Take a Break from Winter - Wordless Wednesday

I thought some of you might need a break from winter and enjoy some shots from Hawaii. Once again I couldn't decide on just one picture. Enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday website

WWJP

A friend of mine emailed me this as a joke but didn't want to blog it, calling it too "iffy" to post. I'll post it without commentary, instead, wondering what you think. Let me hear your thoughts.

Image originally posted @ The Wittenburg Door

The Answer to Preventing Crime?

Have you noticed? The BIG story locally: STORM WATCH 2008. Yes, it's raining here in Southern California. It is all that seemed to happen here locally yesterday. News report after news report depicted some poor soul in a raincoat and an umbrella standing near a puddle, each one stating details of water falling from the sky. Observing story after story I noticed a difference in the day's newscasts and I began to wonder...hadn't there been anyone murdered? no drive by shootings? convenience store robberies? high speed police chases? nothing???

Then I wondered some more: Maybe the rain was unifying. Maybe everyone puts down their burdens and comes together in peace and harmony due to the rain. Maybe the Native Americans were on to something with their rain dances. Perhaps they were used for more than desiring rain for their crops. Maybe something as simple as rain is all we need to put an end to crime.

But then I became skeptical. Maybe it's just easier to set up a camera on the corner outside the news station than it is to drive to all the murders, shootings, and robberies while it's raining. And if that's not cynical enough, just watch how people drive. Rain seems to make no difference in the number of idiot drivers out there.

Scenes from the Desert - Wordless Wednesday

Joshua Tree National Park - June 2006
Click on each image for a larger view

Wordless Wednesday website

Hail to the King - Wordless Wednesday

Here is one of my favorite shots from our trip to China. While walking through an old farming village in Nanchang, through gestures I asked this family if I could take their picture. They happily agreed. The family positioned themselves just inside the doorway to their very small living quarters. The boys in China truly are treated like royalty. Keep in mind this was a very poor area. This photograph captures a portion of what I observed as seemingly typical: the boys dressed in the best clothes; the center of attention; allowed to do whatever they want without correction. They seemed so proud of their boy. We can't help but think that our daughter was born in such a village.

Wordless Wednesday

Thank You

Several months ago I made a rather feeble attempt to find out who visits my blog. (Thank you to my four respondents.) Of course most bloggers like to receive comments (hint hint!!!) but since I keep telling myself that I write this blog just to write, get my thoughts out, document, etc., I didn't press the issue. Having tried to put my curiosity behind me, I recently received some indirect verbal responses to my search. I had many pleasant opportunities to get together with people over the 3-week Christmas break. On more than one occasion I was encouraged by what many of you had to say. When I shared some information or a story, some of you said, "Oh ya, I read that on your blog." And others expressed how much you enjoy the pictures I post. And quite a few of you commented on my weight loss post and mentioned how it encouraged you. When I went fishing for comments or commenters, little happened. So I was pleasantly surprised and greatly encouraged by your kind words...especially since I was not seeking them. I'm glad that my writing: a) is coherent enough to keep your attention; b) is interesting enough to keep you coming back; and c) is able to encourage some of you. Hearing from you blessed me for which I offer a heartfelt "Thank You" for your kind words.

Finally Home

I've admitted a few times too many in here about getting teary eyed about certain things. So with no admission of anything of the sort (I have my reputation to maintain...ha ha), I wanted to share a song that, from the first listen, had quite an impact on me. The song is Finally Home by MercyMe. Julianne was surprised because she knows I rarely "hear" the lyrics for some time; she knows I tend listen to the instrumentation above all. But like I said, not this time. As I read in a review, the song is a follow up to I Can Only Imagine written after the passing of singer Bart Millard's father. Posted below are the lyrics followed by a short sample video of the song. Read, listen, and take it in.

Finally Home
by MercyMe

I’m gonna wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck
And tell him that I’ve missed him.
And tell him all about the man that I became
And hope that it pleased him

There’s so much I want to say
There’s so much I want you to know

When I finally make it home
When I finally make it home

Then I’ll gaze upon the throne of the King
Frozen in my steps
And all the questions that I swore I would ask
Words just won’t come yet

So amazed at what I’ve seen
So much more than this old mind can hold

And the sweetest sound my ears have yet to hear
Voices of the angels

Memories from Texas - Wordless Wednesday

Yummm! Oreo cookie pie!

Has a messy face every looked so cute?

My girls walking off into the sunset. Ok, well at least down the street.

Happy New Year, Y'all

We had the privilege of spending several days with some wonderful friends in Texas. We had a great visit. Since they had moved to Texas while we were in China getting Lily, this was their first opportunity to meet her (all except Marcos who got to meet her on a brief visit back to California.) Lily did really well with the traveling, the late hours, the extended time in her not-so-comfortable car seat, and just being out of her element. Our friend's children did wonderfully with Lily and treated her incredibly well.

While in Texas we got to spend time with other friends as well. On New Year's Eve we got to visit with Robin and Travis, a couple that was in our travel group to China. They traveled with their son Samuel to get their daughter, Lucy. It was a wonderful reunion. They are such a wonderful family. I wish we planned more time to spend with them.

We were able to ring in the new year with more friends from back home. Manny and Julie invited all of us to their home to celebrate the new year. I could not believe Lily stayed up until midnight. She was having a blast with all the kids. Once again, all the kids were absolutely wonderful with her. Outside of spending time with Marcos, Angela, and the kids, I had three things on my list of things-to-do-in-Texas:

1. Buy Lily and myself a pair of cowboy boots (Julianne already has a few pairs)
   
2. Visit Robin and Travis
3. Get a piece of pecan pie from The Old Pecan Street Cafe

Lily and I got the boots and we got to see Robin and Travis so I figured two outta three ain't bad! I planned on getting myself black boots but ended up with these instead. Lily got an adorable pair of pink boots. Here are some shots from our trip:

Us in front of Lake Travis

Lily on the hanging swing

Lily and Reagan playing

Lily and Gabriella

Travis, Lucy, Samuel, and Robin

Lucy, Robin, and Lily

The two Spidermen (Julian and Jordan)

Reagan and her daddy playing

Reagan looking as cute as can be

Game time

Fun above Lake Travis

The condos Marcos is building

The site of the future Fernandez home

Pretty Kitty - Wordless Wednesday

My favorite picture of our cat Caly. She was the best cat.