To China with Love

2011-12-31T14:35:00.002-05:00

We got my dad a soda maker for Christmas in September. Harper was so good keeping the secret. She didn't even mention it to him for three months. Then, while Harper and Dad were watching TV, a commercial for the soda maker came on.

Harp said, "Don't look at the TV, Daddy. You'll see your Christmas present."

That kid does the funniest things.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T09:34:00.006-05:00

Some of Harp's China sisters came to visit. It's so cool to see how they've grown. They all get along like they see each other every day.

We had a great Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we went to service at our church and had dinner with some of the people from church afterward. On Christmas day, we had a lot of fun seeing what Santa brought us, going to a bell service at Harp's preschool church, opening family presents, and eating alfredo steak tacos for dinner. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T19:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T17:09:00.002-05:00

Psalm 95:1-6 - O Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, And a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the depths of the earth; The peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-22T16:45:00.011-05:00

Harper was all set for a fun day at the pumpkin patch.

They had all sorts of activities like pumpkin golf,

beanbag toss,

and pumpkin bowling.

They even had a little maze that Harper and I went through while Sydney and Dad were in the big maze.

Here's us outside of the little maze. (Harper was so excited all day because we matched.)

They had a ton of pumpkins, and they were all super cheap. It must have been a good year for pumpkins.

Dad helped Harp carve her pumpkin. She gave him very detailed instructions on how she wanted it done. Let's just say that her proposed pumpkin would have had more teeth than your average shark.

They all turned out all right. If you can't tell, Sydney's pumpkin is in the process of eating Cupcake's little bitty pumpkin. It was pretty funny.

Harp's New Look and Back to School

2011-10-08T19:20:00.006-04:00

Harper's First Day of four year old preschool- 2011

Harper started four year old preschool this September. So far she's loving it.

Harper had long, beautiful hair just like Rapunzel.

And just like Rapunzel, she had it all chopped off.

And now, she had short, even more beautiful hair that trumps Rapunzel's any day. Doesn't she look so old?

Fall

2011-10-08T19:03:00.008-04:00

We went on a nature hike today at Quail Hollow. It was very nice, and the weather was great. 80 degrees in October! We're loving it!

There was a little stream with tadpoles in it.

Isn't the forest beautiful?

Harp and Sydney were all about climbing the trees while mom and I set up lunch.

Harp came to show me this bark. I don't know why, but she thought it was the coolest thing ever. Keep looking down. I'll put stuff about back to school and Harp's new look.

Vacation

2011-08-13T14:41:00.007-04:00

We went to Myrtle Beach for the first time with our friends the Hambys. It was a lot of fun, the water was great, and we enjoyed seeing our friends. Driving there was not the most fun thing I've ever done in my life, but we made it. I even got to drive part of the way.

After the beach, we spent the night in Charleston. My friend, Ansley, tried out for American Idol, and the rest of us walked around. Syd and Mom were there for the food, Dad and I enjoyed all the historical areas, and Harper liked to ride on my back (in the 118 degree heat, thank you very much) and complain. She was really good, though, considering how hot it was, how boring the museums were to her, and the fact that she hadn't napped all week.

After Charleston, we got to go see our grandparents on the ride home. We just spent two nights there, but it was nice to see them.

Preschool Promotion and Random Pictures

2011-07-14T21:53:00.014-04:00

Harp promoted to the 4 year old preschool class, and they had a whole ceremony for them. She insisted on calling it a promotion, and I was told off for referring to it as a graduation. My bad.

Good thing she's so cute, or she'd be in for a lot of trouble.

She looks so bored.

I think this picture is really funny. You can practically read her thoughts. "I can't wait for this promotion thing to be over so I can get some cake."

Harp and her teachers. She loved them, and has asked Mom to invite them over for dinner every day since school ended. She even has her whole outfit picked out for when they come. Mom keeps telling her that we have no way of getting in contact with them, and that it would be weird to have her old teachers over. Harp instructed mom that she should just call the school. The teachers all live there anyway, right?

Harp's friend graduated to kindergarten. They might be a year apart, but they are the exact same height.

Grandma sent Harp some dresses, and she loves them to death. She wants to wear a dress every day.

Harper and her drawings of a manatee and a rattlesnake.

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T08:45:00.003-04:00

We had a nice Easter this year. Beside the fact that it was rainy and freezing, we had a fun time. Somewhere in this house there are pictures of egg hunts and dyeings, but I can't find them on the computer. This is a picture of us in our Easter dresses. It's a miracle we got it because Syd and I dislike dresses, and Harper dislikes standing still.

In the words of Harper- "Easter is the day we have to celebrate because Jesus died on the cross. Then he went Easter egg hunting."

?? I think she is a little confused....

Harper's 4th Birthday Party

2011-04-16T15:53:00.006-04:00

Harper decided to have her birthday party at Build- A- Bear. She was so excited for her friends to get there, and insisted on wearing her birthday hat all through the mall. Once her friends came, though, she would have nothing to do with the hat. If you've never been to Build- A- Bear, they do this whole ceremony with the bear hearts before you stuff them into the bear's body. Actually, it's more like a carcass since there's no stuffing in it yet. If you think about it, the whole thing is pretty strange. Here's all the kids with their stuffed bears. After stuffing their bears, we went to Chick- Fil- A for chicken nuggets, ice cream, and Dora cake. The cow came to see us, and Harper was all over him. This is pretty amazing considering that last year even mentioning the cow would bring tears to her eyes.

The Dora cake was a big hit with Sumo. She's all about her Dora. Well, that's it. Harper had a good time, and her birthday is finally over.

Chandler (I don't know why I even bother signing my name. I'm the only one who ever posts.)

Harper

2011-04-16T15:53:00.001-04:00

Harper is 4!!

2011-04-01T14:20:00.005-04:00

Today is little Harper's 4th birthday. I can't believe she's already four. I miss her being a little baby, but I love the cute things she says at this age. Today was gymnastics day, and Sydney and I got to go with her because it's spring break. After gymnastics, we went out to eat with Harp's friend Ellen. Of all the options she had, she chose the Chick-fil-a inside of the mall. Syd was pushing Red Lobster or Olive Garden, but it just didn't happen. We're going to have Harp's party some other day, and she knows this. When she woke up this morning, the first thing she said was "today is my birthday without friends." Here are some pictures:

This is a cute bow holder that Ellen's mom made Harper.

2011-03-15T17:37:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. I don't have any pictures or anything, but I have a cute story. I was doing my homework (sort of), and Harp was playing with her toys. All of a sudden a hear "Bitty Baby just got hit by a truck!" What?? I guess there was some kind of hit- and- run accident in our living room. All the victims are currently being force fed chicken noodle soup by the gallon. Apparently the accident happened when the toys were standing in the middle of the road watching a truck come by. The doctor's advice is to not take the band- aids off because it would "extremely hurt".

Christmas

2011-01-12T14:52:00.005-05:00

Sorry it's so late, but Merry Christmas! We had a fun Christmas. Two families we traveled to China with came to see us, and the little girls had a lot of fun. Harper got a baby born for Christmas, and she was thrilled to be able to feed it and then watch it pee all over her. Joy. She also used her Christmas money to buy herself a Rapunzel wig. It is too funny. I would post a picture, but she refused to pose for me. That's a three year old for you. Well, Merry Christmas!

The Apple Orchard

2010-10-25T17:01:00.005-04:00

A few weeks back we took a trip to the apple orchard. We bought twenty pounds of apples, and made a ton of apple sauce. Somehow we managed to eat it all in less than a week, and Mom took us back to pick more about two weeks later. Anyway, here are the pics.

Chandler

Harper's First Day of Preschool

2010-09-16T21:41:00.010-04:00

The first thing I ever said to Harper was, "No one better pick on you at school, Harper." That was two and a half years ago. Harp finally had her first day of school on Tuesday. (She's been dying to go for the past year.) When Sydney and I saw her on Tuesday afternoon, Sydney asked Harper if she had talked to any kids at school. Harper immediately said, "Yes. I told the little girl to stop pushing me down!" All she talked about for the rest of the day was how some three year old evidently was a little too aggressive. Poor baby. I guess that big head doesn't do her much good anyway. (Just teasing.)

Here are some pictures of her first day:

There are three Harper's in her age group at her school. It's not that big of a school either. There are only nine kids in her class, and I think there are only two three year old classes.

I think she looks so grown up in this picture.

Sydney and I keep telling Harper to enjoy preschool while she can. Soon she'll be like us with seven tests a week and six hours of homework every night.

Chandler

Creation Museum and Friends from GA

2010-08-08T12:02:00.012-04:00

We met up with some friends from Georgia in Cincinnati this weekend, and we decided to go to the Creation Museum. It is so cool! All the exhibits are well set up, and there is a bunch of things to see. It was more geared towards older kids and adults, but there were a few things for the younger ones. I really liked it and learned a lot. If you haven't been, you should. Just don't go on a Saturday afternoon during Summer break.

Sydney got to hold a snake while we were waiting to buy our tickets.

The garden of Eden. The sculptures were so life-like.

Harper and Jenna.

All of us except Dad.

Syd on the dinosaur at the end.

Harp

Harp and Jenna

Bye.

-Chandler

The Smucker's Factory

2010-07-27T21:32:00.011-04:00

Mom took Sydney, Harper, and I to the Smucker's factory the other day. It's only about half an hour down the road from us. We drove past the factory (they don't allow tours), and then we went to the Smucker's Store. It was really cool to see all the products Smucker's produces. They make Jif, White Lily Flour, Pillsbury, Santa Cruz, Martha White, Dickinson's, Hungry Jack, R.W. Knudsen, Folgers, Crisco, Eagle Brand, and a bunch of other stuff I won't waste your time listing.

Harper loved the Pillsbury Dough man/boy thingy. I thought it more closely resembled a radioactive, mutant marshmallow than a man/boy, but whoever named it didn't bother to consult me first. I would've at least put some pants on the thing.

If you don't know me, I LOVE peanut butter. I'd live off the stuff if my mom would let me. The Smucker's factory was amazing. They had a whole wall of peanut butter!

Part of the display in the 'museum' portion of the store. (I put that in apostrophes- not parenthesis because I was too lazy to press shift- because the entire museum portion only took up like four feet of space. We learned a lot, though. All about Smucker's history and most importantly, peanut butter.)

The Smucker's factory was definitely a lot of fun. Plus, Mom no longer has to drive all the way down to GA to get her White Lily flour for biscuits. We have and unlimited supply right down the road.

2010-07-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

I'm too lazy to upload all these pictures, so you can just look at them on facebook. Sorry.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=454194&id=1838770018

Cows at the Beach

2010-06-17T21:50:00.012-04:00

You know how we just went to the beach and all? We were in Outer Banks, right? Have you ever been there? If you haven't, you don't know how obsessed they are with cows. They're everywhere! We saw cow kites, cow shirts, and even a cow sprinkler system. For Harp and I (who still plan to be 'cow milkers' when we grow up) it was pretty stinking amazing.

I must not be a cool cow. I buy my food at the grocery store.

This kite shop was pretty cool, but we saw a different shop with a HUGE cow on top of the roof. I didn't get a picture though...

We got ice cream here for lunch at 4:30 pm. I think all the posters of cows were getting to my mom. She NEVER lets of have dessert for lunch, and NEVER EVER lets us eat lunch an hour before dinner. Now I'm just rambling on about nothing... I'll stop.

And, of course, the best cow ever, Mr. Cow.

P.S. This post is a result of me having hours and hours of free time with no homework. Sorry. I'm sure Harp will like it though. It is her blog.

Chandler

Our Beach Trip

2010-06-13T07:15:00.013-04:00

We had a great time on our beach trip to Outer Banks. It's such a beautiful place, and it was so much fun spending the week with our friends.

Harper and Mrs. Joyce

Harper and Ansley inside the house we rented for the week.

We went to the Wright Brother's memorial that's in Kitty Hawk.

Harper got to see Mrs. Mishelle and Mr. Mike.

We took a boat tour to go see dolphins.

For the first two hours we didn't see anything.

Harper looking for the dolphins.

All our waiting paid off. We got to see over a dozen of them swimming around.

Of course, our parents made us take pictures on the beach.

Harper LOVED the beach. The first day we went, I made her close her eyes until we got there. When she saw the sand and the ocean, she couldn't stop squealing. She was so excited. It was a great trip.

Guess Where We're Going Tomorrow

2010-06-03T21:13:00.011-04:00

We're going on vacation tomorrow! Try and guess where we're going.

it will involve these four random people. :)

Hopefully some people dressed like this...

Definitely none of this...

A lot of this...

And we'll all have to wear this... (but we'll probably not all look quite so cute)

Have you guessed?

If you guessed the beach, you're right! We are all SOOO excited. Especially Harper. She can't wait to see our friends Mrs. Joyce, Mr. Ken, Ansley, and Jordan. She constantly talks about them. And she also is looking forward to swimming.

Oh, by the way, my dad took that last picture at the beach when I was like 9. Isn't it beautiful?

Chandler

(I'm SOOOO excited!!!! I'll post pics after the trip.)

Another post about Harper... This is her blog after all.

2010-05-25T22:35:00.004-04:00

Almost every day Mom asks us what the best part of our day was. Tonight at the dinner table it was just Mom, Harper, and me.
When it was Harper's turn to say her favorite part of the day, she said it was picking me up from school.
How sweet is that? I love this little girl more than peanutbutter (which is saying a lot). She brings so much happiness into all of our lives.

And I was also informed by Harper that she would officially be a big girl on Wednesday. I also learned that big girls sat around all day coloring pictures and painting... You just keep on thinking that, Harper.

The Tennis Champ

2010-05-22T17:03:00.007-04:00

For my health project I had to play tennis, so my mom went out and bought the racket and balls. I was okay at it. I guess. Me and balls don't get along so well... Anyway, I was out playing one day, and Harp decided to join me.

"I'm ready to play!"

Trying to figure out what the ball is for...

"I got it!"

I don't like to admit it, but Harp's a better player than I am. She hit the ball about ten times. (I hit is about three. Don't tell my health teacher... Running after the ball was a lot of exercise, so I guess it still counts.) She'll be the first 3 year old professional tennis player. Or maybe all three year olds can play tennis, but I think Harp's the best because she's my sister. Can you tell I'm biased.

Sadly, Harper has no desire to pursue a career in tennis. Last week she wanted to be a ice skater. Yesterday she wanted to be a doctor. Today she told me that she would be a cow milker. I dream of her becoming a handy woman like Handy Manny. Who knows what she'll be?

Now I'm just rambling on about nothing. I should really be doing my homework.

Goodbye.

Chandler

What school do you go to?

2010-05-05T20:18:00.004-04:00

I was putting Harper's normal clothes on after we played dress up. She ran away from me, absolutely refusing to put on her shirt.

Me: Where are you going without your clothes on?

Harper: To the naked school.

Me: The what?

Harper: The naked school.

Me (laughing): Okay, but I'm going back downstairs.

Harper stayed in her room for a while, and then ran out into the hall.

Harper (in a sad voice): Chandler, I want to go to the dressed school.

She is so random, and it cracks me up. Later on she told me that I went to the "Heart" school. For the longest time I couldn't figure out what she was talking about, but then I understood. I go to school in Hartville. I have no idea how she know this, but it sure was funny.

2010-04-23T17:08:00.003-04:00

2010-04-11T16:31:00.009-04:00

Guess who's birthday it is!

Harper waiting for her friends to come.

The princesses and prince.

We're going to go see Lydia Mei!

Lydia Mei and Harper.

Lydia Mei, Elizabeth, and Harper at the world's smallest park.

Harper and Lydia Mei at a MUCH bigger park. It was really cool. There was a beach area, cabins, a lodge, and a bunch of other stuff. We just walked on the beach.

Harper's 3rd Birthday and Spring Break

2010-04-10T09:47:00.004-04:00

This is Harper's birthday cake. I can't believe she's already three! We had a princess birthday party (as you can see). Harp had a few of her friends over for cake, ice cream, and a "dinata" (pinata). It was a lot of fun, and it was so cute to see all the little girls (and one boy) running around. I took a lot of pictures, but for some reason they won't upload. I'll try to post them later.
For spring break we met up with a family that we went to China (Lydia Mei, her sister Elizabeth, and her mom) with in Toledo. We went to a couple of parks, and hung out together for two days. It was a lot of fun. I'll post pics later.

Chandler (I think I'm the only one who actually remembers we have a blog.)

2010-03-06T10:28:00.003-05:00

Harper's First Visit to the Dentist

2010-02-18T21:23:00.005-05:00

Harper's going to get you!

2010-01-29T21:59:00.002-05:00

2010-01-21T20:18:00.009-05:00

Harper and her new baby doll.

Our 6 million foot long ice sickles.

2010-01-19T16:06:00.003-05:00

Me (Chandler): Harper, did you know God's sitting right beside you?
Harper: No he not. He in the sky.
Chandler: God's everywhere.
Harper: No, he's sleeping. Wake up God! Wake up Jesus! It's morning! Time for breakfast.

2009-12-25T18:06:00.002-05:00

The last post was made by Chandler. Can you tell she got a new camera from Santa? I feel like the paparazzi have been following me around all day! We had such a wonderful Christmas morning. Harper was so much fun. She has been asking Santa for a Dora Scooter, helmet and pads for a few months now. She was so excited when she saw them sitting there! Sydney has been making cakes all day with her new cake set.

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!
Kim

Christmas

2009-12-25T16:40:00.033-05:00

On the way to church...

2009-12-24T19:49:00.002-05:00

Mom: Who's birthday is tomorrow?

Harper: Jesus! Little baby Jesus. Want to hold him in my hands and squeeze his guts out!

Mom: Do you love babay Jesus?

Harper: Little baby Jesus loves Harper. WANT TO SQUEEZE HIS GUTS OUT!

This baby is so sweet. :) I'm so glad to be able to be her big sister.
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Dress Up

2009-12-22T16:06:00.015-05:00

We play dress up ALL the time. Harp loves picking out random outfits, and I love dressing her in them and doing crazy hairdos. It's so much fun!

She likes to wear my shirts. This one actually fits her. It's from when I was about 4.

She calls this her 'pirate hat'. I have no idea why.

Ths is another one of my shirts. It makes a nice dress.

Snow day!

This is Sydney's dress from when she was about 7! Harper fits into it pretty well.

Chandler

2009-11-07T09:33:00.001-05:00

2009-10-31T19:41:00.004-04:00

2009-10-30T20:58:00.002-04:00

I forgot this picture.

PUMPKINS!

2009-10-30T20:22:00.017-04:00

We went to this really big pumpkin patch last Sunday.

It had EVERYTHING.

Llamas and Alpacas,

Covered Wagons,

Pumpkin Bowling,

and all sorts of other things (like cows). We road on a hay ride and went through a corn maze. But we didn't pick out pumpkins... Our grocery store had mammoth pumpkins for at least a thrid of the price of the small pumpkins at the patch.

We just decorated the pumpkins tonight.

Tomorrow for Halloween Syd is going as Elizabeth from Pirates of the Carribean, Harp is Ariel, and I was just going to be a normal pirate. Now I'm going as Jack Sparrow to keep the theme going. I was NOT going to be Will if Sydney was Elizabeth.

You can stop reading now. Goodbye. Merry Christmas.

New SpringWidget

2009-10-02T13:50:00.001-04:00

Get this widget!

Compassion – Make a Donation – Sponsor a Child

2009-09-30T15:27:00.001-04:00

I have the coolest little sister ever!

Look Who's Potty Trained!

2009-09-12T08:31:00.001-04:00

Attwood Lake

2009-08-26T15:59:00.019-04:00

Our Cabin

S'mores

Syd and Harp's room

A Slide on the Lake

Harper LOVED the boat.

Watch out boaters. Here comes Harper!

Sydney got really good at tubing after flipping off it about 30 times.

Harper liked it too.

Mom even tried.

We all went fishing, but no one caught anything.

Then Harper had a brilliant idea. Fish in the bait bucket. Too bad she didn't have a hook on her pole.

Tea Parties!

2009-08-15T10:20:00.009-04:00

Sydney and Harper have been having a lot of tea parties lately. It seems like fun, but I wouldn't know since I'm never invited.

I wouldn't have wanted to go to this tea party anyway. They were drinking water with floaties all in it.

Harp got a new Curious George Tea Set. They decided to build a fort and have pretend tea in it.

I wasn't allowed to come to this one because I was the beast. Well, Belle let the beast have tea with her.

The tea dress that Harper is wearing is actually my shirt. Sydney didn't even put on a dress to have tea. Belle would be very disappointed.

Doesn't everybody love tea parties!

Pirates, Bunny Slippers, & Other Crazy Stuff

2009-07-22T10:17:00.015-04:00

The Return of Super Baby!
Super Baby Today

Super Baby in September

2009-07-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

To catch the perfect shot.

2009-07-07T21:19:00.004-04:00

Pittsburgh Reunion

2009-06-29T21:05:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Chandler

2009-06-28T22:47:00.001-04:00

14 years ago our little Chandler was born.

Random Shots

2009-06-23T22:40:00.003-04:00

Summer Time

2009-05-26T20:35:00.005-04:00

Summer Time Brings:

Yard Work

Ice Cream

and

Band Aids

On Adoption and Orphan Care: A Proposed Resolution

2009-05-20T22:59:00.004-04:00

Try this link:

On Adoption and Orphan Care: A Proposed Resolution

Posted using ShareThis

A friend emailed this to me and I thought I would share this wonderful news.

On Adoption and Orphan Care: A Proposed Resolution
— Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 —
Yesterday I submitted a resolution to the Resolutions Committee of the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention. The Resolutions Committee has full power to decline or rewrite any resolution so just because this is submitted doesn’t mean it will be voted on by the SBC. That’s entirely at the discretion of the committee. Nonetheless, below is the resolution I submitted for their consideration.
“On Adoption and Orphan Care”
WHEREAS, in the gospel we have received the “Spirit of adoption” whereby we are no longer spiritual orphans but are now beloved children of God and joint heirs with Christ(John 14:18; Rom. 8:12-25; Gal. 3:27-4:9; Eph. 1:5); and
WHEREAS, the God we now know as our Father reveals himself as a “father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5) who grants mercy to orphans (Deut. 10:18; Hos. 14:3); and
WHEREAS, our Lord Jesus welcomes the little ones (Luke 18:15-17), pleads for the lives of the innocent (Ps. 72:12-14), and shows us that we will be held accountable for our response to “the least of these my brethren” (Matt. 25:40); and
WHEREAS, the Scripture defines “pure and undefiled religion” as “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (Jas. 1:27); and
WHEREAS, the satanic powers have warred against infants and children from Pharaoh to Moloch to Herod and, now, through the horrors of a divorce culture, an abortion industry, and the global plagues of disease, starvation, and warfare; and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have articulated an unequivocal commitment to the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn; and
WHEREAS, a denomination of churches defined by the Great Commission must be concerned for the evangelism of children—including those who have no parents; and
WHEREAS, upward of 150 million orphans now languish without families in orphanages, group homes, and placement systems in North America and around the world; and
WHEREAS, our Father loves all of these children, and a great multitude of them will never otherwise hear the gospel of Jesus Christ; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-24, 2009, express our commitment as a denomination of churches to join our Father in seeking mercy for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we call on each Southern Baptist family to pray for guidance as to whether God is calling them to adopt or foster a child or children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage our pastors and church leaders to preach and teach on God’s concern for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we commend churches and ministries that are equipping families to provide financial and other resources to those called to adopt, through grants, matching funds, or loans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we ask our International Mission Board and North American Mission Board to prioritize the evangelism of and ministry to orphans around the world, and to seek out ways to energize Southern Baptists behind this mission; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage Southern Baptist churches to join with other evangelical Christians in recognizing November 8, 2009, as “Orphan Sunday,” focusing that day on our adoption in Christ and our common burden for the orphans of the world; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we hope what God is doing in creating an adoption culture in so many churches and families can point us to a gospel oneness that is defined not by “the flesh” racial, economic, or cultural sameness but by the Spirit unity and peace in Christ Jesus; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that we pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on Southern Baptist congregations so that our churches increasingly will announce and picture, in word and in deed, that “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.”

Sunglasses and Mary

2009-05-10T20:20:00.006-04:00

I couldn't catch it on video, but Harper was walking aroung saying "Hawper Mawy." (Translation: This banket on my head makes me look like Mary.)

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T20:06:00.004-04:00

Lights, Camera, Action

2009-05-05T22:53:00.003-04:00

She loves her muzix (Music) and flowers

2009-04-28T22:37:00.006-04:00

Harper loves her music. Each night when I get home she wants to listen and dance. She gets my MP3 out and can find her BarlowGirls and Bellamy Brothers (Let Your Love Flow). When I was two you could have added all my parent's albums, grandparent's albums and next door neighbor's albums together and I don't believe they would add up to half the music on a typical MP3.

Dad calls them weeds but I would pick them all. (By the way these are not in my Dad's yard!)

Harp Went on a Field Trip

2009-04-26T15:43:00.005-04:00

Our class went on a field trip to the ice skating rink on Thursday after we went to the planetarium. We begged to let Harp ice skate with us, and my mom gave in. All she talked about for the rest of the day was: "Hawper ish." (Harper ice.), "Hawper skate with big giwls." (Harper skated with the big girls.), and "Skate shews." (I wore these weird shoes with skates on them!) She was very cute.

The SBC's long love for China

2009-04-20T20:57:00.009-04:00

In the following article I am not implying that the Southern Baptist Conference is the only Christain organization that has sent support to China. Many have and many more are needed.

Before there was a Mother Teresa, there was a young girl from Virgina who at 33 left Cartersville, GA in 1873 to travel to China. She was appointed as a single lady by the SBC missionary board (Foreign Mission Board) to serve as a missionary to China. She would live the rest of her life in China not far from Beijing in the north. She would die in Kobe Harbor, Japan at 72 her health wrecked by starving herself so she could help those in China. The article below is from the WMU website. The Women's Missionary Union of the SBC.

http://www.wmu.com/about/history.asp

The first offering for foreign missions was instituted in 1888, in response to a plea from Lottie Moon to Foreign Mission Board corresponding secretary Dr. Henry A. Tupper to send women missionaries to China. Lottie suggested that a week of prayer and an offering at Christmas would unify the women to a common cause and proposed that the newly organized WMU raise $2,000 to send two women to China to provide assistance to her. Led by Annie Armstrong, the women of WMU brought an offering of $3,315.26 to the January 1889 meeting, enough to send three missionaries to assist Lottie. An offering for foreign missions has been taken ever since that time. The offering was known as the Christmas Offering for China until 1919 when it was named the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for China, at the suggestion of Annie Armstrong. In 1926 it became the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions and in 1969 the name changed to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®. Woman’s Missionary Union continues to promote this offering and set the goals for giving to international missions.

What made me think of Lottie Moon was when I saw our little Sadie on the VBS literature from Lifeway. Lifeway formaly the Sunday School Board of the SBC honored our friends and travel buddies to China by putting their Sadie on the cover of the 2009 VBS 0-2 year old . All though it is a great honor to them, I think it is a greater honor to the memory of a truly courageous Christain woman, Lottie Moon and her love of and for the people of China.

God Bless,

Mike

Sorry Technical issues

2009-04-14T23:09:00.005-04:00

Windows movie maker has issues with AVI files. I have a new video of the girls.

God Bless,
Mike

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T23:42:00.004-04:00

This is Harper B's favorite 70's crossover tune.

I hope you enjoy.

Ballerina Harper

2009-04-08T20:38:00.003-04:00

Have you ever said....................

2009-04-05T23:01:00.005-04:00

Have you ever said I am only one person what can I do to make a difference in this world? Well there is a lady in Georgia if she stands 5 foot tall, that has made a path for us all by being only one person. She is the mother of 4 boys and one girl and more to come. Take a look at what she and her husband have accomplished by being only one person. She never gets the spot light nor will she seek it, but I honor her today on our little blog as she towers over me. Without her inspiration I wonder would I have my little Harper.

God bless you both Randy and Teresa.

Mike

Checkout their blog at:
http://www.jochebedshope.org/
http://www.jochebedshope.blogspot.com/

More Birthday Fun!!!

2009-04-05T15:44:00.003-04:00

How old is Harper?

Happy Birthday!

2009-04-01T22:40:00.003-04:00

Well our little Harper is 2! What a joy she is and we thank God for bringing her into our lives. Among many gifts she got a little kitchen which she loves. I have attached a video of her playing.

Harper Reading

2009-03-31T18:50:00.004-04:00

I wanted to post this the other day, but movies take a long time and I had no patience. You know what they say about getting more patience as you get older? Well, now I'm a few days older, so I've decided to try it. Here it is:

Sorry about it being sideways. My computer was being mean and wouldn't let me fix it.

She's Getting SO Big!

2009-03-26T10:13:00.005-04:00

I can't believe how big she is. I remember when she could barely talk at all. (2 weeks ago) Now she can tell us almost everything she wants to. She's growing up so fast!

Baby if you ever wondered, wondered what ever became of me..........

2009-03-24T21:44:00.005-04:00

We were living on the air in Cincinnati when we ran into old friends from China. You never know who you will run into on the John Roebling bridge.

Harper's Ready for Spring

2009-03-17T16:29:00.002-04:00

A Tale of Two Packers

2009-02-23T22:51:00.005-05:00

T'is a far better place I go......... with the right packing

For those traveling to China I give you the tale of two men. Notice the man on the left, he is smiling, merry and full of energy. Notice the man on your right; he is frowning, sad and extremely tired. Now notice the number of bags the man on the left has and then the one on the right.

Please remember my warning and don't become the man on the right. If you end up with too many bags please remember to get in the back of the line as NOT to slow the rest of your group down.

Some day I will give you the warning about traveling with two women with the same first and last name in your family and the dangers of Hong Kong Bananas.

God Bless,

Mike

The Peking Acrobats

2009-02-22T10:18:00.006-05:00

We now live in Canton (the old English name for Guangzhou, China) and last night Kim and the older girls went to see the Peking Acrobats the same show we saw in Beijing, China almost to the day one year ago. Peking is the old English name for Beijing.

Once again Harper did not get to see the show, maybe next time.

Can it be a Year!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-16T22:28:00.006-05:00

Harper Then and Now

Our first night together.

Olive Fingers

2009-02-13T16:40:00.002-05:00

Harper wanted to show you guys her black olives.

Let it melt! Let it melt! Let it melt!

2009-01-21T20:42:00.003-05:00

Okay we have counted the days in January when it did not snow and that would be 1. Tomorrow we might get above the freezing point.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-17T12:42:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas holiday we had! Spending our first Christmas with Harper was so much fun. Just watching her open her presents and experience Santa for the first time. Chandler and Sydney were so good with her. It was amazing to watch both of them only want to watch Harper open her presents. They really experienced that it is better to give than to recieve. We had to force them to open their gifts and leave Harper alone! What a true blessing we have with all of our girls.

After Christmas we opened the Cryer Bed and Breakfast! We had a great visit with our friends from Georgia. Chandler and Sydney were so excited to have friends to play with and had a great time with their Georgia friends! Because there wasn't any snow (sorry) we had to go and see the sights of Ohio. A visit to the Christmas Story House was a lot of fun. How many times can someone say "you'll shoot your eye out!"? We had so much fun and I am so glad they came!

Our next set of guest were Mike's parents and his Aunt. Our girls loved spending time with their Grandparents and Great Aunt. It finally snowed and Grandmama was able to sled for the first time in her life! She only waited 68 years! The girls loved playing in the snow and going to Amish country.

Our last guest was a great treat. Our China travel friend Lydia Mae came in for a visit. While Mom took older sister up to Cleveland to the Doctor Lydia Mae was able to spend the day with Harper. It was such a treat to watch the girls play and Harper learn to share her toys. Harper couldn't get enough of Lydia Mae and wanted to kiss and hug her all the time. It was really funny.

What a great Christmas! God has truly blessed us this year. Each day I thank Him for giving us these wonderful children to love.

Kim

You'll shoot your eye out!

2009-01-17T11:03:00.003-05:00

We visited the house with some friends from Georgia where they filmed the movie A Christmas Story. No one shot their eye out.

Relaxing

2009-01-10T21:52:00.003-05:00

CHRISTMAS!!

2009-01-10T21:10:00.016-05:00

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Pictures:
Harper, baby & Pooh

Harp's new computer

Dad always is looking for the remote

Princess Harper

Baby& Shopping Cart

Baby

Little Monkey

"Can I go through the window?"

Chandler

We had a Special Little Visitor!

2008-12-23T21:48:00.005-05:00

Elizabeth came down from her grandparent's house in Cleveland to visit us in Canton. It was a nice visit and Harper loved every minute she had with Elizabeth, Michael and Lisa. The girls exchanged gifts and Elizabeth gave Harper a great pretend basket that held fruits and vegetables. The basket also makes a great hat, which she has worn the last few days.

These two little girls spent at least 10 months together in the Ningdu Children's Welfare Institute where they received excellent care until their mothers and fathers could come get them. Elizabeth can jump, dance and sing, she gives good hugs and is just a joy to be around. We hope to visit them soon especially since Chandler has been promised the best sandwich in the world!

God Bless,
Mike

Here comes Santa Claus

2008-12-17T21:53:00.003-05:00

Harper loves Santa Claus she went right to him and told him she wanted a Red Rider BB gun with a compass in the stock. Okay she just told him she wanted a baby.

Two important events happened yesterday!

2008-12-07T15:31:00.007-05:00

Someone in our house turned forty?

Yesterday once more.

Forty years young and half her life has involved me how lucky I am.

Kim with her first husband

Also on this day one year ago we got the call about our little Harper.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T19:09:00.003-05:00

Pigtail Girl

2008-11-26T19:12:00.003-05:00

Chandler

Random Pictures

2008-10-30T17:30:00.009-04:00

Harper eats like her daddy.(Mom said it, wasn't me)

Once again, Chandler

Halloween

2008-10-30T16:56:00.014-04:00

Here in Ohio they go Trick or Treating on the Sunday before Halloween from 3 to 5. So we went Trick or Treating last Sunday from 3 to 5. It was about -69 degrees. We had fun and Harper got lots of candy. She even got 4 chocolate chip cookies. The best thing was we got to eat all Harper's candy because Mom would only let her have 1 or 2 pieces.

Pumpkin's Eye

Harper's Eye

Harper was a poodle, Sydney was a Japanese Princess, and I was a preschool teacher.

Harper's first piece of Halloween chocolate.

Chandler

How to Build a Robot

2008-10-22T20:39:00.014-04:00

Step 1. Locate robot.

Step 2. Get it standing up.

Step 3. Pick your nose.

Step 4. Assemble the robot.

Step 5. Turn it on.

Step 6. Watch it go.

Step 7. Good Job!!!

Step 8. No pictures please.

Step 9. Nap time!

Chandler

It's all in the picture

2008-10-16T00:05:00.003-04:00

Pumpkin Picking

2008-10-13T15:26:00.025-04:00

We went pumpkin picking today!! It was SOOOOOO much fun!! We went through 2 mazes, picked out pumpkins, had a picnic, and went to a petting zoo. Pictures:

Harper LOVED the pumpkins!!

Harper's baby maze.

The land was VERY pretty.

Petting Zoo

What a great day!!

Chandler

The newest member of the family

2008-09-26T19:53:00.001-04:00

Meet Chester Sydney's new friend.

I Only Have but One Rule

2008-09-26T19:41:00.002-04:00

We don't pull for Ohio State and we don't date boys that do pull for Ohio State. As you can see from the pictures below Harper broke my rule so she is out of the will. Now if she transfers to Auburn, Alabama, Georgia or Florida she might get back in the will.

Mike C.

Fall Days

2008-09-24T19:46:00.006-04:00

Dad wants to disinherit Harper for this one:

September Update

2008-09-24T19:28:00.010-04:00

Pictures of Harper.

These people I live With!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-02T22:50:00.005-04:00

Honestly you think these people I live with were born in a barn. I slave all day while they are at work or in school and what does it get me. Nothing I tell you, Noth-ing!!! Do I get to watch this dust magnet of a TV? Noooooo! I know at night they sneak down here, the four of them, and watch these shows about talking toys and talking animals. Do they invite me? Nooooooooo! They give me a few lame GoldFish and some water and send me to bed. I can hear them and worse I smell that popcorn, which they won't let me have. Oh! if I get my hands on that remote I'll show them, I will, you watch me.

Serenity Now, Serenity Now!!. Oh that doesn't help either I think I'll just go have a good cry.

Love to all,
Harp

An Interview with Harper

2008-08-31T17:12:00.004-04:00

Harper is really good at talking she can say, hey there, goodbye, mama, daddy, Sydney, Chandler, ball, baby and hot. She can make a sound like a horse, sheep, duck.

Check out my interview.

Love,
Sydney

Walking? What's the big deal?

2008-08-30T21:59:00.004-04:00

What is it with these people I live with? Every day they want something from me. Honestly you would think they could watch a movie or read a book. The latest game is to lift me up and watch me walk. First it was eating, then crawling and now this. I have posted this video in hopes it will buy me a little peace.

Love to all,
Harper

Harper's New Hair Style

2008-08-15T17:17:00.028-04:00

Me and Harp where creating crazy hair styles. This is what happened.

Moving

2008-08-14T18:59:00.009-04:00

Dear People,

Guess what our parents did. They made me, Sydney, and Harper move to Ohio. :( Chunk and Sidbo are sick. They had to have lung X- Rays and their blood drawn. Sumo was NOT happy about this. In the hotel Mom + Dad have a humungo bed, Sydney has a pull out couch, Harper has her crib, and I have a sleeping bag. (by choice)

Thing Chunk can do,

Yell,
Scream,
Say "bad Mom",
Scratch you then say "Ow",
Wash her hands,
Do the Hulk,
Blink,
Say thank you,
Walk 4 steps,
Say "byej" after the person leaves,
Say "Hij" before the person is within earshot,
Say "No, no, no" while she wags her finger,
and Type

Here is her typing:

`9oo`u;`j8`v;7`8t==7y9

Chunk LOVES to eat! Pictures:

The Girls!

2008-07-13T23:27:00.005-04:00

I had a visit from some of my China girl friends. It was great talking about the old country and our exciting new lives here in the southern USA. Sadie shared with me, her latest hair products, she always has nice hair and her Dad had the best phone. Ellie showed me the latest dance moves, that girl has got it going on. Finaly Emily not to be out done busted a few dance moves that had all the round-eyes singing her praise. Finally we listen to a small seminar entitled" How to Wrap the Round-Eye Round Your Little Finger". We focused on a new vocal technique that if used at the right frequency for a prolonged time can produced the most enjoyable results. The most suprising thing was that strange man with the camera showed up from the old country and once again he charmed me into the best smiles. Oh I am going to hate myself, but I am just a sucker for the camera. I have included a few shots from our visit.

Love to all,

Harper