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

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

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

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

Just gotta let you hear this one!

As most of you know, Miss Joleigh is full of life and is sometimes quite comical. Just a few minutes ago, I was checking the weather on the computer, in the office, and Miss Priss came up behind me to snatch some "halloween candy" from the shelf. When I started to turn around in my chair, (knowing it was her) she ran off as fast as she could, hollaring at Jacob, "RUN, MOMMY COMING!" making a successful capture of 2 tootsie roll lollipops. I guess you had to be here to think it is funny, but everyone that knows Joleigh bug, will get a great laugh.
Mendy