SCC Interviews

Neil and I watched the taped interview this morning that SCC, his wife and three older children gave to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Their kids spoke with a maturity beyond their years. SCC and Mary Beth were amazingly open. As a mom myself I was moved to tears when MB spoke about just simply "want[ing] Maria back." You can watch the entire interview here. Please continue to hold this family in your prayers.

Steven Curtis Chapman is scheduled to appear on Larry King Live at 9 pm, Thursday (on CNN). You can see the details here.

SCC and Michael W. Smith will appear here in South Florida in concert on November 5th. Neil and I are planning on going. I am sure it will be an amazing and inspirational concert.

Mary

Simple Pleasures - Bathtime!

Nothing smells better than a little one fresh out of the bath, slathered down with a yummy smelling lotion, and in fresh jammies! I love bath time with my kids, and having two 'older' kids who would likely scream their heads off if I entered the bath while they were using it, I know all too well that simple precious moments like 'bath time' are fleeting.

This is truly on of those simple pleasures of being a parent.

Sophie laying on her bed and being dried off my mom...love the 'do!

Livie fresh and clean and ready to have her hair combed and teeth brushed.

Mary

Shanghai Surprise!

Weston, Florida, July 26, 2008 @ 4:15 am

The Choi Family saying, "Zai Jian!" to the Residence Inn (their 'home' for the past week).

Cute even when they are delirious with lack of sleep!

This kid cracks me up!

Hansen: Protector of the suitcases!

Playing (or rather trying to wake up!).

Buckled into our car and ready to follow mom and dad to the airport...

Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport @ 5:00 am

Unloading the vans...

Ahhh...the joys of flying 1st Class (Coach/Sardines line is slightly visible on the left)!

Waiting patiently...

All their worldly possessions (at least until that 20' container of their household goods arrives!) on one little cart!

Safe travels! We will miss you all!

Mary

New Wheels

The Choi Family (namely their daughters, Aimee and Cadence), gave Livie and Sophie their beloved Cinderella Power Wheels Car...errrr...or is that *Carriage*?!?! Since the Choi's were limited to taking only those items which fit in a 20 ft. container (can you even imagine?!) with them to Shanghai, this was one of the items that didn't 'make the cut'. Thus, our little Princesses are now the happy owners of some really nice wheels!

Thankfully, we have a nice long driveway, so the girls will be able to go cruisin' quite a bit! Thanks, Aimee and Cady for the great gift, and we will think of you guys everytime Livie and Sophie take their new car out for a spin!

Mary

Six Little Words

Waaayyyyyyy back on July 4th, my friend, Vivian, tagged me with 'Six Words that Describe You'. Well, life can get in the way sometimes, and so I am now just getting to this assignment!

So, here it goes...

"My heart rejoices in the Lord"

1 Samuel 2:1 NIV

This is taken from Hannah's Prayer. As a mom who has delt with infertility issues, miscarrage and adoption, I can totally relate to the thankfulness and joy that Hannah felt upon being blessed by God with her son, Samuel. God has blessed me abundantly through the miracle of birth (Lindsay & Chris) and through the miracle of adoption (Olivia & Sophie). He has also blessed me big time with an amazing husband, Neil, who is the most wonderful husband and father.

Outside of my immediate family my blessings continue, with an enourmous extended family (parents, brother, in-laws, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, many nephews and one sweet niece!). God is SO GOOD!

Vivian tells me that once I post my '6 Words that Describe Myself', I must *tag* 5 other people. I have chosen people who I would love to learn just a bit more about:

Kim

Robin

Sandy

Kristin

Teresa

I am looking forward to reading each of these ladies' '6 Words'! Have fun!

Mary

Birthday Parties & Church

Today we spent the morning with friends celebrating Ethan and Mia's birthdays! The party was a hit as it was hosted at Pump It Up. We had never been to a Pump It Up birthday party, so this was a special treat. While Chris jumped right in to play with the kids, Livie and Sophie hung back for a while and just 'took it all in'.

Finally, Livie and Sophie join in on the fun (ok...they were definitely *guarded* in their play, but at least they DID play!).

Close-up of Sophie making a funny-face. Aimee Choi and Ryan Przelomski are behind her; Cady Choi is next to her).

Close-up of Livie (Yasmin Martins & Benjamin Sbar are peeking out from the back!).

Livie & Sophie enjoying birthday cake. Sophie was enjoying it A LOT...notice the size of her 'bite'!

Kim Choi uses Tide-2-Go (product plug: I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!) on her daughter Aimee's messy shirt.

Typically more on the ummm...slightly *wimpy* side, 1st time dare-devils Livie and Hanson Choi FINALLY go down the slide!

Chris, Sophie & Livie enjoying the slide.

Chris taking Sophie back up to walk the plank...I mean go down the slide!

Group Shot

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After enjoying Ethan and Mia's birthdays, we were able to close out the day with Church.

Livie learned about the importance of 'keeping your eyes on Jesus'! She just LOVES her new *glasses*, and wore them all night!

Chris giving Sophie a sweet kiss!

**********

Back at home Lindsay was emptying the dishwasher (one of her chores), and before she knew what was happening, I was able to snap a quick photo of her! Mu-ha-ha-ha-ha (evil laugh!)!

...and then all too quickly she was 'on to me'!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Mary

Chapman Family Scheduled To Speak

(Left to right: Will Franklin, Maria, Steven, Shaoey, Mary Beth, Stevey Joy, Caleb & Emily)

Just a psuedo-update, for those of you who might be interested (taken from SCC's manager, Jim Houser's blog):

Chapmans to appear on Good Morning America
We've just confirmed that Steven and Mary Beth, and potentially the Chapman children, will appear on Good Morning America the week of August 4th.
Seen nationally, ABC's morning tradition, Good Morning America began airing in 1975 and reaches a huge audience of approximately 8 to 10 million each morning.
Let the redemption of this tragedy begin. : )

Chapmans to appear on Larry King Live
Now able to confirm that Steven and Mary Beth, and possibly the Chapman children, will be appearing on Larry King Live on August 7th. They will be guests for the full hour.
This iconic journalist's interview show is seen nationally and internationally by between 1 and 2 million nightly on CNN, the Cable News Network.

Chapmans to appear in People Magazine
We've now confirmed that the Chapmans will appear in a feature in People Magazine in the issue on newsstands on August 8th.
The story will include in interviews with Steven and Mary Beth, and potentially the Chapman children. It's also expected that it will include a new photo of the family. (heartbreaking and yet we trust...)
It's circulation is between 3 and 4 million people each week. We're hopeful that many will be reached for God's purposes through this appearance in this sort of outlet.

Be sure to set your TIVO to record these two interviews, and to pick up people magazine when the Chapman family is featured. I know we will.

Be sure to kiss you kids tonight, and pray on for this family.

Mary