More Mother's Day weekend photos

She's so much fun. This was the best Mother's Day I've ever had!




Giving high-fives to complete strangers on the plane.













Lounging at the airport. Daddy sat Ting Ting (and her doll) on his computer case and wheeled her through the airport. She like it so much she just hung out there for awhile as we waited for our flight.

Nifty new service

Those of you who find it frustrating to follow a blog when the blogger posts once a week, then several times a day, then not for two weeks (do you know anyone like that?) might enjoy using the free FeedBlitz service. Look toward the bottom of the goodies in the right rail of this page for a signup opportunity. FeedBlitz automatically sends you an e-mail each evening if there is something new on the blog. You can then click on a link in that e-mail to come straight here to read the entry (and, more importantly, look at the cute photos!). You only get an e-mail when there's something new, and you can subscribe anonymously if you like.

Grits and Giggles

My grandma is the greatest.

Scenes from Cousin Sam's graduation

Oh, hi. . . No, I'm just doing a little reading while I wait for the ceremony to start . . . what's that? They called again?








Listen, I'm in Tennessee right now, so it's not a good time . . . no, my schedule is booked solid all week. You're just going to have to tell those people that I'll talk to them about their Nobel Prize in a few weeks, OK? Buh-Bye.

Mother's Day thoughts

I rarely have trouble expressing my thoughts, but for my first Mother's Day, I'd like to use someone else's words. With the permission of our travel mates Chuck and Lynette Giacinto, I share these words from their beautiful song "I Promise."

"Know that when you close your eyes and sleep
I’ll blanket you with comfort in your dreams.
Softly speaking prayers of hope
And blessings through the night.
And when you wake you will find
That I’ve never left your side.
This I promise, to love you for all time."

I can't think of a better way to express my feelings for our beautiful, amazing, wonderful daughter, Rachel Shu-Ting. I listened to Chuck and Lynette's Lullabies CD during the many months we waited for our child, and now it often plays in her room as she sleeps.

"A love so pure, I can’t describe
How it is that God’s grace would shine
And filled this empty space with you tonight."

Wishing special blessings on those of you still waiting for your children, and happy mother's day to all.

Is there any end to the cuteness? (Nope, it doesn't look like it!)

One of the highlights of the party was the toy zebra. Ting Ting was sure to enjoy her turn.

Yee haw!

Ride 'em, Cowgirl!












Mommy says I can be a mother and a professional cowgirl (or is that zebragirl?).

More cuteness

The illustrations are clever, and it has a riveting plot.

The wonderful thing about Tiggers is Tiggers are wonderful things.

I know their tops are made out of rubber and their bottoms are made out of springs, but what about their noses?

I just can't get enough of this author.

May The Force be with you, Tabitha.

No! Never turn away from The Force! Embrace it!

Or perhaps you'd rather embrace this nice ducky.

Maybe I'll embrace your big brother!
Now it's time for me to ride off into the sunset.

Scenes from a party

OK, kid, come with me.

We can take these tall people if we work together, I know we can.

Here's the plan: You go around the left, and I'll think of something cute to do over here to distract them.

Huh? Oh, I don't know. I'll dance or something -- that usually gets them.


Then you use your light saber to . . .

It's a perfect plan! We can't lose!

Party time

Last Saturday, we met up with some of our China travel mates.
Ting Ting is in front (of course). Linnea is in the beautiful red dress in the back, holding the doll (her grandmother Barbara is behind her, and her mother, Tamara is seated on the floor to the right of the couch). In front of Linnea is Ana (at least I'm pretty sure it's Ana -- help, Anne!). The young girl in the striped shirt is Cece, the daughter of Mickey and Jacquie (Jacquie is wearing a green shirt and has her back to the camera) and big sister to Tabitha.

Ava and Ana were great hostesses. And thanks to the Moran boys for use of the light sabers.

Ava and Ana let Ting Ting play with some of their toys and read their books.

On the right is Mickey, father of Tabitha.

Ting Ting made the sign for "cat" right after we snapped this photo.

I'm pretty sure this is Ana.

(EDITED: Oops, wrong! Her mommy has set me straight -- this is Ava. Sorry, Anne! )

Playing with Tabitha's big brother Luke (and Tigger).

Can't get enough of Luke.

This beautiful shirt was a gift from my friend Michelle (mother to the exquisite Olivia).

Easter dinner

We went to Aunt Chris and Uncle Keith's house for Easter dinner.

Cousin Brad came, too.

Aunt Chris tried to fool me with a magic trick.

Do I have as many teeth as Mom yet?

I played with Cousin Candace for part of the afternoon (although this photo was taken Palm Sunday -- Mom just wanted another shot of me in my Easter dress).

Her first Easter basket

The Easter Bunny found his way to our house on Easter morning and left Ting Ting a basket filled with toys and books.

Cyrus helped her check it out.

Hmmmm, there seems to be some sort of duck theme going on here.

What do you mean, there's no candy in there? Let me see!

Big Sister's Big Day

OK, I have a confession to make: the beautiful Easter photo I posted last week actually was taken on Palm Sunday. Ting Ting's big sister, Lauren, was confirmed that day, so I figured Miss Rachel could wear her finest dress for the occasion. (We were at a different church on Easter, so no one knew she was wearing it for the second time . . . well, not until now.)

Didn't Lauren look beautiful? We are very proud of her and were so happy to witness her confirmation.


Here she is again with her Dad, Ting Ting and I.

We were there early to help set up for the dinner . . . well, Lance helped set up. I mostly bounced Ting Ting on my knee and fed her cookies while everyone else worked hard.

Later, dressed in her formal attire, Rachel Shu-Ting greets her adoring public.

Proud Dad and Daughter No. 1.