Lucey Lou Update

It's been awhile since I've written about how Lucey Lou's adoption is coming along. The past month has been the most difficult for me so far. The month has had some downs but also some very good news. First, we've had a few documents "expire" so I was on the hunt for new originals and then there were a few silly mishaps....for example, one of the notaries had her name misspelled on her notary stamp. I was a bit weepy after I heard that I had to hunt down yet another document because of this person's mistake. I had already sent our dossier to the courier and then there was more waiting as I ran around town again gathering the document and a signature. It put us a week behind schedule. I have had to rely on patience from God and His perfect timing in this process. Thank you to the Lord for His peace. I'm at peace once again.

Lucey's picture again... Thank you for praying for her.

Lucey at 11 months old. We hope to have an update and new pictures soon.

We have a good start to her room. I'm still looking for drapes. I think she will feel cozy here.

I thought she needed a little monogrammed pillow that "says" I belong here. We are waiting for you Lucey!

I have a few Nell Hill items I purchased a long time ago never thinking they would go in our little girl's room someday.

A few more things for Lucey I purchased recently.

This is it-- The completed authenticated dossier--I can't believe it all finally came together!


I'm off to Ron's office to copy the dossier. I need three extra sets. Ron is going to help me.

The copies are made and Ron is holding the original. He is ready to take it to the post office. I had a hard time letting it go. All that work, all that emotion and off it goes.

Update: It arrived safely to the person who will be mailing it off to China. The dossier will be mailed to China on Monday. What a relief. Now we sit and wait.

We are ready to go! Hang on Lucey-- We are coming to get you soon!

Love,

Beth

Welcome Home Ron!

Ron came home on Friday, August 15th around 2:00 in the afternoon. We were so happy to see him walk through the door. He traveled about 2,500 miles home in the ROTC truck. Needless to say he was pretty tired when he arrived. His trip to Ft. Lewis, Washington was a busy time so he started his trip home needing some sleep. He left Washington on Monday, August 11th. He made a stop in Wyoming to visit his wonderful Aunt Sue and Uncle Mel. His visit was so enjoyable and they made him feel right at home. Can you believe he fed a fox from his hand. Mel is very personal with the wild life out there. We have a picture to prove it. Amazing! Thank you to the Tuckers for having Ron for an evening. He stopped in Colorado Springs and visited with our friends from our early military days, the Mullens...how great to see them and their precious children. Thanks Elizabeth for feeding Ron a delicious meal. He really enjoyed catching up with you. His next stop was in Kansas City and we send many thanks to Auntie M. and Uncle Paul for creating a relaxing and warm visit at their home. I always say they have a "spa" atmosphere. We love our deep conversations too. After K.C. he arrived here on our doorstep....what a wonderful sight! The boys and I had to fight Max for the coveted embrace. Boy, I never saw a dog get so excited, so happy and so obnoxious for attention. He was wedging himself in between Ron, me and the boys. It was quite funny. Adam had started school and had soccer practice in the afternoon so we all ventured over to the soccer fields to watch Adam practice.

While we were watching Adam, we couldn't help but hug and laugh and goof around. We started snapping pictures.

Adam got a water break and he headed straight for Ron....The pictures are somewhat out of order. I don't have the time or patience to figure that piece of blogging out.

I love the action shot. Not bad with a not so great camera.

Andrew and Ron.

Christian and Ron.

They look so much like their Dad and very happy too!

Love,

Beth

She is here and she is quite lovely....

Our very special friends: The Butlers gave birth to a sweet baby girl:

Lena

Born July 23rd 2008

7 pounds 5 ounces. 20 inches

Lena has a wonderful and smart big brother--Henri, 9 years old. She also has a happy and helpful big sister--Lydia, 5 years old.

Veronique and I have been friends for 20 years. She is so dear to me. I couldn't be happier for her and her newest little one and her precious family. We rejoice and pray for them as they embrace another Butler. She is perfect and right where she should be.

Congratulations to you Veronique and Kevin! We can't wait to someday meet Lena and see all of you again!

Love,

Beth

Home Again--

Pictures of Adam's departure to Virginia- Aug. 4th, 2008



Papa Dave came to wish Adam farewell.

Dad called from the West Coast to say good-bye and give Adam a few encouraging words.

While waiting for Adam's flight, Adam shares his new book on China with Andrew and Christian.

Saying good-bye to my first born. Thanks Christian, for taking such a great photo.

Andrew, Christian and I picked Adam up from the airport this afternoon--8/7/08. Adam had a fantastic trip and said, "It was very productive." The Accessions Command Teen Panel have put some plans into work to improve lives of military teens living all over the world. He felt they came up with some great ideas and are ready to continue their efforts in moving forward--putting ideas into action. Great job Adam and all of your peers for working hard these past 4 days.

Love,

Beth

The House Feels A Bit Empty:

It does...the house is a bit quiet with Ron on the West Coast and Adam On the East Coast. Andrew, Christian and I are right here in the middle of the USA feeling a little lonely for the two big guys. Today, Ron has been gone exactly 5 weeks. I know, you may be thinking that at least he's in the United States or that we are used to him being gone but you know what...I don't think that a person ever gets "used to" the people they love the most being gone for an extended period of time no matter where they are off to. With that said, we wait eagerly and patiently for Ron to come home in just two weeks. We are counting down the days!

As for Adam...he is TDY (for those of you non-military people that means Temporary Duty) to the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. This is the second year of Adam's commitment to the Accessions Command Teen Panel. Last year Adam applied by sending an application, several essays, a recommendation letter from our Pastor and sent in his grades and was one of 9 students selected from across the country to sit on the panel of military teens. His job is to help come up with ways to improve the lives of military teens stationed in remote areas (not on a military post). It's a leadership opportunity as well. He and the team of students will brainstorm ideas and come up with a presentation that they will articulate to the commanding general...LTG Benjamin C. Freakley...you can read more about him here. Adam is a great guy for the job because he has embraced our military lifestyle and enjoys moving and meeting new people. He has a great attitude. You can ask anyone who knows us and Adam and they will tell you the same. Adam left yesterday morning on 9:00 a.m. flight. Papa Dave met us at the airport to support Adam in his endeavor and to send Adam off with a big bear hug. Thanks Dad! I have to admit; I was a bit nervous for Adam as he navigated by himself through security and on to his gate. Then, I was a bit worried about him finding his way to baggage claim in Virginia and meeting up with "his people." Adam is a very confident young man for just 15 and I should not worry. But, I am his Mom and I only have but one Adam. Adam--we miss you! See you on Thursday. PS...be prudent with your spending. :-)

Love,
Beth

Birthday Wishes for You Ron--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!!!

5 weeks is a long time to be away. We miss you very much! Only two more weeks to go. We are counting down the days until you return.

We decided collectively that having pie in honor of your birthday was a great idea!

We hope your day was a blessed one. We will celebrate when you get back.

Love you bunches!!!

Beth, Adam, Andrew and Christian

We're a bit off key. :-)

The Boys of Summer

The boys keep us very busy. Our summer has been fun and active. That's what you get when you have a bunch of boys. I love it!

Even though it's been an easy going summer, I have set up a few parameters. I have a calendar/chore chart for the boys that they follow each day. We also have some type of education going on. The boys have been reviewing their math, writing, reading and practicing their instruments. There is some apprehension in the kitchen so...each Thursday one of the boys decides on a dinner menu and I help them make the meal from start to finish. It's been fun spending time with each one in the kitchen. On a side note: Before we begin, I practice some deep breathing exercises and rehearse the line, "I'm a patient person."



Andrew sauteing garlic and onions.

Andrew learning to use a sharp knife. I was using my deep breathing techniques through this lesson. I have sharp knives by this company here (just click on the link) J.A Henckels International.

Christian really enjoyed reading one of my cookbooks and decided on his beef brisket meal all on his own. He must be related to his Aunt Bunny, Veronique, (she is really like a sister to me, I've known her for 20 years...I miss you!) who is an awesome french chef and loves to read cookbooks too.

Christian is putting the crust in the pie plate.

One of many basketball games in the driveway.

Every boy of a Soldier will have a course in land navigation. Ron is teaching the boys how to use a compass and getting ready to go on a course that he set up in the neighborhood. This was a little more than just a scavenger hunt. They learned how to set their pace and walk it out in meters. Adam had a few guys spend the night and they had a great time.

There seems to be a theme with boys and that would be "battle." Andrew, Christian and Travis playing a battle game that Travis brought over on a hot afternoon. Travis has to be one of the nicest boys I have met. The battle was very quiet and quite "gentlemenish".

Andrew and his battle. He loves playing with his Papo figurines. Click here to learn more. Papo.

Somerset Boys---They had a great game of tag on a beautiful day at the park.

My first attempt to add a video. I hope this works.

I hope you are having a fun and blessed summer too.

Love,

Beth

What's With The "E"?

I'm not one who likes to change the spelling of a perfectly nice name--you know, add a letter here, change the spelling to make it cutesie etc....so you may be wondering why we have that extra "E" in Lucey? Lucey is a Surname. It's of Irish origin. My beautiful Grandma Monica was Monica Lucey--a full Irish woman. She would be 102 if she were alive today. I tried to scan a picture of my beautiful Grandma but had some technical difficulties. Believe me when I say, she was beautiful. She was a lady, (and she was just that) a lady ahead of her time. She was a nurse which suited her personality and her heart. She was a woman of God and a woman of service. My Grandma Monica smiled all the time. She made me feel special. I never heard my Grandma complain. She has two sons; My Dad and my Uncle Donald. They completely adored their Mother. They had a special bond and respect for her. I want to have a heart like my Grandma and I hope my boys feel the same about me someday that her boys felt about her. I also have to add that our Lucey is also named after my Great Grandma Louise. Another amazing woman. I do remember my Great Grandma but she had declined in her mental health when I knew her. As I sat holding her hand and talking with her I could still see the sweet woman that I had heard so much about. Through family members I hear that she was a very special woman and a wonderful Grandma. So it is with complete honor and respect that we have named our little girl after two amazing women....

A Few Things For Lucey-

Test Driving Lucey's New Stroller

The Combi - Cosmo EX

at only 13 pounds, it will be a nice one to

travel with to China.

Thanks Max for the Test Drive!

A Start to Lucey's Wardrobe...

Tennis Anyone?

Every Girl Needs Some Lounge-Wear

Lucey's First P.J.'s

Love,

Beth

Our Dad-Our Hero! Happy Father's Day~

There is not a Dad out there that loves his boys anymore than this Dad here. This Dad is a Man of God. This Dad is practical and does not over react. He remains steady and calm which I know the boys find comfort in. He is a Military Dad; he commands respect. With that said, it is so incredibly sweet to watch him with his boys. Each one of them look forward to being tucked in at night with kisses, hugs and a cross on the forehead. I love hearing Adam (our 15 year old son) say, "Daddy, are you going to tuck me in tonight?" It's especially sweet when this boy stands quite a few inches taller than his Dad. This Dad has a special book he is reading with his boys. I've mentioned it before, it's called "David." I know this Dad resonates with David. It is described that David was a man whose light shone through the tarnish. If you read about David you will learn that David's life offers hope to all of us. His life shows how devotion doesn't mean perfection-that God loves us in spite of our weaknesses, and can do extraordinary things through ordinary men whose lives are devoted wholly to Him. This Dad prays with his boys. I know This Dad is not perfect but I know this Dad is seeking The Lord and doing his best as a father. I love watching this Dad and his boys and the love shared between them.

Love,

Beth

Baubles for Baby

Lucey Lou turned One this past Tuesday. I thought about her more deeply that day. Were they celebrating her? I sent special prayers up for her birth mom; I could only imagine what her Mom must have been feeling that day in particular. It's not natural for a mom to give her child up. I could not imagine having to do that myself. I love my children so much I can't even put the feelings I have for them into words that would do my thoughts and my heart justice. I'm sure Lucey's Mom was feeling some emotional pain on Tuesday. I pray that she has a peace about her knowing that she did the right thing and that Lucey will be well taken care of. She put Lucey in a safe place out of complete love for her. That I know for sure.

I had an overwhelming need to send something to Lucey. We called Carol to see if it were possible. Carol got back to us right away (as she always does) and hooked us up with a family traveling to China soon. They are making the delivery for us. I know they have a lot to take so I didn't want to take up their precious space so we chose a few "Baubles" that may help Lucey get to know us and to comfort her.

I love this little Baby Einstein photo book/teether. We put each of our pictures in there to include Max (our miniature schnauzer) and Nana Kathy and Papa Dave so she can get acquainted while we wait. The Little bunny blankie is snuggly soft and I have to confess that I slept with it hoping my scent would become a part of it and that she will get to know me. I love the "Guess How Much I Love You" board book. Someday she will know exactly what those words mean. I read to the boys all the time when they were little (actually, Ron and I still take pleasure in reading to the twins and Ron and the 3 boys have a book they are reading together--just the men--"David" by Charles R. Swindoll) and with all of my prolific readers in this house--she will be read to a lot.

Love,

Beth