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melissa Rowell

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Monday, October 5, 2009

It's All Good




Life is never perfect, but sometimes it's pretty close. My children are true siblings as they swing the pendulum of loving one another to tattle-telling and toy "hoarding". Hannah and Tian are spending a lot of time playing together. Yippee! All will be going well, and suddenly, Hannah will shift and want to know, "When does Tian have to go down for a nap cuz I need a break from him." She has been the only princess for so long, it's hard to get upset with this attitude.
Tian adores his Daddy and his sisters. He has warmed up to MaMa pretty well too! His English improves daily as does his ability to communicate his distaste for a few rules. He still loves to eat, and tries to eat all day! He told me supper was "Yuk" tonight. Didn't take him long to learn that one from his sister. I tried to explain that "No, thank you" was a better choice. How do you teach manners in English to a Chinese speaking 3 year old? Obviously, I was too harsh. He bawled, open-mouthed showing his "yukky" supper to the entire family.
Olivia is crawling. God bless her. She has been such a trooper during this change. I worry she has received the shaft as all eyes have turned from my precious 8 month old to her new big brother. Fortunately, only love rests in her eyes for him. She gives him that big toothy grin. He reciprocates in such gentle ways with her. Tian will caress her cheek or kiss her forehead. It's too sweet!
My marriage has strengthened as I watch my husband take on an entirely new devotion to our children. The man has even gotten a little more organized and has cleaned more like me. What a way to get into my heart...forget food, forget flowers, forget gifts. Honey, just clean the house, and I'm all yours!
Lastly, I must add that I am truly thankful that I serve a Lord who continues to teach me, who encourages me, and who re-teaches me each time I don't quite get His lesson. I am thankful for His patience. Worry overcame me a couple of weeks ago as I focused solely on my children. Sharing my concerns in prayer, God calmed my spirit and reminded me that obedience is much more important than a mission of changing the world. Wow! Utterly profound! Obedience- something that seems so simple. It's why I teach my children- to keep them safe. It's why He teaches me- to keep me safe in the center of His will. Thank you heavenly Father!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Home Sweet Home









Home is sometimes my favorite place! In the presence of my family is always where I wish to be.

I had promised a family picture. Promise broken for now... the reality is that each attempt ending with someone crying. Notice the picture of the kids. Olivia is wailing and Tian is scratching a mosquito bite, and that's the best that we can do right now.

Jet lag, sibling rivalry, selfishness, and reality checks are real! We are battling each so your prayers are always appreciated.
We are, however, incredibly overjoyed in the happy moments. Yesterday I delighted in squeals that ruminated throughout the house. Hannah and Tian were chasing one another during a silly made-up game. Sweet kisses initiated by each of us are shared at random. Wrestling is a given when Daddy is around. Smiles and giggles are just as prevalent as tears and whimpers. Life is good; God is faithful! And, I'm sure that Mommy will often need Calgon and a back rub!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Last Day

First, happy day to Olivia! It's hard to believe that 7 months ago today, she was born. We are looking forward to seeing her with a toothy grin. Her first two teeth came in during our absence.

We are overjoyed!!! Our day tomorrow will begin at 5 AM China time (5 PM Eastern time). Add 28-30 hours to that and we will be home!  We cannot wait to hold our girls and have them meet their brother.

Tian continues to entertain us.  He's getting sweeter and more relaxed day by day.  We spent some last moments today wrestling, splashing in mud puddles, racing around the hotel, shopping, eating and eating some more.

Each day we have allowed Tian to choose his shirt. Today was a moment of truth when Tian told our guide that he liked his orange golf shirt.  He said that he liked it because it had "two buttons and that made it really nice". Wow!

Do not get me wrong...he is appreciative, and yet the boy is an absolute menace inside of the stores.  I'll just warn you ahead of time that if you ever see me in Wal-mart or Target, there will probably be a whirlwind circling around us. I'm sure to be that Mom that people point at and wonder why she can't control her children.  There are just some things that I cannot worry about right now. 

My next post will be a picture of our family reunion. Little girls, Mama and Daddy are coming. I really hope that no one stands in our path; Mama may be small, but she is bound to become the most powerful offensive lineman you have ever seen.  This girl is coming home to be with all of her babies!