tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44128386286247186602023-11-15T08:06:19.907-08:00Our Little Soul in SeoulSunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-91775559910157528462013-04-03T17:49:00.001-07:002013-04-03T17:49:26.387-07:00Thinking of Foster FamilyPlease know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2123.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2123.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2127.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2127.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2130.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2130.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2132.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2132.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2133.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2133.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2134.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2134.jpg' border='0' width='85' height='64' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2136.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2136.jpg' border='0' width='85' height='64' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/03/2137.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/03/s_2137.jpg' border='0' width='85' height='64' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />God bless!<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-2779307468057483302013-02-21T16:01:00.001-08:002013-02-21T16:01:49.201-08:00She's growing up!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1865.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1865.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1866.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1866.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1867.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1867.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1868.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1869.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1869.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1870.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1870.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1871.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1871.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/21/1872.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/21/s_1872.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-41492160932840892772013-01-05T06:26:00.001-08:002013-01-05T06:26:05.393-08:00For lovely Foster FamilyThank you for loving our daughter so much! She is a beautiful treasure!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/698.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_698.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Z with stick of butter-her favorite.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/699.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_699.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Z as a bunny.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/700.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_700.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Playing with Uncle Adam<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/701.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_701.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny and brothers<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/702.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_702.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Suck in tv cabinet, but obviously loving it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/703.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_703.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hard to see, stuck in her kitchen sink.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/704.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_704.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Climbing shelves (of course)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/705.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_705.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Found with the jam jar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/706.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_706.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/707.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_707.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/708.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_708.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Silly sisters<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/709.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_709.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"mmmm I LOVE lollies!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/05/710.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/05/s_710.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We hope you are well Foster Family! Happy New Year!<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-74900161101064442742012-10-26T18:04:00.001-07:002012-10-26T18:04:56.951-07:00Family Day!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2427.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2427.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Today is Family Day! One year ago today Zinny (physically) joined our family! It's cliche to say I can't believe it has been an entire year and I can't believe she hasn't always been in our family, but it's all so true.<br />I have been reflecting on my memories of the day I went to Holt and met dear Z, and the days following. I didn't know her at all, but when I remember all the funny little things she did, they are totally her! I recognize her expressions in those first photos, and the photos we got from her foster family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2428.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2428.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> She has hair to make a<br /> shampoo model envious!<br /><br /><br />Zinny is 27 months old tomorrow, she knows her colors, can almost sing her ABCs, can just about count to ten, likes to skip breakfast (and many times supper), she no longer takes a nap , except on rare occasions. Her imagination is exploding! She is not interested in anything that resembles a toy, but plays make believe with our gourds, or a hanger, or a yardstick, 2 flashcards, or her favorite: 2 flower petals.or just her hands, she carries on long conversations between her gourd and the gourd she forces you to talk. (She is very bossy! It's still endearing....for now...).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2429.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Poppy riding on Zs back.<br /><br />Zinny gets up every morning when it is still pitch black out, must to Mommys chagrin. And it would be ok (almost) if she wasn't super crabby for hours about being up so darn early!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2430.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2430.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />By bedtime she is wiped out! She goes and goes all day nonstop, until this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2431.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2431.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cooking with Aunt C.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2432.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2432.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2433.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2433.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2434.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2434.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2435.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2435.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Feeding the goats<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2436.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2436.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2437.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2437.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/26/2438.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/26/s_2438.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> We are so blessed God thought us worthy to be Zinny's parents, it just amazes me that she is here, so so home!!<br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-40905439620935319092012-10-03T08:21:00.001-07:002012-10-03T08:21:08.665-07:00Aaannd....I'm back! (note: if you are viewing this on a mobile device and it is extremely hard to read, scroll to bottom and go to 'web version'. I am too lazy to fix this problem, I rely on you, dear reader, to fix it yourself. Thank you)<br /><br /><br />Oh September, where hath thou gone and why no posts???<br />I'm sure no one is still here reading this. That's what I tell myself some days that I have a nagging feeling that I should post. Other reasons I avoid bogging include but are not limited to: fatigue, uninspired, busy busy busy, and total amnesia that I HAVE a blog. But honestly, the last 6weeks I have been having an internal debate about the future of this blog. The time when this blog started was a crazy exciting time, I loved reading other blogs about the wait and travel parts of adoption. The stories of families in similar stages and struggles with the adoption process, and then the fun travel stories and 'Gotcha Days'. Thrilling! I started my own primarily to keep my family and friends up to the minute when I travelled to Seoul. And then the exciting chapter of being home and getting to know our new child was the second chapter, still exciting for us, but I started to feel like I had to sell everyone in blog-land on how great and exciting life still was to keep you all coming back. And that is where this blog started to get easy to neglect. I felt as if I was pushing 'don't we have the cutest/funniest cat ever' photos and stories, trying to convince you of how charming our life is. And so I just got too busy and ignored this thing, because I am all about genuineness. I can't stand the 'magazine perfect' culture that pervades so many blogs that I read/used to read. I crave realness, hearing of others' struggles edifies my own. I'm not the only one 'failing'. There are some amazing blogs I read, candid, personal, real. I am so inspired by these women, and I long to be free about journaling like them. Ahhh, alas, the conflict: I am an intensely private person, and knowing some people who read this blog (and imagining some others) its tough to expose such vulnerability to them. Also, I feel pretty confidant that Z's foster family is reading this for updates on Z. Do they need to read my soul searching? Hear about the triumphs and tragedies involved in parenting a teen in college, a son in braces, and a toddler in diapers, and the other one? I call my reality show "Toddlers and Teens". It's a dramedy. <br />So as I ponder the future of this blog, please: enjoy some photos from our charming life!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1074.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1074.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh vacation, I miss you, I will be back soon...don't forget me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1075.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1075.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1076.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1076.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1077.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1077.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1078.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1078.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Here Z, on her 2nd birthday, writing messages to her birth mother on a paper lantern we released.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1079.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1079.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1080.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1080.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Z LOVES the new baby (cousin)!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1081.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1081.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> With Emo Maria. We miss you!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1082.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1082.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Braces off, finally! Haha just kidding! Novelty teeth from the fun center.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1083.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1083.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /> Till next time...<br /> Whenever THAT will be!<br /><br /> God Bless <br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-17757610184259665682012-08-15T07:29:00.001-07:002012-08-15T07:29:46.198-07:00Little vignettesA bit of this and that to catch up (so I will have plenty of time to fall behind again!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1081.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1081.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nothing like a new baby in the family, Zinny agrees, she's wants to hold the baby so bad! And she likes to remind me exactly who is MY baby. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1082.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1082.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My boys love Calvin and Hobbes, who doesn't? Zinny was reading with them and pointed to this picture and loudly (because she is always loud) exclaimed "Omma!!" And darn if this picture of Calvin's mom looks VERY similar to Zinny's foster mother! So funny!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1083.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1083.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mmm, I made kimbap. Tastes even better than it looks. I used pickled banana peppers instead of pickled radish. This and bibimbap are my only successful Korean dishes I make really well, and that soup I posted before, name escapes me....too early in morning, not enough tea yet...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1084.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1084.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny's birthday cake, supposed to be Pingu, for those that are familiar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1085.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1085.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is result from eating Pingu.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1086.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1086.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Loves her some shades<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1087.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1087.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is about 18 hours into our drive to Cape Cod, this is the exit right outside Buffalo NY where you walk over the thruway to get to the rest stop. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/15/1088.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/15/s_1088.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Trying to get truckers to honk.<br /><br />Thus I leave you with a cliffhanger, next post: vacation photos!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-58765909684134108122012-08-04T10:16:00.001-07:002012-08-04T10:16:05.143-07:00Busy summer, let's start the recap!Our summer story starts with the day the van turning 100,000 miles. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1572.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1572.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This very day we had a massive storm:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1573.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1573.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We are right in the heart of this. (aside: this was the last time we saw rain, we have had a horrible droughty summer, and HOT!!!)<br /><br />Naturally the van, true to cliche, broke down this very day, during this very storm. Van packed with children, night time, on our way to visit our new baby niece at the hospital, a hospital very far away. <br />We were stranded at the supermarket, waiting for dear Neil and Zinny to rescue us!<br />It took them awhile to reach us, so we kept ourselves entertained.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1574.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1574.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1575.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1575.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1576.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1576.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1577.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1577.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1578.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1578.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1579.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1579.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This last one is the point when Neil arrived. Thank goodness!<br /><br /><br /><br />We finally made it the next day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/04/1580.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/04/s_1580.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I have been interrupted 14 times during this short entry, and Zinny is LITERALLY pulling on my leg and yelling NO as the dog is frantically trying to get out the door and I just answered the phone in between the words 'door' and 'and'..... Soooo I gotta go...<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-50366243174616106262012-07-02T21:37:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:37:17.846-07:00She is ours! We are hers!This morning we went to court to finalize the adoption. Neil asked me yesterday if I was nervous, I said , "Heck yes!". So many things could go wrong, so many what ifs. I didn't realize how truly stressed I was until it was all over. All that paperwork, all the waiting and worrying something would go wrong or Holt would change their minds, or a million other silly, unrealistic fears, but fears nonetheless. All that was weighing us down was lifted with a simple signature. It was over in ten minutes. All of a sudden the fear that something in the system would take her away from us was Poof! Gone!<br />After things settled down and we were tackling the day as usual, Neil asked if it felt any different, and we both agreed it DOES feel different. It just feels 'right'. It is as it should be. There is comfort and peace in it. Even Z seems different, seeking me out tonight to kiss me (fairly rare). She knows, she too is at peace. God is truly wondrous. There are no words to express our live and deep gratitude for God for orchestrating all of this. To Him all glory. <br /><br />On our way in<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4868.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waiting to go in to court<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4869.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4869.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finally final!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4870.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4870.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Celebratory ice cream<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4871.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4871.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also went putt putt golfing, this is how Z golfs<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4872.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4872.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There was a lot of this too...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/02/4873.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/02/s_4873.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Truly and forever ours at long last! God be praised!!<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-16200542074566601082012-06-04T19:54:00.001-07:002012-06-04T19:54:18.935-07:00Finalization DateWe have our court date! Zinnia will legally be ours July 2, it's so incredible. In our county we do not need a lawyer to finalize the adoption, but I couldn't find anyone who doesn't use a lawyer to mentor us, and you know me, I love a challenge. When someone says it can't be done, well I just have to prove I CAN. (See my posts about leaving for Korea 18 hours after our Travel Call, staying in Incheon 2 1/2 hour subway ride to Holt, and traveling by train to southern Korea to visit Zinny's birth city when Holt advised NOT to do this) Those county clerks did NOT want to be helpful, ugh. Instead of answering my questions, they just kept saying "yeah, that's what lawyers are for". Humph! I showed them, why shell out all that lawyer $ when you can use it to throw a fabulous Finalization Day Party!<br />When the county clerk man gave me out court date and time, I cried. I was surprised at how emotional I became. Almost 2 years ago this beautiful wonderful child was put adrift in a sea of uncertainty, parentless, and in just a few weeks she will certainly legally be ours, and we hers,forever and always. It is amazing and beautiful and huge. We are so excited. Party planning under way !<br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3228.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3228.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3229.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3229.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A RARE moment!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3230.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3230.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Playing dollhouse with the girls.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3231.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3231.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, so the neighbors put in a swanky pool and didn't invite us over, so we provided our kids with the next best thing.....oh we are so lame, hahaha (uh, but they played in it for a loonnggg time!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3232.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3232.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My birthday dinner (because you care :) ) oh that mojito was fantastic...and so was the second one ....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3233.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3233.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was my cake, that's a pitcher of MELTED BUTTER that you pour over that cake....it also comes with a complimentary ride to the hospital...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/04/3234.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/04/s_3234.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Z and Grandpa <br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you Jesus for your glorious love and blessings outpoured on our family. (especially our pool, haha)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-4036181345005106882012-05-22T18:02:00.001-07:002012-05-22T18:02:34.423-07:00Just living lifeAnd what a luxury it is to just live life!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/22/3428.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/22/s_3428.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny encounters a car full of boys...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/22/3429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/22/s_3429.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny's pals.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/22/3430.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/22/s_3430.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nothing better than a brother, a swing, and a pile of dirt. <br /><br /><br />In other news, I am headed down to the County Clerk tomorrow to start our paperwork for finalization!! I can hardly believe we are at this point. Zinnia has been home for 7 months (!!!!!). As with all the littles when they are littles, the time has flown by! I understand why families jump right back in queue to add another little. That fact encouraged me during the horrible wait, that families did it over and over, so it must actually work. And they all assured me that the agony of waiting disappears like the labor pains of childbirth. <br /><br />Will update soon with more finalization news...<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-1766243299220190372012-05-05T18:14:00.001-07:002012-05-05T18:14:59.444-07:00Memorable Post PlacementSo we had our third and final post placement visit with our social worker. Let me preface this story by telling our Easter story. And let me preface the Easter story by telling about the meaning of Zinny's Korean name. While I was at Holt in Korea with the Foster Family, they tried to impress upon me the irony that her family name means 'stop' and her given name means 'line'. Stop line. Hahaha, they laughed....because she.never.ever.STOPS! So on to our Easter story. The night before Easter my brother and family were babysitting our 3 littles. A rare date for Neil and I. Zinny fell off the swing and, long story short, we spent Easter morning in the ER. Zinny fractured her arm in 2 places. The ER Dr. has Holt family members and was kind enough to put on a removable cast because finalization is on the horizon. Oh, the poor wee Zinny...ha! Didn't slow her down a bit. So now to the final post placement visit. There were a lot of questions, naturally, about her cast, but we have a very kind and understanding social worker! So the visit is winding down and Finn and Zinny went upstairs (to bounce on the bed, unbeknownst to me) and all of a sudden there is screaming and Finn yelling 'Mommy come fast!!'<br />Ugh! Dread. There was poor Zinny, blood pouring down her face. She split her forehead open on the windowsill. Thank goodness for our dear SW. And off to the ER for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. 5 stitches. <br />It has healed beautifully, and today got the ok to take her out of her cast.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/05/3287.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/05/s_3287.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I asked SW on the way out the door if we could still keep her...She assured me she has seen worse, and our paperwork is in motion for finalization! Praise God! <br /><br />Never a dull moment, how I sometimes yearn for dull! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-18800548163912682502012-04-16T21:01:00.001-07:002012-04-16T21:01:01.962-07:00It's only been a week..Right? A mere week since my last post. What's that? It's been a MONTH? Well, that's just embarrassing. After I was resolute about posting more often. Ah, c'est la vie. Take it or leave it.<br /><br />Let's get to some photos...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3839.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3839.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny eating out, we really need to work on our etiquette !<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3840.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3840.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My three littles<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3841.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3841.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Miss Z<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3843.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3843.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny's preferred way to ride in the wagon.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3845.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3845.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinnia and Cousin M<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3846.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3846.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny and Grandpa Jack<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3847.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3847.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Matching pigtails <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3848.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3848.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />2 out of 3 happy kids, not bad<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3849.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3849.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny always on the move<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3850.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3850.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Except when she's not<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3851.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3851.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So Addie and I went to the midnight opening of the Hunger games. I was not prepared for the throngs of people, all 10 theatres showing Hunger Games!<br />Addie looked stunning as usual,<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3852.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3852.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I looked like Mo from 3stooges, as usual...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/16/3853.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/16/s_3853.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But I pretend like I look like this movie character!<br /><br />I checked the stats of my blog and there is someone in Korea reading this, I hope it's our foster family! <br />I will post soon, so much more has happened (uh, yeah, Hunger Games opening was Like forever ago...). (and yes, I mean it about posting again). (soon, I mean)<br /><br />Over and out<br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-90876669619591458442012-03-12T14:38:00.001-07:002012-03-12T14:38:23.605-07:00Awkward SilenceOk, so I've been gone from this blog so long, it's just awkward and a bit difficult to jump back in. It was so much easier to just pretend this blog didn't exist and to be totally honest, I DID forget I had a blog for about a month. I guess that speaks to the insane busyness my life has become. In case you didn't know, 4 children is A LOT of kiddoes! I stand in awe of all those families with more than 4 children.( How do you get everything done? Do you have housekeepers? ) Darling Zinnia has been home 4 1/2 months and on the one hand I barely remember life without her bright cheery self, and on the other hand I am still trying to find the balance of 4 children's needs. I have a ways to go in that department, but I know it is all a journey, a beautiful invigorating and challenging journey. A journey I am so blessed to be on, that my Heavenly Father entrusted me with. <br /><br /><br />So to overcome this blog-return-awkwardness I will keep my entry short. I'll keepthe expectations of my blogging low!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/12/2597.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/12/s_2597.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zinny loves this outfit. Holt sent it home with us in the famous 'blue bag'. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/12/2598.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/12/s_2598.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I told Zinny to say cheese for the photo and so she is signing 'cheese'.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/12/2599.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/12/s_2599.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I made BiBimBap for dinner last night, and it was outstanding! Only thing is I couldn't get the temperature super HOT, in Korea they serve it at 212degrees, no lie!<br /><br />There! I did it, the first one back was a bit daunting, but as long as I keep it short and sweet with some good photos, I should be good...<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-85271084707818650542012-01-23T17:49:00.001-08:002012-01-23T17:49:43.318-08:00Lunar New Year!Happy Year of the Dragon! Today is the biggest Korean holiday, Lunar New Year. We celebrated by having dukguk for dinner:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/23/3231.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/23/s_3231.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes I made it myself! Because we are vegetarian, I substituted tofu for the traditional beef. Zinny LOVED it! <br />Then all the kids learned the traditional Korean bow. Then each performed the bow (the boy bow is different than the girl bow) for Papa and then for me, and then we gave them the traditional gifts of a white envelope with money and some yummy Korean goodies. It was so touching! They took it seriously. And then, at the very end, Zinny bowed on her own! It was so so sweet! We are such a blessed family with Zinny a part of it! <br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-81001582415127835282012-01-21T19:48:00.001-08:002012-01-21T19:48:44.154-08:00A short post<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3097.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3097.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a playdate with the two little boys who can home at the same time as Zinny from Korea. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3098.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3098.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So hard to get this photo! Z has one shod off and a Cheerio her lip, and this is the best shot.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3099.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3099.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This pretty much sums up the photo shoot! But aren't they all do yummy?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3100.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3100.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Grandpa feeding Z fries at the zoo.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3101.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3101.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rock climbing in the desert.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/3102.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_3102.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh these two... They adore each other.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-63910888239491402852012-01-08T15:25:00.001-08:002012-01-08T15:25:33.632-08:00Ode to Simplification opus 1"Happiness consists not in having much, but in being content with little."<br /><br />This is my motto this year. When the calendar changes from one year to the next, most people find themselves reflecting on the past and planning anew. I normally run quickly away from the sentimentalism and the idealism this time of year brings about. Being overly sentimental can throw me into a depression, and idealism is just a setup for failure: another fast-pass into depression. (January is my least favorite month: way too long, cold, dark, no holidays/birthdays to break it up).<br />This year, however, I have been doing some thinking. And Neil and I have been doing some budgeting. Simplify is our new credo. To simplify is, alas, not so simple! I tell you, I am pretty near a champion multi-tasker. I can get A LOT done. The thing that keeps me from taking home the trophy is that everything I do is half-assed (I have tried to come up with a more PC word, but half-assed is exactly the right word.) I find it really hard to take pride in my half-assedness. It's time to let things go and let the missing ass fill in. Or, how about letting things go so there is no ass left in what I do. That's it. <br />As far as budget talks go, we are determined to build up our savings nice and cushy like, and quickly. (we have no debt, except for mortgage, but the savings have grown a bit thin). So with these two thoughts in mind, our new simple peaceful life begins. We have done one week, and it was ok, but the painful parts have yet to come. These painful and yet liberating parts include: giving up gym membership (argh! So painful), goodbye Netflix (nooooo!), and are you ready to hear how serious we are? So long iPhones! Yep, all 3. (For those of you reading this that call me, you will need to use the home phone #, which will be constantly busy because I have a 15 year old daughter, so you will need to email me.) Frankly, after I downloaded the ios5 software for iPhones last month and even though we BACKED IT UP, my iPhone was stripped of everything, all contacts, all blogs, all apps, we even had to call and get the phone put back on it. And you know what the clincher is, the Apple rep was a jerk, no apology and certainly no compensation. My iPhone swoon has deflated, it's much easier to let it go. Besides, my phone will still function like an iPod.<br />There are many other budgetry things that don't need to be aired on a blog, but I want you to know how serious we are. It's time to turn my focus on things that truly matter and not spend all my energy reserves (also a bit thin lately) on silly time-consuming frivolities. (Remind me I said this in 3 1/2 weeks when I am going through withdrawal). Really, I want my life to be about relationships with the people I love, not relationships with things. We have little Zinny home now, and the beauty of having littles is the small moments, the quiet discoveries, of being in nature, and immersion in that special magic that only littles have. They are so gentle and pure, so fresh from heaven, what distractions can compete with this?<br /><br />"I come in the little things sayeth the Lord."<br /><br />And I feel like I have so much to discover with each of our children at their different ages. I don't want to miss any of it. It takes time and purposefulness to have a deep relationship with each of them individually, and then again as a family. <br /><br />Kind of sounds like I've got some sentimentalism and idealism going on. Well, who am I fooling? Sentimentalism and idealism are key elements of my humanity. Why else adopt or have children at all, right?<br /><br />Besides, realism sucks.<br />I much prefer a rose colored existence.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-91652724871843175972012-01-05T20:24:00.001-08:002012-01-05T20:24:35.656-08:006666 is the number of the day. It was 66 degrees today, January 5. In Nebraska. Outstanding, simply a dream. It was just this unreal warmth, the sun warmed me right to my core. What a beautiful gift from God. We spent this glorious afternoon in the woods. There is nowhere else to be on such a rare day. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3151.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3151.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3152.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3152.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3153.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3153.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3154.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3154.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And look what Finn found while lying on a boulder, peering under a ledge:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3155.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3155.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A true treasure, he feels like a king!<br /><br />I took this photo, now I want to take the troll everywhere and photograph him in interesting and curious places (but Finn won't give him up...yet)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/05/3156.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/05/s_3156.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A magnificent day. I just wanted to share it. Thank you thank you Jesus.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-75294221618005820272011-12-30T19:02:00.001-08:002011-12-30T19:02:29.072-08:00Holiday WeekGingerbread house workshop.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2933.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2933.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Christmas Eve<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2934.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2934.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This guy just showed up, we don't know who he is...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2935.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2935.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Yummy Girl<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2936.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2936.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fish kiss<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2937.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2937.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is a photo of the beautiful Korean lunch my friend 'K' made for Zinny and me. So so delicious!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2938.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2938.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is 'K' and Zinny enjoying this yummy lunch!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2939.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2939.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Z watering 'K' plants.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2940.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2940.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Christmas gift from 'K'! Darling!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2941.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2941.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finn shopping for Pokemon at the comic book shop.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/30/2943.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/30/s_2943.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />You might be thinking that these blog posts are heavy with photos of Zinny and a bit skimpy of Addie, Oscar, and Finn. In my defense, the older 3 refuse to let me photograph them 90% of the time, and Z hasn't yet learned to sabotage my photo sessions yet. So there. I usually have to sneak them, like the gingerbread and Pokemon above.<br /><br />And I sincerely hope Z's foster family is watching this blog, so they can know she is doing so well.<br /><br />Arm Scripture:<br /><br />Nevertheless I am continually with You;<br />You hold me by my right hand.<br /><br />Psalm 73:23<br /><br />A Blessed Happy New Year to all!<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-38577031342445918332011-12-22T20:44:00.001-08:002011-12-22T20:44:23.887-08:00Peek at our WeekGoing out to lunch Grandpa Style:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2799.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2799.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Playing with angels<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2800.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2800.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Major table battle<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2801.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2801.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Opened the freezer and found this fine specimen. Apparently the boys found a priceless (and huge!) piece of ice in the back and couldn't bear to let it melt. It's right next to the month old snowball.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2802.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2802.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mmmm, feels so good!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2804.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2804.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Papa and Addie off to the theatre<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2805.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2805.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Watching Finn bring in garbage cans<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2806.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2806.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />"and that's where I was born!"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2807.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2807.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These are booties my dear friend crocheted for Z. They have sheeps wool inside and suede bottoms. All natural wool. So toasty comfy! Thanks Tina!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2808.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2808.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kitties in pockets!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2809.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2809.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cheerio! And Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/22/2810.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/22/s_2810.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-64714317240996783872011-12-14T17:18:00.001-08:002011-12-14T17:18:44.276-08:00Just a quiet little weekA lovely quiet week. It is so incredible to be home and just hear the activity of all my children around me. All the anxiety and intense worry of the horrible wait for Z to come home is over and I am at such peace. She is doing so well, we are all embracing her and she us. I read so many blogs and the Korean adoption forum and there are so so many beautiful families who do not have this peace this Christmas, and some may not NEXT Christmas. I know their pain and have a sense of guilt about Zinny being home and their children being left behind. It is not right or good that a government would choose a child to wait so long to be with their forever families, and also for the many thousands of little children who will not get the opportunity of having a family and face a life in an orphanage. All this has been said a thousand times. I cherish my children being all together and I will never forget the families who are waiting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2763.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2763.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2764.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2764.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2766.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2766.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2767.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2767.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Neil and I are beyond blessed. It's hard (!) and messy (!) and not always so pretty, but being parents to these 4 children is the greatest gift from God.<br /><br />Arm Scripture for today (yes! It's finally back)<br /><br />I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;<br />I will sing of you among the peoples.<br />For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;<br />Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. <br /> Psalm 57: 9,10<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-18458930856793915052011-12-10T19:05:00.001-08:002011-12-10T19:05:04.510-08:00Feeling ChristmasyAhhh, snow at last!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2807.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2807.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Trimming the tree...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2808.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2808.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />...with Clone troopers (Sam this photo is for you!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2809.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2809.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Snow ice cream courtesy of Oscar<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2810.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2810.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A snowman named 'Pigpen'<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2811.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2811.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hot cocoa dregs (popcorn and stale marshmallows)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2812.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2812.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These are gnomes and ninjas my good friend Anne made. Her daughter is selling them to go to camp this summer. You know I'm crazy for toys!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2813.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2813.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Pals<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2814.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2814.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I met with my good friend 'B', my adoption Process Buddy. It was so so amazing, after that horrendous wait for our babies, to be sitting there, chatting, as if this last year's worth of torture never happened. Crazy! PBF! (Process buddies forever)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2815.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2815.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finn finally gets his '8' shirt (a little late...I was in Korea for his birthday)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2816.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2816.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally, Zinny and baby. (thanks Sandy!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/10/2817.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/10/s_2817.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-9036046080528397532011-12-07T18:24:00.001-08:002011-12-07T18:24:31.677-08:00<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-54352196632258862162011-11-30T17:09:00.001-08:002011-11-30T17:09:23.107-08:00The Real World of ZI'm not going to shine-up this post and glamorize our new normal. I'm not going to sift through reams of photos and pick only the Gap-ad worthy ones (frankly there are not many to choose from this week). I promise not to highlight my 1 1/2 minute of having-it-all-together this week. I'm going to give it to you straight. Short and sweet style. I can sum up our week in one four letter word ( and I really really wish I had a photo for this, and you will be glad I don't) and that word is:<br /> S•N•O•T<br />Ugh! Sticky, gooey, salty(tasted plenty...not mine...), greenish, cement encrusting, never ending SNOT.<br />That's the reality of toddlers in fall. Sure sure, there are people who are adept at harmonizing wipe snot/snap perfect photo of there little ones, but I know they are drowning in snot just as much as we are. I'm the whistle blower, I'm the mole. We parents of little ones, and in particular the parents of new-to-this-germy-America little ones, we are all DROWNING!! Dont be fooled! And there's little to be done. Sure, visions of taking the vacuum to the little one's nose and lungs are ever present, especially in the wee suffocating hours of the night. And why hasn't anyone invented a safe vacuum like this?? And don't tell me to use those worthless 'bulb syringes'! They are torture and produce nothing valuable at the end of the writhing struggle. I am a seasoned veteran I like to think, in this parenting thing. Zinny is our fourth child. I include in my inner circle many mothers of countless children, I have a plethora of wisdom and experience at my fingertips. This is the elusive Holy Grail. I hear what you're thinking, but an antibiotic is only for the bacterial cases, and honestly, the doctors office was where I am certain we picked this bug up(even though I am that crazy mama who slathers her daughters bare feet with anti bacterial gel after walking around the office bare foot.)<br />So please please, someone fix this epidemic so we can sleep, I mean so THEY can sleep...<br />Let's talk about something else...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/30/2633.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/30/s_2633.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This last week I took Zinny to meet my Korean friend. They have a new puppy "Snowball". Zinny's cuter!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/30/2634.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/30/s_2634.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Aunt Sarah sent Z bitty baby from American girl!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/30/2635.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/30/s_2635.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(this is not a Gap worthy outfit!!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/30/2636.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/30/s_2636.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My yummy girl!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/30/2637.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/30/s_2637.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mmm, orange (vitamin C for darn cold!!)<br />That's all for now, outta time!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-87227233405005635512011-11-24T16:04:00.001-08:002011-11-24T16:04:44.194-08:00Popcorn & Malt ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving! Today marked our very first Popcorn & Malt Thanksgiving Day. Most of the family has travelled to the east coast to spend Tday at my sister's house. In fact all of my siblings and their kids are all there. That leaves the Opitz's and Grandma & Grandpa here. Neither Jill or I was up to making the big dinner, and frankly, my kids have never been into all the food, so we proposed making popcorn and malts and watching a movie:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2567.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2567.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2568.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2568.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I provided the popcorn, Grandpa made the malts! What a great tradition! So relaxed and easy!<br /> <br />This is post-feast:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2570.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2570.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Some things that we did this week:<br />Played beauty shop with Aggie (that would be Neil's idea)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2571.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2571.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Celebrated Oscars birthday! This is his breakfast of choice served in bed (this year: Captain Crunch)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2572.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2572.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Epic Bionicle Battle<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2573.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2573.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here is Neil and Zinny playing guitar. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2574.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2574.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And after Zinny went down for her nap, it was Manny's turn for some carrier/bonding time.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2575.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2575.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Seriously, I am so very blessed and so very grateful for the life God has given me. What a gift it is. Neil is my most valuable treasure, I can't imagine life w/o him and will hopefully not have to ever. Each of my beautiful children bless me every day with their laughter and even their tears. This is what makes my life so rich and fascinating and many times exotic, like living in a foreign country! (I consider myself somewhat multi lingual, I can speak Pokemonese, Bioniclish, legoean and am just starting to use my new teenage girlese with some success)<br />I love it all, even the hard, smelly, exhausted, and so so very busy parts.<br /><br /><br />It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.” ~W.J. Cameron<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/24/2577.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/24/s_2577.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I am so very thankful Zinny is home at last! <br /><br />Praise be to God for His blessings on our family. And may He richly bless you.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4412838628624718660.post-18119878305957927842011-11-16T16:01:00.001-08:002011-11-16T16:01:37.497-08:00Week in ReviewAs we keep our world small, for Zinny's sake, it becomes increasingly difficult to drum up a snazzy blog post. There are certain things I include for my family scattered all over the country, and there are things I include for all the amazing adoptive families I have met on this incredible journey. So this week we will again be visiting the Opitz's Small World.<br />Here we are cleaning up Gandpas driveway. This was a big trip! A gorgeous day! We did grocery shopping too, oh and this was all after Z had her echocardiogram. OK, I get Mother of the Year Award (yep, 4years running). I thought Z had been doing so well transition wise that in my delusional mind we could handle a Normal Opitz Day. All you seasoned adopters are shaking your heads, I know. We were 2 weeks home! What's wrong with me? Rookie! Sooo, we had a rough night and took a couple days to recover. But look at how cute my 2 girls are raking!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2434.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2434.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here our girl is modeling a new gift outfit:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2435.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2435.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After learning our "Keep it Small, Duh" lesson, we stuck to the backyard for our big outings.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2436.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2436.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2437.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2437.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, we harvested green peppers!<br /><br />And seriously, is this Swiss chard absolutely gorgeous!?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2438.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2438.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love Swiss chard, I grow it well! I sauté it with big hunks of garlic (from my garden...gotta brag when I can!) and olive oil. I ate the WHOLE thing for dinner, ok, Neil had his obligatory 2 bites, the kids, even Addie, scoffed, and I ate every last garlicky salty bite!( Keeping one's world small allows one to indulge in massive amounts of garlic! )<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2439.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2439.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I never thought I could pull off wearing hats...(please don't ruin it for me, a girl needs to dream)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2440.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2440.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is Zinny calling up the (gated) stairs to Papa (she is smitten with him, the feeling is mutual!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2441.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2441.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And he came running!<br /><br /><br />So in other news, and my time runs very very short... Dr said a)she is NOT allergic to wheat YIPPEE!!!! No more challenging gluten free diet!!!! We Opitz's eat tons of bready things!<br />And more importantly b)her heart looks good and Dr is optimistic that NO surgery will be necessary!!!!!!!!! Praise You Jesus! (I was very worried about this during our wait, and God sent me a dream and told me that this part would be OK. At the time the reports coming from Korea looked grim, they even had her on meds(!) but I just kept that dream in my mind, I just had to trust Him, and I did. All love and glory to Him!!!)<br /><br />In my next post I want to keep it real. For those adoptive families reading this, I want to post the reality of our journey. I adore women who don't paint a rosy picture, who tell the hard gritty REAL parts of life. And that is my intention for my next post, no I am not this perfect, witty, gorgeous, put-together gal you all think I am (haha), I believe in showing my weaknesses and not perpetuating the 'magazine' standard of mothering. We all should allow our weaknesses to show, the reality and truth of our lives binds us, strengthens us.<br />(to my family: I know I know, you have had plenty of my weaknesses...haha)<br />And finally<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/16/2442.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/16/s_2442.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Sunny Poemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833872087288561713noreply@blogger.com0