Soapy Mouth

Enjoy, because Lily did not!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Have you EVER . . .

Been ice skating and swimming in an outdoor pool on the same day? We did today. LU had staff appreciation day, so they let staff ice skate for free and swim for free among a few other things. I suppose they think it makes up for the 3% raise every other year, but I digress . . . I didn't take the camera to the pool. I actually thought we would be swimming at the indoor pool and with Lily's history with water and camera - well - I didn't think it was wise. We went ice skating during the really hot and humid part of the day, had dinner at home, and returned for a short swim. Lily LOVED the rink. She did a decent job skating and threw a fit when we tried to take her skates off. Eventually, Steve held her and I wrestled them off of her. When we got home, Lily was very hungry, so I gave her a small uncooked cob of corn just to see what she would do with it. The pic is evidence that she ate it down to the cob!

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Last vacation pics

I couldn't resist posting these last couple pics. The first is of Lily, Grace A., and a third girl hiding behind a door. It was fun to watch Lily start to play with other kids! The second is of Lily falling asleep. She was sooo tired that she was falling asleep mid smile.

PA School Accomodations

Just wanted to take the time to PRAISE THE LORD for a HUGE blessing. God has provided a 1 bedroom apartment rent free for the time he is doing classwork. I was convinced from the beginning that God would provide a room with a family, but an ENTIRE apartment? Yet another sign that GOD is watching out for us. I really needed that kind of sign. Read the post under this one to find out why I was a little down.

Prayers for Health

I have waited to post anything as Steve is kind of private and I didn't want to alarm anyone. Quite frankly, I think part of me didn't want to post anything. Hoping that things would be resolved quickly. My way of denial I suppose. I was really uncomfortable with being just shy of 33 and having to wrestle with the idea that losing my husband was not out of the realm of possibilities.

For whatever reason, I feel like I should post something now. Steve had his third diagnostic procedure this morning. He had to undergo general anthesia and is still a little restless and groggy at the same time. Unfortunately, we still really don't know what is wrong. A few things have been ruled out. Intially, the doc said it could be absolutely nothing or it could be as serious as cancer. The procedure today showed his kidney to be healthy with no tumors. I have a conference M, T, W of next week. Steve is having a renal ateriogram on Thursday and an appointment with the doc the 4th, my first day of work.

It could still turn out to be nothing. I am MORE and MORE convinced everyday that SATAN is attacking our family. He knows we are following after God's heart and plan and he doesn't like it. He knows if he can derail us now, he won't have to worry about how God might use us for KINGDOM work in the future.

Most of you know that I start report to school August 4th and Steve has orientation for PA school on the 19th. Somewhere in the midst of that, we will be changing insurance. We were planning on getting Steve a private health policy as the family coverage with my school system is double what we are paying now, but with everything that is going on . . . He has more than met the deductible for himself and most probably the family. I was hoping to get into my classroom to do some prep work as well, but with the procedures, my conference next week, and our trips . . .

Sorry, if this is a little disjointed. I know in my head that God will finish the work he started in us. I know HE will never leave or forsake us. Most days I know it in my heart as well. Just PRAY for wisdom for the docs, peace for our family, ease of transition to a babysitter for Lily (Steve will do this after I start work), and extraordnairy speed and wisdom for me as I will have to put my classroom together in record speed.

Favorite Memories from our IN trip

We enjoyed nearly every moment of our trip (except for Lily throwing silverware, plates, and hitting a 2 day old baby). Is being mortified of your child's actions just part of parenting? I hope so. All kidding aside, I have two favorite memories from this trip.

#1 - Poopy diaper
Joshua and Lily were playing while the parents sat at the dining room table. Joshua came and whispered something in Steve's ear. Matt and Beth thought he was tattling on Lily, but Steve assured us that he wasn't. I guess Lily was walking around saying poo-poo, poo-poo and he didn't know why. Yup, she didn't smell so fresh. Steve went to change the diaper and Joshua asked if he could watch. I told Joshua that I didn't mind, but he might want to ask his mom. He started to do so and suddenly turned to me and said, "I don't think that is such a good idea." Not sure if he didn't want to ask Mom or he didn't want to watch the diaper change?

#2 - Inside Car
We stopped to see friends of ours in Indy and needed to kill sometime. They live in downtown Indy, so we walked around Circle Centre Mall. We couldn't find on-street parking as there was a special event, so we parked in the Mall parking garage. $1.50 for up to three hours - not bad since most places wanted at least $5. Lily started yammering away as we drove up and up. We ended up parking on the 6th floor, so it took a minute to get to our spot. We couldn't figure out what Lily was saying, but it was the SAME thing over and over. Finally, it dawned on me. "Inside Car" I asked her if the car was inside and she shook her head yes. Then she started saying "Outside Car." I asked her if she wanted the car to go outside. Again, she answered in the affimative. We don't have a garage, so I don't think she had ever been in a car indside for that length of time. Since then, Lily is very quick to tell us when the car is inside even if it isn't really. Like today. We were driving through an area where the trees touched and you couldn't see the sky. She clearly wanted the car to go outside again!

Relaxation!

We didn't do anything on this day, but lounge around in our pjs, have breakfast, visit a yard sale, and then eventually we made it to the park. It was a nice day!

We stopped by the Huffords garage sale. I think they were a little surprised to see us, but I don't think they were too disappointed that we didn't buy anything:). I had the camera, but didn't take any pics of this.

Beth and I took Lily and Joshua to the park. They both had a lot of fun. It wasn't too hot, but a tad humid! Joshua is standing at the top and Lily is at the bottom in the first pic. Beth asked me if I was nervous watching Lily go up the climber without help. I wasn't the least bit concerned. I think Beth was nervous enough for the both of us! We got them both a snack while we were there. Lily wanted NO help with her Scooby-Doo push-up.

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Just as we were arriving back at the Stout's home from the park, the skies opened up albeit very briefly! Lily and Joshua enjoyed playing in the rain! Joshua was singing, "Rain, Rain, Go Away, the old man is getting wet."

Indiana here we come!

We left Ohio just after lunch, traveling during Lily's nap. We made it to Marion after a few detours. None of which were our fault, just road construction! We met up with my friend, Amy, from college. She drove up to her parents house and the girls played for awhile. We haven't talked seen each other since before we were both married! Amy's parents have a new kitten that all four girls really enjoyed playing with. Surprisingly, the little kitty behaved well and tolerated a lot!

After checking in with our hosts, we headed to Mary's for dinner. Yummy chicken and veggies on the grill. Lily kept calling Mallory, Mary's dog, Cassie. Cassie and Mallory could be littermates, except Mallory is just a tad larger than Cassie. Lily also decided to chuck one of Mary's dishes onto the floor. It was a corelle dish and they normally don't break, but Lily has an arm on her and it shattered into many, many, many pieces. Thanks for being so laid back about it, Mary. We were mortified!

Off we go!

I know this is coming a few days late, but here goes . . . We had a wonderful trip reconnecting with people we miss dearly! We left around noon traveling to visit with my "2nd mom" and Lily's Nana Susan in Xenia, OH. Thursday night and Friday morning.

Lily kept insisting "Nana back, Nana back" meaning she wanted a piggy back ride. Nana was a trooper and only moved Lily to her shoulders when her back just couldn't take little Lily anymore. We took a walk down my old street. Things sure seem farther away when you are smaller. Lily was able to walk on the stone wall that all children in the neighborhood have trapsed across. I remember doing it myself nearly 30 years ago!

Elmo Medicine

Lily got stuck on Elmo while hanging with Mr. Marty and Zoe during the month of May while I taught. She found a syringe and this is what I found her doing this morning . . .

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Diaper Rash and Potty Training?

I swore that I wasn't going to do potty training this summer. I had absolutely no interest in fighting that battle with my very spirited and strong-willed daughter if she wasn't absolutely ready. Well, I guess you can see where this is going. . .

Lily had the worse case of diaper rash I have seen on her upon our return from Canada. She has rarely had it. I mean I still have half of the tube of diaper cream that I bought before we brought her home from China 15 months ago. In my research on diaper rash, I discovered that babies in cloth diapers have a much lower incidence of diaper rash FYI :)

Everything I read said that the best way to get rid of it is to let them go bare-bottomed as much as possible. So that started Sunday morning (I did put her in a diaper for church). We held her over the big girl potty several times and she used it and had only 1 accident all day long. We headed to Wal-Mart for a little potty seat and some stickers for rewards.

She did GREAT Sunday and Monday - so much so - I bought her some princess underwear Monday night. Tuesday - no so good. Several accidents. I think she had a hard time with the underwear. Today, she had several #1 accidents, but has gone #2 consistently in the potty! She even went to the potty on her own, pulled her underwear down, went, and started cleaning up after herself before I even knew she was in the bathroom.

I had a REALLY cute video of her on the potty, but at the end she decided to lift her dress. Since I didn't want to embarrass her that much, you get only the picture.

Long Day Ahead, Prayers Needed

As posted by SCC's manager:

As pivotal as the last 3 days were, today is just as important a day. In a way, Steven has re-entered public life. He and the band, his boys in particular, and the crew around them re-took the stage for the first time since the accident and the loss of Maria over these last three days. It was an incredibly emotional and amazing experience for us all. Thank you for your prayers. It is obvious the God of the universe kept His word to hear them, He obviously showed up and carried Steven and all through this difficult task with courage, bravery, even at times a touch of joy.

Now today.

After the bus arrives back in Nashville around 1p or so... Steven, Will & Caleb will head to the house. Planned to be there today... the entire Chapman family, and People Magazine. Family photos of the "new" normal and an interview with the huge magazine outlet. That's 2:30 - 7pm, or so.

A long day. A difficult day. We go to God for strength and courage and peace and His words for each of the Chapmans for this interview. Steven and family are seeking God to get the glory. We are seeking People (pun intended) who may not otherwise hear to hear. We'd ask you to pray along with us, as you have been so faithful to do. And then after the interview is complete, it will be out of our hands and in an editor's to decide what to print. Again, we ask you to pray that the words will be well chosen and of the Higher agenda. And we trust He will have His way.

Then, Steven plans to head to the studio for a 9p session with THIS MOMENT album producer, Matt Bronleewe. Matt has gracious agreed to help with a very special project to be announced here shortly. Stand by. Patience friends.


Please follow this link to read the rest: http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/2008/07/one-more-thing.html

Vacation pics

I am in process of posting vacation pics. I am was hoping to get them all done tonight, but I am very tired and I have been on this computer TOO long! I posted them to their appropriate days, so you may need to scroll down or click on older posts to see them.

Yuckies

Please say a prayer for Lily (Mommy and Daddy too). She has had some pretty icky diapers since Thursday. I thought they were getting better, but to no avail. I am hoping her 2 yr old molars are FINALLY about to surface. She has some pretty bad diaper rash. She scream whenever we have to change a diaper, "No cream, no cream." Afterwards, she walks like a penguin for a few minutes. She even bends her knees and keeps her legs close enough together when we hold her that she can't "sit" on our hips.

First Night Back

Please take the time to check out SCC's manager's blog. He posted song by song updates from his first performance since Maria's death. I wish with all my heart that I could have been there. Jim Houser described a VERY special evening. Continue in prayer!

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/2008/07/on-stage-to-a-s.html is the link to the first post of the concert.

On the Road Again!

My first doughnuts from Tim Horton's - Timbits!

Engrossed in Scooby Doo!

Just being silly!

Here are the last couple of pics taken on our vacation. They were all taken before the really bad yucky diapers started. Anyway . . .

McDs in Belleville

The McDonalds in Belleville was recently torn down and the rebuilt. This is special to Steve for he spent many years working at the "old" McDs. We visited for some playland time.

Long Lost Friends

We spent Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning with dear friends of ours, the Puglisi family, near Toronto. Visits with them are bittersweet, because it makes me realize even more how much I would love to be closer to them. Lily really enjoyed playing with the boys. I am sure she would love to have an older brother; however, that doesn't seem to be in the cards for her (or us). I didn't realize until after we were gone that I only had pics of Christopher, their oldest. Christopher is going into grade 4 and Daniel is going into grade 1.

Playtime

Today we went with Grandma and Grandpa to a really neat play area. It is funded through government money and it is a play area for kids up to age 6. They have several different rooms. A drama/dressup/kitchen room. A paint/water/sand room. A gym. Lots of neat stuff. Lily made/painted a sunflower with Grandma's help.

Brief Update and Request

The internet is a little spotty here in the Great White North. Well, not really just at our current abode so to speak. I will work on adding pics once we return to Lynchburg.

Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I continue to ask for prayers for the Chapman family. SCC is scheduled to return to touring and concerts on July 11th, in just a few short days. I beg you to pray without ceasing especially in the next few days.

A day (hour sometimes even a minute) does not go by that I don't think of them.

Swimming

Lily and Daddy went swimming in Blake and Makayla's pool today. Lily is turning into quite the little fish! Blake and Makayla are Grandma and Grandpa Woof's surrogate grandkids :)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Chapman update

Check out his manager's blog. He has posted several times in the last couple of days. Continue in your prayers!

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/

Petting Zoo/Farm

Today and tomorrow we are visiting with Steve's brother's family (Mark, Janet, Hailey, and soon-to-be #2) in Connecticut. We had a very nice relaxing morning and then headed out to a local farm/petting zoo. I am LOVING our new camera. We are able to get much better pics, much faster! In fact, I took about 50 pics (most of them pretty good on the first try) in less than an hour. With the old camera, that would have been impossible!

Prayers please!

I don't want to share too much due to the situation, but please pray for a sister in Christ I am calling "Lottie." She needs peace, direction, safety, and provision for her and her family.

Jen

China "cousins"

Hannah, Lily, and Hannah's sister, Emily

Hallie finally decided to join the picture

We had the privilege of taking our first rest stop at the home of Hannah. Hallie's mom brought Hallie over for the visit. Hannah and Hallie both live in Winchester, VA about three hours from us. Hannah and Hallie's parents Bethany as their adoption agency. All three girls are from Guangdong province, but different orphanages.

I believe Hannah's orphanage is only about an hour from Lily's former home! All three girls, while they don't look that much alike, have the characteristically round faces and round eyes of the southern Chinese.

I have always known Lily was our "Petite Princess." What I found interesting is that all three girls are of Chinese descent and Lily still looks quite small! Hallie is going to be three in a couple months, but Hannah is only about 3 months older than Lily.

Two random facts - 1. Lily just had a growth spurt and grew about 1/2 of an inch in the last month! 2. Lily's two girl cousins are named Hailey and Hannah!

Potholders and Bibs

Lily decided to use the potholder as a bib. Who knew that you could have so much fun with a potholder! I wish I could've gotten a little better picture of it!