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"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see."
Hebrews 11:1
 Brian Jr, Christmas 2004 |
 Callaway |
 Brian Jr, waiting for his little sister from China! |
 Aunt Pam, Grandma Sue & Grandma Maine at a shower to welcome Miss Callaway. Shower was for family and coworkers of Karen's held at Margo's beautiful home. |
 Some of the ladies at Whitmoor Country Club who have so generously welcomed Miss Callaway. |
 A loving gift from the 18-Hole Ladies presented by Dee. You did well surprising Brian! |
 It was a surprise shower for Brian held by some of the ladies and coworkers at Whitmoor CC. What fun that was hearing Brian say repeatedly "Did you know about this?" Why, yes I did. |
 Some of the ladies at Brian's surprise shower. You all were great and we appreciate your thoughtfulness! |
"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17
 Callaway's crib the day we left, 8/2/05. It's ready for her! |
 8/4/04 Entrance to Lama Temple. |
 "You shall have no other gods before me". Ex. 20:3 |
 8/4/05 Brian and the lion guarding the temple building. |
 "Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. I am the Lord your God". Lev. 19:4 |
 8/4/05 One of the buildings at the Temple. |
 8/4/05 Entrance to the Silk Factory |
 8/4/05 Worker at the silk factory. Okay, repeat after me, "I love my job, I love my job". |
 8/4/05 This is the pattern/color of the bedspread (duvet cover) that we bought for Callaway. |
 8/5/05 Brian & Karen at Tiananmen Square |
 8/6/05 Looking up at The Great Wall of China. It's hazy due to the pollution. We climbed...oh, far enough. |
 8/6/05 Brian & Karen at one of the landings on The Great Wall of China. |
 8/6/05 Brian wondering how much farther "till we're there". |
 8/6/05 Karen telling Brian "we're far enough". |
 8/6/05 And then you have to get down...all by yourself! Can you tell how steep this puppy is? |
 8/6/05 Summer Palace - boat made of marble. This is NOT the one we rode on! |
 8/7/05 Waiting for Callaway to arrive. |
 8/7/05 GOTCHA!!! |
 8/7/05 What can I say that the emotions don't... |
 8/7/05 Our first look into each other's eyes. |
 8/7/05 I'd ruin this if I tried to explain. |
 8/7/05 This is the note that was left with Callaway at the gate of the Fenyi Social Welfare Institute. We were not allowed to take this note because it must stay in her file here. It says "Born on 2004 08 08". |
 8/7/05 Documents that will be part of her life book. |
 8/7/05 Sorry it's blurry. Both of us were crying and it's hard to hold a camera still. |
 8/7/05 Callaway, meet your daddy! |
 8/7/05 So sweet. |
 8/7/05 She is already in love with her daddy. |
 8/7/05 It's nothing short of a miracle. |
 8/7/05 In our room now playing with toys! |
 8/7/05 ...and chewing on them. She has 4 teeth! |
 8/7/05 Bathtime is done and I'm all snuggly and happy! Nite nite. |
 8/8/05 Happy Birthday to me! |
 8/8/05 Getting official paperwork done. We met up with the orphanage director. A truly loving lady with a huge heart. |
 8/8/05 One of many stops. |
 8/8/05 Our little girl and her doll baby with daddy. Enough red tape for one day! |
 8/8/05 Every girl should wear a bonnet. Can you tell daddy loves this little girl? |
 8/8/05 The hotel staff presented Callaway with a birthday cake. This first birthday party included party hats and fun cake plates. |
 8/8/05 I told you there were party hats, didn't I? |
 8/8/05 This party girl is DONE. Fast asleep in daddy's arms. |
 8/9/05 We surprised daddy with this wardrobe addition. Go Cubbies! |
 8/9/05 Note the little baseball on the bottom. |
 8/9/05 Mommy and Callaway at a beautiful lake. |
 8/9/05 Taking the scenic route in Nanchang. |
 8/9/05 Now is a good time for daddy to teach her how to fish, right? |
 8/9/05 A stroll along the lake. |
 8/9/05 Heat index around 115. We would have rather been in the lake than walking around it! |
 8/9/05 A truly beautiful place. |
 8/9/05 Bottle time. |
 8/9/05 Sign in a restaurant on their steps. Just thought it cute. |
 8/9/05 An enourmous fishtank at the restaurant totally amused Callaway. |
 8/9/05 "But why can't I catch the fish daddy?" |
 8/9/05 Callaway having a little playtime with her friend, Anna. |
 8/10/05 A beautiful site near the Tengwang Pavilion. |
 8/10/05 I have taken so many architectural type of pictures that I haven't bored you with but couldn't resist this one. It's looking up at the roof lines of the Tengwang Pavilion. |
 8/10/05 Callaway and her daddy at the Tengwang Pavilion. |
 8/10/05 The three of us in front of the Tengwang Pavilion. Sorry...camera on wrong setting but it's all we got of this shot. |
 8/11/05 The city of Fenyi, which is the home of the Fenyi Social Welfare Institute (orphanage) where Callaway spent her first year of life. |
 8/11/05 Callaway and Mrs Xu, the orphanage director. She is a wonderful and amazing woman. You can tell Callaway recognizes her. |
 8/11/05 One of the care givers. They rushed to take Callaway into their arms. We can tell she was very loved here. |
 8/11/05 Another one of the care givers who was excited to see Callaway. |
 8/11/05 One of Callaway's primary care givers. These people are so precious to us because they loved Callaway. |
 8/11/05 Brian, Karen and Callaway outside the building where she lived. |
 8/11/05 After a very emotional day, I stand amazed that God brought us to the other side of the world to this small town to find our daughter. |
 8/12/05 Callaway loves to laugh. She just cracks herself up! |
 8/12/05 Did I tell you her middle name means "happiness" in Chinese? |
 8/12/05 The three of us with our Jiangxi guide, Maggie. |
 8/12/05 Callaway with Maggie. Maggie was wonderful and sang us a song on our bus ride to the airport. Oh, tears again as we leave this area and the people. |
 8/12/05 Callaway's first time to see TV. Totally entranced. |
 8/13/05 Getting that last physical exam before heading home. Callaway is 20.4 pounds. PERFECT! |
 8/14/05 Callaway's enthusiasm for the Chen Ancestral Hall tour was evident. Uh, maybe next time. |
 8/14/05 There is artwork everywhere at our hotel. This is made out of jade! Callaway is more precious though. |
 8/14/05 Another fun piece that they won't let us play with in the bathtub. |
 8/14/05 Testing the water. Maybe tomorrow we'll go for our first swim! Stay tuned... |
 8/14/05 Naps are wonderful. We get such a kick out of how she sleeps. She hates covers and is obviously going to be a bed hog. Disclaimer: We did not pick out the bedding combination. |
 8/15/05 Exploring our world! |
 8/15/05 Everything is funny. |
 8/15/05 Callaway in her Chinese pajamas. I think she is talking about something important here. |
 8/15/05 Callaway's first swim. Let the splashing begin! |
 8/15/05 She was watching a 3 year old in the pool with us. It was fun to watch the "big" girl swim. |
 8/15/05 When we twirl around, it makes ripples and then you have to make the sound effects with your mouth. |
 8/15/05 More kicking! |
 8/15/05 Everything is new and exciting! |
 8/15/05 Of course daddy is there to get us warmed up after our refreshing swim! |
 8/16/05 It's a great day!!! We are proud to present the newest American citizen!!! |
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With anxious hearts and open
arms,
We sought you everywhere.
You, dear child, are a gift from God,
The answer to our prayer.
No matter whether birth or choice,
A home is blessed from above.
When caring parents claim their child,
A family is formed of love.
~Author unknown~
 8/17/05 We maxed out on carry-ons. Daddy got the job of lugging them all around. |
 8/17/05 While mommy got to carry what was truly important. |
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 8/17/05 Within seconds, it was like they were old friends. She, in love with him and he, in love with her. |
 8/17/05 Now we are complete. |
 8/17/05 She loves to snuggle. |
 8/17/05 Grandma Maine who made a bear especially for Callaway. Just the right size for a little girl. She turned on the charm for Gma Maine. |
 8/17/05 No need to tell Callaway the importance of making eye contact. She brings you right into her little world. |
 8/17/05 Grandpa Bob got a turn and Callaway worked her magic once more. |
 8/17/05 Patiently waiting his turn, Grandpa Maine was wrapped around her little finger. |
 8/17/05 Callaway tells everyone about her travels. |
 8/17/05 Finally home and Callaway meets Burga, our 90-pound German Shepherd. |
 8/19/05 Brian Jr and Callaway getting to know each other. I think Brian must be telling her that when mommy says something, she means it. :-) |
 8/19/05 Brian Jr and Callaway getting to know each other. |
 8/19/05 ...and I can't stop taking pictures! Aren't they both adorable? |
 8/20/05 Never to miss an opportunity, Burga is seeing some advantages to having Callaway around. |
 8/21/05 "Mommy said this would be fun. I'll be the judge of that." |
 8/21/05 Callaway, Burga and baby doll. We're a happy family! |
 8/23/05 Callaway's face totally lights up when daddy comes home from work. (So does daddy's face). |
 8/31/05 Daddy's birthday. He was working but we let him take us to lunch. |
 9/1/05 Callaway has a fit when we wash her face but Burga can "kiss" her face and Callaway just takes it. They are too funny together. |
 9/4/05 Ready for our first day at Sunday School and Church. We attend First Baptist Church of Harvester. |
 9/4/05 I know it's a little out of focus but knew Grandma Sue would appreciate the back of this dress. It's just too cute! |
 9/4/05 We celebrated Callaway's 1st birthday again with Brian Jr. You can see she was impressed. After the party, she had her bath and quickly fell asleep. |
 9/6/05 Bathtime is still a favorite. Her face is wet from all her splashing! |
 9/6/05 Our friend, "Quack, quack". |
 9/13/05 It may be hard to see but this precious child is covered with Chicken Pox. No fun! |
 9/13/05 Sunday evening she had 2 spots. They are multiplying by the minute! This picture doesn't begin so show all of them. |
 9/05 Callaway meets great grandpa Davis! We had a nice visit with him. Grandpa Bob gave Callaway a child's rocking chair that belonged to great grandma Davis. We miss grandma and are so glad grandpa is here with us! |
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 9/05 Callaway met grandma Sue when we went to Indiana! Grandma is totally in love with this little girl. Just ask her! |
 9/05 Callaway met grandpa George on our trip to Indiana. I'm not sure who had more fun, Callaway or grandpa! |
 9/05 Oh, it's a sweet day when you can get undivided attention from grandma and grandpa! |
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 9/05 Callaway ready to go to Sunday School. Her dress says "Love Me". That's easy! |
 9/05 Isn't she precious? |
Aunt Pam to the rescue!! Where has the time gone?? It seems like just yesterday that I found my new home . . . and here it is spring . . . and all the "purple fleuers" (flowers) are blooming!! I think mommy and I were sick for months--either one or the other--even daddy got in on the action a couple of times! I'm feeling much better now but still get attacked with just about every little bug a boo that comes to daycare :-) Mommy was really sick for months and she's better now too--something about allergies--whatever that is! All I know is that I needed that blue sucker upper thing for HER nose! Grandma Sue and Papaw George came to visit for a few days and then Aunt Sherlyn and Josh came to visit me too! We played LOTS! Then Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve came to play. And again . . . I got the ickees! Aunt Pam said she was soooo sorry that I didn't feel good, but she sure liked holding me all the time! We still played lots and lots---bubbles, ball, ring around the rosy and we had lots of group hugs. I saw her at the computer for a while and I think she was taking lots of pictures back home . . . I'll bet that's how they ended up here! :-) |
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 This is my family--am I the rose? |
 I think mommy has something for me! |
 This bear is lookin' at me! |
 This one seems to like me better . . . |
 He gives hugs too . . . |
 I didn't want to hurt this one's feelings . . . |
 Could we be friends? |
 OK . . . group hug :-) |
 This part of the session is over???? |
 They're growing them bigger! |
 I'll just peek around and see if he looks friendly. |
 No problem here . . .even though there's no room in the chair, we're Christmas buddies! |
 Brian . . . have you met my bear friend? |
 The bear likes to kiss like this . . . |
 I still like YOU best :-) |
 Group picture . . . |
Let's see how many faces I can make . . . |
 This one's pretty good! |
 Hey, you guys are smiling great! |
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 Ya know what I mean??? |
 Are these guys handsome or what???!!! |
 I don't know . . . the ladies are lookin' pretty fine too if you ask me! |
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Sometimes I just crack myself up! |
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Hmmm, I wonder if there's food involved after all this is over?? |
 I know mommy loves me . . . she tells me all the time . . . even when she doesn't know I'm listening! |
`  She's trying to tell me to look at the camera, but I'd rather just look at her! |
 Sometimes I make mommy cry just by being me. |
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 Does anyone else want to share my mommy and daddy?? I give them two thumbs up :-) |
 Hey, did you guys know that this "bug" has a hairbrush on the back? |
 I could help you read this book if you want . . . |
 This baby is lookin' at me! |
 Santa Claus is coming to town! |
 GET UP!!! It's time for presents!!!! |
 Is every day a holiday?? The bunnies in OUR yard are littler than you! |
 I Love You, Easter Bunny! |
 I think I've got this egg thing figured out . . . if you twist and turn it, they open up . . . |
 . . . and if you're a VERY lucky little girl, there are puffs and O's inside!! |
 A beautiful sunset that Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve saw on their way out to see me. |
 The Walgreens close to our house was having a sale on "chicken poop" . . . I don't know the regular price, but I'll bet they still have some left!!! |
IT'S |
 I have the ickees, but Aunt Pam said we could still go outside and do bubbles. |
 This is awesome! Sure beats blowing them out of the stick! |
 Do it again . . . more, Aunt Pam! |
 The hat had to go . . . I couldn't see my bubbles over the brim! |
 Are you supposed to CATCH all of them? |
 Whoever made this bubble blower was a genius . . . all you have to do is push this little button . . . and WALA!!!! . . . gobs of bubbles!! |
 This button is gettin' slippery! |
 WOO HOO! |
 I see that there is this little fan inside . . . so it must turn around and around really fast and push out all the bubbles . . . but who makes the bubbles??? |
 Ok, I'm going to have to stand up and try this for myself--help me out here mommy . . . I'll blow them and YOU chase them! |
 Dip, dip, dip! |
 . . . and it just keeps going, and going, and going . . :-) |
Karen just e-mailed the following
pictures to me . . . don't know if they were intended for the web page,
but here they are :-) |
 1st time with Spaghetti O's (June 4) |
 At least I'm close to my target! |
 Think of all the people I can sing to being mobile! |
 1st tricycle attempt |
 I can make it go this way! |
 This is a blast!! |
 Pretty as a picture! |
 Just playing mommy . . . |
 The dress moves when my hips move-- imagine that! |
 I don't intend to jump in but daddy said I have to wear this jacket anyway! |
 Daddy explained the finer points of fishing to mommy and me. |
 Cast 'n tug . . . cast 'n tug! |
 I'm a "punkin head!" |
 Hmmm . . . this one or that one?? |
 Does my face match daddy's?? |
 These mountains of "punkins" are fun! |
 'Twas the night before Christmas . . . |
 You must have the "hat" to be an official baker . . . and the apron too! |
 Isn't life grand? |
 Taking orders . . . |
 Dinner's ready! TADA! |
 And what would you like, Kitty?? |
 Stirring, stirring, stirring! |
 Papaw helped me bake cookies. |
 I'm ready for church, but where's my Bible? |
 This Christmas stuff is exhausting! |
 Big package or small package? |
 Mommy said we have to clean up our mess. |
 Happy New Year everyone!! |
 If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!! |
 Deep and wide . . . deep and wide . . . |
 I'm SURE I'm their princess now that I have the proper attire! |
 I even have a throne! |
 Attention everyone . . . |
 Introducing . . . my mommy! |
 On your feet . . . let's dance! |
 Whew . . . that was fun! |
 Playing with my friend, Jordyn. |
 We're learning to share nicely :-) |
 We have our own special chairs at Grandma's! |
 Jesus loves me, this I know . . . |
 This duet should be awesome! |
 When you're done, let your hand fly up in a graceful flair so everyone knows you're finished! |
 Were we good or what? |
Updated: April 19, 2007 10:32 AM