Just Jacob and Joleigh

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:25:00.003-05:00

I was recently asked to share our adoption story in a local Christian magazine that is published monthly. Hope you enjoy! http://streettalkamerica.com/home/news/2010mendyparmer.php

New Updates coming Soon!

2010-04-19T21:12:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that I have neglected my blog for so long. I now have a new computer that I can load pictures on. Stay tuned. You are not gonna believe how much the kiddos have changed.

Happy Referral Day.....3 years

2009-09-27T22:57:00.003-05:00

Where has time gone? Three years ago today we received our referral of a beautiful little girl from Yulin City, Guangxi, China. She was only 10.5 months old, but yet, so tiny. We had already chosen her name to be Joleigh Elizabeth *chinese name* How could you be in love with someone you have never met? How can I describe the feeling of that awesome day. When we opened that email up and there was our beautiful, almond-eyed daughter from China. Thank you God for blessing me with two beautiful children thru the miracle of adoption. Here is last years post with pictures and on this post is 2009 picture. Click here to see last years post and how she has changed in such a short time. We love you, Joleigh! Happy Referral Day!

2009-09-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

From China With Love Photo Blog...

2009-09-23T22:05:00.002-05:00

This week is photo is of "Gotcha Day" WOW! Our "gotcha day" with Joleigh is fast approaching. Can not believe it will soon be 3 years come November 20.

Support Family Business

2009-09-14T21:55:00.002-05:00

I am loving my new Scentsy Wickless Business. I was reading on our website tonight and was very excited to see that Scentsy is Supporting Family Business. Click on the banner to learn more. I pledged to spend $50, on Oct 12th, at a local family business. I need 5 friends to join me in making that pledge. Our goal is to inspire 100,000 people to pledge to spend an extra $50 at locally owned small businesses. That’s a $5 million ripple effect in local economies across the nation. We encourage you to organize with others when you shop on October 12 or any day that week – making it a memorable experience with a more meaningful impact on the small businesses you choose to help.

We are still here!!

2009-08-16T22:49:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in forever! Camera difficulties along with getting back into the routine of returning to school, has kept me quite busy. I have been blessed to be given the teaching position of one of the K4 classes this year. It has been a wonderful 3 years of being a SAHM and being able to have that time to bond and play with Joleigh. Since she is now almost 4, she is old enough to attend the K3 program, so, it is back to work. Jacob has started the 7th grade. WOW! I just seems like the other day that I was dropping him off for K4 for his first time. Oh my! Now, Joleigh, is going to K3 and LOVING it! She is coming home singing and telling us all about her day. Jacob is playing football this year and Joleigh will begin ballet. WOW! What a busy schedule we will have, but looking forward to it. Love to all and hopefully, I will be able to post "First Day at School" pictures soon!

Jump Start Giveaway

2009-07-14T22:13:00.003-05:00

Check out another awesome giveaway at Diana Rambles Jump Start, a computer CD, is now online and in 3D....what an adventure for our kids to play the magical worlds, videos and storybooks to help them with math skills and reading skills. Check Jump Start out and then click here to go and register for this awesome giveaway! Good luck!

Another Great Giveaway!

2009-06-29T22:33:00.002-05:00

Go check it out for yourself! Diana's at Diana Rambles latest and greatest giveaway! Oh my! I love it! A giant fortune cookie at Giant Fortune Cookie is giving away to a lucky blogger! Oh my....I hope I win! Go check out both websites. That way, if you don't win you can still order the awesome GIANT fortune cookie! Stop by Diana's Blog by clicking here and tell her I sent you! Good luck!

2009-06-28T23:04:00.001-05:00

Fun Time at the Lake

2009-06-26T12:51:00.002-05:00

We had a blast last week at the Lake. Camping, boating and tubing was a blast! Joleigh rode the tube for the first time behind Uncle Jimmy's boat and kept telling him to speed up. Jacob loved the tube and had a wipe-out on the lake, but got back up and kept a going. Oh..the reason there are more pics Joleigh than Jacob is because Jacob stayed on the boat the entire week. Enjoy.

Check out my Wickless, Flameless Candles

2009-06-22T14:14:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I have joined the Scentsy Team and just love the products. Check out my website at here for more information. Email me, from the website, if you would like something.

From China With Love Photo Blog...

2009-06-17T14:15:00.002-05:00

Check my girl out! All you moms out there that check out From China With Love Photo Blog and submit your pictures. You daughter or son could be the next Featured Photo! Thanks Diana!

Awesome Giveaway!

2009-06-10T17:25:00.002-05:00

Diana from the blog Diana Rambles is hosting another great giveaway. Cora with Little Miss's Blankets and Stuff is giving away one of her awesome blankets or a peasant dress, (the first one is the one Joleigh has...LOVE IT). It is adorable on and well made. Cora also makes pillow cases, blankets, beautiful dresses and her husband, Jim, also is an artist and does neat art work. This was started to help them with their adoptions. You know how much adoption means to me and my family, so go and sign up to win or just visit Cora's blog and place an order. Thanks Diana for CAH Shout Out! (Crafters at Home)

Awards Day

2009-05-20T13:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Jacob had his Award Ceremony, along with all the other students. This year Jacob was awarded History Excellence. I was so excited. Looking at the pictures I also think Jacob was a little excited, too. He was also given participation ribbon for placing 3rd in the Tropicana Speech Contest. Way to go Jacob.....we are so proud of you and love you very much!

Field Day

2009-05-12T23:07:00.003-05:00

Last Friday was our first Field Day at our school. The kids had a blast! The parents were able to come and watch and Joleigh had as much fun as the students. Jacob was so sweet to his little sister as he took time from his field day activities to "help" her participate, too. Enjoy the pictures

Happy 12th Birthday, Jacob

2009-04-28T07:47:00.001-05:00

Wow! I can't believe that 12 years ago today, we were sitting in the waiting room at St Joseph Women's Hospital in Tampa, Fl. waiting for our first child to be born. Around 7pm, a beautiful, healthy blond hair, blue-eyed boy was welcomed into the world. Due to circumstances of the adoption, we were unable to see Jacob until he was 2 days old. Aunt Kim went to the hospital and fed him and loved him until we were able to hold him for the first time. Thank you, Kim for you and your family's love for Jacob! We love you so much! WOW! I can still remember almost all the details of that time. IT was awesome and something I will never forget. The nurses had said that he hadn't been eating much, but drank a whole 3 oz bottle when we fed him for the first time. He broke us in when we changed his diaper for the first time and he "watered" the room. He was a very good baby. God blessed me with a beautiful son, now 12. He is so full of life. Loves to fish, hunt and hang out with family. Jacob has a kind, loving and compassionate heart. I can't help to think about his birthmother at this time. WOW! If she knew how much we love and appreciate her, too. What a unselfish thing she did by trusting us to raise her son. The words out of her mouth to me after she was discharged from the hospital, I will never forget, "Your a Mommy now" Thank you God, for putting Grandma and Grandpa C and Aunt Kim in our lives and giving me that chance of becoming a Mom! We love you Jacob and are so proud of you! Hope you have the best birthday ever!
Love, Mama

New Look

2009-04-17T23:11:00.006-05:00

What do you think? Diana @ Custom Blog Designs did a wonderful makeover for our blog. I LOVE IT! Click here to view some of her work! If you are interested in a makeover for your blog, tell Diana I sent you! If you have a blog already and want a cool signature for your posts, she does that, too. She has alot of different services that she offers. Have a wonderful weekend. Hoping to sleep in a little in the morning. We'll see if the kids will do the same.

She even made me a blog button which you can post on your sidebar. Just copy & paste the code from the box below into a sidebar html/javascript gadget.

We won!

2009-04-14T09:06:00.001-05:00

We won! Look at the post below and that is what we won! Woohoo! Also, congratulations to Tammy and Lisa for also winning! Thanks Diana!

Prima Princessa Ballet DVD: Review & Giveaway

2009-04-08T16:25:00.004-05:00

Here's your chance for all you moms of little girls who LOVE to be a ballerina and dance around the house! Diana's blogs: She's a-DORI-ble and Diana Rambles is hosting this ballerina DVD giveaway. This was created by 2 stay at home moms and is targeted toward budding young ballerinas. The 4o minute DVD features a fun cartoon ballerina named Princess Princessa. Princess Princessa guides viewers through a performance of Swan Lake, which is performed by the world famous Paris Opera ballet. Go check it out on the Prima Princessa website and then go to above blogs to enter for your future ballerina.

Joleigh and Stephy

2009-04-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today, while we worked at the yard sale, Joleigh went to the park with Stephy. She played on the playground and was able to slide on the big slide and find Easter Eggs. She had so much fun with Stephy. Stephy told me that Joleigh even shared some of her eggs with a little boy that didn't find many. Awww...so sweet. They then went to lunch at McD*nald's. She had a blast! Thank you Stephy for making Joleigh's Easter Egg hunt a great one!

WOW! I won VOTW

2009-03-30T21:30:00.003-05:00

I won VOTW (visitor of the week) at one of my favorite blogs. Diana at Custom Blog Designs choose me as visitor of the week. I am so excited. I win my choice of a custom blog signature, blog button or scrap page. I think I am going for the blog button! What ya think? Click here to check out her awesome designs. She has alot of awesome samples on CBD of designs she has already completed! If you are ready for a change, just email her and get her to "pretty up" your blog. We are in the process of updating ours again, so check back soon to see a new look to Hairbows and Fishin' Poles.

Cuteness from Joleigh

2009-03-20T21:05:00.007-05:00

UPDATE: This morning Joleigh climbed in my lap to look at a video from our friends that are serving in South America in the Mission Field and when she was finished viewing the video...she asked me nicely..."Mama, would you please put me down before I get nervous?" Where in the world did that come from? Oh my! Pictures coming soon. Trying to locate my USB cable for my camera and stores don't have them and website says backorder!

Here are some things Joleigh has said the past few days that we wanted to journal.

1. Today we went to the park with some of Joleigh's friends. She had on blue jean shorts, orange top. I ask her to go and get some white play socks and tennis shoes. When she came out she was carrying hot pink socks. When I asked her where her white socks were, she said, "But pink ones match my fingernail polish!"
2. Joleigh was doing such a great job with her hula hoop that she wanted her Dad to watch her. She called her Dad to watch her (he was watching TV) Dad kinda mumbled, "I see, I see" She quickly responded to him with, "no you didn't cause you are looking at the TV!"
3. This week, I signed her up for K3 Preschool for the Fall @ the same school as Jacob attends and where I use to teach before taking a LOA to go to China to get Joleigh. I told her that we were signing her up. When we opened the front doors, she ran (I mean ran) into the Principal's office and hollared his last name only, "H______, (no Mr, just his last name)I am BIGDER now and I AM COMING TO SCHOOL! I NEED TO GO GET A BACK PACK" IT was priceless, except for the fact that another teacher and parent was in there with him.
4. The other day I heard her arguing. I knew I was the only one at home, so I went to investigate. What I found was her looking in the mirror, arguing with herself. Oh my! It was hilarious!
5. We went to a children's store the other day to look at Easter dresses and she pulled an outfit out and put it up to her and said, "Styling"
6. When we are out and about, she asks everyone, "What is your name?" Most of the time they answer and then ask Joleigh her name, to which she replies, "My name is Joleigh, but today, I am Gabriella"
7. Just now, she is hollaring for me. "Mama, I am poo pooing in your potty, I love you, will you wipe my hiney?" How could you resist that?

Butterbugs

2009-03-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

My friend, Julia and her friend, Kristen has a website with come cute clothes that they make. Check them out when you get a chance. I can't wait for Joleigh to strut around in some of their outfits. The name of their website is Butterbugs. How cute is that!! Let me know what you think! Oh, and right now they are running their pillowcase dresses for only $15. WOW!

Joleigh's New Hobby

2009-02-25T10:02:00.003-06:00

While I was cooking supper last night, Joleigh turned on my digital camera and starting taking pictures of the room, herself and who knows what! She was so proud of herself! Thought I would post to the blog because she wanted to put them on the "puter" Leave a comment and let her know what you think of her photography skills. Have a blessed day!

The Fish That Didn't Get Away!

2009-02-22T20:07:00.006-06:00

Saturday, Jacob went to his D'daddy and MawMaw's to troll around in his boat and throw out a line or two. Well, that boy caught a HUGE crappie fish! For real....I have NEVER seen any crappie as big as this one! It weighed approximately 3-4 lbs and about 16 inches long! We got Jacob's picture with it.....Jacob kissed his fish......and released it! Looks like he is carrying on the family tradition of fishing. What do you think Granddaddy, Uncle Tony and Uncle Mark about this fish? Pretty good for an 11 year old. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Birthday CBD!!

2009-02-14T20:02:00.002-06:00

Who is CBD? Well, CBD (Custom Blog Designs)is a fellow adoptive mom that does awesome digital scrapbooking and she is also a member of the same DTC yahoo group as I am. During our wait for our daughters, I saw how creative she was and thought I would email her about my blog. I was tired of my same old blog and just was tired of looking at it. So I made up my mind and emailed Diana to see if she could help me with my blog. I can't believe it has been a year since I contacted Diana to see if she would be interested in "pimping" my blog. I just told her the name of my blog and as you can see, she did an AWESOME job. Since then, Diana @ Custom Blog Designs has done over 60 blogs, signatures, buttons, etc. Diana does great work and not only does she do great work with designs, she also has donated $299 to Starfish Foster Home to help special needs children in China. How awesome! Great work, Diana and Happy 1st Birthday!

FFFF #13 --Boats

2009-02-06T21:48:00.004-06:00

Here is a picture of Jacob and his friend with Granddaddy (my dad) during Father's Day weekend at Lake Eufaula in Alabama. They went out to catch some fish for supper and thank goodness we had other plans as the fish were not biting that day. It was an eventful weekend and alot of fun.

Wordless Wednesday--Sweetness!

2009-02-04T10:54:00.001-06:00

Serious.Life

2009-02-02T07:27:00.000-06:00

I wanted you to know about this publication I’m a part of called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.

Again, the subscription is free, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. www.seriouslifemagazine.com

The Saunders Family

2009-02-01T22:42:00.001-06:00

Please pray for this family. They recently lost their home and belongings in a fire. Click here to read their story on their blog.

From Our Family To Yours......

2009-01-01T15:02:00.002-06:00

FFFF #7 Presents

2008-12-28T08:03:00.002-06:00

The photos in the below posted are in the FFFF. (Family Foto Fun Friday) The kids had a great time. Joleigh's favorite was her "Hannah Montana" stuff and Jacob's was his new electric guitar. My favorite was the video of Jacob waking Joleigh up. I still crack up everytime I watch it. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and hope everyone has a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T10:33:00.001-06:00

Christmas Morning Wake Up

Opening Presents

Jacob's Big Present

Joleigh as Hannah Montana

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T10:24:00.002-06:00

We went back to MawMaw's and D'daddy's (Chip's parents) for Christmas Eve to eat some Hot Wings. YUMMY! We were able to get together with Peepaw and Uncle Lamar, Aunt Sandra and Stacy. Joleigh got an aquadoodle and Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner and Jacob received money and gift cards....his favorite. Joleigh loved her vacuum cleaner and when we got home it was time to get in bed....Santa was coming, you know, and she hollared out...."I didn't get to vacuum my room yet!" So funny! Jacob passed out on the way home and almost had to carry him in. I remember all those Christmas Eve's in Tennessee when we would also go to Memaw and Papa's for Christmas and travel back to UC afterward and falling asleep in the car. Great Memories. Enjoy the pictures.

I received an Award!

2008-12-23T09:13:00.001-06:00

Diana from Diana's Daily Ramblings recented awarded me with an A Lovely Blog award. Thank you Diana. I am now passing this on to the following:

1. Tiffany at Eliza's Story
2. Anita at He Leads Us
3. Shirley (my SIL) at Our Homesteading Quest
4. Tammy at Enjoying Our Journey
5. Christy at To Mia With Love

Christmas with Family

2008-12-22T10:08:00.001-06:00

We get together every year, when we can, with Chip's family including his cousins, Aunts and Uncles. Every year we keep adding to the pile. Here are pictures from Monday night when we were together eating and enjoying soup and sweets.

What I like about Christmas....

2008-12-21T10:50:00.002-06:00

Joleigh is watching Blues Clues and they just asked "what do you like about Christmas?" I heard Joleigh answer Joe back with "I like my family and my father" HOW SWEET! Just had to share. What do you like about Christmas?

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

2008-12-17T14:59:00.005-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the
commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean
the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're
awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a
clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"

"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every
mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come
true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night
through!"

From the room a bove, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her
part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."

With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,

and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

May The Real Meaning Of Christmas Be With You All Year

copied from an email I received.

In All Things....Give Thanks!

2008-12-04T19:03:00.004-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving....a week late! Sorry for the delay but after you read this post you will understand. Start from the beginning. Back in August, Chip decided to stop farming after 25 years of hard, honest work. With the economy the way it is, we are not selling the hay like we need to, to continue to make ends meet. The farm we live on now is leased and so is our house. We thought (were told in somewhat) that we wouldn't have to get off the place until later. We thought we could sublease it out (to our cousin)for 2009 and give us time to move our cows (100+ head) horses(3) dog (1) and chickens (19 hens and 1 rooster) and 12 years of toys, etc. We also have years of farm equipment and several hundred rolls of hay. The owner of the farm decided he wanted to go ahead and get someone on the place, instead of letting us stay for another year and try to move things at a steadier pace. We were informend that everything had to be off EVERYTHING by December 31st. (it hasn't been all nice, IYKWIM) So here we sit with all this "stuff" and nowhere to go with it.

Well, we have been looking for a rental home in the local area so we could stay and keep Jacob in school for the rest of this school year. He has worked so hard and don't want to pull him out in the middle of the year. We have discussed moving back to Alabama to help his Dad and Uncle farm again. We were having trouble finding a place to rent. See, when we leave the farm that includes his job, my job and the only home my children have ever known. We both, sorry to say, have been down and out, but knew that God would reveal in His time, where we needed to be and that a place to rent and we could afford would come. Well, last week we found out about a place in the nearby town where we attend church and Jacob's school. It is only 3 minutes from school, church and WalMart! WOOHOO! Praise God. Chip kept telling me to just Be still and Listen. We are hoping to be in the new place this weekend and after 6 months we will decide if we are staying or moving somewhere else.

God is still in control of our and all situations. Sometimes you just have to Be quiet and let Him do His best work. We are getting phone calls from people we have never sold hay before buying round rolls by the hundreds. Praise God for this, because He is why it is getting done. Our friends at church and in our Sunday School class have been wonderful to us during this trial time.

We are still praying that I go back to teaching in the fall of 2009 at Jacob's school(where I was before we went to China). Joleigh will be of age and will be able to attend the K3 program. We are praying now that Chip will find a job. This will definitely be something different for him as he has always farmed with his family or himself. Please be in prayer that we have all our stuff (junk) off the place before the "big guys" come in a take over. Thank you and we are thankful for our new place. We have to hurry so we can get our Christmas tree up! Joleigh is asking everyday about it. So much to do and time is running out! So, if I am not around for awhile, you know we are okay and just settling in. This week has been long and the weekend will be longer!

Happy Gotcha Day---2 years

2008-11-20T08:00:00.007-06:00

Two years ago, today, we were sitting in a HOT room in a room in Nanning, Guangxi, China. My stomach was churning, heart was pounding, worried how my little girl would take to her new family. Worried how her big brother would do with a new sister. When we exited off the elevators, there were babies and new mommies and daddies everywhere. Beautiful babies finally being united with their forever families. We walked on to a room and watched several children and their nannies waiting for their turn. Then FINALLY, our group. Group 118b. We went to the receiving room and waited for our children to come in. We were 5th family out of 6th to receive our sweet baby girl. Finally, a little girl from Yulin 1st SWI named Hua Ru Yan was brought in and oh how beautiful she was. Words can never explain the feeling we had that day. All the tears, stress and frustration while waiting to go to China, disappeared. Our family was now complete. Jacob had a little hard time, being he was the only child for 8 years, but quickly fell in love with his little sister. We went to do our paperwork to complete the adoption and then just hung out in the room, bonding. Joleigh had a few rough nights with night terrors, but bonded well. She is such a joy in our lives. She is now full of energy, sassy, spunky, and has a loving, caring heart even at the age of 3. Thank you God for allowing us to be her parents and bringing her into our lives. Thank you for allowing us to visit her Homeland and learn about her culture to keep it apart of her life.
Happy Gotcha Day to the families we traveled with to China. You will always be a part of our family, too. We love and miss you Anna, Jenny, Erin, Rachel and Faith and your families. May your day be blessed, too. Our day will be low key as we are planning to either bake cupcakes, cookies or cake, whatever she chooses. This evening we are going to collect items for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and then coming home and just being together and watching her favorite show or movie. We may even catch her in another singing mood (like she was last night) and I can capture it on video to share later. Thank you all! We love you. Off to be with my little baby girl, who is now 3.

Olive Kids Giveaway

2008-11-19T10:39:00.003-06:00

I saw a giveaway on my friend's blog @ Diana's Daily Rambling and thought I would check it out. What I found out was that Confessions of a Diet Coke Addict is hosting a give-away from Olive Kids. Olive Kids have adorable items on their website. Colorful cute placemats, wall art, personalized items and a whole lot more. I love the tea party items on the site. If you want to enter the giveaway, click here for your chance to win. You need to hurry, time is running out.

The Pictures say it all! Fall Photo Shoot

2008-11-14T17:17:00.001-06:00

Our Week

2008-11-14T16:37:00.002-06:00

It's been a long week in the P household. Well, let's back up a bit. My parents, who now live TN, were coming to help out with the chidren. Well, Mama, came down with flu like symptoms and couldn't come so my Daddy came and helped transport Jacob back and forth to school. On Wedndesday, Daddy carried Jacob to school and Joleigh went to Chip's parents house and stayed so I could carry Chip in for outpatient surgery. He had his gallbladder removed and is doing fine, except for cabin fever. When we found out that Chip was going to have surgery we decided that we would also have a yard sale and he could sit there and help run it so we wouldn't be idle....in other words, still doing something. So we set the yard sale up with help of my wonderful SIL's /BIL and nephews. Last night, on last minute arranging, after I came in, Joleigh was running 102.4 fever and eventually lost her supper. YIKES! What am I going to do now? Yard sale was in the morning and it was now time for my Dad to go home, Chip still recovering and I had to run the yard sale. Oh, who would take Jacob to school? I said, I will worry later, let me take care of my sweet girl. Well, Joleigh was so pitiful whining, hurting and just plain sick. So being the wonderful, sweet mother (lol) that I am, I snuggled with her and began to sing her favorite songs, knowing it would calm her down. Instead of the calming effect, this is what my darling daughter said to me. "Mama, please stop singing that song, it is going to make me frow (throw) up again" I just died laughing. She still has her sassyness even when she is so sick. She is doing better today, just cold and fever. Jacob super helper with sister and his Daddy. I did fairly well on the yard sale today. Considering we didn't do any advertising except for a few fliers here and there, last minute radio announcing and my nice neighbor that went all over putting up signs for us. Oh and the rain. Hoping tomorrow will be better.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Princess

2008-11-05T16:20:00.002-06:00

Today is Joleigh's 3rd birthday. We celebrated it on Saturday at Pizza Kastle with family and friends. I can't believe that she is already 3. Where does the time go? She is so full of energy and loves life and her family. She is sassy, smart and silly! She loves to dance and "do flips" Her favorite things now are High School Musical and Ballerinas.
As we celebrate this day, I can't help to think about her birth family in China that may be having a very hard day today, wondering how their little girl is doing. Wondering if she is okay? Wouldn't they be so proud at how our angel is doing? Loving life, loving learning, loving everything. Thanks to their sacrificial love and placing that little girl at the gates of Yulin 1st SWI 3 years ago, where they knew she would be found, has allowed me to be her "mommy" and her to have a forever family. I am so honored and proud to be just that. Now, on with our day.
We had a full day today starting with taking Jacob to school, then picking up Ms. Angie to go to town with us. We then went to Kohl's and Target, then to the Doctor for her 3 year old check up. The doctor said she is doing great. Finally in the 50%for her weight and heighth. She weighed 30 lbs and is 37.5 inches tall. She is growing so fast. She received her flu shot and they checked her blood and overall, she did great! After we left the Doctor's office, we went to Cracker Barrel, where Joleigh filled up on "dumpins, carrots and geen beans" and of course, sweet tea. Gotta go now as we are headed to church, another one of her favorite places to go.

National Peanut Festival 2008

2008-11-03T09:26:00.001-06:00

Another fun year at the NPF. Farmer's night is on Monday of the Fair Week and the local farmers get into the fair for free, so off we go. Uncle Robert and Aunt Kim came up from Tampa for Joleigh's birthday and to go with us to the Peanut Festival. While we were there, we met up with Chris, Sharla, Morgan and Christian and Brad, Melanie, Cory and Alex. What fun the kids had! Adults, too, especially when it came time to eat. We also ran into Uncle JD, Aunt Cindy, Caleb, Cody and Nicole at the NPF. Caleb, Cody and Nicole were kind enough to ride with Jacob on the bigger rides and Joleigh on the little rides. Cody even tried to crammed himself into a car so he could ride with Joleigh, but decided to take the back seat. SO sweet. Enjoy the pictures!

Birthday Party Fun

2008-11-01T15:33:00.005-05:00

We had Joleigh's 3rd birthday party at the Pizza Kastle and it was a blast. Friends and family came out to share this special occasion with her. Joleigh was a little overwhelmed with all the festivities and noise, but soon settled in. She didn't like the music playing and the lights off when it was time to blow out the candles. (watch video below) Overall, I think she had a wonderful time and enjoyed opening up "prizes for me"! Enjoy the pictures and videos, too!

Roll Tide, Go Auburn.....Hey what about Tennessee?

2008-10-31T07:50:00.002-05:00

We went to our Fall Festival at Church this year. It was so much fun! We had the Roping Bull booth, that we usually do. We had over 1000+ people to show up at the Fall Festival. It was a cold night in Florida (40 degrees), but that didn't stop all the fun! This year everyone deserted my team! Tennessee is having a rough go this year, but I still love them! Joleigh decided to side with her Daddy and become an Alabama Fan, while Jacob is liking the Auburn Tigers. I, am left to cheer for my UT Vols alone! Maybe next year will be better for them! Enjoy the pictures!

Fall Fun!

2008-10-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

1st Spend the Night

2008-10-16T09:17:00.002-05:00

Chip, Jacob and I along with other friends recently went to a Casting Crowns concert in PC, Fl. It was wonderful! RiRi and Stephy asked to see if Joleigh wanted to stay with her and of course, Joleigh said "yes, cause Cassing Cowns will be loud" She is so funny. So, this was the first night that Joleigh spent the night away from us and she did GREAT! She got a little whimpy when the TV was turned off, but that was okay.....RiRi snuggled with her and rocked her to sleep and she slept all night. Joleigh told me that she needed a "big girl bed" like Stephy. I have to admit that I felt lost without her, didn't know how to eat without cleaning up a mess or the typical toddler mealtime mishaps, but it was a nice evening ........STRESS FREE and some good time with Jacob! LOL Thanks RiRi and Stephy. We love you! I am trying to upload a few pictures.

Soccer

2008-10-14T16:47:00.001-05:00

I WON!!

2008-10-08T09:20:00.003-05:00

I am so excited! I won! One of my fellow bloggers, Lisa was in a contest for Not Exactly Bento and won with her beautiful creation. Lisa, in turn, wanted to share some Bento goodies from the contest and my name was pulled out! WOW! So excited. Can't wait to have some fun with Bento. Thank you Lisa and Maisie. Check out her Maisie eats Bento and look at her awesome creations.

Referral Day.....2 years ago today

2008-09-27T18:04:00.006-05:00

Two years ago today, we received our referral of a beautiful little girl, living in Yulin City, Guangxi, China. She was 10.5 months old. Wow! Where does the time go. I can remember that day like it was yesterday. I immediately printed her picture, after we received it and went to Jacob's school and pulled him out of class to see his new sister. He was so excited that he ran the picture back to his room and showed it off to all his friends. You could hear the excitment all over the school. Wow....Thank you God for giving us our precious daughter. I look back at all the pictures and can't believe how much she has grown, learned and changed. We love her so much and are so blessed to have her in our family. Here is our post from last year if you want to look back at it.
Referral picture Sept. 2006

Joleigh 2007

Joleigh 2008 with Jacob

Confession time

2008-09-24T09:29:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted any new pictures because my new camera wasn't working correctly. Well, I finally called Kodak and he walked me thru some troubleshooting and even gave me a case number and address where to send my camera. After I hung up the phone with him, I continued to mess with the camera and it finally started working again. I fixed it myself. You know, if you put the batteries in correctly, you will not have to waste so much time on the phone with the Kodak man and miss a lot of great picture moments. I am loosing it slowly, but surely. Thought it was a funny though. More pictures to come, next week after I return from my trip. I am going out of town with 35 women to Atlanta to a Women of Faith Conference and will not return until late Saturday evening.

ADV: From China with Love Calendars 2009

2008-09-13T16:27:00.002-05:00

My friend, Rochelle, from Celebrate Adoption is now taking orders for the 2009 From China with Love Calendars. If you are interested click here and order yours today. I know I am.

Work Followup

2008-09-12T07:26:00.000-05:00

I posted this in the comments of Work post. I thought I would also post here to give you a followup. Everything went great! Makes me miss teaching. Hopefully they will have a position open next year(in preschool dept) and I can be back to work again and Jacob and Joleigh will be at same school with me, same schedule, etc. Thanks for asking everyone. Pray with me for a position to open or for now, more substituting opportunities.

Work

2008-09-09T21:55:00.003-05:00

Before we adopted Joleigh, I taught K3 in the preschool department at a private school. I took a leave to stay home with her until she was old enough to go and was fully potty trained. Well, she is fully potty trained, but not old enough. Joleigh is convinced that she wants to attend school with her brother Jacob. Tomorrow, I will go in to substitute at the school and it will be my first work experience since before we left for China. Joleigh doesn't know that I am going to school or she will have a fit. I am excited, though. Wish Chip luck. They will have an exciting day on the farm.

video trouble-UPDATE~

2008-09-05T12:03:00.004-05:00

UPDATE-when all else fails and you want to put videos on your blog, put your videos on "public view" so people can see them. SORRY! DUH moment!

I don't know why the videos aren't working. When I check them they are fine. I will work on it and see if I can correct it. SO sorry!

Passing time while TS Fay comes to town

2008-08-23T22:47:00.003-05:00

The videos aren't the best. It was taken on my old digital camera. Just listen to Joleigh sing. She loves the song, "Crazy Beautiful" by Chasen . She has to have a stage when she "sings" so she gets the clothes basket and turns it upside down and climbs up. Jacob shyed up, of course, when I turned it to him. Hope you enjoy.

Here are the words to the song! We sing it all the time.

Crazy Beautiful by Chasen

Everybody’s been there everyone’s the same
but mostly we don’t care isn’t that a shame
We bring us down face after face
the inside is beautiful but the outside we want to change.
We want to change.

Whoa you’re oh so beautiful, you don’t need anyone’s approval
You’ve got to believe in your self you know you are
You’re crazy beautiful

There’s no need to change were different but the same
In the eyes of the KING were beautifully made
In HIS image were made

Whoa you’re oh so beautiful, you don’t need anyone’s approval
You’ve got to believe in your self you know you are
You’re crazy beautiful

Take a look it’s all around you
See the world from different views
The way you shine from the inside
I know with out a doubt
It’s more than what you’ll be
In the world’s eyes.

Whoa you’re oh so beautiful, you don’t need anyone’s a approval
You’ve got to believe in your self you know you are

You’re crazy beautiful

TS Fay

2008-08-22T22:06:00.002-05:00

The state of Florida has taken a pounding with Miss Fay. We are just starting to see the first of the tropical storm a few hours ago. Meterologist said we should expect anywhere from 6-10 inches in NW Florida (Panhandle). The wind is blowing and rain is coming. Hope it makes for some good sleep. Gotta run....Jason Kelly from PC News is on. He's the best!

Buddy Jack

2008-08-12T08:57:00.006-05:00

Buddy Jack was our sweet, fun and energetic dog. We noticed him missing on Monday morning and just this morning, we found him.....lifeless. My eyes are swollen from crying, my heart hurts for the loss of our family dog. Buddy Jack was a dog that just appeared one day on our farm. I said we didn't need another dog and guess what, I lost and we kept him and he turned out to be the BEST dog ever. He was a Blue Heeler and was excellent in helping Chip with herding up cows. Obedient to us all. We have a pony on our farm and if we saw him out, Buddy Jack would take off after him to get him back into the pen. He loved to play ball with Jacob and especially loved to jump on the trampoline with the Jacob and Joleigh. We will forever miss our friend, our dog.....Buddy Jack

3 Years Ago Today......

2008-08-08T09:52:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go?

Back to School

2008-08-04T10:07:00.003-05:00

I can hardly believe that Jacob is already back in school and in the 6th grade, too! Yes, I cried a little, especially when he reminded me that he was going into Middle School now. My baby boy is growing so fast. Sniff Sniff Where did the summer go? Last week he went to Georgia with our children's group from church to Centri-Kid camp and had a blast! He said he was definitely going again next year, too! Here are a few photos of Jacob, now 6th grader on his first day of school.

"Don't say S-T-U-P-I-D"

2008-07-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

Joleigh has picked up a new word this past few days. From the title of the post, you can tell what it is. Here is our conversation this week.
Joleigh--"stupid door"
Me--"Joleigh, what did you say?"
Joleigh--"I say stupid"
Me--"Joleigh, that is not nice and we don't say that word"
Joleigh--"don't say stupid"
Me--"no, Jesus doesn't like it when we say STUPID, Mama doesn't like it when we say stupid...." (I went to name a few more people)
Joleigh---"I sorry Mommy"
FAST FWD TO NEXT DAY WHILE SHE WAS POTTYING AND WE WERE TALKING, AS ALWAYS
Joleigh--"Mommy, Jesus not like to say stupid"
Me--"I know baby, that is not a nice thing to say" (I was trying not to say STUPID)
Joleigh--"Mommy not like say STUPID, Daddy not like say STUPID, Jesus not like to say STUPID, Jacob not like say STUPID"
Me--"Joleigh, you are saying that ugly word...that is enough" (in a stern voice, trying not to laugh)
Joleigh--"I say stupid?"
AND THE STORY GOES ON AND ON.......

Future Make Up Artist

2008-07-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

Joleigh found her "makeup" that her cousin, Kirby gave her and decided that her Dad and I needed a makeover. Here are the results of her hard work. Don't laugh to hard and yes, her Daddy let her "makeup" him, too. Such a sweet Daddy.

more pictures

2008-07-11T13:10:00.001-05:00

I've Been Tagged---first time ever!

2008-07-07T15:06:00.005-05:00

I've been tagged!

I have been tagged! by Diana for a meme. The meme is to sum up my life in six words. Sum up my life? I am not sure if this sums up my life, but it sure describes me right now. I had trouble coming up with words to describe me, so I called on a trusted friend that always tells me the truth in love. This is how Angie described me.
CRAZY, FUNNY, CARING, LOVING WIFE AND MOM!

Now I have to tag 5 people.....and here they are!

Shirley
Rochelle
Michelle
Nicole
Heather

Beach Pictures

2008-07-06T16:24:00.001-05:00

Our 4th of July this year was with friends at the Beach. It was a great time. The kids had a blast digging holes in the sand, skimboarding, and making sand angels. Enjoy the pictures

Fun with Family at Pier Park

2008-07-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

During the 4th of July week, my cousins came to Florida and visited. Well, they were close enough that I couldn't resist not seeing them. After all, Jenn and I have been thru alot together, haven't we Jen? LOL I can honestly say, she is one of my best friends! We try our best and talk at least once a week. Joleigh fell in love with her "fends" (friends) Enjoy the pics.

Potty Trained

2008-07-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

I guess you can say we have completed our potty training with Miss Joleigh. I tried everything I knew, except the 3 day potty training ebook. If my method wouldn't have worked, then I was going to try it. Well, my method worked. Joleigh has wanted a Hannah Montana Barbie for a long time and I told her when she was a Big Girl, then she could get it. So everytime she would potty, she would say, "I get my Hannie Tannie Barbie" I said, "no baby, you have to wear big girl panties all day and then you can." Well, that went on for several days. I was at WalMart one day and saw the "Hannie Tannie Barbie" and purchased it. Joleigh was so excited. Hannah Montana Barbie found herself living of the back on the potty until Joleigh would do ALL business in the potty. It took 2 days! BRIBERY WORKED! So, Miss Joleigh is a proud owner of her new "Nobody's Perfect Hannah Montana Barbie" WOOHOO!!!!! No more diapers!

Play day with friends

2008-06-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

We recently went to my friends house in Dothan to spend some time with them. Jacob was on a road trip to Canada with his dad, so Joleigh and I went to visit with LaLa, Christian and Morgan. While we were there, Lanah and Reese came to with Ms. Jessica.

Pay It Forward Update

2008-06-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

First of all, Dusty you will receive your gift next week. So sorry for the delay....with Joleigh being sick and then Chip and Jacob gone for 9 days to Canada, things are just getting back to normal.
Here are my other 2 takers: Michelle
and Shirley

Oh, check out my cool siggy......yes Diana did it.....isn't she the BEST!

She is also offering her services for free this weekend for just a $5 donation to the Starfish Home thru One Child At A Time online auction to help raise money for a beautiful baby who is needing surgery. Click on the links above to see the different sites.

Pay It Forward

2008-05-28T06:53:00.004-05:00

I still have 2 spots for Pay It Forward.....click here for the directions. Better sign quickly as I am in a shopping mood! WOOHOO!! Thanks Dusty for being my first with PIF! Your gift is coming soon!

My new camera

2008-05-28T06:48:00.002-05:00

Woohoo, I finally got me a new camera. Well, I will get it in a couple of weeks because Chip and Jacob left this morning for a long, long drive to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and they needed something to take pictures with, so I was kind enough to let them use the new one and I keep the old one...until they get home. Anyway......here it is......

Just One More Day.....

2008-05-26T14:20:00.002-05:00

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over
the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes
in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours to
get her.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the
computer off, and sit with you in the
backyard and blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once,
not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream
truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about
what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every
decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me
bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to
McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my
arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love
you.

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in
the tub and not get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up
late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss
my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you
pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest
gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers and fathers who
are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who
are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and
mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children
suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it
anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you
a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God
for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.............

Pay It Forward

2008-05-20T09:47:00.003-05:00

Have you ever seen that movie? The premise is the very simple act of just doing someone a favor without expecting anything in return, and if you would just "pay it forward" by returning the act of kindness and generosity, then it might be possible for a global outpouring of decency toward all mankind.

A blogger (A Mother Singing) decided to start her own "pay it forward" project. One of my blogger friends, Diana , was a recipient of a gift and now I will be from her, via her blog.

RULES

Now it is my turn to pay it forward.

How does it work?

Here are the rules: I will send a gift (of my choosing) to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this "PIF" exchange, and who make the same pledge on their own blog.

The only thing you have to do in return is PAY IT FORWARD - on your own blog.

So, if you want to get a goodies from me, and are willing to do the same via your blog, let me know!

(Note that you'll need to give me your real (snail mail) address... which you can do by private email.)

Just leave a comment and I will get with you.

So, who's up for it? This world does need a little kindness, don't ya think?

**I encourage EVERYONE who reads this to Pay It Forward to someone they encounter today or tomorrow. You might give up your seat on a bus, let a car in line in front of you, or just compliment someone. You never know what your simple act might do!**

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms, Aunts, and special friends in the world! Hope you day was the best! We went to Alabama to visit with Chip's mom and to eat a wonderful lunch! Joleigh kept running thru telling everyone...... "Happy Birthday" We got home from Alabama and went to my mom's and she did the same.....ran into her house saying, "Happy Birthday" Such a ham!
Mendy

Family Reunion

2008-05-03T09:59:00.002-05:00

We went to a family reunion in Alabama today. Lots of good food, of course and fun for all! D'daddy and MawMaw make sure all the children have something to do and rented the waterslide for the day. Joleigh wasn't too sure about it, but her big brother helped her! So sweet! Enjoy the pictures!

Happy 11th Birthday Jacob

2008-04-28T09:38:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my baby boy is now 11 years old. Where have the years gone? He had a baseball game tonight and his team sang "happy birthday" to him. He was so excited! Oh, the little things in life that makes you feel good!
Jacob is finishing up his 5th grade year @ WCCS. Next year he will be in Middle School. :-( We are so proud of him. Jacob has a passion for the outdoors. He loves to fish, hunt, explore, farm with his dad or anything, as long as it is outside.
This year for his birthday, Jacob got a Wii system. (I wanted it, so we used Jacob bday for excuse--LOL) We have had the best time with it so far. Joleigh is even jumping in and playing. He received money from family and even a Prepaid Visa Card from his Aunt Kim, Uncle Robert and Grandma Ann! He was so excited! We love you, Jacob! Happy Birthday!

Happy 11th Birthday Jacob---a little early

2008-04-21T13:27:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday night, we had family down for Granddaddy's famous BBQ ribs will all the trimmings for Jacob's 11th birthday. Since he has decided to play baseball this year, we are rather busy, to say the least. We were able to fit in an afternoon of fun with family and as always good eating. Enjoy pictures and videos!

2008-03-25T11:11:00.002-05:00

TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WHOLE WORLD. HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY, DADDY! WE LOVE YOU!
Jacob and Joleigh

Fishing Tips from Grandaddy

2008-03-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Jacob is at the "tween" stage in life. He wants to do as the big kids do, but he still enjoys the little kids things as well. Here he and Grandaddy were working for the 2nd or 3rd time on his line. It was a windy Easter Day and he kept getting his line tangled up. He is interested at first in Grandaddy's lessons on fishing, until he sees his cousin Isaac hunting eggs and he decides he wants to go there instead. Cute Video, I think!
Mendy

Easter Morning

2008-03-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day it was! I love Easter. Our Lord lives! One of our friends shared during Sunday School this morning about GRACE! Oh the Love!
G--God's
R--Riches
A--At
C--Christ's
E--Expense

Enjoy the pictures from today

Easter Egg Hunt at the Park

2008-03-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

Our local area churches had a community wide egg hunt at the park today. Joleigh had a blast. Last year we were unable to participate, but made up for all the fun this year. She played games, watched puppet shows, hunted eggs and jumped in bounce house (just for a minute) Jacob and Chip decided to go turkey hunting and joined us back at the house after the fun day.....oh, we also went and bought some baby chickens, too. Maybe I will get pictures of them soon!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JD!!!

Coloring Eggs

2008-03-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

On Good Friday, Jacob was out of school and my neice and her friend came to visit us from UT Knoxville. We had a great time, especially coloring eggs. Grandma came over and joined in on the fun.

You Know You're An Adoptive Parent When . . .

2008-03-20T18:39:00.000-05:00

I found this on a site and loved it! For all you Adoptive Parents that can relate, it's for you, too!

You Know You're An Adoptive Parent When . . .*

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a
parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there
would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have
experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's
'real' parents.
7. You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child
longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped
out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the
world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and
family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on
this earth.
12. You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually
pronounce it!
13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

-Author unknown

Princess Joleigh

2008-03-14T16:15:00.003-05:00

Joleigh was in a great mood last night and we captured some pictures of "Ms. Thang" She had on big girl panties and wet them, took them off, went to her room, put on her Princess attire and came out with any panties on. Joleigh is 28 months old and still rather tiny. The dress up clothes were having a little trouble staying up, so I had to get a picture of her all dolled up. Then, being the sneaky girl she is, went into the back room, found the tidy cat (who knows where it came from) and sprinkled the hearth, floor and toys. She was SO proud of herself. Oh, what a exciting life we live.
Mendy

Silly Girl...

2008-03-14T14:11:00.002-05:00

I love to hear children laugh. It took Joleigh awhile, after we came home from China, to laugh, but oh, how she is making up for it now! Enjoy the video if you can. Try not to get a little queasy from the movement. LOL

The Love of My Daddy

2008-03-07T13:58:00.002-06:00

Joleigh is loving her dress up clothes that she received at Christmas. The other night, she came into the living room where her Dad and I were and started dancing around saying she was a "Princess". She thought.......ran back to her room........retrieved her feather boa, crown and shoes and helped her Daddy get dressed up, so he too, could be a "Prince"ss......Hope you enjoy! p.s. Don't tell Chip the pictures are on the blog! LOL

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

2008-02-26T10:58:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Jacob and Joleigh being silly! They were behind my chair playing and having a fun time. Joleigh was doing everything her big brother was doing.

New Look

2008-02-21T17:29:00.004-06:00

I am proud to say that I love the new look of our blog. One of my favorite things to do is to visit other families blogs and lately I have been noticing how dull our blog was compared to others. Well, one of my favorite blogs is a friend from our July Dragonflies group, Diana I recently talked with her and she agreed to help me "pimp my blog" I am so excited with the new look. She made it look just like I had pictured it to look. THANK YOU DIANA for all your hard work and hours you put into making my blog. If you are interested in getting Diana to help you with your blog, visit her blog, Custom Blog Designs and let her know.
Mendy

Chinese New Year!

2008-02-15T16:38:00.002-06:00

Rochelle and I, along with the girls went to Troy University last weekend to celebrate CNY with some of the other Adoptive Families from Dothan. We had a good time at the event and celebrating it with students from China that are at Troy for 2 years studying and then will return back to China for their final year. We heard opera, heard a Chinese Rock Band, singing, piano playing, Chinese instruments and ate while we were there. Joleigh loved the WonTon soup. I think the favorite of the night was the fashion show where the girls that were adopted from China were allowed to participate in it. Joleigh was scared at first, but then I went and hid behind the curtain and then she went on stage. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

News from China

2008-01-29T12:18:00.000-06:00

Today, while I was in the office at home and received a phone call from Brian Stuy with Research China and he said he had talked with Joleigh's foster mom! What? Did I hear him correctly? He said he had talked to her and she would love an updated picture of Hua Ru Yan, Joleigh. Well, you better believe I sent not only one, but 7 or 8. I can't wait to hear from her. He sent me her address in China and I am hoping the next few days to send a care package out to her and her family. An answered prayer. I have always prayed and hoped to be able to one day find her or contact her foster family that took care of her a few months prior to coming to our family. Anyway, I also found a picture of Joleigh with her foster mom last week while I was look thru China documents. I had totally forgotten about these pics. Here is a picture of Joleigh with her foster mom, Yao Yong Zen (pronounced Yow Yong Zen) while she was in her care a month before we got Joleigh. I believe Joleigh is almost a year old here in the picture. This picture was taken after we received our referral and I believe she has already received our care package from us. Enjoy~

Jacob and Joleigh update

2008-01-08T13:10:00.000-06:00

Well, Joleigh is still staying in her toddler bed. After 14 months of late nights, because she is such a night owl, We now have a schedule! WOOOHOOO!! She awakes at 7 am, down for a nap from 12-2 pm and in bed between 9-9:30pm. We say our prayers with Jacob, go to her room, read a book and I tuck her in. She has even told me a couple of times to "LEAVE, MOMMY" Yes, I was heart-brokened a little, but as my friend told me.....she just feels very secure and loved and can go to sleep on her own. What would we do without friends to lift us up, when we are down.....No picture, just an update.
Jacob has returned to school. I didn't want him to go back, but the law says so. LOL He is growing up so quickly. He started during Christmas break to roam the land on our property, exploring nature and hunting......Sniff, Sniff. His new cell phone gets alot of use, cause his Mama is constantly checking on him. He told me that he was "having a blast" watching the birds and wildlife God created. SO growny for his age. Pray for Jacob as he returns to school, that he strives to do his best in all areas......We are so proud of him and the wonderful, loving son and big brother he is!

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T16:34:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed 2008 year. Here are a few pics from today. We just lazed around and watch TENNESSEE beat WISCONCIN......GO VOLS!!!! We did get Joleigh's kitchen moved into her room and converted her baby bed into the toddler bed. sniff sniff. She is in there now taking a nap. My baby girl is growing up so quickly. Jacob is out roaming the woods with his phone and gun. No telling what he will bring us home for supper. Here are a couple of pictures of us lazing around today.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-28T15:29:00.000-06:00

WOW! What a wonderful day! This was our first Christmas at home (that we didn't have to be or go anywhere in 21 years) Nothing but Family TIME! Christmas Eve we did go to the Parmer's and ate supper. Christmas day started around 7:45am. Jacob had been up an hour before he even tried to wake up his sister! What a trooper! Joleigh wasn't too excited about getting up until Jacob carried her into were Santa delivered their gifts. WOW! Her eyes glowed. Such a difference a year can make. Pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas on this post! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS
CHRISTMAS MORNING

CHRISTMAS EVE at the Parmers

HO HO HO

2007-12-19T10:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Joleigh and I went to the mall to finish up our Christmas shopping. We had been before to meet Santa and talk with him, but this time Joleigh was hollaring at him from her stroller, so we went to see him and all she said she wanted for Christmas was CANDY! I think Santa can handle that. Cute picture~ I am really surprise she sat in his lap. Was a little hesitant at first, but warmed up quickly.

O' Christmas Tree

2007-12-17T11:34:00.001-06:00

A little late posting, but here are the pictures of us putting up our Family Tree. This tree is the one with all our ornaments for the past 20 plus years. Joleigh really enjoyed hanging her ornaments on the SAME branch. It was too funny! Jacob and I have always enjoyed this special time, now Joleigh gets to enjoy the family tradition with us! Hope you enjoy!
Mendy

1 year ago today, we met our precious baby girl for the 1st time

2007-11-20T08:58:00.000-06:00

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY TO US~
One year ago today a beautiful, petite and scared little 12 month old baby girl was placed into my arms. All the tears, delays and worries we had while waiting for her were totally gone. All I could do is stare into her beautiful brown eyes and tell her how much we loved her and she was now with her forever family. She immediately bonded with her Daddy and big brother, it took a little more time for her to bond with me, but that was okay. We had the rest of our lives for that. Within a couple of days, we had smiles, giggles and lots of personality coming out of this tiny, little girl that our travel group friends nicknamed, "wild thing". She is now so full of life @ 2 years old. She loves to dance, sing and make you laugh. She talks non stop with a Southern accent (really funny) She loves her brother so much as he was the first one to receive the words, "I love you" from her just before he was going to bed. My heart melted. It was absolutely precious and it totally melted her big brothers' heart, too. We are going to go to Chuck E Cheese for Gotcha Day tonight with a few family and friends. Thank you family and friends for all your support during this past year. Will post more later.
Mendy

(pictures of Joleigh in traditional dress by MC Photography)

LATER ON THAT EVENING:
We carried Joleigh to Chuck E Cheese for her Gotcha Day celebration! Special friends and family came and shared in the celebration with us! I think the adults had the most fun with the games, though. LOL Here are the pics from the night.
Mendy

Cabin Fever

2007-11-16T11:34:00.000-06:00

Well, this has been a long, tiring week. Jacob was sick last weekend, so Monday I carried him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with Mono. We have teased him and ask him who he has been kissing on. He didn't think that was too funny. He stayed out of school until today and wasn't to thrilled to return to school today. Bless his heart. I pray he has a great day and trying to get caught up on school work. Well, we got Jacob better and now Joleigh is running temp of 102(at her highest peak)I don't know what is. Fever virus, mono (I hope not), teething??? We will watch her and see. You wouldn't know she is even sick, running around playing and turning flips and splits. Time will tell.
Mendy