Seven Alexanders

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-12T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a while since I last blogged! Life has been rather crazy for all of us. We hope this blog post finds you enjoying the celebrations around the birth of Christ! I simply can not imagine life without Him!

A brief update on our children. The big news is that TJ is back home! He has been home for almost two months! There have been huge changes since he came home! We are grateful that God has His hands on TJ, protecting him while he served ten months in the Corrections Receiving Center in central Ohio! He is working HARD for a local company, pouring concrete walls. He is making plans to get a degree in Construction Management. We welcome your continued prayers for him! Tyler is officially a sophomore at Mt. Vernon Naz. University! He is double majoring in Accounting and Business Management. We are really proud of him! Dane is busy in his sophomore year of high school at Fairfield Christian Academy. Besides the violin, he has added the electric violin, the bass guitar and the acoustic guitar to the list of instruments he can play! He plays in the worship bands both at school and with the youth group at church. He played on the golf team this past season and will continue with that. He will be getting his drivers liscense in February....yikes! The girls are doing great! They bring such joy to our lives! They are both in the second grade at Fairfield Christian Academy. Lily continues to play the violin. Sarah is content with her drawing! They are both serious readers...for which I am glad! They are also playing basketball this year.....and I am their coach once again!

Tom and I are doing well. Tom continues to serve Fairfield Christian Church as the Teaching and Worship Pastor. I am subbing at several schools while I am looking for a full-time position. I have a great possibility in Higher Education and hope to be able to announce that the first of the new year.

Again, we hope this blog entry finds everyone well and healthy! May you all know "Joy" like never before!

Kathy

2011-03-14T12:39:00.001-05:00

Ty's picture was in the local paper today for signing to play golf at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. It certainly is a blessing for him to be able to go to Mt. Vernon next year! He'll stay in Ohio! It's about 1 hour 15 minute drive from home so we'll get to see him often. I do think he has major senioritis these days! He has some fun things planned before he goes to college. In May he is going to do some hiking/rock climbing with a few of his buddies. In June, he will be going west with Tom and Ty.....and back again! We are very proud of Tyler. He's done exceptionally well at academics....has excelled in golf....more importantly, he loves the Lord! We are very proud of him!

Snow Run Brothers 2011

2011-01-11T21:42:00.002-05:00

TURN THE PLAYLIST SONG OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BLOG TO HEAR THE VIDEO>
We do a snow run challenge every year at our house. We recently did this one with Ty and Dane. The girls did it two years ago, but have since refused to do it. I will MAKE them do it next year! Enjoy! Oh, I'm glad my boys wear hats when it is cold out!

Pray for TJ

2010-12-28T08:31:00.002-05:00

I am close to being able to be totally transparent regarding the heartache we have experienced in this last year with our oldest son, TJ. I've been given an assignment that I have not wanted and yet I approach that assignment with all my heart, soul, and mind to pass with flying colors. It's an assignment that can only be passed with the help of the Lord. He is certainly faithful!

The Sunday before Christmas my husband and I stood before our church family because there was a huge elephant in the room. The day before, our son made the front page of the local paper and two news stations in Columbus, Ohio. We were several days into knowing what was going on, but had hoped that it would not be made public. Not so. It was the assignment we were given.

The same day the news hit the front page I got an email from Carol Kent. She new that we would be going before our church family and offered some godly encouragment. She said, "Kathy, when we are vulnerable before the people of God, they respond with love and compassion."

I can't recall what Tom said, but I know exactly what I said. I said, "There are many questions we do not have the answers to today. So we rest in the things that we do know. We know that we love TJ very much. We know we are committed to him as long as we live on this earth. We know that God loves him even more than we do. We kow that God began a good work in him over 19 years ago and He will be faithful to complete that good work. We know that Tom and I stand together strong with the help of the Lord. We know we have a church family that loves TJ and loves us. Thank you for praying for him and for us."

Our church has been wonderful through these times. What a blessing.
I'll share more soon. Thanks for your love and compassion. Pray for TJ. God wins when it is all said and done. We anticipate a great victory!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-16T04:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! 2010 is nearly behind us and can I just say, "I am looking forward to 2011! It has been a year of much joy and many heartaches. I am grateful to know a God that cares and loves not only each member of my family, but myself included. 2010 has been the year that I can say with resounding joy.....I can not imagine walking this earth without the Lord!

I'll start with the girls and move my way up. First, we had an amazing opportunity to visit China in March of this year. You can check out our journey by clicking on the tab at the top of this blog. TJ was unable to go with us as we journeyed for 21 days through China, visiting many historical places. The highlight of the trip was being able to visit the birthplaces of our youngest children, Lily and Sarah. Check out the travel blog if you are interested in more details!

Sarah turned six in July. She is in the first grade at Fairfield Christian Academy. She is extremely bright. Miss. Cassidy says that she is extremely quiet throughout the day. I have reminded her that Sarah is not that quiet at home...especially when she is mad! Sarah continues to play the violin, but her greatest love is reading, writing and art. She says, "I will be an artist when I am older." She draws much of her time when she is not in school. Sarah and Lily are both taking dance through Leaps of Faith.....learning to praise God through the art of dance. Sports? We are venturing into that territory now as Lily and Sarah are both playing Upward basketball. Dane and I are the coaches of their team!

Lily turned 7 last month. She is also in the first grade at Fairfield Christian Academy. I don't know a more pleasant child than our Lily! She is a pretty easy-going little girl and her girliness brings a smile to my face most every day! Like Sarah, she loves to read. But when home, Lily seems to like to track down her blanket and cuddle up and suck her thumb. We have begun talks about when it is the right time to give up the blankee. She only sucks her thumb when she has the blankee! One day! Lily learned to ride a two-wheeler this year so that was a big milestone. Lily plays the violin as well....and loves to have Daddy teach her on the piano. Tom says that she is giftend musically. I trust his opinion!

Dane will be 15 in February! What a guy! He has one of the best hearts I've seen in a young man! He is a wonderful big brother and a great help to me. He is in the ninth grade at Fairfield Christian Academy. He played on the golf team this year. He is also part of the choir. And I think he got a role in the musical this year. He, too, is gifted musically. He is also a good student and works extremely hard academically. Oh...and does he have a sense of humor! He cracks me up!

Ty is completing his senior year at Fairfield Christian Academy. He does well academically as well. He played on the golf team again this year. He qualified for the second time in his high school career! The best part is that the FCA Knights golf team made it to state as a team. They placed fourth in the state of Ohio! Ty has taken up rock climbing and repelling......an interest that has me a bit anxious. I find some comfort in knowing that he is a smart guy and is doing these things with good kids that I hope are also smart guys! We haven't confirmed anything, but it is looking like Ty will end up at Mt. Vernon Nazerene University next year.

TJ graduated from high school this past year! Right now he is working through some things that are certainly a challenge. We stand strong in knowing that God began a great work in TJ and will be faithful to completion! I look forward to seeing how God moves in his life in the coming years! I know it is going to be something big! And I look forward to celebrating with him and sharing the story as it unfolds.

I have had some changes this year as well. I no longer work for the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities. I took a few months off and have been subbing in local schools here in town. When the new years starts, I hope to find something fulltime that is agreeable with being a mom to five and wife to a pastor! We'll see! I have had a difficult year with some back issues and am hoping 2011 is a better year on that level. I continue to teach a Women's study through our church and count the women in my group as some of the best friends ever! I am enjoying serving on two ministry boards that mean a lot to me....Grace Haven Place and Orphan Voice. Grace Haven Place is a home here in town that houses women who are transitioning from jail into the community. It is a home of faith.....filled with grace for women who certainly need and know the grace of a loving, forgiving Father. Orphan Voice is a ministry near and dear to my heart. OV serves the widows, orphans and poor of Central Vietnam.

Tom continues to serve as the Lead Minister of the Lancaster Campus of Fairfield Christian Church. He is still involved with the worship aspect of the church as well. I have a great deal of respect for the pastor Tom has been over these past few years. I even have more appreciation for the father he has been to our five kids! He's a wonderful dad!

I know this is just a brief update for those who may have received our Christmas card. Since I listed the blog address, I just wanted to write a little update. Thanks for checking in! Thanking God for being so evident in our lives this past year! We are looking forward to seeing His plans unfold for 2011. May you be blessed in big and mighty ways by Him!

One day........

2010-11-09T09:44:00.000-05:00

First, let me say to anyone who might still look at my blog from time to time....sorry I have been so negligent! We have had an on-going crisis in our life that tends to take up a lot of my time and sometimes I am just fortunate to get the necessary things done. One day I look forward to sharing publicly some of the things we have been experiencing regarding this crisis! One day, there will be a victory and testimony that we will allow us to share more openly. Praying that victory is soon! In the meantime, we welcome the prayers!

One day this crib was the sleeping place of a little girl named Yang Xiao Jing. The orphanage staff called this little girl "Jing Jing." Jing Jing was found at the gate of that orphanage in Yangjiang on the estimated date of her birth, November 17, 2003. For the next 11 1/2 months the Yangjiang Social Welfare Institute was her temporary home. The crib was her crib for part of that time. The photo in the crib is an earlier picture of Jing Jing.

Jing Jing no longer lives there. In fact, she is no longer "Jing Jing." One day God opened the door for Tom and I to travel to China to take Jing Jing out of that crib, out of that orphanage. She is now Lily Kathrine Xiao Jing Alexander! She has taken up residence in our hearts and in our home. She has a forever family that can not imagine life without her! She also has a much more comfortable bed that is so comfortable that there are many mornings it is difficult to get her out of it!

This month has been an important month! It was November 1 that we celebrated her "Gotcha Day." It was on November 1, 2004 that we first got to hold Lily! It was less than two weeks later that she got to meet her three brothers! And just a few days after returning home with her, we celebrated her first birthday, November 17, 2004. So, soon we will celebrate her seventh birthday!

November is also National Adoption Awareness Month. Many children sleep in beds around that world and do not know the comfort of a bed in a home with a forever family. That shouldn't be! I'm glad there is a month to bring awareness to adoption. I wish we could empty all of those orphan beds!

One day.

Harold Miller Invitational

2010-09-26T20:12:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know, Ty plays golf. Well, that is an understatement! He loves the game. For the past two summers, Ty would golf anywhere from 5-6 days per week! I can't complain......I know where he is and what he is doing!

The Fairfield Christian Academy has an exceptional golf team this year. They played this past Saturday in the Harold Miller Invitational. Seven teams. I'm not sure where Ty placed, maybe 5th or sixth overall, but the team won! Not only did they win, but the guys all shot 81 or better!

They have sectionals this Tuesday! Ty is the one in the middle holding the team trophy.

Go Knights!

Golf and Planes

2010-09-05T14:45:00.001-05:00

Dane

Kyle and Ty

Lily on the plane

Sarah on the plane with Cassie

Both Dane and Ty are playing golf for Fairfield Christian Academy. After years and years of football, basketball and baseball.....this is the only sport left! I must say that it is much different to be a fan watching golf than the other sports. First, you have to be quiet unless there is a great shot...then clapping is appropriate. Second, you have to stay so far away and you can't speak to the golfers. This is good because I don't know anything about golf unlike the other sports where I have things to say from time to time! Third, it is one of the only sports where you get a workout by watching! I do enjoy walking the course WHEN I do not have the girls with me....great walk! When the girls are with me I am slightly miserable and would be rich if I had a nickle for every time I said, "Shhhhh!" Dane is on the JV team this year. Ty golfs in the number two spot for the team. One of the photos is with Kyle, the number one guy. Both Kyle and Ty made it to state last year. If all goes well, the Knights will send their entire team to state this year! So far Ty has had some great games. Such is the game of golf, he has had a few not so good days! One of the more exciting ones was where he shot a 34, two under par at a match at Valley View. On the ninth hole he pitched it in for an eagle! One of those "you are allowed to clap" moments!

One Sunday our small group met at a hangar at the local airport. One of our group members has a small plane. We had a great picnic and everyone was given the opportunity to go up in the plane and get a birdseye view of Lancaster, Ohio! I passed as I only get on planes to travel to destinations and not for enjoyment! Tom took Lily up and our friend Cassie took Sarah up. I did drive the golf cart around the airport!

First Day of School

2010-09-05T14:36:00.000-05:00

Dane, Sarah, Lily and Ty on the first day of school!

Ty on the first day of his FINAL year of school!

Dane is way too cool for the ninth grade!

Lily at her desk in Mrs. Neff's class.

Sarah at her desk in Miss. Cassidy's class.

The 2010-11 school year began on August 23rd. I haven't had a working computer in a while so I am late getting things posted. The girls were excited to start the first grade at Fairfield Christian Academy. Both of the girls were thrilled with the teacher they were assigned to this year.

Dane is a freshmen....yikes! Tyler is starting his senior year....double yikes!

I have subbed a few days at their school so I get to see them on occasion....which is fun!

Fat Cat

2010-09-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

Well, Sugar Bears Pizza is my favorite pizza in town, but they weren't open on the day of my birthday so we went to my next favorite..Fat Cat's! As a kid, my dad always called me, "Fat Kat the water rat." So, it was fun to think of my dad on my birthday!

Tom and Ty's trip to the White Mountains

2010-07-18T15:33:00.000-05:00

As some may know, Tom and Ty love to do some serious hiking. When Ty was 12 they hiked 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the Smokey Mountains. They have done some other hikes along the way, but that was the big one.....six days, five nights. This was their second big one. Only this time they headed east to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I don't know the miles, but the trip was cut short to four days. They camped in some primitive spots and saw a lot a great views. Sadly, due to Tom spraining his ankle, they did not climb Mt. Washington like they had hoped. No regrets though....it was a great time for both of them. I love that Tom and Ty have this sort of time together. It will make for great memories for Ty! Ty talked Tom into driving through New York City on the way home! They didn't even get out of the car, but they saw Lady Liberty, Central Park, Ground Zero the Empire State Building (I think.)

Glad to have my mountain men home!

Guangdong Reunion

2010-07-10T21:04:00.002-05:00

Hannah and Lily

Lily, Hannah and Chloe.....November 2004

Red Couch Photo of 2004

Chloe, Hannah and Lily. There were over 60 cribs in the Yangjiang SWI. Our nine girls were spread throughout that room, but these three were cribmates! Hannah was in the crib between Lily and Chloe. Having been there twice, I'm thinking they probably rolled into each others cribs from time to time!

(See photo above from 2004)

Our lame attempt at re-enacting the red couch photo. Left to right front row: Chloe L, Lilianna, Lily, Jasmine, Joy, Chloe C. Left to right back row: Ruthie, Kendall, Rylie and Hannah

(See Red Couch Photo from 2004 above)

This is a photo of the girls and the siblings that came along for the reunion. Let's see...four siblings from China, one sibling from Ethiopia and four made in the USA.

Slow boat from China!

Lily giving Hannah a hug goodbye...well, it was one of many hugs goodbye!

This is Lily with Hannah and Joy

Every year we have a reunion with the families that travelled to China together to adopt in 2004...Lily's adoption. Twelve families spent over two weeks together touring Beijing prior to travelling to Guangdong Province to recieve our girls. The twelve girls met their families on November 1st, 2004. Nine of the girls were from Yangjiang SWI and the other three were from...oops...can't remember that name. We spent most of our trip at the White Swan on the seventh floor.

It has been exciting to see the girls together! It takes a few minutes for the girls to warm up to each other, but then they act like they have been friends on a daily basis! I am really enjoying seeing these relationships continue. Tom and I enjoy the fellowship with the adults that became friends through this special connection. We share many stories from our travel days.

It is also exciting to see how the families change from year to year! Some continue to add new family members!

Guangdong Families....we love you! See you next year!

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

2010-07-10T20:50:00.000-05:00

Sarah turned six on July 7th. We really wanted to avoid any real party so I offered her a day with a few friends. She decided that she wanted to go to the Baltimore Pool. She invited Anagrace and Gwen....of course, Lily gets to go as well as Gwen's sisters Megan and Lyndon. And with Megan, Lyndon and Gwen came Lorissa....my friend. I'll spare the pictures of Lorissa and I! After a day of swimming, I took the girls to McDonald's for dinner.

Tom was out of town on the seventh, so we had her cake the night before. I know....lame cake! She did enjoy the scooter she got from us! And she really enjoyed spending birthday money from Grandma! Happy Birthday, Sarah Jo!

The Pledge by Lily Alexander (pause song at the bottom before you play it)

2010-07-04T12:21:00.001-05:00

Lily was only three years old when we recorded this, but it seems appropriate for a day like today!

Three P's......party, park and parade!

2010-07-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

Ty's golfer's tan!

While at the park, we painted nails! Yeah, well....I don't do pink!

I didn't get many pics at TJ's graduation party...this is the display of photos.

Day at the park...Sarah trying to whistle!

Lily at the park...trying to whistle!

Just the three of us at a picnic at the park. They wanted to go swimming but the weather was way to nice to spend swimming!

Waiting with the Payne family...for the Lancaster parade.

Who wears yellow on their children for the Fourth of July parade? I guess I do!

Gotta read this!

2010-06-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Geise family showed up at the Adoption Fair at our church several years ago thinking God was calling them to adopt from China. On that day, God made it clear that it was actually Ethiopia. Through that process, God has called them to move to Ethiopia..........an amazing read....read it!

Father's Day......a new home office for Tom!

2010-06-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today was Father's Day. We weren't sure what to get Tom for Father's Day. He hates to have us spend much money on him so I knew we had to keep it simple. He had some suggestions, but none of them hit me as much as the idea that I had!

First, I consider myself extremely blessed to have Tom as the father to my kids! I have always considered him to be the best person I know.....and he hates when I say that....because he is also the most humble person I know! This last year has been a challenging year for us in terms of parenting. When I have been weak, he has been strong! When I have emotional, he has been together! When I have been angry, he had the voice of reason! When I wanted to react, he helped me find restraint! When I didn't know if I could love enough, he loved enough for both of us! When I wanted to shut down, he stepped it up and showed up! He has helped me be a better parent in some tough times! I so love and respect him for who he has been...especially this last year!

Through this, we've also gone through some serious transitions with our church. Tom served as the interim lead pastor during a tough transition. When many would have wanted to run, he stayed! He stayed because God called him to stay! I'm so grateful to have a guy that seriously seeks the heart of God in all that he does!

He was recently called to be the Lead Minister at our church. For twelve years he has served as the Worship Pastor and now he preaches just about every Sunday. Quite honestly, I enjoy his messages. I have the privilige of hearing them several times each week as he prepares! There are seven of us living in this 3-bedroom home. Every space is taken up by either a person or the belongings of a person! We don't have an office or den as a place to get away to read and/or study. Tom has made the front porch a place where he reads, studies and prepares for Sunday mornings. For several months now I have complained that our front porch looks like a bit of a Hillbilly porch! The old ladderback chair looked cool, but wasn't comfortable for reading. So he used it as a table and sat in a lawn chair. Many mornings he sits there with his Bible, an assortment of other books and his laptop. There are the occasional days where it is the newspaper! On many Sunday mornings, if a neighbor would be out, they would probably hear in the distance the sermon that would be given later that morning at our church! Many Sunday mornings, I get to hear it as I contemplate getting out of bed and getting ready for the day! I admire this in him and consider it am blessed at seeing and hearing his heart....coming from the front porch!

So the girls and I set out to shop on Saturday morning! Lily is proud to say, "We got daddy a new home office!" It's a simple chair and a simple table sitting on a simple porch! I'm glad it doesn't have that hillbilly look! So, maybe one day he will have some fancy office where he can bring his hundreds of books out of the basement and placed on fancy bookshelves. Until then, his front porch home office will do....Happy Father's Day, Tom! I like the view of the front porch when you are sitting there!

GRADUATION PARTY!

2010-06-10T18:39:00.001-05:00

You are invited to TJ's graduation party!

Saturday, June 26

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Chapel

Fairfield Christian Church

1965 N. Columbus St.

Lancaster, Ohio 43130

(Park in the corner lot of Whittier and Columbus and enter Door H)

I guess the tooth fairy is visiting our house tonight!

2010-06-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

It is a momentous occasion in our home as Lily lost her first tooth today! This tooth has been hanging around way too long! Quite honestly, you would think after having experienced three kids who have lost many teeth over the years, you'd think I wouldn't be so wimpy...but I hate the look of a loose tooth! I do have an issue with some of the folks out there that "represent" the tooth fairy! Lily says, "Mom, the kids in my class got $10.00 from the tooth fairy when they lost their first tooth." My response, "Lily, I don't think that tooth fairy knows our family." She follows that up with, "Well, I hope the tooth fairy that knows us can leave me a dollar and a quarter." Personally, I still think that is a bit much for a tooth, but I'm thinking our tooth fairy can deliver a buck twenty five! That's a first tooth deal only! The bummer part is that the tooth fairy is really tired and wants to go to bed, but I still hear voices coming from behind their bedroom door! Hope they sleep soon because I would hate for the tooth fairy to fall asleep and skip out on her duties! Wouldn't that be heartbreaking for such a momentous occasion!

One down, four to go!!!!!

2010-06-08T17:54:00.000-05:00

TJ receiving his diploma!

TJ was hugged by three of the principals.

TJ with Grandma Flo (My mom)

TJ with Grandma and Grandpa Alexander (Tom's Parents)

TJ with Tom and I

Well, he did it! TJ graduated from high school this past Sunday! We were excited...and proud! We will be having a graduation party on June 26th.....more information coming on that at a later date! What's next for TJ? On Monday morning he started a full-time job with a local concrete company. We are proud of you, TJ!

End of Kindergarten

2010-06-05T22:59:00.000-05:00

Sarah with Mrs. Davis. It was fun to see how much Sarah adores Mrs. Davis!

Lily with Mrs. Oller. Lily thinks she really rocks!

Sarah and some of her classmates.

Lily and some of her girlsfriends from Mrs. Oller's class. This girl thing is wild!

The girls and I on a walk at Chestnut Ridge.

The girls graduated from kindergarten this past Thursday. It was quite the celebration! Most of you would be shocked to see how much these kids have memorized in the way of Scripture and songs! Amazing! It's been a great year for the girls. Both of them loved their teacher and their friends. Both Lily and Sarah have finished the year well and both are so stinkin' smart! I'm very proud of them.

The big graduation takes place tomorrow....TJ will graduate from high school. I hope to post some pictures tomorrow night. It's been a wild year as the girls started kindergarten and TJ wraps up school. God has shown himself to be extremely good to me and extremely faithful!

My first dance recital!

2010-06-05T22:50:00.000-05:00

(sorry, posts won't be in order!)
Today (June 5th) was my very first recital! I've done just about every sport as a child or adult. I've taken my boys to a variety of sports committments for almost 19 years. Today was my first dance recital! I made an honest attempt at doing the bun in the hair thing on my own, but it didn't work out so well. Fortunately, there were women at the recital that knew what they were doing. I watched and took mental notes and think maybe, just maybe, I might be able to be successful at my next bun attempt.

The girls take lessons from Erin Moris at Leaps of Faith. Tom and I have a lot of appreciation for Erin and her ministry to reclaim dance for Kingdom purposes. It was a beautiful night of worship as we watched the students who dance under Erin's leadership! The girls are in a class of just three girls. They were beautiful! They danced to one of my favorite songs, "Beautiful." If I can figure out how to upload videos from our new camera, I will share it. Until then, trust me.....it was beautiful. As much as I loved watching my boys in all of the sporting events of the past, I don't think I ever cried tears while watching them. I'm getting way too soft as watching my girls dance, made me cry. I am so blessed to have had them enter my life. They have brought into my life pinks and purples. And now they've given me dance!

Celebrating Sarah!

2010-05-16T17:24:00.001-05:00

Getting ready for a day out....girls only!

They love me....they really love me!

We started with an early lunch. Sarah requested McDonald's.

We then headed north to Easton to Build-A-Bear.

Bathing their bears!

Dressed and ready to go!

Bookstore!

Lily reading to Sarah.

Nothing like watching your kids read!

It was May 15, 2006....the best Mother's Day ever! We walked into the Lottery Hotel in Nanning, Guangxi Province in China. We weren't sure how things would go since this was going to be the moment we saw Sarah Jo Xiaoning Alexander for the very first time! It was Gotcha Day! She was carried into the room by the director of A Mother's Love Orphanage. She didn't cry.........was very stoic. She loved the stuffed animal we brought for her. She was wearing a pink dress, yellow tights, a red hair band....and two beautiful bracelets on her wrists. Along with her came two bags of an assortment of things....the blankets and toys that we sent prior to getting her! We also got several gifts from the foster family and a bag of fruit. That was four years ago! She certainly has changed!

We decided that celebrating Gotcha Day was going to be a day without boys! The girls had no idea what I had planned for the day. We started on the front lawn for a few pictures before they jumped in the van. I then told them we were going to lunch first...........Sarah's pick...........McDonald's! We then drove to Easton to go to Build-A-Bear. There are so many options for animals. The girls decided that it would be best to pick the panda bear because she is from China, like them. We bathed them, named them and picked out clothes. We also had to get a set of PJ's. They both had a blast. The next stop was one of my favorite stops....a bookstore! They were able to pick out two books each. I am odd, but I'm not looking forward to shopping with my girls, getting our nails done together or any of that girly stuff....give me a trip with them to a bookstore and I am thrilled! We walked around Easton for a little while and headed back to Lancaster. The boys were all busy so I took the girls to Applebee's for dinner. It was a quiet dinner as they read most of the time..............I absolutely loved that view! We returned home for me to toss the girls in the tub. They dressed themselves and their bears for bed and enjoyed a quiet night with their books!

Happy Gotcha Day, Sarah Jo!

Potty Options in China

2010-04-17T19:22:00.004-05:00

The Western Potty: The easiest choice in potty options

The Porcelain Squattie Potty: Second only to the Western Potty

The Channel Potty: Common in roadside rest stops

The Village Squatty: Common in small villages.

The Good Earth: When a potty isn't available

We were on our way to the Longsheng Minority Village near Guilin, PRC when we stopped at a roadside service station to use the restroom. It was this experience that got me to thinking about the potty options available in China.

It’s a joyous exclamation when my girls say, “They have a western toilet!” It’s true. A western toilet is the most glamorous potty options in China today. Things have changed since my trips in 2004 and 2006. Because of the Olympics, many of the Beijing area attractions have a western toilet! The other thing I have learned is that even some of the not-so-frequented locations in Beijing have what they call a “handicapped toilet” or “wheelchair accessible toilet.” These toilets are always western in nature! Future travelers take note to always check that stall. Oh, I better warn you though…not all bathrooms have stalls! Yep, it’s an open concept to taking care of your potty needs. While in the Hutongs I was thrilled that the open-concept bathroom had a handicap toilet….western with bars to help one get down and get up….what a deal! It was in the Hutong public bathroom that I witnessed an amazing scene. I was helping one of the girls use the western toilet as two Chinese women were taking care of their needs using the squattie potty. Imagine my surprise to see one woman texting on her cell phone while she was squatting…amazing! All of the hotels tend to have a western toilet…whew! And if you are lucky, although you may not have the option of texting while you take care of business, most hotels have a telephone directly next to the toilet for your convenience.

The final four potty options in China all involve squatting. “Squattie Potties” as they are best known as by westerners require a skill level and physical ability not always mastered by most westerners. Oh, before I forget…..always carry your own TP with you in China….you never know if there is any available. Most squattie options do not offer TP so be prepared by BYOTP! I recommend several of the “Charmin To Go” pull out dispenser. It’s one-ply, but you get 55 sheets in a roll and they come in a nifty pull-out dispenser. The great thing is that you only need to bring two to China and just refill it with the TP from the hotel! Yes, I roll my own TP! That’s just how I roll. The other thing you must know about China is that you NEVER flush your TP down the squattie. Most squatties have a trash can for the TP and you should just toss it in there. If there isn’t a trash can, flush at your own risk. I’d run as fast as you can after you flush though.

Okay, so back to the topic at hand. Squatting is very difficult for larger women with bad knees. If that’s you, I suggest you drink less to avoid having to figure things out. If you use the squattie potty in China, be sure to hang your bag/backpack on a hook or leave it with someone on the outside…..don’t forget the TP if you pass the bag on to someone else. You NEVER want to put your bag on the floor of a squattie potty! NEVER! You never know the accuracy of previous users and would not want to contaminate your bag/pack.

The first in line of squattie potties is the porcelain one! It’s the best in squatties available. All are linked in to the local sewage system and operate much like a western toilet with the exception of there is no seat so you squat instead of sit. The porcelain potty sits firmly in the floor and does not have much above floor level. There are ridges on each side of the squattie to show you where to put your feet before you squat. Keep in mind that if your aim is not the greatest, porcelain is slippery when wet. If the porcelain potty is not in an open-concept environment, you would utilize the squattie in the same manor as a western toilet….always facing the door with your back to the wall. This way you can always see if someone is coming! Sadly, many women in China are intrigued with westerners and will not be ashamed to watch if this is an open-concept bathroom!

The next squattie in order of best to really bad is what I call the “Channel Potty.” We experienced this potty on our way to the village this morning. You can see it in the pictures above. The channel potty is just that….a channel in the floor…..it’s a “no frills” way of pottying. The channel is only about six inches deep and is made of concrete. The channel is about six inches wide. The channel potty is different than the porcelain potty in that you access the potty side-ways, always facing the wall. The added length of the channel is actually nice for those who are not that good at using a squattie potty. Most road-side rest stops have a channel potty so be prepared.

The third squattie potty is not for the weak or easily grossed out so if that is you…..quit reading now! On our way out of the village this afternoon, I was alone in the van with the girls. You know the saying, “When you have to go, you have to go.” Well, Lily had to go! There was no talking her through waiting until the next road-side stop. We were in a rough area south of the village. There were some small houses and shack along the creek. I didn’t know what to tell the driver since I didn’t know how to say in Mandarin, “She’s gotta go.” I remembered what Sarah used to say when we first got her, “Nyow nyow.” I took the chance and said, “nyow nyow.” His eyes lit up and I could tell he knew exactly what I meant! So he got out of the van and ran down the street. He came back and pointed to a door in a row of shacks. Lily, Sarah and I slowly walked towards the door not knowing what we’d find. I almost can’t even talk about it, it was that gross. Yes, a picture says it all! It was two steps up a wood platform. The wood was warn and the stall was dark and nasty. There in the wood floor was a hole…yes, the ultimate in bad squattie potties. Before I could say, “Lily, lets go outside behind a tree, she had her pants down and took care of her business.” We did a triple dose of antibacterial hand sanitizer and were on our way. Our guide was shocked to see us come out of this squattie. She said, “Oh, that is very dirty.” I said, “I know, but if she has to go, she has to go.” I’m just glad Lily didn’t fall, she might have gotten a splinter!

The final squattie option is simply using the good earth the Lord has given us! The squatting is the same, you just have to find a tree or a bush to take care of business. We have not experienced this option in our journey through China, but the trip is young….you never know! And quite honestly, after the wood squattie, I think I’d pick a tree or bush any day over doing what Lily did!

I certainly hope this post will be of service to anyone planning on travelling through China! I hope I've helped you prepare for your potty plans. Good luck!

On our way to China!

2010-03-15T21:16:00.001-05:00

Leaving for China in the morning! Follow on our travel blog!

Sharing a video

2010-03-13T18:49:00.002-05:00

Turn the playlist song off at the bottom of the screen and then click on the title of this post.

Center

2010-03-11T06:26:00.009-05:00

I really enjoy the music of Charlie Hall. Every once in a while we come across a song that simply speaks a great deal about where we are in life and that "thing" that simply makes sense out of the craziness. I deleted the songs from my Playlist with the exception of one...."Center" by Charlie Hall. Are your speakers on?

It wasn't that long ago that I was overwhelmed with the fact that I was fixed on the circumstances of my life. When the time is right, maybe I will talk/write in more detail about the experience. I think it was Beth Moore who said, "A testimony is the outcome or result of a test." So, when the testimony is complete, I will have much to say about God's mercy, grace and power.

During that tough time, I got some help to get me on track. A huge part of the testimony will have something to do with control...the area I probably have changed the most....and probably have a ways to go yet! The other part of the testimony has to do with where I fix my eyes. Fixing our eyes on Christ instead of my circumstances has given me great peace! He holds everything together! Here are the lyrics.

You're the center of the universe
Everything was made in You, Jesus
Breath of every living thing
Everyone was made for You

You hold everything together
You hold everything together

Christ, be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives

We lift our eyes to heaven
We wrap our lives around your life
We lift our eyes to heaven, to You

Smiling over Lily................

2010-02-21T15:42:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to write about two things that have happened recently with Lily that has brought me to smiles! Challenging days can sometimes make it difficult to see the many good things happening around me.

I had just returned from the women's retreat at church yesterday afternoon and I was worn out! It was a phenominal time of teaching by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. I so appreciated her love for the Word of God! I was dreading the possibility of it being a "fluff" women's event with all this touchy-feely stuff! Yeah, there was a little touch-feely stuff going on in between sessions, but the teaching time was point on! I don't know if I'll write about what all the Lord spoke to me because being completely transparent on a blog isn't something that is easy for me with some of the things going on in my life. I will say that I purchased her book, "Fueled by Faith" and am already well into it and looking forward to practicing more of the truths that she presents in her book. Anyway, I was really tired when I got home and thought I'd check emails before I found my place in the recliner.

I noticed that Tom put popcorn in the microwave for the girls and while he was waiting he was dancing with Lily. Not just a simple dance, but waltzing! I never said a word because I didn't want to ruin the moment! I smiled! I was reminded that I can easily get caught up in what isn't going well around me and miss those things that are exceptionally well! Priceless!

It carried over to this morning as Tom and I went to FCC North Campus for church this morning. Tyler and Dane had to be at the Lancaster Campus for the FCA focus Sunday. TJ isn't able to attend church for a while. That reality had me a bit sad as I stood in worship with Lily to my left and Sarah to my right. (They normally go to class, but didn't want to go to a unfamiliar class today). I didn't like being sad because Lord knows I DO NOT like to get teary eyed period...let alone in church! I glanced over to Lily and I smiled as I watched her reading the praise songs from the screen as she sang. I know that is silly! She has been reading for a while, but it was the first time we were in church together since she started reading. Nothing can change a mood for the better than to look over and see my Lily singing praises like that! I'm glad she didn't catch me watching because that might have kept her from worshipping!

Smiling over Lily!

Been thinking......

2010-01-30T12:27:00.004-05:00

So, a good friend says to me, "God does not give us more than we can handle." Hmmmm. Been thinking about that. My conclusion is, "that's a bunch of bunk!" I have probably said that to others in the past and have made the commitment to never say that to someone EVER again! I don't know if my friend reads my blog, but if she does......sorry I didn't tell you personally about this "bunch of bunk" thing....but thanks for makin' me think!

Yes, I believe in God's sovereignty and I do believe that all things are filtered through His hands. So, God certainly has allowed things to happen in my life that he could have intervened to keep from happening. So, did he give me this thing that has been most heart-breaking to me in recent weeks? No. He has allowed these things to happen. I also believe that His grief is greater than mine! Back to that comment, "God does not give us more than we can handle." I already said I don't believe He has given me these things. I then think about what I can handle. The reality is that I can not handle the things that have happened in my life recently. I have had to come to the point of realizing that I can't handle it. It is only at this point that I come to the most important lesson and that is that I can only handle it through Him! I can't handle it! Through Him, I can. Freeing. Simply freeing.

I also have been thinking about each new "thing" that comes my way. I jokingly say to myself, "That didn't kill me," or "I'm still standin'," or "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger!" I'm glad I couldn't foresee the things that were coming my way. That would so ruin how I handled things! Had I had some ability to see down the road, I may have rushed through to get to the victory or I would have recoiled as I would certainly have been fearful to even walk through the challenging times. Instead, I get to to be wowed by what He has done and continues to do!

So, will the "next" thing kill me? Highly unlikely. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Am I as fearful? No, He has not given me a spirit of timidity.

Been thinkin'.

3 1/2 months!

2010-01-08T15:47:00.011-05:00

It has been a while since I posted! I returned from Vietnam in early September to have a few days to adjust before I started working full-time. I've learned that since I started working full-time there are several things that just don't get done as easily....laundry, taking of pictures, laundry, blogging, laundry, working out, laundry.....need I say more!?

The top photo is of the girls in the traditional clothing worn by women in Vietnam.
That's my September photo! I have no clue where October went, but I know the camera did not go with it! November we brought the camera out for Lily's birthday.....but not Tyler's.....terrible...I know! December brought a bit more camera action for us! We took the girls to see Santa on December 24th....I know...nothing like waiting until the last minute! Santa insisted on having a photo with TJ as well! We then have a photo of the "Fab Five" on Christmas morning followed by my favorite annual photo of the Alexander Family Cousins; TJ, Tosha, Lateria, Chantrelle, Brianna, Brandon, Britney, Alexis, Bridget, Tyler, Dane, Gio, Jonathan, David, Marcus, Josiah, Timothy, Lily and Sarah.

Beyond the typical things that have happened in our family, we have been faced with some really challenging times. I will share more when the time is right, but it has been tough, really tough. What I will share is that sometimes we get assignments in life that we simply do not want to have! I am in one of those places where I say to myself, "I don't want this assignment....I really don't want it!" God has brought me to a place where I know that there is nothing more for me to do than to accept the assignment and do my very best with what is in front of me....so I'm working on those things. I can only follow through on this assignment with a lot of prayer and a lot of faith.....trusting that God will move in a mighty way in my life and in the lives of those I love.

I am reading the book, "Shattered Dreams" by Larry Crabb. I'm not that far into the book, but am finding it to be meeting me where I am at and helping me get to a better place in dealing with the assignments in my life. I have dreamt many dreams for myself and my family....little dreams...although I may have thought them to be big dreams when I would first dream them! As challenges strip those small dreams from me I have come to realize the most important of dreams. For my loved ones, I want for them to walk in a close relationship with the Lord! This is the ultimate dream for them! I want them to seek Him with all of their hearts, mind and strength. Coming to that realization I know that this is the ultimate dream for myself. These times have brought me to a more intimate relationship with the God.....and I only want to know Him more. Good times are ahead as I know that He loves me, He really loves me!

Lastly, I have added a new blog that we will use when we travel to China in March. Be sure to check it out.

I hope we don't lose 3 1/2 more months before I blog again!

Entering Blogging World again......

2010-01-08T11:56:00.003-05:00

Now that I have a new blog look, I will do better at blogging! If anyone is still out there following along, I'll make a pot of coffee and spend my afternoon snowed in sharing a few photos from the last few months.

God has truly blessed us!

2009-09-22T16:40:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but this news is worthy of posting! Tom (and I) applied for a grant through a foundation (more details when I can give them) in 2008 and again in 2009. We did not get the grant in 2008, but received word yesterday that we got it this time around! I can't share the amount right now, but the grant proposal is very specific and it will cover our entire family going to China in the Spring for a combination of heritage tour, vacation, time of renewal, etc. Isn't that wild! Our family would never have been able to do such a thing without this grant.

Where are we going? Beijing to Xi'an. Xi'an to Guilin. Guilin to Yangshou. Yangshou to Nanning with a side trip to Qinzhou City. Nanning to Ghangzhou with a side trip to Yangjiang. The kids and I will return after 21 days and Tom will continue on to Vietnam for another week.

Whooohoooooo!

Ice Age and Dai Loc Kids

2009-09-04T05:39:00.008-05:00

We took about 40 kids from Dai Loc to see the movie "Ice Age." Most of them wore their new shoes! Probably half of these kids have never been to a movie theatre!

Each of the kids and the staff got a small coke and a bag of popcoren.

Yeah, well, I had coffee.....finally a theatre that serves coffee! Could of had a beer if I wanted, too!

This is the little guy that took care of me at the orphanage...the one that served me dinner. I really loved this guy.

Tomorrow is a relatively free day. We will do some sigthseeing with the staff. Church on Sunday morning. We fly to Ho Chi Min City on Sunday afternoon and spend the night in a hotel before the long flights home. I can't wait to see my crew! They better be at the airport.

Thursday in Danang

2009-09-03T11:13:00.010-05:00

Some of the moms at the Father's House.

The children loaded up in the van for the ride to the eye appointments.

Waiting.

Looking good in new glasses.

Day at Dai Loc

2009-09-02T07:10:00.024-05:00

Entrance into the place we had lunch prior to going to the orphanage.

Lunch with the Brewers and the OV crew!

Entrance into the orphanage.

Toby sorting through some things brought for the kids.

Tob and I handing over some school supple one of the caretakers.

Sean Platt (FCC Member)

one of the walls in one of the rooms!

Room at Dai

Loc

dinner prep

shoe prep

They got to watch the movie "Joseph" as dinner was being finished.

What was left after the dinner! Bi did a wonderful job cooking....as you can tell!

Thank you to Fairfield Christian Church for the school donations. A special thank you to Walker Shoes in Lancaster, Ohio for donating 58 pairs of shoes for the children and staff at Dai Loc and to the staff of OV!

The Jesus School

2009-08-31T06:41:00.031-05:00

Opening day at the Jesus School! Over 100 children, grades 1-6, met together for an orientation and celebration.

Kathy shared an encouraging word. Meng Aun, director of the school, translated.

Playing!

Lined up for a nutritious meal--chicken curry and bread.

The students live within walking distance of the school. We had the opportunity to visit some of their houses.

Large ceramic pots are used to catch and store rainwater for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Many of the students scavenge through the dump to find items of value. This boy is proudly displaying the items he has collected. When he empties his cart at the recycling center, the boy will be paid less than $2 for a day's work.

The dump.

First Pictures of the Cambodia/Vietnam Trip

2009-08-30T05:27:00.006-05:00

The view from the front of the Jesus School.

The classroom at the Jesus School. The Jesus School has 177 children in grades one through six.....in this room.

The neighborhood where the children live that attend the Jesus School.

The children that attend the Jesus School live here near the dump.

Soy milk parlor.

Monkeys were running around at a local park. We named this one Buddha.

Bats in a tree in Phnom Penh.

Marissa and I giving Sister Toby some flowers.

Outside the Gloriana hotel.

International Christian Assembly in Cambodia.

Purchasing the second grade curriculum for the Jesus School students. Thank you Fairfield Christian Church.

Toby and I on a tuk tuk on our way somewhere in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Tony Brewer looking at a Cambodian Bible provided by Samaritan's Purse...being stored at the soy milk factory.

Soy milk parlor

A view from the ferry crossing the Mekong River in Cambodia.

Lunch in Cambodia on our bus trip from Vietnam.

Toby and I at the Columbus airport at the time of our departure.

Lost Favorites

2009-08-01T08:48:00.002-05:00

If anyone is still popping on my blog, I have lost all of my favorites. I've recovered only two....No Greater Joy Mom and Wendy's. If you can send me your link, I'd like to save them.
Kathy
PS: Things are going well here. We are busy getting ready for the new school year. I have one going to be a senior, one a junior, one going in eighth grade and two going into kindergarten. Plus, I am planning to be out of the country on a mission trip soon. Some have asked to pray for the trip, which I gladly accept. I do think that my husband could use the prayers even more since he will be home with the kids!

Blogging Break

2009-07-05T07:43:00.002-05:00

I've decided to take a break from blogging. I know I might lose some of you along the way. I apologize. I've enjoyed blogging, but it just seems to be the right thing to do for now. I'm so grateful for the connections I've made through blogging...especially those in the adoption community.

Blessings,
Kathy

When waiting on a prescription at Walgreen's, you might consider......

2009-06-05T10:41:00.012-05:00

When you don't want to shop while you wait on a prescription at Walgreen's you might consider using the strategically located magnifying strips to entertain yourself. Enjoy the photos we took. Oh, you'll find them anywhere were people shop who might need a magnifying strip..........start by Ensure or Depends items!

What do you think?

2009-06-03T20:42:00.002-05:00

I had a guy from church work up something for a project in another country. This may go up on a wall in an orphanage...as a mural. What do you think? I'll share my thoughts later.

To "To Sing and Dance"

2009-05-23T16:32:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted in over a month! I apologize. Life has been extremely crazy. I will sit down with a cup of coffee one evening in the next week and write some updates and add some pictures. Until then, enjoy this photo that my hubands assistant made of Tom!

My Beloved.............

2009-04-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

I have something important for you to understand, our relationship is based on My faithfulness. Your faith may wax and wane, but My faithfulness endures forever. I will never let you go. So put your trust in Me. In every situation, remember these words: Don’t be afraid; just believe.

I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. But this will only happen if you put your hope in Me and live according to My Word.

Don’t be afraid; just believe. That is your responsibility in our relationship: Believe that My love for you is unfailing: believe and trust in My goodness. And when you get discouraged, quickly turn to Me; call out to Me for help and I will deliver you from trouble. My faithfulness will be your shield and your fortress. I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of My Spirit.

Don’t be afraid; just believe. Be strong and courageous, for I am with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. I will never betray My faithfulness. I am the Lord; when you hope in Me you will not be disappointed.

Don’t be afraid; just believe.
(1Ch 28:20; Ps.33:21-22, 42:5, 89:33, 91:4, 130:5,7; Isa 49:23; Jer 29:11; Mk 5:36; Ro 3:3-4; 15:13)

Spring!

2009-04-26T07:41:00.012-05:00

I know I haven't been good about posting pictures or writing anything of real substance...........life has been crazy for all of us. We are thrilled that the rains have stopped (for now) and the sun is shining! Enjoy the photos from Easter Sunday........what a great day in celebrating the power of ther resurrection! It is rare that all five kids are together at the same time these days! I also posted some pictures from "Bike Day" at preschool!

It's not about adoption.........that is just one component of the bigger picture....caring for orphans!

2009-04-15T22:37:00.002-05:00

2009-04-05T23:19:00.001-05:00

Long time no write....

2009-04-05T17:23:00.002-05:00

....still no write. Enjoy the photo.

Just thinking....

2009-03-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

God's goodness provides and protects; God's mercy pardons and forgives. God's goodness will supply; God's mercy will sooth. God's goodness will help; God's mercy will heal.

Confessions......of A Mom of an 18-year old Son

2009-03-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Confessions of a Mother of an 18-year Old Son
March 3, 2009
It was the summer of 1993 when TJ was determined to ride a bike without training wheels. I thought it was too early. After all, it was only four months since he quit wearing diapers! He was determined and I was exhausted in trying to make him understand that he may not be ready. I figured he needed to learn for himself whether or not he was truly ready to ride a bike without training wheels. I took off the training wheels, helped him up on the bike. Several times I ran alongside of him holding the back of the seat, trying to help him stay balanced. I then had to do one of the hardest things I have ever done. I gave him a push knowing and I wasn’t going to hold that seat. I knew he was going to fall, but I hoped he would fall in the grass! I wanted to close my eyes because I didn’t know if he would collide into that tree, fall on the concrete or run into a parked car on the side of the road. I found a little comfort in that he had a helmet on his head. Watching his determination was difficult for me as his mother, but I continued to push him and watch him lose his balance and fall. And then it happened. I pushed him, he wavered back and forth, but he didn’t fall….he rode his bike without falling! Well, until he learned how to use the breaks! That was the next lesson. Eventually, bike riding became a simple matter of “go get your bike out of the garage and ride it.”

My anxiety and fear in teaching TJ how to ride a bike was intense. TJ turned 18 yesterday. Do any of you want to know about my anxiety and fears? Multiply those anxieties and fears from 1993 by a million!

My son is determined to want to live life independently from us. We’ve had long discussions and we even have written list of expectations for this next stage in life as he lives in our home. I had to bend in some areas that I really didn’t want to bend in. I am standing; watching him go. I’m trying not to hold on too tightly. I’m fearful of the decisions he has to make. I’m still close, but I’m not “right there.” It’s honestly one of the most difficult things to do!

I received an email from a good friend of mine yesterday. She said, “I’m praying that TJ will come to recognize the truth that we all have to accept sooner or later—that ‘It’s not right because God tells us to do it; rather, God tells us to do it because it is right.’ If we could all just understand that the only reason God lays out boundaries for our lives is so that we won’t tumble over the edge into an awful hole, how much happier we’d be. We all have times when we want it ‘our way,’ even knowing in our heart of hearts that His way is best. May this be the year that TJ comes face to face with his own human inadequacies and embraces the Lord’s all-sufficiency.”

John Townsend writes, “Parents are the guardrails in a teen’s life. Sometimes they get banged into over and over and over again. It they do their job, in the end, the teen comes out on the right path.” It’s been a season of getting “banged into” over and over again. My prayer is that TJ will learn to live life in such a way that honors and pleases God. What will it take to get him there? I don’t know. I just want him THERE! If he stumbles or falls, I just pray that the outcomes aren’t too harmful. I pray that if he falls, it results in him getting up and trying to do it right the next time. I hope he knows how to use “his brakes” to stop him from ending up somewhere he has no business being.” I pray that he will know in his heart and his head Proverbs 3:5,6 that reads, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I confess that I don’t know how to be the mother of an 18 year old son. I’ve only been that for a little over 24 hours! I’m thinking there are going to be both good and bad things down the road. Interesting, it’s like I’m trying to learn to ride a new kind of bike. I might not ride it all that well in the beginning, but with God’s help, I just might learn to do this thing well! Hmmmm, who needs to trust in the LORD with all of her heart and not lean on her own understanding? Acknowledge Him? It’s me…the mother of an 18 year old son.

Where did the 18 years go? Happy Birthday, TJ!

2009-03-02T23:03:00.006-05:00

Me.....28. Him.....two hours old!

Me....46. Him....18.

Tom and TJ....then!

Tom and TJ today!

The family out for dinner for TJ's birthday. I know...hate the picture of me!

Tune in tomorrow with some of my thoughts on having my first child turn 18. It's a time of celebration...a time of some anxiety...and a time of some fears.

NOTE: THIS WAS MEANT TO BE FUNNY.....PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

"It's not about you."

2009-02-26T17:02:00.003-05:00

Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" begins with chapter one title, "It all starts with God." That chapter starts with the words, "It's not about you."

The first paragraph reads, "It's not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose."

It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about Him.

40 Days of Orphan Advocacy

2009-02-25T12:19:00.003-05:00

*40 posts for 40 days to contribute to the awareness of the Orphan in our World. Please share this blog or specific posts with friends that you interact with on the internet who may be interested in the Mi...
Chck Out at

http://voicefortheorphan.blogspot.com/

Kathy

Same Shirt......spurred on by Donna T.

2009-02-23T15:53:00.005-05:00

Lily's Gotcha Day.

Sarah's Gotcha Day.

I felt like blogging a little bit today, but I wasn't so sure what to blog about. I thought about writing something about faith, writing about praising God in the storms, adoption related topics, I even thought I'd write about the need of orphans in Vietnam that I am working with this month. I just couldn't get into writing. I then popped over to some of my favorite blogs. There were writings on faith, adoption topics, needs of the poor, and minitries to orphans. I guess I'm in a less spiritual mood and was caught by Donna T's photos. I'd hyperlink her blog, but quite frankly, I don't know how to do it! Donna's husband wore the same shirt on both of the Gotcha Days with their daughters. I posted this before, but am going to do it again. Here is is....Tom wore the same HAT, the same SHIRT with the same camera over his shoulder. Only difference? Different girls in different parts of China! And this was not planned! Me, I would have worn the same thing if I hadn't grown out of my "Lily Sized Clothes" by the time the "Sarah Sized Clothes" came along!

Can I also comment on his facial expressions? With Lily he was filled with excitement. With Sarah it seemed to be, "Lord help me, I now have five children!" I have the best guy........I really do! I don't know a more humble, faithful guy!

Dane

2009-02-17T09:44:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe that Dane turned 13 on February 11th! I am now offically the other of three teen-aged boys and two preschool girls! Yeah, I live in extremes! Two weeks ago I was teaching one to drive a Barbie jeep in the morning and one to drive a Ford in the evening!

I am really proud of Dane! He brings a lot of joy to this house/home. He's smart and I do not have to get on him about school....ever! Well, except on the nights he is memorizing Scripture for a Bible test. He gets way too anxious! But, he pulls through and gets great grades. He loves to play sports and plays with a heart bigger than anyone! He is phenominal at playing the violin, but I do wish he would practice more! He cracks me up! If you have ever seen any of his videos on youtube, you would certainly crack up, too! I have to mention some of his videos. I love an early one where he was recording Tyler lip-sycing "Three Wooden Crosses" but Ty wasn't faking it to Randy Travis, he was faking it to the sound of Dane Alexander singing behind the camera! I also like the one where he attempts to play his violin at the same time he spins a plate on a stick! I then crack up on the shortest video that was recorded after several attempts at that skill when he says, "I have no talents." Of course, the most recent posted video makes me laugh as he plays basketball in the kitchen and trash talks to the camera as if he is talking to LaBron James, Alan Iverson and Kobe Bryant! If you want to check them out, you can find them on my youtube page sevenalexanders.

Dane is a wonderful big brother to LIly and Sarah. The girls love Dane! I enjoy hearing Ty and Dane do devotions at night with a small light on in their room. I'm thinking Dane is going to really miss Ty in a few years when he goes off to college. He asked if we would consider adopting a boy his age so he wouldn't be alone. At this time, he needs to learn to be alone! My quiver is quivering! Dane also has a sensitive heart for others......gotta love that! Plus, although he isn't one to show me too much affection in public, he can seldom walk past me at home without hugging me.....gotta love that! Shhh, don't tell him I posted that!

Anyway, Dane had a great day turning 13! What did we get him? It was a miniature camcorder.....since he likes to make movies. The only problem is that he took my memory card!

Where is He calling you?

2009-02-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

"Where the world's deep hunger meets your deep gladness is where God calls you." Where is He calling you?

Blogging thoughts.....

2009-02-06T08:34:00.002-05:00

I will either go to a private blog or close this blog down in the next month. I'm just a bit concerned that people are accessing my pictures through Google Images. If I go private and you want to still follow along, send me your email address to kalexand@columbus.rr.com and I will send you an invitation. I'm also on Facebook so you can keep in touch there if you desire.

Kathy

Phil Wickham in concert!

2009-02-05T13:39:00.002-05:00

Fairfield Christian Church
1965 N. Columbus St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130

http://www.fairfieldcc.com
http://www.bringmehope.org

TICKETS: $8.00 at door
Benefits orphans in China through the work of Bring Me Hope.

Sisters Stick Together

2009-02-02T10:46:00.002-05:00

In the craziness of my life, I find a lot of joy AND enjoyment in my two girls. Sometimes I just sit and watch them play! Most of the time they do really well together. I love to watch them watch "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and "Diamond in the Castle." The actually act out the movie while they watch it! I also enjoy watching them play school and cooker's (Chef's in the play kitchen.)

These photos show them at one of those moments that I found joy. In was late on a snow morning when they were watching public television. They wanted some dry cereal...yeah, I know....looks like dog food! Anyway, love this shot! It reminds me of the miraculous God we serve! Only God could orchestrate two little girls from different parts of China to be adopted into the same family....to be sisters that stick together! The joy! The enjoyment!

Snow Fun

2009-01-15T18:26:00.006-05:00

Kathy and Tom

Christmas

2009-01-06T08:34:00.007-05:00

The "Fab Five" on Christmas Eve after we returned from church.

The "Fab Five" on Christmas morning.

These are our boys! TJ will be 18 in March, Ty just turned 16 in November and Dane will be 13 in February.

Tyler was thrilled with a special gift this Christmas...a set of Ping G 5's.

The girls love their jeep although they are a bit baffled as to how Santa brought it down the chimney! Lily does most of the driving and Sarah controls the real radio!

The Alexander Cousins: Eleven Kandels, Five Alexanders and Three Coopers.

Well, to those of you who read this who are typically on our Christmas card mailing list, sorry....we did not send out cards this year! I just didn't get around to it.

We had a great time celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! We had several Christmas programs at the school and at church. First, we had the preschool Christmas program. Lily sang and signed, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with her preschool class. She was majorly into it! I can't remember what Sarah's class sang, but keep in mind, Sarah refused to sing! She just stood their playing with her hair! She tells me, "I'm an artist, not a singer." We then had a Fairfield Christian Academy program where Dane played the violin. He did a great job as they played several arrangements of Christmas songs. We also had the church program. Tom enjoys directing a full orchestra at this time of year...he did a great job. It was fun to watch the girls watch their daddy direct all of those instruments.

We went to church Christmas Eve and then spent the day on Christmas Day at home. We did get to have dinner later that evening with our friends Brad and Lorissa Bennett. Brad and Lorissa are patiently waiting for their adoption from China to happen. One year down, yikes.....who knows how many to go!?

We then headed to the farm for a few days. We love seeing all of the Alexander cousins together...it makes for a wild time. I'm so thankful to God that my kids get to be part of the extended Alexander family! Their is a heritage of faith that means a great deal to me. I so appreciate Tom's parents, too. They love the Lord deeply and it is evident in their love for their family.

We did make a day trip over to Girard, Ohio to spend with my family. None of the pictures came out clear so I didn't post any...sorry. My mom looked great for having just had surgery on her shoulder. A number of the Johnson cousins were there. Katy is the oldest and I'm guessing she might be 30 or close to it now! The youngest is James who is just a bit over one year old. There are 20 in between the two of them.

We returned home and have been busy adjusting back to our normal school routine. Ty and Dane continue to be busy with basketball. The girls are excited to be back in preschool. They are even more excited about giving ballet a try as they will start this Saturday.

I hope everyone who reads our blog had a great Christmas. Blessings to all of you in this new year!

A little bit of Ty, a lot of candy!

2008-12-16T10:59:00.011-05:00

Ty after being inducted into the National Honor Society. He is with Chris, the upper classmen that pinned him.

Part of the NHS group of Fairfield Christian Academy.

Ty with the girls at the reception after the NHS ceremony.

Ty turned 16 on November 21st! I know...it is a pathetic cake!

Lily and Sarah at their post for the candy making process!

Lily "doing her job."

The hand of a master candy maker....Tom!

The art of making candy! It's a pretty picture! Sarah or Lily is pulling the stick through the screen!

I love this pictue of Sarah through the screen!

Britney (one of my nieces) puts the candy on the stick and hands it to the dippers...Tom and Brianna (another niece).

A recent photo of the Fab Five!

We'll start from the top down. Tyler was inducted into the National Honor Society in late November. He's a super smart kid...we are really proud of him! I NEVER have to tell him to do his homework!!!!! Also, on November 21st, Tyler turned 16! He's been driving for several months on his permit. We hope to allow him to take the driving class this spring.

There are many blessings that have come my way through marrying into the Alexander family. Maybe one day I will actually write about some of those blessings. One of the things I've been able to participate in a few times over the years is the candy making process at Christmas time. I enjoyed taking a few pictures of the process this year. This is the first time Lily and Sarah got to participate! Mom makes several flavors of candy. The candy is rolled and placed on was paper. The center leaves of the table are removed and replaced with screens with wax paper on top. Someone puts the candy on the sticks and hands the sticks to the the dippers. The dippers dip and send the sticks through the paper and the screen where smaller hands gently pull the sticks through. They then hand the sticks to the person who is putting the candy on the sticks. The girls enjoyed sitting under the table "doing their job!" Me? I enjoyed taking the pictures and eating the candy!

On another note, I am workig through some back problems. I won't go into all of the details because it would take too long. A little while back I found out that what I thought was a thoracic strain was actually three herniated discs. I've gone through several procedures and still haven't found much relief. I welcome any prayers as I try to figure out how best to deal with this.

I have not put together Christmas cards as of yet! Isn't that terrible?! I hope to get it done, but it is highly unlikely at this point. If I don't get around to it, I will at the very least post a "Merry Christmas" message on our blog!

Blessings!

Sharing an encouraging word.....and standing FIRM!

2008-12-03T15:28:00.001-05:00

Just had to share today:

Whose Battle Is It?
by Rick Warren

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

In today’s passage, God is talking to King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites. They’re about to be attacked by three enemies: the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites.

Jehoshaphat had to be worried about how his people could defend themselves in such a battle, but God knew exactly what Jehoshaphat was thinking. He said, “You will not have to fight in this battle.” Now, that’s the kind of battle I like!

What God tells Jehoshaphat in this passage, and what he would remind us today, is this: “The battle is not yours; it’s mine. You don’t have to fight in it.”

In other words, it’s God’s problem. Let him solve it.

The fact is if you are God’s child, then your problems are his problems. And he’s much better at fighting your battles and solving your problems than you will ever be. Your job is to trust him to work it all out. Perhaps the reason we have so many tired, fatigued, and discouraged Christians is because we think, “It all depends on me.”

The day you resign as General Manager of the Universe, you’re going to find that it doesn’t fall apart. You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things without your help.

Twice in this passage it says, “Don’t be afraid,” and “Don’t be discouraged.” When you face a seemingly impossible situation, don’t be afraid and don’t be discouraged. Has God ever lost a battle? No. He doesn’t lose battles.

There’s an important phrase in verse 17. God tells Jehoshaphat, “Take your positions and stand firm.” What does it mean to stand firm? It means to have a mental attitude of quiet confidence. It is never God’s will for you to run from a difficult situation. I’ve discovered that when I run from a difficult situation, inevitably God always brings it back around and gives me another chance. Why?

Because God wants us to learn – and he wants to teach us through experience – that in every situation he is sufficient. He is competent and capable and he will meet our needs in that situation. Don’t be afraid; fear is the opposite of faith.

You stand firm on two things:

The character of God – He’s faithful. He does not bring us this far just to let us down. He doesn’t bring you out on a limb and then cut off the limb. Have faith in the nature andcharacter of God.
The truth of his Word – God’s Word is faithful. You can count on the promises found in the Bible.
Stand still. Remember Who the battle belongs to. Trust that he is able to deliver you. And then watch him do it!

Lily's Birthday and Ty's Cavs Adventure

2008-11-19T13:58:00.005-05:00

This is Tyler before the big game....Tyler, Aaron and Kyle. It is saw cool to know your boy want to hang with good guys like them!

Tyler and his buddies after the big win by the Cavs!

This is Lily and Sarah with Addi. Addi is really special to both of the girls. When we went to China to get Sarah, Lily stayed with Addi. Addi is the type of girl I want my girls to be like when they grow up!

Lily taking a look at the gift bags and cake.

Lily loves her jewelry box!

Tyler will be turning 16 on November 21st. His birthday wish was to take two of his buddies to Cleveland to see the Cavs play. They had a great time.

Lily's birthday was a busy day! It started out with being her "snack day" at preschool. On birthdays they allow them to bring in cupcakes.

Lily wanted a CHinese birthday this year. I'm struggling through some back issues so I wasn't looking forward to doing much. I wimped out and reserved the back room at a local Chinese restaurant her in town. I went early to set up and glad I did because the Health Department had closed them down! I went down the road to Lily's favorite Chinese restaurant and they were wonderful about setting something up in the next 30 minutes! She had a great time with the girls from the preschool classes from school.

Later that night we had a family cake with Lily. Sadly, we were not all home until 8:30 p.m. so most of us were dressed for bed!

If you have time to watch the video of Lily opening Sarah's gift, it is precious! Lily has wanted a Queen Ester doll for quite some time. In a time of Disney Princess overload, it is refreshing to see my girls want a doll like Queen Esther! (Sarah got one from a friend that same day!) THe girls love her! Who wouldn't? Yeah, well my favorite Disney Princess is Belle. Belle has beauty and spunk. But Queen Esther?! It was her beauty and character that won the heart of Persia's king! She was a gifted woman who combined courage with careful planning! She was a woman that was more concerned for others than for her own security. The most awesome part is that Queen Esther is so very real in our history! She's the perfect role model for young girls! I want my girls to understand that sometimes serving God often requires that we risk our own security. I want them to know from that God has a purpose for the situations in which God places us! And being the planner that I am....I want them to know that courage is important, but should not replace careful planning! If you aren't familiar with this true story, check it out. You'll find in right between Nehemiah and Job!

So, it is believed that Lily was found outside the orphanage gate on the day she was born....November 17, 2003. It moves my heart to know that the baby at the gate of the orphanage five years ago is now five years old and looking at a Queen that knew God and was faithful to Him. Oh how I know she will do great things for Him!

A picture says a lot!

2008-11-11T13:00:00.003-05:00

(No, I don't know this little girl. I just like it. And I hope we make great strides long before my girls grow theirs!)

Lily turns FIVE on Monday....look for pics and party stories next week!

Blogging Contemplations

2008-10-27T14:57:00.003-05:00

I'm thinking about changing my blogging involvement. I will either end the family blog or make it "invited readers only." To be honest, I'm not certain who or how many people actually follow anyway. If you have any opinion, feel free to email me or post a comment.
Kathy

Your Love is Deep

2008-10-24T11:49:00.001-05:00

This is an old video, but I put it up anyway. I love that Tom is singing while he is running the camera. It's an awesome video!

County Fair

2008-10-15T14:33:00.013-05:00

We enjoyed our time at the County Fair last week. Sorry, no pics of the boys. They don't think it is that cool to walk around the fair with their parents. The camera goes with mom!

I must admit that when we have times like these with the girls...where I can stand on the outside and just watch THEM, I get overwhelmed by God's goodness to have placed them together! They were meant to be together...on Ferris Wheel's, on roller coasters..in life!

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-13T21:39:00.011-05:00

The girls are in two different classes, but we pulled Lily out of her class so we could all be together. This is Sarah's class...the Fabulous Fish taught by Mrs. Kennedy.

No, that's not Feono, Shrek's wife...it's me!

Sarah was a bit frightened sitting on top of a pile of hey. Lily loved it!

Okay, so by the fourth and fifth kid, the field trips don'e seem as exciting...until you go! The girls loved the trip to Devine Farms. We started off with a lesson by the Queen Bee, Mrs. Devine! The girls enjoyed hearing about how important bees are to growing pumpkins. Who would have thought that farmers would rent bees to get those pumpkins growing! We then enjoyed a train ride of sorts through the corn fields. I look bigger than the car I was in because I AM bigger than the car I was in! We then headed over to the barn where the class got to go down the slide and play in a maze made out of bales of hey. We made our way over to the next building for a snack and some face painting. Our final stop was at the pole barn that had more riding toys than anyone could imagine! They also had a soy-box (sandbox, minus sand, add the soy).

My next post will be of our County Fair. We have the last county fair of the year for the state of Ohio. All of the county schools are closed for the week, and the city school takes two days off. Look in a few days for those fun photos.

Children Around the World Day

2008-10-12T16:03:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago at the school the girls attend, they celebrated "Children Around the World Day." These themes are great until you get to your fourth and fifth kid....I have been lazy. Fortunately for me, I travelled around the world to get number 4 and number 5 so I had ready-made outfits for them already!

Each class went on a parade throughout the rest of the school! Sarah had the extra treat of being "line leader" for the day!

Golf, Football and the Hole that Phil Dug

2008-10-12T15:49:00.011-05:00

Here is the hole that Phil dug!

Here are some recent pictures from Ty's Sectional Golf Tournament, Dane's recent football game...and the hole that Phil dug.

As I have mentioned, Ty missed a spot in Districts by two strokes. One stroke better and he would have had a playoff with a few other guys. He psyched for the next golf season.

Dane has one more football game. I think they have tied once and won the rest. I have my hands full at games trying to watch the game and the girls. TJ hung out at this game so I enjoyed taking a few secret shots of him!

I don't have any pics from TJ's games. You snooze, you lose! He had a great game on October 3rd. Two great blocks resulted in two touchdowns and he had a great run of about 40 yards, ten of which he carried an opponent on his leg! The bad news is that in the LAST PLAY of the game, he tore his MCL and is now done for the season. Surgery is not needed, but he is in a brace. He thinks he is going to play the last game, but I don't think so!

Punxsutawney Phil

2008-09-28T22:05:00.002-05:00

There are many things to talk about, but I only want to talk about Phil! Tyler missed Districts by two golf strokes! Phil is evil! TJ got to play wide receiver the entire game Friday night and played much better! I'm glad Phil wasn't there! Dane almost got a personal foul at his football game. If you really knew Dane, you'd know why that makes me proud! Too bad Phil wasn't there to get the brunt of his frustration! Phil! Let me tell you about him!

I had a rough Saturday morning as I was facing some realities of living in a world that STILL struggles with racism. I spent most of the morning in and out of tears trying to determine how to best be a white mom to an African American son who is has some unfortunate things come his way. Okay, that's another post..back to Phil. I was headed out to the back yard to enjoy a cup of coffee and I caught a glimpse of Phil running under the small deck off of our sliding glass doors! He was huge! It makes sense that he would be huge, becaude my recent research on Groundhogs shed light on the fact that they are preparing to hibernate for the winter and that hibernation starts sometime in October...thus the reason for him being so fat! We had a huge windstorm two weeks ago that made me put some thing under the window overhang to keep things from blowing away. I even put the slide to the swingset under it. Well, Phil was peaking out from that slide looking at me as if I was invading his territory!

Tom came around the corner with the girls and Phil disppeared. You can imagine our surprise when we moved the slide we found quite a large hole that went deep down alongside the cinderblock wall! Phil was in there! My farmer husband grew up shooting them with a shotgun, but we live in the city and that is unnacceptable...against the law. So, he grabbed a shovel!

For some reason he filled in the hole. He then rethought the thing and dug it out hoping to get to him. Tyler then through something in the hole that was on fire. That made me nervous since the house has this special stuff alongside the wall underground that I thought would catch fire. Tyler then got the hose and started filling the hole. I had the camera running, hoping to get Phil on video...no luck.

Well, Ohio State was beginnng the game so we filled the hole and went inside knowing we'd get Phil when he borrowed himself out. I checked the spot and noticed dirt moving so I knew that Phil was on his way. But then nothing happened so we went back in to watch the game. Tom and I were hearing this noise...a knocking noise. It was near the sliding glass doors, but it wasn't outside, it was beneath us! Half of our house is a basement. Under our 20'x20' family room as a crawl space. It is really high...the girls can walk in it. Anyway, Tom went to the basement to explore.

You can imagine our surprise to find Phil sitting in the corner of our crawl space! To the right was another familiar looking deep, round hole! That animal borrowed his way under the foundation of our house and up into the crawl space!

Tom had it cornered with the shovel. We no longer had the fear that a neighbor would report us for being cruel to animals...yes, our police officer friend/neighbor said that has been done. This was our house and he was in it....he deserved death! But, Tom missed him! He took off back down his hole. I ran outside, but I never saw him. His hole was opened again though so I'm guessing he ran like a torpedo and right through the dirt we put in that hole! What next?

TJ came home and started to get out his bow....again...not permitted within city limits! He then lit two firecrackers and threw them into the hole from inside the crawl space. Tom and I watched the smoke come out from the outside part of his home...but nothing living came out. I had done some internet research so we soaked a rag in ammonia and tossed ti down the hole from inside the crawl space. We filled the outside hole again and then Tyler came out with the outside remedy. Shoulders back, strutting as if on a mission, Tyler came caring a large mason jar half filled with his urine. I was a bit concerned that he had that much urine in his bladder! Tyler then poured the urine all around that hole saying with a deep voice, "That groundhog will never come this way again. My urine will intimidate him and make him run as far away as possible. We haven't seen Phil since.

Tom said I needed a little diversion from my intense thoughts. Maybe so. Too bad I couldn't just take Tyler's pee and throw it on all of those people with racists thoughts in hopes that they would go far, far away.

First day of preschool!

2008-09-13T10:15:00.007-05:00

The first day of gymnastics!

Sarah with her teacher, Mrs. Kennedy. (I didn't get a photo of Lily with Mrs. Ferro. Oops!)

Sarah at her cubby.

I just showed Sarah this photo and said, "You are a fish." She corrected me, "I am a FABULOUS fish!"

Lily at her cubby.

Lily is in the "Darling Ducks" classroom.

At the front door of school.

The traditional "at the front door first day of school" photo!

Daddy and his girls on the first day of Preschool!

Sarah took this!

Lily took this!

The girls started Preschool last week. I ended up putting them in different classes...you would have thought I was having to choose between Harvard and Yale! I want them to have a different experience and yet it is hard when one is excited about something in particular and the other didn't get to experience it with her. If all goes according to plan, both girls will start kindergarten together next year.

The girls also started gymnastics last week. It is just a beginning class at the YMCA. They had a blast! Although, Lily would much rather take ballet. We'll see about that!

Labor Day

2008-09-02T12:58:00.013-05:00

We spent some time at the park yesterday. Enjoy the photos.

Speechless!!!

2008-08-08T15:59:00.002-05:00

Wheelchairs to China!

2008-08-07T21:14:00.002-05:00

I'm part of a ministry at our church known as Forever Families Adoption Ministry/Orphan Care Outreach. We have had a project that I am just celebrating. Here is the story:
Tom and I had the opportunity to take Grace(Director of a private orphanage in China) to Forest Rose School here in Lancaster to tour the facility. You could see the wheels turning in Grace’s head as she looked in awe at all of the equipment. Grace communicated that she would love to have chairs for the five children at the orphanage that have cerebral palsy. These chairs are impossible to find in China. I googled Columbus Medical Supplies and found the website for Columbus Medical Company. I called in hopes of finding some used equipment to purchase for Grace and these five children. Grace and I drove to Columbus to meet with Carl Mulberry at Columbus Medical Company about the needs of these five children. Carl’s generosity resulted in five wheelchairs specially fitted for these five children at no expense to Grace or to Forever Families Adoption Ministry/Orphan Care of Fairfield Christian Church! I was then faced with the challenge of getting the chairs to China. I hit a few walls as I was told that customs would not accept used equipment and would likely throw out the chairs upon their arrival. I then had a generous family out of Indiana offer to help with the finances in getting the chairs to China. With the Olympics around the corner, I didn’t think we could make it happen any time soon. I then contacted an American working in Henan for advice. She gave me the contact information for a man at large Foster Home in the Beijing area. I was told by this gentleman that the best way to get them to Home of Joy was through individuals who would travel to China and take them as their personal items. He then offered to meet the individuals at the airport and see that they were shipped to the city where this orphanage is. A good friend asked me if I had asked Bring Me Hope to help get the chairs to Beijing. I emailed David Bolt at Bring Me Hope and he gave me a list of names of people who were traveling to China to serve at the BMH camps this summer. David then made a connection for me with a man in Minneapolis that was willing to take them along with his crew to China. We then had a family within the life of Fairfield Christian Church offer to crate and ship the chairs to Minneapolis! This other family from Indiana paid the expense from the airline. The chairs arrived in Beijing last week! It turns out that this man near Beijing that picked the chairs up at the airport had his staff make the drive and deliver the chairs personally….at no expense!!!! I just received word in the last hour that the chairs have successfully been delivered!

I shouldn't be amazed at what God can do...He has shown Himself in mighty ways many times in my life! It is just an awesome thing that what started with a google search resulted in this! God is good!

Boys Only!

2008-08-04T08:37:00.007-05:00

No, it isn't Tom and the beanstalk! Tom found this weed growing up through one of the bushes in our front yard! I'm sure there is a sermon illustration in this photo!

Well, here it is.........TJ and his first car!

This was the last day of Tyler in braces!!! I meant to get an "after" photo...maybe next time!

Dane is part of a local violin group that plays at different places in the community. We love Mrs. Thellar, his teacher! She scheduled them to play at one of the local shelters in town. They played all of their fiddle music...what a hoot!

Dane playing the violin at the local shelter in town!

Sorry, I still don't have the backcountry hiking photos! We are spoiled with digital cameras! I still have to have someone scan and email the photos to me to post. I added a few videos from a recent 7 on 7 football tournament that TJ was in at Akron University. He did a great job and is looking forward to football season starting. Enjoy a boy posting!

Tom.....after hiking in the backcountry of Tennessee!

2008-07-21T14:35:00.003-05:00

Something happened to Tom after he read John Eldridges "Wild at Heart" book! That's another post, another story! Anyway, he loves to be in the outdoors and hike. This is Tom after doing some backcountry hiking! 'Tis a bit on the frightening side! When the rest of the pictures come in, I'll share more.

Lily Travel Group Reunion

2008-07-20T14:24:00.007-05:00

Guangdong Twelve, Red Couch Photo (attempted) at the White Swan in 2004

Eleven of the twelve Guangdong girls at the 2008 Reunion.

Guangdong Travel Group, White Swant, November 2004

2008 Guangdong Family Reunion, Louisville, Kentucky

Crib pals in 2008.....Chloe, Hannah and Lily.

Lily, Hannah and Chloe had their cribs tied together while sharing a room at the Yangjiang Social Welfare Institute. This photo was taken in China back in 2004.

I know I said I'd post on the hiking trip, but the boys took a disposable camera and we are waiting for the photos to be developed. Until then, enjoy the photos from our recent trip to Louisville, Kentucky to meet with our Lily adoption travel group. It's always great to meet with these families....we'll always have a special connection!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

2008-07-18T15:00:00.013-05:00

This was taken on Preschool Graduation Day way back in May!

Lily in the sprinkler!

This is Sarah "post-sprinkler."

I love the photo above of Sarah.

Yes, the cake looks a bit like last years cake......with an extra candle! Can I just say that I'm glad I can crop pictures! The original had this fat lady in a bathing suit holding the cake......had to get that off!

Sarah gives the "thumbs up" for turning four!

Birthday Girl in the pool!

Dane and Lily in the pool!

Our computer has been down for well over a week so I am way behind. Let me first apologize once again that I take way too many pictures of my girls and not enough of my boys! It just seems that I don't have the camera around when they are around! My next post is going to include only pictures of the guys in my life!

Sarah turned 4 on July 7th. We had a small swim party at the home of a good friend. Sarah had a blast.....as did the other kids.

Update on TJ's car. We had great reports from car guys from church that it is a great car. Well, two days ago something happened and we are hoping some guy named "Bob" on the west side of town can doctor it up so TJ can drive it again. I will post a picture of TJ with his wheels in the next post.

Tom, Ty and Dane survived their vacation! The spent a few nights backcountry hiking in the Smoky Mountains. It was Dane's first backcountry hike. THey didn't see any bears, but the weather was great! As soon as they got out of the woods, they claimed the van (which was being repaired by a local garage), showered and went to Golden Coral. They then spent four more days doing some day hikes through the mountains.....even a few shorter, more strenuous hikes. I think they did about 45 miles in hiking while they were gone. Tom can't say enough about spending all of that quality time with Ty and Dane.

The girls were thrilled to have their prince (Dad) home!

As for me...I survived my time at home with the girls and TJ. Tom and I both had some challenges in the last week. I continue to rely on God's soveriegnty in my life! I could not imagine living any other way!

Enjoy the photos! Check back in a few days with pics from the Hike and the car!

So much to write about...where do I begin?

2008-07-07T22:18:00.003-05:00

Well, first let me say that I'm sorry I don't have any photos to share. I have some great shots, but our computer is down so I'm stuck with the unfamiliarity of Tom's laptop and I'm just not up to going through the extra work to get photos. Check back in a few days for some pics! Our computer is with someone that goes to our church. We are hoping he has some healing hands and can figure out what is wrong so it is resurrected and returned to us!

The big news is that Sarah turned four years old today! It was a fun day! She woke up grumpy so I got in bed with her. It was fun to see her roll over realizing that today was her birthday. We made such a big deal that yesterday was the last day she'd be three! After breakfast we made our way over to Lisa's house where we hosted a small swimming party for Sarah. She had a blast. She swam for a little while and then just camped out near the presents hoping she would get to open them! We saved a few presents for later in the day to open with just our family. She was thrilled that she got her only requested toys...Polly Pocket Swim Party. Tom had no idea what we got her so It was fun to see him look at me and say, "Pieces? I thought we were staying away from pieces!"

The other big news is that TJ bought a car. Yep, add another anxiety to my life! Here is how this went down: We have a friend that highly recommends an auto auction. Every Thursday a new list comes out. People can view the cars on Friday and then come to the auction on Saturday. We got the first list on Thursday. The were closed on Friday since it was a holidy. Tom decided to take the boys to just "watch" the auction and become better inrormed for future auctions. I was nervous, but I figured my husband who has frequented auctions (I know...they auctioned cows!) would not buy something already. I guess Tom felt he should register and allow TJ to hold the number. For two days I looked at this list with TJ. My uneducated opinion was this, "Stay away from anything that says 'nonactual miles.' Go for four doors, not two. Stay away from V8 engines. Stay away from the color red because I heard that insurance is higher if the car is red." Well, here comes my boy with his first care! It's a MAROON, two-door, Ford Thunderbird with a v8 engine! Oh, yeah...it has a really cool CD player! When TJ pulled in, I immediately went over and layed both hands on the hood of that car and I prayed "in the name of Jesus" for anyone that ever rides in the car or comes within five feet of the car. TJ was laughing. Yeah, it was humorous, but I ment every word I sent up in prayer that afternoon. We did have it checked by someone that knows cars, and they were pretty impressed with the car especially since TJ paid $850.00 for it! I'm getting grief because I don't understand why a "woofer" system is so important. My kids think I'm a nerd because it is a sub-woofer. Whatever! I don't want loud music coming from my boys car.

Tom is leaving in a few days with Ty and Dane. They are hiking four days, three nights in the backcountry of the Smoky Mountains. Yeah, pray for them! I told Dane, "Buddy, just remember. If you see a bear, just make sure you run faster than your father!" After the backcountry hiking, they will stay an additional four days to do some serious day hikes. TJ and the girls will stay here with me.

TJ is working hard at football! We went to the doctor last week and he weighed 225 pounds and is 6 feet 1 inches tall. I heard that Lancaster High School is switching to a spread offense. TJ is slot back on offense. It sounds like a fun position to play. He will also be preparing for outside linebacker.

We are excited that we will get to visit with Lily's travel group in a few weeks. We get together every year. This year we are in Louisville. I think 11 of the 12 families will be there! I'll be sure to post pics when we return.

I'm glad Lily has her "China sisters." These are the 11 other girls that were adopted that same day in 2004. We will be forever friends. Sarah doesn't have that, but that's okay. I have embraced, and celebrate, their different histories. WIth Sarah we will likely have forever contact with her foster family in Nanning. Plus, we have a few Guangxi connections that mean something special to us..and to Sarah.

On another celebration note, I just recieved word on that wheelchair project in China. Here is the scoop. We made a connection with a woman that runs a private orphanage in China. She has 18 children living in her private residence...a 3 bedroom apartment. Tom has been there before! All of the children have one or more medical special needs. Five of them have cerebral palsy. They do not have the ability to sit up or to be transported once they get too big for a stroller. The director spent some time with me a few weeks ago and we visited our local school for children with special needs. She was amazed that most of the folks in the US keep their children...even if they are born with cerebral palsy! She was then amazed at the chairs and the equipment. I like a challenge so I made some phone calls. Scripture clearly says, "We have not because we ask not." I called a medical supply company in Columbus. THe president got on the phone and asked me to bring the director up for a visit. We spent three hours with him. He then donated five chairs to this home. They are used, but in great shape. He fitted them with the sizes of the kids that the director gave him. I then started calling the project, "Wheels for Joy." The name of the home is "Home of Joy." I then had the task of trying to get them to China. I had a volunteer offer to take the chairs with him on a cargo ship of supplies for quake victims. The bummer part is that he couldn't guarantee that customs would allow them through since they are used. I had that confirmed with someone else. China does not allow used items to be shipped it. The only way the chairs would be accepted is if they were new. I contacted several other organizations that I thought would help and was told, " just have them use regular wheelchairs and use velcro." Well, maybe that would work a little, but these kids would not get the full support they needed for their little bodies! I was told by two reliable sources that the best way to get them in was with people who would be travelling into China. I then called a ministry connection I have with Bring Me Hope. He made a connection for me with a guy in MN. I just heard todaythat this man will take the chairs with his family at the end of the month. THese "wheels of joy" are getting there through the generosity of people! A medical supply company donated them. Another company is crating and shipping them to MN. A guy and his family will take them on a UA flight. Another connection will greet them at the airport and take the chairs. This person will then ship them to the Home of Joy! Wheel's for Joy!

Please pray for a friend of mine in the Philipines (TD). They had some damage to their community with the typhoon that hit a few weeks ago. She's a bit sick. Their home had a lot of water......and probably some other things. She even maintained a bit of humor in all of it! Plus, she has seen the hand of God (and His people) move in a mighty way. She's been a blessing to me and I've yet to even meet her! One day maybe!

I haven't been able to follow any of my blogs! :( So, if you are one of my blogging buddies, I'd like to hear from you and save your blog to my favorites on my husbands computer....just in case we have another mishap with my computer!
Well, I wrote plenty. Off to recover from a big birthday celebration!

Kathy

New Territory!

2008-06-28T15:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for the Alexander family. TJ got his license! To be honest, I have mixed emotions about it. I'm excited for him and yet........one more thing for me to worry about! I know many parents have "been there, done that" and I'm sure I'll get over this initial anxiety as time goes on.

We have two really old mini-vans so he isn't too thrilled about driving too much! He spends a good tiem on Craig's List looking for the ideal "first car." He's saving for it and I'm gearing myself up for that!

Pray for TJ! You might as well pray for the people of Lancaster, Ohio that will now have another young, male driver out on the roads, too!

Father/Daughter Dessert Night!

2008-06-21T12:19:00.002-05:00

Life has been so crazy lately that blogging has had to take the back burner! Here is a quick update on everyone:
Tom and TJ spent a week working in West Virginia as part of a mission trip. TJ worked with kids with basketball. They also did yard work and home repairs for a couple that hope to make their home acceptable to raise their grandchildren. Oh, and TJ ate a snake while he was there. I'm trying to get the video and will post it! I guess I let the boys watch too much "Mand versus Wild!"

Ty and Dane are busy with basketball and golf. The girls have had a bout of sickness this past week. Sarah had Scarlet Fever. Once she had it, I enjoyed watching the faces of people when I told them she had Scarlet Fever. We all remember how it was a death threat back in the Ingals' time! SF is strep with a full-body rash. Lily followed with a few days of unexplained high fever. TJ was all ready to go to the OSU football camp when the day before rolled his ankle. It was a heartbreaker that he couldn't go. He was hoping to make contact with some coaches with the hopes of catching their eye for potential scholarship. The good news is that it has healed enough that he can go to Penn State tomorrow for their camp.

I was excited to go to hear one of my favorite author's speak....Jane Kirkpatrick. A friend of mine made a four hour drive to hear her. We had some time alone with Jane after the presentation so that was pretty cool. We then made the four-hour drive home. I also was able to get the third book in Jane's most recent series "Change and Cherish Historical Series." Jane is a Christian author that writes historical fiction. I like her even more now that I've heard her speak! She's insightful, very smart and funny!

The big blessing for us these past few weeks is that I am working on a special project with some friends to try to get five wheelchairs (Cerebral Palsy Chairs) to China for children in a specific orphanage in Shenyang! Scripture says, "We have not because we ask not." Well, I asked and the president of a local medical supply company donated five chairs that are in great shape. I've been working on getting them to China and am finding the best way is through travelling families. We are hoping a group travelling in July can take all five OR I will be ASKING families who travel to Chine to adopt (post-Olympics) to take them along with their things. I've called this project "Wheels for Joy." The home they will go to is called, "Home of Joy." I'll write more about that another day. China is near and dear to our hearts! I can't wait to share with you more of what God is doing in this one home in Shenyang and tell you about how FAITHFUL God has been in providing through a variety of people!

Tom took the girls to the annual "Father/Daughter Dessert Night" at church last week. They had a great time! Enjoy the photo.j

Kathy

Sarah went to Children's Hospital Today

2008-06-03T10:43:00.002-05:00

We took Sarah to Children's Hospital in Columbus for her annual heart tests/exams. The coronary artery fistula is still a minor concern. Dr. Ro was tempted to totally release her, but she felt we should come back in three years! It's wild to think that she'll be seven when we go back!

All else is moving right along in the Alexander home. We are busy getting our summer started.

Please pray!

2008-05-22T16:58:00.004-05:00

Many of you that read our blog know that we were blessed tremendously with grant money to finance the adoption of Sarah Jo. Do you remember the flyer that was passed out at malls all over the US this past Christmas that included the picture of Sarah? It was from Shaohannah's Hope, a ministry to encourage people and churches to do more in the way of adopting both across the street and around the world. Stephen Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth started Shaohannah's Hope and are known for doing so much work within the Christian community in the areas of adoption and orphan care.

Last night their youngest daughter Maria (age five, adopted from China) was accidentally killed in an auto accident in their own drive. Please remember the entire family as they grieve. I remember the words from one of SCC's songs called, "Hope." It was written for close friends of thiers that lost a daughter at a young age. Here are the words:

With Hope
I Thess. 4:13-14; Heb. 6:9, 10:23

That is not at all how
we thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
we had so many dreams
And now you’ve gone away
and left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
and nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
the pain of losing you

We can cry with hope
we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end
We can grieve with hope
because we believe with hope
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again
We’ll see your face again

Never have I known
anything so hard to understand
Never have I questioned more
the wisdom of God’s plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father smile and say well done
And I imagine you
where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you’re home and now you’re free

We can cry with hope, we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end
We can grieve with hope, because we believe with hope
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again
We’ll see your face again

We have this hope like as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true

So we can cry with hope, we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end
We can grieve with hope, because we believe with hope
There’s a place
By God’s grace
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again

The Seven Alexanders are one of many families that have generously blessed by the Chapman family and their ministry. Thank you for praying for them.

Kathy

Gotcha Day Fashion Show!

2008-05-16T11:50:00.007-05:00

Gotcha Day Fashion Show!

This is Lily when we were leaving the Civil Affairs Office in Guangzhou on the day we got her! Yeah, I know, I was a lot smaller back then, too!!!!!

This picture above is Lily wearing the clothes that she had on when we had her Gotcha Day in 2004! Oh my...she has grown!

Gotcha Day 2006!

The picture above was taken yesterday....two years from Gotcha Day!

Okay, so it's time for a pedicure! I just couldn't skip showing how much her feet have grown!

Two years ago.......................

2008-05-15T16:15:00.004-05:00

This is Sarah on Gotcha Day, May 15, 2006

This is Sarah a few weeks ago!
It was two years ago today that Tom and I were sitting waiting in a room in the Lottery Hotel. Any minute they would bring Sarah into the room to be placed in our arms for the very first time. Adopting a 22-month old brought some anxiety. We didn't know what her personality would be. We wouldn't know her likes or dislikes. We weren't sure if she'd love us, her three brothers and her sister. Whew, I was anxious!

Here we are two years later! She is funny, sometimes stubborn, smart, creative, loving and did I say smart? She likes most all foods, her blanket, her bed, her stuffed animals and her bath! Most importantly, she is madly in love with all of us as we are with her!

Tyler playing "Furelise" by Ludwig Von Beethoven....oh, and a few pictures!

2008-05-11T14:38:00.008-05:00

This picture clearly communicates the creativity that the girls have! First, the blankets on their heads are wigs! Yes, they wanted longer hair that day. They are constantly putting on shoes and dresses! I'm a little concerned that Lily is giving Sarah a pedicure with a hairbrush....oh well........I still have a way to go as a mom to girls!

Lily enjoys chilling out inside the bin that I keep a bunch of blankets. Don't worry....I always take the lid off. This is a picture of her one night when I thought she was awful quiet in there......she fell asleep!

Sarah

Lily

Today is Mother's Day. I find myself saying the same things my mother said when I was growing up..."All I want for Mother's Day is a day of peace and no fighting!" Well, that's me! Yeah, well, throw in a cup of hot coffee, too!

Two years ago we celebrated Mother's Day in China as it was the day we got Sarah. Time has certainly flown by.

I did enjoy a nice Sunday dinner out to one of my favorite Chinese places. The kids got me a new coffee pot and a picture frame that shows digital pics. At this moment, the girls are in bed sleeping and the boys went to visit friends...I'm enjoying my moment of peace!

Tyler had a piano recital recently. It was a challenge to get piano lessons in this year between golf and basketball. He did a great job!

The Music Truck

2008-04-26T07:20:00.002-05:00

(Sorry, no pictures today) My boys are telling me to stop doing something that I have done ever since we got home from China with Lily. I haven't decided what to do. I welcome your comments.....as long as you are nice about it!

When the weather starts to get nice, there are two ice cream trucks that spend most of their day in our subdivision. I hate the high price of ice-cream off of that truck! I hate it that kids run to it as if the have never had ice-cream in their entire life! There have been four summers since we brought Lily home. Lily and Sarah are excited about this truck. Every time they see one coming, they scream, "Mommy, it's the Music Truck, it's the Music Truck!" Lily will often say after that, "Isn't it nice that they drive around a play music for us?" My girls have no clue that the guy sells ice cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've trained them to think it is simply "The Music Truck." Fortunately for me, there aren't any kids too close to us that they observe getting anything from the music truck driver!

I have little pangs of guilt over misleading my girls, but I aslo find a great deal of enjoyment sharing in their excitement as they see the Music Truck approaching. Plus, I don't have to dig deep into my wallet to get them money to buy something when I have freeze pops in my own freezer!!j

Any thoughts?

Catching Up!

2008-04-16T18:01:00.012-05:00

I was enjoying a cup of coffee while the girls were playing with chalk. I love this cup! Anyone want to guess on why is is so special?

Sarah enjoys playing the letter game in the drive. I shout out the letter and she hops to the letter that I call out.

I'm not sure about the pose, but she loves to play the Letter Game in our drive!

This photo of Lily really cracks us up!

Sarah was waiting patiently while I got the camera ready!

Lily was hoping there was something in the box for her, too!

She was so thrilled with the package!

It seems like it has been a while since I last posted! Life is crazy.....as usual! Tom is keeping busy at work. If anyone wanted to listen to him preach you can go to the media page at our church website: http://www.fairfieldcc.com TJ is finishing up his final hours driving with an instructor. Next comes the liscense. I'm not sure what I'm more worried about...TJ driving or the increase in insurance! TJ is keeping busy with lifing after school, going to as many open gyms for basketball, and making pizza at my favorite pizza place....Sugar Bears! Ty is starting to golf and enjoys lifting, too. He has started back with his piano teacher...which we are thrilled about! Dane continues with the violin. He is working out some as well.

I travelled with the girls up to Girard, Ohio to visit with family. Well, actually, it was the birthday of a dear friend of ours and I decided that was motivation to get me up to see my mom and the rest of our family. I didn't get any pictures! Ugh! It was good to be with mom...even though she wasn't feeling well. I got to see most of my siblings...Bill, Bob (he is so silly), Karen, Buzz, Karla. I didn't get to see Kim or Kara...neither of them live in that particular area. The girls and I also spend some time in the Owens home for the celebration of Madeline's fourth birthday! M is from A Mother's Love...the same orphanage as Sarah. Thanks for inviting us, M! While we were gone, the bachelor's seemed to survive! TJ took the ACT while we were gone.

Lastly, a big shout out to Lynn for sending the package to Sarah! Lynn travelled to get her daughter several months ago and brought back a few gifts from Ah-moo...Sarah's foster mother. Sarah was so excited! She is sharing the two stuffed rats that were sent to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Ah-moo is smart..she sent two of everything girly! The girls got purses and a variety of hair things. All five of the kids got a jade necklace. It's a special thing to be able to stay in contact with Sarah's foster family. We don't mind that our girls had different experiences in China. Lily has a great connection with our travel mates from our trip in 2004. We are looking forward to our annual visit this summer! Sarah has her foster family and a few folks that we are connected with that have children from Qinzhou (Sarah's original orphanage) and A Mother's Love (the second orphanage). Tom and I sent the grant proposal to the Lilly Foundation in hopes of participating in their Clergy Renewal Program. I'm trying to not get too excited. If it happens, our entire family will experience China in 2009! We will know in October if we are one of the recipients.

Thanks for checking in with us!

Memories of my Dad

2008-04-05T16:08:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of my dad when he was in the Army. Handsome, huh?

This is me with my dad....sometime in late 1963.

This was October 3, 1987. You have no idea how difficult to get my father to put a tux on that day!

This is the last photo I have of my dad. He is holding TJ.

My father would have turned 76 today! He passed away a little more than 16 years ago. Here are some memories and thoughts that I have of my dad today. They aren’t in any specific order…..just as I think of them at this moment. Please keep in mind that if any of these sound mean, they aren’t. They are wonderful memories to me that bring huge smiles to my face!

• Dad played catch with me in the yard so much growing up that it was sometimes ridiculous! His goal was to get me to never throw like a girl! I must say that to this day, I have a decent throw!
• On Saturday mornings, my Dad would obnoxiously sing, “You Are My Sunshine” just to get all of us out of bed.
• Dad taught all eight of us kids that Santa didn’t come by sleigh, but by the local train that ran next to our house on Belmont Ave.
• Dad reminded us that if we ever got spanked at school, we’d get spanked twice as hard when we got home!
• Dad taught me how to execute a perfect double play as both a shortstop and as a second basemen. This was usually done in the living room of our house with a couch throw pillow as the base!
• Dad never got a high school diploma, but was probably one of the smartest people I have ever met! He couldn’t spell well, though!
• He could read the sports page, watch golf on television and listen to the Cleveland Indians on the radio at the same time and know what was happening at any moment with all involved!
• We would be in the basement on the other side of the house and still hear him yell for us to come upstairs and change the television station because he didn’t want to get out of his chair to change the station himself!
• All eight of his children are experts at making a perfect cup of coffee with just the right amount of sugar and cream. Although, I like mine black.
• Every summer Dad would take one (or two) of us to see the Indians play at Municipal Stadium. Mom would butter hamburger buns, slap some ham, cheese and may (Miracle Whip is May on our house) and we’d have a ready meal at the game. If we were really lucky, Dad would take us to what we thought was a fancy place to eat…called Big Boys!
• Dad would always tell me, “Do you want to be a good 7-minute miler? Run with 7-minute milers. If you want to run faster, run with runners faster than you.”
• Dad did take us out to eat to McDonald’s. We would all stay in the car….Ford Country Squire Wagon…wood panels! The selection was the same every time…eight hamburgers, eight fries, eight cokes. Don’t like onions on your burger? Tough, take them off yourself.
• We had many rides to Webb’s Ice-cream and always got the Bubble Gum flavor. Yes, we sat in the car! On a special occasion, after Webb’s, we’d cross the state line and get a soft serve ice cream in New Castle!
• Dad’s real name was “William Tolbert Johnson” but in the second grade he decided to change his name to “Barney.” He was known to most as Barney Johnson. That was a great name until a purple dinosaur showed up in the late eighties.
• Dad would cash in a few weeks of his vacation to purchase our Christmas gifts each year. We usually always got what we wanted, except the year I wanted a Cleveland Browns jacket and he waited too long and ended up getting me a Steelers coat. What was he thinking?!
• He never missed a track meet! I have great memories of him sitting in the stands at the end of the race. He was so proud of us that he would sit there, coffee in hand, holding back the tears as his belly shook!
• Whenever someone in the family wanted to ask Dad something and he was in one of his moods, they sent Kathy! She was the one that had the nerve to ask him anything at anytime!
• Going shopping for clothes with Dad was horrible. We ended up with clothes and shoes we really didn’t want! But when it came to athletic shoes…we had the absolute best!
• McDonald’s was the best place to have a really good talk with my dad. Of course, this was long after the station wagon drives for food. As we got older, we sometimes got cheese on our burger!
• My dad was truly a gifted guy…he could paint, make just about anything, and fix just about anything. The bummer is that he sometimes didn’t finish things he started!
• You would have to see our dining room to believe it! My dad was very proud of the athletic accomplishments of his children. There was not a free space on the wall as they were full of trophies, medals and ribbons. It was somewhat embarrassing.
• Dad really encouraged us to do well in school and athletics.
• Dad trained us up all in the right way…to be fans of the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns.
• Dad would get mad if you took your shoes off and didn’t untie them.
• When I got engaged to Tom prior to my dad meeting him, he wanted to talk to Tom. What he said to Tom touched my heart more than anyone will ever know. Sorry, I’m not sharing what he said. It’s just mine.
• A man who drives a car with a Pabst Blue Ribbon painted on it is not a threat to my dad! And the guy in our neighborhood that called my little brother a bad name over a two dollar kite, got popped by my dad…oh, he got the $2.00 and one of the Johnson daughters on his back yelling, “Leave my daddy alone.”
• Somewhere on the bottom of the Mahoning River is a really nice bowling ball.
• When I was born the nurse didn’t want to name me, “Kathy Jo”..the name he chose for me. Dad was persistent and got his way. Whew! You do not want to know what he threatened to name me if she didn’t do what he said!

I’m sure there are many more I could share. My father didn’t have an easy life as a kid. He even made some poor choices as an adult. One of the best choices he ever made was to ask Florence Geraldine Mattison to be his wife! She said, “yes.” They were married for nearly 40 years and had eight children…Bill, Bob, Kim, Karen, Kathy, Kara, Buzz and Karla. When I struggled with infertility, he said, “If you adopt a child, I don’t care what color his skin is…I will love him like the rest.” That was before we even considered adopting TJ. That may not seem like much of a statement, but my dad was on the surface a bit of an “Archie Bunker” guy. Inside he was one of the most loving people you would ever meet. He was certainly the funniest! He was very smart, too! I NEVER questioned whether or not my father loved me…not once! TJ was the only one of my kids that my father ever met or held. My dad died soon after TJ turned one year old. The last photo I have of my dad is him holding TJ. The last conversation I had with my father before he died was me informing him that I was pregnant with Tyler. His response, “I have prayed for a long time for this.” I don’t care how old you are, it is never easy to lose a parent….never. I wish he could have known all of my girls…somehow I think he would have really enjoyed my kids. I know that I am now 44 years old, but I still wonder if my dad would be proud of me. I know I sometimes fail as a wife and a mom, but I truly think my dad would be proud of me.

April 5th……………my dad’s birthday. It was good to spend time on this day thinking of my dad. I think I’ll make a pot of coffee and see if the Indians are on the television. I’ll watch, drink my coffee and think to myself, “Maybe this will be the year the Indians can win it all.”

Easter PICS and tomorrow is a BIG DAY!!!!!!

2008-03-23T20:11:00.012-05:00

Coloring eggs!

My attempt at coloring eggs! I can drink it while I color it!

The Fab Five on Easter morning.

A good friend of mine loves to spoil my girls! At church, Miss. Denise (That is what the girls call her) gave them an Easter Bunny. It is a larger bunny holding a smaller bunny. Sarah has named the larger bunny "Kathy" and the smaller one "Sarah." Thanks Denise!

Lily with a chocolate in her mouth holding her new movie!

Sarah loved her new glasses...and her movie!

Lily reaching for an egg....all by herself!

This is Sarah being helped by Tyler in getting an egg out of the tree!

We colored eggs yesterday. I do not enjoy coloring eggs. I do enjoy watching my kids color eggs though! After we colored eggs we took the girls to church to see the Easter drama. Our church puts on a rather large production...over 200 people are in it! The girls sat through the enire thing. Sarah was full of questions (Why are the Pharisees like that? Will his booboos go away? Who is the man on the other cross and where did he go? And many more! Lily sat and sucked her thumb. We woke up this morning and went to church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The girls were thrilled to put on their new dresses. The boys? They cooperated by not wearing t-shirts! Tom didn't have anything major witht he service this morning so we sat together as a family...a rare thing! We came home for a dinner. I hate to cook, but the ham was good enough. After lunch the boys took the girls upstairs while we hid baskets. TJ is too cool for that, but we hid it anyway! We then ended up hunting for eggs in our yard. I must admit that it was good to see the sun today!
Tomorrow is a BIG DAY for me! I remember when I experienced this day with Lily. When I wake up in the morning, I will be able to say, "Sarah has been with me longer than she lived in China without me!" We can't imagine life without her! I absolutely adore her!

Why is tomorrow a big day?

When I wake up in the morning, I will be able to proclaim, "Sarah has been with me longer than she was in China without me!" It's been a wonderful 22 months as she has transitioned smoothly into being the seventh Alexander!

Sisters

2008-03-21T16:47:00.006-05:00

I know I'll have some pictures to share from our Easter weekend so I thought I better post these recent shots. I love to watch my girls play together! Sometimes I just watch them and think to myself, "It's amazing that they are sisters" They were born a few hundred miles from each other on the other side of the world! When we travelled to get Lily, who would have known that Sarah was just four months old living a bit to the west! We are grateful that God brought them together as only He could have orchestrated!

As some of you may have known, we had quite the snowstorm a few weeks back. The sled picture was during the blizzard. We were all watching TV one night and I was touched by how the girls were laying on the floor with their feet touching...thus the feet picture. How about those new coats?! I went shopping for new Spring jackets for the girls and found these on clearance. Lily HAD to have one. Lily wears it around the house like a robe....it is so funny. If anyone is concerned, they are man-made materials so no need to send PETA my way!

By His Wounds....

2008-03-17T16:28:00.001-05:00

Tom sang this song in church yesterday. No, this isn't Tom. I'll try to get that one and post it. Until then, this is the crew that sang it at our church several months ago for a concert. This week is an important week to me...to our family.

By His Wounds we are healed,
Kathy

China on My Mind

2008-03-15T18:04:00.002-05:00

I am working on a grant proposal that has taken up a lot of my free time. I'm really excited about it! If the proposal is accepted, and a grant issued, it could mean a trip to China in 2009! The trip would include stops in Yangjiang (Lily's birth city) and Qinzhou Citty/Nanning (Sarah's birthcity/foster parents home). Wouldn't that be exciting?! If it happens, the kids would be with us so there would be an extra blessing in providing Sarah an opportunity to see her foster family again. Lynn (thanks, Lynn) took these photos when she was in Nanning picking up her new daughter. I don't think I posted these photos yet. The one if of Ah-moo, Sarah's foster mother. She's holding the small package we sent along with Lynn. The other is of Sarah's foster brother and his wife.

Not much else going on here. Tom did turn 46 yesterday! We don't have any photos of the cake we had for him so I can't post. We only made him blow out one candle!

Oh, March 23rd will be a big day for me! When I wake up that morning I will be able to say, "Sarah has been with us longer than she was in China!"

TJ and a video of Sarah's sleeping arrangement

2008-03-03T10:30:00.002-05:00

I'll post first about the video. I've been wanting to video tape Sarah sleeping for quite some time. As some of you may recall, we were told in a report from Sarah's foster mother that she "liked to sleep with hairy things." We understood that to mean "stuffed animals." Well, I have had moments of being concerned about Sarah! She likes things a certain way. Well, with five kids that can be a challenge. I tend to choose my battles in most areas. One of the areas that I have not made a battle is her sleeping arrangements. She is attached to a number of stuffed animals, toys and dolls. I make her put most of the toys on the stand next to her bed and allow her to keep all of her "friends" close by while she sleeps. I tell her, "Sarah, you have too many things in your bed!" She replies, "I always leave a little room for me." She KNOWS if I move anything! She gets frustrated when I do that. Take a look at the tower in the corner! Amazing! Now to another important topic! TJ!

Yesterday TJ turned 17! Wow! It's hard to believe that we are parents of a 17 year old kid! I wasn't as prepared for his cake this year so the poor guy got stuck with pink candles! He didn't mind.

Seventeen years ago yesterday I was sitting on our country-styled blue print sofa reading the Saturday paper when we got the call! TJ's birthmother was on her way to the hospital and this was certainly THE DAY. Tom and I jumped in the car and made the two-hour drive to Owensboro, Kentucky for the big event. Due to the circumstances of the event, we had to keep a low profile so we hung out in the chapel of the hospital. It was at 3:30 that our 6 pound 2 ounce boy came into the world. The hospital staff was wonderful to allow us to hang out in a private room off of the nursery. The first two days were very difficult. We had been through a few years of infertility treatments and even had a failed adoption. We had several years of being hopeful, being disappointed and then trying to be hopeful again. We were blessed to be able to leave the hospital with TJ the very next day, but had several more days before we got word that the birthmother followed through with the adoption. It was a long week!

I was talking with someone yesterday about infertility and the journey of going through that with the desire to be a mom. I asked God 17 years ago to not let me forget what that felt like...and He has been faithful. I enjoyed talking to this young woman and telling her that one day she will look back and see God's perfect plan in all of this. She may have a biological child or she may adopt....regardless....God's plan. Many sometimes view adoption as PLAN B in one's attempt to be a parent. Although our first desire was to have a biological child, we know that TJ was certainly PLAN A! God had to take us throught he journey of infertility to walk through the initial doors of adoption. Thank you, God! I believe, from the beginning of time, that TJ was meant to be ours! He was meant to be the big brother of four siblings....two little girls that think he is the strongest and best brother EVER! This has been God's perfect plan!

On another note, I have to comment about TJ's birthmother. I am so proud of her! First, she chose life for her baby at a time when she could have chosen an abortion. Second, she chose me to be his mother and Tom to be his father! She will forever hold a special place in our hearts. For those of you that walk a life of faith and incorporate prayer into your days, will you please pray for her? Wherever she is we pray that she is safe and at peace...especially as March 2nd rolls around every year. Thank you SPB....wherever you may be! You have given me a precious gift and I will forever sing praises over you to my God!

Daddy and Daughter Day, Disney and Dane

2008-02-27T13:24:00.008-05:00

Lily enjoying her new toy!

Sarah enjoying her new toy!

Lily was mesmorized by the entire show!

All three of the girls were into the show.

This is Gwen, Sarah and Lily just as they arrived for Disney Princesses on Ice!

This is Dane on a big moment in his life....the first day he was permitted to sit in the front passenger seat!

Tom and the girls on Daddy and Daughter Day!

A lot has been going on in our house and I wouldn't really know where to begin so I'll simply write about these photos. I work two days each week. I'm really fortunate to have my work schedule in such a way that the girls really aren't suffering! They have preschool on both days that I work. Tom stays home and gets them ready for school and takes them on both days. He is off on one of those days so he gets to spend the afternoon with his girls.....Daddy and Daughters Day! The other day they get to go spend the afternoon with one of their favorite adult friends...Lorissa and her two daughters Gwen and Megan.

Gwen will be celebrating a birthday soon so Lorissa decided a great way to celebrate would be to take the girls to see Disney Princesses on Ice. Sarah and Lily were so excited! Me? Well, I'm not a princess kind of girl, but I must admit that I enjoyed watching my girls watch the show! They barely moved throughout the entire program! The rest of the photos are of them before and during the show. What is it about girls and princesses anyway? The day after the show we went to spend time with a friend of mine in Columbus and her two girls...also adopted from China. On the way back I stopped at my favorite shoe store...Frontrunner. They sell running shoes and clothing. No, I don't run anymore, but many of you readers would be surprised if I told you how many track meets, cross country meets, roadraces and the like that I have competed in....in the day! I have a particular shoe that I buy from there that isn't sold here in town. Anyway, as the young sales guy was putting my shoe on my foot and lacing it up, Lily says, "Mommy, is he your prince?" I said, "Now, you know mommy only has one prince in her life!" She then said, "Well, he's good at tieing shoes then." Gotta love my girls!

Twelve Years ago.....

2008-02-12T11:47:00.000-05:00

(This was a photo I took last week from our front yard. I love rainbows in the sky! They are a constant reminder of God's promises!"

This is a photo of Dane with his cake. The girld put the candles in for us so if you wonder why they are scattered and crooked...that is why!

NOTE: I wrote this yesterday with intent to post it last night. I just didn't get it done. We love Dane!

Twelve years ago today I stood in front of my closet, feeling really huge! I was six weeks shy of my due date to give birth to a boy that we had yet to decide what his name would be! We narrowed it down to either William Dane (we would call him Will) or Dane Robert (we would call him Dane). I had TJ (4 at the time) and Tyler (age 3) sleeping in their rooms. It was Sunday. Tom had already left for church so I was getting myself ready for church before I got the boys out of bed. As I’m looking in my closet trying to decide on Fat Suit A or Fat Dress B, I had a strange sensation that maybe my water broke. I was on restrictions at the time because I was found to have placenta previa. Well, it wasn’t my water. It was an overwhelming moment as I then had two children running around while I was trying to determine what to do. My first thought was to call my mother. I called a neighbor instead. My next thought was, “Call my mommy.” I called 911 instead. I then hung up from the 911 operator and called another friend to go get Tom. I then called my mom! The 911 operator called me back and said to me, “Ma’am, please don’t hang up. We want you to stay on the line until help arrives.” It wasn’t long at the ambulance was at the door. In walks three men and a woman. I know two came out of the ambulance and the other two just showed up as if they just go out of bed when they heard their scanner go off. There was a part of me that thinks they wanted me to deliver right then and there on my living room floor in the presence of my toddlers! I kept saying, “Just get me to the hospital. I have placenta previa and I think it ruptured. Just get me to the hospital!” Well, they had their procedures so I chilled out while they continued to hook me up and wheel me out.

I arrived in style at Munster Memorial Hospital in Muster, Indiana…..sirens and speed! One of my girlfriends (Jane Hoyle) met me at the emergency entrance. I’m so glad Jane lived close to the hospital. Tom was at church. Jane’s husband Randy went high speed to the church/school. We didn’t have cell phones back then….only pagers. Randy interrupted Tom at the 9:00 a.m. start of the first service and said, “It is time.” Tom thought Randy was telling him to get church started! Tom and Randy took off to meet me at the hospital. The baby was doing okay, but I was at some risk. Tom got to the hospital just before I was going into the operating room! Poor guy. The last thing I said to him was, “If something happens to me, just be sure not to marry blankitty blank.” No…I will never disclose the name I put in there! Yes, those were my parting words to my husband as I went into the operating room. By the start of the second service that morning (10:30 a.m.) the church was able to announce that the Alexander’s gave birth to a six pound, 13 ounce baby. He was big for being six weeks early! They put him in neonatal intensive care immediately. They wheeled by barely awake, drug induced body into neonatal to have a look at our new son. He had red hair! We named him William Dane Alexander! I was not allow out of bed for more than 24 hours so the nursing staff brought me periodic Polaroid shots of Will. Wait, that’s not we call him! After a day or two we decided he didn’t look like a “Will,” but it was too late to change the birth certificate information so from that day forward we called him “Dane.” I had a rough recovery due to the circumstances of the birth. After about 24 hours, the nurse rolled me down to NICU! I couldn’t hold him yet, but it was so good to see him! The next day they told me if I wanted to see him, I had to push the wheel chair down to the NICU! I said, “Are you kidding me? There is no way I can walk all the way down there feeling the way I do!” Well, it is amazing what you would do to see your newly born son! I pushed and I walked. It was a slow walk, but I made it!

I went home after three nights, but Dane got an extended stay…he stayed for an additional ten days. Poor guy started out with an IV in his head and being fed down tubes in his nose. We needed to get him to a point where he could eat on his own. He had some minor lung issues, but nothing of great concern.

Anyway, that’s the story of “Twelve Years Ago Today.” Happy Birthday, William Dane Alexander!

We were blessed today!

2008-01-30T09:58:00.001-05:00

This is Olivia in the high chair. The man is Sarah's brother in China holding his son.

Lynn is obviously the blonde. Ah-moo (Sarah's foster mother) is holding Lynn's daughter Olivia. The other three are Sarah's foster brother, his wife, and their son.

I’m so excited this morning! I have an internet friend (Lynn) that is in Nanning, China picking up their daughter, Olivia. You can follow along at http://www.bringingoliviahome9.blogspot.com/

I asked Lynn if she would be willing to take an envelope full of pictures to give to Sarah’s foster family. I was thrilled to see that Lynn got to spend some time with our family in China! They met at the hotel and went to dinner together. You’ll have to go to Lynn’s blog to see what she wrote. I am happy (mainly for Sarah) that we can stay connected to the family that loved her so much for the first 22 months of her life. I must admit that I am a bit jealous! Our visit with the foster family was only about 20 minutes and was ended in an abrupt manner by the orphanage staff. That will always be one of my regrets…that I didn’t speak up and make the orphanage staff stop and allow us to have a pleasant good-bye. Lynn got to spend more time with them. I’m so thrilled to be able to experience more time with them….even if it is through Lynn. It sounds like Ah-moo was a blessing to Lynn as well. I also found out that Ah-moo is now a grandmother! Her son has a son! Now I need to think about what I want to send over to Ah-moo’s grandson.

Well, the boys are home today. The storm that came through took out the electricity at their school. I need to get everybody moving.

Lynn, I doubt that you’ll be on my blog, but if you do stop in…thank you for blessing us!

Where have I been?

2008-01-28T19:22:00.000-05:00

I don't think I have posted for over three weeks! I'm not sure if anyone has checked in or not...if you have and have wondered...I'm still alive!

Several things have kept me busy and away from the blog world. First, let me remind you that I have five children! All three boys play basketball on three different teams. I spend five of seven nights on the sideline of a basketball watching one of the boys.

We've had a myriad of illnesses floating around our house so that has kept me busy as well. Sarah started it with a 3-day fever and cold. As soon as it ended for Sarah, Lily got it. Well, I think she got it. I waited for several days because I assumed it was the same "it" that Sarah had. Well, Lily ended up with pneoumonia (did I spell that correctly?)

In the middle of that, I had a bit of an accident at work. It didn't seem like anything too serious..at first. You see, I'm working in a dangerous environment...afterall, I'm a PE teacher for kids between the ages of 5 and 8. I have always been a hands-on teacher so it should be a surprise that I jump in and do the many activities with my kids. So, I was finishing up a soccer unit with my second graders. During the one class we were short one player to make the teams even. I jumped in. I figured I wouldn't play at my level....just try to play at their level. I was doing okay until I went to kick the ball. I didn't kick it, I stepped on it. It was a gator-skin ball so was a bit softer than a regular soccer ball. I ended up falling. All I remember is thinking to myself, "I'd really like to stop rolling." When I came to a stop, there were all these kids over me saying, "Oh, Mrs. Alexander...are you okay?" IT WAS A CONCRETE FLOOR!!! I got up as soon as I could to save what little pride I had left. My back hasn't been the same ever since. I know it isn't anything serious. It sure does stink getting old!

Enjoy the video and one picture that I've posted. The picture is of Dane on a theme day at school. Every class had a different theme for the day. Guess what the theme was for Dane's class! The video cracks me up! One day I saw Lily standing there doing the pledge. I had no idea she knew it!

Well, those muscle relaxers are kicking in and I'm feeling a bit loopy...better go.

Snow Run Challenge 2008

2008-01-02T19:20:00.000-05:00

FIRST things FIRST! I would never have allowed Sarah to do the Snow Run Challenge had I known how upset she was going to get. Know that we loved on her most of the day after the snow run!

SECOND! I hesitated uploading the video of the boys simply because I wasn't happy with three of the comments they made. My apologies as you hear the three that upset me.

I have two more videos of the boys that are a hoot that I will add in a few days.