Life As We See It

June 23

Hey this is Tim from the Philippines. We just got here and it is very hot and tropical. We are in Bohol which is an island south of Manila, just east of Cebu. We are visiting some good friends who are M's down here. They also have a baby girl, Nya, who just turned 1 so Kaitlyn is having fun playing with her new friend. We are trying to just relax as this is suppposed to be a vacation for us. 

Tomorrow we are going to the beach, so that will be really nice. I am looking forward to scuba diving. I get excited about seeing black tiped shark and barracuda. Here is the link to see more about the island- Bohol Island 

 June 19

This is Lex in for Marianne again. 

Everyone is feeling better now. Tim and Marianne are better, Kaitlyn's hives/rash is gone. Good news.

They're getting ready to leave this afternoon (tonight for us, tomorrow afternoon for them) for the Philippines. They'll spend two weeks out there visiting some missionary friends ... something and Anna. They have a little one too, and there's a first birthday party extravaganza on the docket.

Their house is nearing completion too, so hopefully they'll be in by early July. Tim went to go check it out recently and had to ask the contractors to raise the counter heights (giggle). I think he said the standard counter height in China is 70cm. 

Not sure if they'll be able to get on line from the Philippines ... or from China when they get back, I guess, but in the meantime Marianne asked me to link you to some pictures. Enjoy!

 June 11

We are all still under the weather, Kaitlyn especially. Yesterday she started a cough and was up multiple times in the night. We thought we were out of the woods but we're not there yet. Tim and I almost are. Tim still has some stuffiness and I still have a bit of a sore throat and a little bit of a cough. We really need some serious Father intervention here. Especially for Kaitlyn. My brother, Dave, also has been sick with a stomach virus so keep him covered too. We really covet our friends and family lifting us up to the Father. We know that the pr*yers of the righteous are powerful and effective! Kaitlyn and I are also getting a bit of cabin fever. She is always asking to go outside. We went and met Tim for lunch yesterday which was nice but were both tired and 'ugh' feeling last night. Which is also when the cough started. Throughout the lunch Kaitlyn just cuddled with Tim. :)

Last weekend I went with my brother, Dave, to see a dance performance. Most of the pictures didn't turn out but I thought this one was pretty cool.

June 10

This is when we were trying to get her temperature down. She wasn't feeling good but was still such a good happy baby. As you can see from the video below.

June 9

The website is open again! I didn't realize how much I enjoyed doing this blog until I didn't have access to it for two weeks. Well since we've been gone we've gotten sick but we are all recovering now. PTL! Here are some pictures of the past two weeks.

Dave and Kaitlyn were helping me look for a bike. I didn't end up getting one but now I know what to look for. Since we are at a higher elevation in Kunming the sun feels really hot. So an umbrella is always a good thing to have - rain or shine. Plus this is the day Kaitlyn started a fever so we were trying to keep her cool. Twice I had Chinese women get on to me 'cause I had her in just a T-shirt. They think babies need to be bundled up at all times.

This is Kaitlyn being very intent on Signing Time. It's still her favorite. Even though we had Pride & Prejudice on quite a bit while we were sick. She likes the dancing and horses in P&P. We watched both versions twice over the past few days and I've got to say that I prefer the older version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

This is our 'cool young asian' pose. Not sure why they think this pose is so cool but they do.

Below is a video of Kaitlyn giggling and counting. We're working on numbers but really only get to two. I usually go to five and then tickle her with the five fingers I am then holding up. She loves the game. I'm sure the numbers are sinking in too.

June 5

Hey everybody. Lex here. Marianne asked me to log on and post a note letting everyone know that her website is being blocked in China. It happens every once in a while. No telling when Google Pages will cease to be a threat, but as soon as she can, Marianne will be back and updating!

In the meantime you can share my cute pictures of Kaitlyn whenever you need a fix: pics.

May 24 -part 2

Today is our five year wedding anniversary! We didn't really plan anything special (we don't have a babysitter) but I really enjoyed the day. It was great. We took it easy in the morning and while we were eating lunch a delivery arrived...

AREN'T THEY AMAZING?!?! And the card was beautiful too. My husband is the best. I was grinning from ear to ear. I think there are 50 roses in there! I felt like I had won an award or something. Just Amazing. I'm glad he's taking advantage of the good deal on flowers here. :)

Then we went to get Tim's gift - a massage! So while Tim got his massage, which, by the way was full body for one hour and cost about $4, I took Kaitlyn over to Curt and Solveig's house to play with their daughter Amanda. Then Tim and I switched and I got a massage too. Then we all came home and took a nap. Then we went down the street to eat dinner at this massive Muslim restaurant. It really is huge. I don't have pictures but Tim filmed some video so hopefully he'll get that edited soon. The food was great, the prices were great, and service was great, and Kaitlyn was the star of the show. Now I'm ending the day with a coffee and some chocolate. hmmm....good times. This is by far my favorite day.

Oh! And we have great news! Yesterday we went and looked at an apartment and it's perfect! It feels SO good to know where we're going to be moving to. It's totally bare right now so they have to put in the floors and cabinents and fixtures but we get to pick it all out. It will take about three weeks to get it all done and then we'll probably air it out a week before we move in. Huge relief.

Here's another picture of Kaitlyn and the little friends she's making in this neighborhood.

May 24

Finally! It will let me load pictures! Here are pictures of Kaitlyns cute piggies that we did yesterday. Then pictures of her in her new high chair. Which is really cool. It can convert into a table and chair as you can see in the pictures below.

May 23

May 21

For all of you who have requested the information about giving to Dave and the Earthquake relief effort - here is a link to give via paypal. If you have any other questions please let us know.

I just spoke with Dave tonight and they are camping out on the side of the road. There is a group of 16 camping out. They have a few tents but the guys are sleeping under the stars. When I talked to him he said the ground was wet, they couldn't get a fire to start and there were lots of spiders! But the good news is that they were able to help a lot of people today. They made it through to a village where the road had just been cleared from a landslide and they were one of the first to the village. Up until today the only help the village had received was from military helicopter drops. He said the villagers were more excited to see them rather than the food and supplies they brought. Just knowing there were so many people, and foreigners at that, willing to work to help them really blessed them. Tomorrow they are going even further out to try to reach four villages that the roads are just being cleared to today.

Today they made it through four landslides and across and bridge the military and quickly rebuilt. He said that several bridges were warped and the roads were crazy. He said that over 80% of the homes and buildings they saw were destroyed. Even people that still have their homes are scared to stay in them due to possible aftershocks so everyone is staying outside.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It really brings everything home when a family member is "in the trenches". Pray for opportunities for Dave to share the true meaning of life and the love of the Father with those who are in so much pain and experiencing such trauma.
Thank you.

May 20

While my brother is out saving people I thought I'd do my part and help the economy and add a little beauty...

May 19 - part 2

Quick update on Dave. I just got off the phone with him. They made it to Cheng Du and are staying in a hotel there. They're a little nervous 'cause their room is on the 7th floor and there was a 5.0 aftershock yesterday. Tomorrow morning at 7:30am they are heading into the earthquake affected area with an organization called Heart & Heart. When I spoke with him they were headed to a store to buy rope and rice which was requested by their contact.

May 19

I talked to Dave a few hours ago and they should be arriving in Cheng Du in about three more hours. He said that since they have Earthquake Relief written on the sides of the SUV's then they are getting to use a new road that isn't opened yet so they have made great time. They do have to get off and on as the road isn't quite completed but it's better than the village roads by far. He also said he spoke with a friend who is already in Cheng Du and they also need extra hands to help out so there are plenty of areas where Dave can be used. Continue to keep him covered! I just spoke with the Member Care staff (Linda) for KIA and she said that her husband (a doctor) left early Saturday morning to go do relief work in Cheng Du.

Here's a picture of Tim with his mango pudding cake - his treat for his first day of work.

Big news for Kaitlyn and I is that we have had a discipline breakthrough! I was, and am, so excited that she is learning so quickly. Saturday I was sorting through receipts and papers on the ottoman and Kaitlyn saw my pen and wanted it. I told her no; she, being tired (it was almost bedtime), decided to throw a little fit by crying and pushing papers off the ottoman. I told her she couldn't have the pen 'cause it's not safe and I told her crying wasn't going to get her anywhere and I told her she had to pick up the papers and put them back because that is not a proper reaction when you're told you can't get something. I didn't say it all exactly like that but something along those lines. Anyway, she kept crying and sat down. I told her she had to pick up the papers and I waited. She finally reached out for one and handed it to me - still crying but a little calmer. By the time she picked up and gave me all the papers she was calm. So I wiped away the tears and told her how proud I was of her! Then gave her a bath, she still loves baths by the way. Here I don't have a little baby tub but I've just been putting a hand towel in the regular tub so she doesn't slip and she's done great! Anyway, I am proud a mama. :)

Isn't she just adorable?! I bought those shoes on Saturday, they're really leather. The dress Grandma & Grandpa got her in Hawaii. SOO cute!

Here is some of the traffic in Kunming.

My two loves... :)

May 18

I have so much to write but the most important thing is that my brother is currently in an SUV with two other guys headed to Cheng Du - the biggest town near the epicenter of the earthquake. Dan (a friend of Dave's) got a call saying that they needed more SUV's to help with the relief effort in Cheng Du. So Dan said he would come and asked if Dave would go with him. This conversation took place at about 11am this morning (at church) and they were on the road by 3pm. So PLEASE keep them in your prayers. There is a caravan of four SUV's going - I am not sure who the other three SUV's belong to, but I'm glad there is a bigger group with Dan & Dave.

I talked to Dave after they had been on the road for about five hours (it's a 22 hour drive) and things were going great. As they get closer they aren't sure what the roads will be like and when they get there they aren't sure what all they will be called upon to do. Pray for protection and strength as they will probably see a lot of things they may not be prepared for. Also, Dave is supposed to be out of the country by Saturday so he can renew his visa and he is running low on finances but despite both of those things he felt that he needed to go with Dan.

May 15

Here is a picture of Kaitlyn preparing for living in China while on the flight.

This is Mothers Day. Tim bought me beautiful flowers and KJ gave me kisses. :) There are lilies and roses in the bouquet. It is beautiful and it smells so good. Flowers are very inexpensive here because they can be grown year round since it's the Eternal Spring City. Don't you all want to come visit?

Tonight we are going to look at an apartment that we may move to. The family current living there are moving back to Singapore June 1st. So if this place works for us we could be in our own place by June 1st!! It's nice being able to pick out our place but I still feel like we're in limbo with living in someone else's home and living out of suitcases. The apartment we're looking at tonight is supposed to have a really good floorplan and be big, however it isn't really in a location I wanted. We'll see. The school provides a set amount for our apartment and this one is a little over that so we'll have to pay a little bit each month for it. It's not much, especially when you convert it into USD but I haven't figured out our budget yet. So pr*y that we have wisdom in this and all other decisions.

May 14

Today is Kaitlyn and my first day to stay home. I was hoping Monday we would've stayed home but we had to go get pictures taken for our Chinese visas. So then we explored and found a bakery and kids store. Not near our apartment but still fun to look through. We got Tim a crazy mango pudding cake to celebrate his first day of work. He said it was amazing and could have one everyday. I informed him that it wouldn't be special if he got it every day...he disagrees.

Tuesday I thought we'd get to stay home but then we had to go have our Chinese physicals. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. It reminded me a bit of a treasure hunt...but with no treasure. We had documentation that we had to take around the building and find the doors of the testing rooms. So at one stop we had blood pressure, height and weight taken. Then x-rays of our chest, ultra sound of our liver, urine samples and blood drawn. I was really scared of the blood part - I don't like needles anyway and China isn't know for it's cleanliness or gentleness on the part of the medical community. But the lady was great. She was way better at drawing blood than any of the nurses I got when I was pregnant. I still don't understand why they have to draw blood so much when you're pregnant. Hopefully they don't do that here. After the physical Tim went to work and later that afternoon Kaits, Dave, and I went downtown to shop. It was a very successful trip but SO tiring. It seems that everything takes 2-3 times as long in China and with a baby. Plus, there are no bathrooms with changing tables. None that I've found at least. So far Kaitlyn's been changed in the back of a taxi, on the boardroom table at the school, and a coworkers house. Anyway, while we were shopping we bought the coolest stroller for Kaitlyn! It was expensive but worth it. So it collapses down like a regular stroller but then it folds in and snaps! Then it has a carry strap on it so you can put it over your shoulder! It's the most amazing stroller I've ever seen.

So now it's Wednesday and we are finally having a day at home. It's nice 'cause I already did laundry earlier in the week (good thing since it's raining and there's no dryer) and I already cleaned earlier in the week too (although it's SO dusty here due to construction that you pretty much have to clean every day - I'm trying to ignore it today). Anyway, so I put Kaitlyn down for a nap and decided to catch up on Dancing with the Stars. I pulled up the site and got this error message - Full Episodes are only available to view within the United States. WHAT?!? Not happy. What is the point of something being on the WORLD WIDE WEB if you can't watch it in the wide world? So now I'm bummed...DWIS is my mode of relaxation. But strangely enough we have cable and it's clean here so I guess I'll go find something to zone out to on there and maybe even take a quick nap. Although don't tell Curt on me. He works at KIA and is the nap nazi when it comes to getting over jetlag!

I hope you've enjoyed this long entry. I'll put pics up at a later date. They are on the other computer. If you're bored and wanting to read more click on the links to the right. There's good stuff on there. I really can't see most of it anymore 'cause it's blocked from here but I'm happy that I can still do my site. The government just doesn't like blogger.

May 13

A 7.8 Earthquake hit Sichuan Province yesterday. We are all fine here in Kunming. Dave was teaching English on the 27th floor of a hotel and they felt the building swaying and evacuated. As far as we know there was no damage in Kunming. Here's the link for info about the earthquake. We have heard that one of the staff at KIA's parents are from Cheng Du. They are fine but are stranded and spent the night on the streets last night. Please remember them and that we'll have wisdom in talking with the locals about this disaster. On the map below the green arrow shows the epicenter, you can see Kunming directly south.

May 10

Day three in Kunming! And we all slept through the night last night!! The past two days have been good. KIA staff have had us over to their houses for dinner each night. Dave took Kaitlyn and I around to lunch and shopping yesterday. A KIA staff member took us to change money and to lunch the previous day. Tim went to KIA yesterday to meet staff and get a feel for where it was. So we haven't had too much opportunity to give in to jet lag. Tim has felt great but I have been feeling a little dizzy and out of sorts in the afternoons. Kaitlyn seems to be doing great. She's a little more clingy than usual and she has a little bit of a runny nose but she is still happy, eating lots, and saying hi to everyone (that is a lot of people!) She had people taking pictures of her in the Beijing airport and here everyone wants to hold her and touch her. I don't actually let anyone hold her that I don't know but with the people we do know she goes to them pretty easily. Surprisingly there are lots of little dogs around so Kaitlyn has had fun watching them.

I tried cooking today and the altitude really does make a difference! It's going to take me awhile to figure it out.

Here are a few pictures of the flight and our first days in Kunming.

Kaitlyn playing with the new toys she got on the flight. Not from United, from Nana. :)

We made a little tent over the plane seat so Kaitlyn could sleep. She is so long she took up two seats!

With Uncle Dave at the Wicker Basket ~ a westerners hangout.

At one of the old city gates of Kunming.

May 1

We Are Done! The house is officially sold. The papers are signed. The new owner has keys. And we are moved out. It's a little crazy but it's so nice to have that huge piece completed!

Now we are trashing the Fetters house with all of our sorting and packing! It seems like we have so much that we are trying to take but I know when we get there and unpack it will seem like we have so little. Pray for us that we are able to accomplish all that we have left.

Another PTL is that we have our visas and a place to stay when we get to Kunming! So even if we can't get everything to fit all the important stuff is in place for us to go.

April 26

I just read what I wrote yesterday. I can't believe I actually published something so stilted. That is what my brain is like these days though - just full of short sentences that are either repetitive or completely off topic and all about my To Do's before we move! God is so good though and I'm not stressed or freaked out I just have a lot in my head that needs to be accomplished.

Today we are doing the garage sale despite the cold and wind so please come out! We have a lot of good stuff that needs to find a good home.

Also, we are putting together our first snail mail newsletter so if you would like to be on the list and you haven't emailed me with your mailing address please do so now at marikrauss@gmail.com. It is going to be a quarterly update of what God is doing with us and of course pictures of Kaitlyn. I am planning on continuing to do this site but that depends on if the government is going to block Google from me or not. Fun times in a closed country! :)

April 25

We're supposed to be having a garage sale right now but it's supposed to hail this afternoon. We had about two hours of garage sale and made some money before we had to run everything inside before the rain started. The house closing is April 30th and we fly out May 6th! Most all of our furniture is gone and our home is looking very empty. God is bringing everything together perfectly. Every day is filled with packing these days. We are planning on being out of our house April 28th. This is crunch time!

On Sunday we took the Mustang to church...

April 19

I should save this for talk like a pirate day but I think we have a ways to go before that date comes around. She did the beard herself! :)

April 13

April 10

April 6

Sorry for the long time between posts. It's been a little busy around here. You know, with moving to China at the end of the month... I have a HUGE answer to prayer for you guys. We put our house on the market on March 4 and sold it April 3rd! Considering the market we are in (an average of 4-6 months to sell a home) I would call that a miracle! Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Everything is certainly coming together. Now we need to sell the Nissan and Cadillac and get our visa's and flights and we are good to go!

Nana and Kaitlyn went to the park this afternoon. This is Kaitlyn's first time swinging and sliding!!

March 26

March 25

Here is Kaitlyn in her Easter dress!! I love the one of Tim kissing the top of her head. So sweet. And notice her necklace in the last last picture. It's her first Diamond (Thanks Grandpa Mike and Grandma Lori!!).

March 22

Today is Mother-Daughter Pigtail Day!!

March 21

As I am sure most of you have already heard - we are moving to China. Crazy, I know. But for those of you who's email address I don't have here is the email I sent out to friends and family earlier in the week.

"God has been working in our lives in amazing ways in the last four months. We are excited to tell you that in late spring we will be moving to Kunming, China!

Tim will be the new Business Operations and Finance Manager of Kunming International Academy. The school has over 200 students and focuses on giving missionary kids and others a quality Christian education. This new role is what Tim and I have been praying for and is a great fit for his career ambitions in International Business.

Currently we are busy preparing to leave as we only have a little over a month to get everything taken care of. We are very excited about what God is doing in our lives and know that he will use us greatly in China. We do however need your prayers in many areas- for selling our house, the transition of living overseas as missionaries and continued prayers as we serve God in this area of the world. Although I lived in China growing up and Tim has traveled there several times, it will be challenging as we leave our home in Chicago and move our family overseas.

We will be doing periodic newsletters and emails and want to keep up to date with all that is going on in your lives. Please reply with current mailing address, email and phone numbers so we can make sure and keep in touch with you.

We love you all-

Tim, Marianne and Kaitlyn

March 18

Today is Kaitlyn's 14 month birthday! We are celebrating by staying inside 'cause it's foggy and gross out. But if anyone wants to visit please call and we'll have a party! :) Lex and I were able to get some cute pics on Photo Booth so here you go.

This is her mug shot.

I love her little squinty face. :)

March 11

This past weekend was an open weekend at LifeTime Fitness so we took Kaitlyn swimming Sunday afternoon. I SO wished our camera was working! She has a little finding Nemo swimsuit that she was so cute in. She wanted to be miss independent and walk through the water herself but kept slipping. She didn't drink too much pool water. She was mainly enthralled by all the kids everywhere. The place was packed. She loved it though. It made me really ready for summer!!

March 4

Our camera charger has died...so it may be a dry spell for pictures. I will do my best with Photo Booth but Kaitlyn never smiles until after the picture is taken. For some reason she thinks that the countdown and flash are very serious matters. But news for Kaitlyn is that she is walking all over the place and learning how to get into everything. So I am baby proofing right behind her. Her new word is "no" and she shakes her head no when she says it. It is really cute. I wish I could get video of her doing it. But you'll just have to imagine it for now.

March 1

Gracie watched Kaitlyn this morning and put her hair in the cutest little piggies! It was hard to get a picture but here was my attempt.

February 27

Our camera isn't working but thank God for Photo Booth!

We were both feeling a little under the weather today and taking pictures of ourselves always makes us feel better. =) True girls...

February 26

When my parents were here we went to the aquarium. It was a lot of fun. Afterwards we went to China town and had Dim Sum - where Kaitlyn charmed the staff and two very elderly ladies. Wish I had gotten a picture of them!

February 19

February 19

Two praise reports! 1st - Tim had his first day of work at Sears yesterday and it was great. His manager seems really awesome! 2nd - I had a cyst on my wrist for about the last six months and have been praying over it just as long. Last Friday at a prayer meeting at church I just randomly touched my wrist and it was gone!!

So persevere and go to church!

February 18

February 16

So many thoughts...my brain has really been too full to write much recently. It's hard to make sense on a blog when you have a million thoughts in your head. But here are a few things that I would like to get out so hopefully they'll stop circling in my mind. I would like to elaborate more than I will but I guess just email me or talk to me if you're interested.

First off, politics. Honestly I don't like to talk politics because it never seems to be a good subject to bring up and elections are still aways off but I just wanted to say something. I am a Republican all the way but for any democrats who may read this or any who are on the fence let me say - Don't Vote For Obama. I certainly don't endorse Hilary and I don't know who would be the lesser evil if I was forced to choose but I have met Obama. I have a picture to prove it. And all he does is talk circles, he makes everyone feel good but never actually answers a question. It's the Oprah spirit all over again. I hate it. If he gets elected I really would pack up and move to China - I can't stand people who don't give a straight answer. Alright, I just needed to say that.

Second, end times. If any of you don't get David Wilkerson's newsletters I highly recommend it. The Pulpit Series is awesome. The most recent one was on end times and a last great revival. It was really insightful and talked about the Babylonian spirit of greed and pride that will be broken before the last revival. It made me REALLY thankful to be debt free. I encourage all of you to look to God for all things, repent of any pride or greed, and get debt free asap!

Kaitlyn is about to wake up so I need to take care of some other things but I think you would be interested to know that this morning Kaitlyn ate a boiled egg, 1/2 a piece of toast, a banana, and a bowl of apple sauce!! I thought she was going to explode!

February 14

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! We may be cheesy but we're cute and had fun.

I got into a crazy baking mode today - here is one of the results: banana cake with dark chocolate frosting and of course a red heart on top!

I also made gigantic heart shaped chocolate-chocolate chip cookies with coconut and pecans. In the picture they really just look like...well, something not too pretty, so I'm not going to post it. But they do taste good although they turned out more cake-like than I planned. Oh well. Happy Hearts Day Everyone!

February 8

During the day I think of things that would make really good blogs but then when I get to the computer I've either forgotten what it was or don't feel like writing. So that is why there hasn't been much content recently. Although the pictures from February 5th is are so adorable that I think they should tide most of you over for awhile. =)

Tonight we were trying out my mom's new camera during Kaitlyns bath time and here are the results:

February 5

January 25

This video is of Kaitlyn playing with Nana & Papa. =)

January 21

Kaitlyn's Grandparents threw her a traditional Chinese banquet for her first birthday. So here are a few pictures of that. =) The food was WONDERFUL - unfortunately Kaitlyn only got to enjoy the rice from the banquet. The rest of her meal was mommy made squash and apples.

Aunt Lex, Uncle Timothy, Auntie Grace, Granpa Mike, Granma Lori, Daddy, Kaits, Mommy, Papa (and Nana taking the picture) all enjoyed the banquet.

The hosts and honoree.

Finger licking good!

January 19

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice!" Phil. 4:4

"Through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:12

Those are two verses that we have been learning how to put into practice recently. As most of you know Tim was laid off the second week of November, and since then we have been learning faith, patient, and rejoicing in all situations. God is so faithful and good! I praise Him for his mercy and grace for us. It has been (and still is) an interesting journey. One Kaitlyn has really enjoyed with both parents at home to love and care for her 24/7.

As Tim went through the job search process, from one possibility to the next, we would get excited and ready to go and then realize that wasn't the option for us. About a week ago I was thinking back on each position that had come up and I realized that God has been taking us from glory to glory. Each position has been better than the one before! The current opportunity we are looking at is by far better than all the others and really seems to be where we will land. I am excited to see how this new phase in our lives will continue to develop.

Know that no matter what you feel or think, God Is Faithful and as you give Him control of your life, day in and day out, He will guide you and place you right where you need to be.

Thank you so much for all of you as you have prayed for us. We are blessed by you!

January 18

Today Kaitlyn is one year old! It is so amazing to realize all that has happened in this past year. She is such a beautiful little girl, and so talented. We are blessed. Children are a blessing from the Lord! Here are some pictures of her birthday party today. =)

Ready for cake!

Number #1!

Yum! I made a baby friendly cake (thanks Bianca!) but Kaitlyn was more interested in the candle and methodically removing the fruit from the top than putting anything in her mouth. Once I put it in pieces in front of her then she chowed down.

The party guests!

Presents!

Mommy, Daddy, and all the gifts.

January 15

Here is Kaitlyn walking and talking. She looks like she's doing the robot near the end. =) She has learned how to say "bye" so she was letting us hear it! You may want to turn your volume down before you watch this clip.

January 12

Time to brag on my wonderful daughter. She really is the cutest, smartest, and strongest girl I have ever known!

STRONG ~ She fell and hit her head REALLY hard the other day. Right on the corner of a solid wooden chair. She cried for a little bit but not that long. A minute later a big red spot showed on her head with a very defined white line in the middle of it. It then turned purple and then blue and then faded after a few days. I know that if that had happened to me I probably would have whined and cried most of the day.

CUTE ~ Well, if you've seen her then you know what I'm talking about! She does the cutest little giggle now when I pretend like I'm going to get her belly button. She doubles up and squishes up her little face. Adorable!

SMART ~ She knows sign language and uses it. She knows "more", "milk", "food" - those are her favorites. She knows others too. Tonight I was playing with her but stopped and signed and spoke, "Do you want Daddy to read you a book?" She immediately turned and went to Tim and they read a book. The other day my Dad was playing with her and he had a cup and she had a ball. He told her to put the ball in the cup (not in sign, just speaking). She crawled over and put the ball in the cup! Then later I was in the kitchen and to Kaitlyn in the living room I signed and said "where's your doll?" She went over and grabbed her doll and showed it to me! Yeah, and people don't think babies know things. Silly people. Also another reason why I am SO glad we don't have TV.

Side note ~ as stated above we don't have TV (we have a TV, just no channels, we only use it for DVD's). And recently I was beginning to think that it wouldn't be that bad to get TV for sports and news and weather and there are some good shows. It wouldn't be a bad thing. Well this past week my parents were staying at a friends house and we went over there quite a bit to watch football, etc. Some of the commercials were okay but I was absolutely shocked by what is shown on afternoon TV - so much violence and sex - it's ridiculous! I thought that was all that affected me but two nights ago I had a really violent dream and I couldn't figure out where it had come from. Then I remembered the commercials that I had seen all throughout the week and realized that had sunk in even though I hadn't been paying much attention to them and most of the time muted or changed the channel when they came on. I had also started craving junk food and I never crave junk food! (Except for an occasional spicy chicken from Wendy's but that is usually my husbands fault). Our minds are amazing at how quickly they can absorb things! So I would recommend that you all get rid of TV - you'll have a much more peaceful and relaxing life. ALSO - babies and kids take in and understand EVERYTHING, even what is on TV. I should say, especially what is on TV. Those colors and images really attract their attention so PLEASE be extremely careful about what you are watching, doing, and saying around children!

January 11

Kaitlyn walking! She is so cute.

January 7

Kaitlyn loves walking...especially if it's to the kitchen to get food!

January 6

Happy Epiphany!

It's a new year so it's time for a clean slate. Although if you click the link Previous Posts 2007 (on the right) you can see all the old posts.

I know that I haven't been posting much recently but there have been a lot of things in my head what I keep thinking I need to post! One of these days it will probably all spew out...so that is your warning.

Here is a picture of my Dad and Kaitlyn from the other night. He is training her well...I think!

Well you got the warning above but I feel like writing so, as my aunt says, "well, there you go."

Parents ~ I love my parents. They are a huge blessing to me. I know I didn't always agree with them, and I still don't always agree with them, but they truly did train me up in the way I should go according to the Bible. If any of you have met them you know they are wonderfully amazing people. And if you have read their first book BABY IN A BOX you know how God has been able to do so much in and through them. (You can buy it here or get a signed copy from them, without shipping costs, for $20.) I have learned a lot more about my parents in reading their second book BACKING IN THE FRONT DOOR. This one is in the editing stages but as soon as it is published make sure you pick up a copy. I guarantee that you will be challenged and encouraged in your faith. I certainly have been and I already knew most of the story!

Motherhood ~ It blows my mind. The way that God has designed this special bond and the relationship between a mother and child truly is mind boggling. I am in awe.

Tim ~ Another mind blowing topic, ha ha. =) He is such a wonderful man. We aren't going through the easiest of times at the moment but he is so strong in his faith and determination. He is a very hard worker and I love him so much!

Kaitlyn ~ She will be walking any day. She has so many new words and signs. Her newest sign is "bear" and her newest word is "amen!" She also LOVES food. I told Shelley in the nursery today that Kaitlyn couldn't have any snacks 'cause she chokes on the crackers they have. Well when all the other toddlers got their snack Kaitlyn was determined to get a snack too! She signed "more" and "food" repeatedly and cried and tried as hard as she could to get to the snacks! Shelley said she had a hard time distracting her and trying not to laugh too much at her signs and tears. Poor baby. Next week I'll have to make sure and bring her own snacks for her. She does love to eat. Still nursing though so everything she eats comes out exactly as it went it. Even the traditional black eyed peas she had on New Years Day (yes, she is a southern girl at heart).

Kali Jane ~ Kali Jane (my mom's original namesake) is the baby in the box. She is the baby that my mom brought into our home from the streets of Nanchang, China and was eventually adopted by our friends, the Bonifes. That experience is why I want to adopt a baby from China. (Once again, get the book and read it.) Over Thanksgiving we visited Kali and the Bonifes in Clackamas, OR. Kali is amazing ~ she is an excellent student, taking honors classes and already gaining college credit; she has a beautiful voice and has written a powerful song about her relationship with her sister Kristen who had down syndrome; she is first chair of the first orchestra (there are three) at her school; she speaks to groups of people about the book and has the poise and polish of a professional; when she was younger she was going to go into professional ice skating; she considers it a compliment that kids think she's weird and different because she's a Christian; and she is the sweetest teenager you will ever meet. I admit that I am a little biased because Kali is my little sister, Mei Mei, but if you actually met her I know you would agree with me on all of the above. The point that I want to make is that Kali, the girl with all these wonderful talents - oh, and she was already witnessing to friends at the age of four - was, as a little baby, put out on a street and left. Just abandoned there! I don't know the circumstances of the family but down in my heart I want to be able to take in every baby. After having a child of my own I know about the bond between a mother and child. I know that my heart would literally have to be ripped out of my body if anyone ever tried to separate Kaitlyn from me. In knowing this then I realize that for the majority of abandoned babies there must be some very extenuating circumstances that would cause a mother to abandon her child. My heart breaks for that baby and I want to scoop up each and every one to love as if it were my own.

God ~ Saving the best for last...the most recent revelation is that it doesn't matter what you feel. Something I've always known but has sunk in more deeply recently. It doesn't matter what you feel when you are praying, it doesn't matter what you feel when you are reading the Bible...God is true and real. The neat thing is that even though I may not feel anything while reading my bible or while praying I am moving forward in my walk with God and God is still working in and through me. Because I am reading the Bible - the living word - and praying to the living God - it doesn't mater what I feel in my flesh because it is strengthening my spirit. Even when I feel nothing several days in a row I still become stronger in my spirit because I was reading and praying. I love God. He designed us so beautifully - body, soul, and spirit.