tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51362738195194072842024-01-06T22:46:39.838-05:00..........................Journey to Mei .... China 2008Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-53759046014845691202015-01-01T18:47:00.000-05:002015-01-01T22:28:05.291-05:00Happy New Year 2015!<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014 Year in Review</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> – </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">for those who want to join us in
celebrating the goodness of God all over again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="MsoBookTitle">January</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">began with Kayla and
AnneMarie returning from One Thing (International House of Prayer, Kansas City)
full of joy. Then Kayla took off for
Bangkok, Thailand (YWAM Discipleship Training School) for 5 months. Biggest praises: Kayla’s excitement and Mommy and Daddy’s
peace! Mayana, Lia, and I continued to
study Chinese history and culture, among many other things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">February</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> brought Grace’s 14</span><sup style="font-size: x-large;">th</sup><span style="font-size: large;">
birthday, beautiful photos and stories from Kayla from SE Asia, lots of cold
and snow (of course) and the decision for Lia to attend Mariemont Schools for 7</span><sup style="font-size: x-large;">th</sup><span style="font-size: large;">
grade.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="MsoBookTitle">March</span> was filled with more
cold and snow, scholarship applications, and the excitement of AnneMarie
choosing Lee University for college. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">March</span><span style="font-size: large;"> also brought an unexpected blessing – being an unofficial foster
family to our little 7 year old Miss J, originally from India, and needing some
transitional loving care.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">April</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> began with a visit to
Lee University for Lee Day – which was both inspiring and great fun, including
hiking near the Smoky Mountains. The thaw
in Cincinnati finally came, and we relished our outdoor time with all the girls
(including our very active Miss J!) – except Kayla, who was busy riding
elephants and ministering to at risk children in Thailand before heading to
India. Miss J had a great birthday party
with lots of friends!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">May</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> was filled with
preparations for AnneMarie’s high school graduation (with PEP friends) and a
very fun graduation party, plus the good news of her scholarships for
fall. Grace wound up her first year at
Mariemont with good friends and great successs.
Kayla traveled from India to Malaysia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="MsoBookTitle">June</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">was packed with
celebration, too: Kayla’s homecoming
party (!!) and Scott Amlung’s (and his lovely bride, Megan’s) wedding, which
brought the whole family up for some great times of celebrating and hearing all
about Kayla’s travels and ministry.
Meanwhile, AnneMarie was at Lee University for Summer Honors camp. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As June ended and July began, we said good-bye to our little
Miss J, who by God’s blessing was welcomed into her forever family. It was a tearful, but joyful day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">July</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> brought us to Jamaica
to build a house for a family and share with children about God’s love; in the
process we made some great friends, praised God, and enjoyed some beautiful
waterfalls and beaches. (And oh, how we’d
love to go back and do it all over again!)
When we returned, Kayla received an invitation to date her very first
boyfriend – Adam Coupe!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">August</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> was crazy, celebrating
Kayla and AnneMarie’s birthdays and then sending AnneMarie to school at
Lee. What a treat to meet AnneMarie’s
roommate and the friends she’d already made!
Tom and Grace and Lia headed back to Mariemont Jr. High, and Tom and I
celebrated our 28</span><sup style="font-size: x-large;">th</sup><span style="font-size: large;"> anniversary (no kidding!) Kayla started working at Vineyard Cincinnati
church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">September</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> always brings my
and Lia’s birthdays and the beginning of homeschool co-ops. Mayana and I being the only ones still “homeschooling”
are enjoying a different pace this year.
Mayana loves Leaves of Learning, a new homeschool extension program for
her. We also got to visit Miss J at her
new home. So happy to know she’s doing
well!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">October</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">’s big events were
AnneMarie’s fall break (incl, carving pumpkins and roasting marshmallows with
the fam and friends), Tom’s birthday, and Kayla and I attending an intense week
of chaplaincy training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">November</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> – Ah,
Thanksgiving! Can’t get enough of
celebrating with friends and family how much the Lord has done! This year we got to celebrate with friends
and both sides of the family! I also got
to start working with a newer citywide prayer ministry, Roots and Branches,
with my longtime friend, Susan Carson.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-size: x-large;">December</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">. Could it have just ended yesterday? Wow!
AnneMarie is home from a super great semester at Lee; Kayla’s starting a
new job and still looking forward to travel again; and Grace, Lia and Mayana
are enjoying life as 7</span><sup style="font-size: x-large;">th</sup><span style="font-size: large;"> and 8</span><sup style="font-size: x-large;">th</sup><span style="font-size: large;"> graders (a feat in and
of itself, if you think about it). Tom
and I are setting our faces forward – leaning into all God has for us in the
coming years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today we await the arrival home of Kayla, AnneMarie, Adam,
Samuel (our nephew), and others as they return again from One Thing in Kansas
City, filled up and ready to embark on a New Year of blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year to all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pam, Tom, & girls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-51454582245863984812013-05-11T22:15:00.000-04:002013-05-11T22:15:02.173-04:00Blossoming with SpringPeople will say the 4th year after adoption is somehow "magic" -- that this is the turning point at which people rejoice and realize the true blessings of the now well-adjusted child. Mayana is no exception. Her confidence level is high, and she is willing to try hard to succeed in academic matters (quite a major shift from before!). Her reading is starting to take off (and hopefully her desire to read will take off soon, too). We are realizing what a hard worker Mayana is, now that she feels more confident. Willing to take on many tasks, particularly anything that pays money, she has earned over $200. <br />
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Mayana is also growing to appreciate with new understanding the gift of family; she expresses her feelings well. We are having a few health related difficulties in our extended family, and Mayana said yesterday, "Oh, I would love to take care of Grandma. I LOVE Grandma so much!" And this is the Grandma that she doesn't see as frequently. Her eyes just sparkled with adoration and compassion.<br />
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I sure look forward to the rest of year #4... as we watch our beautiful flower continue to blossom!<br />
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Recently, Mayana, Lia and Grace all had the chance to learn wildlife drawing in a class taught by none other than John Ruthven. What a treat! I hope to post some of their work from that day. Mr. Ruthven was duly impressed. Which is saying a lot!<br />
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<br />Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-86101328036542533602012-12-12T20:09:00.000-05:002012-12-12T20:22:23.154-05:0012-12-12 .. and she is 12 !!!!!!!!!!!!!<span style="font-size: large;">Twelve:</span> a number that signifies the government of God in heaven .. perfect government (unlike that which we have here on earth - so imperfect). Twelve: the number of tribes of Israel. Twelve: twelve disciples. Twelve, the number of gates of the New Jerusalem Temple in Revelation. And more ...<br />
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And today our Mayana turns 12<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> We have managed to allow the celebration to extend from 12-6 to 12-13. Why not? Last week was the birthday bash with a couple friends, a cousin, and sisters at Great Wolf Lodge (made possible by the precipitous "homeschool week special"). Tomorrow will be fudge brownies and raspberry chocolate chip ice cream after a dinner of meatloaf and mashed potatoes - M's special request! (She's an American girl now for sure! Mashed potatoes and gravy!! Brownies! Ice cream!!)<br />
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Needless to say, Mayana has been a very happy girl! But she's happy most of the time :)<br />
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Today the big event was the ear piercing. Now she's sporting two birthstone butterflies - blue topaz stones - that are quite adorable. My little girl is growing up!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdbbVTld5uvGX13e0E2UuKZjGF33f052WoHtGFVhk-QX3sUOE8GXVozNZ_xEMKaqe4bsK4ClB8AWgyCl25zmoY5R5nDR42PDmGB16fs7HHMa4a_e9Yb47T76xvKEQzETfgycFfxHy9GI/s1600/DSCF5914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdbbVTld5uvGX13e0E2UuKZjGF33f052WoHtGFVhk-QX3sUOE8GXVozNZ_xEMKaqe4bsK4ClB8AWgyCl25zmoY5R5nDR42PDmGB16fs7HHMa4a_e9Yb47T76xvKEQzETfgycFfxHy9GI/s320/DSCF5914.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lia, Mayana, and Charlie, the newest adopted member of the family.</td></tr>
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And on Saturday - Gotcha Day! How we will think of one more way to celebrate we don't know yet. <br />
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And Christmas is right around the corner, too!<br />
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We are so blessed by our Mayana Mei Xiang!!!!! <br />
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Happy Birthday to our sweetie!!!<br />
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<br />Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-82130300448438920992012-12-05T20:51:00.000-05:002012-12-12T19:59:42.542-05:00Remembering Freedom Fighters in China!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes I hear people say, "I know that Christians <i>used to</i> have a lot of persecution in China, but all that is over now." Tell that to the men and women featured in the following story. Persecution of Christian leaders is a problem right now in China! The only reason these individuals' stories are being told is that they have loved ones who have made it to the US to tell their stories. Getting out of China isn't easy. So, i<b>magine how many others are suffering extreme persecution across China because they are brave enough to stand up for what they believe?</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.worldmag.com/2012/11/remember_those_who_are_in_prison" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Who are the real Daniels of the Year?</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">@WORLD Magazine... Remembering those in the Den...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Add these families to your prayers!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Add to your reading list: Brother Yun's <u>Heavenly Man.</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Another very common misconception is that China no longer has many children available to adopt. This is a major fallacy. <b>There are Chinese girls and Chinese boys of all ages eligible for adoption right now - literally thousands! </b>While the wait to adopt healthy, young babies has dramatically increased (mostly because Chinese citizens may now adopt), the time frame for adopting children who have an identified medical need is short. Those with an identified need and those who are waiting because they are older can be adopted with one of shortest international adoption time frames - 10-18 months. Many of these needs are ones that are readily medically handled in the USA or needs that most people would readily accept in their birth children without blinking an eye. An adopted boy from China whom we know is missing one arm, but he is one of the brightest, most adorable young man I've ever met, and his family feels enormously blessed!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you are considering adoption, consider China! And be blessed!!!</span></span>Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-17832521620204012382012-11-04T14:14:00.001-05:002012-12-12T19:58:51.344-05:00Mayana - the young writer!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRJHLYlV_IOU5a9srupkXQ1C1gdfFC9isNza1OraLD-sAeSCI3bAV_Jvr7h7yaOvkf_Y-bV7Cjx1BcBbLIT3rAdJdf-nvPO-LbAEzbz5tZNxJBK5PiRcZpudDuv1yeJ8CVzPS5tCoHG8/s1600/Young+writer's+for+adoption,+Mayana+and+AnneMarie,+group.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRJHLYlV_IOU5a9srupkXQ1C1gdfFC9isNza1OraLD-sAeSCI3bAV_Jvr7h7yaOvkf_Y-bV7Cjx1BcBbLIT3rAdJdf-nvPO-LbAEzbz5tZNxJBK5PiRcZpudDuv1yeJ8CVzPS5tCoHG8/s320/Young+writer's+for+adoption,+Mayana+and+AnneMarie,+group.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Young Writers for Adoption who won</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAM1P-Wjc6AwSeEOJ4Tkma-t_GmldZap21KZrVBtgDs5GD5dkGg7Cv0ycB-jnQNKRu92EyaAtFAAktjaW21GreLKNuXNKiVxkUa8KiJ_Ug3yw63hkUclU145J12A1LIYNQpr3075oW1Y/s1600/DSC_6859.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAM1P-Wjc6AwSeEOJ4Tkma-t_GmldZap21KZrVBtgDs5GD5dkGg7Cv0ycB-jnQNKRu92EyaAtFAAktjaW21GreLKNuXNKiVxkUa8KiJ_Ug3yw63hkUclU145J12A1LIYNQpr3075oW1Y/s320/DSC_6859.jpeg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AnneMarie and Mayana at the party.</td></tr>
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Last night we celebrated Mayana's latest accomplishment - recognition from the group "Young Writer's for Adoption." Mayana submitted an essay telling honestly about her feelings surrounding leaving China and joining her new family. It was a moving piece, and the judges of the Young Writer's for Adoption recognized her achievement last night at the International Adoption Center (Cincinnati Children's Hospital) gala event. Mayana enjoyed a very fancy dinner, together with her parents and her sister, AnneMarie, who was also recognized for her writing achievement - 1st place in her age group. We enjoyed a fun evening and a very adorable international adoption fashion show.<br />
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We are so proud of Mayana's courage and her writing! Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-10483729814839427322012-11-03T12:52:00.000-04:002012-11-03T12:52:44.766-04:00Mayana is Turning 12 in December!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tjUImpUhmmxAhOiZDiZm6OoNEWON6_e47UmaAQtR4q4vD3hRbVzqQa1naVcSrw8No4jFy1K8ezm70hERw-ci8CxI77agCtULv_XsfGQ60N4ZcT3ZCiY47YM2Ti_07iNzsvd5L1K91ck/s1600/Florida,+June+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tjUImpUhmmxAhOiZDiZm6OoNEWON6_e47UmaAQtR4q4vD3hRbVzqQa1naVcSrw8No4jFy1K8ezm70hERw-ci8CxI77agCtULv_XsfGQ60N4ZcT3ZCiY47YM2Ti_07iNzsvd5L1K91ck/s200/Florida,+June+2012+008.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2012 in the mountains, NC.</td></tr>
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Nearly two years have passed since my last post. I am truly finding it hard to believe that it has been 4 years since I was wringing my hands, going nuts because I couldn't get to China fast enough to embrace my new daughter!<br />
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On 12-12-12 ... in just a little more than one month ... Mayana turns 12.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKZSAacQAbTdiZnvrZv4pjA9lOr8lTA0PeaGf2TOFo8SIyYhutHvMVrvJvlB9k-rujXrP2_VRn9IgqnmuAQ9Uq5WHXPCwp0ajBPgeY42xESNk3TStCtL3rp14tKBU2J003iXM4XFyZ3A/s1600/Everybody+smiling%252C+family+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKZSAacQAbTdiZnvrZv4pjA9lOr8lTA0PeaGf2TOFo8SIyYhutHvMVrvJvlB9k-rujXrP2_VRn9IgqnmuAQ9Uq5WHXPCwp0ajBPgeY42xESNk3TStCtL3rp14tKBU2J003iXM4XFyZ3A/s200/Everybody+smiling%252C+family+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In China in 2008</td></tr>
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When we flew from America and traveled to China on 12-12-08, Mayana was celebrating a birthday party with her orphanage workers and friends. She was scrawny, anemic, and apprehensive ... what would this new life in America be like? On 12-15-08 we met Mayana for the first time and she was ours that very day. In China there is no waiting period or time to get acclimated -- "Mei Xiang, these are your parents." "Mr. and Mrs. Amlung, this is your daughter, Mao Mei Xiang." "I know that neither of you speak each other's language, but we're sure you'll do fine. Good luck!"<br />
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Our two weeks in China were a swirl of emotions - overwhelmed, perplexed at times, elated at other times. With Christmas in the mild, warm air of Guangzhou -- English Christmas carols playing in our hotel lobbies and restaurants and the island dotted with Christmas trees and lights -- there was an indescribable magical quality where anything was possible, including opening the Word with a beautiful Chinese shopkeeper.<br />
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We danced beside the Pearl River, ate pizza at a cool Italian place, gobbled noodles, rice, and ice cream at Lucy's, and Skyped often with our girls back home, from our cute hotel room overlooking the local Starbucks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtJYZrxd5tAt7huS5GRQURFz2wJMZ8L_2kKri4qx8WB2l6F-KfZSnvVr2brBgb1J6TWrjAF8Yx_x3VoRfiUOEslTgMegXyG_wmZWkFYYwSdHQegvpqbWHFBR-AEQkH3mkON9LiY5vyRc/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtJYZrxd5tAt7huS5GRQURFz2wJMZ8L_2kKri4qx8WB2l6F-KfZSnvVr2brBgb1J6TWrjAF8Yx_x3VoRfiUOEslTgMegXyG_wmZWkFYYwSdHQegvpqbWHFBR-AEQkH3mkON9LiY5vyRc/s200/151.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Could it really have been four years ago that we brought Mayana home as our best Christmas present ever!<br />
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Mayana seems to have been with us forever, though. Her English is great -- better than a lot of kids raised in Cincinnati. And she lavishes love and affection on me just like my other children. I am the only mommy she has known and she's jealous for my attention.<br />
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Mayana is growing in beauty, both inside and out. Her eyes shine brightly as she talks of her Savior, Jesus. When thinking of the future, she talks of going around the world as a missionary ... or living on a farm and raising lots of children, as well as animals. Bold, friendly, and caring, Mayana is the first to offer to go around the neighborhood to fund-raise for her school, and the first to offer to care for a young child who needs assistance. Hardworking and helpful, she is quick to offer a hand - for laundry or gardening or feeding the chickens -- though she still complains about chores and school work like all the rest of them. Tall and thin, she is growing stronger and healthier with each passing year, taking ballet and loving her trampoline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6aS3rtY3TLX9Bxys1Og4KS8OhHbe9On-EIRpRLOo60-qdPa2Y2LuPo6Ef980PGdd4CdwqBTLoYAtEwxY0T7_MrwSge16QCV4_lifxizWtSEfzWGXB-wANcPhPffWJDrFodMwZU68J0w/s1600/Florida,+June+2012+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6aS3rtY3TLX9Bxys1Og4KS8OhHbe9On-EIRpRLOo60-qdPa2Y2LuPo6Ef980PGdd4CdwqBTLoYAtEwxY0T7_MrwSge16QCV4_lifxizWtSEfzWGXB-wANcPhPffWJDrFodMwZU68J0w/s320/Florida,+June+2012+100.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Mayana ,June 2012 - the bamboo jungle at Cherokee NC.</td></tr>
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Here's to Mayana's big 12-12-12 day coming up this coming month. We look forward to another year of watching her grow in grace, strength, and wisdom.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-76447570851807789772010-12-19T13:08:00.005-05:002010-12-19T14:33:31.789-05:00Mayana turns 10 !!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LFCNkhQrpvuzJ7KlvrhUWcS5-iqJJGRAzBb5RCsB4119cN9MB9GKs1k9Zeo6177-vq70ZpHQ-Pr9PPXT8Gw13abjKfBEgkwuXoj4nve7IBJVHhegPAWvThOFk3KwgFcvI_p-qClJ3_4/s1600/DSCF7880.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LFCNkhQrpvuzJ7KlvrhUWcS5-iqJJGRAzBb5RCsB4119cN9MB9GKs1k9Zeo6177-vq70ZpHQ-Pr9PPXT8Gw13abjKfBEgkwuXoj4nve7IBJVHhegPAWvThOFk3KwgFcvI_p-qClJ3_4/s200/DSCF7880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552472884456556674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-miHn7ZhZeneCbJB9cJSbUOMeerGoF2Yqr6obyEdq_-0nwpJNtZ_nYgbFRXyT1WCJXNBmK1fNDd4RAxAcRyLHMDRqbrzu_qNrnF9A0H0NU2sgpY1TH6Key70LxxbuCJ6PshhlbfgAr0/s1600/DSCF7887.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-miHn7ZhZeneCbJB9cJSbUOMeerGoF2Yqr6obyEdq_-0nwpJNtZ_nYgbFRXyT1WCJXNBmK1fNDd4RAxAcRyLHMDRqbrzu_qNrnF9A0H0NU2sgpY1TH6Key70LxxbuCJ6PshhlbfgAr0/s200/DSCF7887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552464316244068194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cN6LmDj8umoiln6MTimcupjemCFnv9DwPPe2qRvQZKKhIHObQSFFS5Lq9B2M0S4ysEpELqPubuYo5U4Swv3bTjIjExJICBp7tD_lk7pvl7oxDdfozbeE5jtv1pAzBTeRf-TEkadOKGU/s1600/DSCF7897.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cN6LmDj8umoiln6MTimcupjemCFnv9DwPPe2qRvQZKKhIHObQSFFS5Lq9B2M0S4ysEpELqPubuYo5U4Swv3bTjIjExJICBp7tD_lk7pvl7oxDdfozbeE5jtv1pAzBTeRf-TEkadOKGU/s200/DSCF7897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552464310515560770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfpA0yXdlgYjk1eq15TDcQD_SiacuJKh14HtnSQUQHIUdUmQRauyHDS2CgR6_rX8tgVScxjRWtSGtZ_0zVZuIo3L2cBIXkJra8lBL9bHE-sjIs485Tx_JXIhbZCF5OcVyeUSGkKLXRM0/s1600/DSCF7913.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfpA0yXdlgYjk1eq15TDcQD_SiacuJKh14HtnSQUQHIUdUmQRauyHDS2CgR6_rX8tgVScxjRWtSGtZ_0zVZuIo3L2cBIXkJra8lBL9bHE-sjIs485Tx_JXIhbZCF5OcVyeUSGkKLXRM0/s200/DSCF7913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552461460598658674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKM-sWuizalvsCaUYdhQeeLjhbZcsiPR4di86OgkBYaMh54Rx3dwz3U3b_NC1_fg8XWQeD2y-9wZUuYC6lK9lvskJVLsrGteApxaGoIzSG8Mh83csYWTX0r8Ir1Ef5JM-Dg8QVtKoVbM/s1600/DSCF7868.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKM-sWuizalvsCaUYdhQeeLjhbZcsiPR4di86OgkBYaMh54Rx3dwz3U3b_NC1_fg8XWQeD2y-9wZUuYC6lK9lvskJVLsrGteApxaGoIzSG8Mh83csYWTX0r8Ir1Ef5JM-Dg8QVtKoVbM/s200/DSCF7868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552461450052145794" border="0" /></a><br />It is so hard to believe that two years have passed since we traveled to China to adopt Mayana who had just turned eight. Two years ago we were there, celebrating Christmas with our new daughter, Guangzhou style.<br /><br />Now she is 10. She had a great birthday with her girl friends. And we are gearing up for Christmas #3 with her.<br /><br />Mayana is such a wonderful blessing to us ... a loving daughter, excellent helper, great friend to her sisters, and a hard worker at school. This year she learned how to play soccer and really enjoys it.<br /><br />Attached are some photos from her party.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-56465398219737689582010-09-05T20:44:00.002-04:002010-09-05T20:49:37.249-04:00School is Off to a Great StartAhhh, the beginning of the year when young students are so excited about learning new things. I wish it could last. This time of year is busy, busy, busy. It's crazy. But finally this weekend I am having plenty of time to rest up.<br /><br />Hint for those who homeschool and those who don't: If you haven't heard of it, check out spellingcity.com. A fun way to learn the spelling words on your lists! Grace is begging for her fourth list already after acing the first three (and this is after only two weeks of school!)<br /><br />Hope your year is off the a great start, too.<br /><br />PamPam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-76996471063482836682010-08-17T20:17:00.003-04:002010-08-17T20:22:19.418-04:00School Time is ComingI can't believe that the summer is nearly done. Looking back at weeks filled with camps and travels, we breathe a contented sigh. And yet, it is not quite over. This week is our crazy week of parties -- Grace's friend, Liana, stayed two nights, and then 3 of AnneMarie's friends are here tonight. Tomorrow is Kayla's party at the park ... Sweet Sixteen ... and then Friday the girls celebrate with another friend sleepover away .... Then we all take a deep breath before diving into the first week of school.<br /><br />We were so blessed by an eventful, fun-filled summer with so much personal and spiritual growth ... may the same be true for the Fall ....... for all.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-35781850008636684182010-07-27T19:38:00.002-04:002010-07-27T19:55:33.718-04:00End of July update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-ew6IypvqJss7ucz9g9slAg__kpTQvmb_kZNoqqDYTUJ5npXzPhjdSR1I8DfsbiTnEu76Emj_mFLcoFLZgul8nMtlegFdNH5Wy6y4tvRx3RI-7EmGGGJv6H722mSNP7NaR-JpLe6SC4/s1600/DSCF1724.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-ew6IypvqJss7ucz9g9slAg__kpTQvmb_kZNoqqDYTUJ5npXzPhjdSR1I8DfsbiTnEu76Emj_mFLcoFLZgul8nMtlegFdNH5Wy6y4tvRx3RI-7EmGGGJv6H722mSNP7NaR-JpLe6SC4/s200/DSCF1724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498737187699825618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2v7ipA7U2YOA-4NYYtf7b6DR75WULC_bZpqOq4TOepNzQyJcLJFcyPap0w6byxMadhnV-WrvRNZf2Cq1uK3KFFDw8QYCDNtNfn_PZ2RU42QjANjh19_uzjeXXvmhfltp0XBp90Sj7ek/s1600/Daddy+and+kayla+near+the+water.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2v7ipA7U2YOA-4NYYtf7b6DR75WULC_bZpqOq4TOepNzQyJcLJFcyPap0w6byxMadhnV-WrvRNZf2Cq1uK3KFFDw8QYCDNtNfn_PZ2RU42QjANjh19_uzjeXXvmhfltp0XBp90Sj7ek/s200/Daddy+and+kayla+near+the+water.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498737180459583906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjyYfn-kOpr4uETqwXS7wjHXt-urJQzW4FrduPlY0I8pmX-BiQEMP00qHtuTiaZA68YH2JPIa-LeHY6ZtgD8CmM29RsO47dxsdFeHbVdgUmeYapoalCSr_cglFjK-8bzLcfcrjqbkhbA/s1600/all+the+Amlung+girls+and+mom.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjyYfn-kOpr4uETqwXS7wjHXt-urJQzW4FrduPlY0I8pmX-BiQEMP00qHtuTiaZA68YH2JPIa-LeHY6ZtgD8CmM29RsO47dxsdFeHbVdgUmeYapoalCSr_cglFjK-8bzLcfcrjqbkhbA/s200/all+the+Amlung+girls+and+mom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498737168200321442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_z19zN3ylMo-Kr6BsK0qKfgFqZAizwen0xLBQZ-4n3kQhMUcHevecnyPYPXIkyBc-6HfVsBGsPl5r28-94vSDK6oXIkGtOniG-PIvCZHQBCiiu2L65WQlaZM-AlNSIN0VKvw6KTWJi4/s1600/a+beautiful+Mayana.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_z19zN3ylMo-Kr6BsK0qKfgFqZAizwen0xLBQZ-4n3kQhMUcHevecnyPYPXIkyBc-6HfVsBGsPl5r28-94vSDK6oXIkGtOniG-PIvCZHQBCiiu2L65WQlaZM-AlNSIN0VKvw6KTWJi4/s200/a+beautiful+Mayana.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498737160114393026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZM__1W6SHoGsieqRl22XVlNnAnI37YUujrh8Y5AKgLrPFMVKUroZsOAM5zS_IamUeenDDhJizkofBhcEV_8LrZZl07HC3P5bjCE3_Us58nmaLWsb8M5-10gkAhr8Z8Mf4x1PUFVTfV8/s1600/all+on+the+mtn.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZM__1W6SHoGsieqRl22XVlNnAnI37YUujrh8Y5AKgLrPFMVKUroZsOAM5zS_IamUeenDDhJizkofBhcEV_8LrZZl07HC3P5bjCE3_Us58nmaLWsb8M5-10gkAhr8Z8Mf4x1PUFVTfV8/s200/all+on+the+mtn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498737153510370194" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some photos from our Colorado trip......<br /><br />It's the last week of July, now, and we finally have AnneMarie back home.<span style=""> </span>She was gone for 16 days at camp in KC, MO.<span style=""> </span>She is so glad to be home.<span style=""> </span>I hung out with her all day yesterday.<span style=""> </span>She had a great, awesome time there at the International House of Prayer Teen Camp.<span style=""> </span>She's so full of love for God and for everyone ... it is so fun to see so overflowing like this.<span style=""> </span>Yesterday she kept saying, "I love you, Mom.<span style=""> </span>I love you, Dad.<span style=""> </span>I love you, Kayla."<span style=""> </span>I'm praying all this lasts!<p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next week Kayla turns 16.<span style=""> </span>She's learning to drive.<span style=""> </span>Oh my!!<span style=""> </span>AnneMarie turns 14 the week after that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">All 5 girls are off to camp again next week - this time in NOrthern Ohio.<span style=""> </span>K and A are camp counselors.<span style=""> </span>The younger three are campers.<span style=""> </span>It's for 3 nights.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mayana continues to do well. She is so beautiful and funny, nearly always smiling, and so very helpful all the time. What a delight to us all .. well, most of the time: she does drive her older sisters crazy with silliness and immaturity. But isn't that her job?<br /><br />Grace has started gymnastics again, and again has been asked to consider a competitive team (this time cheerleading). She loves the sport, but hates an audience. Go figure! Lia continues to amaze us with her brainiac questions and aspirations. So ironic that her awkwardness around others makes her seem unintelligent. But she's growing in that area, too. And she is just so pretty. Someday Lia will be supporting the rest of us or discovering the cure for cancer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom is loving the summer .. as always... and so am I. Summer is my favorite time - as always.<span style=""></span></p>Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-20536183330714711192010-07-06T19:53:00.002-04:002010-07-06T23:00:30.659-04:00Hannah and Mayana - Colorado Springs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lMZGSIpxqOilSxUBE0KLeAgrL6zgwJ9vixLkhJaXX-IbJEFiVFtULQeK5PpGoZ7Hwm42w3vNc2-aQbY7bxv9OQDgxiBSBi_pkfYSYoOZqhjP-XBhisaeCRbFt3Lu1hhCxYF5P8vmC4Q/s1600/DSCF1592.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lMZGSIpxqOilSxUBE0KLeAgrL6zgwJ9vixLkhJaXX-IbJEFiVFtULQeK5PpGoZ7Hwm42w3vNc2-aQbY7bxv9OQDgxiBSBi_pkfYSYoOZqhjP-XBhisaeCRbFt3Lu1hhCxYF5P8vmC4Q/s200/DSCF1592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490947098242156162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS7NzUqMwXM3fqb8Z9MKUUO3tFeRMjJ4ofMuWGb_cm66KnKzs5pJPUQema8CBB7izNS9T_onUWu0bjMon1RMTjZqtixtFcmGiU7Nn2EQeumAat6hfBI9AAHQYb4y1S68fvdtCoMgfnwM/s1600/DSCF1428.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS7NzUqMwXM3fqb8Z9MKUUO3tFeRMjJ4ofMuWGb_cm66KnKzs5pJPUQema8CBB7izNS9T_onUWu0bjMon1RMTjZqtixtFcmGiU7Nn2EQeumAat6hfBI9AAHQYb4y1S68fvdtCoMgfnwM/s200/DSCF1428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490947091370240818" border="0" /></a>Friends so happy to see each other!<br /><br /><br />Hannah with us at Garden of the Gods.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-80124594035092390442010-07-01T15:51:00.002-04:002010-07-01T16:09:18.610-04:00Colorado was Awesome!!We thoroughly enjoyed our trip out West! (We came home to a computer that wasn't working, so I am behind on getting photos up. I hope to post them here very soon!)<br /><br />Recommendations:<br /><br />Go West with your family! It's worth the driving, for sure. This was our first trip, and we were in awe at the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. We will probably go even farther next time. <br /><br />Take your time if you can. We visited St. Louis (great fun at the arch, the zoo, and the science museum) and KC, MO (great time at IHOP and at science museum) on our way. Cutting the driving into 5 hour blocks made the trip so much easier.<br /><br />Colorado Springs is beautiful and fun. We wished we had spent a few more days there. Don't miss Focus on the Family's Odyssey experience if you have younger kids. Pikes Peak was best half way up - stop at the crystal clear blue lake. We picnicked there and adored the spot. Garden of the Gods (free) was amazing and fun for the kids to climb on rocks. Our stay at the Best Western Academy Hotel was top notch. The breakfast was amazing - made to order omelets, waffles loaded with fruit, and more!<br /><br />Estes Park was an awesome place to camp and hike. We stayed five nights at Estes Park Campground (beautiful views and pretty decent sites.) We hiked on four of the days, but I do wished we'd hiked further up the water falls. We enjoyed the Alluvial Fan hikes (up and down) a lot and several more. There is mostly hiking and shopping and not much else (except good restaurants like the Dunraven Inn), but simply being there, with gorgeous views all around, was an awe-inspiring experience (every hour, every day). God is an awesome Creator!!<br /><br />Drury Hotels are a good deal for families. You essentially get your dinner and breakfast free! (But when in Colorado Springs use the BW Academy instead.)<br /><br />The kids were great in the car. One secret was listening to books on tape. We recommend: The Watsons go to Birmingham, Among the Hidden, River of Fire (Atherton series), and Chasing Tigers (Or was it Taming Tigers). (The kids would add Penderwicks series to that, but that was a different trip.)<br /><br />Come back for photos!Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-78001080277100147722010-05-31T17:24:00.001-04:002010-05-31T17:26:47.423-04:00Princess Photo Album, Friday eveningIgnore the ad at the beginning ... this will play a beautiful montage.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/play/4d5463774e5451334f444d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Beauty in Bloom" src="http://www.smilebox.com/snap/4d5463774e5451334f444d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=hallmark&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This free scrapbook made with Smilebox</td></tr></table>Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-17126882222678626492010-05-29T11:45:00.000-04:002010-05-29T11:46:17.693-04:00Our Girl's Princess Retreat - we just returned.Nine young ladies, ages 7 through 10, came together for something so special and wonderful this past week. Through worship, prayer, and Bible study combined with creative expression through crafts and other interactive, hands-on experiences, they were transformed into Princesses of the Most High King. Of these nine princesses, five are adopted children, four from China, and one other princess has a little sister adopted from China. Unique in their individual beauty and personalities, bringing in a wide variety of experiences and idiosyncrasies, they found unity in friendship and compassion for each other, learning that being a princess is about caring for others, showing honor, and sharing. Primarily, though, they learned that the King of Kings is totally in love with each one of them and that they have a beautiful and wondrous destiny in His Kingdom.<br /><br />Watching the radiance of God’s presence on these princesses as they danced, created, and explored filled our hearts with joy. On a sunny morning we trekked down a cool, sparkling creek, wading and discovering brilliant gems hidden amongst the rocks. At the end of our trek, nestled in rocks, sat a crown filled with more colorful gems and jewels - pink, green, red, blue, yellow, gold, and clear – sparkling in the sunlight. The girls let the jewels flow through their fingers and learned more about being beautiful, like a jewel in the crown of their king. Much later, after dark, we celebrated, telling stories around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.<br /><br />After two days of preparation and learning, the girls celebrated with a crowning ceremony. With white dresses flowing, carrying their own bouquets of fresh flowers, and wearing crowns they created, the princesses descended the stairs and lined up for an amazing worship dance. The princesses then took communion with their families and danced with their daddies. A special ceremony of dedicating their lives to Jesus sealed the evening in awe-inspiring beauty and joy. Topping it all off with special cake and ice cream, the radiant princesses began asking, “When can we have another Princess Retreat?”<br /><br />P<span style="font-weight: bold;">HOTOS TO COME! Come back soon.</span><br /><br />Many Thanks to: Jesus, our King of Kings!<br /><br />Barb Grimshaw, of Incense Aroma Ministries, for leading the children and orchestrating all the amazing activities throughout.<br /><br />Monica Blackburn, for initiating and organizing the retreat, and for preparing such a wonderful celebration.<br /><br />Kayla Amlung, assistant children’s leader, for her love and hard work throughout the retreat.<br /><br />And last but not least, Quiet Waters for hosting us in the perfect setting with such comfortable accommodations and Sonya Strom for providing delicious meals.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-31295856000905305962010-04-26T14:48:00.002-04:002010-04-26T14:50:04.330-04:00RecommendedRecommended reading for parents: <em>Wendy</em> A. <em>Pidkaminy</em>, Parenting Challenging Children With Power, Love and Sound Mind.<br /><br />Wow! Talk about a different way of looking at parenting!<br /><br />If you miss following something here and want to follow my spiritual journey with my kids, particularly the three from China, go to afamilyhouseofprayer.blogspot.com.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-2039475853854623892010-03-06T21:31:00.002-05:002010-03-06T21:46:07.588-05:00Thankful ... so thankfulFriday evening I was at Cincinnati House of Prayer, one of our favorite places of worship. As I held Lia and watched Mayana dancing with her arms raised to heaven, I sang along with our worship leader, "Thank you, Jesus, for all you've done for me." I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I felt so chosen ... He chose me to parent these beautiful girls. Out of hundreds of adopting moms and millions of orphans, God chose to match us so perfectly. The wonder of it all hit me again, as it has been washing over me for a few months now, of Mayana's amazing journey. That a child who was raised knowing a chant to Buddha, in a country that suppresses religious expression, should come into our family with a heart so wide open to love and worship Jesus, just blows my mind. Her heart for worship far surpasses that of other children her age, including her two close in age sisters. This heart of hers ... I certainly would not have anticipated this. <br /><br />I am also so thankful for Mayana's love that she expresses to me. Tonight after I prayed for them and turned off the light, she said, "Mommy?" yes, Mayana. "I have your love and your hug." I replied, "That's good. You keep them for me until tomorrow." What a miracle that this child can stare deeply into my eyes, with her eyes, like lovely chocolate pools, seem to absorb the love that flows from my own eyes of green with a hint of blue! <br /><br />Did I tell you that what she thought of us at first? She was scared because we were ugly and talked funny! She had never seen anyone like us, except in pictures. And even though she had seen our photos ... a whole photo album that we sent with letters ... she wasn't prepared for the reality - especially our noses in 3-D !<br /><br />But the eye contact now is truly amazing to me. It far surpasses that of my other two ... even after all these years. <br /><br />I could go on and on tonight, but I will save more for later. And I hope tomorrow to post some snow pics. (Now that we are breathing a deep sigh of relief that Spring is coming.)Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-79585570316030027352010-01-21T16:32:00.002-05:002010-01-21T16:37:32.040-05:00One Year of EnglishMayana's progress with her English is amazing ... but what is also amazing is the sheer number of words and idioms we use every single day. One sure doesn't appreciate how many words we use regularly, and interchangeably, until she has someone around who is just learning.<br /><br />Yesterday I told Mayana, "We will just wait until later to do your reading so your brain can be engaged."<br /><br />"Engaged?" she asked with a laugh. I am just a young girl. I don't need to get married!" More giggling like mommy has truly lost it this time.<br /><br />"No, it is a different kind of engaged."<br /><br />But she was laughing too much about getting married (which apparently is very funny anyway) to listen to the new meaning.<br /><br />Peace to all,<br />PamPam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-65754145456136964362010-01-10T13:41:00.002-05:002010-01-10T13:45:15.818-05:00Time to feel betterI have been hoping to post Christmas photos and wish everyone happy new year but I have been sick for nearly two weeks and most everything is hard to do because my mind is so fuzzy. If God's strength is truly made perfect in weakness, then I expect to feel a lot of his strength coming into me really soon!<br /><br />The kids have been great during this time, and we've actually kept up with a modified school schedule for a whole week of school. They are a true blessing.<br /><br />If you think of it, pray for me. I want to be completely well very soon!<br /><br />PamPam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-13456037646041462942009-12-20T20:40:00.002-05:002009-12-21T10:07:45.089-05:00Merry Christmas to all !Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwExdX0tRuihl-Hg1FwoaX5K6ukNS3Zfs2uF5jfDH7wL0s5i-Cx7GYN4U3lJ5iOqXaCcQ3h_xA6Wl-oaDSLFQE6MHMOgqqnV5nM5EdpiRY72vKNkn0oabowwxx9iF7L7oQGVNih3sBcU/s1600-h/five+girls+at+Christmas,+closer.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwExdX0tRuihl-Hg1FwoaX5K6ukNS3Zfs2uF5jfDH7wL0s5i-Cx7GYN4U3lJ5iOqXaCcQ3h_xA6Wl-oaDSLFQE6MHMOgqqnV5nM5EdpiRY72vKNkn0oabowwxx9iF7L7oQGVNih3sBcU/s320/five+girls+at+Christmas,+closer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417705214260972322" border="0" /></a><br />Joy to the World!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lRQUW-Am46niXJT3wBmfd5SHhOty1KP0i9s3rwgytD8gposG5VWeJZBZeV_d46hyo6UxzPYi3q8saZdjhsOhDTEh_BET57i43Geid_PVCC0JDUIIK1hsBflIovcKEsHzXFl-xBfBao8/s1600-h/DSCF0147.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lRQUW-Am46niXJT3wBmfd5SHhOty1KP0i9s3rwgytD8gposG5VWeJZBZeV_d46hyo6UxzPYi3q8saZdjhsOhDTEh_BET57i43Geid_PVCC0JDUIIK1hsBflIovcKEsHzXFl-xBfBao8/s320/DSCF0147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417703582905898866" border="0" /></a><br />A blessed Christmas tree.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hi everybody,<br /><br /><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PostalCode"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas!</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span>One year ago we were in <st1:postalcode st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:postalcode>, the weather spring-like, or hearts full of anticipation.<span style=""> </span>Now we stand amazed that a year has passed and our daughter, Mayana, has blossomed into such a beautiful example of God’s goodness.<span style=""> </span>Thank you all for standing with us in prayer during this past year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Last night our three little angels dressed in white robes, stood at the front of church, saying, “Glory to God in the highest.”<span style=""> </span>How are hearts swelled with gratitude as we considered how blessed we are!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We have also just celebrated Mayana’s 9<sup>th</sup> birthday.<span style=""> </span>Now, for two and half months we have two 9-year-old daughters.<span style=""> </span>Lia turned 7 in September, Kayla 15<span style=""> </span>and AnneMarie 13 in August.<span style=""> </span>(I used to say that 7 was my favorite age, but my new favorite is 15.) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We are looking forward to new and exciting things in the coming year.<span style=""> </span>Can you believe it will be 2010?<span style=""> </span>I hope to start a new blog in the coming year, too, so stay tuned.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Many blessings to all!!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Quote of the day ... </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYq2RaIVBYTKnExYFbuZOUm4g8capVv33rcSA4efMH4h4GAG2d3MQzPMYsBAhcKkye_Kj89YU5KKreSlijW5THp6m7-W-CJwTqStnbPMKeX_W04b8CjvQMkz_OzmOcZw_VuVbJEXle3s/s1600-h/DSCF0182.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYq2RaIVBYTKnExYFbuZOUm4g8capVv33rcSA4efMH4h4GAG2d3MQzPMYsBAhcKkye_Kj89YU5KKreSlijW5THp6m7-W-CJwTqStnbPMKeX_W04b8CjvQMkz_OzmOcZw_VuVbJEXle3s/s320/DSCF0182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417704557988776162" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />"Hey, Grace. You look like a Chinese girl!" -- Mayana<br /><br />"Well, so do you!" - Grace<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X5i9jCt6P0hHD99lK9lojXHsEJzNvsmJ9oNsJjsyoT3U-AhmJJ1qQmGaLiMbAPA-nlYFd6TgTObsDNR1CPYQmSTgHxgGq0MOs_HsvWe3IE_xij8FFpG4Q79CsDiTXjlglo_CXeQavzU/s1600-h/DSCF0191.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X5i9jCt6P0hHD99lK9lojXHsEJzNvsmJ9oNsJjsyoT3U-AhmJJ1qQmGaLiMbAPA-nlYFd6TgTObsDNR1CPYQmSTgHxgGq0MOs_HsvWe3IE_xij8FFpG4Q79CsDiTXjlglo_CXeQavzU/s320/DSCF0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417703581130485010" border="0" /></a></p>Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-44903878491174042132009-12-17T15:05:00.003-05:002009-12-17T16:07:54.586-05:00Mayana' Turns 9 and celebrates 1 year with us!One year ago we were in China ... Mayana had already had her birthday, turning 8 without us. This year we celebrated Mayana's 9th birthday at home with a few friends and family. How special to have her first at home birthday. She is so beautiful at nine!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUbXMPwc_YIkGaHsnRcO20joZTA2-oUinVbZB_MpJtJRwsX24UayT0nPmPJ0CCDyCSaHvbE5BjVGJMwWve7O5Gso7_PH0s5FnLfuyZseRaMvuVJoLVtqS-z6w3AyLLTytQFXF8EAAZiQ/s1600-h/DSCF0053.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUbXMPwc_YIkGaHsnRcO20joZTA2-oUinVbZB_MpJtJRwsX24UayT0nPmPJ0CCDyCSaHvbE5BjVGJMwWve7O5Gso7_PH0s5FnLfuyZseRaMvuVJoLVtqS-z6w3AyLLTytQFXF8EAAZiQ/s320/DSCF0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416312012947303378" border="0" /></a><br />One year later ... a birthday at home with Mommy and Daddy<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvSptdyK_nafivKPG6aVmgfiZaf4cbRlaU91ivsMFdoiHCJ-j5GSPFL0Ebp7rmAbypRWV5eslrf_gATUZFXXg5XCkytL_iZxsvU76crpv90qoN33efiv2c7zg6Z9LTJc1e6JrxUrbcLc/s1600-h/DSCF0079.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvSptdyK_nafivKPG6aVmgfiZaf4cbRlaU91ivsMFdoiHCJ-j5GSPFL0Ebp7rmAbypRWV5eslrf_gATUZFXXg5XCkytL_iZxsvU76crpv90qoN33efiv2c7zg6Z9LTJc1e6JrxUrbcLc/s320/DSCF0079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416312021955724338" border="0" /></a><br />My first birthday with my Mommy<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZgtbvQICGznh1CG41CZtannTu79zjtcsyLnMFGytCKYAB7FfyV6rJIBhXp8uZidWKnC2LkTtQktzLQveoWxXOhiTTOuy2GuHgCTAfKFmodvkP0mUi72cx0YG14brMeGTa1-BQrGxv0c/s1600-h/DSCF0068.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZgtbvQICGznh1CG41CZtannTu79zjtcsyLnMFGytCKYAB7FfyV6rJIBhXp8uZidWKnC2LkTtQktzLQveoWxXOhiTTOuy2GuHgCTAfKFmodvkP0mUi72cx0YG14brMeGTa1-BQrGxv0c/s320/DSCF0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416312017902295730" border="0" /></a><br />A birthday with sisters and friends<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G930MQZVM6LoLHUmqov1O6RlK-iCPieSiOxQFwKu_TywEjQMwmDCegXh_GXfupybzLSF7WETbtaMh7_eaYO5XDNjWD_1MtsFV7jRjHUIEslyUSGRHf3Tus3THX8wIwd3rrjmHxQhsbs/s1600-h/DSCF0099.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G930MQZVM6LoLHUmqov1O6RlK-iCPieSiOxQFwKu_TywEjQMwmDCegXh_GXfupybzLSF7WETbtaMh7_eaYO5XDNjWD_1MtsFV7jRjHUIEslyUSGRHf3Tus3THX8wIwd3rrjmHxQhsbs/s320/DSCF0099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416312037076076530" border="0" /></a><br />Birthday, with Grandma and Grandpa Strom<br />y.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52bF9p4F3JIqs300KmrJIyq3Km5GMD-5X4dc-eqlcpqsJZIQZHzFgrrQUA3K9lUe_57A2VbvoUfj1NZ7XL5EmnzI54D4ZZB55lNPguSvshjqyJgfe-7I9R9QTFw66xXgWCv7srZv0kho/s1600-h/DSCF0022.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52bF9p4F3JIqs300KmrJIyq3Km5GMD-5X4dc-eqlcpqsJZIQZHzFgrrQUA3K9lUe_57A2VbvoUfj1NZ7XL5EmnzI54D4ZZB55lNPguSvshjqyJgfe-7I9R9QTFw66xXgWCv7srZv0kho/s320/DSCF0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416312011536522290" border="0" /></a><br />Three little home depot elves... Merry Christmas everybody!Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-3316191544727401412009-12-14T17:19:00.003-05:002009-12-16T20:04:22.943-05:00Both nine, & coming soon ....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpOfEM2chnnzLv3twYjB43kYw3iR3xckOBR_S0GNehx4vfzX-ULvRF1uQF4DH0hWuc3-et_GOaH3oyKwjysDYBLm-qKP9Sk1TChqu1Ty6nIrY3BEfj3f0MOwRyM_suxoK4ndWubl3l14/s1600-h/DSCF5248.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpOfEM2chnnzLv3twYjB43kYw3iR3xckOBR_S0GNehx4vfzX-ULvRF1uQF4DH0hWuc3-et_GOaH3oyKwjysDYBLm-qKP9Sk1TChqu1Ty6nIrY3BEfj3f0MOwRyM_suxoK4ndWubl3l14/s320/DSCF5248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415221238101383474" border="0" /></a><br />Hey! We're both nine at the same time!!<br /><br />Posts coming soon...<br /><br />Mayana's birthday photos.<br /><br />Merry Christmas letter.<br /><br />More photos ... come back next week, please.Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-5616792616842458652009-08-24T21:54:00.003-04:002009-08-24T22:06:57.372-04:00Another August Post -- there are three more below!August is a full month here at the Amlung house. We start with two birthdays, usually go somewhere, and end with our anniversary, Tom returning to school, and homeschool starting up again. How we do this, we don't know!<br /><br />Homeschool kicked off today. I hope to post more on that later.<br /><br />Here are a few more August highlights....<br /><br />well, the first is July, <br /><br />the girls ready to jump off a rock into a creek -<br />Natural Bridge, KY<br />(Home of my brother's wonderful retreat center - Quiet Waters!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB0AxOyfSvI6WrbAx_Xf-YpQUH0zW7_g9kt-qnqvE7D4TkrWk6FkRnQ0ctA7K71XHa7IH8JxD1LVmpyqbDRQ_4KuvkYQP1gZ-W4HdS4TKmBMAi9h5xFJ97gvrewz1eaeH0t37RJuvjYY/s1600-h/P7250245.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB0AxOyfSvI6WrbAx_Xf-YpQUH0zW7_g9kt-qnqvE7D4TkrWk6FkRnQ0ctA7K71XHa7IH8JxD1LVmpyqbDRQ_4KuvkYQP1gZ-W4HdS4TKmBMAi9h5xFJ97gvrewz1eaeH0t37RJuvjYY/s320/P7250245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373716010114904722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lia waving a flag at Signs and Wonders camp,<br />northeast Ohio<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQo2o1rrA2mn4qolkGaJGfLTm1djN3hZBHogumw6_Fs3AecENJnAhE909f0lymB6KOlMxo6j6J93v-9rL3zFmp4gXa0wDQfchnNEcTbBIOQI6ddu8r6fjrvQCu3rgiZErS9zN9CxefkkM/s1600-h/P8080296.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQo2o1rrA2mn4qolkGaJGfLTm1djN3hZBHogumw6_Fs3AecENJnAhE909f0lymB6KOlMxo6j6J93v-9rL3zFmp4gXa0wDQfchnNEcTbBIOQI6ddu8r6fjrvQCu3rgiZErS9zN9CxefkkM/s320/P8080296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373716001700490546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More kids, dancing at Signs and Wonders Camp...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv4bpRhHm3xGZdQ9cfxCgiDgZlJccZ5MmGRfNslsx3mCu9lpukAWy0jZLWAN-ZPiaSYQzlMFP1cmM2mzzy6vpJtihw6u_ZTXXQSXPW8Msf8dN1WBe71tTdsHzC1LTFcbqYbWqokpu9Ss/s1600-h/P8080279.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv4bpRhHm3xGZdQ9cfxCgiDgZlJccZ5MmGRfNslsx3mCu9lpukAWy0jZLWAN-ZPiaSYQzlMFP1cmM2mzzy6vpJtihw6u_ZTXXQSXPW8Msf8dN1WBe71tTdsHzC1LTFcbqYbWqokpu9Ss/s320/P8080279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373715995763370130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The kids had an awesome time. All my five and the fifty others. Way cool!Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-35436332295986960872009-08-24T19:10:00.005-04:002009-09-07T17:18:59.909-04:00Happy Birthday, K and A !We all had a fantastic time at a big party for Kayla turning 15 and AnneMarie turning 13. Two teenagers!! We had big fun for two big girls.<br /><br /><br />Kayla posing before the yummy cake!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzLWqDhfDOYaI1UxTT8Vya_J7q5aIweeyFv6fOzYd-I9wwFWiJfY3AVCZp5ObPO_rRP-1MEIJcqYpaP5ujLI8kYxF41JtwCWCxPFsYRQT5sIZ2aA0tyNVN9iZBlFMOMeTD10KgH9VK6Y/s1600-h/P8120331.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzLWqDhfDOYaI1UxTT8Vya_J7q5aIweeyFv6fOzYd-I9wwFWiJfY3AVCZp5ObPO_rRP-1MEIJcqYpaP5ujLI8kYxF41JtwCWCxPFsYRQT5sIZ2aA0tyNVN9iZBlFMOMeTD10KgH9VK6Y/s320/P8120331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373711847713594018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And AnneMarie's lovely pose!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBIm-2hSgu9sKqXVao2AWjuaE1qddJkEIumWnQXVUF5g3O9MPaiu0OPrR18ouRypF9nO_lg5hQ5h6GiC4OGixswe8R31AC1ee-K9bKf88VQJUrDL1yrao4Jo1KJOxuqv7hsSsobFG58M/s1600-h/P8120330.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBIm-2hSgu9sKqXVao2AWjuaE1qddJkEIumWnQXVUF5g3O9MPaiu0OPrR18ouRypF9nO_lg5hQ5h6GiC4OGixswe8R31AC1ee-K9bKf88VQJUrDL1yrao4Jo1KJOxuqv7hsSsobFG58M/s320/P8120330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373711841474891330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One glimpse at the egg toss.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI-wcgwiKsqMlbdDdDvhXk7UkPcgVVsjuwxg4cGwZ_JlUOUT-Lrm9fLXvS5NrYwZ4iZGsjk2ZM0OTx0lHSHlXMGBV56KDluQmQLpHCupKAIq4bGvTH6Mwn2Udlgk4YBLnJsZVXVZeGF4/s1600-h/P8120315.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI-wcgwiKsqMlbdDdDvhXk7UkPcgVVsjuwxg4cGwZ_JlUOUT-Lrm9fLXvS5NrYwZ4iZGsjk2ZM0OTx0lHSHlXMGBV56KDluQmQLpHCupKAIq4bGvTH6Mwn2Udlgk4YBLnJsZVXVZeGF4/s320/P8120315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373711837731927058" border="0" /></a>Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-39845055171900371812009-08-24T15:41:00.005-04:002009-09-07T17:17:58.766-04:00Visit from Mei Shao - Early AugustWhat a treat! Mayana had fun with one of her friends from China over the first weekend in August. Mayana and Mei Shao (Marley) remembered each other right away. With Mayana's two sisters and Marley's sister, also from China, we had five beautiful girls all about the same size to pose for photos.<br /><br />Thanks, Marley and family for making a special stop at our house!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR2iytl7spCaibkmkzyw2zHFZpSHmpbAdghztgJwgQKW8mRQikNZS3xoCZMRtbRQ09RHHylBHD1KELd6jmmLFwhQaUeOkFftVvCzQXIvJBak-vW5n2WsG_r4XGwZiiSNVXyy79e6LhPM/s1600-h/P8020262.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR2iytl7spCaibkmkzyw2zHFZpSHmpbAdghztgJwgQKW8mRQikNZS3xoCZMRtbRQ09RHHylBHD1KELd6jmmLFwhQaUeOkFftVvCzQXIvJBak-vW5n2WsG_r4XGwZiiSNVXyy79e6LhPM/s320/P8020262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373620305064680850" border="0" /></a><br />Old firends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU25B9N4FUIogAdOlc1M0lZdeEvyf-3dxaTZG0hrRv8ykbDZFG0w3EdhfPSF_Z2bdjypTvgxnU858yyA-NAxPfaM2H3PFGp2IQY94mq7UtCY8FGsssDQ1svyC03x7F5WMuzvitSBkDjwg/s1600-h/P8020254.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU25B9N4FUIogAdOlc1M0lZdeEvyf-3dxaTZG0hrRv8ykbDZFG0w3EdhfPSF_Z2bdjypTvgxnU858yyA-NAxPfaM2H3PFGp2IQY94mq7UtCY8FGsssDQ1svyC03x7F5WMuzvitSBkDjwg/s320/P8020254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373620292502081202" border="0" /></a><br />New friends!Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136273819519407284.post-18501949378013551792009-06-28T14:32:00.007-04:002009-06-29T20:07:08.699-04:00Pictures from Amish Country TripBeautiful Amish Country, near Berlin, Ohio<br />(more details in next post)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsdHvyozqI5m2CNaE00QibXrKpKWYD8qj9oM1bmh6oOJznaX5swRQWe3fyCrR3vlisp6ALdGF72aOYSrik0fLZ6QLMoXIiFYr_I5xjR4eP6A00CBCHAK2ZlU-Lq8w5_LP7uxVejf1d9I/s1600-h/DSCF4050.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsdHvyozqI5m2CNaE00QibXrKpKWYD8qj9oM1bmh6oOJznaX5swRQWe3fyCrR3vlisp6ALdGF72aOYSrik0fLZ6QLMoXIiFYr_I5xjR4eP6A00CBCHAK2ZlU-Lq8w5_LP7uxVejf1d9I/s320/DSCF4050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352903491163977730" border="0" /></a><br />As we drove along, mile after mile,<br />Grace and Lia made up a song to fit the lovely views ...<br />"Acres and acres of corn,<br />acres and acres of wheat,<br />.... etc.<br />Until we pulled in to a cemetery, and Lia added,<br />"Acres and acres of people who died!" right in melody and cadence.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sPY_VVVCJOfV38SVpCnVeK8UMT6D-nQ4ewMP5tI-Fkg-lpq8fehff6qrbXU98b4UCXcjIIhf1LMTyeENhOunkXEz1FfQRmbAM62unwYe6sT0iKC0YlrhtJrZAQ3jdX9vlBkVYP470oI/s1600-h/DSCF4216.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sPY_VVVCJOfV38SVpCnVeK8UMT6D-nQ4ewMP5tI-Fkg-lpq8fehff6qrbXU98b4UCXcjIIhf1LMTyeENhOunkXEz1FfQRmbAM62unwYe6sT0iKC0YlrhtJrZAQ3jdX9vlBkVYP470oI/s320/DSCF4216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352898977694517394" border="0" /></a><br />Just after getting "kicked out" of the Amish school.<br />Something about dress-code, I think!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqAE4AfrZc2jW0by3SHx6KKzpIyyMyN9l14VAEiLNiZkesrOEOyFoEJkNfI4ZgsmsQXiE1Rv9VL_fmIDizR1W1SmgJtngiLRxUu14aBdyz09i1S80Tug1-R2pYHYa0sc4ZdYGWoU0_kI/s1600-h/DSCF4199.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqAE4AfrZc2jW0by3SHx6KKzpIyyMyN9l14VAEiLNiZkesrOEOyFoEJkNfI4ZgsmsQXiE1Rv9VL_fmIDizR1W1SmgJtngiLRxUu14aBdyz09i1S80Tug1-R2pYHYa0sc4ZdYGWoU0_kI/s320/DSCF4199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352808345148897266" border="0" /></a><br />Who is cuter, the bunnies or the visitors?<br />(We three girls sure attract a lot of attention wherever we go.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG5canUb9h3-Prpvr2Rii3AwbQ2Drt6vM5Bl1uPCIQwZbwJ_pPU7rCKHOUhypdH4u3WuStqBShhMSDTfInvEyaJg3vb7oZ7XR-TOzqmkLCKaQJq1iU4BDbQh_1ueJ4T_aYs58FmsSla8/s1600-h/DSCF4159.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG5canUb9h3-Prpvr2Rii3AwbQ2Drt6vM5Bl1uPCIQwZbwJ_pPU7rCKHOUhypdH4u3WuStqBShhMSDTfInvEyaJg3vb7oZ7XR-TOzqmkLCKaQJq1iU4BDbQh_1ueJ4T_aYs58FmsSla8/s320/DSCF4159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352808336533233522" border="0" /></a><br />Classic! This Amish boy is trying to convince his young mule to come back to the barn!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-lVpZyFUspiATiwQHiHrpZfFI6WYdVt5nhgrEzxHZfAe2ucpRjQZJb6Np-rWWMiYWw-8ksSpkN6pBQtooApI5IZGVGZBNOzR7RNVa-RlI4Kxn48RbsecNIKQIzRqmJccy9hxEZSunWg/s1600-h/DSCF4100.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-lVpZyFUspiATiwQHiHrpZfFI6WYdVt5nhgrEzxHZfAe2ucpRjQZJb6Np-rWWMiYWw-8ksSpkN6pBQtooApI5IZGVGZBNOzR7RNVa-RlI4Kxn48RbsecNIKQIzRqmJccy9hxEZSunWg/s320/DSCF4100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352805739054324514" border="0" /></a><br />What a giant horse! Taller than AnneMarie (who is now as tall as me!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92MBbLIELDvfBer2y4AMuSLicbeZyVuWSqLw-3udPsvB3k6lOpXT9xUZPrePmUUhc46kQb1EN7pWEUH-zpjahq2qv14Di8qHBt1AwIZ3wkwfte0veHzK00Qd67g5qMdfw9D1G6bmijfQ/s1600-h/DSCF4117.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92MBbLIELDvfBer2y4AMuSLicbeZyVuWSqLw-3udPsvB3k6lOpXT9xUZPrePmUUhc46kQb1EN7pWEUH-zpjahq2qv14Di8qHBt1AwIZ3wkwfte0veHzK00Qd67g5qMdfw9D1G6bmijfQ/s320/DSCF4117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352802289261421298" border="0" /></a><br />My first pony ride! Yee ha!<br />Round and round and round we go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo3CwSUKJzdTl-mhj2y_NBD4WOeS1eMoiD3nQVPlTO8eL2BgqgctEcXB_dwB5HDe85RcdE_NQnJdKWctUFRprN6FjmcnKeOFDngZrK5fdb7FDg4DQ6E2zoPW-DY6mqAT8IX4hLmN-_j0/s1600-h/DSCF4155.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo3CwSUKJzdTl-mhj2y_NBD4WOeS1eMoiD3nQVPlTO8eL2BgqgctEcXB_dwB5HDe85RcdE_NQnJdKWctUFRprN6FjmcnKeOFDngZrK5fdb7FDg4DQ6E2zoPW-DY6mqAT8IX4hLmN-_j0/s320/DSCF4155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352898982081630946" border="0" /></a><br />"Sally"<br />The Amish raise puppies for sale, like this ShihTzu.<br />We almost brought her home; she was so adorable!Pam Amlunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968824652654980147noreply@blogger.com0