Yesterday, we are getting ready to baptize Will. The girls were picking their outfits, and looking look quite beautiful. Hope was busy demonstrating the merit of her dress. It met all her twirling requirements. Jim asked Will if he would like to wear it, and he said yes. The twirling appeal got him.
Jim asked him who wore dresses and Will quickly told him girls do. Jim then asked him if he was a girl. Will firmly told him "No, I am not a girl!" Well, this got Jim curious so he asked if he was a boy, which Will promptly replied "No!" Now, Jim was confused so he decided to see what Will thought we was, so he asked, Well Will, What are you?" Will held up his hand with 3 fingers on it and said "I am this."
We seem to have age down. Largely thanks to Hope, who is very proud she is 4. Now, we have to work on gender.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
LEGO Robotics Competition
This year, I had a very busy year being the single coach of two Robotics team. The tournament was Friday and Saturday. I am so incredibly proud of my kids. They spent all last semester learning how to program a NXT robot to perform a series of 15 tasks. They also had to learn about alternative fuels, and perform an energy audit on a building. The kids worked so hard. Friday night, they had three sessions with judges to discuss their project, their robot design and demonstate their teamwork. All the kids partcipated and they got great feedback from the judges.
On Saturday, they participated in the robotics competition. The kids had to run their robot three times. The kids did so incredibly well. My Green Team with the help of Terry Duke came in 3rd place for the project. They created a skit based on their audit. Terry worked with the kids the week before the competition and gave them some acting tips. They must have listened to her, because they did really well. Anyone who knows me, knows they didn't get any acting tips from me! What a day! Even without the trophy, we had a great weekend.
The most important thing was the kids really seemed to have learned a lot and had a lot of fun. Since most of the time, it was just me and 16 kids( 14 boys and 2 girls)I can guarantee that they did the work!
I can't say how proud I am. The competition is for kids from 9 to 14 years old. My kids ranged from 5th grade to 8th grade. What a weekend!
On Saturday, they participated in the robotics competition. The kids had to run their robot three times. The kids did so incredibly well. My Green Team with the help of Terry Duke came in 3rd place for the project. They created a skit based on their audit. Terry worked with the kids the week before the competition and gave them some acting tips. They must have listened to her, because they did really well. Anyone who knows me, knows they didn't get any acting tips from me! What a day! Even without the trophy, we had a great weekend.
The most important thing was the kids really seemed to have learned a lot and had a lot of fun. Since most of the time, it was just me and 16 kids( 14 boys and 2 girls)I can guarantee that they did the work!
I can't say how proud I am. The competition is for kids from 9 to 14 years old. My kids ranged from 5th grade to 8th grade. What a weekend!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Happy Halloween
Will's first Halloween. Boy, did he LOVE it. Aaron explained what happened on Halloween, and I just don't think he believed him. It was beyond his wildest dreams to knock on a door and get candy. Can it really get any better than that? You can't beat being Superman and getting candy from every house. He was so excited. Once he hit his first house and he discovered that Aaron was telling him the truth. He couldn't be stopped. As soon as he finished one house, he ran off to the next. Once there He quickly bellowed "Trick or Treat" followed immediately and equally as loud by "Thank You". He was delighted.
This year, Hope was an old hand at Trick or Treating. She showed Will the ropes and he ran with it. She was thrilled to get to be a puppy. She is wild about animals. Hope and Will wore their costumes all month. They loved dressing up. It was hard getting the costumes off!
Aaron and Robbi decided to re-visit Hogwarts again. They both went as Harry Potter characters. Robbi was really tickled. She made a tote bag in her sewing class, and she used to to collect candy. She loved it because it looked like a book bag she imagined would be used at Hogwarts. Aaron was thrilled because we found a Sorting Hat at a 1/2 price sale. He got every complex in his costume. He has two wands, a sorting hat, a cauldron for candy collecting, and a broom. I did notice most of his accessories stayed in the car once the serious trick or treating started.
Jacob was a wise Chinese man. He wore his Chinese costume he bought in China. He was thrilled to find a huge walking stick shaped like a snake. We spent a lot of time looking for a bald cap at the Halloween stores so his head matched his mask. They are getting particular on me. A few years ago, they wouldn't care if their hair matched their mask.
All 5 looked really good. They had a spectacular Halloween. Their only complaint was they needed to do more Trick or Treating. You can't have too much candy!
This year, Hope was an old hand at Trick or Treating. She showed Will the ropes and he ran with it. She was thrilled to get to be a puppy. She is wild about animals. Hope and Will wore their costumes all month. They loved dressing up. It was hard getting the costumes off!
Aaron and Robbi decided to re-visit Hogwarts again. They both went as Harry Potter characters. Robbi was really tickled. She made a tote bag in her sewing class, and she used to to collect candy. She loved it because it looked like a book bag she imagined would be used at Hogwarts. Aaron was thrilled because we found a Sorting Hat at a 1/2 price sale. He got every complex in his costume. He has two wands, a sorting hat, a cauldron for candy collecting, and a broom. I did notice most of his accessories stayed in the car once the serious trick or treating started.
Jacob was a wise Chinese man. He wore his Chinese costume he bought in China. He was thrilled to find a huge walking stick shaped like a snake. We spent a lot of time looking for a bald cap at the Halloween stores so his head matched his mask. They are getting particular on me. A few years ago, they wouldn't care if their hair matched their mask.
All 5 looked really good. They had a spectacular Halloween. Their only complaint was they needed to do more Trick or Treating. You can't have too much candy!
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Smokies
We spent Labor Day at the Smoky Mountains. It was so incredibly nice and relaxing. We camped at Cosby Campsite. The site was beautiful, except to get to the main part of the park, you had to go the Gatlingburg. This was not a problem until Friday night. Friday thru Sunday to get through town took 2 hours. What a nightmare! We had a very busy time - wading in creeks, hiking the hikes, touring some historical sites and enjoying the company of the Godfrey's who joined us. I think we could have qualified for group camping.
The kids had an exceptional time and greatly enjoyed a trip up to the Chimney's. I was so incredibly proud to hear Robbi was in the lead the entire hike. Our grand hikers were Jim, Jacob, Aaron, Robbi, Max, and Jasper. Jasper amazed me, he just entered 2nd grade and he made it to the top too. All the kids agree, this was the highlight of the trip. Cathy and mom ran herd on the 3 - 3 year olds. Hope, Will and Debora were inseparable. They were so cute.
We spent Thursday through Monday, and were really depressed to leave the quiet solitude. It was a really nice time.
The kids had an exceptional time and greatly enjoyed a trip up to the Chimney's. I was so incredibly proud to hear Robbi was in the lead the entire hike. Our grand hikers were Jim, Jacob, Aaron, Robbi, Max, and Jasper. Jasper amazed me, he just entered 2nd grade and he made it to the top too. All the kids agree, this was the highlight of the trip. Cathy and mom ran herd on the 3 - 3 year olds. Hope, Will and Debora were inseparable. They were so cute.
We spent Thursday through Monday, and were really depressed to leave the quiet solitude. It was a really nice time.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Hope is officially a US citizen.
We got very good news in the mail this week. Hope is finally officially with all the i's dotted and t's crossed a US citizen. Since Jim travelled without me to get her, we had to officially apply for her citizenship. It too was a long and involved affair. Nothing with international adoption is easy!
Hope was really excited because we had a cake to celebrate with her name and candles on it. She insisted on the candles, because everyone knows it's not an official celebration without candles to blow out! I'll post some new photos as soon as I get them downloaded.
The kids have started school again. We have once again decided to home scool another year. They are still going to Friday classes. They are really excited about them. These classes give them the opportunities that I can't do at home, like band, sewing and Lego Robotics. We start early (Aug 3), so they have December off. So far, everyone loves their classes even the serious ones like Math games, Science and Literature.
Hope and Will are thrilled with classes this year. They actually get to go to pre-school. It has been such fun listening to them talk about their day. They definitely approve.
Robbi has added Ballet to the circuit of activities we do. Now, we have to be in Huntsille 2 timees a week. Her goal is to get to point shoes, so she has a lot of work to catch up. The only thing I dread about school starting is the start of all the activities - music lessons (violin and piano), Ballet, Girl and Boy Scouts, Girls in Action (Mission's program for Robbi), Chinese, etc. We spend a lot of time in the car.
That's all for now. I'll post pictures soon.
Holly
Hope was really excited because we had a cake to celebrate with her name and candles on it. She insisted on the candles, because everyone knows it's not an official celebration without candles to blow out! I'll post some new photos as soon as I get them downloaded.
The kids have started school again. We have once again decided to home scool another year. They are still going to Friday classes. They are really excited about them. These classes give them the opportunities that I can't do at home, like band, sewing and Lego Robotics. We start early (Aug 3), so they have December off. So far, everyone loves their classes even the serious ones like Math games, Science and Literature.
Hope and Will are thrilled with classes this year. They actually get to go to pre-school. It has been such fun listening to them talk about their day. They definitely approve.
Robbi has added Ballet to the circuit of activities we do. Now, we have to be in Huntsille 2 timees a week. Her goal is to get to point shoes, so she has a lot of work to catch up. The only thing I dread about school starting is the start of all the activities - music lessons (violin and piano), Ballet, Girl and Boy Scouts, Girls in Action (Mission's program for Robbi), Chinese, etc. We spend a lot of time in the car.
That's all for now. I'll post pictures soon.
Holly
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Proud Daddy
Well, I had to laugh about our weekly trip to Sam's. Will, Hope and I met Jim at Sam's to catch a quick lunch and do our bi-weekly milk run - we are up to 4 gallons of milk a week. We need our own cow! We eat at Sam's a lot because we all can eat for under $10.00 - not bad for a family of 7. A whole pizza is under $8.00. I wonder if my kids will be traumatized when they are older. Not many kids think eating out at Sam's is fine dining!
Anyway, Will proudly showed Jim his purse that Robbi just gave him. When we sat down for lunch, Will pulled out his chapstick. Jim wasn't too worried until he came home and found pictures of Will and Hope dressed as princesses...not my fault. They were nice and quiet playing in Hope's room. I was enjoying the nice respite. Will seems to be giving us lots of ammunition for his teenage years.
Jim had a nice quiet Father's Day. We kept it very low key since we currently are trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip financially. Jim is such a good sport! Aaron and Robbi wanted him to play the Neopets board game in the worst way, so there he sits. I just heard him travel to "fairy land". Jacob is being our computer nerd and is sitting in front of the computer. He just bought an introduction to game programming, and is trying to figure it out. He is scarying me with his devotion to learning how to program. I am amazed that he is only 12 years old and learning C programming language on his own. He definitely is his father's son!
Neopets game must be over, I hear the losers trying to justify how Robbi skunked them. My boys are too competitive! That's all for now!
Holly
Anyway, Will proudly showed Jim his purse that Robbi just gave him. When we sat down for lunch, Will pulled out his chapstick. Jim wasn't too worried until he came home and found pictures of Will and Hope dressed as princesses...not my fault. They were nice and quiet playing in Hope's room. I was enjoying the nice respite. Will seems to be giving us lots of ammunition for his teenage years.
Jim had a nice quiet Father's Day. We kept it very low key since we currently are trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip financially. Jim is such a good sport! Aaron and Robbi wanted him to play the Neopets board game in the worst way, so there he sits. I just heard him travel to "fairy land". Jacob is being our computer nerd and is sitting in front of the computer. He just bought an introduction to game programming, and is trying to figure it out. He is scarying me with his devotion to learning how to program. I am amazed that he is only 12 years old and learning C programming language on his own. He definitely is his father's son!
Neopets game must be over, I hear the losers trying to justify how Robbi skunked them. My boys are too competitive! That's all for now!
Holly
Monday, June 11, 2007
What a Day!
Today, we were busy. We started off the day on a historical tour of old Madison. We learned about the ghosts, murders, plumbing, etc. of the historic area. My kids were really impressed that a civil war battle was fought on there. What grossed them out was when they found out one of the buildings was a funeral home. It has huge windows in it...this is what got my kids...when the kids rounded the corner on the school bus, they could look in the windows and see the dead bodies. It was really interesting a fun. I enjoyed what a could riding herd on Hope and Will and the many potty breaks Hope needed. Very interesting. I didn't get any pictures because my camera's batteries were dead.
The rest of the day went down hill. Hope and Will were wild. What one doesn't think about the other does. It ended when Hope came screaming into the kitchen that "Baby Will" had flushed some stuff down the toilet. What a joy! Luckily, nothing appears to have gone done, but heres what I pulled out - 1 large pink comb, 1 2" foam checker, 1 blue baby croc, 1 pink baby croc, and last but not least a magic draw board. What Hope didn't tell me is that they both contributed to the mess in the toilet. Will's just the one that pulled the lever! I was very happy to see Jim today!
We did get some good news. Aaron is offically allowed to start a campfire and carry a pocket knife at Boy Scout Events, and Jacob got his 1st class. Nice way to finish the day.
Holly
The rest of the day went down hill. Hope and Will were wild. What one doesn't think about the other does. It ended when Hope came screaming into the kitchen that "Baby Will" had flushed some stuff down the toilet. What a joy! Luckily, nothing appears to have gone done, but heres what I pulled out - 1 large pink comb, 1 2" foam checker, 1 blue baby croc, 1 pink baby croc, and last but not least a magic draw board. What Hope didn't tell me is that they both contributed to the mess in the toilet. Will's just the one that pulled the lever! I was very happy to see Jim today!
We did get some good news. Aaron is offically allowed to start a campfire and carry a pocket knife at Boy Scout Events, and Jacob got his 1st class. Nice way to finish the day.
Holly
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Off to PaPa's
We spent the weekend at PaPa's. Will met a huge portion of his extended family this weekend. He met cousins - too many to count- and his Aunts - Donna, Karen, and Paula. After watching Hope, he decided Papa was GREAT! Papa always had two little shadows - Hope and Will. We discoved Will watched Hope. If Hope likes you that's good enough for him.
We had a great time. A chance to send time with family. The kids loved the chance to spend time with cousins - video games and pokemon ruled. I thought I'd lose my mind if I saw another sponge bob or pokemon TV show. It made me appreciate our cable free house. The kids don't veg in front of the TV when you just have 5 channels. They just try to veg in front of video games.
We had a Memorial Day Picnic at the lake. It was so nice. We got the best spot under two cottonwoods and right next to the playground. After dinner, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, we had a chance to sit around and catch up with everyone. In the afternoon, we were sent running to the cars due to a downpour. We headed back to Papa's. Alabama is in the middle of a severe drought so it was kinda nice to get drenched in a downpour. Too bad we were in Missouri instead of Alabama.
We had a great time. A chance to send time with family. The kids loved the chance to spend time with cousins - video games and pokemon ruled. I thought I'd lose my mind if I saw another sponge bob or pokemon TV show. It made me appreciate our cable free house. The kids don't veg in front of the TV when you just have 5 channels. They just try to veg in front of video games.
We had a Memorial Day Picnic at the lake. It was so nice. We got the best spot under two cottonwoods and right next to the playground. After dinner, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, we had a chance to sit around and catch up with everyone. In the afternoon, we were sent running to the cars due to a downpour. We headed back to Papa's. Alabama is in the middle of a severe drought so it was kinda nice to get drenched in a downpour. Too bad we were in Missouri instead of Alabama.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
All is Well
I keep catching myself coming and going. We finally have finished our school for the year - 180 days! Now, I have to spend sometime trying to figure out what we are going to do next year. This summer, we are going to start writing a novel. It is a grammer curriculum specifically designed to use what we have studied. Show the kids why we learn grammer. Next week, the kids start working on their main characters. So far they have LOVED it. Jim is the Editor in Chief. They have to run everything by daddy.
Jacob has been amazing me. I found a beginning C programming book. The back of the book said "If you can't spell C, this book is for you." Jacob has been plugging away. Jim checks him periodically and says he's got it. Jacob's real goal is to learn how to program his own games.
Aaron attended his first Boy Scout Camporee. He loved it. He is so excited to finally be a Boy Scout! He just had his 11 birthday. I can't believe that he is 11 years old. Where does time go!
Robbi is very excited she is officially a Girl Scout. She flew up last weekend. Her leader is staying on. We are so excited. LaConta has done such a good job. She seems to have found the right mix between working on try-its and having fun.
Hope and Will are doing so great. Will knocked my socks off. On the last day of Friday classes, he willingly stayed in the nursery. He joined Hope in her P.E. class. (Mrs Boyd graciouly allowed Hope to join her 3rd thru 5th grade class.) Will still amazes me. He really seems to feel that he has come home. One thing, I do know, he LOVES having a daddy. Jim tilled up the garden this weekend and Will was right there with him. Where Jim is your are sure to find Will. All though I will say, he likes mom too.
Jacob has been amazing me. I found a beginning C programming book. The back of the book said "If you can't spell C, this book is for you." Jacob has been plugging away. Jim checks him periodically and says he's got it. Jacob's real goal is to learn how to program his own games.
Aaron attended his first Boy Scout Camporee. He loved it. He is so excited to finally be a Boy Scout! He just had his 11 birthday. I can't believe that he is 11 years old. Where does time go!
Robbi is very excited she is officially a Girl Scout. She flew up last weekend. Her leader is staying on. We are so excited. LaConta has done such a good job. She seems to have found the right mix between working on try-its and having fun.
Hope and Will are doing so great. Will knocked my socks off. On the last day of Friday classes, he willingly stayed in the nursery. He joined Hope in her P.E. class. (Mrs Boyd graciouly allowed Hope to join her 3rd thru 5th grade class.) Will still amazes me. He really seems to feel that he has come home. One thing, I do know, he LOVES having a daddy. Jim tilled up the garden this weekend and Will was right there with him. Where Jim is your are sure to find Will. All though I will say, he likes mom too.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter
We had a wonderful Easter. We were blessed with A.J. being able to spend the night with us. It was just like old times. We started the weekend off with a roasting hot dogs outside in the firepit. The boys had 3 of their buddies (A.J., Simon, and Noah)over for the day. I left Jim to go grab some hot dogs to feed the crowd and left him with 8 kids. He was really happy when I made it home. Boy was it cold, even by the fire! After dinner we retreated inside.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
1 Week Home Update
Will has completely impressed me. For being home for only one week, he has done a great job transitioning. He is warming up to Mommy and he loves Daddy and the kids. He had his first doctor's appointment, and the doctor was really impressed with our little fellow. He recommended that we don't do anything with his arm until he has stopped growing. This seems to be the leading piece of advice. A coworker of Jim's, who is also missing a hand due to an accident when she was a toddler, highly recommend doing nothing. Her boss was very skeptical that she could do the job, so he put her on 90 days probation. Within 30 days, she was hired full time and never looked back.
Will also had the trauma of having blood work and shots. The pediatrician was very skeptical of the shots he received, so he STRONGLY recommended that we redo them. The shots have definitely put Will in a touchy mood along with a running fever. It's been a long two days. Last night he slept like a champ so I'm hoping we are through the worst of it.
Today, we are a bit nervous. We are heading off to Mobile to visit the USS Alabama Battleship. Jim and the our older boys are going to be spending the night on the ship. Will is staying with mom and the girls without daddy. That's why mommy is nervous. Hopefully, he will sleep well and not wake the entire hotel up!
I'll post pictures on Sunday when we get home from our first adventure.
Holly
Will also had the trauma of having blood work and shots. The pediatrician was very skeptical of the shots he received, so he STRONGLY recommended that we redo them. The shots have definitely put Will in a touchy mood along with a running fever. It's been a long two days. Last night he slept like a champ so I'm hoping we are through the worst of it.
Today, we are a bit nervous. We are heading off to Mobile to visit the USS Alabama Battleship. Jim and the our older boys are going to be spending the night on the ship. Will is staying with mom and the girls without daddy. That's why mommy is nervous. Hopefully, he will sleep well and not wake the entire hotel up!
I'll post pictures on Sunday when we get home from our first adventure.
Holly
Monday, March 26, 2007
Will made my day!
Sunday night, Will finally decided I may not be too bad. Jim was putting Hope to sleep, and he left Will with me...glup! He was sitting in the chair and started to whimper. I quickly got a Clifford book and it successfully distracted him. He contently sat with me reading the book. When Jim came back in the room, I expected him to spring from my lap and run to Jim, but he didn't. This time he just settled in and ultimately fell asleep. It was so nice.
Holly
Holly
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Great Story
Jim had a very touching story about China. The second day after he got Will, they had to run back to the to civil affairs office to complete the adoption. On the way home, the taxi driver asked Chris, our facilitator, about Will. Chris filled filled him in on his story, and the taxi driver turned around, and gave him a huge smile and a thumbs up.
Once they got back to the hotel, the taxi drive refused to accept any money. He was adamant about not excepting any fee. Chris tried really hard, but the taxi driver would not accept any money. That gesture meant so much to Jim, he asked Chris to express his appreciation.
Holly
Once they got back to the hotel, the taxi drive refused to accept any money. He was adamant about not excepting any fee. Chris tried really hard, but the taxi driver would not accept any money. That gesture meant so much to Jim, he asked Chris to express his appreciation.
Holly
They are Home!
It's been a whirlwind since Wednesday, but what a joy. Hope's wildest dreams have come true. Will loves her. They play amazingly well together. It is great to see. He even readily shares Jim's lap with her.
Will is doing really well. I am amazed at how well he is taking all the changes in his life. The main sticking point is Jim must be available to him at all times. He constantly must know where Jim is. He will be playing in another room, and will coming running to where Jim is. He climbs into his lap, kisses him, and moves on. We have had several meltdowns, when he comes back for his quick check to find Jim gone.
So far, mommy is not really rating too high. He will let me hand him stuff - juice cups, cookies, etc. He will go to anyone but me. He loves the 3 older kids, but mommy is someone to be concerned about. That will change with time, but boy would Jim like that to change quickly.
At home, we have a few too many pets for Will's taste- 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, 5 goats, and 1 turtle. So far, Will is very unimpressed with the pets. He has finally gotten to the point where it doesn't jump into Jim's arms when one comes close too him. He still growls at the them as they pass by. So far, we have been keeping the dogs outside until bedtime so he doesn't get too stressed out.
That's all for now.
Holly
Will is doing really well. I am amazed at how well he is taking all the changes in his life. The main sticking point is Jim must be available to him at all times. He constantly must know where Jim is. He will be playing in another room, and will coming running to where Jim is. He climbs into his lap, kisses him, and moves on. We have had several meltdowns, when he comes back for his quick check to find Jim gone.
So far, mommy is not really rating too high. He will let me hand him stuff - juice cups, cookies, etc. He will go to anyone but me. He loves the 3 older kids, but mommy is someone to be concerned about. That will change with time, but boy would Jim like that to change quickly.
At home, we have a few too many pets for Will's taste- 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, 5 goats, and 1 turtle. So far, Will is very unimpressed with the pets. He has finally gotten to the point where it doesn't jump into Jim's arms when one comes close too him. He still growls at the them as they pass by. So far, we have been keeping the dogs outside until bedtime so he doesn't get too stressed out.
That's all for now.
Holly
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Last Day in China
[Jacob’s Comments]
Today we woke up around 9:00 (last night we stayed up watching Lost and Star Trek - TNG – the episode were Picard is turned into a Borg) and went to eat breakfast. The food tasted fine, except my favorites food there was out. I mainly ate cereal [Dad’s Note: He also ate two very large helpings each of fried rice and Chinese noodles.]
After breakfast, we took a walk and bought the remaining souvenirs we needed. Then we went to the embassy.
The embassy was located in a rather large building that was an hour drive away. Once there, we went up 5 floors to the U.S. Consulate. After they called us, we went up to a desk and they gave us Will’s VISA, and asked Dad where’s Mom. It was the only question they asked. We then sat down again and then 20 minutes later, a U. S. official appeared made all the parents swear an oath that basically stated that all our paperwork submitted and signed was true and correct. That was it and then we went back to Shamian Island.
Once back at the hotel, Dad began packing and getting things that we would use to entertain our selves during the long flights home. (You might not know, but this is our last day here)
And here I am now, typing an entry for the blog.
[Jim’s Comments]
Today was a very busy day for us, as I essentially waited until the last minute to finish all our shopping – Holly made a rather hefty list of things to consider purchasing while here. I think we did pretty well in what we got – I think the kids will all be happy with what Jacob and I picked out for them – assuming it all makes it home (one item won’t fit in our luggage and will have to make the journey checked in by itself – which I’m greatly concerned about!)
Unlike Jacob, I found the consulate appointment interesting - it’s not everyday you get to see a large room full of new U.S. citizens (Will technically won’t be a citizen until we readopt him in Alabama – this is the price we pay by Holly staying home. Adopted children whose both parents travel, come to the U. S. on an IR4 VISA and are automatically citizens the moment they step off the plane in the U. S. This is not so when only one parent makes the trip. Those children get an IR3 VISA and won’t become citizens until they are readopted in their home state.). It was also comforting when the U. S. official came out for the oath. I felt he was someone who really cared about what we were doing and that he would have done everything possible to help us along our way. I also felt just a bit like I was at home (you might be able to tell that I’m feeling just a little bit homesick and am quite ready to be back home!)
I remember the feeling of elation on my first trip with Hope when we crossed into Alaskan airspace (after having so many problems at the Guangzhou International airport) and the incredible relief of stepping off the plane in Newark, New Jersey. There really is no adequate way to describe the feeling of being back home (and Newark did feel like home, or at least close enough!) I’m sure I’m going to have the same feeling on this trip home too!
That’s all for now.
Jim
Today we woke up around 9:00 (last night we stayed up watching Lost and Star Trek - TNG – the episode were Picard is turned into a Borg) and went to eat breakfast. The food tasted fine, except my favorites food there was out. I mainly ate cereal [Dad’s Note: He also ate two very large helpings each of fried rice and Chinese noodles.]
After breakfast, we took a walk and bought the remaining souvenirs we needed. Then we went to the embassy.
The embassy was located in a rather large building that was an hour drive away. Once there, we went up 5 floors to the U.S. Consulate. After they called us, we went up to a desk and they gave us Will’s VISA, and asked Dad where’s Mom. It was the only question they asked. We then sat down again and then 20 minutes later, a U. S. official appeared made all the parents swear an oath that basically stated that all our paperwork submitted and signed was true and correct. That was it and then we went back to Shamian Island.
Once back at the hotel, Dad began packing and getting things that we would use to entertain our selves during the long flights home. (You might not know, but this is our last day here)
And here I am now, typing an entry for the blog.
[Jim’s Comments]
Today was a very busy day for us, as I essentially waited until the last minute to finish all our shopping – Holly made a rather hefty list of things to consider purchasing while here. I think we did pretty well in what we got – I think the kids will all be happy with what Jacob and I picked out for them – assuming it all makes it home (one item won’t fit in our luggage and will have to make the journey checked in by itself – which I’m greatly concerned about!)
Unlike Jacob, I found the consulate appointment interesting - it’s not everyday you get to see a large room full of new U.S. citizens (Will technically won’t be a citizen until we readopt him in Alabama – this is the price we pay by Holly staying home. Adopted children whose both parents travel, come to the U. S. on an IR4 VISA and are automatically citizens the moment they step off the plane in the U. S. This is not so when only one parent makes the trip. Those children get an IR3 VISA and won’t become citizens until they are readopted in their home state.). It was also comforting when the U. S. official came out for the oath. I felt he was someone who really cared about what we were doing and that he would have done everything possible to help us along our way. I also felt just a bit like I was at home (you might be able to tell that I’m feeling just a little bit homesick and am quite ready to be back home!)
I remember the feeling of elation on my first trip with Hope when we crossed into Alaskan airspace (after having so many problems at the Guangzhou International airport) and the incredible relief of stepping off the plane in Newark, New Jersey. There really is no adequate way to describe the feeling of being back home (and Newark did feel like home, or at least close enough!) I’m sure I’m going to have the same feeling on this trip home too!
That’s all for now.
Jim
Red Couch
Here are Will's Red Couch pictures. The "Red Couch" is a red couch at the White Swan where it is a tradition to get your new child's picture taken. Usually, you will get a group shot of all the babies/children in your travel group. It's a really nice space to gather all the kids together.
Holly
Holly
Monday, March 19, 2007
Embassy Excitement
[Jacob’s Comments]
Today dad woke us up around 9:00, and went down to eat breakfast. Once we ate, we went to the room and waited there in case Chris was to call. Sure enough, at 10:15 am he called. He needed my Dad to go to the embassy for more paperwork. He left me to do my math. 5 minutes later, Dad came in AGAIN and left me with Will. He said my math could wait until he got back. I think I would rather do my math than listen to Will’s crying. Will is SCREAMING at the top of his lungs. (And Dad thinks Will would be calm if I held him long enough. I did, but It just made it worst) so, while Will is screaming, I am typing this.
[Mom's comments]
Hang in there Jacob. You are almost home! I'm proud of you. It's never easy taking care of a fussy baby, but you really gave Dad the needed time to get the paperwork right. That was really important to get done. 2 days to go and we are ready to see you! Then you will have two fussy babies chasing you down!
[Dad’s comments]
Will was fine when I got back. I was gone for about 1 ½ hours (the embassy used to be only a 5 minute walk from the hotel, but now it’s about 45 minutes away by taxi.) I had filled out the NEW I-854EZ form instead of the EXPIRED I-854 form. The new I-854EZ form had three questions that if all were answered yes (which I did), allowed you to use it instead of the traditional I-854 form (per form’s instructions) – it also didn’t matter that there wasn’t an updated I-854 form available.
It turns out that the Department of Homeland Security had released the new form earlier, but our U.S. embassy in China won’t begin using the newer form until next month (less than 6 months before it too expires!)
This wouldn’t be all that bad if the 2 forms weren’t virtually identical AND that I hadn’t already given them the exact same information requested on the form repeatedly on other similar immigration forms!
Aren’t bureaucracies wonderful?
This afternoon I think we’re going to take another walk off Shamian Island to do some last minute shopping before we start packing up (doesn’t that sound great?) Tomorrow we have our swearing in ceremony at the embassy (assuming no other “problems” are found in our paperwork,) and then Wednesday we’re homeward bound!
Today dad woke us up around 9:00, and went down to eat breakfast. Once we ate, we went to the room and waited there in case Chris was to call. Sure enough, at 10:15 am he called. He needed my Dad to go to the embassy for more paperwork. He left me to do my math. 5 minutes later, Dad came in AGAIN and left me with Will. He said my math could wait until he got back. I think I would rather do my math than listen to Will’s crying. Will is SCREAMING at the top of his lungs. (And Dad thinks Will would be calm if I held him long enough. I did, but It just made it worst) so, while Will is screaming, I am typing this.
[Mom's comments]
Hang in there Jacob. You are almost home! I'm proud of you. It's never easy taking care of a fussy baby, but you really gave Dad the needed time to get the paperwork right. That was really important to get done. 2 days to go and we are ready to see you! Then you will have two fussy babies chasing you down!
[Dad’s comments]
Will was fine when I got back. I was gone for about 1 ½ hours (the embassy used to be only a 5 minute walk from the hotel, but now it’s about 45 minutes away by taxi.) I had filled out the NEW I-854EZ form instead of the EXPIRED I-854 form. The new I-854EZ form had three questions that if all were answered yes (which I did), allowed you to use it instead of the traditional I-854 form (per form’s instructions) – it also didn’t matter that there wasn’t an updated I-854 form available.
It turns out that the Department of Homeland Security had released the new form earlier, but our U.S. embassy in China won’t begin using the newer form until next month (less than 6 months before it too expires!)
This wouldn’t be all that bad if the 2 forms weren’t virtually identical AND that I hadn’t already given them the exact same information requested on the form repeatedly on other similar immigration forms!
Aren’t bureaucracies wonderful?
This afternoon I think we’re going to take another walk off Shamian Island to do some last minute shopping before we start packing up (doesn’t that sound great?) Tomorrow we have our swearing in ceremony at the embassy (assuming no other “problems” are found in our paperwork,) and then Wednesday we’re homeward bound!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
JIm's comments - March 17
Here are some pictures from today. Will has been a pistol today. I think I wrote too many good things about him last night and he’s making me pay for it today. He started off great – he actually sat all by himself at breakfast this morning. From there it has been all down hill. Shortly after breakfast, we were getting ready to go out and get some shopping done when he had a total meltdown. I ended up having to hold him in the manner we used to with Hope – we never did get the chance to go shopping.
We met Chris at 2:30 pm were he took us to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall. He was responsible for the revolutionary party and uprising in 1911 (it’s the party that fled to Taiwan when communism took over shortly after WWII.) He stood for nationalism and democracy for China.
Our second stop was at the Chen Family Ancestral Temple. The temple was filled with some of the most amazing artwork (Ivory sculptures, embroidery, stone carvings, wood carvings, and some amazing micro sculpting. Unfortunately Will didn’t allow us to stay that long and we had to leave after only about an hour. The amazing thing is that Will now seems to have snapped out of his bad mood and has been playing with Jacob and himself for the past hour without any fussing! Go figure…
I sure hope Will does better tomorrow. It is our last full day with nothing scheduled and I’m hoping that we can get all our shopping done (I talked to Jacob about a Pearl River cruise, but he wasn’t interested. I will try to find us something fun we can do, but I get the feeling that the only thing he wants now – and really I feel the same way, is to come home.) We have to stay in our room most of Monday while Chris is at the embassy in case someone there needs to contact me about our application. Tuesday afternoon is our embassy appointment and then Wednesday!
I cannot think of much more to say for now. Jacob’s complaining about being hungry, so we’re heading out for Supper. We’re all quite ready to get home. Wednesday cannot come too soon!
Note from Mom: Picture of the boys at Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall was added to the bottom of the blog.
We met Chris at 2:30 pm were he took us to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall. He was responsible for the revolutionary party and uprising in 1911 (it’s the party that fled to Taiwan when communism took over shortly after WWII.) He stood for nationalism and democracy for China.
Our second stop was at the Chen Family Ancestral Temple. The temple was filled with some of the most amazing artwork (Ivory sculptures, embroidery, stone carvings, wood carvings, and some amazing micro sculpting. Unfortunately Will didn’t allow us to stay that long and we had to leave after only about an hour. The amazing thing is that Will now seems to have snapped out of his bad mood and has been playing with Jacob and himself for the past hour without any fussing! Go figure…
I sure hope Will does better tomorrow. It is our last full day with nothing scheduled and I’m hoping that we can get all our shopping done (I talked to Jacob about a Pearl River cruise, but he wasn’t interested. I will try to find us something fun we can do, but I get the feeling that the only thing he wants now – and really I feel the same way, is to come home.) We have to stay in our room most of Monday while Chris is at the embassy in case someone there needs to contact me about our application. Tuesday afternoon is our embassy appointment and then Wednesday!
I cannot think of much more to say for now. Jacob’s complaining about being hungry, so we’re heading out for Supper. We’re all quite ready to get home. Wednesday cannot come too soon!
Note from Mom: Picture of the boys at Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall was added to the bottom of the blog.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thoughts from Jim
Today we picked up Will’s passport at the Guangzhou Civil Affairs office. The last step remaining is the immigration approval from the U. S. Consulate which should come Monday with our swearing in ceremony Tuesday. Chris (our guide) and I sat down for 2 hours yesterday filling out all required documents (many of the forms seemed like duplicates of each other and were at times confusing – but each serves a unique purpose to the embassy officials.) I have to say that this last step makes me almost as nervous as the day we were waiting to receive Will.
Will has continued to amaze me with how well he’s doing and how well he has accepted Jacob and me. While he obviously prefers me, I’ve been able to leave him with Jacob on a couple of occasions (such as when I had to do the paperwork for Immigration) and they have done relatively well together. While I know that we are going to have to work hard with him in the upcoming months and years, I know without a doubt that he’s going to fit well with our family. His progress here reminds me a lot of how well Hope did when she and I were here 2 ½ years ago.
Will has an amazing kindness about him – he loves sharing, especially when it comes to food. He also has excellent sense of humor. Hearing his hearty laugh (which he has done on regular basis over the past several days) is touching.
Saturday and Sunday are off days for us – Chris is planning on taking us to another temple tomorrow. I’m hoping to go to the local Christian church service Sunday morning – The last time I went it was one of the most touching experiences of my first trip.
Well, that’s about all that I can think of for now.
Jim
Will has continued to amaze me with how well he’s doing and how well he has accepted Jacob and me. While he obviously prefers me, I’ve been able to leave him with Jacob on a couple of occasions (such as when I had to do the paperwork for Immigration) and they have done relatively well together. While I know that we are going to have to work hard with him in the upcoming months and years, I know without a doubt that he’s going to fit well with our family. His progress here reminds me a lot of how well Hope did when she and I were here 2 ½ years ago.
Will has an amazing kindness about him – he loves sharing, especially when it comes to food. He also has excellent sense of humor. Hearing his hearty laugh (which he has done on regular basis over the past several days) is touching.
Saturday and Sunday are off days for us – Chris is planning on taking us to another temple tomorrow. I’m hoping to go to the local Christian church service Sunday morning – The last time I went it was one of the most touching experiences of my first trip.
Well, that’s about all that I can think of for now.
Jim
What's the rest of the gang doing?
Several people have asked what the rest of us are doing to fill our time. We have spent our days doing a bit of cleaning, decluttering, and home schooling. Several bags of stuff have found new homes. Since there would have been a rebellion if that was all the others got to do, we headed up to Ohio to visit some very good friends. We visited and got to see a bit of farm life, watch maple syrup get made and eat pancakes. They were really good. We also got to go to the zoo on a cold, dreary, Ohio morning. The kids absolutely loved it. What they loved the best was just playing with their friends (Debora and Jasper)- romping in a creek, looking for golf balls and just hanging out.
After Ohio, we headed to Grandmas. More home schooling...yuck! Robbi is particularly struggling with the injustice of having to do school work at Grandmas. We head back home on Sunday to finish our preparations for the homecoming. The boys will be home on March 21, and we can't wait!
I attached one picture of Debora and Hope at Cathy's. Hope and Debora enjoying breakfast - they are 1 month a part age wise. I tried to post the zoo picture, but gave up. Blogspot was uncooperative.
That's all from our end,
Holly
After Ohio, we headed to Grandmas. More home schooling...yuck! Robbi is particularly struggling with the injustice of having to do school work at Grandmas. We head back home on Sunday to finish our preparations for the homecoming. The boys will be home on March 21, and we can't wait!
I attached one picture of Debora and Hope at Cathy's. Hope and Debora enjoying breakfast - they are 1 month a part age wise. I tried to post the zoo picture, but gave up. Blogspot was uncooperative.
That's all from our end,
Holly
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