Mid Autumn Moon Festival

As a way of honoring and celebrating Lucy's heritage and culture, we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival this past weekend.  This is one of a few revered Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year being another) that is rooted in much tradition,history and folklore.   Our local chapter of Families with Children from China hosted a gathering at a farm in our area.  The weather was perfect and it was quite enjoyable to mingle with other families and their little beauties from China. Lucy got to see her first pumpkin and take her first 'train' ride!

But I must share something else that happened this past week as the four day Mid-Autumn Moon Festival was just beginning.  Let me back up...  There are many customs that the Chinese participate in during this celebration.  They eat moon pies (a dough pastry that can be filled with fruits or meats) and pomelos (a citrus fruit similar to grapefruit) and make elaborate lanterns.  Another thing they do is plant autumn trees.   So....do you know what I won last week?  A Caliper Red Sunset Maple tree! On the first day of the Autumn Moon Festival! And how did I win it?  Through a raffle I was entered into at a fundraiser I attended for another little Chinese girl in the area. I mean, really... who wins a tree? A unique prize indeed!  I don't see these occurrences as coincidental, but rather just another way that God is working in and through our lives..connecting families, honoring cultures and reminding us of His presence.  We are so pleased to plant this treasured tree in our yard, not only as an outward sign of a connection Lucy has with one of her Chinese "sisters" in the area, but also as a reminder of Lucy's precious and culturally rich heritage.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year.   Happy Fall to everyone!

Our Little Helper

These days, anytime Lucy can help out with household tasks, she is a happy camper.  I couldn't resist having her "help" me water the plants yesterday.  She loved it!  Lets hope she maintains her affinity for chores!   Below is a cute picture of Lucy before bath time.  Bri came out to the kitchen and said to me, "we had a hard time getting her shirt off."   Too cute....

Lessons Learned

 A milestone occurred this week!   For some time I have been wanting to join this mom's group called MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers).  This is a christian-based group where moms get together to share and support one another. I learned about it back in the winter from another mom in Lucy's music class.  The reason I hadn't joined up until this point was because the mom's are in one group and the kids go into another group;  I wasn't sure how Lucy would do since she has never been away from Brian or I (other than with family, and we are still near).  Well, I finally felt like it was time to let Lucy spread her wings a little bit.  And guess what?  She flew!  Mom---not so much.  (More about that in a minute.)

It reminded me of when we were in China and how Lucy always did so great while Brian and I worried.  (I know... welcome to parenthood.)  For 2 hours she was in a playroom with other children her age and 2 adults from the church.  Because I was having unexpected meltdowns, several mom's in my group would check on her throughout the 2 hours;  she was doing great, playing and enjoying herself!  I found out from the adults who watched her that she only cried a few times and it only lasted a minute or two.    If only I had done as well.  My reaction to leaving her for the first time really took me by surprise.  I had no idea I would get so emotional. The other mom's assured me that it was "normal" and they had gone through the same thing.   Brian cracked me up that night when he said, "and we were worried about Lucy?" 

So what lessons are to be taken from this?  One, never underestimate the resiliency of your child.  Two,  always overestimate the emotional reactions you may have to your child, so as to be adequately prepared.  Three, and most importantly...don't forget to put your trust in God.  This was a true milestone that had His handiwork written all over it.

Childhood Connections

Addison Marie

What a blessing to have been graced with childhood friendships that continue to this day.  This past weekend some of the "Songbird" crew (the street that the Buzzelli/Streus's grew up on) got together in Indy to welcome the latest addition to our two families:  baby Addie, less than two weeks old.  How sweet is she?  There was one interesting thing that happened during the visit.  Lucy started crying out of the blue, two different times-- once when I was holding Addie and once when I was hugging Izzy (who is only 3 weeks older than Lucy).  When we put it together, it made me a little sad.  I think for Lucy, seeing her Mama show affection to another child must have tapped into her vulnerabilities and feelings of security.   But all and all, it was a great visit.  I can only hope that all of our girls will be able to have the same kind of long-term, authentic friendships like the ones that their Mom's started on Songbird Lane 30+ years ago.

Lucy, Abby and Emma

Izzy

Angie (Addie's mom) and Jon (Addie's Uncle) 

One nice surprise to end the Labor Day weekend was cousin Lindsay coming back from Indy with us for a sleepover.  We love having Lindsay here; Lucy eats her up!  Thanks for the great visit Lindsay Lou!

Lindsay and Lucy having fun reading!

   

Cathedral Gardens

Earlier this week, Lucy and I had a lovely visit with our friend Mary.  We went to morning mass at my old church (where Brian and I got married).  Afterward, we walked through the gardens where our wedding photos were taken.  How sweet is our girl with her rosary in hand?

Thanks to Mary for a great visit and for sharing her cat Boats with us! (Lucy loves cats!)