need to try to be outside as much as possible in order to soak up enough Vit D filled rays to carry me through the long Montana winters. We camped out this weekend with several good friends. Holland lake is such pristine, peaceful place to spend time and the weather couldn't have been better. Making memories....

Campfire time with my two little ones.Malea at the base of Holland Lake Falls. She has become such a good little hiker. Last year at this time she would have been not too thrilled to walk all the way but this year she beat us up there!

Not sure what Elani is thinking in this picture. :) On the way to the falls.

Four girls in the lake. Hours of swimming time before we had our taco in a bag dinner. (Frito bags with chili on top and other toppings).YUM!!

Now this would be good family Christmas card picture, don't you think? Had to get a silly one in. I love my family and I love all the memories we make together.

Lessons from the Back of a Horse

2011-06-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Maddie was at horse camp all week. The girl has taken a few riding lessons and LOVES being on the back of a horse. This week she was given a very challenging, young pony to ride.

Monday everything was great.

Tuesday she was in tears at the end of the day. Apparently her pony wouldn't listen, was high spirited and she felt like a failure. I was leaning towards talking her instructor into giving her a different horse so she would feel more comfortable (and safe). Her dad felt that we should encourage her to stick with it and it would be a good life lesson. We learn important things about ourselves when we get back on the proverbial "horse". Here Maddie is on "Sham-Wow".

Wednesday morning her dad took her to camp and she rode the same pony. I have to say as a mom that I was a little nervous that day. Horses are pretty big animals and I didn't want her to get hurt.

By the end of the week when we went to her little show; Sham-Wow's behavior hadn't improved and he tried to ram Maddie into the fence a couple of times (Nervous mom moment!). I was so proud of my girl though. She really worked at keeping her cool and took the reigns and showed him who was boss. It isn't easy to let our kids learn through life's circumstances (especially when it is painful for them) but I am glad her dad pushed her into gettin back in the saddle. She would have missed a good opportunity to learn self confidence. I would have taken this from her if I had gotten her teacher to give her another horse.

Sham-Wow at a calm moment.

Tears in a Bottle

2011-06-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

From the reading I have done about adoption and grieving the loss of a birth parent, it seems that many children start the grieving process around age 4 or 5. Malea turns 5 next week and we have found this to be true for her. Over the past year she has gone through several periods of sadness and I can just tell that she is not her normal self. She is normally a happy kid and then out of the blue she will just start crying and go to her room. It is always the same reason; she misses her "China mom" ( the name she calls her birth mom). As I think is normal with most kids, they cry for a short time and then they are over it and move on (probably healthier then the way we adults grieve.)

I never feel like I know what to say when it is obvious she is so heartbroken...I know I can't say I understand because I don't. I don't know what it feels like to carry that burden of always wondering about your past, why you look the way you do or act the way you do, why you will never see your birth parents on earth, why they left you when you were a newborn with no explanation. It has got to be a huge weight to carry.

So what we always do is just pray. We pray for her, that the Lord will comfort her with His love and peace and that she will know how special she is to Him and us. She particularily likes to pray for her birthparents, we have the hope of seeing them in Heaven someday, so we pray often for that.

Yesterday she had her first little dance recital. We were sitting at the kitchen table doing some coloring and she was all dressed in her tutu with her hair in a cute ballerina bun and she started to cry. "Mom, can I talk to you in my room?" she said. Once we got back to her room, I asked why she was sad and she said : " I just wish my China mom could see how good of a dancer I am, and I know she never will." What do you do with that?? It breaks my heart to see her working through this hurt. I know there are no easy answers I can give her.

I was reading in Psalms 56 today and for some reason this verse jumped out at me. Psalm 56:8

"You have kept count of my tossings; Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?"

I find this verse so comforting. The God of the Universe cares enough for us that He counts every one of our tears. He knows why we cry. Our sadness has a purpose. The pain we feel need not be wasted. He knew we would cry and would feel hopeless sometimes, that is why He gave us the Cross and left us the Holy Spirit to comfort us.

Malea is one sharp cookie and I think she would get his verse. Soon I plan to share it with her. I know she will continue to go through different periods of grief, probably throughout her life and always wonder about her past. I do want her to have the hope and confidence though that the Lord of her life will not waste the pain that she feels. He sees her 5 yr old confusion, He sees the birth mom who had to make that difficult decision, He sees the plan that He has for her to hopefully be able to use her story to help others and comfort them. After all, isn't that how we give our struggles meaning, to use what we learn to help others?

And, I pray for grace and strength to be the mom God wants me to be to her ( and all my girls).

Hot Springs Hike

2011-06-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Crossing the bridge over the Lochsaw river in Idaho. Today we hiked up to some hot springs. Kiersten was on a youth group day trip so she wasn't with us. The day started out a bit rainy but turned into sunshine. This woodpecker was a busy guy!

Love these little faces!

Maddie and I above the Warm Springs River... all the rivers around here are super high this year due to all the rain we have had.

Malea would have stayed here all day.....

Made it to the springs. Once we got up there we realized that clothing was "optional" for a couple of our fellow soakers. Trying to divert the girls attention without being too obvious is not that easy. I think hiking guide books need to add a section that warns unknowing people, like ourselves, of these rather important details!! Note that there are no pictures of me in the pools, are they sanitary, especially when there are naked people in them???? Ewwwww.

Tea for Two

2011-05-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

Daddy and the two older girls are gone for a week up in Alaska while Marc is on a bear hunt. We have really missed them and are excited to see them tonight! While they are gone we have spent a few days up in Kalispell with cousins and Bapak and Nana and had a great time. Today we had a tea party in the sun. Feel so blessed to be a mom.....

A little bit of attitude.

We lucked out with a patient cat! She is as mellow as they come.

What kind of a person are YOU?

2011-05-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

I was at a friend's memorial service recently. Always a sobering experience and I like to try to take away something from the eulogy of a Godly woman that I can hopefully try to learn from.

The pastor stated that there are two kinds of people in this world. One person walks into a room and says in her head (hopefully not out loud) "Here I am". The other gal walks into a room and says "Oh, there YOU are". Sounds pretty simple.....

I want to be a "Oh there YOU are" kind of a person. This means when my day stinks, when I am rejoicing, when I feel "antisocial", when I want someone to listen to my complaint, when I feel awesome...... it's not about me. So often if I am honest, life is about what is bugging me. Wow, that kind of hurt to say that. I guess I have some work to do (or should I say God has His work cut out for Him). I think He can probably handle it.

What kind of a person are you????

Easter

2011-04-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

I made a little mistake and scheduled a "mom-get a way" trip over Easter weekend. Wasn't even thinking about the fact that it is Easter this weekend! So, dad will be doing Easter with the girls all by himself this weekend. I am feeling a little mommy guilt about missing all the activities so...yesterday we did an early egg hunt and decorated eggs. This is Elani's first Easter so it was great fun to watch her getting into everything!

The sun was actually out for our hunt. We haven't seen very much of him lately!

This dye may take a while to come off..... she decided to use her hand and not the egg dipping tool.

Happy Easter everyone!

Love Has Come

2011-04-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the four girls wearing their LHC t-shirts, helping us set up the booth. Debbie and a couple girls setting up the tables. Debbie and her husband have been a great help to getting this started. They work at the U of M with Intervarsity Christian fellowship and have helped to set up two orphan homes in Kenya so they have much experience to contribute.

Maddie and her friend Jasmine. Jasmine's parents, Brad and Annet are also helping and they have adopted Jason and Jasmine from Mongolia.

The orphan ministry/outreach called "Love Has Come" has officially been launched! After many prayers and much planning we feel like the Lord is leading us to start this outreach in our church. We are excited to see what happens and where the Lord leads in this. I am so proud of my husband who has done the "lions share" of the work to get this up and running.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple of Sundays at our church. We have had a booth in the lobby to generate interest and get people signed up for our launch Sunday which is today!!

Please check out http://www.lovehascome.com/ to see what our vision is. The website is static while it is being worked on but we hope that by June it will be an interactive site. If you feel led to pray or make donations to help orphans, we would so appreciate it!

Days in a Dress

2011-04-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Day 5 of wearing the SAME dress for a month is here and gone, only 25 more days to go!! The two older girls and I are wearing these dresses to raise awareness for the "STREETLIGHTPHX" campaign to raise awareness/money to help rescue the 100,000-300,000 children that are sold as sex slaves in the United states. I knew this horrific practice went on in other countries but had no idea it was that prolific in the US. It is still a little chilly here in our state, that is why the girls and their girlfriend Keziah look slightly cold in this picture! We are trying to change up our accessories (AND STAY WARM) so here is how the girls wore their dresses today. I am going to try to take pictures of the many ways they accessorize... will be fun to see!

Choosing Lambs

2011-04-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

The girls picked out their 4H lambs yesterday. Our good friends raise lambs and we were able to go and visit the babies. This will be the first year being "sheep farmers" for a few months. I am sure it will be another adventure, hopefully not as messy and stinky as being "pig farmers"! Elani loved the cat.

Kiersten and Brenna with the ewe (momma lamb).

The babies.... They all look similiar right now but Kiersten's lamb is named Dill Pickle and Maddie's is Sweet Pickle. They are brother and sister.

Working with their friends on their 4H books.

2011-04-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know what we are laughing about but it must have been good. Love these girls!!

Today I am thankful for spring. The official first day of spring was March 21st I believe, maybe in Arizona or something. Definitely not here in Montana... but it will be here very soon because my crocus's are in bloom. Yay!!

I was just thinking today about our girls trip to Kona last year and all the good memories we made there. When winter seems to drag on and on and on I am thankful for pictures on my laptop that I can go back to and remember what the sun feels like on my skin. The Vit D supplements I take during winter help but are not as good as the real thing!

I am thankful for my mom and sisters who know me and love me anyway.

"Won't You Be My Love"?

2011-03-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

The other side of the world she is just a few days old.
A helpless little girl with no family of her own.
She is not to blame for the journey she is on.
Her life is no mistake.
Won't you lead her to My cross.
Won't you be my voice calling.
Won't you be my hands healing.
Won't you be my feet walking to a broken world.
Won't you be my chain breaker.
Won't you be my peace maker.
Won't you be my hope and joy.
Won't you be my LOVE.
To those I call my own.
To those I've set aside as spotless without blame.
The chosen ones my bride.
We will be your voice calling.
We will be your hands healing.
We will be your feet walking into a broken world.

Mercy Me-Won't You be My Love?

James 1:27
Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultess is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

I CHOOSE to love today. The reason we were put here on earth is to be vessels of HIS love to those who need it. Love is often a choice of obedience and sometimes I grit my teeth while loving. I sometimes wonder if God grits His teeth when He looks at my with my flaws?Somehow, I don't think He does. Love in it's purest form is completely selfless.... that must be why it is hard for me to show sometimes. I am thankful that I wake each day knowing that no matter what happens that day, God's LOVE NEVER FAILS!!

Silly Sisters

2011-02-23T20:30:00.001-08:00

I hadn't heard from K or M for a while today so I decided to go see what they were up to. Here they are on my bedroom floor and I think Maddie is giving Kiersten a "beauty treatment". Note the tinfoil behind the green bowl. That was used to wrap around her hands and feet after she has washed and put warm rags on them. I believe Kiersten also got a homemade facial and her toes painted. Kiersten was mortified that I took this picture but had to have it for memory sake.
Glad they love eachother!

Black Beards Pirate

2011-02-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Maddie and her good friend Keziah.

We had a fun day watching Maddie perform in her first play today. She played a mermaid in "Black Beard's Pirate" that was put on by the Missoula Children's Theatre. Who knew Maddie would like to act? She seemed to have alot of fun up there on that stage!

Her cousins were able to come with Bapak and Nana to see her debut. Thanks for your support guys!

Valentines Ballet

2011-02-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

Kiersten had a Valentine's Ballet performance last night. It is so fun to see her develop in her dance and do something she loves. Here are some pictures.....

Pottery Day

2011-02-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

The girls had a little "field trip" to a pottery studio today. We had lots of fun and each of them got to make something. The owner of the studio is teaching them about the kiln below. I had no idea that pottery is fired at temps above 1800 degrees! Wow, that is crazy hot.

Maddie and Kiersten both decided to make platters.

Helping Malea and Elani make their piggy banks.

Malea did a great job, this is pre-painted. So cute!

Elani LOVED just playing with the clay and putting it all over herself, so I mostly made hers and tried to keep her from getting clay all over the place! :)

IDEALISM

2011-01-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

My book club is reading this book called "Brave Hearts" (thanks sis for the suggestion). I am really enjoying it so far. Chapter 4 is called "The Queen of Hearts" and this chapter really starts to get into the substance of what the book is about.
I don't know if it is a good sign when you read something and everything that person is writing seems to describe yourself. It is like they have a little window into your soul and have plucked out the pieces that you may not want to acknowledge exist in there. This has happened to me when I read the bible ( I wish it would happen more frequently) and occasionally happens to me when I read a good book.

Mary Beth Chapman in her book called "Choosing to See" (another great read) stated in humor that she sometimes thinks of herself as the unofficial 4th member of the Trinity. I can relate to that at times because I can tend to think that I know what is best for myself, my kids, and in general the future of the world (now that is a slight exaggeration).

Back to the Queen of Hearts chapter though......."Rather than surrender to an uncontrollable God who made us and trust Him during the ups and downs of relationships, we take control by directing the energy of our hearts in ways that allow us to feel as if we're at the steering wheel of our own lives." Sharon Hersh

I might describe myself as someone who rushes around with 8 plates spinning on top of my head. I feel like it is my responsibility to keep them all in the air, spinning at the same speed, clean, AND if one drops and breaks then depending on the day and time of the month, it may be a large issue in my life. Even worse, I feel like I can put that pressure on those around me that if something doesn't go according to "THE PLAN OF ABBY" then the world may very well spin out of orbit (does the earth even orbit, I have no idea..... never could remember the exact relation between the earth, sun and moon and I homeschool so there is hope for those of you who are thinking of homeschooling.) I am sure I will relearn that earth/sun/moon thing next year when my daughter studies astronomy.

This really isn't meant to be a post that beats myself up (although that is another of my perfectionistic faults). I think that deep down many women are "Idealists".

Here are some examples of what we may think when Idealism rules our hearts:

1.If others think I am a failure, then I am a failure.
2.I should be able to anticipate problems before they occur.
3.If I send my husband to the grocery store, he will probably get the wrong things.
4.My children should always do what I tell them to do.
5.If I am discouraged or have a bad day, others will perceive me as weak.
6.It would be terrible if I was late.

"Perfectionism keeps us from receiving from others" Sharon Hersh.
If I am afraid to show weakness or have a bad day then I can't be humble enough to ask for help or let others (or God) in to meet me where I need it and give the strength that I don't have.

Now here is the best part.... If I focus on all the above areas that I feel I need to work on ( and since I am a previously stated perfectionist) I could easily do that, then I would feel pretty discouraged. BUT, the Lord wants us to take those things to HIM and lay them at HIS feet and draw strength that only HE can give. HE alone has the power to change hearts, words, and thoughts.
I am so encouraged by this verse and promise from Colossians 1:17

"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together"

That just puts life into perspective for me and I need to choose to remember that when my silly idealistic thought patterns rear their ugly little heads. He is able to use my shortcomings for HIS glory, praise God! Maybe this week I will cut it down to 4 spinning plates and see how that works!

Abby

Christmas Memories 2010

2011-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! We have many good memories from this year and feel very blessed! Here are a few highlights from the month of December....... Snowshoeing with our friends up Pattee canyon. The two little girls got to be pulled by daddy in the sled, we might not have gotten very far with them on snowshoes. It was a beautiful winter day.

Bapak and Nana came to our house for Christmas this year and it was so fun to have them. Bapak is always a good sport about having the girls "style" his hair.

The girls got camo vests from Marc's parents. This is a slightly disturbing pose, I think Maddie is the deer and Kiersten is the hunter. They have many good memories hunting with their dad and many more to come, I am sure!

Two sisters at Kiersten's dance performance in Havre. Such a fun weekend and Kiersten did a great job at her passion -dancing!!

Kiersten in the Tibet Dance

So fun to watch Elani at her first Christmas. She seems to find joy in whatever she is doing.

Making pizzas with Bop and Nan on Christmas Eve. Had such a great time, thanks for spending Christmas with us!!

Our four greatest blessings!!! Thank you Lord for all YOU have given us!!

Elani is 3!!

2010-12-27T18:24:00.003-08:00

Elani turned 3 on December 11. Here she is with a few of her gifts, she had to hold all of them at once! It was alot of fun to throw her the first birthday party she has ever had!!

We made owl pops for her big day. Not sure why we went with the owl theme, just thought they were so cute. We love you girl!! So glad you are part of our crazy family!!

Elani'

2010-12-27T18:24:00.001-08:00

Thankfulness

2010-12-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

"God Places the Lonely in Families " Psalm 68:6

Thanksgiving has already come and gone an I have been woefully lax in writing on our blog. The only excuse I have sadly is lack of time (or maybe lack of priorities, I don't know)......

I just wanted to say today that I am thankful to the Lord for the lessons He has been teaching me these past few weeks since we returned from China.

In some ways these weeks have been very trying and frustrating to me. I think most of that is because I have been faced with many of my own inadequacies as a mom. I have felt stretched beyond my own abilities many days and sometimes impatient that I think Elani isn't "learning" to communicate as quickly as I think she should. Thankfully Marc is so encouraging and has told me many times to keep my eyes on the bigger picture of life, and to focus on the little positive changes that we are seeing.

When I look back on the past couple of months and thank GOD for how He has been there and how much JOY Elani has brought to our life, I can't help but praise HIM, for despite all my shortcomings, our girls are thriving and Elani has come so far.

I am thankful for Kari and Jennifer, our two wonderful speech therapists who besides being great at what they do, are wonderful, kind, nurturing ladies. I am thankful for Dr. Hardy our talented surgeon who has done wonders and will do a great job again on Dec 21st when he completely closes her palate. I am thankful for my girls and husband who show love to me every day and mean the world to me. Mostly I am thankful for the Lord. On days when I feel discouraged I am reminded that He never gives up on me and HIS mercies are new every morning. ADOPTION is such a great picture of a GOD who took us, loved us, kept loving us despite all our faults and hang-ups and then paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live. When I look at Elani's cute little smile, I am reminded that the GOD who made me knows how to refine and how to bless each of us and am thankful that HE does both.

Thank you Lord for choosing to set Elani and Malea in our family in a way that only YOU could have pulled off, my best laid plans don't work out as well as yours, and that's a good thing! :)

Pumpkin Time

2010-10-17T16:02:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Patch time at our church. Beautiful day and had lots of fun. Apple cider, treats, pony rides and sunshine. We are loving the great fall weather we have been having!

Surgery Day

2010-10-05T13:14:00.001-07:00

Today is surgery day! Got to the hospital at 6:30 this morning and she went in for surgery at about 7:30. The nurses were all so great and made us feel very comfortable. Here she is with daddy beforehand. Love the hat! :) Almost ready to be wheeled back to the OR. There were no tears up until the very end then I think she realized that we were leaving and she got a little sad.:( Dr Hardy, her plastic surgeon came out after the 3 hour procedure and said she did great throughout the procedure. Apparently her tonsils are quite enlarged so we are maybe going to have those removed with her next surgery in the next 2-3 months. We LOVE Dr. Hardy. He did an amazing job!!

Half hour post-op. She is doing pretty well. Some pain issues and she does not care for the arm restraints that she has to wear for 2 weeks. The nurses assure us that by tomorrow the pain will be alot less and in the meantime we got some good drugs! Her new little lip looks great and it is such a big difference! Thank you Lord for taking care of her and all of us!!

It's the little things that really are the BIG things....

2010-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

So, life had been a little hectic around here the last couple weeks since we returned from our overseas jaunt.
Adjusting to a new toddler in the family is going well and we love her to pieces, don't get me wrong. It is still alot of "new stuff" to get used to.
We have had a few Dr appts and trying to schedule different things like speech therapy evaluation ,calling insurance companies and testing takes a little time.
We are homeschooling this year which has actually been fun and the older 2 are doing really well, despite interruptions from the younger two. It is time consuming and my day looks VERY different than it used to.
Marc has been out of town quite a bit since we returned.
When I look at the state of flux our family is in, no wonder I am feeling a little stressed out at times.
I think that K and M can sense that and tonight after supper they started cleaning up the kitchen like they normally do. I was told that I wasn't allowed to come into the kitchen though for like an hour.
When I finally was allowed to enter, they proudly showed me how they had cleaned up all the dinner mess, organized the fridge, reorganized the pantry and mopped the floor. "We just wanted to do this mom because you seem a little tired" is what they told me.
How do they know that acts of service is one of my main love languages?:) It is in times like these that I see God's love for me through my children and I am so thankful for the blessing of being a mom.
I am writing this down not to brag on my kids but so that I can go back and read this post on a day when I need to be encouraged to keep going. Keep teaching, keep getting up early for quiet times, keep trying to bite my tongue when it wants to bite someone else, keep wiping noses and other places, just keep on being a mom with the Lord's help ( and boy do I need it).
Anyway, thanks to K and M for being so sweet and so helpful and for showing me God's love through your example!!

Updates.....

2010-09-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

It is great to hear Elani belly laugh. She has been doing that more often lately and seems to be adjusting well. In the last few days she has tried saying some words too which is so encouraging. Her first surgery is scheduled for October 5th. We should only have to be in the hospital 1 night if all goes well and then the rest of the recovery will be at home. Not sure what we are in for as far as recovery but are expecting things to go pretty smoothly.

For those of you who expressed interest in donating to help out Elani's orphanage, thank you so much! Any amount will go a long way! The exchange rate in China is almost 7:1 so that means our US dollars can be stretched really far. :)

It is really simple to donate:

Please go to http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/

Click on the DONATE tab.

Under CATEGORY select Orphanage Assistance Fund

Put in the amount you would like to donate.

Then it is important in the NOTES section to put in "For the Suixi Orphanage Assistance Fund"

*This is Elani's orphanage and the money will go directly there. They are also trying to arrange a surgery team to visit sometime soon to help do surgeries on any children there who need them. :)

Thanks again for any help and feel free to contact me at abbyspear@msn.com if you have any questions.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Mother Theresa

Helping Elani's Orphanage

2010-09-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

I spoke with a neat lady today from an organization called Love Without Boundaries (www.lovewithoutboundaries.com) This is a great organization that was originally formed by a mom who saw the great need in her child's orphanage and wanted to help the children who were left behind. They work by accepting donations from anyone and they will specifically go into an orphanage that someone wants to help. I was impressed when she told me that 90% of the donations go directly to the orphans and they only keep 10% to pay the local liasons in the countries where they are working.
From what I understand, they have worked with Elani's orphanage in the past by donating formula. How the process works is once they receive donations for the orphanage, they wire money to the staff person in that country and then they actually go out and buy what the orphanage has the greatest need for or has requested. Then the orphanage is required to take pictures of the donated items being used and send them to Love Without Boundaries. By using donations in this way they hope to cut down on any unethical use of money by the orphanage and meet the actual needs of the children that live there.
Suzanne (the lady I spoke with) is going to be calling me soon and letting me know the specific needs of Elani's orphanage. I talked to her about blankets and mattresses, etc as some concerns. She will address that but she also explained how many times in these institutions if you donate things that they don't see a need for or don't consider important the items will go unused and then our money is wasted. So, even though we would would never dream of laying our babies on hard plywood, they may because of poverty or ease of cleaning think this is perfectly acceptable. Something they have done recently is try to buy plastic covered mattresses which she is looking into also.
I told her about Elani's lip not being repaired yet and also about Elani's little friend who's lip isn't repaired either. She was quite surprised about this, considering their ages. So, she is also checking into getting a surgery group to look at going to the orphanage to help out some of the kids there that need it. I was very excited about this.
Wow, this is turning into a very long post!
Bottom line is: As soon as I hear back from her I will let everyone know the details of how to donate if you are interested and hopefully we can raise lots of money for all those precious kids still there!

Thanks for you concerns!!

Abby

Home Sweet Home

2010-09-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

We made it home. Thanks for the welcome signs Hogan family and Becky! That made us feel so special to come home to those, especially all the cute pics from Elani's cousins. We will definitely keep those for her in the future. So glad to be back in our own beds. Now we are adjusting to life here and trying to get some sleep. Last night Elani decided she didn't like her bed so we may have to figure that out so mom and dad can function.:)

Trying out the swing for the first time. I think she likes it!! Having breakfast with daddy at 5 AM. The sunglasses were her idea.

Two cuties.... Malea is getting used to sharing her bed and all her toys. She is doing pretty well but having a few "growing pains" along the way. Big changes but good ones I think. Good opportunity for us to grow as parents in patience and grace.

Last post

2010-09-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

This post is bitter sweet. As we cross the finish line of this journey we enter the beginning of the next. It's been an incredible trip and for those reading and supporting us through this blog we thank you. We will continue to thank the Lord for His blessings in our lives and His presence on this trip. We trust Him to remain close by our side to escort us and our girls through the next many years. We look forward to the journey and the plans the Lord has for our family and each of our kids as they explore and live life as special individuals. We are in His hands, we entrust our kids to His care, and we praise him for His ultimate act of adoption - our adoption as His children. Thanks for joining our journey.

The Spears (all 6 of us)

2010-09-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is Elani. She is 2 and a half years old. She is cute. She is lovable. She is curious. She is fast. She is psycho. She is hard to catch. She is extremely busy. And she is officially out of her shell! Though it's hard to imagine the possibility that the sweetie in this photo is capable of anything other than pure sweetness...we're beginning to think it may be possible! Elani is an adorable, and completely untrained, two year old that is definitely beginning to feel comfortable with things! Holy smokes is she busy. And we're busy hiding special toys and anything of value. All else will be grabbed, sucked on, and possibly destroyed. She is a blur'; we know where she is when she stops long enough to come into focus. Otherwise we're left chasing the streak. If we want to catch her we must lead her by at least 6 feet. And periodically she'll stop long enough to offer up a hug or a high five (her new trick) and our hearts melt and we're hooked. She's got it figured out.
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Our lives have changed forever and we love it. It's a new world for Elani and she is determined to understand every ounce of it before month's end. At this rate she will exceed that goal. I just hope she takes a 15 hour siesta as we get from Beijing to Montana. Yes - that goes on your prayer list...thanks for asking!

Good times

2010-09-08T06:43:00.001-07:00

Today was a pretty chillin' day. Kiersten and Maddie caught up on some school work (which they love doing in the hotel room - not so much!) We swam in the pool for a while and then for dinner found some pretty good American food. So, it was a good day! Elani tried icecream and pasta today so it is very exciting that she is expanding what she is willing to eat. As we get to know her better, she is showing more personality. She gave us lots of smiles today and one small fit. :) Right now she is still awake in her crib and singing at 10pm ( due to the icecream induced sugar high I am sure). Shades and a bottle. The bottle is just easier for her to use because I don't really think she can create suction right now with her palate being open.

Marc bought himself swim goggles today, he wanted to be like the girls! He didn't grow up swimming like I did so I am proud of him for getting out there. According to him it is easier to hold your breath underwater with goggles on. Not sure how that works but it the girls were thrilled he was out there.

Girls in their traditional dresses. They were trying to teach Elani how to "pose".

Tomorrow we go to the US Embassy to take our Oath of Adoption. Can't wait to come home. Friday night we fly to Beijing and then home on Saturday! Woo hoo!!

PS: A couple people expressed interest in helping out Elani's orphanage, I am working on some ideas and will post when I find out something more. Thanks for your concerns.

Welcome to Elani's world

2010-09-06T17:56:00.001-07:00

We've all had those life changing experiences that go down as significant moments in one's life. You know which ones I'm talking about; those moments or times that contribute to shaping you as a person and have a life long impact on how you think and who you are. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Much like a jade artist strikes a chisel against a stone, I was struck yesterday by a culture and experience that has forever impacted my life.I traveled with a hired driver, guide, and a friend named Tracy. Bill and Tracy adopted a little boy whose orphanage was close to Elani's; it worked out swell to be travel partners. It was a 5 hour journey south through a mix of mountains, farms, and industrial area. The road we traveled was new - only 15 years old. Previously the road was dirt without bridges over the three different branches of the Pearl River. Travelers used to take ferries over the rivers. This extended the trip to 12 hours each way. Fortunately, we had pavement (though broken and rough) to drive on. We passed many rice fields where workers bent over tending their crops. Other workers walked behind oxen with large plows. And other workers walked carrying heavy loads that hung from a rod across their shoulders.
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The first photo above is the view of Sui Xi (Swee Shee) county and city as you enter it. The city is a conglomeration of poor and middle class living conditions. Some stores are run down and barely standing. Others seem somewhat new and renovated. There were a surprising number of young adults bustling about the streets on bikes and scooters. The photo above is of a small market we stopped at to buy treats and food for the orphanage kids, the director, and staff. The store owner had to pull out the cardboard and write our items down to do the math. We bought quite a lot and our guide helped him keep it all straight.

The director (above) was warm, welcoming, and very jovial. We sat in the board room and had a Q and A. I must admit I am quite clunky when it comes to acculturating quickly. But, I kinda got the hang of things and worked pretty well through our translator. I asked all about Elani's living conditions, her routines, her personality, etc.

I learned something neat about her name. Her last name is Sui - for the county she lives in. Her first name is Jia - for the year 2007 that she came to be cared for at the orphanage. And her middle name is Yi (Yee) - this is her special name given her by the orphanage staff. Yi means, "beautiful, sweet." Her Aya (caretaker) said she was given this name because it was easy to overlook her cleft lip and see she had a beautiful face, beautiful eyes, and was a sweet little girl. So they named her Yi.

This is a photo of Elani's Aya and the director. She was quite shy and was embarrassed to have her photo taken. She was a very happy, joyous girl who laughed a lot.

This photo is of Elani's best friend. Their cribs were next to each other. They entertained each other by reaching through the crib and touching each other. The orphanage does the best they can but there is not much money to help take care of the children. Elani's orphanage was quite poor. There were no mattresses; the kids slept on plywood and spent most of the day in their plywood cribs. There were no blankets that I saw. The kids have never been outside. They get to go to the playroom I believe once a day. Though I am smiling in this photo, I had to hold back some tears as I went to each child and handed them one of the treats we brought from the store. The children did not know how to respond to my attention. They all had blank stares; their eyes seemed distant and numb. Each child has so much potential but has never been given a chance to grow or develop. We have seen how Elani has developed so rapidly over the past five days. My heart ached at the thought many of these kids will never have that chance. It's hard to think of Elani spending all but a couple hours a day for the past two and a half years sitting or lying in her plywood crib. No stimulation. No touching. No love. These things are not the purpose of the orphanage - the purpose is to meet the basic survival needs of the children in hope they find homes.

I took more photos of Elani's empty crib but we're reserving those for the Spear family photo album. I also saw her finding site and we're reserving those as well.

The director of the orphanage was quite nice and polite. He invited us to lunch; he wished to show his appreciation for our donation and for adopting little Elani into our family. He was extremely grateful for that. I took the opportunity to boast about my family and I passed some photos all around. In the above photo the director, the orphanage staff, and the wait staff are examining them closely. They thought our family was beautiful and they expressed once again their gratitude to our family. The director proceeded to order a HUGE spread of food. I knew every ounce of my diplomatic energy would be tested and used as I forced myself to "enjoy" every course. To my surprise, most of it was quite tasty. With the exception of the sea cucumber (which kept squirting around in my mouth as it evaded my chewing), the rest was nice: the lamb, chicken, shrimp, rolls, and other things I did not recognize. When they brought out the chicken, the head was boiled and sitting on the platter. The director picked it up and chomped into it. When he saw the amazed look on my face he laughed. He let me take a picture of his second bite! We had a nice conversation through our interpreter. She did a wonderful job.

One Chinese tradition I quickly learned was toasting. The director ordered us a local beer and they kept it coming! Each time he took a drink he held his glass over my plate so I was aware he was taking a gulp. In response I was to raise my glass, clink it with his, and match his gulp. And, each time I took a drink I was to do the same to him. The wait staff kept our glasses full of the tasty local brew and after trying to keep up with the toasts I was hoping I was going to make it out of there! Fortunately it was a light beer and I left without an influence; regardless it created a bond we both enjoyed and got some good laughs out of it.

The people were wonderful and they are doing their best. However, the circumstances are dire and so very sad. I have learned so very much about the Chinese economics and government over the last couple weeks. I ask all the questions I can to learn about this country we are visiting. The most significant learnings have been the insights into the pressures on women to "lose" children. The economic, political, and social pressures that effect a women's family planning are real and intense. I can only imagine what a women must feel as she makes her way under the cover of darkness into a busy place, sets the child in a visible area, and steps far away to watch as the sun rises and people begin to stir. Once her child is noticed, the police are called and she slips into the city forever hoping her child will be blessed with a chance at life.

As I pulled away from Elani's orphanage, I felt so privileged to be the family chosen by God to raise this little girl. Of all the millions of babies in need, it was Elani who was destined for us. Seeing her empty crib brought joy to my heart. Though my heart ached for the time she had spent there, her crib was now empty. She is with us now. And she is loved. She has a mattress. She has a blanket. And she has a Leapster that she stole from her sister!

And now Elani is making herself right at home. She is smiling more and more. And, she is voicing her opinion. When she wants something from one of her sisters, she has perfected the yank-and-yell. We already have sibling rivalry and it has never been so sweet. I praise God for our two older girls who have been God-sends on this trip and are blessings in every way. And I thank God for the two empty cribs in China and the beautiful young ladies in our family. Just a few more days and we're heading home. Operation Bringing Home Elani has impacted me forever.

She likes it!

2010-09-05T05:07:00.001-07:00

Today was a pretty fun day. We went to the Guangzhou zoo. It was not much of a zoo as far as zoos go. In fact, it was a little tough seeing the condition of the animals and the habitats. I'm sure the animals are taken well care of with the limited resources available. However, the resources are indeed limited which means the conditions are bare bones. We still had a nice time and saw some great critters.

But the best event of the day, as small as it may seem, happened with our new little monkey. Elani tried blue Gatorade and she liked it! So far she has not been willing to broaden her pallet but thanks to Abby's perseverance she got a drop of Gatorade into Elani and she took a liking to it. It was one small step for mom but a huge step for Elani's progression! For those parents out there you know it's the small things that are sometimes significant. Right?

The girls continue to love being in China and hanging out with their new sister. I told Malea yesterday she is such a good sister. She corrected me by saying "BIG sister." Elani continues to laugh and be more expressive. Daily she shows signs little by little that she is accepting her new family: reaching out, following us, touching our faces, feeling our hair, etc. The progress is subtle yet significant. For the first time she went all day without crying her silent tears. I pray for this precious little girl that she may find peace and embrace the love of God. By God's grace I am confident He will do a good and powerful work in not only Elani's life but in all of ours.

Tomorrow I leave early for a long day traveling to Elani's orphanage. I also hope to visit her finding site - the place the caretakers first discovered Elani. I have the address and my guide believes she can find the location. It's a 6 or 7 hour drive to the orphanage. For those with a map I'll be just northeast of Vietnam on the coast near a village called Suicheng. I leave early and get back late. I may not have the time or energy to post tomorrow night but we'll see. May be a tough day; I really don't know what to expect. Abby and the girls will enjoy a day by the pool trying to find refuge from the hot sun and humidity. We appreciate your prayers.

6 shots. Youch!

2010-09-04T05:20:00.001-07:00

Today was medical exam day for many of us families. This included waiting at the Chinese Examination Office for a couple of hours while 20+ families waited to see the Dr. The adopted children have a brief physical exam and then they have shots. When we adopted Malea we had the option to choose to wait to return to the US and do her shots that she may have been behind on in a slower fashion but now under the new Hague Convention Adoption Rules, all children must be fully immunized before they leave their native country. So for Elani and many of the other kids that meant 7 shots today. Not too fun of a day for them, and we weren't crazy about her having all those shots in one day either but didn't have a choice. After the Doctor performed her "physical exam" she informed me that Elani has a cleft lip and palate. Oh, thanks for letting me know that, I might have missed out on that otherwise. Above Elani and Malea are passing the time in the clinic playing with some other siblings of adopted babies. Lots of cute little Chinese kids running around!
Things are so different then 3 years ago when we adopted Malea as far as the health of the children that are being adopted from here. When Malea joined our family, all 13 of the babies in our travel group were considered healthy and non-special needs. Today basically all of the children that we saw and met in the clinic had some type of a special need ranging from cleft lip to albinsim, to missing limbs. It is so awesome to know that these kids will be getting good medical care and love from the families that are taking them home.

This is the doctor who informed us that she has cleft lip and palate.:)

Marc remembered this doctor who performed Malea's exam 3 years ago and so we had to get her picture with him. What a change from 2007! She was a crying, scared little girl last time she saw him.

Getting all her shots.

Relaxing after a busy morning.

All is well in Guangzhou!

2010-09-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

All is well! We continue to enjoy our journey. But, we are at the half way mark and we think we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We're still enjoying our time and are not stir-crazy, but we can envision ourselves looking forward to the end really soon! The breakfast is amazing. But, it's the same every day. We've hit all the "normal" restaurants and we're on our second, third, and even fourth times through them. Though I love Pizza Hut, I ain't going back into one for at least 9 years. The shopping is always a crazy game of charades and that's cool but the next time I'm in Safeway I'm going to kiss the entryway tile. I can't wait to go into a store and say, "where are your swimming goggles" instead of being the only 6'2" skinny guy in the store doing dramatic swimming motions while pointing to my eyes in hopes the clerk will somehow figure out what I want. I'm not all that great at charades and the lady's bewildered look and her turning multiple shades of red did nothing for my confidence or self-esteem. And, the next time I want to see a snake is on the Discovery channel - not looking at me from an aquarium next to a menu. For the record - that's disgusting.

Little Elani is beginning to come alive a bit. She's laughing now and showing some great expressions. She's running trying to keep up with the girls. She gets teary when Abby leaves her sight. That's pretty cute. We still have a ton of adjustment to go but Elani is beginning to feel at home now. Speaking of home, I am making arrangements to go see Elani's old home next week. Her orphanage is a 7 hour drive south of us in a small fishing village on the coast just north of Vietnam. I hope to make it there and back in one day. Our translator is arranging a guide and is taking care of all the details. It may be a solo trip for me; we're still thinking through that.

We really enjoyed some time with Jeff and Robyn Halford and their family. Jeff is a fellow State Farm associate and has a fantastic family. Their journey ends tomorrow as they fly home early in the morning. Here we are at an Italian restaurant where they had one last "normal" meal before they leave! It was wonderful to meet you Jeff and Robyn! We so enjoyed hanging out - many blessings to you and your family as you return home.

A typhoon hit us today and the rain came pouring down. Here Malea decided to stand in the street and get soaked. It's still really hot so the rain is a welcome visitor (though it made us cancel our zoo plans today). You would not believe how steep the sidewalks are. Malea has really sticky shoes. Sometimes pictures just won't stay flipped.

I'm not sure what Abby is doing here. I think it's the airplane game - the universal language that gets kids to eat up! She's a great mom.

Now I'm hoping this video thing works below; first time I've tried it. It's of Malea teaching Elani how to gingerly and carefully jam a headphone deep into your ear drum.

Thank you for your prayers. We covet them as the time will begin to drag a little from this point forward. We have the doctor's physical for Elani and the shots tomorrow. Do to the new international adoption laws the kids must leave China fully immunized which means Elani could receive up to 8 shots. We have no choice in the matter. If we had it our way we'd take her home and space them and quite possibly omit some of them. But, it is what it is. Until tomorrow...

Ramblings about today......

2010-09-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

Malea is enjoying showing Elani "the ropes" around here. She is teaching her how to comb her doll's hair, how to play with her Leapster games, how to use the potty, how to use the remote, and the list goes on..... it is pretty cute.

Today we went to a large shopping area and one of our steals were these black market DVDs for $1.50 a piece. Woo hoo. Apparently the other Americans in Guangzhou know about this place because there were other families in there while we were there. I asked the clerk if they had a specific movie and she said "No, but if you come back tomorrow I think we will have it." Hmmmm...

Asleep in the van, shopping is very tiring. Get used to it girl!!

This picture has nothing to do with our China trip but had to share it. Maddie has a unique talent of being able to blow a bubble with soap out of one nostril while she is in the shower. She called me into the bathroom this afternoon to tell me that this one was the biggest one ever! :)

The view from our room.

There is a typhoon outside, kind of cool to watch from the 14th floor room that we are in. We plan to go to the zoo tomorrow if the weather improves. The girls are looking forward to seeing the panda and other animals that are there.

I asked our guide while we were driving today why Elani's head was shaved recently and many of the other children who are being adopted don't have shaved heads ( the ones who I have met in this hotel anyway). He said that she is from a poor orphanage in a small town and they don't have AC in the summer so it is very hot. They shave the children's heads to help keep them cooler. This probably explains also why her lip is not repaired yet as many other children's are, the orphanage where she was living just didn't have the access to or the funds to pay for that kind of medical care. In a way we see this as a blessing though so that we can take her too a good surgeon who will hopefully do a good job when we return.

That's all for tonight, I am tired and heading to bed! Take care...............

Passport Day

2010-09-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
We went to the passport office today with several other families to apply for Elani's passport. The girls went swimming in the pool for a couple hours this morning ( they wish it was longer.)

Elani seems to be doing well so far. We hope that she starts eating something other then the rice porridge that the orphanage fed her. That is the only thing she will allow in her mouth so we are praying before we travel home that she becomes a little more open to some other foods so that traveling is a little easier.

We were discussing today ideas of what she might like to eat and Malea said: "Mom, I have an idea, why don't you just go on the internet and google what babies with cleft palate like to eat." OK , glad you thought of that Malea, maybe that is a good idea!

Thanks for all your comments, it is encouraging and we look forward to reading them every day!

Just chillin'

2010-08-31T06:17:00.001-07:00

Not a whole lot going on today - just relaxing and chillin'. Oh ya, we did become the official and legal parents of Elani today. That was a big deal I guess! We had a couple more appointments today; just more hoops as we continue through the process. We have a good many more appointments scattered over the next ten days.

Though today was not a very exciting day from an adventure standpoint, it was pivotal for a couple reasons. First, we became Elani's legal family. Second, we learned some important things. Some were about life. Some were about the process. And some are completely worthless except for blog material. Here are the things we learned:

One: Elani cried today! In our circumstances we think that is a good thing. It absolutely breaks your heart, though. She whimpered a few times today and little tears ran down her cheeks. It was not an angry cry but more of a sadness. It was the most heart-breaking thing you ever saw. She did get 'er going in a full out cry a couple times and that, too, is good (we think). Her little mind and body needs to express whatever they need to. This must be a very difficult time in her life; she is loved but everything is so new and foreign. Our hearts break when she cries from sadness but I think we'd choose to have it this way.

Two: No funky spice! Last time in China there was a funky spice in EVERY food that about killed us. This time, no funky spice! Guangzhou is somewhat western and we are finding the rights spots to go. It is so cool not planning your day around toilet availability.

Three: Introduce yourself to everyone. Abby and I are making a point of introducing ourselves to all adoptive families we run into. One family, we learned, lives near Dupont, Washington and the husband (Jeff) works at State Farm in our claims department. What a small world! We learned this by reaching out...good lesson there. Then the thought occurred to me Jeff and I may be able to expense this trip since we talked about business today. You never know unless you ask. And, you can also become a case study on how to get fired. I'll have him try it.

Four: Do not order sodas while eating inside your hotel. We got completely hosed; they were the most expensive Pepsi's I have ever had. Five sodas cost the same as our entire Cantonese meal. Yowsers! Well, you gotta get hosed at least once on a trip like this.

Five : Buy black market stuff! We bought four new release movies for $2.50....total! Toy story Three......$.60. Yes - that's sixty cents. And they did not even explode our computer. This deal made up for the Pepsi's. And supposedly we're going to a "market" where you can get the newest electronics for the same type of deal. I, Mr. Naive, asked the guide, "So, that must be because they are made in China and the low labor and lack of exporting brings the price down?" He said, "Well, not really. They get the stuff from Hong Kong and bring it back via speed boat." Oh. Good to know.

Six: And last, but not least.....look behind the lingerie! Yes, Maddie and I went out to a very local market to get formula and a bottle. No one spoke English. I mean no one. This place was completely authentic and crazy. Believe it or not, we found the baby bottles in the lingerie section. Now, as to how we learned this, that is complicated. The point is, think outside the box. If you need eggs, try looking by the motor oil. You never know.

We're doing great. Kiersten wrote the nicest thing in her journal today. She described Elani as "perfectly perfect." I think that describes all four of them. Until tomorrow.....thanks for checking in!!! We love the comments. Thanks!

Elani Day!!!

2010-08-30T04:17:00.001-07:00

Today was one of the sweetest of my life. The joy I experienced in being with Abby and our three girls as we brought Elani into our family was about all I could take. Giving Elani a hug and being with our girls as they grabbed onto her was priceless. There is no doubt Elani had many caretakers in the orphanage but I doubt they got after it like our girls. "Can I get her bottle?" "She needs a blanket!" "I get to hold her next...you held her last time!" "Dad - that's not how you do it. You need to tip her back." "Mom - be sure to burp her!!" "She has a wet diaper - mom she needs a diaper change!" "She's thirsty." "Dad, I said that's not how you do it!"

I could write a novel describing today but I'll keep it short. Here it goes. We went to the social center in a van with our guide and one other family from Arizona who was receiving a little boy. And amazingly we arrived at the center just as Elani did and we rode the elevator with her. Then they took her into a play room and spruced her up a little before we got to hold her. Elani was carrying the little bear we sent her a few months back. That about melted us. The picture above is of Abby and the orphanage director. She was a wonderful lady.

The picture below is just after we got off the elevator and they took Elani into a play room to get her ready. Malea is peeking into the room and could not wait to hold her. She kept saying, "She's sooooo cute!" The girls were giddy with excitement and they were so wonderful with Elani. When Elani was ready for us they gingerly went up to her and patiently got to know her. She let the girls hold her pretty much right away. Elani did not say too much but she seemed okay with the whole thing. The orphanage director said they have been showing Elani our family photo album every day (we sent her an album a few months back in a care package) and they had told her what was going to happen. We're not sure how much she understood but I think she had a bit of an idea.

As I write this I am in our hotel and Elani is in her crib. She was singing away and tossing around for a while but now it's quite; she just nodded off. And beside her on the floor is Malea who wanted to sleep near her baby sister. I get teared up at the sight of them in one room together. One, whose been dreaming of this day for over a year now and who could not wait to have a baby sister and the other, who has no idea how excited we are to love her but she'll learn about it every day (beginning tomorrow at about 6:00 AM with three faces six inches away as they stare at her in her crib hardly able to wait until she wakes up). The moment her eyes open I can already hear it. "I get to hold her first!" "She wants her bear." "She needs a drink!" "I'll get her rattle - you got it last time...remember?" "Dad - that's still not how you do it!!" And from that point forward and for the rest of her life she'll be bombarded with love and affection and, after seeing firsthand today, a LOT of well-intentioned advice from her three sisters. We're in full swing around here and are rockin' and rollin'. We are now a family of six and it seems.....perfect. God is good. He has provided in wonderful ways. And he continues to bless. It is by His grace we are able to do what we do and it through His provision that we have experienced an abundance of joy on this day. Now I will pray that he provides for my needs as the full realization of five women in our home begins to take root. There is a storm of activity around here as the girls take care of Elani. I am temporarily dispatched on various missions. Getting a bottle ready. Buying formula. Buying dish soap (no joke). Making a bed up. Etc. The flury of busy girls lets me know when I'm needed. And you know what? I wouldn't change it. Oh, I need to go. I think the ladies are calling to me. Something about heating up a bottle. Later.

The Great Wall

2010-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here the girls are at the base of the Great Wall. This was an amazing place to see, when you are here in person it is an unbelievably huge piece of architecture. The wall construction started about 2,500 years ago and has been updated and lengthened by different emporers over the years. About 500,000 people died during the building process (most were slaves). The girls really enjoyed seeing it and so did we. Just a tip: If you decide to visit sometime, I recommend going when it is not 90 degrees and 100 percent humidity. Wowsers, can't remember the last time I have sweat so much! :) This Chinese quote that the girls are standing in front of is a quote from Chairman Mao (founder of the peoples' Republic in 1949) that says "You aren't a real man until you have been to the wall"! The first gaurd tower with a view below. The wall isn't needed anymore to protect from Mongol attacks in the north and hasn't really been used for quite a while. Once cannons and modern weapons were invented it wasn't really necessary.

This gives you an idea how steep the stairs are to climb up, a good little workout!

View from the second tower up. You can climb much higher but the girls voted to stop here, everyone was hot enough!

We meet Elani in a few hours. Everyone is very excited!

Miggliacio girls:

The girls enjoyed reading your notes to them, thanks! Malea says to say "Hi" and she has been eating lots of noodles and sweet and sour chicken. The breakfasts are pretty western but the other meals are mostly Chinese. We saw some people in the market eating fried bugs. :)

Hanging out in Beijing

2010-08-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Okay - so this blog format is getting the best of me. Not sure how these pictures will look as I can't make them behave. Oh well. You get the idea.

Today was Beijing day. Our guide, Michelle, is fantastic. We began the day at Tianiman (sp) Square. I believe all 17 million residents of Beijing were in the square at the same time we were. Holy smokes was it packed and this culture does not bother with lines, manners, or organization. You just gotta get in there and get 'er done. I am proud, I must say, that I was the only one gettin' er done in a red Cabelas cap. On a serious note, I am still learning and reading about the significance of this spot. However, suffice to say it's the figurative center of Beijing, where festivals and parties are held, and has also been the historical locale for speeches, ceremonies, etc by Chinese emperors, chairmen, and royalty. It has also been the site of protests, riots, and mass destruction.

We then went to the Forbidden City. In the early 1900s, China's imperial government was overthrown by Chairmen Mao; he began the Peoples Republic of China and the now communist government. Prior to him, China was ruled by emperors. The emperors lived in the Forbidden City - no one was able to enter but royalty. The architecture is over 500 years old and in incredible condition. I continue to read about Chinese history and have much to learn but the books I'm enjoying now have much more meaning after seeing these historical treasures.

Then we went to a silk factory where we saw how silk worms make silk. We saw the silk process from start to finish. Again - incredible. Those little worms have a very special purpose. I'm not sure what's inside their special thread that makes it so nice but evidently Abby knows since she bought three pillow cases that cost more than my mower. It's an old push mower but still...

Then we went to old downtown Beijing and rode in the rickshaws (sp). The streets were too narrow for a car. We got an inside peek into what real life is like. We even saw into someones home and visited for a while. The gentleman was nice and made a couple origami birds. The girls loved every minute of it. It was a crazy day with pushing, shoving, and tons and tons of people. And people kept coming up to the girls and getting their photo taken with them (blond hair is a novelty). The girls found their rhythm and were remarkably comfortable in this new environment. Fun stuff.

Tomorrow is the Great Wall and a jade factory then on to Guangjo. It is wonderful to be in China again and to see the sights and smell the smells. It is certainly not familiar to us but we are quite comfortable considering it's not all completely foreign. Well, actually it is but you know what I mean. We are enjoying all there is to enjoy and look forward to the ultimate point of the journey and that's Elani day! As Malea says - just two more sleeps!

Later.

Made It!!!

2010-08-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Marc is the man! He spent a couple hours this morning in the hotel (since we were up at the crack of dawn) and figured out a way to circumvent the Chinese firewall on our blog so hopefully it will work for us to keep updating the blog from here!

Flight to Beijing was smooth and uneventful. The only glitch was that the internal entertainment system didn't work so the girls were a little bummed with no movies for that long flight. We made it fine though. I think we got to bed around 2AM and the girls were up and ready to go at 5AM. So, tonight everyone should be ready for a good solids night sleep. :)

Glad to be here and today we head to see some sights in Beijing. Will try to post pics later of our day if this still works. :)

Blogspot may be blocked in China

2010-08-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hey folks.

During our layover in Seattle I've looked into some blogs on the censorship topic and sure enough - access to blogger seems to be a real problem in China. Government cyber space oversight has increased since our last trip. We'll hope for the best and do what we can. All we can do may be nothing at all. So, if this site goes dark for a while that does not mean things are not going well. It may simply mean we cannot access the site. We may update the Facebook page instead but access to that may be blocked as well; just "friend" Abby Spear and we'll accept if we can. Most social networking venues are monitored and/or shut down. Hmmm. You can also try to e-mail us at abbyspear@msn.com and we'll reply. I have not seen anything that says e-mail is shut down.

In Seattle!

2010-08-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the first leg of the trip has been successful. We are in Seattle after having driven to Spokane and flew from there. The kids are great and we've only eaten through half of our survival candy. The next flight will be the biggie - 11 hours to Beijing. Abby and I are still discussing our sleeping strategy. Ideally we would all stay awake the whole time to get on the right sleep schedule. But, that ain't going to happen. We've decided to wing it.

We hope to have i-net connection in China. Assuming we do, we'll post when we can. FYI - China is 15 hours ahead of Montana. So, when it's 5:00 PM in MT it's 8:00 AM the next day in China.

Being a dad...

2010-08-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

As things get busier and the hustle and bustle increases just days prior to our departure toward China, I've been thinking. As is my usual custom during times like this, I escaped to the top of a mountain where, after ascending a couple thousand feet, I turned around to overlook thousands of acres filled with valleys, creeks, mountain ranges, and blue sky as far as the eye could see. As I perched on a rock pinnacle, the wind pushed at my back and the clouds passed by causing a dizzying effect; I balanced near the summit and took big gulps of Crystal Light.

As a father contemplating all it means to be a dad, that flat rock and solitude made for the perfect spot to be alone and think. I thought about many things - particularly the blessings in my life. I was overwhelmed by the number of them. The foremost blessing on my mind was the absolute privilege of being a dad. Though the responsibility and magnitude of the job is vast, there is no greater satisfaction than having the opportunity to share my life and love with my beautiful daughters. And now that we're heading to China to introduce ourselves to the next love of my life, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity - the sheer honor - of pursuing Elani to bring her into my life as my cherished daughter.

The irony in the whole thing is I have learned I cannot out-give God. God, being the ultimate blessing and provider of joy, continues to bless me beyond anything I could deserve. As I extend a pebble of love to my daughters, they provide mountain ranges of joy and blessings back into my life. As I extend a mountain range of love, they provide a planet of blessings in return. And as I extend a planet, they provide a galaxy. You get the idea. I have learned I cannot out give God in this manner. The joy I receive from being a father is the most pure, satisfying gift that quenches.

And as I sat on that mountain top, I remembered it all starts with God and the act of love he showed for me as he offered himself as the perfect gift. He is the perfect father and provider and defender. It is he who has extended himself and accepted me into his family. As Psalm so wonderfully states in 68:5-6 he is "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..." God has accepted me into his family though undeserving and lonely as I was. I did nothing. He did everything. And as my family enters into this adventure of growing through adoption, it is I who was adopted into the family of God and it is I who owes everything. It is an honor of greatest measure to be a child of God. It is an honor of greatest measure to be a dad. And as I looked upon those mountain ranges from atop that mountain peak, as vast as those mountains were, they do not match the scope and breadth of my love for Kiersten, Madison, Malea, and Elani. As I look at our growing family I trust this upcoming adventure is just the next of many. I am excited, anxious, but not scared. The Lord is our rock and our defender. He is our foundation. No need for fear.

That being said, it's time to rock and roll and get 'er done! Live once. Live hard. Love often.

Itinerary for China

2010-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Below is our travel itinerary while in China for those of you who care about what we are doing each day: :)

8/26 Thursday: Drive to Spokane, fly to Seattle and catch the red-eye to Beijing.

8/28 (We lose a day on our flight over). Sightseeing and the Great Wall.

8/29 Beijing sightseeing to Forbidden City and Tianamen Square among other places. Fly down to Guangzhou this night.

8/30 Meet Elani in afternoon at governement office

8/31-9/07 Misc appts, doctor visits, sightseeing etc....

9/08 American Embassy for Elani's visa to travel back to US.

9/10 Fly back to Beijing in the evening

9/11 Fly from Beijing to Seattle and then Spokane. Then drive home, our own beds will feel great by that point!!

We would appreciate any prayers and we hope to be online to update our blog frequently. I think China is about 13 hours time difference from the US.
John 14:18
Joshua 1:9

ALMOST Ready

2010-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Our bedroom floor has looked like this for the past couple weeks as I try to gather everything we need for our trip. One week from today we leave for China! That sounds like not very long... we are excited to meet Elani, and a little anxious at the same time. It will be a great adventure I am sure and we look forward to seeing God do HIS work in our lives.. I am starting to waken at night and think about all the details and "what-ifs", so it will be good to just get to China and meet our new little one and stop thinking about it. :) Several boxes of Zithromax, among other pharmaceutical remedies. I think the Zithromax covers traveler's diarrhea ( or in our case it should be "traveler's vomiting").....Hoping for more settled stomachs this time around. I decided to buy stock in Purell hand sanitizer, I might be rich with how much we use on the trip.

Malea and I are having a sleep over tonight, just the two of us. Her two older sissies are at a friends and dad is backpacking. So thankful to have the blessing of being a mom!!

The 2010 Fair

2010-08-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

First morning at the fair, getting Ezmerelda and Lucille Ball ready to be shown in the pen. Marc loves doing this with his girls. The girls with one of their friends Maya who came to visit them with their pigs.

Grandpa Dave and Grandma Karen were down here for the week to watch the fair. Bapak and Nana came down to watch the girls show their pigs. Thanks for all the moral support! We are thankful for great grandparents!

Kiersten in the ring with Lucille Ball.

Maddie and Ezmerelda.

Getting Ezzy ready for the auction. She looked pretty cute dressed up in her grass skirt and lei. Maddie did a great job showing her. Kiersten's pig didn't quite make the weight needed to go to auction so she was a little bummed out about that.

Isaiah 58

2010-08-03T04:48:00.001-07:00

I love the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 58 is called "True Fasting" and is about the righteous heart that the Lord desires in all of us. It is so encouraging to me so I wanted to share some of what I read this morning

verses 6-11

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you, and the GLORY of the Lord will be your rear gaurd.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and He will say HERE AM I. (What a promise!)
If you do away with the yoke of oppression, and the pointing finger of malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always; HE will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will me like a well watered garden, like a spring whole waters never fail.

On Loan

2010-07-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Following is a devotional written by Chuck Swindoll. I loved it and am not putting it on here because I am going through any particular trial right now, I happened to find it in my bible from a year ago, one of the many papers that I had saved. My good friend sent this to me at the time when her son was dying of cancer and she had a great perspective (praise God).

On Loan

With Job facedown in worship to God (Job 1:21), the only one cursing is Satan! He hated it! he resented Job's response! Of all things, the man still worships his God-- the One who would allow these catastrophes to happen. There wouldn't be one in millions on this earth who would do so, but Job did exactly that. The wicked spirits sat with their mouths wide open as it were, as they watched a man who responded to all of his adversities with adoration; who concluded all of his woes with worship. No blame. No bitterness. No cursing. No clenched fist raised to the heavens screaming, "How dare you do this to me after I've walked with you all these years!" None of that.

Instead he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Blessed be the name of the Lord." That says it all. At birth we all arrived naked. At death we will all leave naked, as we're prepared for burial. We have nothing as we are birthed; we have nothing as we depart. So EVERYTHING we have in between is providence for us by the giver of life.

Get that clearly in your mind. Get it, affluent Americans as we are. Get it as you stroll through your house and see all those wonderful belongings. Get it when you open the door and get behind the steering wheel of your car.

Face it squarely. You and I arrived in a tiny, naked body. And what will we have when we depart? A naked body plus a lot of wrinkles. You take nothing because you brought nothing. You own nothing! What a grand revelation! Are you ready to accept it? You don't even own your children. They're God's children. on loan for you to take care of, rear, nurture, love, discipline, encourage, affirm, and then release.

Praise God for "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights."

Shopping, shopping, shopping

2010-07-08T19:32:00.001-07:00

Auntie Rach and I took the girls to TJ Max a couple nights ago and they got into shopping as you can see! Notice the shoes...... Kiersten is in the midst of doing her "zig zag snap move".

With a hat like this you don't need an umbrella!

Hike to Waterworks

2010-07-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hiked the Waterworks trail in Missoula this morning. It was a beautiful day. Here are a couple of pics of us at the top. We have enjoyed having Rachel's family here for this past week and the cousins have had a good time together. We will miss them.

Slow Boat to China

2010-07-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

If I may be completely honest, I would really rather take a boat to China than a plane. We will probably be heading over to pick up Elani in 2 months ( YEAH- so excited to meet her!) and I have been wondering why they don't have a really fast hydroplane type boat that could get us there in a reasonable amount of time? I know this sounds crazy to those who don't mind flying but to those of us who enjoy having our feet on the ground, maybe it is not so crazy.

I just watched a movie on the life story of Amelia Earhart and I feel the need to say that I think that lady may have had a screw loose.... I can't imagine desiring to fly a single engine airplane across the Atlantic in 19 hours.. I admire her adventerous spirit and like adventure, just not the kind that takes you way up in the air.

When the pilot says " We have reached our cruising altititude of 35,000 feet", I always think:
"Why am I up here at 35,000 feet? This does not feel like cruising! Cruising speaks to me of a slow, comfortable, relaxing drive along a sunny shoreline with palm trees swaying in the breeze."

I have prayed about this many times and my me fear is not as great as it used to be, thank you Lord. I don't think I will ever "enjoy" flying, it is only a means to an end and in this case the end is our daughter whom we are very anxious to meet!

I am planning on my faith overcoming my fear once again on this upcoming journey and I know it will be another great adventure. Ativan can be a girl's friend too if times become desperate! :)

Jet Skiing on Flathead Lake

2010-07-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

The jet skis have gotten alot of use this summer so far. Thanks Uncle Dan for letting us launch them from you dock many times! Hannah and Kiersten out for a spin on a beautiful evening. Hannah didn't know if she wanted Kiersten to drive her as she likes to go FAST.. Aunt Connie decided to be brave and let Kiersten drive, I heard it was an exciting ride!

Kep and Rach

Aunt Connie and Maddie AFTER Maddie accidentally flipped them in the very cold lake... thanks for being a good sport Aunt Connie.

The Wedding

2010-07-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

Our cousin Corrie got married a couple weeks ago at my parents river property. We were so blessed to have a beautiful 75 degree day after several days of off and on rain. Corrie made a beautiful bride and we hope her and Andy have many happy years together. Bop and a few of the 14 grandkids in his boat. The bride made her arrival to the wedding on the boat, pretty fun.

Beautiful Aunt Andrea with Brooky and Malea......

Maddie and Savannah, our girls have enjoyed hanging with their cousins who they don't see too often. I think Savannah may like all the "girlie attention"

Marc played the guitar for the wedding..... he did great.

Charis, me, Rachel, mom and Andrea on family picture day.

Malea is 4!

2010-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Malea turned 4 on June 26th. We are so blessed to have her as our daughter, along with her two older sisters! She wanted an "everything princess" party. And since Sleeping Beauty is her favorite princess she wore her sleeping beauty dress to the occasion. Here she is with dad trying to hit the pinata. Kiersten and Malea ( the headress that Kiersten has on is not normally on her head just in case you wondered. My family will understand....)

On Grandpa Bern's lap, she loves him!

Malea's princess cake and my cake that Marc was sweet to get me ( we share a birthday).

Charis, Rachel and I the morning before her party after the Whitefish 5K. Beautiful day, glad it wasn't any warmer to run in.

Madison's Horse back riding lesson

2010-06-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Maddie has always loved horses. She had her first official riding lesson last week and had a great time. Here she is getting Annie ready to ride....

Learning to balance without holding the reigns...

Fun to watch you kids doing what they love to do.....

One Little Package.....Off to China

2010-06-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Elani within the last month. She may have her lip corrected before we travel but they don't really let you know in advance. She looks like she is getting along pretty well and growing! They actually didn't shave her head before this picture, I hope they decide to let her grow her hair, we need some hair to do cute things with.:)

Care package contents.... Pretty simple because we are discouraged from sending a whole lot due to it possibly getting stolen or not making it to her. I was able to label everything in Chinese and hopefully the disposable camera will come back to us with pics on it from her orphanage. We included a photo album of pics of our family so that she can get aquainted with us... Travel will be here before we know it!

Recieved news from the Chinese Govt that we are now officially "confirmed" as Elani Jia Yi's adoptive parents to be which means that we are allowed to send her a care package now. One more step closer...... Also found out that tickets will be more expensive this time around due to the "Asian games" that are going on in Guangzhou shortly after we travel there. Always something unexpected on this journey but keeps life interesting. :)

Are you Obsessed by Something?

2010-06-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Are you obsessed by something? You will probably say, "No, by nothing," but all of us are obsessed by something - usually by ourselves, or, if we are Christians, by our own experience of the Christian life. But the psalmist says that we are to be obsessed by God. The abiding awareness of the Christian life is to be God Himself, not just thoughts about Him.

The total being of our life inside and out is to be absolutely obsessed by the presence of God. A child's awarness is so absorbed in his mother that although he is not consciously thinking of her, when a problem arises, the abiding relationship is that with the mother. In that same way, we are to "live and move and have our being" in God (Acts 7:28), looking at everything in relation to Him, because our abiding awareness of Him continually pushes itself to the forefront of our lives.

If we are obsessed by God, nothing can get into our lives- not concerns, nor tribulations, nor worries. And now we understand why our Lord so emphasized the sin of worrying. How can we dare to be so absolutely unbelieving when God totally surrounds us? To be obsessed by God is to have an effective barricade against all assaults of the enemy.

"He Himself shall dwell in prosperity..." (Psalm 25:13). God will cause us to "dwell in prosperity" keeping us at ease, even in the midst of tribulation, misunderstanding, and slander, if our "life is hidden with Christ in God"(Col 3:3). We rob ourselves of the miraculous, revealed truth of this abiding companionship with God. "God is our refuge...." (Psalm 46:1). Nothing can break through His shelter of protection.

Oswald Chamber My Utmost for His Highest June 2

Pig Wrestling

2010-05-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am sure you have heard the term "squeal like a stuck pig". After today I am reminded of why that phrase exists. The girls and their dad successfully got those little suckers out of the pen that has been their home for the last several weeks. They look small but are very quick and somewhat stubborn. Leaving their little pen is not high on their priority list because there is electric fence that runs around the inside of their pen and they have ran into it enough to know that it is not wise to approach the fence. Sooooo when you ask them (or shove them) towards the gate to exit they protest strongly and loudly. We needed to get them out so the girls can start walking them with their pig sticks and teach them how to behave like a good little pig for the fair in August.
Marc and Kiersten trying to corral her piggie towards the gate. Quite entertaining! Maddie chasing Esmeralda....like I said they are fast but won't be when they get a little fatter.:)

Finally Lucille Ball is calming down. See the neighbor's house behind Kiersten? They have told us they sit at their window and watch us with the pigs, must be quite a show!

Esmerlda is finally laying down after exhausting herself. She decided to lay right in the poop-hay that used to be in their pig house, thus the need for rubber boots.

Braids

2010-05-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

What kind of a pose is this anyways?

Found some cool sites on you tube that teach some fun braiding techniques. Thanks Andrea for this great idea. Here are a couple pics of our first try: "The hairband braid"

Kiersten and Brayden's party

2010-05-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Kiersten and Brayden continued their tradition of having a "joint family baseball game" birthday party today. Everyone came to our house and we had a BBQ, played a fun game of baseball at the park (used tennis balls instead of baseballs due to the high number of little heads out there on the field, didn't need any concussions....). Here are the bday cousins. Love you guys and glad you like eachother enough to request bday parties together. :) At the game.

Maddie and Taylor. They don't look related or anything in this picture, do they?

Bop with 3 of his 14. Love you guys and thanks for driving down.

Disneyland

2010-05-02T20:49:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from our Disneyland trip this past week. We had a great time, Malea got to meet all the princesses (except Aurora) who she was very excited to meet. Here they are with Snow White. In TomorrowLand on the rocket ships.

Cinderella's castle. Highly recommend going to DL after spring break time, way less congested...

Minnie Mouse in front of her house! (Wow, that rhymes!)

It's a Small World after all..... Marc's favorite ride! :)

Good to be back in the countryside, was fun to visit LA but no desire to live there.

Grandpa and Grandma's visit

2010-04-22T07:59:00.001-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma were here this past week for a visit. We had some beautiful weather while they were here so we spent alot of time outside! Thanks for helping fix our swing set Grandpa! And

Daddy and Grandpa made a little pond for Malea to play in. Thanks Grandma for helping to put together Elani's quilt! We had a fun visit.

More Pig Pics

2010-04-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

Maddie finally named her pig "Esmerelda", I think it was inspired by episodes of "Bewitched", one of her favorite characters shares this name. Kiersten's is in the back and they are growing very quickly!

After getting pig poop all over her jeans the first day at home, Maddie has recovered and will touch them again, (she has a thing about poop, kind of like her mom!) They actually are kind of cute.

Lucille Ball is pretty calm and Kiersten is able to hold her. Good times!!

The Pigs are here - should I be scared??

2010-04-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today was pig day at our house. The girls got to pick out their baby pigs from a local farmer that they are going to raise to show at the fair. Here they are with our neighbor Rilee who is raising pigs also with her big brothers. The baby pigs are pretty cute, I must admit. In a couple of months, not so much..... We had pigs 2 years ago and just a word of advice to anyone out there who is thinking of raising pigs: If they become ill, don't take a rectal temp right after you have wormed them.... the vet told me I had to take a temp on our 200# pig and then she proceeded to ....(just use your imagination). If we have another sick pig this summer, that will be Marc's job.

This is Mama pig...Had to take this pic because it was so funny, she kept standing on her hind legs and looking over the pen to keep an eye on her babies that we were taking. She is HUGE!!

Kiersten with her pick......Lucille Ball.

Maddie with her pick..... no name as of yet.

Another post coming soon of us getting them home. Great experience for the girls, highly recommend 4H for many reasons: responsibility, hard work, money management, training and caring for an animal to name a few. If I had my way we would have cute little clean bunnies or something but what are ya gonna do when they want pigs? Hope August comes quickly (our neighbors probably feel the same way).

Easter Weekend

2010-04-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Easter coincided with Spring Break for the girls so we were able to go to Kalispell and spend some time with cousins and Bop and Nan. Easter morning at Bop and Nan's house. Thanks Nana for the great meal and for organizing the Easter egg hunt! We had a great time!

Carson and Malea checking out all the Easter goodies on Nana's table.

Kiersten loves holding her little cousins Brooklyn and Taylor.

On April Fools Auntie Charis made a "special dessert". Pound cake with vanilla pudding and apricots on top. Actually looked alot like eggs on toast. Most of the kiddos ate it.

All of the cousins (except for babies) went on a hike up to a local nature center. They all did great on the mostly uphill trip!

Dinner by Kiersten

2010-03-30T20:43:00.001-07:00

I was making salmon to grill last night for dinner and Kiersten told me that she wanted to cook dinner for Marc and I. Here is the result. She set the table herself, made a salad, crackers and cheese for an appetizer and potatoes. And dessert was a double chocolate pie. She did a great job, Marc and I were pleasantly surprised.:)
We were told we had to change our outfits to what she had picked out and also write eachother a love letter to put on our plates. Pretty cute, times like these make you realize that the sometimes frustrating parts of parenting are all worth it.
In case you were wondering, no, we didn't drink 3 bottles of wine...... she felt the need to put out the 3 bottles of wine that we have had sitting around for months.

Conversations with Malea

2010-03-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while on a walk with me and we hear the birds singing:

Malea: Mom, I think I know what that bird is doing.

Me: What is he doing?

Malea: He's sending an email.

Today

Malea: I'm all ready for spring mom, my legs are tan! You know, I have a better tan than dad!

Me: Oh really? Why do you think you have a better tan than dad?

Malea: I don't know, I guess God just wanted to make me that way.

(Do I talk about being outside and catching some rays too much? HMMM....)

Hawaii trip post #3 - Waiting for the Tsunami that Never Came

2010-03-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to the Tsunami sirens going off on the island. I guess the large earthquake in Chile set off concern that there would be a large wave hitting the Hawaiian islands around 11 AM. I must say that even though we weren't concerned for our personal safety because we had plenty of warning, the sirens were very loud and along with the loudspeakers telling us to evacuate to higher ground, it was a little unnerving.... Dad being silly leaving our condo, didn't forget his tub of licorice. :) This picture of us 3 sisters is completely DORKY, just trying to pass the day by taking a silly picture while we sat up at the top of a hill for about 4 hours. We were prepared in case we had to swim. :)

Making our way up the hill with all of our important belongings in case the worst case scenario came true. I must say the Hawaii is a good place to be if there is a true tsunami because they were very well organized in their evacuation procedures and everyone stayed really calm.

Waiting with cameras ready for the "BIG WAVE THAT NEVER CAME". Glad it didn't........

Maddie has braces

2010-03-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

I must interrupt the Hawaii posts to put a picture on here of Madison with her braces. She has been counting down the days since b4 I went to Hawaii for the day that she gets her braces on. So a few days ago she FINALLY got them on her two front teeth who needed just a little help to straighten out. :) Now that she has them she is not quite as excited because they have been just a little uncomfortable but I assured her that her mouth will be used to them in a few days.

Hawaii trip post #2

2010-03-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today we went to a place called the Blue Lagoon. This is an awesome place that you have to find out about from the locals and walk about a mile in over the lava rock because there is no road that reaches it. But, the walk is SO worth it! The water as you will see is a beautiful color and it is a great place to swim because it is so protected. Look at that water... You just have to swim in it! That is dad waving in the background. :)

There were about 12 of these sea turtles just snoozing on the beach. They are so cute and mellow. It is illegal to touch them in Hawaii but it was tempting. After we were there for a while they decided to head on back in to the water.

Isn't he cute?? For a reptile anyway... most other animals in this class don't fit in the "cute" category.

Girls Hawaii trip post #1

2010-03-07T20:08:00.001-08:00

For a few years now my mom and us sisters have been planning a "girls only" trip to Hawaii. We had to wait until all of our kiddos were old enough for their mommies to leave for several days. Well, the long awaited trip happened last week and the next few posts will have some pictures of our fun times there. Thanks for going mom and sissies and thanks for all the fun memories! We wish you could have been there Andrea, another trip might be in order in a few years and you will definitely be there! :)
Here we are on the flight over to Kona. Dad and mom had already been there a week so we are meeting them there. Charis and I don't enjoy flying but we survived with Rachel (the brave one in between us!)

Our first night out on the town. Dad stayed over a day with us and we were treated to a birthday dinner for Rach this night. Can't beat macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi! Thanks dad and mom!

Here we are at the Kona airport, thanks for the beautiful Leis mom!! More to come.........

Snow Adventures!

2010-02-21T20:03:00.001-08:00

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day in Montana and we had the opportunity to spend it with Eric and Charis up at Big Mountain in Whitefish. We were able to take the snowmobiles up the back side of the mountain (about a 15 mile one way trip) and had lunch at the ski lodge at the top and then headed back down. Couldn't have been a prettier day. Here is the view from the top!!
Marc and Eric clowning around!

Stopping to enjoy the view!

Another view from the top!

Chinese New Year Party and Valentines

2010-02-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

The "RED" breakfast is one of our favorite traditions in our family. Kiersten's friend Regan was over for a sleepover so we got to have her join us for breakfast. So blessed......

Had some friends over to celebrate Chinese New Year with our family. It was great fun and Malea insisted on using chopsticks! Here she is with her two of her buddies, Noel and Annie znd Kendall.

Updates on Elani

2010-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Our adoption agency was able to translate and email some questions to Elani's orphanage for us so that we could hopefully get some updates on her health and development. I was very surprised today to get the updated pics and a short note on how she is doing since we just sent them an email last week! You never know if the orphanage will even respond with updates when you ask so we are excited to have a little more info.

The doctor at the orphanage stated that she is doing well and is active, follows directions and is also very social. Her cleft lip obviously is not repaired yet, and I was kind of hoping that it would be so she could progress in her speech but who knows if they will fix it over there b4 we pick her up? Many times they are repaired but you just never know..... One of those things that you just have to know that God's timing is perfect and He knows all of the details and sees around the corners that I can't see around.

Excited to meet her!! When Malea saw her pics today she said "Oh, she is so cute and she kind of looks like me, except for her "cleff lip". :)

Hawaii is just around the corner!!!

2010-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

The new background is the only beach themed background I could find at the moment, I like it but hopefully there will be less seaweed at the beach we are going to in 3 1/2 weeks! My mom and 2 sisters are headed to Hawaii for a girls only trip at soon, can't wait!

The Beauty of a Woman

2010-01-28T20:00:00.001-08:00

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.

Audrey Hepburn

Chinese Dance class

2010-01-27T20:24:00.001-08:00

The dance studio that Kiersten dances with had a collaboration with the Chinese students at the U of M tonight for a cross cultural experience for the dance students and the Chinese students at the University. Some of the older girls in the dance studio went to China last year and learned a few dances and have taught them to the other girls. Kiersten and her friends performed the dances for the Chinese students and then whoever wanted to was invited to come and learn the dance. Malea was very excited to try the dance and Kiersten was so sweet to help her learn the steps. She is a sweet big sister!

Good News from Elani's Orphanage

2010-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

We just joined a yahoo group of a bunch of folks that have been to Elani's orphanage in the past to give some little girls their forever homes. I have learned through the group that the place she is living right now is actually a good orphanage (as far as orphanages go!) Several of the families have been able to visit when they went to China and really were impressed with the care and love shown to the children who live there. The pictures that I have seen of the rooms look like they have many toys in them and are kept very clean. Apparently the little girls that have come from there are for the most part developmentally on track and it is apparent they have been cared for.
This is so good for us to hear as we of course have been praying for Elani and have really no idea of what kind of situation she is in right now. It is comforting to know that she is being taken care of until we can get there and give her a family.
In light of this news, my heart is heavy for the dire situation in Haiti and especially for all the children there who have no one to protect them. Just today I saw on the news a story of an orphanage there that was destroyed and there are many orphans under the age of 3 who literally have no food or shelter and no one to even protect them from people roaming the streets. I hope and pray that all of us who know the Lord will respond in whatever way He leads. I know adoption is not something that the Lord lays on everyone's heart but I know He does ask us to take care of the orphans and the widows. So I pray for those people in Haiti tonight and that the Lord will work through us His hands and feet to show mercy to those who need it so desperately.

2009-12-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I think it has been a couple of years since Marc and I have actually stayed awake until 12 AM on New Years ( pitiful, I know!) but tonight we told the two older girls they could try to stay up and watch movies until midnight, so I guess that means we have to too! :) Right now we are watching a movie and I am trying to multitask as usual and update our blog which has been neglected lately. We spent New Year's Eve day in Missoula at First Night Missoula which is an annual tradition in this town but the first time we have participated. Basically it is an all day affair where you pay one price and you can see different performances of music groups, dancers, go iceskating and many other family friendly activities. Kiersten's ballet studio had a performance today so we went and saw her in that and here are some pics from the rest of the day.

Iceskating! Malea actually went and made it around the rink one time with me holding her up the entire time ( that was fun!) and then we decided that maybe we would come back another time when they had skates available in Marc's size to rent and he could help her! :) I don't think he was too dissapointed that there were no skates in his size! Unfortunately we didn't get a pic of Malea on the ice, I think Marc was videotaping her instead.

Malea's first pony ride!

Can we say "ATTITUDE"?

Kiersten and her dancing friend Anna getting ready to do the Jitterbug for the tap recital. She is growing up so fast! Wish we had more dancing pics but during the performance it was hard to get pics of her onstage.

The 2 younger girls made masks while Kiersten was rehearsing. To ring in the new year there is a masquerade ball downtown but we just made the masks for fun!

Merry Christmas (A little late!)

2009-12-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

Early Hogan Christmas

2009-12-22T09:29:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Christmas a little early this year up in Kalispell with most of our family because dad and mom are travelling to AK this Christmas to spend time with the Kroon family. Eric and Charis hosted a great dinner and we had a fun time together as a family. Our family got to meet the newest little member, baby Brooklyn who is about a month old. What a cutie!!

We gave dad this new ski hat to go with his new ski suit and we hope he doesn't actually wear it like this on the slopes! :) No one will miss his old ski suit either! :)

Santa and Malea

2009-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is the first year that Malea really gets the whole Santa thing and she is so excited about him visiting our home on Christmas Eve and filling her stocking! There is a local Santa who visits the girl's school every year and hands out books so we went last week and were able to go into one of the classrooms and visit Santa while he was there. We happened to drive up to the school when Santa was arriving in his big 4wheel drive truck and Malea saw him get out and said "Mom, why isn't he driving his sleigh?" I just told her that his sleigh was getting fixed maybe and he was borrowing a truck. ( Not completely honest I know.)

Making cookies and gingerbread house

2009-12-17T07:59:00.001-08:00

We attempted Spritz cookies this year, I remember mom making them alot when I was little and was a little afraid to try, but was pleasantly surprised that they turned out! I think the girls aren't crazy about the taste though! Who wouldn't love a cookie that has a whole pound of butter in the recipe??

Just a a quick post to show the girls making cookies and thier annual tradition with Marc of the gingerbread house! Merry Christmas!

Kiersten's Christmas Spectacular Dance

2009-12-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

Grandpa and Grandma watching in the audience

Getting ready!

Kiersten had a dance recital way back at the end of November when Grandpa and Grandma were here and I am pretty behind on posts so I am finally getting a picture up of that. The theme of the dances were supposed to be Christmas in MT so they had a whole bunch of different dances around this theme. Here she is dressed for the bonanza, she was a cowgirl for this one. She definitely lives to dance right now.

Rach, does this look better??

2009-12-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

My lovely sis has helped me out alot with my blog in the past and decided to play a joke on me yesterday by going in and putting a hideous background on my blog for a day. So, just wanted to clarify that if anyone looked at our blog today, that was not my choice of a background! :) I have changed it now to something a little less, shall we say "BUSY". !! Rach, I need your blog password! :)

Sui Jia Yi

2009-12-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

We have been feeling like the Lord wants us to adopt again from China for a few months now. For quite a while after Malea joined our family we felt like we were a "complete family" and had no intention of adding to our size. But for reasons only the Lord knows we have felt it impressed on us that we should adopt again. We have been so blessed by having little Malea be part of our family and God has used her to allow us to get a small glimpse of his heart for the fatherless and how much He loves us.

Because the wait to adopt a healthy child from China has now unfortunately grown to 4-5 years because of alot of political reasons, and there are so many little kids there with minor medical special needs who need a home, we have chosen to be matched with a child who need some type of medical intervention.

We were asked by our agency a couple of weeks ago if we would accept a referral of a little girl who is 2 years old named Sui Jiayi. She has been in the orphanage since birth and has a cleft lip that will require surgery. We feel blessed to have her join our family and are now pursueing all the paperwork needed to complete the adoption. We have been told that we probably won't be able to pick her up for approx a year so we are hoping that process might be sped up a little, maybe the Lord has a little miracle for us up his sleeve. :) Besides surgery she will need some speech therapy for a while since her lip and palate will have slowed down her progress in that area.

Beth Moore Wisdom

2009-11-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

Below is a paragraph from the Beth Moore study of Esther that I find really profound so I wanted to share it. I hope I don't get in any copyright trouble for taking this from her book! :)

Christ summons the disillusioned to the paradoxical bliss of spilling life lavishly, sacrificially for the glory of GOD and the good of man. Those with presence of mind and semblance of health are called to pour out the drink offering of their lives until the cup is overturned and every drop of energy slips-perhaps unnoticed, uncelebrated--into the vast ocean of earthly need.
The last imperceptible drop of your well-lived life will sound to the hosts of heaven like a tidal wave hitting the floor of the Grand Canyon.
In effect Christ says, " I'm already great enough for both of us," relieving the willing of their woeful burden. "Just follow me."

Wow, this humbles me and gives a great perspective on priorities!!

2009-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Maddie and I went on the second of our "Secret Keeper Girl" dates this weekend. These are "mom-daughter" dates that Kiersten and I did and are just finishing up. The dates all have a theme and teach your daughter something about growing up and preparing her for adolescence. They are alot of fun, especially this one because it involves SHOPPING: one of our favorite pastimes! :)

Maddie's friend Keziah and her mom Heather are also doing the dates so they were able to join us and we took the girls shopping after coffee and they were each given money to pick out an outfit that fits the modesty standards that we had talked about over coffee. They had a great time and it was fun to watch them trying on all their choices and modeling for us!

Hunting in Eastern Montana

2009-11-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

This first picture is supposed to be at the end of this entry but for some reason the blog spot isn't letting me move it down so it is just going to have to be at the top. The girls wanted to take this picture to show me that their dad put the dead deer and antelope in the back of the suburban. They knew I would love that!! :)

Marc and the girls were able to go to far Eastern Montana this weekend and go on a "Dad and Daughter hunt". They had a BLAST according to the girls. One of Marc's state farm agents' dads lives in Glendive, a very small little town over there and he loves hunting so he was kind enough to take them out to hunt antelope and mule deer in the fields over there. According to the girls they were "going REALLY fast in the suburban chasing antelope herds through the fields." Below is the antelope that they got, it probably had good size horns but has dropped them in the last couple weeks so that is why it's horns look pointy now. Here they are with Pat dragging the deer after the harvest. Marc said they had no problem cleaning out the animals and didn't mind getting their hands bloody.

Silly girls!!

Marc is a great dad and I love that he wants to spend time with his daughters doing stuff like this!

Halloween

2009-11-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Here are the girls in their costumes. Kiersten was an old lady and we spray painted her hair gray ( you can't really tell from the picture). Madison was Barbara Eden from "I Dream of Jeannie" (one of their favorite shows) and Malea was Abby K-dabby from Sesame Street. We just went trick or treating in a local neighborhood and Malea was tired of people coming to the door and handing her candy so at one of the last houses she told the man who lived there " I will pick my own candy please." Slightly embarrassing but at least she said please! :)

Pumpkin carving time

2009-11-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have not blogged in FOREVER and have been hearing about it so it is about time to get back into it. Here are some pictures of the girls and their pumpkins. Our church had their second annual pumpkin patch to raise money for a clinic in Africa and they were able to sell LOTS of pumpkins so that was great. Below the girls are "posing" with their friend Keziah who's family came over to carve pumpkins with us.

At the patch, the girls volunteered to work a couple of shifts and had a great time.

Soccer season has begun

2009-09-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Maddie had her first game of YMCA soccer today. They had a great time, even though they lost, they handled it well. Here are some pics of Maddie in action. The wind picked up and it got a little chilly so Kiersten and Malea cuddled up on the sidelines.

Malea Ballerina

2009-09-21T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Moscow Professional Ballet CO.is coming here to Missoula in November to perform the Nutcracker and some of the girls in Kiersten's ballet school get to have small dancing parts in the Nutcracker. Kiersten is part of this and she is very excited. One of the principal dancers was here for a few days to audition the girls and she held a little "Russian tea party" for younger girls while she was here. Malea and I went and Malea loved it! Maybe we have another future dancer on our hands. Here are some pics..

Garden Harvest

2009-09-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Since it was such a beautiful day today, Malea and I decided to spend a little time doing some "fall cleanup" in our garden. She gets SO excited to see what new plants have grown and especially enjoys eating the strawberries. Here she is with some of our harvest!! We can't wait to eat it!