China or bust

Here's the stuff

2007-09-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

God's Word says to raise our children up in the knowledge of Him. We can't think of a better way to do that than to teach her Jesus Loves me as her first song. We have a ways to go.

What has happened recently? Hospitals. Yes, Yazi was pretty cranky for about a week. No fever, no runny nose, no ear infection, nothing. We had Spencer's birthday party at a water park in Little Rock, left Yazi with a friend for a few hours. Got home and put her in the tub. Washing her hair, we noticed the outside of her ear was swollen. By Friday morning, it was huge. Off to the doc. Shots over the weekend, hospital on Monday with a staph infection. She went home late Wednesday. She was tethered to the wall and IV machine like a dog on a leash. When she got home, we had to celebrate with a hospital gown photo op.

Spencer was happy to have everybody home. Michelle and I were switching out at the hospital quite a bit. He has been a real trooper. He used to get all the attention, now it's quite diminished, but he seems to take it all in stride.

It helps though when you slip him something in his Capri Sun. He gets mellow.

Kidding, don't call Human Services.
We do alot of nonsense talk around here, mostly cuz she likes to laugh. (she fits in real good with us)

Back to fashion accessories. We have cut some of the hair to give it a little more pizzazz. Or was it cuz she looked like a sheep dog? Either way, it's out of her eyes for now, which she likes (remember, happy child make happy mama mean daddy get to sleep at night)

We were having to use my hat to keep the hair out, but people kept calling her dude and that just had to stop.

But, with the discovery of headbands, length of hair is no longer a problem, and it's pretty cheap.

We've been rolled by Tide

2007-09-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

I will in the next few days post some of the goings on recently. Today, two things. First, when you spot a team 21 points, it's hard to come back. Razorbacks played Alabama this past weekend. We did come back but couldn't hang on against Bama. The kids tried their best to cheer them on, but to no avail. Great college football game though. Below are my two in the middle. My niece Raegan on the left (she's a princess, no seriously, she really is). She is a hoot to be around, very dramatic. And Graham, nephew, is on the right. He gets into as much stuff as Yazi does if not more. I think they were cut from the same mold.

Yazi is now into fashion. My wallet is already groaning. She already copies Mama and likes to wear whatever it is Chelle set out to wear. Also, we have been working on Jesus Loves Me. We get a word in every once in awhile. MOre to come.

Give 'em 30 and they'll take 35

2007-08-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for the length of time between posts. Work has been occupying alot of my time. So, the title deserves an explanation. I am a diehard Andy Griffith Show fan. There is no greater show that has ever been written and/or aired. The writing was genius, the acting flawless, the characterization of America is spot on. That, and it's just plain funny. Barney has a unique perspective on life. In the episode, "Barney gets a motorcycle", he claims he needs it to patrol the highway at Turner's ridge or some place like that. Andy says, I wish you wouldn't bother the trucker's. They need the extra speed to get over the hill. Barney replies, "but Andy, if you give 'em 30, they'll take 35. If you give 'em 35, they'll take 40. If you give 'em 40, they'll take 45...and so on."

He didn't realize how prophetic that was in raising little girls who think they own the world. Spencer can't even eat a quiet meal without Madam Southpaw chucking dinner across the room.

Here's the real problem. She's got everyone right where she wants them. The little diva. Did I mention she likes caviar with her ritz crackers, lobster with her cheese nips, and baked alaska with her twinkies.

Where's Yazi? That is the pervading question. When all else fails, look in the cabinets. Go figure.

Most importantly, we've got two fantastic kiddos. Fortunately, the love each other very much. Spencer watches out for her very well. In fact, he may be harder on her than Chelle and I are.

By the way, Yazi got a photo op with Andy Griffith the other day.

She was beside herself with joy

The Real Deal

2007-06-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Wal-Mart yesterday and spent a THOUSAND DOLLARS(that's for you James) on those adjustable gates to corner off important areas of the house(if there are any left) because....

Squash, grilled cheese, and other Kodak moments

2007-06-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

It has been busy around here since the last post. This one is long overdue. First, therapy is going well, sometimes, and then there are those where she tests her vocal cords for the speech therapist. Yazi forgets that she's there to learn to chew, not holler. Why she thinks she needs help with that, I'm not sure. Actually, she is eating considerably better now. She's just behind. The therapist says she's smart, just delayed. Considering where she and the other girls came from, and how far they have come, we ain't worried about her at all. So, tonight, she got pieces of chicken (loves it), grilled cheese sandwich (devoured it), and squash. What can I say about the squash except that she is pursuing an environmentally friendly clothing line. It's a new product she is developing called Fabri-grow. As seen below, put enough seeds on you, add growth nutrient like Gatorade, and you have a natural covering for your bod, ala Adam and Eve and their fig leaf line.

She loves being outside, especially in nice grass. On this day, she got to see Spencer play in a tournament in Little Rock. By the way, it may have been the best games that he has ever played. We enjoyed ourselves quite a bit and he did as well.

Back on the homefront, she has decided to rule over the most pitiful dog in the world. Heidi, oh Heidi, she and I don't jive all the time. We got her from a animal shelter while we were waiting on Yazi. Why, I'll never know. But, yazi likes Heidi, or the yelping sound she makes when yazi takes her tail with her. There is no sacred place in the house that yazi has not soiled. She kicked Heidi out.

After we got back from China, we started the process of insurance, social security, etc. It was an "interesting" process. I say "interesting" because I know young eyes may read this blog and I don't want to fill their little minds with the words that are going thru my mind to describe this whole ordeal. The federal government and the Chinese government recognized yazi as ours, but not the insurance company. It took forever. The last thing needed was an English translation of our adoption decree. This young girl at Hendrix graciously translated it for us. Her name is Wang, Yi (chinese last name goes first). So, the process was salvaged because of her and we are eternally grateful.

Photo below is from Easter morning. I think it was 38 degrees that morning. Go figure. I don't know if you have picked this up, but Yazi loves, LOVES, her big brother. He probably has had more to do with her walking than us. He takes care of her.

Speaking of walking, she has resisted for some time. Her legs are plenty strong, but I think walking was too slow for her. She crawls much faster and here decided that bear crawling was much better and you didn't fall down that much. She probably bear crawled around 50 yards before she decided to play. Also, at the soccer field.

All in all, she has taken everything in stride. We feel like she has always been part of the family. It is hard to believe that we have had her for 6 months (our post placement is this Friday.) She and Spencer have certainly brought us immense joy. Except when there is cryin'...poopin'...whinin'...fussin'...cussin'... destruction...but I digress.

She's comin' along

2007-06-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

As with many orphan children, there are a few developmental delays. Yazi never has chewed her food. She bites it off with her razor sharp front teeth and then stores it in her mouth like a chipmunk. The food will sit there until it dissolves and then she can swallow. But, she is gaining weight (a good thing) and she is actually starting to use those muscles in her mouth more (I should say for eating as opposed to the screaming fit when she doesn't get her way). She is starting to talk more, she mimics many things, and most importantly she loves to smile.

But, we are excited to report that walking is here. She has stood on the side of the chair or couch for a long time, but never had the desire to let go. Here lately she stands on her own from a seated position. (we celebrate the little things). And now, she has progressed to walking. So, please join us in celebrating this milestone below:

Well, she's almost there...

Miss Personality

2007-05-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Seein' as we are just now posting again, and seein' as some folks haven't come to visit, and seein' as this is a one sided conversation, here's the skinny on the latest edition to our family. When we first got her picture, we had conjectured that perhaps she was bored with the whole picture deal, or at least inconvinenced (sp?). I think we hit the nail on the head. Little Yazi is quite the independent, get out of my way, it's my way or the tantrum way, type of girl. She is completely opposite of Spencer. He's easygoing, content, adjusts to anything. She is high strung, intense, moody, and defiant. The battles around here have been bombastic and often. She loves her momma and daddy, but has no qualms about calling our bluff. I think she has told me no more than I've told her no. It's really not a fair fight. She throws her hands up, says no in an innocent voice, and then I have to keep from laughing.

This is serious. No fun. Discipline is required. I'm currently building a high tower beside the house to put her in. I'm having a little problem getting a variance from the city.

For the anger that she can show, she goes the opposite extreme and can be as intensely loving and funny. She runs the gamut of emotions on an hourly basis. Except when she sleeps. Hey, now there's the solution. Dramimine conquers all tantrums.

The picture below is actually from today. She has been licking a strawberry fruit grain bar. She gave Chelle some fruit flavored sugar. Open mouth as well.

Now this is the face I'm talking about. But, Daddy, I love you. Ain't I sweet. Really, try me. I'm as sweet as strawberries.

Her new gig is watching soccer with daddy. When the announcer hollers goal, she'll throw her hands up, holler goal, and be proud of herself for how cute she is.

For now, that is all. I'm gonna have to sort thru pics and videos. We'll keep going.

Memorial Day with our little duck

2007-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Way back we had posted that Yazi in Chinese was used as a nickname for the youngest girl in the family. Today, little duck got to swim with her big brother, Spongebob Spencerpants. There is a link on the right to take you to the video. This is a short post but we will be putting up more later.

Disturbing Article

2007-05-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Over on the right under the links section, there is an article concerning the population control measures in China, the corruption involved, the riots, and unfortunately, the deaths. What makes this even closer to home is that yazi is from the Guangxi province where this article takes place. Not all is cherry in China right now, especially for the underprivileged and left behind and neglected. Please pray for those who having to endure all of this, especially for the underground church. Also, pray for the little ones waiting for adoption and for the process, that it will speed up. Thanks to everyone.

Under pressure from Neila

2007-04-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've heard from several, "Hey dude, post something." Got home and didn't really have the time nor see the immediate need. But, being that it is hard to keep in touch with folks, it may be the best way. So, after getting shamed from Neila (friend in our travel group to China), and Becky, come to think of it, Huddle, church folks, friends, etc., here we go again.

It has been quite busy since we got back. Adjustments, diapers, bottles, school, no sleep, insurance junk, etc. But, we had time for a few things. Spencer was in a play and was the game show host. Afterward, he thought he would woo the women and pose for Gap Kids. We haven't received any royalty yet.

Our first Easter found Spence and Yazi getting all gussied up getting ready for church. Her hair is finally starting to thicken up a little. I think eventually I'll post a metamorphysi? (spelling?) of her hair since we got her.

The Yazmanian Devil got caught in the act doing something. Spencer was easy going, still is, and never got into anything. She is completely opposite. High strung, nosey and into everything. Non stop battle with her. She doesn't realize it's a battle of wills and I will win.

As you can see, nothing is sacred or out of her realm of influence. She starts driving next week.

Overall, we are all happy. A little tired maybe, but who isn't these days. This was easter egg hunt day. Yazi went after a few herself. This entry is short and sweet. I'll start adding more later.

Sittin at home

2007-01-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

Never actually posted that we were home. We're home. How did we get here? We were to fly out last Friday morning China time. Got up at 5 am to catch the bus at 6 to get to the airport blah, blah...Streets of Guangzhou are fairly empty that early in the morning. Wasn't used to seeing that. We were supposed to get to Hong Kong with about a two hour layover to allow us time to catch the 11:25 to Newark. Taxing on the runway and the engine sounds funny, plane stops, attendant says no problem, short delay while we check on something. That something involved two Chinese women cracking open the engine casing and fixin' whatever was busted with a set of power screwdrivers. Not wrenches, not computers diagnostics, but screwdrivers. We're now behind on this funny sounding engine plane to Hong Kong. Get off the plane in a hurry cuz now we are late. I hold up ticket and say stroller on board, need to get it. No, you go to gate now, stroller will be on board your next flight. I ask another person about that stroller. No, you go to gate and we load stroller.

It was a good stroller. Sigh.

China Air is now in possession of a nice stroller. Maybe they can use it as a courtesy stroller. We had to get tickets, boarding passes, luggage checked, security screened, all that stuff. We were basically running to the gate, got on the plane sweating like hogs in a slaughterhouse, within ten minutes, we were moving. 15 hour flight which took us north across China, Siberia, the Arctic Ocean, north of Alaska and Canada, came in above the Great lakes and over northern New York. It is an oddity how something can be beautiful and yet be so desolate. That was Siberia. Ice and snow covered, in the moonlight, it was really cool, but it was barren. About every 50 miles there would be ten or so streetlights in the middle of nowhere. How did those people survive?

Landed in Newark, had to go thru immigration, get our luggage, go thru customs, recheck the luggage, go thru security, find the gate. Once we found that, it was time to eat cuz we had a six hour layover. Found a pizza joint, threw down some meat lover's, went back to the gate and found the most comfortable bed in the world - a carpeted floor of an airport. At this point we had been up around 27 hour with no sleep, so that floor was a welcome sight. We stretched out and had a nap or two. Fading in and out of sleep, you could hear CNN talking about Saddam's pending execution. Got on a puddle jumper to Little Rock, slept about 20 minutes, talked to the flight attendant, and there's Little Rock. Lot of folks waiting there for us. I'm grateful to you all for coming. We were very tired at that point, so I am sorry we weren't very talkative. And surprise, there's Channel 11 doin a live feed. Come to find out they had done a news story on Yazi coming home. My cousin set us up, probably with some encouragement or direction from a few aunts. Payback is coming. Got home after 32 hour day. Man, that was a long day, but it sure was good to be back home among family and friends. Thanks to you all

Timeout on the field

2007-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

It seems some of my posts at 2:00 in the morning after a day of touring and taking care of little one and other stuff have generated some spirited discussion. This might be a good time to call a truce. For those who know me, you know my heart and how I am. For those of you who don't, I can understand how my posts come across as irrereverant (somebody check my spelling). Unfortunately, as wonderful as some say the written word is, it can at times not convey the true intent of the author. With that said, I am thankful that many have commented, as they see fit, on our life changing experience. We should all be thankful that we have this kind of freedom to comment. I have just returned from a country where one's opinion or beliefs is many times not tolerated. As I type this, I think of my Chinese friends who have lost jobs due to their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my encouragement to all is be thankful for the opportunity that the Lord has given us to express ourselves freely in this country (a day is probably soon coming where we cannot do that).

I will throw this out, however. While my daughter is Chinese by birth, she will not be raised Chinese. It is not because I don't like China, it is because I am not Chinese. I am American. And yet, she is not really going to be raised "American" either. She will be taught the same as my son that this world is not our home. No matter what our heritage, what our past may be, it is our future that we strive for. My Chinese born daughter, raised in America, will be taught to think Jewish for our God has chosen to reveal Himself through His Word, written by Jews. She will know Him and His legacy and His past and His future. That is the greatest gift I can give her or my son, the knowledge of the One who can save them.

Shamian Island and Christmas

2006-12-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Quick Christmas story - Down in the lobby, the hotel has a big Christmas tree set up. They had a Chinese girls choir sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. I love to hear the Chinese speak English, or Engrish. Well, they sang Silent Night. These girls, with the biggest smile on their faces, fortunately didn't see me laughing because they sang Swee in Ebony Pee. I laughed all the way to the room.

Below is Shamian Island. This is where we shop and shop and shop. They have everything, good quawity, and good pwice. You wike, I show more. All of the streets look like this. Cross between a park and historic area.

This is the inside of one of the stores. Most of them are packed tight and have very low ceilings. I'm 6'-4", the top of the archways were around 5'-4".

Spencer and Simon had tons of sword fights with 1 dollar wooden swords. Best thing we bought over here. They played for hours.

Yazi is trying on some of the paraphanelia from the trip to Shamian. She pooped big time while there, so some lady laid down her rugs so Chelle could change Yazi. Chelle felt so bad, she bought that outfit that the Yazster is wearing. The hat is another Honey making. Socks, shoes, take your pick, it's all at Shamian, even the Magic UFO and Spencer's silk pants and shirt. He looks quite good. Berry goot qwauwity.

Showing off some more of the goods. We even have a made in China Tshirt with made in the US parents.

She started puckering today. We don't why. She doesn't give sugars or kisses, but she puckers. So don't expect wet sugars Aunt Jo. It ain't gonna happen.

The Tea Room

2006-12-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with the museum trip, we also visited a tea shop. When the Chinese have a nice place, they go all out to make sure it crafted very well. The inside of the tea room was beautiful. Thought we might take you on a tour, Spencer is your guide. This is the entrance to the main area from the foyer. The Chinese are very particular about their tea. This ain't your gallon of cold Luzianne sweet tea. This is washed Oolong, Green, Rose, or Jasmine tea leaves served with hot water that is guaranteed to fry your taste buds for a week. The Rose tea was actually quite good, in my opinion.

Spencer is now showing you the fountain to the right of the foyer. Running water always gets me in the mood for tea drinking.

To the left of the foyer are sculptures. Everything is high craftsmanship.

Especially the tea pots. Hand made, it takes three days to make these tea pots. Perfectly sealed without the use of rubber gaskets, the clay lids fit perfectly. The dragon teapot is on the left, the phoenix on the right. Dragon represents male, particularly the emperor, the phoenix represents the female, particularly the princess or queen.

Spencer is demonstrating the proper technique for pouring your tea. The teapots do not spill, leak, or have that run down the side thing that gets all over your counter when you are trying to pour someone something to drink.

Story: The ladies here are enamored by Spencer. I don't think they see very many blond haired blue eyed American boys if they have seen them at all. The lady on the right works at the shop, the one on the left is having tea. They asked if Spencer could come over there with them. They rubbed his face, his hands, his hair and said that he was going to be a superstar. Then, they just held his hands. He was very gentlemenly toward the whole deal. Ladies on the street stare at him. and today, a lady with housekeeping stopped by to deliver something and went gaga over him. Went over to him, rubbed his face, and said handsome boy, handsome boy. I don't know if its good luck for them or what, but he has had an interesting time.

Last post tonight. I'm going to bed cuz it's two in the morning. We will have internet tomorrow. Don't know if we will keep it any more days. I leave you with this picture.

Guangzhou is nice

2006-12-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

First pic taken on Saturday (days are running together, I'm not really sure which day is what anymore). We were heading to the clinic and photo shoot for the girls. This was on Shamian Island. That will be important later. We are surrounded by the Po River or whatever it's called, I think it means dirty river. The kind of dirty that you don't live if you jump in.

Sunday was a neat day. We went to the Chen? house then to tea house. Tea house will be in next post. Wealthy family during the ..ang dynasty who had this place built. It is now turned into a folk art museum which has some fantastic art. Spencer and Honey are showing you the entrance into the complex of buildings. Come on in and take a load off.

This was a relief on the side of the main wall to the house. It is extremely detailed. The peak of the roof and the eaves are also intricately designed. Everything is for that matter. Spared no expense.

Honey, you're killing me with the hats. This is a Honey hat. Yazi has officially been honeyed. She wore the Claus hat on this day. Was quite adorable though.

My beautiful wife hanging out, waiting to go inside. We liked the place, ended up getting some neat artwork. By the way, Claus is still hanging out with Michelle.

This is Allie Pannell. I mentioned her in an earlier blog. She wanted to hold Spencer's hand while going to the museum. If she was a few years older, or Spencer a few years younger, Dan and I would be talking about a dowry.

On a roll, and on a nickel

2006-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Since everyone is asleep, and since internet access is costing me money, and since I'm cheap, I'll keep going. Last Friday was a wash. We waited around the hotel to check out so we could go sit in the lobby and wait for the bus to pick us up so we could go to the airport and wait for the plane to leave so we could land, walk halfway across Guangzhou to another bus, go to hotel and go to bed. This was Nanning at the airport on our way out. Couldn't let that sunset get away from me. So many places that I would love to have seen in the countryside, time didn't permit, but maybe someday.

A few words about Chinese national flights. The takeoffs are generally quick, not a lot of taxiway time. Pretty much go straight to the runway and gone. The planes are crowded. And then there is the landing. How do I describe such a thing? Dirty pants. Every one needed to change their drawers after that flight from Nanning to Guangzhou. The Chinese do not believe in landing an airplane. They believe in dynamically testing the impact resistance of inplace concrete when in contact with Goodyear tires. They don't land a plane, they hit the runway. Good grief. Actually, the flight from Beijing to Nanning, the pilot didn't hit the runway. How could he when he was comin' in cattywampus with one tire down and the other still off the ground. The plane was racked coming down the runway. This part of the trip is a no gooda. Movin' along...

We have discovered more and more about Yazi almost hourly. She has fear issues or grief issues. Her tongue appears to be scarred where she bites it in her sleep we think to comfort herself. She works that tongue when she is hollering. But, when she is content, it's constantly moving as well. Not a thing in China that hasn't been taste tested by the newest Greer. For those of you wanting to hold her when we get back, something colorful and made of wood will get you first dibs. Polished wood, like furniture. Nothing with splinters, thanks. Also, she is a model, a poser. As seen below, Yazi is showing off a nice line of our children's clothing with this pink striped knickers and PJ combo. Leaves her room to exercise. Chelle says she'll start her own Yazercise classes.

The hotels we have stayed at have gotten better the longer we stay. Generally, by the time families get to Guangzhou, they stay in the White Swan. We are actually staying in the Marriott China Hotel. Kicking nice. We don't have rooms, we have apartments. Two bedrooms, fridge, stove, two full baths, dining room. Some have their own washer/dryer. I had to include this picture below. When so many people need work, you find things for them to do. They have a guy who goes around and all he does is keep the ash trays clean. He picks out trash and ash out of the cat litter or whatever it is. After he is done, he draws the Marriott logo in the ash tray. We living in high cotton folks. The breakfast buffets are killer as well. The fruits are fresher than anything in the states, you name it, we've got it for breakfast.

Saturday morning was medical exam day. We had to go do the customary doctor look at kid and say healthy baby, sign papers and go. In the past, some have waited hours at a clinic on Shamian Island (not sure of spelling). We were in and out, all of us, within about 30 minutes. It was quite nice. Usually, we have something in the mornings, then the afternoons and evenings belong to us and the babies, well they belong to the babies. I'm not sure I remember doing something I wanted to do.

But, if I can get a smile like this, I don't really care what I do. This will melt your heart. Having girls is bad. They get right to you immediately and know how to capture their daddies hearts and eyes.

Hello Betty...anyone out there?

Merry Christmas to all

2006-12-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. We are winding ours up actually, it is midnight Christmas Day as I type this. Thought on this day I'd give all of you back home a glimpse of our new friends and diaper pals. On Christmas Eve, we all got together for a little bit, chewed the rag a bit and read the Christmas story. I sifted through pictures to find at least one picture of the families or at least portions of the families who are with us. The Pannells are in the previous blog entry. I currently am looking for a picture of the Swindlers and the Hiers. They actually split from us for a week but are now back with us in Guagnzhou.
Below is Elaine Cunningham with Noelle. Bob and their precious little three old Grace are not in the picture. This was on gotcha day

Fellow Arkansas natives Dixon family with Sydney and their newest Lydia. Grandpa and Grandma Jones are somewhere in the archives of photos. I'll post them later if I get a chance. Also on gotcha day

Found a picture of Luke Hiers with Mama. This little fella will brighten your day. He has the most contagious smile and it is always available.

The Blakefields with Esther. Huddle is about as easy going as they come while Gene reminds of my brother Jordan in some of his mannerisms. BEfore I leave, I've got to record Gene saying Esther's Chinese name, Xiao Pan. Lots of inflection. If I see him in twenty years, that's all he has to say.

Jeremy and Stephanie Wagner with Meilyn. Well, they are from TExas. You know, good things do come out of Texas. So meet the Wagners.

Kirk and Nina Falconer with their oldest Simon and their newest Stella. Spencer is always going around hollering "STELLA"

More from Nanning and Green Mountain Day, posting on Christmas

2006-12-25T05:10:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd give you a look at more Green Mountain. I really enjoyed it. Wouldn't mind going back somday. Below is a shot from the top tier of the mountain tower. It was a little hazy that day but you can tell that this is the outskirts of the city to the west. The farmland starts in this area. Interestingly, when we later left Nanning to the airport, you could see water buffalo, or oxen, hanging out in the fields, doing whatever it is that oxen do. I'm sure some form of ruminating was going on.

After the tower, we made our way down a staircase thru the trees to the pond area. There were a few vendors, one of which dresses up the children in Chinese garb, takes a picture, and the moment is saved by Kodak. I grabbed this shot from the side. Some kind of priestly temple wear. We liked the outfit so much, we kept the clothes and left Spencer with her.

Baby Yazi is trying out for the Chinese version of the nativity scene. Or, if that doesn't work out, she'll play Princess Leia in the next Star Wars, or as the Chinese say, Sta Was.

Spencer and Simon Falconer had a good time feeding fish. Cheap fish food made for good entertainment. Wish we had time to try the paddle boats, but never did.

Yazi had a long day and resting in Mommy's lap makes the trip better. Usually, Mommy's lap in a bus is the best thing for a sightseeing day.

Caught the Dan and Neila Pannell playing with their little one, Allie. Hope I spelled that right Neila. Dan would fall asleep and Allie would reach over and wake him up. She would laugh and laugh. She is a hoot. The oldest one in the bunch, two words she knows and uses often are BooYow (not how it is spelled, but sounds, basically means no thank you) which sees says over and over, very cute I might add. Then, Pow which kind of means hold me. So, she'll say Mama pow or DaDa pow and then smile real big. Thought all might like to see the other folks with us. Neat folks and they all have their own story. Videos are available for $19.95.

We've been out of pocket

2006-12-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

Picking up where we left off, last Thursday and Friday morning, the internet at the majestic Hotel in Nanning was giving us fits. Couldn't post very well to the blog. So, here are some pics from that day. This first one is actually at the end of the bamboo corridor. We thought we'd all get one for the posterior, I mean posterity. This is a big open field at the top of the mountain.

Spence took some time from playing with his new buddy, Simon Falconer, to get this photo op for a magazine company here in China. Soon, Spence and Yaz will be traveling to a city near you for autographs if you desire. Quick note, I am very proud to call Spencer my son. He has endured several screaming fits during the night, hasn't been feeling 100%, missing the comforts of home, and hasn't complained at all. He has kept this trip entertaining and I'm glad he came.

Yazi and I (Yazi and me? someone will correct I on his pronoun use, he sure.) on the bamboo corridor. Jeremy and Jordan, I have found my next project and I need some help cuz this thing was awesome. We need more stuff like this. No nails or irons to hold it together. It is all made of split bamboo or solid bamboo. Even the floor decking is bamboo spanning between large bamboo posts. Floor was a little spongy and the benches were as well. Made the thing quite comfortable. The Chinese are very aware of comfort and peace. They have many places of solitude and quiet. Course, if I lived in cities of 6 million plus, I'd invent quiet places also. Yazi was pretty good this day.

Even though they look tired, it's cuz they are. Michelle and Mom and Yazi went up to the tower with us boys. Chelle carried yazi all the way up, and Mom doesn't do spiral staircases that go 150' and higher in the air too well. So, way to go troops. That one will earn you a diet coke. This trees behind them are indicative of the area around the mountain tower.

Night story, then green mountain day

2006-12-21T03:56:00.000-08:00

As I said previously, Michelle went to my Mom's room to catch some much needed zzz's. I finished blogging last night, laid down, and within 5 minutes yazi was stirring. She started crying hard. But stopped as soon as I picked her up, but she moaned alot. Chelle has thought that she has been cutting teeth, and sure nuf, she was stuffing her fingers down in her month. Stephanie Wagner had given us this Q tip that has one end that you break, its a seal. The vacuum releases, the liquid then flows down to the other end. It numbs the gums. Like Orajel. So I rubbed it on her mouth in the near dark. She didn't like it. She got fidgity so I put the open end in my mouth. No problem, the pokie is on the other end. Well, in all my up and down, lifting moving, etc. I started to wonder if the stuff actually worked. I started drooling on myself, talking like mushmouth and knew she would be just fine. Iba knowba nowba no doba thaba againba.

She crashes, Spence is out, I crash sleeping good. My dreams kept changing. Dad would be preaching and then knocks on the pulpit. I'm driving my car and and the engine starts knocking. Spencer hits me on the head with a bat, I start waking up and realize someone is at the door. It is 5:30 am and there's Chelle at the door. She got about 5 hours sleep, feeling great, rip roaring ready to go, wanting to check on her kids...at 5:30 in the morning. Why? All I wanted to do was sleep. Ah well. So, Yazi starts getting up, and then she helps get Spence up.

We got ready to go to Green Mountain in the southern part of Nanning. Waiting in the lobby is a very happy Momma.

We went and visited Green Mountain Park today in the southern part of the city. Why can't we have parks like this? This place was beautiful, spotless, and flat cool. They have a corridor built strictly out of bamboo. The corridor is about 600' long. The floor is a little spongy. Then, we went further up to the mountain tower located on top of the hill. Spiral staircase in the middle took you up nine floors about 160-180' up. Chelle with baby and Honey made the trip and it was worth it. Beautiful view from up there. Pics are not posting again. I'll try in a minute

I'm up late tonight

2006-12-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

I had to call in to work tonight, so I'm up later than usual. It's pushing midnight here in Nanning. Spencer and Yazi are in the room with me tonight. Finally convinced Michelle to take one night and sleep, so she is with Honey tonight catching zzz's. Spencer is pretty stopped up like me, snoring, and very restless. Maybe he'll feel a little better in the morning. The pictures are also finally posting to the blog, so that is why this one is up. I didn't think that I'd be able to get any more on. Pictures are not in order of the day. This is just how they got put on, so deal with it.

Happy happy play time in the room. Momma had yazi in stitches at this point. They were playing in the corner where yazi likes to chew on the head board of the bed. Of course, she likes to chew on everything so the headboard is really nothing new.

The only problem with a hotel is the room gets crowded by the time you add a baby bed, two people and the all their stuff for two and a half weeks. Cabin fever sets in and the natives get restless. So, everyone generally gets together for our morning tour, split up and eat lunch, or eat with a few folk however the kids let us work it out, catch a nap, and then everyone starts meandering out in the hallway to stretch the legs about mid to late afternoon. We all open our doors, the girls play together, Spencer and Simon Falconer get to run up and down the hall a little to blow off energy, and we have a good time. It reminds you of pulling up a chair on the front porch while the kids play in the yard, only we have no chairs, no porch, no yard, but we have kids so we're batting 0.250. Not a bad average. This is actually becoming one of the favorite times of the day cuz everybody is hanging out.

These are the girls who performed at the cultural museum today. It was quite entertaining. During the little dance thing, you dance in a circle with your right hand on the right shoulder of the person in front of you, your left hand on your right shoulder. The guy behind me was fairly short, so he was laughing pretty hard cuz he was having to jump to keep his hand on my shoulder. One of those, you had to be there. These girls were very good to yazi. They talked to her and they loved looking at themselves in the camera.

Here we are in the bamboo tunnel. Stalks of bamboo were interwoven to form a canopy over the walkway. It was quite neat. Oh crud, Yazi's not in the picture. I think we left her back at the hotel.

Now I'm really heading to bed while the kiddos are still asleep.

Good Night to everyone

2006-12-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry, but pictures are not posting at all tonight except one. So I leave you for the evening with this one.

Goodnight

Nanning

2006-12-20T05:26:00.000-08:00

I haven't really said much about the cities that we are in. Not too many pics on this one probably. So stop reading if you don't care unless there are pics. Kidding.

Started in Beijing. First, the smog is thick, although one day it was somewhat clear. It burns your throat. The city is enormous. New York City I don't believe can hold a candle to its size and scope. It is very industrial looking. Concrete everywhere, no signs of life. While the people are generally nice to us, there seems to be somewhat of a hardness about them. Big city type of hardness. Everything is fast and constantly moving. The type of trip that you want to get off but don't know how. And, this time of year, it is extremely cold. I have already mentioned that.

Nanning on the other hand we love. I would say the whole group likes it here. It is very green. Palm trees in the breeze, flowers blooming everywhere. Clean air, wonderful people. Even though the streets are still very busy, all seem to be at easier pace here. Now its still a big city, 6 million folks I think. But, this area is centralized to the minorities of China. Most of China is of the Han ethnic group, I believe. 90% of China in fact. But, not this area. This is the area of minorities. And it is a wonderful place. More agriculture down here, or at least in the surrounding areas. The weather is wonderful. Granted, the summers are excessively hot and humid, but this time of year is great. This is the area that Yazi is from. All of the girls in our group are from the Guiping area which is about a 5 hour bus ride from here. The girls are full of life, each are somewhat strong willed (you get that way growing up in an orphanage ), but all the girls are doing great. The sleep patterns aren't quite there yet for anybody. I think the Falconers didn't get any sleep the first night (and I mean no sleep) and then twelve hours the next. That gives you an indication of the adjustment the girls are going through.

Yazi is starting to take milk well now. So, maybe she will sleep a little better as well. She doesn't eat much of food food, but we ain't sweating that right now. She's taking milk, so everything is fine.

Spencer is a real trooper. He gets bored a little, maybe a lot sometimes, but he doesn't really say anything about it. He keeps pluggin' along. Today, we went to a minority cultural garden where they performed a dance and song in a gorgeous garden park. At one point, they grabbed several from the audience, Honey, myself and Spencer included, and we got to laugh and carry on like we knew what we were doing. It was a good day.

Chelle is quite tired. She's carrying a load on her shoulders making sure Yazi knows who Momma is. Well, after tonight, she knows. Chelle can get Yazi cackling pretty good, and then she starts grunting, and then she sticks her tongue out. Everybody needs to get used to that. She has a tongue thing going. The Chinese believe that a red thread connects people through time and space and fate connects them somewhere down the way. Or something like that. Well, I believe that God has his hand in tying the thread, and He tied it with Chelle and Yazi.

Mom is doing great. Tomorrow will be a special day. Mom Baker would have turned 100 I believe. So, we hope that as she remembers her Mom, my grandmother, that you all will pray for her. But, I know that being a part of this event in our life is something right out of a Mom Baker family moment. Always willing to take someone in as family, my mother is doing the same. A stranger is now one of her own. Happy day to you, mother.

About to head out

2006-12-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

I had forgot to show you all our transportation. It's a little cramped, but we manage. I gotta get me one of these.

Spencer is always watching out after Yazi. He is definitely her protector.

Spencer is showing off his photo skills. He took this picture this morning.

Yazi and Spencer got a chance to watch Cars together. She was enamored by the color and lights of the movie.

Blog is back up

2006-12-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry about not posting. The internet was done for most of the day everyone had a hard time getting on last night. But, we are back up. The day yesterday - you know, we didn't do a whole lot, but we were tired after it was all done. Let me back up a day. We had filled out alot of paperwork on Gotcha day. We were given a notice of where she was found. She was found in the No. 2 farmer's market in the agricultural district out in the sticks. Two policemen were called, they investigated, spent the next several days looking for her parents, and then declared her abandoned. We also received a newspaper clipping where they show a picture of all the babies who had been abandoned. It is quite sad.

Yesterday was the Civil Affairs day. It took about four hours for all of this stuff to happen, but all we did was sit around. We had an interview with a notary, a civil affairs agent, and met with the orphanage director. The pictures below are from all of this. We were presented with the official papers declaring that we are now her legal parents, although spiritually we already were. It's official then, she is ours. Slid a tax deduction in right under the wire. She laughs and plays alot. Except last night. She hollered for about two hours. Michelle took care of it by herself. She's pretty tired. I've been sick. But I slept, feeling better, so maybe Chelle can get some sleep today.

Spence decided to come play with Yazi

She's getting an eye for the camera. It flashes non stop.

This is my hog clothes from Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Merrilee. This is actually a little big for her. We thought that she would not be able to fit in it. So, you can see, she is fairly tiny.

Good Morning from china

2006-12-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

Well, we put her in the crib last night to play figuring that was what she was used to. She had a blast. So, when Chelle got her to sleep, she put her in the crib. I had gone downstairs to the store. She was out, Chelle turned around to check e-mail, heard a thud and she was on the floor, laughing. She had scaled the bars, hit the bed and rolled over. She is mobile, mobile. Much like a little niece I have. Also, Spencer was beside himself yesterday. He was jumping up and down on that elevator, so excited. He said, "Daddy, I'm so excited I think I could cry."

more pics

2006-12-18T03:58:00.000-08:00

She LOVES people. She has been wonderful. ONly time she cried was when we were trying to find the right nipple for her bottle. Found the magic nipple. She is one playful rascal. Tries to crawl. Actually hops her way to where she wants to go when motivated. And she has four teeth and chews on everything. cutting two more. She is little. Maybe 17 pounds soaking wet. The dress the kids in bulk over here. When you peel off the layers, she is tiny. And laughs. She licks everything. Works that tongue cuz she's teething.

Are you my Honey? There sure is alot of people in this room

This is my big brother. He's already my buddy and makes me laugh alot.

My daddy will let me have whatever I want.

Mommy, I'm ready, change me change me change me. Her legs automatically go up as soon as you come near her legs with something.

We're already trying on outfits

2006-12-18T00:55:00.000-08:00

gotcha yazi

2006-12-18T00:31:00.000-08:00

There she is with her momma and daddy and Big Brother Spencer. You can't imagine what this day is like. We are having trouble posting pictures, so I'll post as I can. All of us families piled in a room. They announced each girl in her Chinese name and they presented each one. Yazi never cried. She took it all in stride.

I've got a little bit more in me

2006-12-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

I will add more later, probably no pics in this one. Just impressions. First, toiletries. In China, they have two kinds, the western style like we have in our homes and hotels, and the Chinese kind called squatties. There are no bowls to sit on. Now, men just need a tree and a paper. But the ladies, bummer. You straddle the hole in the floor (there are skid pads on each side so you don't slide and miss I guess), squat, and you know from there. Also, no toilet paper, it's bring your own. BYOTP. The running joke came from the guide who calls western style toilets 4 star toilets. Squatties are called 3 1/2 star toilets. So, she say,"we go now to blah blah place, 3 1/2 stars. So, if you want 4 star, you go now." Ha, Ha, big laugh out of everyone.

We went and toured the pearl and silk factories. Amazing places. It is interesting how they do all that they do. I'll send pics later.

Finally, you are never really away from home. This morning at breakfast, a guy looks at me and says, Razorback huh? I look at him and see Crimsom Tide. I say Roll Tide? He said, not very well. Folks from Alabama were in the hotel, they are also adopting. Then, later at the friendship store and restaurant, a guy taps me on the shoulder and says, Go Gators. I about had a coniption fit. But, at least they are reminders of home. There are many people from the US here in China on business. Always a reminder of home.

We went to an international church this morning. Passport people only. The church can exist because no nationals are allowed in. But, it was wonderful because it was a perfect picture of what God's church, God's people, look like. There were Americans, Chinese, Swedish, Malaysian, Japanese, some from Africa, and we sang praises in English and Chinese. Oh, and the speaker was a Russian. God can unify any one by His presence.

We're adding more to the first day

2006-12-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

Pictures will never do justice to what I wish I could convey about the enormity of the Forbidden City. Most lasting remnants of great civilizations can be traced back to one thing - abundance of slave labor or peasant labor. The greatness of man was built on the backs of the poor. The Forbidden City with all its grandeur was finished in just 14 years back in the mid 1400's. That is incredible. You can see some of the massive work on this inner wall. There were dozens and dozens of walls and buildings like this section. The city is divided into several sections. The front of the city faces east, of course. As you head west into the city, access became more and more restrictive and selective. Very few were allowed into the back of the city where the emperor lived, slept, and ruled. Below you can see what I believe is pieces of furniture from one of the rooms. Now, history is not without a sense of irony, inside the first gate is a gift shop and a basketball court. Mao Zedong must be rolling in his grave to have this going on in the city.

Jumping to the summer palace, this is a restored section of a long corridor gazebo. It is beautiful.

This is the furniture that I mentioned. This is the bedroom of the emperor. That is some headboard. Honey was trying to figure out a way to get that home.

Spence was a little more alert in this one and decided to show you some of the details of one of the gates at the Forbidden city. He was pretty chilled at this point and kept saying something about not forgiving his daddy for making him do this. No wait, that was Michelle saying that.

This is one of the inner gates or walls. It was massive.

Daddy, I'm tired. So am I son. I think I'll go to bed now.

More of the first day

2006-12-17T05:03:00.000-08:00

Finally getting back to adding something. Sorry about that Aunt Becky. I'll try and do better. To the Lonoke County Library, appreciate what you are doing. Word has gotten all the way around the world.

When we last saw our heroes braving the cold of the great country China, Spencer could barely move, the ladies were freezing at the extremities, and the big guy was lugging them all around to places they have never seen. What would they do? How would this turn out? Would Spencer finally be able to move again? Could Michelle and Honey find a Sonic diet coke at the end of the Forbidden City? Would Jeff find the solution for whirled peas? Stay tuned...

We jump ahead through the Forbidden city (because we are having technical difficulties posting pictures for some reason, not all are posting as they should) and find our travelers passing through the Imperial Garden. The tree below is three hundred years old. They have some that are over four hundred years old. The tag every tree with a colored metal plate that gives the age. Some of the trees now have steel supports to hold them up. Nature say it come down, man say it stay up.

The Forbidden city is enormous. You cannot fully grasp the size of the wall around this thing. I think it almost covers a section of land (640 acres in America) and the wall surrounds the entire thing. It is surrounded by a frozen moat that is 100' feet wide and 30' deep. But, invading army could just walk on ice right up to wall. I'll tell more about Forbidden City when the pictures cooperate.
We then went to the summer palace. That is shown below. ON the way there we passed, of all things, a Korean BBQ joint. There's no place like home. The Summer Palace is an impressive place.

Below is what is known as the Long Corridor. It runs the length of the compound (about 800 yards long). Every column is intricately painted with scenes from Chinese history. It is said that it took 300 artists to paint the columns, the running fascia boards inside and out, and the gazebo around 6 months. The benches are for the women or the concubines or wives of the emperor (he had 3000 wives) to rest on every so often. When they were little, their feet were bound up to keep them small. This kept them from walking long distances and basically forced them to stay at home. I'll post more pics of this later. One thing you will find in the pics is the abscence of the Michelle, Honey, and Spencer. They had had enough and it was excessively cold.

Korean BBQ joint near the summer palace. I just got a big kick out of this.

Example of the gazebo in the corridor. Very rich colors. The dry climate also keeps everything preserved for a very long time.

Kuming Lake. This is a man made lake. It is about 3-4' deep all the way across, hand dug by peasants. When they were finished, they hand carried the water to fill it up. The emperor wanted a cooler place, so he built himself one. The summer palace is actually to the right of the picture.

First day of touring

2006-12-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

Last night, it was so cold outside that we decided to redneck a refrigerator and put the drinks out on the window ledge. The wind kicked up and blew a diet coke four floors down, but the water was very cold. WEll, there was dismay in my hotel room about that diet coke. This was added to the dismay that chelle had no deodarant. This is a major bad thing. I was hearing all about it. Found the deo, went outside, found the diet coke. I was the hero for the day.

This is the food and fish market in the Chinese wal mart. The ladies do not like being in the somewhat smelly area of the store.

This is the square. Amazingly huge. The temp today was around 20 degrees. The wind was blowing around 40 miles an hour. Wind chill around 0 degrees.

You can't capture cold in a picture. But this is as good as it can get. We are smiling because our mouths are frozen, not cuz we are happy.

Spencer sums up the day. He was some kind of tired and cold. Thanks to Stephanie Wagner for letting Spence borrow her coat.

This is a small post, but I'm heading to breakfast. I'll add more later. This gives you a taste of what happened today.

Random thoughts this morning

2006-12-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Can't sleep right now. Woke up thinking about Yazi. Now, I'm not one for mushiness, but it pretty surreal to be involved with something like this. This is not a better or lesser event than birth, it's just different. Something I've never been exposed to before. It is a God inspired move that occurs when someone not of my kind will be "my kind." I will never see her as my Chinese daughter, I will see her as daughter. Amazing how God looks at us the same way. He doesn't look at each of us as better or lesser, for we all come to Him in different ways. But, thanks to Him that He sees us all the same, as His children.

I tend to get metaphysical in the mornings. So, next line of thought. You forget the freedoms we have in the US until you lose some of them. There is a website on the internet called YouTube. All it is is a place where people can load anything they want to for the whole world to watch. Some is dirty and trashy, some is clean and funny, and everything in between. On occasion, someone might post a funny cartoon. So, I'll load one up and Spencer hee haws and likes it. I forgot that China banned this site. So, we were watching Spongebob and it tanked. Now, it's not that big a problem to me. But, people are not allowed to express themselves internationally here in China. Government control.

The local Wal-Mart is an enormous place, bigger than a super center. I'm going to take a picture before I leave. Especially the food area. Live critters all over. Fish still kicking, squid on a stick, mini whole pigs on the roteissere (spelling), and workers everywhere. Every aisle has at least one person, in many cases two folks. Alot of employees. Of course, a billion people have to work somewhere. I figure they probably don't get paid much. If you need help, you walk 10 steps and someone is there. Most American products are here. The packaging tips you off, we have chips ahoy cookies, pringles, Coca Cola Light as they call it here. It's pretty cool. The smells are overwhelming, I like it, the rest don't care for it too much. They are cooking back in the food area. A guy in our group made a good point. He's from Floriday and said that many Germans come to that area of Florida, but when they go shopping, there is no German words for them to read, English only. Here in China, everything has Chinese and English, everything. There is not much problem getting what you want, cuz you can read everything. The US, or at least English speaking countries, have a far reaching influence. Wal Mart has 15 cashier lanes, but only three people working, not here they have 30 lanes and they are all staffed. Service is quick.

Pictures aren't posting for some reason. I'll try again later.

Wrapping up the first day

2006-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

I have posted the pictures backwards. So, the day is going in reverse on this post. I'll correct it tomorrow. We'll be out of the hotel quite a bit tomorrow, so may not be as much posting. Ate at the Royal Cafe in the hotel, didn't feel like going out and about. Spencer wasn't quite sure what to do with chopsticks. They quickly became drumsticks.

Spencer is getting his hand at taking pictures on this trip. Honey gave him a 35mm to take his own pictures, and we let him use the digital at times. None of our heads are cut off. Honey can take some lessons from him.

Everyone had a good dinner. Drank every sip of the diet coke because cold ones are hard to come by except at Carrefour (Chinese Wal-Mart run by the French, go figure). Spencer was starting to get tired, so he thought that he would show everybody.

Catch a nap when you can and where you can. Spencer said that I was quite comfortable. I'm not sure how to take that.

Everyone is comfortable. Mom just has to wear a few more clothes than Spence.

Pictures, just a few

2006-12-15T01:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, we had trouble posting pictures earlier. So, here are a few. The first one is at Little Rock airport. Haven't even flown a mile, and every one is already tired.

Dont let the smiles fool you. They are tired.

Spence held down the middle seat for us. It sure is hard to move around that plane

Honey had the seat across the aisle. She nodded off some. Again, she's smiling, but I think all were delusional at this point.

At the hotel, this is about all we're good for today. A little movie watching, a little sleep, staying warm.

Now that we have this working, we'll take more pictures.

This is outside our hotel window on a cold Chinese Friday morning. Lots and lots of concrete buildings in Beijing. Lots of construction all over the place.

First time in beijing

2006-12-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

We are here!!!! Where to begin. Well, first of all we are feeling real good now. We had only 2 hours sleep Tuesday night before the flight, didn't sleep on the plane, but picked 15 hours last night. Feeling pretty good. First story of the day.

Many know that we picked Yazi's name about a year and a half ago. We get on the plane, Spencer gets a fortune cookie that reads "A smile is your passport into the hearts of others." Now, for most of you, that sums Spencer up to a tee. He's a good little fella if I do say so myself. You turn the fortune cookie thing over and it has a learn Chinese: the American word is Duck, the Chinese word is Ya-zi. Now, I'm not one for the stars and planets lining up. But, get out of town. We asked some Chinese folks on the plane about the word Ya-zi. While it does mean duck, the word is actually used in China as a nickname for the youngest girl in the family. She would be called Little Duck, or Little Yazi. How about them apples?

We landed in Beijing around 3:00 pm Chinese time. You have to do several things. Go through the quarantine station, go through the entry station, grab your baggage, and then through customs. There were about five hundred students, we think Japanese, lining up to do the same. We hopped around, got through every thing very fast actually. When you walk thru customs, there is a set of doors you pass through that separates the secure area from the public area. This area is lined with a gate to keep the public back so the travelers can get out. There were hundreds and hundreds of public folk. You felt like a rock star. You can imagine this majestic music playing, you are high on the hog, all these folks looking at you, and then you see our guide who tells us to turn around and go through another door where there is no one waiting and the music dies and you realize you are not that important. So, we all pile into a bus near rush hour time. What an experience. Chinese are master of the near wreck. The horn is not used like in America where you do it if you are mad, they lovingly use it to tell folks they are coming over or go faster or move. Yet, nobody wrecked. No pedestrians hit. IMpressive.

Hit the hotel (remember can't drink the water) and everyone is thristy. Of course, Beijing is very dry climate and extremely smoggy, and that's just the hotel lobby. One of the guys in our group who has been here before asked, "you been to the smoking room? You probably have and didn't realize it." I said, "The lobby?" "yessir, you can smoke a pack and day and never buy a cigarette". Anyway, we put everything up and head to the pizza hut and KFC across the road. You order by pointing. The pizza was actually very good. We came back, showered, and crashed. Too tired to post.

Had breakfast buffet this morning. It was pretty good. Alot of American food with a Chinese flavor. We stock up on this cuz once you go out, it's harder to get food that folks like. So, we hit 'em hard. They'll regret the day that this Arkansas healthy eater came to town. Not much planned today except recover from yesterday. Tours start tomorrow.

Post from the airplane

2006-12-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

Miserable. Time of testing. Punishment. Call it what you will, but this cat was not made for international travel. Or at least coach travel. Next time you eat, instead of getting a toothpick, go find a blunt end pencil and use that in between your teeth. There is the analogy for the Jeff Greer school of travel.

Well, we are pooped. I didn’t get off work until 8:30 last night. Then, we still had to pack, make sure the paperwork was in order, leave instructions for dad, etc. etc. By the time all was said and done, it was 2:00 when I hit the sack, had to get up at 4:00am for 7:10 flight out of Little Rock. I would like to tell you all these great things, but we are in a fog. Very tired and cramped. It started out in a 50 person jet. The ceiling height was 6’-1”. I am not. Tag on three inches and that plane was tight. Reminded me of the inside of some submarine. But, the overseas plane is big. But, here’s the bad part. The plane is full of TVs, TV’s that show a real time map of where the plane is globally. It has google earth or something under it to show exactly what state or country or body of water you are flying over. It is a constant reminder of much ground you have not covered. Watched pot never boils. Well, a GPS tracked plane over 14 hours never moves on the screen. It is the official documentary of immovable objects.

Good news is we are almost there. Three and half hours to go. When you’ve been on a plane for 10 hours, three and a half isn’t so bad. The other good thing is they feed you all the time. Snacks or meal or water. It certainly passes the time away and everyone looks forward to the next time you eat. It kills the monotony. And, the food is actually not bad. The best news is that Dan and Neila Pannell and Dean and Christy Dixon are with us. They are two other families in our group. There may be one other family on the plane, but if they are they are in better seats than us. They are pretty tired as well so none of us are in real chipper moods right now. The plane probably holds 400-450 people and its packed. I’d say 90% are Chinese and they are extremely nice folks. Always smiling. Can’t understand a word each other is saying, but we have had some good laughs already. There is one American in front of me who has to go to China once a month. Good grief, man, how do you do it? Ambien and a little bit of liquor. He’s been out the entire flight. Lucky him.

Spencer has somehow stayed awake on four hours sleep and really has been OK with the whole deal. He’s stayed fairly busy. Nintendo, movies, books, and constant snacking our our best friends. Little toddler just walked by and confiscated someone’s stuff on the floor. Here comes dad running as best as possible. That is the wonder of international flight. OOp, the GPS tracker came up on the screen again, the plane has moved a quarter of an inch in an hour. I’m so excited..

We are running out of time

2006-12-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

Somebody better call 'em and tell 'em we ain't gonna make it.

We got our paperwork, we got a shirt on the back. I guess that's all we need.

Here's the itinerary

2006-12-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

The Greer posse is heading out Wednesday morning bright and early. Somebody make sure my mother knows so she'll be on time. We have to be in Little Rock at 5:30 am to check in and so on. The donut maker has asked us to wake him up on our way in. Switching to Beijing time, we will arrive on Thursday around 3:00. We will be approximately 13 hours ahead of Arkansas folks. So, if you want to know what will happen tomorrow to you and yours, call us and we'll fill you in. We are actually arriving a day earlier than most of our group. I think two other families will be flying on the same plane. So, we all will have Friday to do whatever we want to do. I'm thinking temple of heaven or sky of China or whatever the sights are called. The official Beijing sight seeing with all of our group starts on Saturday the 16th. We will see the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square. Then, Sunday we have church service at an International church, I believe. One that apparently is not under the thumb of the government. Then, we see the Great Wall of China. Never thought this bumpkin would say that.

MONDAY
This is GOTCHA day. We fly out of Beijing on a cropduster to Guangxi. We welcome our daughter Yazi to the family. One of our group members as been before to this province and said they have a very neat ceremony where they present each daughter to each family. This is the day we are waiting for.

Starting on Tuesday, Dec 19 to Dec 21, we will handle volumes of paperwork, have our civil affairs appointment (at this appointment, she is officially ours), and some additional sightseeing.

Friday Dec 22 - Cargo plane to Guangzhou where the Consulate is located. From Dec 23 - 25, we will handle additional paperwork and the formal medical exam will be administered, not to us, Yazi. This won't hurt a bit, Merry Christmas.

Tuesday Dec 26 - Consulate appointment'

Wednesday Dec 27 - Pick up Yazi's Visa. Piddle a little. Sleep a little. Eat alot.

Thursday Dec 28 - play and do what we wish.

Friday The Day - Dec 29 Leave Guangzhou, drop into Hong Kong, say hi for about ten minutes, then it's home, We arrive in Little Rock somewhere around 10:00 pm. Boy is that going to be a bummer. Pops will pick us up and chaffeur us home. Then, life begins.

Our itinerary

2006-12-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm exhausted. Been working alot trying to get a job out before we leave. We haven't even started packing we've been so busy. So, I don't have time to post the in-country plans right now, but I'll post them when we get back from China so you'll know where we been. Big smiles.

Our flight itinerary

2006-11-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

Chelle is allowing me to temporarily post something before she puts me back to work. So, here is the plan.

Pack our stuff right up until the last minute on Tuesday, December 12.
Get up at 4:30 Wednesday morning, December 13. Hit the snooze button. Wake up at 5:30 am in a panic. Throw the stuff in Dad's vehicle, he's driving us to the airport. Go back, pick up mother cuz she'll be running late. Check in at customs or whatever you have to do. Remove eye boogers from Spencer's eyes so he can see where he is going. Hop on plane for takeoff at 7:10 am. Remember that I forgot to brush my teeth. Hope that I don't see anyone.

Enough of the kiddin around.

Arrive in Newark at 11:00 am Eastern
Depart for Beijing at 12:15 pm Eastern Wed Dec 14

Do a bunch of stuff in china for many moons

Depart Hong Kong 11:25 am Chinesern time on Friday, Dec 29
Arrive in Newark 1:50 pm Eastern Friday the 29th

(2 hour flight, man that's service)
Depart for Little Rock 7:35 pm (long layover in Newark - what in the world do you do in the Newark terminal for 5 1/2 hours)
Arrive in Little Rock 9:56 pm on Friday, Dec 29

Get Pops to drive us home and then start living.

Chelle weighs in, finally

2006-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have yet to post on the blog because I'm not as humorous as Jeff or Spence. However, the word excitement does not begin to explain my demeanor. We've got so much to get done before we depart on December 13. I find myself making lists of things I need to do and then I make lists of the lists so I won't forget the original list. Jeff and Spencer are hiding their cherished possessions because I'm "nesting" for the fourth time since November 3. In fact, as I was cleaning I found a duffle bag of Jeff's items. He had hidden the bag in the top of our closet because he was afraid I'd throw away all of his stuff.
Anyway, I am more than ready to hold my precious daughter. I dream of the day we see her for the first time. I wonder how long it will be before she knows we are her family and I am her Mommy? What size clothes does she wear? What size shoe? Does she like a pacifier? Is she warm natured or cold natured? All these questions will fade away on GOTCHA DAY when I see her and hold her for the first time. I am so ready to get her home. I want her to know our family, friends, and unconditional love.
Well, I probably won't post again since I'm not as amusing. I do want to thank all of our friends and family for your support, encouragement, and prayers. It's been a long journey and we are thankful you've been there with us. May God Bless You!

Oh yeah, GO HOGS!

It's been too long

2006-11-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry about not posting sooner. I have been working alot and huntin' as well.

First things first, our travel date has been gloriously moved up to December 14, tentatively. We will be arriving back in Little Rock somewhere between December 28-30 at exactly 4:37 pm. Originally, we were supposed to go at the end of December. This late date meant that our I-171H form would expire while we were there. So, after much gritting of teeth, we decided to drop the bucks and reapply to make sure that it would be up to date. This is like washing your truck during a long drought. It rains the next day. If we hadn't applied, we would have had a late trip. But, since we applied, the travel dates were pushed up, the application was a moot point, and you can thank us (and the Wagners too I believe) for doing this. Murphy's law at its finest.

Second, Yazi's biographical info was graciously translated by a Chinese family here in town. It is as we had expected. She is an extroverted, people person who works to benefit herself. Apparently, she throws down her milk, and then proceeds to roll over until she gets to her cribmate and throws down her milk. So, if anybody's youngin looks a little peakish, it may be due to my chubby cheeked little rascal. Her name is fitting as well. She is named after a native bird common to the area. The name has the idea of flying freely. A free spirit. A ring-tail tooter if you're from the south. She's gonna fit in nicely with our family.

Finally, Woo Pig Sooey. We're heading to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. After having Gator tail for dinner, we'll head to New Orleans where we'll have Sugar for dessert. Go Hogs.

Spencer's turn to speak

2006-11-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight this blog is Spencer's. Daddy is typing and he's gonna tell me what to type. The only problem is that we are competing with super hyper hunky chunky monkey go team or whatever the cartoon is called. So, when I can get his attention, he'll start telling me what to type. He's laughing pretty hard right now.

Hmmm...OK, I think I got it. (This is real time typing, folks) Yazi is my little sister and she is 9 months old today. She was born in February or should I say Febooary. She weighed 14 pounds, I think it was in July or June. I was the one who wanted a sister. Hmmm....Uhhhh...Mommy, tell Daddy to stop typing all my words. (He's laughing pretty hard, he'll be back in just a minute) We are going to get her probably at the end of December. We will be gone for two weeks in China. Let me think...I've been looking forward to this ever since I was in first grade. That's about all I know. Even though her real name is Yazi, I'm going to call her Kate because that is a name that I like. Daddy, can I put something funny? (yes go ahead) Well, that's all folks, see you tomorrow at 5:00...am...Oh, and one last thing. Make sure you come over here to help change her diapers. That's all I got.

Spencer signs off

Woooooo Pig Sooey

2006-11-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a glorious day in Razorback nation. All those Sooners and Boilermakers and whoever else is out there, get ready, by the time we get back from China, you'll be wearing Hog noses and calling the Hogs. It is said that Hog fans are the only people who can hold the Razorback in reverence while eating a pork sandwich. Believe me, I have tested this theory many times over and found it to be true.

I haven't had alot of time to add anything to the blog recently, been pretty busy with this minor thing called adoption. Oh yeah, I've been working. And maybe doin' a little bit of hunting. Just a little. But, my Aunt Becky in them little hills (the Rockies I think) yelled at me and called me stupid for not posting something. Well, sometimes you just run out of material, Beck. By the way, any of you heading west, stop by the Harrison Cafe and get spaghetti and fried taters. Sounds terrible only until you put them in your mouth. Then you wonder why your plate can't be bigger so you don't have to get up to get more.

We have had a bummer of a week with adoption stuff. The Memphis immigration office and I are not on good speaking terms right now. They do not seem to understand that I think I rule the world and deserve excellent service. So, I am adjusting accordingly. I know with trials and tribulations come endurance and proven character. But, after my little tirade, I've proven that my character was not very endearing. With the Lord's mighty hand, however, I believe that we will have our I171 form in our hands in time to go with our group. If we don't, I have purchased over sized luggage for Chelle and I to stow away in. Also, we have started work on our visas, not the credit cards, the stamps on your passports. Travel arrangements are following in a couple of weeks, we are quite excited.

Our friends the Pitchfords have returned from China with their handsome little boy, Joshua. This is a cool family. From Arkansas, with family in California, a little boy from China, and living in Albania as missionaries. They are touching all parts of the world and influencing many for the sake of His name. I thank the Lord for you, Charley and Marianne and Joshua.

Asian Beauty

2006-11-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on the young rascal...I look at this picture and think, she seems bothered by all this. The high chair pic was the same thing. What are you people doin' to me? I've got rice and milk to eat, and I have to sit here all gussied up. Are we finished yet? I foresee impatience in her future, possible annoyance.

In other news, I would like to request lodging at someone's abode. Mother Hen is busy cleaning the hen house getting ready for her lil' chick. The rooster is getting his stuff tossed. I'm down to what I am wearing, a couple of sweatshirts, t-shirts, boxers, a pair of socks that don't match, and a copy of Southern Living (lot of good that's doin). Spencer hides in his room and refuses to come out. When she enters the room, he acts like a pillow and crawls under the covers. I hope Yazi gets here soon, lest Spence and I get chunked out by accident...or would it be on purpose?

Lady for a day

2006-11-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Please welcome the newest member of the Greer family

YAZI KATE GREER

I think they rubbed her head with a balloon.

Her medical says she is healthy and currently resides in Guiping City Social Welfare Institute. Yazi likes to wear yellow and someday hopes to produce her own line of four-wheelers and personal watercraft. Oh, and she wants world peace.

We took a family pic for everyone to see. Thanks to Grannylyn for taking this photo.

Starting Lineup

2006-11-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

Let's see the starting lineup for tonight's game folks.

At center, 6'4 290lb he's the wide train in the middle...Jeff "Fat Daddy" Greer

At the point, she's fiesty, she's happy...Michelle "Mother Hen" Greer

At shooting mouth guard, he talks, he cheeses, he'll leave you in stitches...Spencer "Hambone" Greer

And the rookie, she hails from the Far East, she's got chubby cheeks, we can't pronounce her name...Yazi Kate "Don't hate me cuz I'm Pretty" Jin Xiao Yan Greer coming in at a slim, trim 14 lbs. towering over all at 24.8" tall. She was born February 15, 2006 so she is definitely the young one on the team.

That's right, Bob. I think she may still be in diapers this season, if you know what I mean.

Ramblings for the day

2006-11-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

Officially, the Chinese Adoption Agency thingy has updated their website stating referrals have been made which means our phone call may come today or tomorrow.

Pins and needles, needles and pins, when we get the call, my wife can finally grin.

I feel sorry for the only lady in our office which is full of men. This Dilbert reminded us of her.

Ah, the toilet

2006-10-31T05:51:00.000-08:00

Yet again, our day of joy to hear that phone call has been thwarted by the entity that is government. Chelle and I talked about being angry, specifically is the anger we have a righteous anger or selfish anger. Perhaps, a combination of both. Since our hopes for the day were flushed down the toilet, I remembered an e-mail about cleaning the toilet. Seemed appropriate, actually funny. Hope it brightens your day.

Note: I am by no means a cat hater, cats and I just have a mutual tolerance for each other's existence.

How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way

Instructions on how to clean your toilet

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and rinse".

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,

The Dog

Waiting on a Sunday

2006-10-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

No news came this past week even though all rumors seemed to point that way. There's the problem with faith in rumors, they easily can let you down. Anything based on presumptions, lies, etc. does that. Thankful to the Lord for His promises that are always true. Faith in Him is actually easy. His word always happens. We will post the picture to this blog, and all other information, when we get it this week. We are fairly sure we will hear something this week.

In other news, the Razorbacks are 7-1, about to break the top ten. Tough two weeks ahead of us, South Carolina and Tennessee. If we do well for the rest of the season, we could be in China when the Hogs are in a bowl. I wonder if Chinese TV picks up ESPN. Don't let my wife know.

Adoption Process

2006-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

We started in December 2004. Michelle was adopted when she was 1 day old. Adoption has always been something that was on her heart, Lord had to work on mine. After a Steven Curtis Chapman concert, we looked into America World Adoption Association. Good group of folks. The info packet came in January 2005.

I should say here, if anyone wants to adopt, you need to be 100% gung-ho from day one in my opinion. The process will drag you down and consume you if you don't keep the prize in sight, a little child to call your own. The process can be frustrating, long, expensive, irritating, joyous, exciting - you can see the roller coaster that is adoption.

So, we started our home study - the information about your family and life that all agencies use to find out about you. We were fortunate to have a couple in town who could do this home study, Ed and Sharon Appler of Grace Adoptions. (Should have looked in town for an agency, didn't think to do it). They ask everything about you, EVERYTHING.

Police Checks, financial reports, letters of references, and then the government paperwork. Ah, the government, my new favorite entity on earth. This little form called the I-600A created more problems for us than anything else. This $600.00 piece of paper (complete with FBI fingerprints) must be sent in with a copy of home study. They process and send you an immigration form, the all powerful I-171H. This one piece of paper is the yea or nay of adoption. You must have to adopt. Takes six weeks to get it. After six weeks, we called to find out where it was at. Calling is also an adventure. They informed us that they did not have our home study to process the paperwork. They never told us they didn't have it (we had hand delivered and FedExed a copy to them). They lost both. We get the form, pay our fees, looking at getting our referral around Thanksgiving 2005. Then, the train came to a screeching crawl. Like a fully loaded coal train going up a mountain pass. Like a broken wagon on a muddy road.

You realize at this point that a government, all governments, are the same, just a different name. Bureaucracy in China, slowed down the process. Went from a 6-8 month referral wait to a 14 month referral wait. Now, we here that the referral wait has increased up to 24 months for those behind us. The referral wait is after you turn in all of your paperwork. This is why you had better be serious about the process. For those of you considering adoption, international in particular, and speed is your concern, then I don't recommend China right now. Total time could be upwards around 3 years.

While mad that the government slowed us Greers up, we see that the Lord has blessed us with a small group of families in Group 226 of America World Adoption. These six other families are already becoming our friends, our partners, our family. This is where the adoption is special. People we would probably never meet, but now we can spend a season in their path. Now, we wait anxiously with each other for that phone call saying, "We have a picture of your little girl." At this moment, we wonder if the call will come today.