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While We Wait
Our Kids
| May 2007 |
June 2007 |
July 2007 |
August 2007 |
January 2008
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“To attract good
fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend, share an old
pleasure with a new friend, and lift up the heart of a true
friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon.” ~Chinese
Proverb
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August
2007
~On the Wings of a Dragon~
“…lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the
wings of a dragon”. When I received this Chinese proverb as part
of a wish for Sophie’s quilt, it made me think of the many new
friends we have met as we have woven our way into this world of
international adoption. So many have taken the time to answer
our questions and have always responded with encouraging words
of advice and wisdom. I believe that some of our best
information has come from parents who have traveled this road
before and have been so willing to share their knowledge with
us. It goes without saying that this journey is a slow and
somewhat discouraging one right now. But, it gives me hope to
read the beautifully candid, real-life stories that are shared
every day by those who share this common thread of Chinese
adoption. Together, while we wait, may we lift each other up on
the wings of a dragon.
I am continuing to collect squares and wishes for Sophie’s
quilt. It’s been so much fun to see what comes in the mail each
day! At last count, I had 135 squares of fabric for her quilt. I
am hopeful by the end of October to have collected all I need to
finish piecing her quilt. I can’t wait to see how it all comes
together! It will be a perfect project for the long, winter
months ahead.
Together, with the kids, we have almost filled our jar to half
way again. They get excited to open it up and add any loose
change they may have happened upon. For the record, I added a
moon and stars charm to my bracelet this month…marking the time
since we officially began our journey to Sophie. Christian
wondered out loud the other day if we would ever really bring
Sophie home. Someday we will, someday…
What’s New with Our Crew?
Summer passed in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, it
was time to send the kids back to school. August kept us busy
soaking in last minute summer fun and getting ready for the
start of another school year.
Jessica was able to go on a youth pioneer trek which was a
wonderful experience and a lot of fun! She made her own skirt
and bonnet (with the help of Grandma Cathy, of course) and was
most certainly the only one on the trail wearing hot pink polka
dots. She started HIGH SCHOOL and confidently headed out the
door with her Tinker Bell lunch box in hand. When I told her
that I didn’t think kids in high school took lunch boxes
(especially Tinker Bell ones), she proudly said, “I don’t care.
I really like my Tinker Bell lunch box”! And off she went with
me wiping the tears as I remembered walking her to her first day
of kindergarten. Wasn’t it just yesterday?
Nathan spent most of the month splinting, bandaging and wrapping
up various family members in preparation for his First Aid merit
badge test. His younger brothers were very willing to be wounded
victims and thought this was great fun. “Ouch, I think I broke
my forearm” became quite a joke around our house. Ian and I were
just very happy that he passed the test the first time and we
could check this off his list of things to do! Nathan started JR
HIGH and tried to look as cool as he possibly could wearing the
school uniform. He made certain that I had not packed anything
embarrassing in his lunch...like Blue’s Clues drinkable yogurt.
Apparently, his lunches have been passing the test because he
comes home empty handed each day.
Christian became such a good swimmer this summer! He took his
swimming lessons quite seriously and was able to perfect that
side breathing. He was thrilled to pass that particular level of
swimming and was excited to advance to the lap lane class!
Christian worked very diligently on his reading this summer and
was able to advance a reading level because of his hard work.
What a kid will do for a daily snow cone! Christian started the
third grade this year and was so proud to march off to school
wearing the required tie and sweater vest. He takes his
responsibilities very seriously and said, “I’m glad to be
getting a proper education”... What a funny boy!
Michael and Christian are like two peas in a pod. Being only 20
months apart, they always seem to be participating in similar
types of activities. Michael enjoyed his swimming lessons this
summer too. He has boldly stated though that he “stinks at the
backstroke”! Being on his back sends him into panic mode. He has
been practicing and is improving a lot. Michael also read a lot
this summer for the daily snow cone treat and was able to
advance a reading level for his hard work too! Michael began the
second grade this year and is boycotting the “Healthy Snack
Club”. No matter what I do to encourage him to participate in
this, he says, “I’m not in the Healthy Snack Club, because I
don’t like healthy snacks”! Enough said.
Until next month…
“Alone we
can do so little; together, we can do so much.” ~Helen Keller
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Polka Dot Pioneer
Jessica's First Day of High School-10th Grade
Does Everybody Have Their Lunch?
Nathan's First Day of Jr. High-7th Grade
Christian's First Day of 3rd Grade
Michael's First Day of 2nd Grade |
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myadoptionwebsite.com
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