THAT Good

Sometimes to truly enjoy your food, it needs to be a full body experience!

I'm kind of sad I've never had yogurt THAT good...

Adoption Cousins

(This is our April post at No Hands But Ours!)

 

"Where are you from?
What do you do?
What church do you go to?"

     These are the socially acceptable questions everyone asks when meeting someone new. The answers define who the person is standing in front of you and the kind of relationship you may have with them.  But, since starting down the Adoption Road, there is an entirely new group of people in my life that I love and consider dear friends but in the traditional sense, I know nothing about them!

 

     I'm thinking specifically of our adoption travel group. Eight families that didn't meet until in a Beijing hotel lobby, jet lagged, sweaty & a bit nervous. (Clearly at our finest!)  We identified each other across the room & quickly started pulling out photos and sharing our adoption stories. I was shocked to hear MY testimony coming from the lips of these strangers; the same miracles, the same provision, the same calling for this sweet one they've only held in their heart.  The same God.

     Truly, we spent very little time with each other while in China. Three days in Beijing desperate to get to our kids and a week in Guangzhou equally desperate to get our kids back home. Yet 20 months later, through the magic of the Internet, we still post pictures, share stories & prayer requests and celebrate adoption. But I don't know what they do (someone is a teacher, right?!), how long they've been married or even what church/denomination they belong to. (Gasp!). Not once have we discussed theological nuances, church politics or who is pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib. It just doesn't matter. In fact, I probably love them more because of the conversations we haven't had. Not that we have purposely avoided any church-life landmines, but none of that triviality defines the relationship we have with each other or our relationship with OUR Heavenly Father. What binds us together is the overwhelming awareness of God's adoption gospel in our lives. As a group of strangers from across the nation, we share the same story of emptying our bank accounts and flying across the planet to bring our children home & into our families. And in that precious moment on that excruciatingly hot August day in China when our children were finally placed in our arms, we didn't say a word, we didn't have to say it...we GOT it...Jesus DIED to get us home & into His family; and in all of the love (& tears!) that burst from our hearts for our new children on that day, how MUCH OVERWHELMINGLY MORE does our Lord love us?! This beautiful shared revelation, this Gospel thread that knits our families together, is really the only thing that matters. Together we are the forever children of the Most High and our children...are Adoption Cousins.

August 2012. Guangzhou, China

     The Apostle Paul clearly had the same experience in his travels through the early Church. People who GOT it: an intimate understanding that only in Christ is real unity of purpose and joy possible. We partake of the same Grace! Zip codes, salaries & church order don't diminish one ounce of that Truth. And if we don't see each other again on this earth, I am, like Paul says, 'confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in each of us & our new children will complete it until the day of Christ's return' (Phil 1:6). I am also confident we will be MUCH less jet lagged, sweaty & nervous!

     So to our Adoption Cousins, the Bamboo Families, and all the precious people we've met on this Adoption Road...

"I thank my God up on EVERY remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with JOY for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now..." (Phil 1:2-5)

 



The Night Before Easter

Our new favorite book this week...

The True Night Before Easter
By Timothy Penland

'Twas the night before Easter
Peter lay in his bed
He just couldn't sleep
For the thoughts in his head.

So much had happened
In the last several days.
Now it all ran together,
It seemed like a maze.

He met this man--Jesus
Through Andrew his brother
Jesus traveled the country
Along with his mother.

Some called Him the Christ

Some thought He was lazy,

Some said He was wise

Others said, "That man's crazy."

 

Wherever He went

Folks crowded the street,

When He stopped anywhere

Children flocked to his feet.

 

Most everyone liked Him

And thought He was good,

But a few got so mad

They'd kill if they could.

 

He healed many sick

Raised some that were dead,

Said, "Don't hate each other--

Love others instead!"

 

Then a few days ago

As He rode into town,

Many came out to greet Him,

Some even bowed down.

 

People laid down palm branches

Children sang joyful songs,

But the leaders were angry

They were scared of the throngs.

 

They said, "This man's evil"

They thought He should die,

They had a fake trial

And paid some men to lie.

 

Then they sent Him to Pilate

Saying, "Kill Him for us"

"It's you we will follow,

 It's you that we trust."

 

"Don't hurt this good man,"

Pilate heard from his wife.

So he tried to find some way

To save Jesus' life.

 

But the Chief Priest and scribes

Had started a riot.

The people were shouting

And would not be quiet.

 

They screamed, "Just kill Jesus

That's what you should do

You can blame it on us,

He's no King of the Jews."

 

Pilate finally gave in

He sent Jesus to die.

He'd be nailed to a cross

That was raised to the sky.

 

Jesus died on that day

And was laid in a tomb.

As Peter remembered

His heart filled with gloom.

 

He also recalled

That Jesus had said,

He would die for our sins

But he would not stay dead.

 

He said he was dying

To pay for our sin

And, that if He was right

They'd see Him again.

 

Now three days had passed,

Peter was there when He died.

And he started to wonder

If Jesus had lied.

 

Then just before dawn

He heard someone outside.

He wanted to see

But he thought he should hide.

 

When he went to the door

There stood his friend Mary

She was screaming & yelling

The story was scary.

 

She had been to the tomb

She shared what she found

The stone had been moved,

There was no one around.

 

Peter stood there bewildered

By what Mary said,

Then John yelled, "Let's see!"

And he took off ahead.

 

When they got to the tom

Both men went inside,

Jesus' body was gone

That could not be denied.

 

Mary also came back

To the garden grave

She was crying & sad

As she looked in the cave.

 

Then she noticed a man

A gardener she thought

She went to tell him

It was Jesus she sought.

 

The man looked at Mary

"Please help me!" she said

Then He whispered her name

And she lifted her head.

 

Could it really be Jesus?

Was He standing this close?

She just fell at His feet.

He's alive!  He arose!

 

He has risen! He has risen!

The disciples soon heard

And they told everyone

This glorious word!

 

Jesus died for our sins

But then he arose

He was really God's Son

Now everyone knows.

 

His promise is simple

His message is true

The tomb now is empty

He's alive just for you!

Happy Easter from us!

 

Tiny Tots

     It is a rare moment in our day when there isn't some sort of music playing in the house, the car, at church.  Isaac responds wonderfully to music--singing, dancing, worshiping, listening. He soaks it up. So much so that I've figured out ways to manipulate...I mean parent Isaac *wink* through music: "The Isaac at the table eats his food, eats his food, eats his food. The Isaac at the table eats his food, then he can play" (Thank you Wheels-On-The-Bus, inc.!) What can I say?  He eats. He plays. It works.

 

Day 3 as a family in China & he already was helping me with the ipod.

 

     We continue to attend Tiny Tots at the Seattle Symphony every other month. We are so blessed to be near such a creative early childhood music education program!  The fact that they integrate sign language with the music is icing on the cake. And it's a good opportunity to have a little date; get dressed up for an afternoon at the symphony and get a treat afterwards.

 



 

Still too small to keep the seat from eating him up!

 

     This month was Goldie Hands & the Three Bows: Goldie plays the piano and helps Papa Bow (string bass), Mama Bow (cello), and Baby Bow (violin) find the missing pieces to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Good stuff!

Totally enthralled

     After the performance, Isaac sized up the three bows and marched right up to the string bass...and signaled for his photo to be taken! Goldie Hands ain't got nothing on my boy!

"Just me hanging with the string bass..."

 

The gracious musician let Isaac give him a few tips.

 

    I love seeing his face light up when he is experiencing something new he enjoys. I love it even more that he 'tells' me about it for days afterwards...he has been signing 'spring', 'summer', 'autumn', and 'winter' repeatedly at bedtime for nearly a week :)  And I am so very thankful that music is a language that  speaks to my boy's heart. Methinks piano lessons might be in our future!



 

The Happiest Place On Earth!

     We went to Disneyland! Again.  :)  I know, I know, we've been a family for 19months and we've been to The Happiest Place On Earth twice.  But I say, why the heck not? I had another work conference in Anaheim, Gramma had the time off, and Isaac's social calendar was free (that kid is particularly popular!) so we traded cold & rainy Seattle for warm & sunny SoCal for a few days. And had a GREAT time!

Disneyland 2014

Day 1:

I continue to be impressed with what a fantastic traveler Isaac is. I thought maybe having to be buckled into his own plane seat this time would be an issue. Nope. He had his pirate's booty, his new backpack from Gramma, and a plane full of people to wave to. No problemo.

Holding on in the airport tram

All buckled in & ready to fly!

 

 After being strapped to a plane, a bus, and his stroller for most of the day, I let him run loose a little through Downtown Disney. I'm sure whomever was manning the security cameras back at Disney HQ got a kick out of the gramma pushing an empty stroller chasing a frantic mother with a camera chasing a three year old weaving through foot traffic like a loose leaf in a windstorm!  But he got his energy out, worked on some projects at the Lego store, and sat through a great dinner with friends at the Rainforest Cafe.

Running through Downtown Disney

Seriously...ALL legos.

 



Outdoor lego tables...couldn't get any better.



Day 2:

Breakfast with Minnie & Friends on Main Street in Disneyland!  Last year, he wasn't too fond of the giant stuffed animals bugging him while he was eating. This year, he remained a little cautious until Cap'n Hook tickled him with his hook!  Crazy Cap'n Hook. 

Breakfast with Minnie & Friends
(Not too sure about the giant mouse)

 

Who doesn't love Mikey-shaped waffles??
 

Apparently, Cap'n Hook is a tickle monster

 

I have no idea who this character is, but high-fives are his speciality.

 

Um, Mom....

It was a short morning because of my conference, but we hung around Story Book Land riding the boat and the train. His preference was the train (less waiting time too), and gave a notable & gleeful WHOA when the train went up and over a (very tiny) hill. I may have a future roller coaster-rider on my hands!

 

 

 

 

One of the highlights of the morning...Isaac got to ride up front with the driver of the horse-drawn carriage down Main Street. VERY cool!!

 

 

What a view!

We came back in the evening after my conference with reservations at Big Thunder Ranch. We had visited the goats in the petting zoo last year; apparently, Isaac remembered them--he stormed right in and stooped to look each goat in the eye as if to say "hey guys! remember me?!"

 

Jessie!

 

Hi goats!

 

I swear to you, he posed for this picture.
Walked up to the goat, placed his arm and waited for me to get the camera.
Cheeky kid!

 

 

Farley the Fiddle-dude let Isaac play Wheels on the Bus on his fiddle!

Dinner entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch

Day 3:

Good morning Disneyland!

We are one of the first people on the Jungle Cruise. Isaac was enthralled with the animals but took the recommendation to remain seated at all times very seriously. I am  NOT going to stand up to look at the hippos or elephants that are six inches from the boat, thank you very much, I can see them just fine while I'm sitting down looking through the mesh MOTHER.  Alright. Alright. 

We also got on our first real ride...The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!  If  you've never been on that ride, it's pretty overstimulating with a 60's psychedelic theme, but he seemed to enjoy it!

Riding on King Arthur's Carousel.
We are BIG fans of carousels. :)

The afternoon parade was the highlight of the day--as it was last year. One of the dancing Chimney Sweeps from Mary Poppins came up and said hello to Isaac...I thought he was going to absolute faint with joy! I can only imagine that little experience was the front page of his mental scrapbook!

Waiting for the parade with my boy

Hi Mickey!

 

 

Mom-here they come!!

We ended the day with a 5.3 earthquake and a few aftershocks.  Thankfully, Isaac slept through it, but it took Gramma & I a while to relax again. I much prefer my planet to go roundy-roundy and not shakey-shakey.

 

Day 4:

Its our last day in paradise. Toon town called our name as did a showing of Mickey's Magical Map--both were great, Isaac konked out in classic toddler-at-Disneyland-style. :)

Rocking out on Goofy's crazy piano
(Wasn't such a good share-er on this toy)

Chilaxing

My sweet boy all konked out

Sleeping piggies

I asked a friend of mine, who has basically raised her kids at Disneyland, the best age to experience the happiest place on earth. She said "every age is the best age! You get to see it differently each time from their perspective.". That statement convinced me that, when possible, we will be frequent Disneyland-ers. Last year I saw Disney on the open water rides only with an apprehensive twp tear old, this year I saw it through the eyes of a toddler enthralled with teeney-tiny hills on a kid train and awestruck during parades; through people watching on Main Street and mingling with goats...and it was awesome. Already looking forward to next time!

Happy boy!

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2014!

     (Yikes--this is our first post at No Hands But Ours! Make sure to go check out their awesome site!!)


     Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day! (Get it? 3-21? Trisomy 21!) A day intentionally set aside to be aware of and to embrace the overwhelming BLESSING that is Down syndrome.

     Down syndrome is indeed a spectrum of special needs; some children & adults with Down syndrome are much more medically, developmentally & emotionally affected than others, but I believe DS has been wrongly labeled a disability. In fact, the more I learn about my son the more I realize that it is I that have the 'disability'.  Isaac's 'genetic aberation' allows him to see and feel and interact with people in a way that I will never be able to do; I have been crippled by selfishness, pride, ignorance & social morays. If he sees someone who is hurting, he simply hugs them. It doesn't matter if we are in the middle of Costco, that person needs a hug! And not just any person...THAT person.  Sadly, it wouldn't even cross my mind to minister to a stranger that way, especially while shopping for fifty pounds of hamburger. What crushes my ignorant heart is to see that stranger just melt in the short little arms of my sweet boy. They NEEDED that hug deeply. They were starving for the hands of my Lord to physically touch them and He did...through my child with Down syndrome. Isaac pats them on the back and looks them straight in the eyes as if to say, "it's going to be alright, you'll see. Me and Jesus love you!" It's true, Jesus does LOVE them and my son just loved on them. Do I love that stranger?  I mean, REALLY love them, like I know Jesus does...like I've been asked to by my Loving Creator? Like my son in his 'disability' seems to do so easily? The truth is no. I'm the one with the disability, and now with fifty pounds of hamburger.

      


World DS Day 2014
 

     Down syndrome is not a disease. It is not a health hazard. It is not a disability. It IS an extra chromosome of love placed PERFECTLY by our Heavenly Father with intention and purpose. Today is a day the entire world stops to acknowledge that very fact. What could we learn by letting go of our selfish, ignorant, crippled hearts  and really loved like our friends with Down syndrome do?  Would we love like Jesus? Would we be overwhelmed by the joy of the Lord like my son is? I can guarantee it'll make your trips to Costco more interesting!

 

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:35 msg

 

     For more information regarding World Down Syndrome Day events in your neighborhood, please visit: worlddownsyndromeday.org