Happy New Year from Ms. Guo!

Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat) is not officially until 2/8/08. However, Ms. Guo from the Shantou Social Welfare Institute, remembered Abbie and our family on the Western New Year with a really sweet e-card.

Ms. Guo writes, "Dear Tracie, the warmest regards to you and your family! I wish all of you healthy and happiness in the new year!!!"

Happy New Year Ms. Guo - we love you!

Tracie and Abbie

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY ABBIE!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Abbie! It's hard to believe you have only been home for three months and this is your first birthday cake ever. We are so happy to be your family and share this special day with you! Abbie LOVED her birthday cake and was just all smiles when opening her presents. She especially loves the Sit and Spin! Round and round and round she goes! :) Makes me dizzy just watching her. Abbie is a very happy child and is always so curious about everything around her. It is fun to watch her excitement and enthusiasm for life! We love you Pee Wee!!!!

OPERATION SMILE!

I am overjoyed with gratitude and happiness to inform you that I have been accepted to the Operation Smile 2008 Winter Missionary Training Workshop for Student Education Sponsors! I will travel to Norfolk, Virginia on January 18 - 21 for training. On future cleft lip/palate medical missions to Asia for, which I am assigned, my role will be to:

"Educate two students about the values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism. Operation Smile takes two volunteer student educators and a student sponsor on every international medical mission. Students learn how they can impact the future when they help children in need."

This is right up my alley! You no idea how excited I am to be part of this organization. Founded in 1982, Operation Smile has performed cranio-facial surgeries on over 100,000 children worldwide!

"Our Mission throughout the world: Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Together, we create smiles, change lives, heal humanity."

For more information, go to www.operationsmile.com

YAHOO!! Tracie

Yummy Yogurt! Home 3 Months Today!

Hard to believe Abbie has been home for three months today!

We love you Pee Wee!!!

For Those who Knew and Loved Brenda

Brenda Riley Croft 1964 ~ 2007

Brenda Riley Croft, 43, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and dear friend, returned to our Heavenly Father Dec. 21, 2007. Brenda was born in West Columbia, South Carolina on May 8, 1964. From the day she was born she was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. Brenda graduated from Lexington High School, Lexington, South Carolina in 1982. She graduated from the University of South Carolina where she earned a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in 1985, and received the Citation for Distinguished Alumna of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration in 1990. While attending USC, Brenda worked at the front desk of the Columbia, South Carolina Marriott Hotel, beginning a twenty-five year career with the Marriott Corporation, her most recent position being the Director of Operations, MIFS, Global Incentive and GiftCard Marketing. Brenda took a leave of absence from work with Marriott from 1987-1988 to serve an 18-month full-time mission in Bilbao, Spain for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints. Her life-long LDS church service also included service in the various auxiliaries, most recently as a Relief Society Teacher. Upon her return she met the love of her life, David Croft and they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Atlanta, Georgia LDS Temple on January 18, 1991. Together they have three beautiful children: Tyler, Emily and Jeremy. Brenda was a devoted wife and mother; her greatest joy was her family. The lives that Brenda touched are innumerable. Brenda's love of life and exuberance was contagious. She was loved by all who knew her because of her ability to love them. Brenda's radiant smile made everyone feel important, inspiring them to love more, be more, and serve more. Brenda is survived by her husband, David Urie Croft; sons, Tyler David Croft, and Jeremy Riley Croft; and daughter Emily Isabelle Croft. Also surviving are her mother, Lolita L. Riley of Lexington, SC; her father, Phillip H. Riley of Orangeburg, SC; her sister, Rhonda R. Harbor of Lexington, SC, her brother Duane E. Barnhurst of Fruit Heights, UT, and many other loving family members. We will miss our dear Brenda for she was always a great strength to each of us. Her older brothers, David G. Barnhurst and Larry C. Barnhurst, preceded her in death. Services for Brenda Riley Croft will be held Saturday, December 29 at 11 a.m. in the Steed Creek Chapel of the LDS Church, 347 S. 200 W., Farmington, Utah, with burial at the Farmington City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, December 28 from 68 p.m. at Russon Brothers Farmington Mortuary, 1941 N. Main Street, Farmington, (across from Cherry Hill Waterpark) and Saturday preceding the service at the Steed Creek Chapel from 10:00-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Children's Miracle Network http:// www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/donate.php; or lighten the burdens of others, as Brenda would have. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com

Beautiful "Fu Sisters" Sam and Syd

Christmas Full of Crazies!!

Wow! Christmas as a family of seven has been quite the day! I love the pictures I am posting because I was blown away by the amount of presents under our Christmas tree, and the pictures progressively show kids with "Christmas Burnout." Cracks me up! The morning started off with Ericka accidentally breaking the glass panel on my coffee table by dropping one of my presents on it; Dan made (a mess), I mean waffles with the delicious waffle maker from Tim and Beth (Dan's brother and his wife); and the girls all fought over packages and presents. What Christmas wouldn't be complete without fighting and crying? Ha ha! Despite my grumbling, Christmas was so much fun having our beautiful five children. Love. That is truly what it is all about - especially since I know so many who were not as fortunate as us this year. God bless my dear friend Brenda and her family - Brenda's death has touched me with such grief. Blessings to my family in Colorado, Tucson, Oregon, Washington, Virginia and New York. God also bless Guo Hong Tong and Zhang Xian Hua, the women who cared for and loved Abbie and Lucy during the first part of their lives. We received a letter from Ms. Guo this week and it was so clear how much she loved Abbie (and always will.) These women have given us the most precious of Christmas gifts of all. My thoughts also reach out to all the children in China who wait and hope for life changing surgeries and families of their own. My life is forever changed by the beautiful people of China.

Merry Christmas everyone! We love you!

Update on Abbie!

Hi Everyone: I thought you would like an update on our active little Abbie. Things are all starting to make sense now that we have learned through the Occupational Therapist that Abbie has something called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD.) Some of you have laughed with me when I have told you that she can run into a wall, fling her body off of high places, laugh as cold water is showering down on her head, and not cry a drop when she falls and whacks her head. Of course, as a mom, I thought these things were pretty odd, but just attributed them to her life in an institution setting, her new surroundings and new stimulus. Fortunately, I never thought it was ADD/ADHD, because she can fall asleep easily and stay asleep all night. Plus, she can focus on one stimulating toy for a long time, because she wants to see everything it does and how it works. Now we know the truth and there are actually things we can do!

First off, Abbie is a highly intelligent girl who does not process senses through her brain the way other people do. As a matter of fact, she actually needs and craves “over-sensory” experiences. Truthfully, she would make a great stunt woman - it would appeal to her need for extreme activities! Ha ha!

As a parent of a child with SPD, we will work with the therapist to give Abbie sensory experiences at home and in the clinical setting, to help her learn how to be safe and meet her needs for experiences. Some of the things we will do are actually pretty cool. Fun balls with strange textures, thera-putty, bounce houses, being tossed into the air, sit and spin toys, musical toys, lots of light and sound, sports and more! The more, the better for her!

Most importantly, we have to teach her to be able to recognize hot from cold, wet from dry and how to feel pain, etc. Interestingly, she cannot distinguish these things. Can you imagine burning your finger on the stove and not even feeling it?? If anyone runs across any great and stimulating toys or books, let me know! Otherwise, she is doing great and is so much fun!!

Good Bye Dear Brenda...

I am so saddened to learn that my peer, colleague and friend of twelve years passed away at her home last night. Brenda Croft was not one of those women you classify as "sweet" or "Lady-like." :) I mean that as a complete compliment to her, which I am sure she would appreciate. Quite the opposite, Brenda was the most loud laughing, full of life person, I have ever had the opportunity to work with. She had the most incredible "business smarts" and loved to travel around the world. She was fearless in her passion and commitment to Marriott and willingly gave 24+ years of her life to this Company. She had a uncanny way of making people feel special and always, always remembered me at the most unexpected times. She knew I loved marshmallows and every Holiday, I would find an inter-office envelope in my in-box filled with marshmallows in all forms (Peeps, chocolate covered Santas, pumpkins, hearts, you name it!) She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She only lived a much too short 43 years and my heart goes out to her husband David (whom she loved dearly), and her three children: Tyler, Emily and Jeremy. I cannot even imagine the pain the Croft Family must feel right now. God bless you and hold you in his loving arms.

Tracie

How Can You Possibly Stay Mad?

You may think I am super mom and never get mad at my five children, but the truth of the matter is that they drive me nuts just as much as I love them. Just when you are having the most rotten day and your teenager is mouthing off and your toddlers are whining and crying...and you start to think to yourself, "Calgon? Can you just take me away forever? Please?" Something happens and it all changes. Maybe it is your child asking if you can hold them like a little baby. Maybe is is your child reaching for your hand or jumping from the couch into your arms with unbridled joy. Maybe it is an ear to ear grin that melts your heart, or the teenager that tells you that you are a pretty cool mom and her friends even think so...

The other night, I was at my wits end with Abbie. She was wild and would not go to sleep. She kept flipping around and babbling (in who knows what language.) Honestly, she was driving me nuts. I put the blanket over my head and tried to ignore her. Didn't work. Finally, she quieted down and in the still darkness, clear as a bell, she turned to me and said, "Wo ai le", which means "I love you" in Chaozhou (her native dialect.) How can you possibly be mad when your child tells you they love you so unconditionally and when you least deserve it? I love you too Abbie.

I would also like to congratulate Melanie who received her TA for Lili today! They leave 1/16 for Jiangxi to bring her home! YABOOO!!!! :)

Sweet Lili!

Melanie just received this beautiful new photo of their sweet, cubby little Lili. Now where is that TA??!!

"The Teens and the Pixie Fairies"

They all sat still and smiled for a professional picture! I call this shot "The Teens and the Pixie Fairies."

Merry "Painful" Christmas

Poor Lucy. Tried to take a Christmas photo of all the kids and tired, napless little Lucy just looked like she was in pain. Don't think this one will be going out with the Christmas cards, but it was definitely blog worthy! Ha ha!

FU SISTERS!

Of course, I went on Marry's blog and saw this picture and had to have it for my blog!! This was taken of Lucy, Ella and Kaia (L-R) (three of the "Fu sisters" in our travel group) at Kaia's third birthday party. Aren't they the most gorgeous Jiangxi girls you have ever seen???!!!

Why is it so Hard to get ONE Picture Where They are all Smiling??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FU FU!!

It's hard to believe that my little 11 month old, nearly bald, quiet as a mouse and highly observant sweet little baby from half way around the world...is now THREE YEARS OLD! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY MAE JI CHUN LAUGHLIN - OUR LITTLE "FU FU!" I knew before I even saw your picture that I loved you. I just didn't know how deep my love for you would be. You are my beautiful, talented and sweet-hearted baby. I love how you sing Chinese songs at the top of your lungs. I love how you smile automatically when mommy says "Cheese." It's not just any old smile - it is a smile from the top of your head to the tip of your toes! You amaze me everyday with how smart you are. With three older siblings as your role models, I knew you would learn everything so quickly, and you did! Seems like just yesterday that I was holding you like a baby. Just today, after bath time you said, "Mommy, hold me like a baby." I will always hold on to you my baby. Lucy, you are such a joy to us and so many others. We love you with all our hearts. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

Attack of the Drool Monster

Hi All: Greetings from soggy, wet Utah. I don't mean it's raining...actually it's drooling. A lot! Abbie, that is. She has always been a drooler, but since her surgery, she soaks at least 30 bibs a day! Sometimes I have to double or even triple them up because the drool is literally pouring out of her mouth at the rate of a fire hose. We always know where she has been and where she is...just follow the little puddles and you will find her. Puddles on the floor, puddles on the furniture, blankets, me. Yuck! We are all soaking wet from the Drool Monster and I have started calling her "Slimer" instead of Abbie. Help! Anyone have any suggestions?? (P.S. she just drooled on the computer. Gross.) I am going to make a doctor's appointment, but in the meantime, any ideas are good ideas! Love you all and sayonara from drool-land.

The Cowley Kids

I love it when old friends keep in touch. "Daddy" Jeff used to work for me before leaving for nursing school. I remember when each of Jeff and Laneea's three beautiful children were born. I love this picture from Halloween. Thank you Jeff and Laneea for remembering us and sharing precious pictures of your family!

"Poncho Villa"

Howdy Pardners: Cold days in Utah require warm, fuzzy '70's style ponchos! At least that is what my mom thought when I was a child growing up in "frigid" San Jose, California. I think I had a homemade poncho for every occasion. So when the granddaughters started to come around, it was inevitable the poncho pattern would reappear! Finally, the handmade, official Grandma Judy ponchos fit "the girls" and we had a little fashion show just for Grandma today. Enjoy the pictures Mom! We love you! (p.s. of course, Abbie was her silly self and had to get in on the fun...but we think she needs a poncho too! Don't you? Extra pee wee sized please! :)

Fun with Friends at the Neighborhood Halloween Party!

Halloween...Surgery...and Six Pints of Ice Cream!

Hi Everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in a while - we have been busy bees! Dressed as gypsies, dolls, Evil Emperor Zurg, Pee Wee Herman, Jessy from toy Story and a Duck, the Linne-Laughlin family went to our friend's (Sean and Jenn) house for an outdoor Halloween potluck in their garage. This is now a tradition going on at least four years! While Dan, Gracie and Lucy were Trick-or-Treating their hearts out on a nice Utah evening, Abbie, Ericka and I stayed home to pass out candy to gobs of little ghouls, lots of princesses and many hungry teenagers. Our friends Keishel and Jon and their two beautiful girls came over to visit (also a Halloween tradition!) We all had a good time and it helped me take my mind of of Abbie's surgery scheduled for the next day. We had to check into Primary Children's Medical Center at 6:00 AM. So, I was up at 4:45 AM (actually, I don't think I slept) and got Abbie and all our hospital gear there on time. Dr. Morales, Dr. Park and Dr. Smyth performed the following procedures: ear drainage and tympanotomy tubes; hearing test; four cavities filled (we thought she would need crowns); one tooth extraction and root canal; teeth sealing and x-rays to determine the status of her permanent teeth. We learned that she has all her permanent teeth except for the left canine. This is good news because Dr. Yamashiro (cranio-facial dentist) will have her own teeth to work with and there will be less likelihood of rejection when she has her bone graft at age six. She also had her preliminary palate surgery and the installation of the hard palate prothesis with two screws...AND three skin tags removed from her right ear! Needless to say, she spent the first 24 hours sleeping on morphine and in a good deal of pain. However, children bounce back quickly! Before long, she was running the hallways, waving to the other patients, made friends with the nurses and making art work in the Forever Young Zone play and activity center for inpatients. We spent one night and now our little leaky faucet (drooling like a fire hose) is home and terrorizing her siblings instead. :) Now on Tylenol with Codeine, Abbie is eating and drinking fairly well, but it hurts me to watch her! Today we went to Burlington Coat Factory to purchase the girls new winter coats. When we returned home, there was a large package containing SIX pints of ice cream on dry ice for Abbie! Special thank you to my friends at work for this special treat! Wow! That's a lot of ice cream to eat!! Abbie's next surgery will be in 9-12 months and will consist of stitching closed the muscle tissue of her soft palate and finalizing the hard palate. Have a wonderful weekend. We love you all! Tracie