Mooovin' on out...

As you can see we've been busy around here! The last two days have been a packing frenzy and Rick is picking up the first moving van right now. We plan to have one van on its way by Saturday. The rest will be following on Tuesday or Wednesday. It is definately a bittersweet feeling as we leave behind our life from the past two years. The kids are upset about leaving school and friends but totally psyched about living near family. I am going to miss my freedom and knowing 0ur weekends we all ours! I will probably miss having friends living right next door more than anything! That's a once in a lifetime situation. It will be nice to be home again though. Well, I should be getting more done so until we are hooked up again or near a computer I can borrow there won't be any new posts. We still don't know where we will be living (God has a plan!) but hope to be settled soon! Don't give up on me, just keep checking back.

Life is changing fast

We are rapidly approaching D day around here. As of right now Rick's mom arrives tomorrow (tuesday) to help out and my dad arrives Sunday to help drive a vehicle. Rick is picking up the moving van(one of them at least) on the 29th. We haven't nailed down the date that the kids and I will be flying out just yet. I made a whirlwind trip to Vancouver on the 19/20th. I wasn't even there 24 hours! I think I spent more time in airports than in Washington state. Anyway, the lime green house is out - waaaay too much work to make it livable and the house payment came back much higher than we were comfortable with. So I got the lovely job of choosing the final place. With our parent's help we decided to make an offer on a 1900+sq. ft. house in the town we used to live in. We were pretty adament about not wanting to go back there, but what can you do when the cost is signifigantly less? The house is immaculate and a floor plan that Rick and I have liked for a long time. It backs up to a greebelt (a piece of land set aside to be left natural) with a creek which the boys will love. There will be lots of room for bike rides and hopefully at least a few friends. We don't know for sure yet though since the offer is being sent this morning.

I won't be blogging much for the next couple of weeks - obviously! I will try to get a couple pictures up of our move and a definate answer to where we will be going in the next few days.

So, what does all this mean?

Well, that is what we are trying to figure out! We have prayed for both the move and the job for so long I don't think we ever drempt they would both come to pass in the same week! Let alone leaving us only three weeks to find a house and get moved! Our plan is to pack up and head back out west to Vancouver by the end of the month. The buyers want to close the first week of February and since Rick has to report to ground school on the 4th we might as well get moved before he leaves. Just one less thing for Rick to be worried about when he should be studying. Rick spent last weekend house hunting in Vancouver with our parents. He came home wondering if moving back home was such a good idea after all :) Our first choices on homes had sales pending and ironically Rick wound up out at one we had found on the internet a month ago. It is by no means a beauty! It is a lime green (with purple trim) 1977 ranch on 1.5 acres out in the hills. BUT it is clean and worth a lot more than they are asking and overall a great deal for the area too. We have both always wanted to be out in this area and the schools are the best in the area too. So, right now we are waiting to get some information from the realtor and hope to be able to make a decision soon. Ideally we'd like to do a lease option since that would allow us to move in sooner than if we have to wait for a closing. It also gives us a year or two to get back on our feet financially from the short sale on this house and the pay decrease from the new job. We'll keep you posted and after this your can put our address in PEN in your address book!

and now, for the rest of the story...

NEWS ALERT!!!!

A taste of Spring in JANUARY!

We had record breaking temperatures here in Chicagoland today. I heard it reached 66 degrees here where we are! Unfortunately the wind didn't make it feel quite that warm - but I'm not about to complain! When the boys got home from school (which finally started again today) we went out for some basketball with Jordan from next door and then a short walk. By that time the lightening was starting off in the distance so we headed in for dinner and a quick round of Wii before bedtime. I'm now sitting here listening to the news reports of severe thunderstorms and tornados all around us while the rain pours outside. I have to say that when we eventually leave Illinois I will definately miss the severe weather! I'm probably the only one in our family, but I love, love, love these storms. Granted, I'd probably feel much differently if one ever actually hit us directly!

If you can, click on the first picture above. You gotta see the grin on Caden's face as he outsmarts two third graders!

Bedtime at our house

Paige has taken to climbing into Caden's bed and pulling the covers up over herself while we are reading stories. She is so deliberate about it, and just lays there looking at me like it is perfectly normal! Caden, of course, just eats it up! We did get her a "big girl" bed but it isn't set up yet for several reasons. Hopefully by her second birthday in February we can transition her into it.

I know the posts have been slow lately. We have a lot going on around here right now and I just haven't taken very many pictures! Hopefully I'll have some news to report by next week! If you have time to say a prayer for us it would be greatly appreciated - especially for Rick this week.

Christmas 2007

Guitar Hero!

Trace was feeling really gyped by Santa for a few minutes until Daddy noticed something hiding beside the tv. The one thing we had just about convinced him he wouldn't be getting!

A Quick Update

Sorry it's been so long! The Christmas rush hasn't allowed me much time for posting (or picture taking for that matter!). My parents came out last week to celebrate Christmas with us. We've been shopping and baking and wrapping gifts like crazy people! Yesterday we made gingerbread houses with the kids. They lasted just long enough to pile their houses in candy then start eating them! I think we are all set for Christmas and I will try to post as soon as I get a chance after the mayhem!

Getting in the Spirit of Christmas

Waiting for the bus

Let It snow, let it snow, let it snow!

We went to bed last night to the beginning of the first major snowfall of the season. We awoke this morning to a beautiful winter wonderland! About 3-4 inches total. The boys were in my room at 7:15 dressed, breakfasted and ready to go out. I made them wait until 7:30 then let them go. They "helped" Rick shovel the driveway, rolled around in the snow and made snowballs before comming in for a brownie and warm apple cider. Then it was off to the bus for Trace while Caden and Paige and I went out to finish the shoveling. I guess winter has officially arrived!

Chocolate beaters...

Another quick video

Now that I know how to do this I'm having all kinds of fun! Trace was watching a Bionicle music video and Paige was just going to town. I managed to set the camera on the counter with out her noticing and Rick and I were trying not to laugh! It was hysterical to watch her! Enjoy...

Dancing Paige

Paige 21 months

Paige 21 months

I'm learning how to post video here. I took this yesterday as a practice since everything else I had was pretty outdated! Let me know what you think!

Did You Know; Shift Happens

I thought this was pretty amazing.

Midwest weather men, can't predict a thing!

Abby and Allie (in the street) came over to play. Kaitlyn (pink boots) and Brandon (red coat) joined us from next door and Casey (green coat) is Caden's buddy from down the street.

We were supposed to get 3 inches on Thanksgiving - but about 9pm Thanksgiving night they finally decided we wouldn't. Then they said we'd get a few flurries possibly Monday night. These pictures were taken Sunday afternoon. Needless to say the kids were extatic and drug out all the snow gear which is now strewn throughout my house! Rick was less than thrilled as he was attempting to re-create the Christmas light display from last year in the freezing temperatures!

Gobble, gobble, gobble

We had a very laid back Thanksgiving this year. Originally the plan was to spend the day with our neighbors but things changed and we were on our own. So we rented some movies, fixed dinner and just hung out together. Caden had a lesson in turkey carving 101 with Daddy. Trace helped me get out our good china for the first time ever. It has been on our closet shelf (one after the other) since the day we got married and never used! I decided that I couldn't figure out what I was saving it for so out it came to make our day special. Of course with all the "must-have" foods we had more than two families of five could have eaten, but everyone had a favorite and I didn't want to skimp just because we were by ourselves.

Trace has been dying all week to go shopping Friday morning. I think he was convinced maybe they'd be giving away PS2 games or something. He managed to talk me into going out but not before 7am! There is nothing I wanted that badly! We managed to get Paige's large item and I told Trace he can't mention it to Caden because I might be helping Santa out by getting it. That confused him a little as to why Santa would need my help and how he talked to me. I just gave him my standard answer, "I don't know, some things we don't ask questions about." I also managed to get a few other items including a big one for Rick and one Trace has wanted for quite a while that was a really good deal. Rick went back out with the boys a little bit ago and I think I'm going to put Paige down for a nap and start putting up decorations. Next weekend we'll probably be getting the tree up! 'Tis the season, only 31(?) days left until Christmas.

The "Playroom"

When I get tired of cleaning I tend to just re-arrange. So yesterday, tired of living in a "show" house and tired of cleaning I decided to get creative. The hard part is that there is no wall between our "family" room and "living" room, it is just one long room with two separate carpet squares. Well now we have all the furniture on one side and toys on the other. It might look strange but at least we all have a seat now to watch tv and Paige now has toys to keep her entertained.

Trace and I spent Sunday afternoon in the emergency room. I wasn't able to find an urgent care and the hospital has something similar attached to their ER. So we sat there for what seemed like forever to find out that yes, he has a horrible case of strep throat. No school for 48 hours! Yes, 48! Ugh. Since there is no school Wednesday that means he is out of school for a whole week! Again, ugh. It is going to be a long week since it is too cold/wet to be outside and they are predicting snow for Thanksgiving day. Isn't motherhood fun?

PTL!!!!

Sandy and Hannah are on their way home! Apparently Condeleesa Rice and Sandy's senator were instrumental in getting it taken care of. Isn't it amazing what a few thousand prayers and almost as many phone calls can do?

Urgent Prayer Request

I wanted to leave our anniversary post at the top but this situation is far more important right now. Please spread this to anyone you can.

A family left for China a over a week ago to adopt their new daughter. After the adoption was complete the father passed away unexpectedly of complications from diabetes. Normally all this family would have left to do is pick up the child's visa and return home. However since the mother's "marital status" has changed the US Consulate is refusing to issue the child's visa. They are telling her she must re-apply - a process that can take months. In the meantime this child has nowhere to go. This mother is from Michigan if you feel led to write/call her senators or representatives. Condeleesa Rice's office has been notified and are aware of the situation as well. Please send up your prayers for intervention on this mother's behalf. She is going through so much right now and just needs to get home with her family. Tell all the prayer warriors you know about this situation and let's bring Hannah home!

One Year.

One year. One year. Already? Our final post placement visit is scheduled for Wednesday. Final. That's it. Done. Wow!

Someone recently asked me what the best part about adopting has been. I didn't know how to answer right away. Adopting is such an amazing and sureal experience and for a long time that was my focus. I loved "showing off" my beautiful baby girl and dressing her all up. I loved that we had "adopted" and was so proud of it. I still am. But I find myself beginning to realize what so many in the adoption community have said all along. This is just our family. Paige was adopted as in past tense. Adoption is a verb not a adjective. It is a one time act, not a description of someone. How she joined our family is special, but no more special than how her brothers joined our family. We are a family, complete. Two boys and a girl.

The day Paige was handed to us I remember thinking all day long how I wanted to remember every second. I wanted to make it last as long as possible. I knew it was finally our moment. We were handed an overdressed little bundle whose lip quivered a tad. Moments later her daddy won her first big smile! When we were back in our room and just looking at her on the bed (wondering what to do) Rick said in his best sing-song baby voice, "what was I thinking? Why did I want another baby?". Paige looked up at him and gave him her biggest, cheesiest grin yet. And he simply said, "that's why." Yes, that is why. Why we filled out paper after paper, and went through one background check after another. Why we endured the long wait that we never thought would end. Why we traveled half way around the world to love a baby we'd only seen a picture of and who needed us as much as we needed her. Those smiles that melt your heart, listening to her babbling in her crib in the morning, watching her play with Daddy, seeing her grow and change right before our eyes! That's why.

I prayed for Paige long before she was born. I still pray for her. She will have challenges to face in her life that I can't imagine. I know she will also wonder about her birth and the circumstances surounding it. I pray that she won't feel an emptiness inside but that she will know without any doubt that she is right where God wanted her to be all along.

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that is frequently used in the adoption community. " An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time or place or circumstance. The thread may streach or tangle but will never break." I've finally decided though that our red thread doesn't go directly from Paige's heart to ours because God is holding it tightly in the middle! Our beautiful baby girl has changed our lives and we will never be the same again.

Paige,

"Never doubt, for one single minute

You didn't grow under my heart but

in it."

Just Reflecting a Little...

I've spent a lot of time in the last couple of weeks reflecting on where we were exactly a year ago. In fact one year ago today we were on an airplane bound for Beijing and our baby girl! I can't begin to describe the feelings it stirs up. In some ways it is just like your child's first birthday and it makes you long to do it all again. It goes by too fast! One year. In that time she has left the only home she ever knew, and all that was familiar. She has learned to trust new people, speak a new language (quite well), and adapt to new surroundings. She's gone from loving congee and steamed egg to loving chicken nuggets and scrambled eggs! Paige's language has exploded, she's learned to walk and run and she's traveled the United States. So much has changed and yet so much hasn't. Paige is still our happy little girl. The one everyone in China referred to as "Happy Paige". She is still tiny - wearing 12 month clothes at 20 months! And she still has the most mischievous and beautiful brown eyes I've ever seen! Will we do it again? Sadly, no. The wait time for a healthy baby has increased to nearly 4 years right now with no sign of it lowering any time in the foreseeable future. Financially it isn't feasible. But most importantly, our family is complete and we know it. Would I recommend adoption to anyone considering it? ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY!!! YES! I wish we had done it sooner. It changed our lives and it changed who we are. We have got to be the luckiest parents ever. I'll have more to post on Tuesday - our one year celebration of completing our family!

Fun with the neighbors

Last Sunday Jordan had his birthday party. They had over 20 kids in the backyard and the flag football game spilled over into our yard too. Jordan's dad was a riot in his referee jersey and whistle (which prooved a valuable tool when trying to maintain control of that many boys!). Fortunately it was a beautiful day - clear and crisp. Later that evening we went over to watch Meet the Robinsons. Paige and Brandon look nice and cozy on the little princess couch! I think Santa might bring one for Paige. We will miss having friends live next door if our house ever sells. I love having our yards open and all the kids running around. One afternoon I looked out and there were nine or ten kids in my backyard. I could name all but one though! Just couldn't tell you where they all live.

Little Miss Muffit

These are just a couple of cute ones of Paige. In the first one she is eating raisins out of Rick's old Navy hat. When she asked for the raisins I went to get a bowl but she held the hat up. I had just washed it so why not? Lucy is watching over her in the background. In the other it is pretty obvious! Just too tired to finish that mac-n-cheese, and it was only 11:00!

Halloween Fun

We had a pretty uneventful Halloween around here. As mid-west custom dictates we trick-or-treated between the hours of 4 & 7. Paige was pretty brave at first but as soon as she realized what was in the bag she didn't want to go to the doors anymore. She just wanted to sit in the stroller with a death grip on that bag! It was hysterical! Caden made it twice as far this year as he did last year - thank you therapy! When all was said and done they made a haul big enough for ten kids! I still managed to have them in bed by 8:00 too.

School pictures and others...

When I realized that school pictures were going to cost us, at minimum, $50 this year for both boys I decided to give it a try myself. So I draped a black blanket over a chair and snapped away. These are the results and I don't think they are too bad if I do say so myself! Of course Paige was right there in the middle of things! On the day I did Trace I also took our Christmas card picture (but you can't see that one yet!) which is why Paige is in her Christmas dress. If anyone needs a copy that they can't get off of here just e-mail me and I'll send them!

Our mini vacation

Well, we took a quick trip to Vancouver last weekend. Everyone was feeling a bit homesick and it was also Trace's 9th birthday so we decided it was as good a time as any. Fortunately we had no trouble with flights and were able to get on our first choices each direction! Since it was such a short trip we didn't do much visiting and just tried to keep it low key. The kids had a blast hanging out with Nana and Papa, carving pumpkins with their cousins, and going out to Beaches for lunch after church! Of course it was hard to leave and I was the first one in tears (when we left Woody and Cheryl's!), but we are making some strides toward moving back. Please pray for Rick as he works to change his career direction.

Also, I've been playing around with the blog again so hang in there with me as I try to make some changes - you may log on and find it looks quite strange but trust me, I'm working on it!

My newest hobby

After spending $2-4 each on bows for Paige I finally figured out how to make them myself. I buy the cheap ribbon and the barrettes are 12 for $1.50! They are amazingly easy to make too. Since I've also mastered bibs I've debated making a business and calling it Bibs-n-Bows!