Monday, June 17, 2013

Sandwich Generation


Squished in the middle! Sound familiar? :)

Monday, June 10, 2013

My heart is with the orphans

As most of you know, I have a special place in my heart for the orphan. Although my home is full, I feel deeply for those who continue to wait for their families, and my connection to China is strong. I can't help them all, but I can be the instrument to help a few. This year, when I asked Shanna and Megan how we should help China's orphans, Shanna confidently told me "I want to help a child get adopted, so they can have a family like me". I am proud of her understanding of the value of family.

Love Without Boundaries is an amazing national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which began in the year 2003 after a group of adoptive parents came together to help save the life of one tiny boy in China. Following his successful heart surgery, they realized that people with a pure love for helping children can truly make a difference. LWB has watched their foundation grow from providing a handful of surgeries and baby formula in 2003 to touching the lives of thousands of children today. Here is a link to their 2012 Annual Report, a beautiful document highlighting their programs but most importantly the changes in the lives of children in their care.

Love Without Boundaries was instrumental in helping Shanna get the care she needed early in her life. They advocated tirelessly for her and were instrumental in helping us to find her and bring her home into our family.

Meet Bethany

Bethany is 5 years old and is described as a happy, lovely and outgoing girl, with a love for telling stories and a strong thirst for knowledge.
Bethany's heart is located on the right side of her body instead of the left side and she has other problems that make it difficult for her body to receive the oxygen it needs to be healthy. She needs expensive surgery to correct these defects.
We have a goal, together with our church, to raise $2000 towards Bethany's surgery.
This bright girl, participating in her doctor's meeting about her condition, deserves a chance. After the funds are raised and she has life saving surgery, hopefully she will go on an adoption list and a lucky family will find her..
If you are moved in your heart, would you please consider helping us, help Bethany? Any amount will help.
You can make a tax deductible donation, by check or credit card at http://tinyurl.com/HelpBethany. Be sure to put Megan & Shanna in the memo so it goes directly to our project.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Happy First Anniversary Shannon & Drew!

Shannon & Drew, April 29, 2012

I should have done this a year ago, but somehow the time came and went and I never did. It has been on my list of Things to Do for a long time. It feel so good to get it done!

On our way to Georgia, all together!

Going to the Bridal Luncheon.


Everything was lovely.

Gathering for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, in honor of my brother, Dr. Marty.

Proud to wear purple.

Sisters

Cindy and her children receiving a framed photo of Marty's feet, in his purple Converse, that he wore all the time.


Practicing at the rehearsal

 

At the rehearsal dinner





The happy couple!

This stunning altar was designed by Cindy's friend. It has a bluebird nest in a dogwood tree, and the Chinese characters for Double Happiness and Love in the corners.



Mothers of the groom and bride.


Mother in Law

Sisters

The cake was so cool!

Shannon's Family
 






Grandpa Jerry dancing with Cindy


Grandpa Jerry dancing with Mary Alice

and Hannah,

And Matthew! Grandpa Jerry had a great time!

The whole family.

Pure joy!
Pure joy!

And in and amongst the merriment- tiny kittens!

Blue and Jazzy

So tiny

So precious.
 
And in the spare moments, fun with family

Cousins

Silly,
crazy faces.

Someone was missed dearly.

Always in our hearts,

Fluttering nearby, looking over our shoulder, protecting.

Bringing peace.