Monkey See, Monkey Do!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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