Movie Star

We are having a family retreat with our church in a couple weeks. Since my dad is the family minister he organizes all these events. My brother works in film so he made the video. My dad is in the video and Jade was the supporting actress. Check it out it is pretty funny.

The many moods of a three year old.

The last few weeks have been beautiful out so we have been enjoying the weather while we can. Jade has been going through some funny phases lately. She loves to play with other kids at the playground, church, etc... Lately when she is playing and another adult comes over (not even to her per say, just near where she is playing) she is done playing and wants held immediately. Then she wants to go home. This doesn't happen at church where she pretty much knows everybody but out at the park or playground. Today we went to the a park near us with my dad. Sure enough when she was playing one of the kid's parents can over near her and she started crying and didn't want to play anymore. I like her to have stranger awareness but this is a little overboard. I'm sure it is just a phase that three year olds go through. I hope anyway. There is a little league field next to the park so we went over to check it out. She changed tunes over there. (No strange adults, I guess?)

Having fun with another kid.

This slide is fun too. Check out the static action on that hair.

Uh oh, a strange adult came near me. I'm done, Grandpa come save me!!!

All better now, play ball!

"O-H-I-O"

John and I just got back from an Ohio State game with my parents. Jade stayed with John's parents. I'm not a huge football fan but I always love seeing my parents get all excited since this is their Alma mater. I think the band is my favorite part of the game. They go all out. They even do this thing called Script Ohio which is always fun to watch.

The marching band comes up in the stands after half time and we had the trumpet section come visit in our section, pretty cool.

Jade must of had a fun day because this is how we found her when we came to pick her up (at 7:00).

Giveaway! (I love that word)

Laurie over at Pho for Five has a great giveaway that you should check out. Most of the people I blog with know her and she has three beautiful kids. She has two from Vietnam and one home grown. So just click on her name to go check it out. Good luck!

I would like to thank...

Kelli for awarding me the Smile Award. Kelli and I are both Special Education teachers and this will definitely bond people. I love her blog and have enjoyed, stressed, and dreamed on this adoption journey. Plus she always helps me with my "how to " blogging questions.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude.


2. Must love one another.


3. Must make mistakes.


4. Must learn from others.


5. Must be a positive contributor to the blog world.


6. Must love life.


7. Must love kids.

Cheerful attitude, well I really do try my best to do this since life is short and I want to enjoy it while I am here. Love one another well, it is one of the greatest commandments and one of my most favorite verses. Make mistakes, well that one is a no brainier. Learn from others, well isn't this the best way to learn. Positive contributor to the blog world. If it is about the blessing of adoption I would say yes. Love life, how can I not with all the blessings God has given me. Love kids, well I do have a degree in education and definitely love my kid so okay I guess that meets all 7.

These are the rules for The Smile Award.

1. The recipient must link back the award's creator.


2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.


3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after you receive it.


4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.


5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.


6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.


7. You must thank the giver.

And here are the 5 people I choose for the Smile Award:

Susan she and I have been friends for about 5 years now. Her daughter Millie is a joy and one of Jade's closest buddies. I admire her strength, perseverance and dedication to her daughter who she obviously loves so very much.

Nene and I have also been friends for 5 years. She definitely loves life and her new bundle of joy, her son Jonah. She has been there for me during some very challenging times in my life and she always makes me feel loved. And love kids, well she does teach first graders.

Kirsten is a friend I have recently meet through an adoption group I belong to. She has three wonderful children adopted here in the US. Many of her posts are very touching. She has such a wonderful heart for children in need of families.

Kelly I have followed her blog for about a year now. Her daughter Lucy is absolutely adorable. She had recently given me some reassuring words that were truly needed and appreciated. She also has wonderful photography skills and I really enjoy her photos.

Meredith and her husband were hoping to adopt from VN but their journey has taken a turn towards Ethiopia. She has had a very hopeful outlook through this journey to bring her child home and she is an encouragement to me.

Is she really 3?

I was looking at some pictures of Jade when we first brought her home and I can't believe that she is three. I mean where has the time gone. I know people say this all the time but really? My husband was watching a video on the Chapman and the loss of their daughter Maria. He was talking about the song Cinderella he wrote about spending more time with his daughters while they are little because it goes by so fast. I have really been thinking about this lately and it reminded me how precious my time with Jade is and how fast it goes. Sometimes I don't feel like I appreciate this as much as I should. Worrying about things and trying to get things done (that of course need to be done) but my time with her is most important. So the Chapmans just reminded me to cherish every minute, even the challenging ones.
On that note, I just love how Jade is learning and interacting with me lately. She loves to pretend, especially if it has to do with food. (that's my girl) She loves to "cook" food and prepare it and have me help her. When I am cooking she says, "I help you" and runs and gets her stool. She is becoming very independent wanting to, as she would say, "I do this" do everything herself. I love while I am driving she will say, "Go this way" and point. Of course the best is when she says, "Hey mama, " and I say, "yeah" and she says, "I love you". What a blessing she is!!!

Our bed is not our own, help!

Jade has got into the habit of coming into our bed at around 3 or 4 every morning. This would not bother me so much if she would stay in a general area on the bed. I love being suddenly woken up with a toddler foot landing across the bridge of my nose. I do at times feel uneasy with her in the bed with us and all our pillows. I feel especially bad for John since he has to get up and go to work in the morning and Jade and I can sleep in a little. She use to sleep in her room with no problem. Then all of a sudden she was terrified to fall asleep in her room so I let her fall asleep on the couch (after several attempts) and then put her in her bed. We have a routine and it is the same every night except for prayers in her room and kisses, it is now on the couch. Whenever she does sleep all night in her own bed (okay like twice in the last 30 days) I really praise her a lot. I have heard a lot of kids do this but I really rather she sleep in her own bed. I guess I have allowed her to do this so I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I can get her back in her bed. I will talk with her doc at her 3 year check up to see if he has any suggestions. Btw I love for her to come in and snuggle with me just not at 3 in the morning.


This picture is not related to the post but it is funny. We got her the Whack *A* Mole game a few months back and she fell asleep with the hammers in her hand. Look at the death grip on those babies.



I also wanted to say how heartbroken I am for all the families who will not receive a referral because of the VN/US shutdown. I have been thinking about this a lot and pray for peace for all who were waiting. I pray an agreement can be resolved quickly. I especially hurt for the children who are involved. I hope for the day where there will never be any barriers to children in need of forever families.

Labor Day Fun!

It is nice out (at least for the next few days it will be). You never know around here the weather changes on a dime. We had a picnic at my in-law's house and then went over to my sister in-law's house to swim. John's dad was taking the pictures while we swam with Jade and her cousin Cody. The water is heated but man when you first got in, HOLY FREEZING! The thermometer said 82 but I think it needs replaced, lol. Our body got numb, uh I mean, use to it after a while. Thank God it was close to 90 today.

Little cold there honey, hahahahahaha!

We need one of these mama!

SLAM DUNK !

Wiggling on Daddy's solders. Looks a little painful there daddy, lol.

My sweet girl!