ABC Wednesday---Z Is For Zhu Han Tao

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

And there *she* is! Zhu Han Tao. One of three tiny referral pictures we had waited what seems like a lifetime for. Do you not LOVE the hair? I've always wanted a buzz cut...only red of course...instead I got a daughter with one. And oh, skipping ahead several months from receiving this picture...that hair was so rough...so coarse...smelled so good...gave me and continues to give me such peace.

I don't have any real memory of opening Zhu Han Tao's referral packet...nor seeing her pictures for the first time. I do remember going into shock and blanking out for at least 24 hours. I remember making copies of her pictures and delivering them to our friends Carol and Tom, my brother, and my mother. The next day I remember going out and buying a frame for this shot and putting it on our coffee table. Later that night? I couldn't look at that picture without crying...finally...FINALLY...my baby had a face...my baby was real...my baby was alive, and breathing, and eating, and sleeping, and thriving not just inside my heart...but somewhere in the world...in Anqing.

And still...to this day...Hope, the former Zhu Han Tao is now six years old...Claire, the former Qian Li Lu is three...I look at them and cannot believe that they are really here...that they are mine. That an amazing series of events involving parents, a set of birth parents half way around the world, an adoption agency, two governments, more paperwork than you could ever imagine, several dozen government agencies both state and federal, a loving orphanage staff, and literally hundreds of other people from all over the world...brought these two precious souls...home.

Be blessed y'all

It has been an absolute pleasure being a part of ABC Wednesday Round 4!

ABC Wednesday---Y Is For You've Got To Be Kidding?!

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

I can't believe that Round 4 is only two posts away from being finished! I remember deciding sometime last fall that I was going to join the next round of ABC Wednesday. In December I sat down and made a list of ideas for most of the letters. P, R, S, T, U and today's Y were all blank...yet honestly? I think at least two of those were some of my best work during my time with the meme!

I'm sitting here looking at my list and find it interesting that most all of the other letters have between three and seven ideas written beside each of them. Yet I used only SEVEN of those ideas! D, H, L, Q, V, X, and finally next week's Z post. In every other instance, some other, newer...better idea popped into my head at the last minute...most of the time inspired by something that was going on in my life at the time. My W post still amazes me. I had decided I didn't like any of the ideas I had on my list but could NOT think of another one. I decided I'd think about it on my WALK...hello? ; )

I have thoroughly enjoyed my ABC Wednesdays. Having one small deadline every week...to keep my mind sharp...exercising a little creativity...doing something I want to do...and love to do. Will I be participating in Round 5? I'd say it's a distinct possibility! Every week? Probably not. There are so many other memes I'd like to look into...and so little time in my day! Besides...I have to pop in every now and then. I have to check on Carolina...and Jay!

As always, be blessed y'all!

ABC Wednesday---X Is For Xu Xian Mei

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

This lovely young woman is Xu Xian Mei. She is the current director of The Anqing Children's Welfare Institute...where my Hope spent the first eleven months of her life. This picture was snapped shortly after she exited the long awaited "Baby Van"...the van that carried not only my oldest daughter, but also the daughters of six other very impatient families who were waiting on pins and needles inside the lobby of The Novotel Hotel in Hefei. I didn't know who this elegant woman was...nor did I recognize the baby she was carrying as my own. But it would all become clear in a matter of moments.

That's Mme. Xu again, in the brown coat with her back towards the camera...holding Zhu Han Tao...in her little pink Peter Rabbit outfit. The gentleman with his arm around Mme. Xu, is "Uncle Zhou"...he's kind of like my own version of American Express...I don't want to leave home for China without him...hired by our agency to take the best possible care of us while we were in country. He is checking out the babies...one by one as they are carried into the hotel lobby by an employee from The Anqing CWI. Notice all the nervous and happy new parents with cameras? Me? I'm standing just out of frame...crying...in total shock...wondering which baby is mine. And for the first time ever, I just noticed that Han Tao's head is turned directly towards me...like she knew. I'll be back in a few...I need a Kleenex...

Ok...so after they paraded through the lobby, they proceeded to climb a rather large, rather impressive staircase to the next floor where they settled in what I remember to be as a HUGE conference room...with seven sets of "we can't wait another minute for our baby" parents, grandparents, and siblings close behind.

The babies and their caregivers were taking seats in an alcove to the left. Cameras were being fired up...tears were being shed...nervous giggling could be heard...some were absolutely positive they knew which baby was their own...others had not a clue. Me? I was crying and standing near the door, ready to make a quick getaway. Garry? He knew her the moment she got off the van. MANY thanks to all who took these pictures and shared them with our entire group. I, for one, will forever be in your debt.

Uncle Zhou asked if everyone was ready...one mother who had been through this before said, "You're a fool Zhou!" We all laughed. Zhou pulled out his little notebook and called the name of one of the families. The exuberant mother stepped forward, verified her baby's Chinese name, and was handed a beautiful new daughter. Zhou said, "Who's next?" Nobody moved. He moved closer to Mme. Xu and spoke to her, then repeated his question, "Who's next?" He looked across the room...directly at me and said, "You want to go next? This your baby?" I remember so vividly every single person in front of me just parting...moving to either side of me until I was looking into the eyes of who I knew was my reason for living. And...me being me...I remember joking, "I'll just take whichever one is left." More laughs from the crowd. Zhou motioned for me to come forward...I was asked to speak my child's given Chinese name. I managed to squeak out, "Zhu Han Tao" which is what I am saying in the picture above. I can STILL see Mme. Xu's sparkling eyes looking into mine as she handed me my Hope...this child I had waited my entire life for...and all I could do was look at this beautiful woman and whisper, "thank you" over...and over...and over.

Two days later we were given the extreme pleasure of visiting the CWI. It was, and continues to be a trip I will treasure. To see how my child spent her first eleven months...where she slept...see the obvious love her caregivers had for her...before she could be with me...it was simply priceless. Made even more precious by the fact that I was unable to travel to China, and share any of these early experiences with Claire.

Mme. Xu is an angel...a true gift from God. Whose beauty, serenity, generosity, and kindness will forever be a part of Hope's life story.

Be blessed y'all,

ABC Wednesday---W Is For Walks

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

I have to admit...I've never been one of those women with a thing for shoes. I spend most of my time barefoot. But lately, I am attracted to these sweet little numbers. Notice the color? You'll see it again...and again...

I have become absolutely addicted to walking. It has been my exercise of choice for a LOT of years. I walked solo for a long time before the girls arrived. Once Hope joined our family I put her in the stroller and we had our daily three miles every morning. When Claire got here it was a little harder. Claire didn't like the stroller...Hope was too big for the stroller...so I had one screaming and one whining because we were going too fast...or too far...or she wanted to go home...you get the idea.

You may remember that I was pretty much a basket case when Hope started Kindergarten. My MAJOR incentive for getting her on the bus in the morning was that as soon as that bus took off, I could go for a walk. Claire finally got used to the stroller and I could get my three mile workouts in again.

Well...school is out...and I was going a bit...ummm...stir crazy without my walks. Garry told me to just start going out at night when he was home to watch the girls. I have to admit, although it thrilled me? I also had doubts. You may have noticed I'm a bit of a hermit? ") Our neighborhood is full of other walkers, kids, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, motorcycles, and general commotion in the evenings. But...I gave it a try. Oh MAN am I glad I did. There have been some evenings I have literally leapt from the dinner table and blown out the door like a shot.

I never really started walking to lose weight. I did have an issue with cholesterol, which the walks have taken care of...the endorphin boost is amazing...I've had to buy all new pants/capris because I've dropped from an 8 to a 6. There are some days that those walks are the only thing that keep my hangnails clutched at my rather tenuous grip on sanity. To have 50 minutes to an hour to clear my head...let the sun shine on my face...feel the breeze in my hair...just let go...see...I told you...I'm addicted.

This dinosaur of an MP3 player (think rotary phone) is a constant companion on my nightly excursions. This beast holds THIRTY songs! LOL Hey, for now, that's enough for me...although I have asked for a newer...higher capacity...(green) one for my birthday. You did notice the color of my headphones...no? Right now it is filled...to capacity...with my two Steve's...Tyler and Perry...lots of Aerosmith and Journey. There is also plenty of Rob Thomas, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw...and even a little Boston and Bad Company thrown in for good measure.


Possibly the most surprising item that also travels with me is my phone. Noticing a theme yet? So...have I mentioned I don't talk on the phone...unless it's an emergency? Apparently the rush of endorphins has also changed this. I've been known to actually MAKE A CALL myself and not only speak to the person I've called? But ENJOY it as well.

So how far? How fast? How often? Well...since I've been out there on my own again I've added three more pieces to my usual route. I'm fairly certain I'm near at least 5 miles now. As soon as I get a new battery for my pedometer I'll let you know. I'm out there going at a pretty good clip for close to an hour seven nights a week as long as the weather cooperates. And when it doesn't...or even on some days when it does...I'll do an exercise video in the morning...or lift weights...or participate in another one of my current addictions...crunches. I *was* up to 600 but slacked off for a week or so. So right now? I'm only at 450. ; )

Now...if I could just invent some type of rolling laptop stand I could blog...or chat...or Facebook while I walk...oh...wait...I'd need a new green laptop! ")

Hugs y'all,

ABC Wednesday---V Is For...oh...c'mon...you know...

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Look into my eyes and you will see...the man whose name begins with V.

Ok...so my not so tightly guarded secret is out. THIS is the guy...this is my V...this is Vincent D'Onofrio. And no...that's not my eye. Please...that would mean at some point in my life I would've actually laid eyes on the man. You can make your own mad little pictures here.

I suppose this post may be similar in some respects to Jay's explanation of why her blog is called The Depp Effect. She is the one who inspired me to share my "V" with the world.

I can't tell you exactly when it started. I don't remember the first movie I saw him in...nor do I remember when I actually knew his name was Vincent D'Onofrio. I can remember though that every single time he graced/graces the screen he has my complete attention. For a lot of years all that meant was that his performances were fascinating. I've yet to meet one of his characters that fails to entertain. He has played every type imaginable. He's a great leading man...he's an AMAZING villain...he's so good at playing psychos it scares me. Not for the reasons you might think either. I look at him, portraying someone sick...sadistic...and I know that if he was trying to convince me to get into his car (think Ted Bundy) I wouldn't give it a second thought...I'd go. THAT kind of scary. I have to admit though, that my favorite "V" characters are the comedic ones...the goofier the better. I love the movie "Men In Black" and watched it for YEARS without knowing "V" was in it...yet adored Edgar Bug...quoted him...laughed hysterically at the way he would twist his body into all manner of unnatural and gravity defying contortions. Yep...that would be Vincent.

I have watched movies I wouldn't even THINK of pausing on for two seconds, simply because I spotted his name in the description. Some were good...some not so much...and some I now own. I find this interesting in and of itself simply by the fact that I strongly identify an actor with one character he/she portrays. It makes it impossible for me to watch them in anything else. Not so with Mr. D'Onofrio.

A friend asked me several months ago how long this has been going on. I gave my standard answer, "It has to be over ten years now." She said, "Sit down...and figure it out." So I did. The first films I remember seeing him in were "Full Metal Jacket" and "Adventures In Babysitting". Yeah, I know...I told you...he's diverse. A quick peek at IMDB tells me that both were released in 1987. So there you go. Though technically I was right saying it was over ten years, it would be more correct to say, "It has to be over twenty years now."

So what is it about him? I don't know. As I said he fascinates me, he calms me, and possibly most important he focuses me. During the many scares I've had over years with the possibility of breast cancer hanging over my head, he is the only thing that makes it go away...if only for an hour. I can be scared out of my mind, feeling like I'm coming unglued, letting my family down again...seeing the fear in their eyes. All I need to do is sit down, pop in a DVD, or locate a perpetual repeat of Criminal Intent and all of that goes away. Of course I've heard the comments that I should lean on God during those times. I've always wished I had a snappy comeback for said comments and one just came to me...and it is 100% the truth. "I have. He's the one who sent me D'Onofrio because He knows what works best for me." And yes, I've also had some suggest that I take a trip to NYC to meet the man and charge it to my insurance company as a medical expense! ; )

The picture above is now the wallpaper on my new laptop. Hope walked past it the other day and said, "Mama? What's that man's name?" I told her. She said, "Mama? What's on that man's tie?" Well...I didn't know...so I looked...and my jaw literally dropped. The color...and the pattern on his tie, match my new laptop...exactly. I told Garry about it and he said, "Well then, you must've been destined to have it." See why I married this guy?

So...again...what is it about him? I posed this question to the same friend who made me figure out that I've had a crush on the guy for 22 years now. Her answer was so well thought out, so perfect, so spot on. She said, "He’s one of those people who, for you, have that aura about them...the one that makes you glad there is someone like that on the planet...the aura that gives you hope in the human race...that makes you smile, laugh, dream and think...that one that allows you to run the gamut of the human experience..." Exactly my friends...I couldn't have said it better myself...and now I don't have to!

Until next time y'all,

ABC Wednesday---U Is For Uhhhh...

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Ummm...yeah...uhhhh..

I'm sleep deprived...I'm hopelessly, madly, deeply, truly, obsessively in love...with my new laptop.

I've been needing a new computer for awhile now and last week? Well...having it blow up at least three times an hour was getting a bit old. Anyone living near heard several new words emanating from my office window along with the oft muttered phrase, "I'm just going to throw it out in the yard and light it on fire!"

Fearing a complete mental breakdown was in my near future I was taken laptop shopping on Saturday. Thanks to THE computer savvy husband and a generous refund from the IRS I am now the proud owner of one sleek, shiny, fast, and dare I say sexy little HP Pavilion Notebook. I love this piece of hardware much like I loved my beloved Jeep Cherokee. God rest her soul... And yes...I think it may be a girl...and I plan on naming her.

Of course I'm also overwhelmed at the amount of new software I'm expected to comprehend. But don't let those words fool you...I'm loving every single second of it. Today? I tried to transfer files from the old beast. Apparently I don't have enough coal to keep the fire lit in it or it doesn't like the weather because it's not cooperating. So I will try again later.

In the meantime...uhhh...I'm in love. ")

P.S. Next week's letter is "V" ; )

ABC Wednesday---T Is For thirtysomething

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Yeah...I was a thirtysomething...once upon a time. However, when the show "thirtysomething" debuted, I was a twentysomething. It didn't matter. I was hooked about thirtysomething seconds into it. The writing...the sets...the characters...the situations...the ACTORS...everything was perfect. I think thirtysomething is one of those shows that you either loved or detested. Me? I loved it...too much...so much so that I decided early on I wanted to be a part of these characters' lives. There were just way too many coincidences to ignore.

Let's meet them...shall we? These characters who each and every one of them manage to carry at least one piece of Mel. These people that I still consider to be my friends.

Starting on the left we have Gary Shepherd...yes...GARY...played by Peter Horton. Sharing the first name of my husband, minus an "R". Gary was a teacher...like me. He taught at the college level...and his fights with the administration were no less nerve wracking than the ones I went through during my career. He was also a hopeless Peter Pan. Never wanting to grow up...unable to accept responsibility.

Next to Gary? Well MELISSA of course! Melissa Steadman played by Melanie Mayron. I so identified with Melissa. She just wanted to be Melissa...whatever that meant for that day...she just wanted to be herself. Highly creative...quirky...an incredible photographer...never quite able to make it in "the real world." She wore the most amazing coat...huge and black with even larger white numbers all over it. Yeah...I wanted one.

Ellyn Warren played by Polly Draper. The perfectionist...the driven career woman...afraid that if she stopped long enough she would have to examine just how empty her life really was. Always choosing the wrong man...for the wrong reasons...and never able to figure out exactly why. I vividly remember an episode where she was lying on her bathroom floor...sick as a dog...ulcer flaring. I spent a lot of nights that way. I *was* Ellyn...and we shared a lot of the same wardrobe as well.

Speaking of dogs...lying in front of Ellyn is Grendel, Hope and Michael's dog.

Next to Ellyn is Michael holding his daughter Jane. Michael Steadman was played by Ken Olin. Michael was THE family man. He lay awake most nights worried about finances and if he was a good husband and father. He started his own business...it failed...but he kept fighting and ended up on top. Reminds me a lot of some guy I married.

And then there was Hope. Hope Murdoch Steadman played by Mel Harris. Yes...my daughter is named after her. And I am named after Ms. Harris! ") Never in my life has a fictional character become so close to my heart. I still wish she lived next door. Hope...was a writer...and a stay at home Mama. She drove a Jeep. She got upset with Michael because he would do whatever she asked him to, but never saw that it needed done to begin with. She was frustrated with her mother. She was the keeper of everyone's secrets. Are you seeing ANY parallels here? To this day she takes my breath away...and I can quote her lines from several episodes. Quite simply, I love her.

Rounding out the cast are Nancy and Elliot Weston with their kids Ethan and Brittany. Nancy was played by Patrica Wettig and Elliot by Timothy Busfield. Nancy desperately wanted to know who Nancy was. She feared that there was nothing past being Elliot's wife and their children's mother. The story arc where she decided to write and illustrate a children's book was beyond amazing to watch. No less impressive was the character's battle with cancer.

Elliot refused to grow up. But unlike Gary, he pretended he was a grown up. Elliot was the screw up. It was painful to watch him do it time after time after time...never really realizing he already had everything he needed. Busfield's portrayal was riveting, and to see Elliot finally grow up, and take responsibility for his actions was an incredible pay off.

Easing back into Mel's world...Christmas of 2006 Garry and I were beyond excited. We had Claire's referral picture and knew that with any luck she would be home with us by the end of the next month. That was more than a good Christmas for me. But...guess what was ALMOST equally as good? Garry found someone at Amazon selling the long discontinued thirtysomething soundtrack CD...and bought it for me. I cried...I jumped up and down...I hugged him...I popped it in the stereo IMMEDIATELY...I grabbed the liner notes and showed Hope the picture of the lady she was named after.

I watched all the episodes as soon as they came out when I was in my 20's. In my 30's, I watched them again in syndication...and taped all of them...yeah...watched 'em again. I watched them again in my 40's when Bravo picked it up. And last month? I got an email from Amazon that the first season is FINALLY coming out on DVD in August!!! Wanna guess if I've preordered it yet or not?

I can't wait to see them...because...again...remembering one of those lines that has stayed in my heart and my memory "Her name was...her name is...my name...is Hope."

Be blessed y'all,

ABC Wednesday---S Is For Stuff!

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Sleeping In The Big Girl Bed

Oh yes, oh yes, oh YES! There she is! Claire in her Big Girl Bed!!!! You know...we had planned on making the transition gradually like we did with Hope. Some day we (I) am going to learn that my girls are two very different individuals. Claire has always liked sleeping with her door closed. Well, with the arrival of the new bed that was going to be impossible. We had planned on leaving her door open and putting the baby gate up. She wanted no part of it. But you know what? She screamed for about five minutes and has slept in her crib, with her door open, for about two weeks. Garry built the bed last Saturday and put it in her room beside her crib. We didn't bother with the mattress or boxspring or sheets or any of that. We just wanted her to get used to having the bed in her room. Sunday I fired up the washer, laundered all of her new linens, and made up her brand new Big Girl Bed.

As you can see, when bedtime came? She said, "I want to sleep in my new Big Girl Bed." And she did. All night long...the very first night...and she continues to do so. Yes, there is some sadness on my part. I know she is my last baby. We are done with the crib...the one that has Hope's teethmarks in it...the one that we chose so lovingly and with great anticipation so many years ago. But I'm also excited and thrilled with the awesome girls my children are becoming. Have I told you lately just how much my kids rock? ")

Sisters

On the day Claire got her new bed, Hope got her new Big Girl Bike. And yes...we planned it that way. Here she is in all her six year old glory...burning up the patio like nobody's business. She chose this bike because, "It has blue flowers all over it. They look like Hawaii. That's where Lilo lives." She also chose her helmet because it had flowers on it too. ")

Hope has gone through some major changes of her own lately. She has always slept with a nightlight AND demanded that we leave our bedroom light on until she falls asleep. Out of the clear blue sky...perhaps the day before we started leaving Claire's bedroom door open...Hope tells us she wants to try and sleep without her nightlight. She hasn't had it on since. The very next night she asked, "Can I try to sleep without Mama and Daddy's light on too?" Again...we haven't had to turn it on since that night. My babies aren't babies any longer.

As you can see, Claire wanted in on some of the biking action as well.

Steve Perry

Yeah...Steve Perry. You know...the former lead singer of Journey? The guy with the perfect voice? No, I was never a big Journey fan. I never had a crush on any of its members. I didn't own a Journey t-shirt. I didn't want to see them in concert. I think I may own one of their albums...on vinyl. The draw for me has always been his voice. Steve sings in a VERY comfortable register for me and lately we've been belting out the duets. I think I may have a crush on his voice. And yes...I can mimic his "gravel" as well...especially if I hit several of his patented high notes without warming up.

One rainy morning the girls and I were sitting in the car waiting for the bus to come when "Foolish Heart" came on the radio. Wow...memories like you wouldn't believe. When that song came out I was right in the middle of the nastiest break-up of my life. Hearing that song only made me feel worse...making me feel like I was a total and complete idiot for allowing myself to get hurt...yet again. But now...some 20 years later...the lyrics hold a completely different meaning for me. They're all about hope...and yes...it's still scary to trust...but you may never know joy if you don't open your heart...at least one more time.

I sing this song CONSTANTLY. Hope knows it by heart and asks me to sing it to her for her lullaby. Claire is starting to join in on the chorus. All three of us were singing it at the bus stop this week. I've even been known to let loose with a verse or two while I'm going for my walk through our neighborhood. If you've never heard it? Treat yourself...go ahead...watch and listen.

And Finally A Bit Of Silliness

I don't know Wally...maybe it's just me...but I don't think this is the way *I* would've chosen to lay on the bunk bed.

I hate having my picture taken...unless I'm around someone in costume...like say...oh...this AMAZING character. Look how young I am...::sigh::...and how ridiculously happy I look! ")

Yeah...I was pretty happy here too. One of the park photographers just kept yelling, "Ma'am! Ma'am! Look over here!" I gave in...how many times in my life am I going to have my picture taken with The Beast? And, in case you're wondering? I prefer him as The Beast...once he changed into the prince? All interest was lost.

Until next time y'all,

ABC Wednesday---Are Those REAL?

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Yes...I'm a wife. Yes...I'm a mother. And most weeks I tend to center my posts around those two sides of Mel. But, like all of you Mel is a multi-faceted person and some days I just need to blow off some steam...you know...let loose with just a tad of sarcasm. Yeah, I know...who knew...Mel...sarcastic.

Sooo...let's talk about shopping. I haven't been shopping for myself, by myself in a very long time. And that is by nobody's choice but my own. Garry and I have always done everything together, including shop. When we were waiting (and waiting...and waiting) for our girls, we did plenty of shopping...for them. I didn't feel the need for anything new for me. I just wanted my kids. When I needed clothes we'd head for Old Navy and I'd buy four or five shirts of the same style in different colors with matching tanks, and a couple of pairs of jeans. You can find me in my uniform any day of the week...t-shirt or maybe a henley, over a tank, and a pair of jeans.

Garry is an extremely patient shopper and has always gone back and forth getting me whatever I needed to try on...and I've done the same for him. About a year ago during a trip to Kohl's we were walking past the bras and I said, "You know...it's about time to start looking for new ones of those too." He got this pasty faced, deer in the headlights look and mumbled, "I was afraid of that." I looked over at him and he actually resembled someone being chased by...oh...brain eating zombies. He said, "How about I just stay home with the girls and give you all the money in my wallet when the time comes?"

I can't really say that I blame him. I mean, I'm a woman...I'm supposed to wear the blasted items of torture...and I hate shopping for them. It doesn't matter what size you are currently wearing...or what style. If you are lucky enough to be able to find either on the rack I guarantee, once you get in the fitting room? They won't fit. Sometimes...even the one I wear INTO the fitting room...doesn't fit. And I'll be darned if I'll go to that...you know...where the certain former British queen is keeping something hush-hush? They have "fitters" there. Are you KIDDING ME? Yeah...I'm going to let some stranger "fit" me...for a bra. I don't really know what that entails? But it sounds like some type of physical contact is required. Umm...no thanks. Conjures up all sorts of thoughts involving cold tape measures, and any one of the sales staff from "Are You Being Served"...telling me it's going to "ride up with wear". So no...you're not going to catch me in there.

Once, when I was in my late teens, I was trying on a pair of jeans in a London shop...whose name escapes me at the moment. The jeans were too small and I was trying to get them off. The extremely helpful shop employee threw open the door of the changing room, much to my horror, and started to yank on the zipper with great vigor. I tried to explain to her (yes, thank the gods above it was a HER...because HE was helping the girl in the room next to me) that the jeans were too small and I was going to try on the larger pair I had brought in with me. She then started to try and peel me out of said too small jeans. Have I mentioned I hate human contact? ::shudder:: I finally got her to leave me to my own devices and bought the jeans. I LOVED those jeans...they were called FU's. Not a single solitary Brit could ever tell me what that actually stood for...but they would always say, "I can tell you what we think it means." Yeah...I'll bet y'all can figure it out too.

Ok...back to bras. A couple of weeks ago Kohl's was having a killer sale and they had sent us an equally murderous gift card trying to entice us to come in and provide our own economic stimulus package. I went online to see if they had anything worth buying. I found some nice shirts...which honestly, I do need for those rare times that I actually leave my house. I mentioned it to Garry...also said maybe I'd look for some bras. He said, "I'll stop at the bank machine on the way home. Have a good time." WOOT! I gave the girls their dinner and as soon as he got home I grabbed the cash, gave the three of them a kiss and disappeared into the night.

I felt positively scandalous! I mean...people...it has been decades since I'd done this. I didn't know how to act. I could listen to my music in the car...and crank it if I wanted to. I didn't have to wait for two other people to go potty or be buckled into carseats or keep reminding them to stop taking your sister's...whatever. It was no different once I got to Kohl's either. I didn't have to keep track of anyone...or hold anyone's hand...or tell anyone to stop touching things. Once I heard a child start to whine and I had to stop myself from telling him/her to stop it! The adrenaline rush was intoxicating.

So I started with shirts. The ones I had found online? They didn't have in my size or the color I liked. But I somehow managed to find at least eight to try on...along with a pair of capris. I fell in love with one of the shirts. The capris fit, so I chose two other colors as well...you know...me and that uniform mentality. Next I wandered over to the Junior's Department. I know...I know...I'm 46 years old. I'm not a Junior anymore. But Mom! Their stuff is so much CUTER! I found another shirt I couldn't live without after trying on four or five more. So...I'm up to two shirts and three pairs of capris. Feeling bolstered by my newfound soon to be purchases I headed for...yep...the bras.

My head started to spin the minute I stepped into Maidenform Territory. Let me just say that I could easily get away without wearing one. I should've probably stayed in the Junior's Department and checked out the trainers. I mean...rows and rows and rows of these ginormous...things. They look like those hideous 18 hour monstrousities...you know...lunch lady bras? You know what I'm talking about...a yarmulke for a two-headed Shrek? ::shudder:: Of course I'm drawn to the cute little black numbers with the green polka dots, which as we know, look simply fabulous under a white tank and t-shirt. Practicality strikes again. So I start to meander the rows and start plucking the fruits from the Underwire Tree. I had about six of the things in my hot little mitts when something drew me to the Wonderbra display. Pondering just how wondrous these bras might be I fumbled through the rack until I found one that I perceived just might fit and headed off for the changing room.

None of the blasted things fit...what a surprise! I was tired...it was getting late...I had about thirty minutes before the store was closing. I attempted to get the aforementioned ill fitting bras back onto their hangers. And by the way, what sadistic (male) human came up with HANGERS for BRAS? I had just gotten the last one hooked onto the hanger when I noticed something. There sat the lonely little Wonderbra...batting it's big old Bambi eyes at me and whispering, "But you haven't tried ME on yet. C'mon...I'm wondrous...you'll see!" I heaved a dejected sigh...pulled it from it's hanger...muttered to myself something to the effect that, "I don't know why I'm doing this...you're not going to fit either."

And then...something wondrous happened. It fit. Not only did it fit? But it, well...it did what Wonderbras say they are going to do. I kid you not. I said out loud, "OMG! I've got ____!" Ok, so technically I didn't say OMG...I said the words that those letters stand for. And I didn't say ____! I spewed forth a mildly derogatory word referring to that portion of a woman's anatomy. It starts with "t". I think you can figure it out. If you can't, email me. I will come to your house and hit you in the head with a ball peen hammer. I was fascinated...amazed...and thrilled. I think I may even have heard a chorus of angels. The next thing out of my mouth was, "I've got a rack!" There's another r word for this post. Hastily changing back into my clothes I grabbed the much coveted prize and shot back out to the display. I managed to find one more in my size! Success!

Clinging to my purchases like a woman possessed I made a sprint for the shoe department and managed to try on a dozen pairs, grab a pair of sandals, and dash for the checkout with ten minutes left before closing. The clerk immediately picked up The Bra Of Wonder and said, "You know...I think it's time I got one of these too. I just wish they made them for your butt." We chortled. Ah...female bonding over the fact that she gets to go home soon and I've found a bra that fits and gives the illusion that I'm stacked.

I sped home, eager to share my newfound rack with Garry. He was indeed impressed. The first thing out of his mouth? "Do NOT take pictures and post them on the internet! Now you look even younger and perkier." OOOOO! People! First off, y'all know how I LOVE to have my picture taken...so that's moot. But hey! I look younger...and p-e-r-k-i-e-r! Yeah baby!!!!

The title for this post comes from Claire. My precious three year old has had a thing for my chest since Garry handed her to me for the first time. She has always loved to yank the collar of whatever I'm wearing out a good six to ten inches and stick her head down in there. The first time I held her wearing the now beloved Wonderbra? She did her usual...pulled the neckline of my shirt out as far as it would go, popped her little head down there and said, in possibly the most amazed and confused inflection I've ever heard, "Mama! What DAT?!"

"Dat", or more accurately, "Doze" my girl, are something your mama has been wanting for 46 years.

And this picture? Yeah...the bras of wonder really are THAT good. Google "wonderbra ads" sometime. You'll see a lot more than what I felt comfortable posting here!
Wonderbras...they're a good thing. Nothing but love for y'all,

ABC Wednesday---Q Is For Qian Li Lu

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

There she is. The one we waited for well, what seems like forever. This is one of the first pictures we had of our Claire. I cannot even BEGIN to put into the words the emotions that come flooding back when I look at this tiny, smiling little creature! I mean...LOOK AT HER! Could you just eat her up?

Actually I remember my first words when Garry finally came bursting through the door holding her referral packet. He handed it to me and I tore into that envelope with gusto...hands...and let's face it...entire being trembling with three years worth of waiting and anticipation. I pulled out the papers glanced at her name and said, "Garry...her name is Li Lu! Can you believe it? Her name is Li Lu!" Then...I saw the pictures...there were three of them. My brain shut down...my heart exploded...and my mouth started spewing forth silliness. I said...are you ready? And I believe this was the exact order the thoughts spilled out:

"She looks like a monkey!"

"She looks like a fetus!"

"Oh God Garry! She's BEAUTIFUL!"

Yeah...me...emotional...go figure.

At this point in her life she knew nothing about having a Mama...or a Daddy...or a Hopie. Her life was what went on at the Qianjiang Social Welfare Institute in Qianjiang, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. Her name then, was Qian Li Lu.

After reading my "L" post...can you even begin to fathom God's sense of humor...sending us a baby named Li Lu? ")

That smile...it's still there...and it's just as infectious as her ornery little giggle. I look at this child...MY child...and I see myself staring back at me. It's bizarre. I can't tell you how many people have commented that Hope looks like Garry and Claire looks like me. I see it...I truly do. Hope has SO many of Garry's facial expressions...and Claire? I don't know what it is about her that reminds me of me. Maybe the fact that she's a "spicy girl". Remember...girls from Chongqing are Spicy Girls...they like spicy food...they have spicy tempers...you get the idea. And we do share a temper. Red...hot...from zero to full blown in less than a nanosecond. It could also be our shared bullheadedness. And no...we're not stubborn...nor are we tenacious...we are quite simply bullheaded. Possibly it's the way she seems to feel things more deeply than her sister does. Poor Daddy...now he's got two empaths. Or maybe it's watching her get lost in her imagination...creating something out of nothing...and reveling in the joy that brings.

And yet, in all the ways we are alike, she is very definitely her own little person. She has no desire whatsoever to live in her head like her Mama does. This kid wants to grab life by the horns...live each and every moment to its fullest...experience EVERYTHING. Her Mama is sooo envious of that trait...maybe Mama can start taking some lessons from the former Qian Li Lu.

As always y'all...be blessed.