Why Blogging ROCks. Why Taiwan ROCks.

I remember it all so clearly.  Sitting in Gracyn's room, rolling up clothes to fit perfectly in our suitcase.  I ziplocked each outfit for her, and had sizes ranging from 12 months to 2T.  Hard to believe that was two and a half years ago.  Blogging was my therapy.  Bloggy pals were my support system.  I met almost all of my friends in the adoption world (even those who live locally) through blogging.  That's why blogging ROCks.

There were the days of waiting for a referral, the days of waiting for a ruling, the days of waiting for travel dates.  Ugghhhh. . .some of those days were not good.  Some were outright miserable.  I remember the day I got the call to travel - you'd think since the wait was nearly over, that this day would be full of joy. . .it sucked.  I found out I'd miss Gracyn's birthday by just a few days.  (Not to mention that meant paying for unexpected airfare for a seat what was never used!  Gracyn slept on my Dad the whole way home.)

But you know what, all of those days were shared with friends.  And those days are just as much a part of the journey.  I will always cherish those days, but I look forward to the days ahead.  I want to continue on this journey, and I want to journey with you.  You are the ones who know what a paperchase is, the difference between a first and a second ruling, how desperately we depend on those e-mails with subject line:  "Update," and better yet, an e-mail with a paperclip which means you're getting photos.  You are the ones who know that you can love someone before you even meet them.  That the journey isn't all perfect and rosy, but that the journey is ours, and ours to share with each other. 

So, here's to old friends, and new friends, friends who are waiting for a referral, friends who are waiting to travel, friends who are struggling at home with their first days of bonding, friends who are home and are barely blogging just to keep up with life.  Let's Journey On!. . . That's why Taiwan ROCks.

 

She's why Taiwan ROCks, and she's why I am lucky to be a part of the Taiwan ROCks Planning Team.  Jules, Lisa C., and Lisa R.  - Thank you for turning our dream into a reality!! 

SEE Y'ALL IN TEXAS on AUGUST 12-14th for the first TAIWAN ROCks Family Reunion!!!  Don't miss it. . .You just can't miss it!!!  You wouldn't want to miss it!! 

Our 2010 Christmas, Raw and Unedited!

I've come full circle. . .blogging used to be about getting that photo uploaded, and writing my post. As I started getting more into Picasa, I started to do collages. As I started getting more into photography, I wanted to edit each photo. And today, well, it's past Mid-January, and we are a real family, with real photos, and a real schedule, that's really busy. . .so here's our REAL Christmas. Candid shots, nothing picture perfect, but they are our memories!

Big kids opening their first stocking stuffer gifts from the elves.

 

First stocking stuffer gifts of the season didn't interest the big kids, but Mommy the elves succeeded with Addi's!

 

Can you tell she loves balls?

 

She REALLY loves them. . .

 

And yes, more is better. . .and she managed to hold both of these togther just long enough to snap a shot!

 

Addi: "Hmmmmm. . .that's interesting. My doggy, um, I mean my brother pretending to be a doggy." (Shhhh! That's why I crawl around and bark too - all thanks to this guy.)

 

Yes, he really does think he's a dog. . .

 

And yes, Addi climbs on top of EVERYTHING, and yes, I actually let her stay up there long enough for a picture. . .

 

or maybe just two pictures. . .this time she has supervisors on both ends!

 

Peyton and Gracyn love to entertain Addi! (Well, unless she's breaking up train sets in which case they like to close doors on her fingers.)

 

Christmas Eve. . .
Opening stocking stuffers from the elves again! Seemed everyone wanted what the other had. . .

 

Do you think these two look alike or what?

 

This is Addi's modified ASL sign for more. (Guess her brother ate it all!)

 

A family tradition. . .WON TON!!

 

I admit, I have more photos of Addi than the other two - She's simply easier to catch. The older they get, the better they are at avoiding the camera.

Addi eating a black bottom cupcake for the first time. This was the recipe my mom was known for!

 

Addi has mastered playing the harmonica! Note to self: Must load the video footage!

 

Addi getting a bow for her bare noggin.

 

Addi: "What's so funny big guy? I think you'd be cute with one on your head too!"

 

Peyton and his second cousin - the winners of the puzzle contest!

 

Gracyn and her second cousin - partners for the puzzle contest!

 

Little Miss Mommy helping Addi put on a jacket that was just handed down to Gracyn.

 

Addi: "Oh no! Where did everyone go?!"

 

Christmas Morning. . .and the ball is still a hit.

 

Now what kind of Santa bring a kid a whoopee cushion for Christmas?! GEEZ. (A "Santa" who lets her kid wear skulls on his PJ pants two years in a row and a t-shirt that's too small in the middle of winter, that's who.) Tossed out the idea of cute matching PJ's for the boy years ago!

 

Awww, isn't she sweet?

 

And the girls match! Perfect children, aren't they?

 

All smiles, full of joy. . .

 

YEAH RIGHT. . .let the fun begin. Round 1. (Notice, the doll house is NOT assembled. Oh, and it still isn't. Some people are smart and put these things together while their angels sleep. Not so much in our house.)

 

Round 2

 

Round 3

 

He doens't like the doll house, he just wanted a picture with it to rub it in his sister's face. And I complied??

 

Nope, we don't stop taking pictures or rolling the video camera for blow outs on Christmas. . .

 

But we did stop for a time-out. Doesn't do much with smiling baby visiting you while you do time, and dishing out hugs. . .

 

Or high-fives. . .

 

And no, she didn't get a time-out - she's just pretending. Sad face and all!

 

Okay guys - just one picture, okay?! Take one.

 

Take 2 or 3. . .don't tell your kids to say "ho, ho, ho" - Stick with "cheese". . .there's a reason for it!

 

A keeper. . .

 

And a bonus one for good measure.

 

Message to my sweet peas:
Well, time's up - I've spent over an hour working on this post, so this it kids. I have lots more to share about Christmas Day, but if you want clean underwear, this will have to suffice. I'll do my best to post more before the year is over!!! Love you lots!