Spring is here! The question is...is winter over? Not in some places in the country, but it felt close to 80 degrees here in Texas today. So why not plant a garden?! It sure felt like spring, so my dad came over and re-engineered my garden to ensure the neighborhood bunnies only have a window seat to my growing garden! He replaced some rotting boards, put in some sturdier wooden stakes and stapled down the chicken wire fence all around it. It looks great! Now we just have to wait for the plants to sprout up and bear beautiful veggies!! Oh, and hope it rains. Yes, I water it occasionally, but I'm not the nurturer my dad is, so I usually just cross my fingers and get delighted when I get to go out and pick my mini-harvest.
It's such a great way to get your family involved in a project that not only feeds your family naturally grown produce, but also shows them how and where our food supply comes from. It's a great educational lesson for kids and may help them appreciate and eat more veggies if they have a hand in growing what they eat! So, give it a try this spring...even if it is just a tomato plant!
I remember growing up on the farm and having a garden in our back yard. It was a pretty good size garden and my brother and I always helped my mom with it. I remember the rhubarb and strawberries and I'm sure there were plenty of other veggies, but I remember those two things the most. My aunts and uncles who still live up north all have gardens and have such great veggies because it gets cooler in the evenings up there versus down here it stays hot all day and night long. So, we can't grow many types of lettuce or cabbage, or rhubarb (sadly), or cauliflower, broccoli, celery or strawberries. It just gets too hot down here! Drab.
I always get really good green beans and last year I did get kale to grow and butternut squash. In years past, I've gotten tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers. But, my dad has the most plentiful garden...because he IS the eternal farmer and gardener! He grows sweet corn (of course!), watermelon, cantaloupe, green beans, radish, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onions, butternut squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and occasionally carrots and potatoes. YUM!!
So in a couple months we'll be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor...well, mostly my dad's! Now, if I could only get my herb garden to grow...and last! Third time is the charm, right?! Enjoy the start of your spring...whether you are planting your own garden, flowers or getting your lawn ready for the new year! Blessings to you this week...and watch out for April Fool's Day!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
End of the Quarter
It's the end of March already and the end of the 1st quarter! Time flies...well, some days it does and some days it drags on...and on...and on! You know those days! How has the start of the year gone for you? I hope well...despite those long lost new year's resolutions from a the start of the year...or perhaps you are right on track and making those daily changes you set out to do at the beginning of the year...either way, time marches on!
Spring is coming (in the States) and although the calendar says it's "spring" I don't think it's really "sprung" yet! We're still getting snow this week in some parts of the country and the weather in Texas has been a manic roller coaster ride all winter! So, what will the next three months of the year bring? New goals? Progressing on already made goals? New adventures? New beginnings? New surprises? I hope so! For you and for me!
So, although it's been a rainy, cold, gloomy day here today I have a "spring-like" outlook on the next quarter! Sunny skies, blooming flowers, garden planted, (not-so-much on the impending weeds that will be coming), Easter bunnies, and summer vacations! So, hopefully in the next several weeks you'll be able to shed those long layers and winter coats for lighter, brighter fabrics and cranking up the grills to enjoy the spring weather! I hope you find those "spring-like" blessings the rest of this week!
Spring is coming (in the States) and although the calendar says it's "spring" I don't think it's really "sprung" yet! We're still getting snow this week in some parts of the country and the weather in Texas has been a manic roller coaster ride all winter! So, what will the next three months of the year bring? New goals? Progressing on already made goals? New adventures? New beginnings? New surprises? I hope so! For you and for me!
So, although it's been a rainy, cold, gloomy day here today I have a "spring-like" outlook on the next quarter! Sunny skies, blooming flowers, garden planted, (not-so-much on the impending weeds that will be coming), Easter bunnies, and summer vacations! So, hopefully in the next several weeks you'll be able to shed those long layers and winter coats for lighter, brighter fabrics and cranking up the grills to enjoy the spring weather! I hope you find those "spring-like" blessings the rest of this week!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Are You Into the "Madness?"
Here in the States it's "March Madness" time which is what we call the college basketball championship playoff tournament. It's 'madness' because anyone can attempt to fill out their own brackets to determine who the winner will be....and no one ever gets it all right. There's always a handful of teams upsetting a higher seeded team and teams that you thought would go all the way end up getting beat along the way. It's a tournament frenzy full of wagers, betting with your co-workers/friends/family, and last second heroics or buzzer beaters!
Who would want to miss out on this kind of 'madness?' Even if you don't know anything about basketball or any of the teams playing, you can still fill out your own brackets...based on team colors, school mascot or where they are located. It's really up to you and that's the beauty of it...there's no real science behind it no matter how many sports analysts you listen you. It's a crap shoot!
I normally do pretty good on day 1 and then on day 2 it starts to get a little messy. I only missed 2 on the first day and now I'm up to 6...still, not too bad. The odds...just like picking lottery numbers of guessing how many jelly beans are in the jar. We all like to take our chances every now and again and why not! It's fun! Or at least most of the time it is.
So, I hope you enjoy the 'madness' and may the best team win! Blessings to you on this final full week of March!
Who would want to miss out on this kind of 'madness?' Even if you don't know anything about basketball or any of the teams playing, you can still fill out your own brackets...based on team colors, school mascot or where they are located. It's really up to you and that's the beauty of it...there's no real science behind it no matter how many sports analysts you listen you. It's a crap shoot!
I normally do pretty good on day 1 and then on day 2 it starts to get a little messy. I only missed 2 on the first day and now I'm up to 6...still, not too bad. The odds...just like picking lottery numbers of guessing how many jelly beans are in the jar. We all like to take our chances every now and again and why not! It's fun! Or at least most of the time it is.
So, I hope you enjoy the 'madness' and may the best team win! Blessings to you on this final full week of March!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Making New Birthday Memories
I think I've mentioned this before, but I definitely talk about it in my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side, that growing up we celebrated all of my cousins birthdays (on my dad's side), anniversaries and holidays together. So, we all have fond, funny and maybe not so fond memories about all those get-togethers. This past weekend one of my cousins and her family came to visit for Spring Break. So, we definitely had to have a family get-together like the "old days" and what better reason than to celebrate my mom's birthday that was earlier last week! But, it would be a surprise! We told my mom that we were celebrating my niece's 1st birthday which is in a couple weeks, but the party was really for her!
Every time I host a big family get-together, I have more and more admiration and respect for my aunts who planned and hosted so many family gatherings. But, it's what life and being rich with blessings is all about...having my house full of loved ones sharing old memories, laughing, a few tears from the kids, good food and making new memories! It's sharing in each other's lives and appreciating how/where we grew up...and how different people remember certain times or events. I wish we could all do it more often, but as with most families the entire extended families rarely get together anymore except for weddings and funerals. Sad, but true.
So, I hope over the past week or into the new week you make wonderful and lasting memories with your family! It's what we share together and with each other that makes a family bond even tighter. So, blessings to you in the coming week as we start to wind down the month of March.
Every time I host a big family get-together, I have more and more admiration and respect for my aunts who planned and hosted so many family gatherings. But, it's what life and being rich with blessings is all about...having my house full of loved ones sharing old memories, laughing, a few tears from the kids, good food and making new memories! It's sharing in each other's lives and appreciating how/where we grew up...and how different people remember certain times or events. I wish we could all do it more often, but as with most families the entire extended families rarely get together anymore except for weddings and funerals. Sad, but true.
So, I hope over the past week or into the new week you make wonderful and lasting memories with your family! It's what we share together and with each other that makes a family bond even tighter. So, blessings to you in the coming week as we start to wind down the month of March.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
What Others Have Said...
Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day (in the States)! I wish you the 'luck of the Irish' or at least for the week ahead.
Most parents who adopt feel blessed and 'lucky' to have found their new son or daughter to grow their family and make it complete. Here are a few perspectives from some adoptive parents you may be familiar with....
However motherhood comes to you, it’s a miracle.
Valerie Harper
I have four children. Two are adopted. I forget which two.
Bob Constantine
Adoption was a bumpy ride — very bumpy. But, God, was it worth the fight.
Mariska Hargitay
Adopting one child won’t change the world: but for that child, the world will change.
Unknown
I think adoption is a blessing all around when it’s done right.
Hugh Jackman
My birth mother brought me into this world, but it was my adoptive parents who gave me life.
Christina Romo
Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.
Nicole Kidman
Have a blessed week ahead and "may the luck of the Irish be with you!"
Most parents who adopt feel blessed and 'lucky' to have found their new son or daughter to grow their family and make it complete. Here are a few perspectives from some adoptive parents you may be familiar with....
However motherhood comes to you, it’s a miracle.
Valerie Harper
I have four children. Two are adopted. I forget which two.
Bob Constantine
Adoption was a bumpy ride — very bumpy. But, God, was it worth the fight.
Mariska Hargitay
Adopting one child won’t change the world: but for that child, the world will change.
Unknown
I think adoption is a blessing all around when it’s done right.
Hugh Jackman
My birth mother brought me into this world, but it was my adoptive parents who gave me life.
Christina Romo
Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.
Nicole Kidman
Have a blessed week ahead and "may the luck of the Irish be with you!"
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Show Your Support!
Spring is almost here! We've already sprung forward...time-wise...now, we just need the weather to "chill" out! Are you ready for spring?!
I would love your support by responding in one or ALL of the following ways:
1. BUY my book at www.kimfenneman.com or the ebook at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IC86ABU
2. FOLLOW my blog at www.kfenneman.blogspot.com. “Join this site” under Followers on the right hand side. Just add your email address to encourage print, radio, media outlets to promote my book knowing that I have a big following! Be part of the movement of promoting hope and understanding of adoption!!
3. SHARE my story with your friends, family, co-workers, church, school, etc. Send them to my website at www.kimfenneman.com. I’m also happy to do a book signing for your book club, friends, church, school, organizations so just let me know.
THANK YOU for your support!!! I truly appreciate it!
BTW, I’m hoping to sell enough books to pay for the Korea Heritage Family Tour back to Seoul, South Korea for my mom and me! It’s a trip you take with other adult adoptees to explore your culture, your personal history (birth parents, foster parents, etc.) and visit the orphanage. I know it’ll be an emotional trip back and also hope to take it with my pen pal of 30 years (who was adopted from the same agency) and my 2nd cousin (who is also adopted from Seoul) and her mom. Who knows….this might be the basis for my next book!
I would love your support by responding in one or ALL of the following ways:
1. BUY my book at www.kimfenneman.com or the ebook at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IC86ABU
2. FOLLOW my blog at www.kfenneman.blogspot.com. “Join this site” under Followers on the right hand side. Just add your email address to encourage print, radio, media outlets to promote my book knowing that I have a big following! Be part of the movement of promoting hope and understanding of adoption!!
3. SHARE my story with your friends, family, co-workers, church, school, etc. Send them to my website at www.kimfenneman.com. I’m also happy to do a book signing for your book club, friends, church, school, organizations so just let me know.
THANK YOU for your support!!! I truly appreciate it!
BTW, I’m hoping to sell enough books to pay for the Korea Heritage Family Tour back to Seoul, South Korea for my mom and me! It’s a trip you take with other adult adoptees to explore your culture, your personal history (birth parents, foster parents, etc.) and visit the orphanage. I know it’ll be an emotional trip back and also hope to take it with my pen pal of 30 years (who was adopted from the same agency) and my 2nd cousin (who is also adopted from Seoul) and her mom. Who knows….this might be the basis for my next book!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Bringing Them Home...
Bringing your adopted children home to their forever homes for the first time I imagine is a thrilling and a little nerve-wracking at the same time (depending on how old the child is). Recently, a high school friend of mine brought home their daughter (7 years old) from China. My friend already has birth children of her own and their newly adopted daughter fits right in the middle of her birth daughter's who are 6 and 8 years old. I find it truly fascinating and interesting that this is the case and love seeing her posts on Facebook of their adopted daughter getting acclimated to a new home, a new culture, a new family and siblings...a new life. It's definitely heart-warming.
Last week was the season premiere of "The Little Couple" (here in the States). It's about a Houston married couple who are little people and their experiences dealing with their shorter statues. Over the last couple of seasons they have been trying to have children to no avail, so they finally went through the adoption process and last season they showed them meeting their son from China. He was around 1 to 1.5 years old when they got him and he has fit into their family perfectly. He's adorable. The start of this season they showed the couple going to India to pick up their adopted daughter. She was 2 years old and only knew the orphanage and the people there since birth. So, when they did the hand-off the little girl cried and cried and cried. She was scared and obviously didn't know what was going on. It's totally understandable how hard the transition can be, especially when the child is older than a year old. It was interesting to actually see the process and heartwarming to see her start adapting to her new family. Their little boy was so welcoming and loving with the little girl. It was amazing and beautiful to see.
In the meantime, one of the women I met at my mini-book signing is in Seoul picking up her little boy (2 years old)! Such a blessing! She's posted some pics and videos on Facebook and he seems as content as a 2 year old can be! I love it! I love hearing the stories and seeing children find the loving families they deserve and families become whole as forever families! It's the open-minded, generous hearts and loving nature of the human spirit that makes adoption possible and a reality! So, bless all those that have adopted, are adopted and are thinking about adopting! You are changing a life, as well as, your own and those around you. Bless you and keep you in God's grace!
Last week was the season premiere of "The Little Couple" (here in the States). It's about a Houston married couple who are little people and their experiences dealing with their shorter statues. Over the last couple of seasons they have been trying to have children to no avail, so they finally went through the adoption process and last season they showed them meeting their son from China. He was around 1 to 1.5 years old when they got him and he has fit into their family perfectly. He's adorable. The start of this season they showed the couple going to India to pick up their adopted daughter. She was 2 years old and only knew the orphanage and the people there since birth. So, when they did the hand-off the little girl cried and cried and cried. She was scared and obviously didn't know what was going on. It's totally understandable how hard the transition can be, especially when the child is older than a year old. It was interesting to actually see the process and heartwarming to see her start adapting to her new family. Their little boy was so welcoming and loving with the little girl. It was amazing and beautiful to see.
In the meantime, one of the women I met at my mini-book signing is in Seoul picking up her little boy (2 years old)! Such a blessing! She's posted some pics and videos on Facebook and he seems as content as a 2 year old can be! I love it! I love hearing the stories and seeing children find the loving families they deserve and families become whole as forever families! It's the open-minded, generous hearts and loving nature of the human spirit that makes adoption possible and a reality! So, bless all those that have adopted, are adopted and are thinking about adopting! You are changing a life, as well as, your own and those around you. Bless you and keep you in God's grace!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
A Deeper Insight...
(Sorry I missed yesterday's scheduled post...time just got away from me). A friend of mine from high school recently posted the following article about single mom's in South Korea and the shame they have to endure. Check it out: (http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/03/05/single-motherhood-and-shame-south-korea)
This isn't necessarily surprising to me, but it's definitely sad. Sad to know these girls/women have to go through such hardship and despair...and they're only trying to care for and protect their children. Sometimes it becomes blatantly obvious how far some cultures have progressed and some haven't. Of course, it's not our (the western cultures) place to dictate another's culture based on our beliefs, but it is all of our responsibilities as fellow humans to educate one another and hopefully show progress and growth in our respect for one another.
So, please say a special prayer for these single moms and their children. I hope your week is full of blessings and that you realize that all the small conveniences and joys of your life are highly valued by someone else around the world. Peace be plentiful for us all!
This isn't necessarily surprising to me, but it's definitely sad. Sad to know these girls/women have to go through such hardship and despair...and they're only trying to care for and protect their children. Sometimes it becomes blatantly obvious how far some cultures have progressed and some haven't. Of course, it's not our (the western cultures) place to dictate another's culture based on our beliefs, but it is all of our responsibilities as fellow humans to educate one another and hopefully show progress and growth in our respect for one another.
So, please say a special prayer for these single moms and their children. I hope your week is full of blessings and that you realize that all the small conveniences and joys of your life are highly valued by someone else around the world. Peace be plentiful for us all!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Education and Knowledge Promotes Understanding
A domestically adopted friend of mine from middle school recently posted the following Huffington Post article titled, "37 Ignorant Things These Sisters Commonly Hear About Adoption." (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/28/ignorant-things-about-adoption-_n_4859783.html) I was stunned and saddened at what some uneducated people had so boldly and hurtfully asked these two young adopted girls and their parents. But, I loved the visual the mother displayed in showcasing the ignorance of some people about adoption. Wow!
I'm SO thankful and grateful I didn't have to endure those harsh, mean-spirited comments/questions from strangers as I was growing up. I wouldn't wish that on any young child. But, in the world we live in today I'm not totally surprised...just really disheartened by it. I definitely think those questions would have set and festered in my mind if I had heard them growing up and I'm so troubled that kids have to deal with it now. I know it's a cruel world out there and parents can't protect them from all evils, but many of these comments/questions are truly disrespectful. It makes me want to shake those people and truly educate them so they have a greater understanding and hopefully respect for all those involved in adoption. That's the power of education!
Education brings knowledge and we're never too old, stubborn, all-knowing, arrogant or smart to learn something new each and every day! And, it makes the value of my book even more apparent when I read things like this! I want to shove my book in their faces and tell them to read it so they understand what it's truly like to be adopted...or at least from one adoptee's perspective. So, I would encourage anyone who needs to educate someone on adoption to direct them to purchase my book so they don't continue to walk around asking ignorant questions in the future. Learn. Grow. Respect one another.
On a brighter note, I received a Facebook message this morning from a lady I met at the mini-Book Signing I did a couple weeks ago. She was the one waiting for the word to go pick up her son in Seoul, South Korea. They got the word last week and she messaged me from the airport saying they were on their way to get their son! She "LOVED the book" and was so glad she had read it before bringing her son home. I'm SO excited for her and her family and I look forward to meeting him one day! I know it's been a long and patient journey to get through all the paperwork and legalities, but now their dream will soon be fulfilled. It's heart-warming and amazing!! Good luck and safe travels to them!
As a new week approaches and I sit here listening to the sleet continue to come down outside, I'm looking forward to what the new week ahead will bring...new stories, new opportunities, new outlooks...you never know, but I always hope for a brighter tomorrow. So, I hope you have a productive, happy week ahead full of many blessings! And, enjoy watching the Academy Awards (in the U.S.) tonight!
I'm SO thankful and grateful I didn't have to endure those harsh, mean-spirited comments/questions from strangers as I was growing up. I wouldn't wish that on any young child. But, in the world we live in today I'm not totally surprised...just really disheartened by it. I definitely think those questions would have set and festered in my mind if I had heard them growing up and I'm so troubled that kids have to deal with it now. I know it's a cruel world out there and parents can't protect them from all evils, but many of these comments/questions are truly disrespectful. It makes me want to shake those people and truly educate them so they have a greater understanding and hopefully respect for all those involved in adoption. That's the power of education!
Education brings knowledge and we're never too old, stubborn, all-knowing, arrogant or smart to learn something new each and every day! And, it makes the value of my book even more apparent when I read things like this! I want to shove my book in their faces and tell them to read it so they understand what it's truly like to be adopted...or at least from one adoptee's perspective. So, I would encourage anyone who needs to educate someone on adoption to direct them to purchase my book so they don't continue to walk around asking ignorant questions in the future. Learn. Grow. Respect one another.
On a brighter note, I received a Facebook message this morning from a lady I met at the mini-Book Signing I did a couple weeks ago. She was the one waiting for the word to go pick up her son in Seoul, South Korea. They got the word last week and she messaged me from the airport saying they were on their way to get their son! She "LOVED the book" and was so glad she had read it before bringing her son home. I'm SO excited for her and her family and I look forward to meeting him one day! I know it's been a long and patient journey to get through all the paperwork and legalities, but now their dream will soon be fulfilled. It's heart-warming and amazing!! Good luck and safe travels to them!
As a new week approaches and I sit here listening to the sleet continue to come down outside, I'm looking forward to what the new week ahead will bring...new stories, new opportunities, new outlooks...you never know, but I always hope for a brighter tomorrow. So, I hope you have a productive, happy week ahead full of many blessings! And, enjoy watching the Academy Awards (in the U.S.) tonight!
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