Highlights of Pennsylvania according to Lindy

We just got back from a magnificent trip to Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Each time we travel we are reminded how blessed we are to have such an easy-going, adaptable, flexible child. I truly don't like to brag about Lindy but she is a total trooper. She was an absolute dream and I'm so thankful things went as smoothly as they did.

I've asked Lindy what her favorite things about the trip were. In no particular order, I present some of the highlights of her trip to Pennsylvania:

Seeing the "crackin'" bell...
Seeing Grandma & Grandpa and having Grandma paint her fingernails.
Playing with that "little Chinese girl like me." AKA Hannah... Lindy is taller in this picture because she's wearing the coveted heels.

Playing with Emily.

Seeing the place where pennies are made. She found SEVERAL on this trip but sadly the mint doesn't give out complimentary souvenirs.

Meeting Mr. Cheese, Mrs. Megan, Connor & Clare (and Daisy, too). This family was the most influential in our decision to pursue adoption.

Meeting Olivia.

Playing with Kaci and seeing her chickens, peacock, and dog.

Going on a picnic in the Poconos and drinking lemonade.

According to her, she wasn't so fond of her parents' obsession with eating Philly cheesesteaks

or the scarecrows at Peddler's Village.

Our little traveler has now been to the east coast and can't wait to go back again!

The money laundress

So I've previously told you about Lindy's obsession with looking for money, right? This week she found 27 cents and for some reason two women in the store yesterday felt the need to give her change as we were waiting in line. Maybe we looked a bit scruffy? With those very benevolent contributions, that brought her total for the week to 34 cents. That's probably more than most people made this week, given the horrific week on Wall Street.

After her big find of a quarter on Wednesday, this is what I caught her doing when we got home.

That brings a whole new meaning to money laundering. I don't think this is an indicator to any future white-collar crimes. In fact, I'm just glad she actually has taken to heart that money is DIRTY.

Seussical the Musical and other stuffety stuff...

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”-- Dr. Seuss

Yesterday afternoon we had a fun little outing as a family. First, we went downtown to the Riverwalk and had lunch--Mexican food of course-- right on the river at Casa Rio. It was a really pretty day for people watching and Lindy loved watching all the ducks and river barges. It would've been nice to stay longer but we were in a bit of a rush because we were on our way to see Seussical the Musical at the Magik Theatre.

It was our first time to attend the Magik Theatre but it definitely won't be our last. It was a darling theatre and they really put on a fun little production that was enjoyable for Seuss fans big and small. I had hoped to have some pictures of Lindy with the cast but Miss Congeniality decided to get shy and reserved confirming it'll be a while before we plan a trip to Disney. She didn't want anything to do with Horton or the Cat in the Hat or anyone else. Oh well...

As we made our way to the car, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the Tower of the Americas, one of San Antonio's most well-known landmarks.

I know I've talked about how time is such a precious commodity and the weekends just seem to go so quickly. I have to remember to intentionally plan things to do as a family and not always get caught up in our mile-long to-do list. I hate that not everything gets done that I want but I know that NOW is the time to be making memories because time goes so quickly as dear Dr. Seuss reminds us in this quote, "How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

Thanks for the memories and important life lessons, Dr. Seuss!

Beauty is DEFINITELY in the eye of the beholder...

These pictures have nothing to do with the story. They are just quick ones I snapped yesterday afternoon while messing around...


This morning, as we were getting ready to tackle several errands in a very short window of time, Lindy and I had the following conversation:

Lindy: What's this, Mommy???
Mommy: Eye liner. Please don't touch.
Lindy: Oh. It looks like a pencil.
Mommy: Yes, it does.
Lindy: What's it for?
Mommy: To help me make me pretty.
Lindy: But why? You're already beautiful.

On a day where I look very plain and frumpy, this was music to my ears and made me smile. Yes, I know she's three. Yes, I know she could've told me I'm not pretty in her next breath (she didn't); however, for a moment it made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

I have selfishly feared that Lindy and my next daughter won't see me as beautiful because I'm an older mom and they'll never have seen me young. I know it is silly but it is the truth and that's what you get here...So, for today, I am on cloud nine knowing that for at least one moment in time my daughter thought her mommy is beautiful.

Oh, and yes, I KNOW that outward beauty is not really what it is all about and there will be MANY of those conversations through the years!

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment..Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

But I'm big, Mommy

Lately, Lindy has been very caught up in being a big girl. Many times during the day she'll proclaim she's big enough to do something. I'll admit there are things I say no to her about because in my mind she's still too little and she's out to prove that's not the case. Instead of fighting, she'll often say in a reassuring voice, "It's okay, Mommy. I'm big for that." Lately I've been struck by the fact that she is getting bigger and boy is it ever bittersweet. I just want to keep her little and freeze her right where she is...

As someone who would love to turn the clock back some (or quite a bit), it is hard to remember the days when you wanted to move it forward. The other day I pulled something out of her closet and was surprised she was too big for it. I jokingly said in a stern but playful voice, "When did you get so big? I don't like it one bit. Stop growing. You must stop growing." Next thing I knew, she had the biggest tears spilling from her eyes. Of course I felt terrible, so I started crying, too. When I asked her what was wrong and reassured her I was teasing, she told me, "But I want to be big, Mommy. I want to be big..." I think she was crushed that I wasn't excited she was getting big.

My dear Lindy, I want you to know I enjoy every day with you--even the hard days. As much as I would like to keep you from getting bigger, I know that's not the way things work. Today you promised you would always be my little girl no matter what. I can't wait to see what our life together unfolds...

I Can't Wait

by Sara Groves & Don Chaffer

When you reach the proper age
I will teach you to read and you can turn the pages
How to dress and tie your shoes
Your one plus ones, and your two times two's
And you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important things
And all that I have lost along the way
And I can't wait

As you grow, I'll show you things
How to ride your bike and kick your legs out on the swings
To fold your hands and bow your head
How to say your prayers before you go to bed
And you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important things
And all that I have lost along the way
And I can't wait

How do you sleep so peacefully?
How do you trust unflinchingly?
How do you love so faithfully?
How do you dance so joyfully?
Oh you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important (essential) things
And all that I have lost along the way
And I can't
No I can't
Come teach me
Of love and dreams
And all the most essential thing
And all that I have lost along the way
Cause I can't wait

Pennies from Heaven

One of Lindy's favorite things to do when we are out and about is look for pennies (or any other denomination) on the ground. Hardly a time goes by that she doesn't find something to put in her piggy bank. Just a couple weeks ago she found two $1.00 coins that we almost dismissed as play money. Today she found a quarter. She is definitely capitalizing on all the people who literally throw pennies away or think it isn't worth their effort to bend over and pick them up when they fall to the ground.

Elephant memory Lindy always remembers that she needs to put her money in her bank and it is usually one of the first things we do when we get back home. As you can see, she has a bank divided into four slots:

• Save
• Spend
• Donate
• Invest

She methodically chooses which slot to place her coin in and proudly announces her decision. I have to say that I'm so proud that she often says, "Donate. This is for God." I am sure she doesn't understand the distinctions between each slot but eventually she will.


Knowing money matters can be such a problem for so many people, I am convinced it is NEVER too early to teach the value of saving money and handling it wisely. I am by no means a guru, perfect with money, nor do I have all the answers. I am, however, a bit passionate about this subject because I have watched the ill effects of over-indulged children who never work for a thing, are never taught to think beyond self, aren't taught to respect money or the things it buys, and don't know how to wait to purchase something special; it isn't a pretty sight and it often spills over to adulthood.

I doubt Lindy's current money-making venture will make a dent in her college tuition but every penny counts, right?

Many of you asked where we got Lindy's bank. We got it when we opened up her savings account at USAA. It is called the Money Savvy Pig and you can order it here. It isn't the prettiest bank but it is practical.

Conversations with Lindy

I don't scrapbook. I didn't do a good job writing in Lindy's baby book. (BAD MOMMY!) I rely on memory and find that memories fade. I have found this blog is a great way to capture some of the funny moments that keep me laughing...This is real life, completely unscripted...

Here are some of our recent conversations.

Mommy & Lindy singing: "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine."
Lindy: It is silly to hide a light in a bush, Mommy.
Mommy: Well, actually, the word is bushel.
Lindy: Oh.
Mommy: When are you supposed to let your light shine?
Lindy: 5:00.

Recently I treated Lindy to a glass of chocolate milk. After she drank it at mach speed, here is what ensued...

Mommy: You look funny. You have a HUGE mustache.
Lindy: Hee hee...let me see, let me see...
Mommy: Who else do you know who has a mustache? (Expecting her to say Phil or Kevin)
Lindy: You.

Guess I'm overdue for a waxing...

With my ongoing love affair with the library, we've been bringing home a lot of Amelia Bedelia. They are as great as they were SEVERAL years ago.

Mommy to Don & Lindy: Okay, I'm going to go jump in the shower.
Daddy just shook his head because he knew EXACTLY what was about to happen...
Lindy (with hands on hips): Mommy...WE DON'T JUMP IN THE SHOWER!
Daddy: We've been through this. I got in trouble for hopping in the shower a couple days ago.

What do you think, perhaps we better ease up on the Amelia Bedelia?!

In church the other day the father of one of our friends walked in with the TALLEST cane/walking stick I've ever seen. He is probably over six feet tall and his cane was probably taller than me (5'3"). Lindy noticed him right away and asked, "Is he a shepherd?" Thankfully, she was "whispering."

As much as she can exasperate me and send me to tears, I adore this child's ability to make me laugh.

Slow picture days...

Just like me, my girl's a dunker...
Yep, I couldn't be prouder. I just feel like I'm teaching her so many valuable life skills, y'know?

What, I don't have to get it all in my mouth at once?

Almost got it all in there...

All through...Can I have another?

So, Lindy wants to know--how do YOU eat an OREO?

PS. I know two posts ago Lindy was eating cheesecake but please don't think I only give her sweets. We are very blessed that Lindy is a good eater and that she eats a variety of things. Lately, her favorite vegetable is edamame. Ironically, the package is labeled Product of China.

Maybe this Cinderella thing has gone too far...

Lindy LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Cinderella. I have an old VHS copy of the movie (yes, we still have a VCR in the house, too) that I purchased many years ago to have on hand in case I was watching kids. Toward the beginning of the year I pulled the movie out for her to watch and she immediately fell in love with it. This was so fun for me because Cinderella is my fave! Lindy loves to quote lines from the movie and act out many of the scenes over and over again. She really can't get enough of it. However, I'm wondering if things have gone too far...

Last Friday when I told her to do something, she dropped her head down and very obediently said in a subservient manner, "Yes, stepmother." It wasn't an isolated event...It has happened half a dozen times since.

Hmmm...looks like I better consult with my Fairy Godmother to find a new movie.

Say what?

First, the picture is completely unrelated to this story...It's just Lindy delighting herself in a piece of cheesecake.

When it is time for Lindy to give kisses at bedtime, she takes it very seriously. The girl can really plant the most wonderful kisses. Ever since she saw Lady & The Tramp a few months ago, she has loved "sharing spaghetti" as she calls it. I literally have to pull her off of me at times. The other night she was over zealous and there was some creepage of the tongue if you get my drift. I said, "Lindy, where on earth did you learn to kiss like that?" She replied, "church." Say what??? I think she's taking that "greet one another with a holy kiss" passage a bit too far. Maybe I better check what's going on in the three year old class.

Fun with "Mr. Snore"

We had the privilege to host our friend, Mr. Moore, earlier this week. Lindy called him "Mr. Snore" and had GREAT fun with him.

Within moments of his arrival--and learning that he is an accomplished musician--she had him playing tunes on the piano for her.

She also decided it would be fun to accompany him for a duet.

A grandpa of four (three of them girls), Lindy targeted "Mr. Snore" right away as someone whom she could hold hostage for a while and make read to her. He obliged her wishes for quite a while on more than one occasion. EXPERIENCE!

We were all glad to have the opportunity to see him. Mr. & Mrs. Moore were Don's sponsors while he was at the Naval Academy and their home was his home away from home. It was nice to return a teensy portion of all they've done for Don by having him in our home.

Thanks for visiting and come back again, "Mr. Snore."

Lesson learned...

Feeding your child an ample bowl of this...

...and a container of this for breakfast... ...leads to one VERY big tummy ache come dinnertime.

Oops.

Sorry Lindy Li.

This was TRULY an oversight on my part.

P.S. This happened a few days ago...She's fine. I was grasping for things to post and didn't want to forget this blunder.

A letter to Lindy

My dearest Lindy~

Yesterday you received a pink encouragement card from one of your Bible Class teachers and I am still overcome with joy and beaming with a mother's pride as I read it again this morning.

I want to tell you how sweet it was for you to help Belle in class. She was new to Bible Class and didn't have a friend. She was sad and crying. While all the children were busy during play time, you noticed Belle needed a friend to help her feel better. You made hot tea and brought it to her and then made her yogurt and gave it to her. You sat with her until she stopped crying. What a sweet and kind girl you are! You showed Belle that you have Jesus in your heart. She was happy and glad that she came to Bible Class because you helped her feel better.

Lindy, I can't tell you just HOW proud I am of you for comforting Belle and showing her compassion and concern. I tried to tell you yesterday (through my tears) and you humorously told me after the third or fourth time that I had already told you that. I love your crazy sense of humor, too.

I pray you will always stop and show others compassion and concern like you did with Belle because that is what Jesus wants us to do. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of not getting too caught up in "my" time to make time for someone else who is hurting.

I love you~

Mommy

Beach fun

"Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone." Unknown

Last Thursday through Monday we had the opportunity to go to the beach with my brother and his family while they were visiting from California. We CRAMMED ourselves into a minivan rental (which unfortunately brokedown) and headed south for some fun in the surf, sand, and sun.

We truly had a wonderful time. While the weather was definitely HOT, once you got in a front of the water it wasn't bad at all--especially with the ocean breezes. Our California visitors were shocked at how warm the water was. It was like bathwater. They are used to the chilly waters of the Pacific or hanging out at the beach of Lake Tahoe. In the afternoons, the kids had fun playing in the pool and trying out their swimming skills (or for Lindy just getting used to putting her face in the water).

To save money (and calories), we ate breakfasts and most lunches in. We were able to have some fresh fish and shrimp a couple times. On Saturday evening, we headed for Corpus and took Jeff, Dani, and the boys to Whataburger--a burger joint which began in Corpus. Afterwards, we went to watch the Corpus Christi Hooks, the local 2AA baseball team.

Lindy had lots of fun being together with her cousins, even though there are still the moments of no sharing, wanting whatever the other person has, and bouts of crabbiness, etc., etc. I think that's to be expected from a three year old, almost four year old, and five year old. I'm afraid we've got a ringleader on our hands. More than once I heard, "C'mon, guys let's..." Lindy reached a couple milestones by sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag at nights and napping on a bed. We've always said we're keeping her in a crib as long as possible because of her active nature. She surprised us though and did great after the first night when all she wanted to do was get up and talk. I predict a move to some semblance of a bed--either toddler or big girl--in the near future.

The adults had fun together, too. We had serious talks and goofy ones, too. The girls ganged up on the guys and the guys ganged up on the girls. Not sure who won! We are blessed to not just be family but friends.





We are so very thankful that Jeff and Danielle chose to come visit us for their vacation and that we were able to take this trip. We look forward to many more combo vacations/visits in the future!

Rain, puppies, and fireworks...

It was a fairly quiet fourth of July around the house. No company, no barbeques, no homemade ice cream--just the three of us doing "weekend" stuff.

We were thrilled to get a MUCH-needed rain shower. Lindy was so excited, she asked if she could go play in the rain. My first instinct was, "uh NO." However, since it was such a welcomed sight I let her go stand in it. She was overjoyed to be out in it.

It didn't last long but she did get soaked.

After we got her all dried off, we visited our friends whose dog recently had puppies. Lindy loves dogs so seeing puppies was a big treat for her. Daddy stayed strong and didn't succumb to Lindy's joy and the teensy bit of salesmanship taking place. Here she is holding "Gregory."

After puppies, we went to have a good old-fashioned burger and fries for dinner and then headed off to stake a place to watch fireworks. While we were waiting for it to get dark, we walked around the Shops at La Cantera and enjoyed the lovely weather. Thankfully, the rain had cooled it down quite a bit and made it very comfortable.

This was the first time we had taken Lindy to see fireworks. As we waited she was very excited for them to start but a bit apprehensive because she knew what they were from Ni Hao Kai-Lan. Once they started, she did great and really seemed to love them. I heard her exclaim several times, "they are soooo beautiful!" This morning, that's all I hear her chattering about, so I think they were a hit for our own little firecracker!

Happy Birthday, America!!!

Lindy loves a birthday party!!!

Happy Birthday, America...

Lindy goes to the theatre (To be read in a sophisticated dialect)

This morning we met some friends at a local theatre to see their stage production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I've been wanting to take Lindy to a play for a long time but just hadn't had (made) the opportunity yet. The past few months she's really shown her flair for drama and imagination by memorizing lines to movies (primarily Cinderella) and acting out various scenes. I tried explaining to Lindy what a play is but she couldn't quite comprehend the concept. We were the first to arrive and be seated and she was genuinely apprehensive and a bit afraid as we entered the dark and quiet tiny theatre.

As it grew closer to showtime, her excitement mounted and fear seemed to dissipate. She was especially excited when her friends showed.

The great thing about this theatre is that it is super intimate, kid friendly, and they keep the kids engaged by encouraging participation. At the beginning of the play, they let all the little princesses on stage to have their picture taken with Snow White. With my little wiggle worm, I was concerned she'd rush the stage and try to participate a bit too much. I was pleasantly surprised when she stayed pretty still and quiet the entire time.

I've always enjoyed attending theatre whether it be high school, local small town, or big time professional, so you can imagine I've really dreamed of sharing these kinds of moments with Lindy. This morning was perfect and I look forward to many more trips to the theatre in the future!

Happy Father's Day

"To her the name of father was another name for love." Fanny Fern

To say I love you and adore you is not enough, Daddy. You are simply the best. Thank you for being such a wonderful Daddy.

Happy Father's Day!

Love,
Lindy Li-Xiao

We're not in Kansas anymore

Lindy and I had the opportunity to take a very last minute trip to Kansas to visit my parents. Our main motivation was to see my grandparents and Uncle Rickey who were visiting from California. Originally, my grandparents were planning on coming to San Antonio as part of their RV trip. However, due to various circumstances, that changed.

While we were there we took a couple of historical trips around the area, went shopping, got Lindy's haircut, and just had fun visiting. We got to see the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales from St. Louis and she met the movie star dalmatian from the beer commercials, Bud. Lindy has become quite theatrical and loves to act out scenes from Cinderella. She loved having an adoring and interactive audience. She also loved having her toenails and fingernails painted with the color Pink Crystal.

Lindy was an absolute champ on all legs of the trip (even with delays) and missed several naps during our stay. She did absolutely great! I was reminded how blessed I am with such a flexible and happy child.

We had a super fun time and are so happy we got to make this quick, unexpected trip! Thanks for everything, Mom & Dad! We love you!