Sunday, July 30, 2006

Next American Idol???

It all started when I was watching the evening news. The most captivating commercial came on and all I could do is bounce in my booster chair and clap with glee. There's just something about that Ford commercial with current American Idol, Taylor Hicks, that I LOVE. That day, I knew there was a part of me meant to entertain.

Then while I was exploring in an off-limits area I made the most wonderful discovery--a microphone. First Mommy scolded me for being somewhere I am not supposed to be (behind the entertainment center), but when she saw I knew what to do with a microphone (unassisted), she took a couple of pictures.

I like to sing, I like to dance, and I love to play the piano with Daddy. Lately, I twirl in circles until I fall down. I also kick up my feet and do a bit of a clogging number when I hear certain kinds of music. I have yet to perfect any of my moves and am no where ready for Riverdance, but it makes Mommy & Daddy laugh. Which makes me ask two questions:

1. What did you do for entertainment BEFORE me?

AND

2. If I'm not allowed to use the microphone, who in this family is???!!!


Love,
Lindy


Sunday, July 16, 2006

High School Reunion

This weekend we went to Don's 20th High School Reunion in Snyder, Texas. OUCH!!! We stayed with our good friends, Mike and Terrie. Two of their three girls were home so Lindy got lots of attention from Megan and Kate. We tried to sneak Megan back with us, because she is the perfect babysitter and big sister, but somehow we couldn't swing the deal.
Lindy with the McWilliams








Most of the reunion was out at a classmate's hunting lodge. They have a 9 hole par 3 golf course in their backyard. Here are some pictures of the place.



The Patterson course


Checking out the course

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Lindy meets the "B boys"

The past few days Lindy has been hangin' with the "B boys" from Folsom, CA. Okay, you Johnny Cash fans, the "B boys" aren't a terrible gang with the blues from Folsom Prison. They are her cousins Bryce (age 3.5) & Brendan (age 2 next week). Bryce & Brendan were accompanied by Uncle Jeff & Aunt Dani.


The seven of us had lots of fun together. With Judge PriceWe went to the San Antonio Zoo, Sea World, and the Riverwalk.

Yesterday we were also all together for a special event--Lindy's readoption in the United States. It was really moIn Courtre of a formality, because Lindy was already officially adopted on April 4th. This just makes it a bit easier for her to get a U.S. birth certificate and social security number. Anyway, it did give us more photo ops, as you see.
In front of the Bexar County Courthouse









Lindy loved being with the boys. Now that she can walk, she did her best to keep up with them and didn't let her size intimidate her from getting right in there to play with them. In keeping with her love for words that begin with the letter B, she loved saying Bryce's name. Several times she went to Bryce to just give him a hug.

It is fun to watch young children at play with each other. They don't care about size, shape, or color. Sometimes they hurt each other's feelings when they don't share or are a little mean, but they are forgiving and soon get over it and before you know, they are rolling around giggling like nothing ever happened. Oh so long ago, I remember playing like that with Jeff, so it was music to my ears to hear our children doing the same.


Thank you Uncle Jeff, Aunt Dani, and "B boys" for coming to see us. It was a very special visit! We love you!!!

A new chapter in an old book


As I post, Lindy is napping and the house is pretty quiet aside from a load of towels in the dryer and the hum of the computer.

All I can think is, "This is it. This is my new life." I am officially a stay-at-home Mom. July 7th was my last day at American Funds and after 10 years there, it was pretty bittersweet to leave. However, I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with Lindy. I hope I can be the Mother to her she desperately has needed, as well as create a calm, comfortable home for Don, too. I think he is looking forward to the possibility of more meals that don't come from a box. :o) I will gladly accept easy recipes to help in this endeavor. :o)

To those of you whom I saw daily and now won't see as often, thank you for everything--I will never forget you! To those of you whom I didn't get to see very often because I worked so much, I am hoping we can see each other more frequently.

Thanks to everyone for all your support as I make this transition!!!

Love,
Lisa

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Our little firecracker

Our first Fourth of July with Lindy was very low key, but we were oh so happy to have our little firecracker home with us, and did find the time to take some pictures.

During the day Mommy sang many patriotic songs to Lindy. She especially liked "Yankee Doodle Went to Town," and "You're a Grand Old Flag." When asked what it means to be an American, Lindy replied, "Bird, Bible, and pineapple." We believe she is referring to the bald eagle, freedom of religion, and hospitality (which the pineapple symbolizes).

Lindy took her first dip in her new Wal-Mart wading pool and sported a very stylin' bathing suit. We'll let her wear the two-piece now, but not for long!

Due to some much needed rain and the holiday being in the middle of the week, we did not take Lindy to see any fireworks. Maybe next year...

For two people who love America as much as we do, we hope someday Lindy will cherish being an American. We never want her to be ashamed of her Chinese heritage, but hope the events of July 4, 1776 will have special significance to her.

Monday, July 03, 2006

A reunion of China friends

Tonight we had dinner with Lisa and Aubrey (21 months) Weinstein whom we had met in China at the White Swan Hotel. Lisa, Aubrey, Lisa, and LindyLisa and Aubrey were in the San Antonio area visiting family and were kind enough to fit us in their busy agenda.

Besides Lindy, one of the greatest gifts of adoption were some special people God placed in our path during our long wait. In addition to our family and existing friends, we "met" (often via the internet and phone) new friends who helped provide support and encouragement. Lisa was one of these people. Lindy and AubreySo, to meet her in China was wonderful and to catch up almost three months later, even better!

Here are a couple pictures of our China dolls.