A Match Made in Heaven

We're still here

2009-08-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a LONG time, but I will post soon. Meighan is turning 3 and Christopher is leaving for the Citadel in 9 days~ have so much to report.

Even Little Princesses Go to the Prom

2009-05-06T03:35:00.000-07:00

Prom 2009

2009-05-06T03:24:00.001-07:00

The kids looked great and had a great time!

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-15T06:36:00.001-08:00

We're just gettin' so big! I asked her if I could take her picture...she told me NO! I had to bribe her with Dr*P*pp*r! That smile is awesome!

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great time visiting with friends, but wish we would have had more time to do it. Meighan had fun running and playing. It was great to see how large the group has gotten in just a couple of years.

A Treasure to Share

2009-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

We had no video of our Gotcha moment- can you believe that? BUT..we do now! Thank you, Angel, for putting this together for us. It is pricelss! For all of our family who couldn't be there- you can be now!

What to Wear?

2009-01-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

Oh my, what to wear for Chinese New Year?! We have two really pretty outfits, and I am just torn on which one to wear on Meighan. Input PLEASE!!! Thanks for your suggestions.

Attending the Ball at the Grand Floridian

2008-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

More Fun from Walt Disney World!

2008-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! And we're Back from Disney!

2008-12-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

We had an incredible time- we really hated to pack up and come home. The weather was especially nice, but we just had alot of fun. Thank you, too, to Hal and Angel for inviting us to stay over nite with them on the way down. We love to see our friends- we just hate to say goodbye! Meighan did so well with the characters. Our favorite was Mulan. She was so sweet to our little China girl!

Winter's Come Early

2008-11-24T04:16:00.001-08:00

We usually don't get too excited here in the northeast about snow- the most our school kids and techers can hope for is a 2 hour delay. This is what we got overnight last Thursday into Friday. The result- a full fledged SNOW DAY!

Role Reversals

2008-11-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has been one of highs and lows. On Tuesday I was offered a full time position working as a home health care nurse and on wednesday my husband was laid off from his job.

All in all~ we see the hand of God providing for our needs in perfect time. We could see the writing on the wall for his job, so that is why I pursued a full time position in the first place.

We were going to have to put Meighan in daycare which I thought she probably would greatly enjoy, now she gets to spend some quality time with her dad and we save some money in the process! It will make leaving on Monday morning so much easier.

I will be a blogging slacker for a while until I catch a grip on what working full time outside the home is like. Maybe I should make updating the blog one of Ken's daily responsibilities! :>)

I start on Monday morning, wish me luck, and I'll try to post soon!

I'm Back

2008-11-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have a very good reason for why I have not been blogging! I am 5 days post op from having my gall bladder removed, and I will leave it at that for fear that I've already played the "too much information" game. Thank goodness for helpers and prescription pain pills; because having surgery HURTS!

Trick-or-treat

2008-11-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Trick-or-treat night was just awful! It was cold and there was still some wet snow hanging around, so Meighan went to about 4 houses and we headed back to my dad's house where we had had dinner together. Kara and my 2 nieces, Jillian and Ellie, went all around the neighborhood having a great time.

The houses we did go to Meighan had a blast. She said something that resembled "trick-or-treat" and politely said thank you.

First Snow

2008-11-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my tardiness of late, but here are some pictures from about a week and a half ago. This was a couple of days before Halloween. Please keep the snow in mind when I post the Haloween pix- you'll understand our lack of fun that night.

Meighan, for one, enjoyed the snow. The rest of us...not so much! She had a great time playing outside, and she screamed when it was time to come in. So much work putting on all of those clothes! But SO cute in them.

A Family's Committment to Adoption~From ESPN

2008-11-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

I've Been Tagged!

2008-11-01T10:57:00.001-07:00

I've been tagged by Angel from Blessed With Four. I'd put the link in, but I don't know how. I have to tag 7 other people then tell you all of the weird and creepy things about me that you are dying to find out.

I am just getting ready to go to work, so you will have to check back for all of the exciting details!

Here is Where I Stand

2008-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am a Conservative at heart. Those principals are what I believe has made our nation magnificient. I am not willing to let them go.

I am concerned about the economy, for sure, but more important than that, I am concerned with who will be my son's Commander-in Chief. MY son is voluntarily planning a military career. It is now very personal to ME. I do not want a president who believes our troops are killing and plundering in the middle of the night or who has questionable dealings with PLO-Israel hating, far-left Marxist leaning, domestic terrorists friends~ and he doesn't have to answer to it. That is NOT ok with me.

I am tired of the media circling the wagons around Barak Obama, so he is never faced with answering the hard questions of being accountable. He may be a very nice person, but you are known by the company you keep. Joe the Plumber, a private citizen who asked a hard question, has gotten more of a probing in the media than Senator Obama. That is not OK with me.

I want someone in the White House who values life and will protect it. Period.

You may not agree with me and that's ok. I am just a Pennsylvania soccer mom letting you know what is on my mind. ***These are MY thoughts alone and not necessarily the thoughts of anyone who is associated with me in any way.**

Way To Go Eagles!!!!!

2008-10-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Christopher's senior soccer season ended today with the French Creek Valley Christian School Eagles finishing first in the league and taking first place in the league tournament! He had a great time, and I know he wishes time would go a little slower so he could enjoy his senior year a little more. He is under a great deal of pressure trying to keep up with his class work, play sports, finish his Eagle Scout project, and try to get an appointment to the United States Naval Academy! WHEW! I'm outta breath! Please pray for this young man.

Back in the Picture Taking Business!!!!

2008-10-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Isn't it a beauty? We absolutely love this new camera. It has lightning fast shutter speed, and I can't wait to post some new pictures. Thanks for all your help and suggestions!

Do you love to get a deal? I do!

2008-10-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

A fellow Christian World Adoption mom has a blog that is totally about getting the most for your dollar. It is awesome! Check out the link to her blog, look especially at her entry from Saturday for free O*MA*HA Steak burgers. I did it and got 20 burgers for $1.98!!! Now, that is stretchin' the old dollar!

Go to www.thecoupongame.blogspot.com

McLane Church::Erie County, Pennsylvania - Media Week 3

2008-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

McLane Church::Erie County, Pennsylvania - Media

He's Home!

2008-10-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

Meighan and I called for Thomas once more last night about 9 pm and out from under the deck he came!! Other than being hungry and covered in burrs, he was in good shape. He cried and so did we.

MISSING

2008-10-16T11:20:00.001-07:00

We are so sad today! Our kitty, Thomas, has been missing since yesterday morning. He got through the door after one of the kids had opened it, and we havn't seen him since. He does go out every now and then, but he always wants back in. Please pray our kitty is safe and returns home soon.

Help!

2008-10-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, our camera hit the crapper on Sunday. I guess that would explain why the last pictures I posted of Meighan were so grainy looking. What kind of camera would you recommend? I don't want one that has a lag time before it takes the picture; that is what this one did. It was a Ca*n*on Powershot.

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Early on in our adoption process one of my worries was that our waiting daughter was getting enough to eat. Little did I know that Meighan would be born in a very poor, rural area and later live for the first 10 months of her life in a very poor orphanage. One thought that brought me great comfort was knowing that God saw her! I learned to trust El Roi- the God who sees.

Love Without Boundaries is a humanitarian organization that has a heart for the waiting children in China. They provide medical care, education, and a nutrtional program for some of the poorer SWIs. We are so grateful that LWB was involved with providing safe, healthy formula to the SWI that Meighan spent her early months living in. Wasn't it sweet of our God to take care of the secret petitions of my heart?

Would you please turn off the playlist at the bottom, watch the video that introduces you to LWB and what they do, and consider making a donation to them via their website?

McLane Church::Erie County, Pennsylvania - Moses: The Journey: A Basket Case (Oct. 4 & 5, 2008)

2008-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

McLane Church::Erie County, Pennsylvania - Moses: The Journey: A Basket Case (Oct. 4 & 5, 2008)

We just began a series on the life of Moses this past weekend, and I wanted to invite you all to listen and this is why...Moses' life begins being surrounded by tragic events that are no fault of his own. He is born into political policies that threaten his very existence~ he is born a boy. His mother finds herself putting her child into a basket, really having no way to know what will happen to her child after that.

It is true that history repeats itself, even centuries later. My duaghter, along with many of your children, were simply born girls. They were born into a political and ecomonic setting no fault of their own, or of their birth parents for that matter.

** I am not making a slam against any birth country- on one level I understand that countries make very difficult choices so that people will have food to eat, and it is impossible to know what the results of hard decisions will be years down the road. **

My daughter was found in a basket just like Moses. That has always been a symbol of abandonment to me, but through Brian's message, I see that the basket is the sign of redemption- a point of HOPE!

It just was so healing for me, and I invite all of my fellow adoptive moms especially to listen. It is about 20 minutes or so, and it is so worth it! I know that there will be questions that come one day about my daughter's journey, and it is so sweet of our Father to include this biography to show our children healing and redemption in a situation that mirrors their own in many ways.

**Remember to turn off the playlist at the bottom of the page **

My Passion ~ ADOPTION !

2008-10-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

At the last M*O*P*S meeting we talked about finding our passions, and that morning I must have been in a fog because I found myself passionless at that moment. In the week since then it hit me! My passion for the last 3 years has been so a part of my life that I guess I couldn't see it, but I guess anyone who knows me probably could have pointed it right out. My heart has been turned toward ADOPTION and the orphan crisis in the world and getting the heart of the Church to make it their passion as well!

From day one of our adoption process Psalm 37:4 has been the verse that keeps speaking to my heart.

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

My passion for orphans and adoption come from HIM! My passion did not stop when Meighan was placed into our arms that very hot July day in Chongqing, China. I know now that it was the mountain top experience in OUR story- a story we want to share. It is a story of God's steadfast faithfulness. It is a passion that I will live out on a daily basis.

November is National Adoption month. I am sure I will be "preachin to the chior" for the most part, but I also know that not everyone who finds themselves on this blog is aware of the crisis that exists for 143 million children worldwide. My plan is to begin to make people aware. I have said it before, and I will say it again. Our adoption has been the most profound thing we have ever experienced. It is such a demonstration of God's love for us. My passion is to share that!

WooHoo!! Steelers Win against Jacksonville!

2008-10-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Favorite Friday Foto

2008-10-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Meighan has become quite the mover! She moves chairs, stools...I think you get the picture. Today she decided to visit Dorothy the goldfish and listen to Christopher's I*p*o*d. She was so proud of herself after she fed her fish a banquet of plenty...sorry Dorothy!

Fall has definitely arrived here in the NE. I'm sad to see the nice warm days go! We have turned the furnace on and we're wearing long sleeves to stay warm. I really do like the colors of fall, but I do NOT like cold and snow. I know, I know what you're saying...then why do you live in the snow belt? I ask myself that same question. Until God moves us south we will try to make the best of it!

Just plain Weird!

2008-10-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

The other day Kara and I visited this site and had so much fun! Most of what we saw was just wrong! We havn't laughed that hard in a while. Thanks to A Bushel and a Peck for turning us onto this site!

Remembering Our First Night as a Family of Five

2008-09-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Boy was I glad to have my feet on planet Earth! I was even more happy to be seeing Christopher and Kara after being apart for 2 weeks. I was bawling like a baby coming down the escalator to baggage claim where they and my family were waiting for us, and I was so full of anticipation for them to finally be able to see Meighan face to face and skin to skin!

Once we were home the kids had a great time playing. I love the pictures of them getting to know one another. Ken and I loved being able to have some one on one time with Meighan, and she really deserved and needed that time with us, too. It is absolutely priceless seeing Christopher and Kara wrap their hearts around their little sister.

Thanks for letting me remember...

Favorite Friday Fotos

2008-09-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our God is Miraculous

2008-09-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am ready to leave for work, but thought I would hop over to www.roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com and see what was happening. So many have been praying for this family and Susannah. I'm in tears now a I see the hand of God has indeed interveened and Susannah is getting better and is one step closer to home!

Some Chuck E Cheese's Fun

2008-09-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Attacking the Ball

2008-09-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Way to go Kara! Eagles win over Erie First Christian Academy two games to none!

Friday Nite Fun

2008-09-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I know I'm pretty cute! I'm just sittin' here watchin' my big sister play some VB.

Sweet Baby Girl and her Dada

2008-09-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Do you think she's an animal lover?

2008-09-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were outside for a bit when along came two of our neighbor's kittens. They are quite affectionate, and Meighan was pouring some of her own sugar on them- as you can see! They even played fetch with some black walnuts or "balls" according to Meighan. What she didn't like was when they climbed up on her slide and tried to push her bubble mower...the gloves came off and love turned to...well, not love!

Urgent Prayers Needed

2008-09-17T11:15:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I learned of a family that was about to meet their little one for the first time, for that much anticipated Gotcha Day, only to find out their little one would not be delivered to them in a civil affairs office, but rather, in a hospital room. I do not know this family. I have only read about them and their daughter Susannah on their blog. One thing I do know about them is they are a member of ther family of Christ and that connects us! They are begging God for a miracle. I am asking anyone who reads this to keep this family in prayer~ for God to intervene in time and space to bring healing to Susannah and bring her home to the US.

You can join in this journey with them by visiting www.roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T11:15:00.001-07:00

Moon Cakes and Birthday Cake!

2008-09-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating Meighan's second birthday tonight, even as the remains of Hurricaine Ike began to knock on our door! We also celebrated the Moon Festival since we were gathered as a family. Some friends gave us a real mooncake, and we had fun sampling such a treat! Meighan had a great time- laughing and running around with Ellie! I love the picture of Meighan and Ellie- look at the admiration in Meighan's eyes for her cousin! So sweet. She was great at blowing out those 2 candles and loved opening presents. Thanks everyone! We love you all.

Happy Birthday Meighan!

2008-09-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tea Time with Some Friends

2008-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

When we were in Myrtle Beach we spent ALOT of time in the Disney Store, and I'm so glad Angel talked me into buying the Princess Tea Party set! We gave it to Meighan for her birthday, and it is bringing her HOURS of enjoyment. This morning she had a tea party with some of her "closest" friends!

2008-09-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's some of what is keeping us busy lately.

One of Meighan's Favorite Places to Be

2008-09-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Almost Two!!!

2008-09-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is last year after Meighan was attacked by her birthday cake~ well, maybe it's the other way around. I just remember Meighan and her high chair had to get a bath! Alot has changed in the last year. Meighan couldn't walk this time last year, and now she walks, runs, and loves to jump! She was so much still a baby last year. I see more of sweet, but oh so independent, little girl now! Time in a bottle is what I want for her birthday. I forgot how quickly time marches along. It will be with anticipation and cherished memories that we look forward to what the next year will bring!

Congratulations Katelyn and Scrapper

2008-08-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

My niece was able to show her sheep Scrapper at the county fair this week, and she received second place in her age bracket! Meighan loves this sheep, by the way! Scrapper was all we heard about at the fair the other night!

A New Dress for Meighan

2008-08-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Meighan is getting a new dress! I have been following the blog Red Thread Stitches and was overjoyed to see a dress to fit Meighan today. Along the bottom of the dress will be a monogrammed "M" and we are also getting a matching clip on hair bow! I can't wait~ I can't wait to see it on her.

Friday Worship

2008-08-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is one of our favs at McLane Church! I found it on You Tube and knew I needed to share it. I needed to remind myself that it is all about Him and all for Him. Thank you Jesus... (Before hitting start, turn off the playlist at the bottom of my blog.)

Pittsburgh Zoo

2008-08-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The weather in the morning was cool, so the animals were active, with the exception of the lions who were disappointing! We walked 5 miles over the course of the day...all I can say is "ouch!" Meighan loved the day~ her favorite site of all were the sea lions who put on a great show. I swear they must have worked for Sea World at one time they were so good! She even got to touch a boa constrictor. Such a brave girl. As soon as she was done though, she said, "ewwwwwww"! this zoo really is a must see if you are able. The aquarium is great, the new polar bear encounter will blow you away, and there are 2 baby elephants and a baby tiger cub!

2008-08-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

2008-08-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

Me and My Sweet Baby Girl

2008-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

I really do feel like one of the most blessed mom's in the world! Christopher is entering his senior year and making headway into a possible military carrer. Kara is a sophomore this year and turning into quite the self-confident young woman. I wished there childhoods away at times because I was so tired from having 2 preschoolers. I will NOT make the same mistake this time...I want to savor ever wonderful morsel of this time with all of my children, but especially these days with Meighan!

Gettin' SO Big

2008-08-09T11:31:00.001-07:00

Kara and I put one of Meighan's silk dresses on her and went outside to see if we could get some pictures her with a smile on her face. We were lucky and got our wish!

Really Missing China Today

2008-08-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Seeing all of the sights and sounds of Beijing really has me missing China. How can someplace that gave me so much, not forever, be in my heart... Of course we'll be cheering for the USA to win the gold, but we'll be cheering for the Chinese too. After all- we are an American-Chinese family now!

Have you seen the medals? They are beautiful with the jade surrounding the other metals! Enjoy the videos. Tune in tonight at 7:30 pm on NBC for the opening ceremonies!

2008-08-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

08-08-08 Beijing, China Summer Olympics

2008-08-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

Proud to be an American

2008-07-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have celebrated the 4th of July with our friends and family here in the USA! What a way to celebrate one year of being here in the states. We are grateful and proud of who Meighan is and where she is from. We are so grateful for the opportunities that await her here.

2008-07-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sweet Ella, you are getting so big! It was so good to see you!

Xiushan Sisters

2008-07-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

We were so happy to see Bethany and her family again!

Ken the Shark Slayer

2008-07-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Way to go baby! It might be small, but it's still a shark!

Fun on the Beach

2008-07-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Meighan loved walking the beach looking for shells. She would carry as many as her hands could carry, but would not let anyone help carry them.

So Happy to See some of Our Friends

2008-07-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time, but wanted to post a picture from MB. Here is Meighan, Sarah, and Anna from last week. Meighan was SO happy when Sarah came- her face litup and she could not stop hugging and kissing Sarah or Anna. It was precious. More pictures to come of Bethany and Ella! We are so blessed with a great travel group, and we consider each one family! We love each and every one! We sure missed the families that cold not come.

One Year with Meighan

2008-07-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

We are back from Myrtle Beach after celebrating our One Year Gotcha Day with Meighan and four other families! We had an incredible time, and I will be posting pictures from the week. We also celebrated Independance Day on the beach, and I was blown away by the fireworks! They were awesome~ fireworks as far as the eye could see. I will be posting in the days to come about our week, but here is a picture of our family on the beach.

Summer Fun

2008-06-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

our little slice of paradise

Thank You Ashton!

2008-06-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

I love my new design, and I have to send a huge thank you to Ashton. She worked so hard to make it so beautiful. She is one smart cookie! Thanks Ashton!

Smart Spending

2008-06-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Samaritan's Purse in China

2008-05-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

My heart has been so heavy for China in the aftermath of the earthquakes. My heart was heavier by the day reading of the devastation. I was directed to this link from Samaritan's Purse regarding their relief efforts, and my heart was gladdened. God has not forgotten China! Visit this link to see for yourself.

www.samaritanspurse.org/#multimedia

A Visit with Friends

2008-05-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Meighan, Kara, and I had the chance to fly to SC over Mother's Day weekend to visit with some of out travel buddies. The Rices allowed us to stay with them, and we sure felt like family. On Saturday we had the chance to spend the day with 4 other travel families. I couldn't believe my eyes to see how much these precious girls had changed. It was wonderful to visit with everyone! I wish we lived closer....hmmm....maybe we should move?!

2008-05-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon!!

Updates and pictures of my sweet baby girl!

Welcome

2007-11-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog! This site will chronicle our life as a new family of five. Our lives forever changed on July 2, 2007 in Chongqing, China, when Meighan Fu Grace officially became a member of our home. We are blessed beyond measure. We believe that she was chosen by God ,before time existed, to be our daughter~ A match Made in Heaven!