A Re-Cap and a God Thing!

I was all set to jump back on the blog train and then some stranger left a couple of fishy comments (that I have since deleted). I've spent the last couple of days trying to decide whether or not to go private--but have decided for the time being that I will just go back to moderating my comments. I would love to hear anyone else's thoughts on the joys and woes of having a public blog.

Thank you friends, for sticking around.

While going through pictures for the

post I had planned to

do, I realized all of the things

I could have blogged.

But hadn't.

So . . . I decided a quick re-cap was in order.

Ready?

Here we go.

We have hugged a Komodo Dragon

on a zoo trip.

(Okay, so he was bronze, but he was tamer that way).

We have "lazy rivered"

for free

at a very nice Hyatt Vacation Resort!

All the while being very, very thankful

for daddy's travel card,

which earns him points

that can be used to purchase

such things as

some free lazy riverin'

and a comfy night's stay!

We gathered with our neighbors

(who seem to be missing from the photo)

to celebrate Memorial Day.

They really were there, I promise--

and despite the 100 degree heat,

we enjoyed getting to know one another!

We have made several trips back to our old side of town

to spend time with our favorite dentist.

One tooth pulled . . .

one tooth wiggled out by it's proud owner . . .

another tooth pulled . . .

another tooth crowned . . .

impressions taken for space maintainers . . .

and . . .

space maintainers installed!

One more appointment

for one more

filling--

and then I hope we are done for awhile!

My girl is a smiling trooper.

Grinner has practiced his

hairstyling skills --

obviously his biggest fan

approves!

We have super enjoyed our $8.00

thrift store deal

our triple slip 'n slide--

perfect for slip 'n sliding with our best buddy

(and former neighbor) Sam.

We have soaked up our time with Sammy,

knowing that he will soon depart for Germany.

And mama has soaked up time with

Sam's mama, Lori --

the perfect neighbor

and sweetest friend.

Twenty seven years worth of Air Force good- byes.

Ugh.

It's never, ever, easy,

but we are so thankful for each

and every friendship along the way.

Such precious blessings.

On another front . . .

some of us have worked on a

little new home construction,

even as some of us (namely the mom)

have worked to construct

the new house into

a home.

We have enjoyed our new view . . .

and watched the city "wake-up".

Good morning San Antonio!

And last but not least we've been blessed

with an amazing opportunity for our girl--

A two week long day camp

at a local university,

completely paid for (by private grants),

just for cleft affected kiddos!

This is huge.

Two weeks ago on a Thursday morning

I found myself in a teary conversation

with my sweet girl --

"No . . . one . . . understands . . . me."

I prayed a quick prayer for wisdom

as I began to share with her that

big sister had had to go to speech

when she was younger,

and that one of her older cousins had

also attended speech.

(He is a great big boy now, and that brought

a little giggle from my sad girl).

I also shared with her that mama has many

friends who have adopted kids from China

who also have cleft lip/palate like she does,

and who have to work very, very hard,

just like she does.

Yet in the back of my head I knew that it would be

tough for her to identify

with other kids "just like her"

if she'd never seen any of them--

which she hadn't.

Ever.

But God.

The day Teddi and I had the conversation

happened to be on her speech day.

And on that very day

the receptionist handed me a

paper about the camp.

I came home and called.

They were accepting ten kids.

I got the last spot.

The one the Lord had saved--

just for my girl.

Camp started this past Monday,

and guess what?

Out of the ten kids,

three (counting Ted) are Chinese adoptees.

Girls.

Just. like. her.

A prayer I hadn't even put into words

was answered because of the cry of my heart.

And my sweet girl now has new friends.

Friends who share the same almond eyes,

the same shiny black hair,

and the same beautiful smiles.

Friends who have to work hard

to be understood--

just like she does.

My happy camper

Along with a team of twelve

of the happiest, kindest, smiliest

graduate students--

(speech therapists in the making)

who attend the university.

Lots and lots of one-on-one time

with people who think you rock!

Just what my girlie so desperately needed!

He is faithful!

Coming home

All camped out.

And just as a little icing on the cake--

this is the view when I drop Teddi off each day.

So beautiful.

Strong towers.

Just like my Jesus!

Blessings from my, oh so blessed, summertime nest ~

Tina