Flower headdress with Ayi and New news

No I am not pregnant.

But we are having a family change, and anyone who has a 'helper' knows that they really do affect your family. We have loved having Ayi with us, she has helped us tremendously, but she told us a few weeks ago that she would be leaving.

We waited a bit to tell the girls. And when we did Sophia said she would pray and ask God to give us an Ayi that believes in Him. And He did. The new girl coming to help us is someone we have known almost since we moved here, she is a sweet, precious girl, and our kids already know her and love her. We are so thankful for how everything has worked out.

Our old Ayi, though, promises to come visit, and wants to take Tobin with her! She has had a good time being creative with the girls and one day made them these headdresses while in the garden.





meanwhile another friend that moved away returned and brought the girls these dresses from her home country. The girls would not take them off.


I have not taken a picture of Sophia yet! OOPS.

forts and fun

Daddy helped the girls make a fort, or 'house', even with their own clothes line. I thought this hilarious. They had lots of fun while Daddy and Tobin watched State play Basketball.

almost one year old: Tobin

I know of course I will do a 'one year old' post. But he really is too cute to pass up. At 11 months old he is...
...still chill baby
...not so much baby baby anymore
...quick smile still wins hearts
...gray blue eyes still beautifully bright
...babbling more and more
...loved on by big sisters
...carried around (read: dragged) by big sisters
...eating some table foods, when mommy is not too lazy
...has four new teeth coming in for a total of six
...has been 'cruising' since 9 months but no real signs of interest in letting go to walk
...is understanding 'no'
...waves 'bye bye' when we say the words
...loves to rock to music
...is an indescribable blessing to our household

March Madness

Both of our teams were in the tourney this year and we were able to watch some games (I am speaking in past tense since they both are out, we don't even know who we are pulling for anymore). Most importantly we were able to continue to teach our children the proper 'go pack' technique, and 'gatorchomp'.

State played at 10 one morning....here are the pics. This was to try to get to the elite eight.



this was the first time she did it right. Usually she uses her index finger and thumb, and it is so cute, like she is going to pinch you.



State lost in an incredibly good game.

This was watching the Gators trying to get into the elite eight, which they did! It was lunch time in our neck of the woods.

Tobin wants in on the action!

Married nine years

(our vows are on the wall on the left)

Because we had guests coming in we celebrated our anniversary a few days early (it was actually on the 15th). It was a very simple, very needful little date. We got Ayi to watch the kids from 3:15ish until 7 p.m. We drove around, looked at some potential housing (we may have to move within the next year, who knows), and then ate Korean food (sushi with cooked meat, and Korean bbq).
The past nine years have been incredible. God has so blessed.

David says I don't have a love language (if you believe in the whole 'love-language' thing, :)), we joke about it a bit. BUT we both have learned about our hearts and desires and what communicates respect and love to each of us over the years. For example, flowers. I used to think I could take or leave them (as gifts I mean), but in the past few years, David, knowing this, has persisted in periodically buying me flowers. And I realize I DO love it. I love beauty and trying to make our house beautiful and he loves me and takes the time to think about me and buy me something beautiful. I love receiving flowers, who knew? David did.

For our anniversary he bought me a LOT of flowers. Our house was filled and the smell was like a wonderful blooming garden, and it reminded me daily of his love for me.


Thank you David for an incredible nine years, for being a refuge for me and my very best friend.
(one day I may tell our love story here, it involves John Owen, Swing dancing, soccer, India, China, and so much more of God's Providences)

All things new

This blog is about our life here in Asia. It is about trying to do life, the Christian life, in a way that actually means and displays we are 'Christian'. How well are we loving God and others these days? It is not a duty (or should not be), it is a passion (or should be). And of late, the blogging lull simply displays a lack of passion for displaying (admitting) what has been a poor display of Christ in me. Who wants to be passionate about telling others about their sin? Except that if I don't I rob God of all glory for His work on the cross to take it all away. And He has done that. And He is working sanctification in me, and the depths to which I see my black heart helps me soar to the heights of knowing and experiencing his love for me in His Son. Whew and Amen.

And I have been doing that. I have been experiencing the gospel like never before. And I tell you it is hard too. The hope comes so real and refreshing. The rest and peace found in a perfect life lived in my place is my hiding place these days. But the burdens carried are not easily released. The 'slough of despond' tugs hard to get me to believe so many lies. It is a real fight some days, to the hiding place. But it is worth it.

God has refreshed my soul through his word and pointed me to the cross where I live and die and live again. There is hope for change in me, because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me. I forget this every day. I fear too much of everything because I think I am in control of things and that it all depends on me. But I am learning the fear of God (again), a gracious, tender, compassionate God, who mercifully resurrects and makes all things new. Peace and Rest is found in His nearness. And it so good to me (Psalm 73)!

Practical things that have helped me fight the good fight:

1. Waking up before my children no matter how the night has gone (I know depending on the season of life this is not possible for some) (and I have returned to being a full-fledged, full-test coffee drinker).
   
2. Praying through my prayer cards that are filled with scripture, ideas from A Praying Life.
   
3. Having a quiet place to pray: my window bench, even if just for ten minutes.
4. Telling people I am struggling, getting specific, and asking for their prayer (everyone should have their go-to gals/guys). Of course David is my backbone in this area!
   
5. My sis recommended this book: The Enemy within, I picked it up, dove in, and it is very helpful! My brain cannot handle the real John Owen right now...this is perfect.
6. Reminders on the wall. This does help me remember.
   

This is from this post: The 4 minute marriage habit. By Ann Voskamp, summarized here:

The 4 Minute Marriage Habit:

How to Fall in Love Again in Four Minutes A Day

It only takes four minutes a day to move into a deeper heart place. Four minutes a day to connect, deepen the communion. Live koinonia.

Who doesn’t want a deeper relationship?

1. Four Focuses

Four times a day focus on the love you vowed. When I leave the marriage bed, leave the front door, when I return to front door, return to marriage bed. These are the four critical archways of time in our day. Touch or whisper a sweet nothing when passing through these gate points, and we walk into hours of closeness. It’s the focus that makes old love fresh love.

2. Four Embraces

Four times a day, embrace. Embrace fully and hold each other’s eyes. That’s all. Repeat four times daily. The one flesh breathes best when the skin pores are close; connected.

3. Four Affirmations

Four times during the day, thank him.

For working faithfully, for hanging up his towel, for putting gas in the van, for making this heart skip a wild beat. Look for the ways to thank him and watch how he moves closer.

Words on the wall. You can use dry-erase markers on our kitchen wall tile. So convenient.

Passport Renewal and trip south

A week after the 'thumb party' we traveled to the provincial capital to renew Sophia's passport. It was a huge blessing that we did not have to travel all the way to Chengdu. Though we did want to see Pandas and shop Ikea, we would much rather not have the added hassle of maneuvering through a town we have never been to with three little chillins. We settled for meeting up with friends at Papa Johns. YUM.

The girls were so excited about this trip because tagged onto the end of it was a trip to see 'Big Caleb's' family. The could not wait to finally visit the R family in their home.

Sophia hauled toys, etc. for both her and Bella


we carried two carry-on size suitcases (though we checked them), and our KidCo. tent for Tobin to sleep in. Half of one of these suitcases is formula, bottles, rice cereal, and diapers! To prepare him for sleeping in the tent, we put him in it for naps and at night the week prior. He did fine in it, but in general woke up quite early all week.


enjoying McDonald's ice cream.


Bella says: 'can we go to old McDonald's?'


We were the first people in the door to turn in our paperwork for the passport. The man who helped us was very familiar with the medical evacuation of our friends (since the consulate was so involved), and we updated him on the health of baby and mom (both doing well).

The hotel hosting the U.S. consulate folks was right across from a big lake and park. After our meeting we went to feed the birds. They fly so close like they are going to hit you.







We then hopped in a taxi and went to the airport. We were in the capital for about 30 hours total, now off to visit a family so very dear to us.

We met the R family way back before David and I were married on our first trip here. They opened their home to us for a few hours and talked about life overseas. They were so real then and made such a huge impression on us. Now, ten years later, we have grown even closer and they teach us so much by how they live and do family life.

Needless to say this trip was incredible. The kids played so well together (they have a 12, 7, and 5 yo), their kids are so respectful and kind. Anna, their youngest, and Sophia hit it off and played non-stop. We stayed up until past 1 a.m. almost every night talking, learning, growing, crying some too.

I also got to watch her do her homeschool, this is something I have wanted to do for so long. BR is the one who introduced me to "The Latin-Centered Curriculum" book, and got me filtering through all that was out there on 'classical education'.

It was so helpful to see how she organizes her day, schools multiple kids, and the curriculum choices she has made. This, for me, was far better than going to a conference, at least for now. Of course, her kids are well older and further apart in age, but still I learned SO much! AND she sent us home with so much stuff too.


BR and David picking out our dinner, shaokao (grilled meat and veg).


The crew ready to eat. Joseph gives the 'peace' sign, and Sophia sits in between Big Caleb and Anna.

The girls wear minority dresses.


when we got back home and asked Sophia what her favorite part of the whole trip was she said: 'playing with Anna'. For us it was the late night talks and laughs, and just our families being together. This trip was a huge blessing to us!