A Real Fish Story

I got this in an email a while back. I put it is a folder for when things were kind of dry here and there wasn't much going on. This is amazing!

A Real Fish Story

A guy who lives at Lake Conroe (50 miles north of Houston) saw a ball bouncing around kind of strange in the lake and went to investigate. It turned out to be a flathead catfish who had obviously tried to swallow a basketball which became stuck in its mouth!! The fish was totally exhausted from trying to dive, but unable to because the ball would always bring him back up to the surface. The guy tried numerous times to get the ball out, but was unsuccessful. He finally had his wife cut the ball in order to deflate it and release the hungry catfish. You probably wouldn't have believed this,if you hadn't seen the following pictures...

Be kinder than necessary. 'Cause everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle .'

The Invisible Mom

I received this today via a Yahoo List I am a member of. I read it a number of years ago but did not fully understand the magnatude of it.

The Invisible Mom

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

To all the other Mom's building beautiful cathedrals I tip my hat to you. Every once in a while you need to read this and remember it. Print it out and tuck it away some where safe. When you are feeling invisible, pull it out and read it and know that despite your invisibility your are building something that will endure in the future. Leave a legacy of invisibility that will challenge your children to meet for with your grand children.

Birthday Party Part 2

Here are some of the photos of some of Emmie's favorite birthday presents. My mom thought she was buying for a grandson rather than a grand daughter because Emmie wanted T-ball equipment and golf clubs. Then again there was also the request for anything Hannah Montana she didn't already have.

EmmaLi Montana

EmmaLi also got a surprise present. I gave her the complete Hannah Montana Bedding set. I almost went with the satin comforter but decided the Kitty would tear it up snagging it with her back feet. It's all good though Emmie loved it and is sleeping in her own bed. She is earning $5.00 per week she sleeps in her bed. She is trying to save up to buy a TV for her play room. I gave her the condition of course that if she stops sleeping in her own bed after buying the TV I will be the new owner of the TV. The plan is to get her out of my bed and into her own AND go gain some control over the living room TV again. I am getting tired of being banished to the kitchen or my bedroom to watch the news because she wants to watch a DVD.

A Day at the Park

Saturday early afternoon before our Chinese New Year dinner we went to a locla park. Emmie likes going to Virginia Hilton Park because they have a fish pond and swings which most parks don't have. Below are a few pictures of us at the park.

Emmie and Grandma

Emmie Grandma and Grandpa

Emmie and Me

My little monkey. You know EmmaLi thinks she cannot do the monkey bars without my hand touching her back side. she thinks I am helping hold her up but all I do is touch her to let me know I am there.

Feeding the fish.

It's a beautiful day for kite flying

It was such a gorgeous day today, we decided to fly kites this afternoon. Emmie's grandparents are in town for her birthday. Below are a few pictures.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy PaRt OnE!!!!

Today we had Emmie's birthday party for her friends at school, her soccer team and our FCC friends. Emmie wanted a bowling party with a Hannah Montana theme. It went as smooth as possible given we haven't had a bowling party before. She had a great turn out. We had 11 friends and two friends who couldn't make it due to a broken timing belt on their car and the flu. Below are some pictures.

Schoolmates bowling

These are Emmies soccer team friends. We start soccer practice this Thursday. Emmie, Bre and Kaya are the returning team members and we have three new members we have yet to meet. By the way, we have cool new blue uniforms this spring! We are excited about that.

These are Emmie's FCC friends. Little Ms Jackie had the flu and couldn't make it. We hope she is feeling better. There is nothing worse than the flu. Well, I guess there is but who wants the flu.

Here is Emmie with her ball. I must tell you that my little bowling pro bowled her first strike ever at her party. What a great time to get her first strike! This is how excited she was when she got her strike. Oddly enough, she didn't like it after she figured out she didn't get a second throw of the ball. Below is the best picture I could get of the screen showing her strike.

Towards the end of the party Ms E was getting a bit thirsty and tired of waiting so long between her turn and the others in her bowling group. She had a bit of a moment. Unfortunately, it was during the cake and blowing out her candles. I had to get a head count of drinks and because I was focused on something else, she fell apart. Fortunately, we had several families who stepped up and helped me get the party to a conclusion. My thanks go out to all of them. Here are the rest of the pictures of Emmie with her cake (her friends all helped blow out the candles) and opening her presents.

Two organizations need your help

Below are two charity organizations that need assistance. They are Half the Sky and Love Without Boundries.

Half the Sky is in critical need due to the weather conditions in China. If you have not heard (many have not) China is experiencing major weather issues right now. The public transportation has been crippled in many areas. This is not just local bus routes but includes buses, trains and airports. Here is an update from Half the Sky:

Welfare institutions in south and central China are having the hardest time dealing with the weather disaster. This part of the country is simply not equipped to deal with extreme cold or heavy snow and ice. Themost common critical problems are power outages, lack of safe drinking and cooking water, lack of fuel, diapers and public transportation. In many places where buses have stopped running, our Half the Sky nannies have been walking hours (in one case, 4 hours) along icy roads to get to the children. As conditions worsen, our nannies and teachers are remaining at the institutions day and night. They have given up the idea of going home to their own families for the holidays (Chinese New Year, the biggest holiday in China). They need quilts. They need warm clothing. They need coal, water, disposable diapers and food. Here are the reports I have thus far, while in-flight. I will send more soon. Where you don't see a report, either all is well or I don't yet have information. I will tell you when we've heard from everyone.We've also given all the directors an emergency number to call when/if the situation changes.

Hunan Province -Chenzhou has had no electricity or water for six days. They are relying on coal for heat and cooking. The supermarkets and banks are closed. Staff is using personal money for baby food, diapers, coal and water. Costs are rising due to shortages. They have a natural well which, thankfully, is not frozen. Even the older children are helping to fetch water. They have perhaps six days of food remaining. The local government is overwhelmed by the disaster and is unable to help much. Shaoyang has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm. However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather. Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity. Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together. High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. Yueyang also has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children's dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, "even though they try to be cautious." Xiangtan has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is "broken again." There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution's caregivers.

Jiangsu Province - Changzhou has seen some heavy snows but the director reports that the children are fine. The director says that he's doing his best to ensure that the children do not suffer. Public transportation is crippled by the snow and HTS nannies and teachers are waiting for hours to catch a bus for home or even walking home in the snowy dark.Nanjing reports no problems at all despite the heavy snows. I tried to fly into Nanjing yesterday but it was not possible.

Anhui Province - Chuzhou has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children.

Guangxi Province -Guilin has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they've asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who've been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Jiangxi Province -Fuzhou lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They've bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry. Jiujiang says they've never faced such bitter weather. They desperately need disposable diapers. Washable diapers cannot be dried. They need warm clothes, shoes, gloves hats quilts and warm mats for the floors. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Hubei Province -Wuhan suffers heavy snows but they still have power. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe. Huangshi reports that the freeze is so severe that all heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. They need disposable diapers. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises. Gathering these reports together makes me think about how careful we have always been at Half the Sky to maintain our focus on nurture and education programs. Ours is not a medical or relief organization. There are many wonderful groups who do that work. Probably the primary reason we've been able to accomplish so much and reach so many children is because we've maintained our focus on our core mission -- providing nurturing care for children who've lost their families. But a moment like this really cannot be ignored. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in the US taught us that no matter how wealthy a country might be, its vulnerable citizens (old, poor, ill, and orphaned children) are the ones who suffer most when disaster strikes. Even as China seems to be entering the first world, a disaster like this is quite simply crippling. We know that orphaned children will be among those who suffer the damage most. I say this because I think we should break one of Half the Sky's rules and, if there are sufficient funds raised in the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, we should offer relief (water, food, diapers, quilts, clothing) to any orphanage where children need help. Let's see how this goes. If people are as generous as I think they might be, we will work with the provincial Bureaus of Civil Affairs in every hard-hit community, and offer assistance to all welfare institutions where there is need. Please lend a hand, however you can. You can donate to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by calling us in the US at +1-510-525-3377 or in Asia at+852- 2520-5266 or by visiting us at www.halfthesky.org. Once there, you can click on "Donate Now" http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Direct+Contributions or go to http://www.halfthesky.org/help/docs/usdonation-orderform.pdf to download a form to mail or fax. Donations are tax-deductible in US, Canada and Hong Kong. Please forward this message and tell your friends and family.I will be back with an update very, very soon. Thank you!
Jenny Bowen Executive Director Half the Sky Foundation www.halfthesky.org Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance theprospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.Want to receive our free Half the Sky newsletter, full of stories andphotos, via regular mail? Just go to our website www.halfthesky.org and click on "Join our Mailing List."

As for Love Without Boundries: Facebook has been having a charity organization challenge TODAY is the last day for the challenge. Everyone who is able needs to consider donating through Facebook. Anyone ages 13 and up can make a donation. The idea was that the organization that collects the most UNIQUE donors who donate $10.00 or more during a 50 day challenge will recieve a $50,000 donation from Facebook. Love Without Boundries has been actively pursuing this challenge. They are currently in first place but the margin is minimal. The second place charity is the Free Tibet organization which is a college student organization planning to protest the Olympics in Beijing this summer. Love Without Boundries is an awesome organization with no political motives. They simply help orphans in China's orphanages who need medical help to live. If you have not done so already please consider visiting http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/51591 and make a miniumum donation of $10.00. If you have more than one email account consider making a donation through each email account. If you have teenagers who have an email account make a donation through their email account as well. This is for real and we have to give in the final push to help Love Without Boundries win this contest.