Zeigler Family Adventures

On the Road Again... Destination Michigan

2011-07-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we are soon rounding down our summer. It seems like we have been so busy but busy helps time pass by. It seems like the past year has been a year of trials and tribulations but I am still thankful for the blessings we have. My dad last year came down with Lyme Disease - which he didn't know he had for two months, which turned into a life or death situation. He has had to retire and adjust to some short term memory issues, and being tired all the time. I am just so thankful he is here because it did not look good for awhile. Now Chad's dad is also dealing with his own battle with severe pancreatitis. Praying for a miracle that he gets healed... He is 8 weeks into being in ICU right now but slow progress is being made.

When you have these life or death situations it really makes you appreciate the time you have with loved ones. Even though it can be a pain to travel with 3 kids, find someone to care for our 2 dogs and other things - it is worth it once we arrive. I do feel like I am ready for a vacation from vacation sometimes! 3 kids are definitely more then when I just had one three years ago! I love it and feel blessed though... but packing for two girls - ugh lots of clothing and shoes.

We are almost 4 months out till Chad returns to. Thank goodness for Skype and Skype on my IPHONE is awesome. We can take Chad anyplace with us! Compared to when we first came into the military 17 years ago life has definitely changed with technology. I hope to get more into blogging again once my life settles down in another month. Really my life never settles down and that's okay! Here are a few pictures of our summer so far!

Blessings in Heartache... Remembering Chase 7/16/2007

2011-07-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Not that I need a day to "remember" my son Chase but I like to honor him on his "birth day"... today would have been #4. I remember one of my friends who also lost a baby telling me, "The bleeding stops but the scars always remains", this is so true - but I can say that God has been so good and faithful. When I went through losing Chase (1 day before he was to be born after years of trying to have another child) I just remember laying there thinking, "Please God fill me with your peace to get me through this". Somehow someway with God and my family we were able to get through these years.

Don't get me wrong - it still hurts knowing one is missing at different times of the year, but I can celebrate because I know one day I will see him again. He was our son, a brother, a grandson - you just don't forget that... I will never forget calling Chad in Iraq to tell him this news... I am so thankful for family that could be there - and who has always remembered... that means more the words can say. I always tell people if you know someone who lost a child or anyone for that matter, don't be afraid to say, "Hey I was thinking of you" "How are you doing" ... I remember seeing a quote one time and I find it so true, "Stillborn means Still Born"...

So my way of remembering that day - is to also honor it. I have always felt that there is a reason for everything and although I still don't always understand why God allows pain - I do KNOW that it makes me think of others a little more. Sometimes I think God allows heartache to wake us up and make us be better people. So now we live life to the fullest, take chances, don't be afraid to break the mold.. You have one life and you never know when it might be taken.

Love you little guy... Thanks for remembering with me friends...

Hard to believe she has only been here not even two months

2011-05-31T10:51:00.001-07:00

Practicing for VBS... love this site! Getting ready for Chad to deploy for 6 months - these kids are such a blessing when he leaves! How they will miss their dad but have such a great church family!

~Easter~

2011-04-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

My parents drove in from PA for a quick 4 day weekend. They were so anxious to meet Summer. She took to them like it was the most natural thing in the world. I truly think sending over our photo books, labeling pictures really helped her in her transition. She amazed me with knowing who everyone was while we were in China... We had an awesome visit and I am so thankful they came out.

Back home...

2011-04-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it back to the US on Saturday and since that day I still have been trying to recover from jet lag... not sure why this time around it has been so much harder. Maybe having three kids now has something to do with it, ha ha. When we came home some friends of ours decorated the outside of the house with decorations and then my mother in law and Chad decorated the inside. Summer was just elated with her new home. She ran up to Chad from the airport and gave him a big hug and Aiden. Needless to say Aiden and her have been little buddies. Every morning when Aiden wakes up he can't wait to see Summer.

It has been great - but I want you to know also there are times where you are like, "What did I do?"... especially when there is some friction, whining and crying from the kiddos. That is usually short lived but it IS an adjustment period. Taylor has had her feelings hurt with Aiden wanting Summer, we get the "Everything is about her now" or "Aiden wants Summer all the time"... but for the most part (95%) of the day things are running smoothly. I just am needing to get back into the swing of life. I have been SO SO tired since my trip home. I think the excitement of China and the whole adoption process has you all vamped up then when you get home it is a let down for awhile. Which is good because I am SO glad to be done with the paperwork, waiting on approvals, financial things etc... but now it is a new adjustment.

As for Summer, I still am waiting for her to grieve - I have not seen one tear yet which makes me worry if she is really internalizing things to much. Yet, I see a kid who LOVES to play with her siblings, loves her dad, has done well with meeting church friends - etc. It is almost to good to be true. OR I can think that God worked through and really prepared her for leaving all she has known for a family. I do think they realize at this age what they had to look forward to in China being in a foster home compared to having a forever family, I think it helps rationalize things. She is so sweet and has just been great. It is also so cool to see how many people in our church have opened their arms to her. She has so many people pulling for her and just loving her. It really brings tears to my eyes, I love this area for that reason alone!

Some of the little things we have learned in the few days we have had her at home - put the child safety locks on in the car. We were going down the highway and she opened her door, thank God Chad was with to grab it quickly. The other thing is - we should have had her foot measured sooner, she came to us in a size 2 and is a size 4 shoe! I asked her over and over if her feet hurt and she said no! And lastly - as we went out to eat the other day we were paying our bill at the cash register and I look down and she had no shoes on! - She left them under the table... So important lesson - make sure kids have shoes on when exiting the diner!

Banana Leaf Restaurant Guangzhou

2011-04-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Any of my adoption friends following this blog - the Banana Leaf restaurant across from The Garden Hotel (in the first Frienship store level 5) - awesome restaurant good food!

Jumped on me for a ride... love it!

2011-04-05T00:42:00.001-07:00

I was walking by our bed and next thing I know Summer jumped on my back and gave me a hug! I couldn't resist a picture...

My crazy daughter...the laughs continue

2011-04-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

The laughs continue.. fun day at the park today... Thai restaurant with friends tonight! Three days left and then back to "normal" life - whatever that means! Chad is home for a day and then leaves or a week... gone for a week in May and then gone for 6 months! One good thing summer coming up... I love the sun and warm weather... ready for the beach!

A day at the park..with friends

2011-04-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today has been a fun day... thank goodness for good sleep that can do wonders. Yesterday just was a long day - sometimes it gets old being by yourself and yesterday was one of them... Today we went to one of my favorite parks we have been to in China. We were there when we got Aiden and it brings back a lot of good memories. Beautiful park where the Chinese exercise together young and old and then there are rides in it for the kids as well. Wish we had one of those!

Tomorrow we go to the US embassy to go to meet with the Consulate worker about Summers Visa... then we get it Thursday and that will be it for the paperwork. We take off at 12:30PM on Friday and get back to the States in St. Louis at 9:00 PM (China is 12 hours ahead in case you are wondering). Looking back at my pictures it has been a great trip - just long. I have tried to soak in as much as I can and have Taylor experience as much as she could as well. I REALLY hope with my kids that I teach them not to be afraid to do things... that life is an adventure.

Today, Taylor and Summer have been buddies again... It is bound to happen hurt feelings etc. Wait till they share a room! Tonight we are going to the "Banana Leaf" Thai restaurant with the friends we have met here. I have to say it has been nice being in a group this portion of our trip - it helps pass the time.

I was thinking I need to soak up everything because soon we won't be here any more... and soon Chad will be leaving again for 6 months and I will be having all the kids... People wonder how I do things alone so much - well, if I didn't do it I wouldn't have what I have - or see what I have seen, and being a military wife what choice do I have right? Sometimes conditions aren't what I would like but it has made me into who I am and I hope to pass that on to my kids - to rely on themselves and the rest will fall into place.

No matter what life has thrown at me I always have one person with me all the time - and HE never leaves me... God is good! One day Chad and I won't have this crazy life of the Air Force and then we will look at each other like, "Now what do we do - this is boring!" - just kidding!

Down Day... getting ready to come home

2011-04-04T02:15:00.000-07:00

Today, was one of those days were we went had one quick appointment this morning (TB test reading) and then we were dropped off at a shopping area. I have been to this place before and it isn't one of those markets were they are grabbing you to go in the back room to look at their watches and purses (well there were a few but not many) After looking around and navigating the stores that are 9 escalators tall and getting sandwiched in an elevator one to many times we decided to get a taxi and head back to our hotel... I have TRULY enjoyed my time here and am soaking it all up but it is just one of those days were you long for people not pushing you, feeling like you aren't going to get run over when you step onto the street and just to be able to have a good American meal besides Pizza Hut, Italian, KFC... etc. Okay now that I got that out I feel better, lol. Yes, I am only human... maybe I feel this way because when we flew into our taxi I banged my head off the door so I wouldn't get left behind and now I have a splitting headache!

It has been such a great trip but I am ready for "real life" to begin again. I feel SO blessed by experiencing China again for the 2nd time. I know we will be back again to bring our kids to their homeland. It really is a lot different then what we as Americans think of China. I love learning about the culture of my children. When I start to feel anxious and miss my familiar things I think of what Summer feels like being with us and what she will experience at home in the USA. Can you imagine not knowing much English and have no idea what anyone is saying around you? I can't imagine giving up so much just to have a family. Hopefully we live up to her expectations!

People wonder what we will be doing as far as English - well activities, church things and of course good old language programs... We are lucky to get Rosetta Stone through the Air Force for free - so that is something she will be trying out. I also have several apps that she can translate to us and vice versa. She already has the phrase, "Let's go" and "Taylor!!" down pat. Taylor and her had their first "tiff" today. Just normal kid stuff but it will be an adjustment. Taylor wanted her to play Chinese hackysack and Summer just wanted to do a puzzle... well Taylor got upset and then Summer threw the puzzle at Taylor... I am thinking "Well, they act like siblings already"! Then 30 minutes later they were playing together beautifully.... Seriously, being in a hotel no matter how nice it is after 2 weeks gets to anyone!

I am just going to upload a few photos I have had on my iphone... Hope all is well friends!

P.S. I love the video of Taylor playing hackysack - kids no know boundaries when it comes to fun!

In Guangzhou... having fun, wearing out a little

2011-04-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick ... I am beginning to wear down a little today! We had a fun day at the Guangxi Safari Park today with the other families we are here with. This is the first time we have had to share a guide and I have to say it is nice being with some other Americans and their kids are so adorable! One is even from Michigan so we had that in common (with Chad) - I will forgive them for being Michigan fans, lol. Seriously, it has been fun back in Guagnzhou. It is familiar and reminds of the last time I was here with Chad and Aiden.

We are staying at the Garden this time and it is a BEAUTIFUL hotel to say the least. Our agency got us a good rate and it was so well worth it. It has now been 10 days or so since I have been over here and I am getting tired. Enjoying our time and making the most of it but I am getting worn out! I really need to get myself back into the gym so I can keep up with these girls...

Speaking of the girls - they are still so cute together. The competitive side between them is coming out... Summer is right up there with Taylor with needing to be first with everything etc. They are just to cute and such a blessing.

She was so loved...foster family, teacher

2011-04-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

My favorite clip by far...leaving the hotel when we got her

2011-04-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few more pics..

2011-04-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a few random pictures and video clips! Feel free to leave a comment if you want to be added as a friend on Facebook I have TONS more pictures and videos there. Just feeling so blessed and honored that we are parents to this beautiful girl who just wanted a family... I can truly say this trip has been so enjoyable and to see the love between Taylor and Summer is just amazing. She had so many firsts on this trip and will have so many more when we get home.

I told her about our church family through our guide. She started clapping her hands and singing. Our guide said she said, "Oh, I know what church is they sing like this ---- and pray to God". I thought she would have no idea - but guess where she learned it, TV! I showed her our friends in O'fallon and all the kids that want to meet her - she is SO excited. I was told she is timid - I haven't seen that one time! She is just such a blessing... (okay I will stop now, haha)

I love this verse..
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Catching up from China!

2011-04-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry friends who follow me on this blog... I have been posting to Facebook videos and updates and thought I better update my blog. All I can say is this trip has gone so well. I could not have dreamed for things to have gone any better. With any adoption you should go in expecting the worse and praying for the best - just because these kids are going through SO much. I don't know how I would be if I left everything I knew and was put with strangers who didn't speak my language. Probably a crying mess! Summer has just been smiles ever since we got her. I TRULY believe that God has been in control and has warmed her heart to us even before she met us.

So many things happened on this trip that weren't suppose to happen that I was praying would. One of the biggest things was meeting Summer's foster mother. She was given up at 4 1/2 and lived with the same foster mother the whole time. I just felt it was REALLY important to try and learn as much about her past so I could tell her about it when she was older if she would forget. My guide in the very first hour said, "You will not be able to meet her as they think it would be more traumatic to say goodbye". I just know from my own loss of my son that even though it may hurt to say goodbye - closure is even better for the heart. How I wish I would have had that with him... I kindly told her that I would try and find a way if she couldn't.

Well the next day she had a big smile on her face and said that I could meet the foster mother, go to the orphanage and meet her teacher. I almost fell over. Nanning is hit or miss if they allow you to do this. When I got Summer she had a note for me from her foster mother with her address and phone number so I knew she wanted to as well. 5 years is a long time and I felt pieces of her past were important to know. Needless to say out of all the things we have done, places we saw I felt this was the best part of my trip.

Meeting her foster mother was just so special. Immediately upon arriving at the orphanage grounds (she lived near there) Summer saw her and sprinted off to hug her - I could tell she loved her very much. Her foster mother told me what Summer had told her 5 years ago about being abandoned outside of a department store... I always thought she was given up because she had a severe heart problem (the same kind Aiden had) - when they found her she was having blue spells... But she told her foster mother her mother gave her up because she was pregnant again. She remembered living on the 2nd floor under her parents store and her grandmother liked to knit. This information just broke my heart for her. I still believe that the heart issue had some to do with it - but the fact she knew she was pregnant and they gave her up - wow that is so sad. You have to love China's one child policy. She said she no longer remembers anything about them or why she was given up anymore (when asked by her mother and my guide).

We also met her teacher at her school and her classmates. We pulled up to the school and all the kids were lined up to be dismissed... had we been five minutes later we would have missed them. It was so amazing to see the love her teacher had for her. We spent an hour with the teacher - she went home and gave Summer 12 years of Chinese language books so she could try to still keep her language up. She told me I could email her anytime and SunFen could send her her Chinese lessons. How sweet is that? She told me that the teachers knew she was an orphan and never raised their voice to her but loved her. You could truly see this. She went up to her teacher and hugged her and was able to say goodbye to her friends. I was able to get many pictures - this was priceless for her.
She no longer has to worry about a family though does she? She is so sweet. To watch Taylor just glow with love for her - it is truly one of the best things to see. It shows that love grows in the heart and does not have to be biological. So many times in my videos Taylor looks like her eyes are moist but yet it is tears of happiness (she would never admit the tears but I could see them).

I would have loved for Chad to come with and miss the support... but I believe God allows certain things to happen the way he wants. It has been a blessing to spend a few days with Taylor alone to experience this together and then the bonding us three girls have done - it is unmeasurable. I am sure there will be trying times - but what person doesn't have these, but I am just so honored that God showed FAVOR on us with how well things have gone.

Not to talk about what happened in my past (for those following who may not know) I lost my son Chase full term a day before he was to be born 3 years ago. We tried for 6 years plus to get pregnant and then that happened and Chad was in Iraq (he was healthy). I am not going to lie and say, "Oh it wasn't hard and God took care of everything" - Well God did take care of everything but it wasn't without my struggles of dealing with grief for 2 years. I thank God I HAVE God because without him I would not have had hope for a future. I always wondered WHY God would have allowed that to happen but I truly believe he knew the bigger picture. He did give me peace and I feel like without Chase being born - I would not have Aiden who could have died without being adopted (he had a serious heart problem that was not fixed) and without Aiden I probably would not have adopted Summer.

We stepped out in faith knowing that adoption was always in our hearts. Even during all my fertility issues. We thought we would adopt and then when that happened it was like a big NEON sign saying, "Now are you ready?" I remember when we lost Chase - and seeing Chad say, "Heidi we need to start the adoption process now" "No more fertility treatments, hundreds of doctor appointments, etc". It gave me a hope. I can truly say that I am so blessed that I have a beautiful caring God loving daughter, the most happy little boy from China and now another beautiful daughter.

I know this all probably seems "cliche" but I just wanted to share how blessed I truly feel. I do still miss the son I never knew - but I KNOW one day I will see him. I believe God allows bad things to happen to people to give them a nudge in the direction they need to go. I feel this happening has made me a better person and has drawn me closer to God. Anyways, sorry to digress - (it is 5:30 AM as I write this) but I just wanted to share a little of our story.

When I see all these families around here with their new adoptive kids - you just know the love these children are about ready to receive and how their lives will change. Although Summer was loved by here foster mother - she ALWAYS wanted a family. She would see younger babies/siblings being adopted and just prayed someone would want an older child. I was told she could not wait for us to come to get her.

To see a child who is 8 giggle and laugh over the smallest things, like taking a bubble bath - you would have thought she won the lottery. She claps her hands and shrieks with joy. She went on a few amusement rides, she told our guide she never went to a park before... she had me in tears with her happiness. She got off of the bumper cars and just started jumping up and down. Then somehow Taylor got her on the swings and 2 roller coasters. She just LOVE them. They drew a crowd of people with their laughter.

Thanks for listening - I was in the mood to write today and this is what came out. I feel extremely blessed that Chad loves our kids know matter where they come from (as well as our relatives) and that we have been able to travel down this road. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you... not to harm you but to prosper you" (paraphrasing) Truly he has.

2011-03-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't write this better myself

She wanted a Barbie

2011-03-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

She is awesome god is good

2011-03-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

I can't even describe the feeling of today. All I can say she is the sweetest girl. She came running to us and had presents. It is indescribable to see Taylor instantly loving this precious child. I can't even put it into words. All I can say is God truly has blessed us and I am so glad to have walked in Faith...

2011-03-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

Great Wall

2011-03-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

2011-03-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

2011-03-27T17:15:00.001-07:00

2011-03-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Great friends!

2011-03-27T17:14:00.001-07:00

Love the markets!

2011-03-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

2011-03-23T06:10:00.001-07:00

2011-03-23T06:08:00.001-07:00

Today is the day we leave for China! We are so excited and nervous all at the same time. We will be in Beijing for a few days with friends from our church and then will leave Sunday afternoon for Summers province of Nanning. Monday will be our Gotcha Day or as I like to think about it our Forever Family Day.

Taylor asked if she could spend her money to get Summer a Build A Bear that she taped a message inside that said, "Wo A Ni Summer". I love you in Chinese... Taylor is SO excited to be getting a sister. She knows all we have gone through to have a child and adopt a child... I believe all of it has made us who we are. Hopefully more compassionate people and so appreciative of what we have.

Sent from my iPhonena

Taylors part of Christmas Show 2010

2010-12-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Dayspring Peformence

2010-12-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Loving the holidays!

2010-12-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Well our Christmas activities are starting to wind down. December has been really busy here. Plays, musical, piano recital, and church things have kept our family busy - not to mention the parties... After the holidays I swear I am going on a strict diet, protein maybe? It is hard to resist all those yummy treats sometimes. After Christmas we are visiting my family back in PA and hopefully going back to NJ for a night or two to see some awesome friends. I do like it out here in Illinois but I still am an East coast girl at heart, no pretty landscaping out here that is for sure - I probably miss that the most.

We are hoping our Letter of Approval comes in for Sun Fen this week or next. It has been such a LONG process. I keep telling myself all in God's timing but it is hard at times. Luckily the business of our live has helped us focus on other things but it is hard not to think of our 8 year old little girl alone over in China who needs a mom and dad. Next year will be so marvelous.

Last night we went caroling to some "shut ins" it was so awesome to see the kids not be afraid to go up to the elderly and sing to them - I hope to instill in my kids that it is not about I at Christmas but about what can "I" do to help others. I see so much selfishness and so many people lose the focus about what Christmas is about. What ever happen to doing just good will toward people without having something happen in return to you? Hope you have a great week friends...

Scott AFB HS Party 2010

2010-12-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

Create your own free slideshow design

Some quick pictures...hoping for LOA this week...

2010-12-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I went out to get some quick pictures for our Christmas cards today, let me tell you it was COLD! I am so hoping this week is our LOA (that is letter of approval) from China. We have had our daughter waiting for a long time (over a year and a half) due to our home study agency. BUT they say everything happens for a reason that seems to be my motto in life. So we are down to the name Sonni, Summer, Autumn, Willow or Mia. Sun in China means "summer" so we were thinking Summer because of that, but who knows. We will also keep her name as her middle name and if she wants to be called Sun Fen we have no problem with that.

Life here in Illinois has been great. I still miss the East coast but I know this is just a phase of our life and God has blessed us with such great friends here. We only have 4 years left in the Air Force and I will enjoy it no matter where we are! (this is what I keep telling myself. My goal for the next year is to get back into blogging like I use to, now that Facebook is the thing it has taken me away from here for some reason.

Falling Into Fall...

2010-10-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Had the kiddos out for a little Fall photo shoot! I so love Fall, I wish it could stay fall longer. Not to much is new with our family. We have had some relatives visiting from out of state and that is always wonderful. Still waiting on or paperwork from China to go through, thinking it could be another month to receive our LOA. Just praying there is no mistakes with our home study. God is good and I am so thankful for all he has given us. Without him I don't know how I would have survived some of the things we have gone through in the last few years... and now I can look back and think how a tragedy has turned into such a blessing for our family.

The Best of Times... sister visiting

2010-10-08T19:22:00.001-07:00

So glad my sister and family could make it in for a few days. Nothing like family visiting! My mother in law also was here for 5 days so the kids have had a lot of attention this past week! They get spoiled to say the least when grandma visits. I am going to try and get back into blogging but I have to admit I have been "Facebooking" a little more then I should...

We are out in the Midwest for over a year now, and we are settling in pretty nicely. Although I miss the scenery of the East coast we have made some great friends out here and have an awesome church family. St. Louis area has a lot to offer as well, so that helps! Homeschooling is going pretty well, I have to admit I am really enjoying it. I never thought in a million years we would go this route but for this season of our lives it is what is working for us. Taylor goes to a Fine Arts school on Wednesdays for enrichment classes - she just loves that.

I want to start journaling about this transition, adopting again and homeschooling... what a year it has been. God has been good!

Paperwork to China today... Thank God!

2010-10-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thanking God today that we finally are DTC, that means our paperwork is flying over to China right now! It has only taken 3 times as long as the normal amount but thank goodness it is sent. What a relief off of my mind. I am praying our paperwork gets through and we will be traveling around March?

Now we are back to thinking about names. We are going to keep Sun Fen but are also adding an English name, so the fun begins: Mia, Mya, Kyley, Kinsley, Summer, Autumn, Sunny - any thoughts? More importantly then giving her a name we are just so excited to be on the next step of this journey and that is to bring her home. It should be interesting and I am sure challenging of what it will be like with two 8 year olds, but my daughter is so excited so I am praying it will go well. Sun Fen wrote that she "Dreams of coming across the ocean to meet her mom, dad, brother and sister" ... we sure can't wait either.

In the mean time I live by Jeremiah 29:11
'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Busy Busy Busy ... favorite summer pictures

2010-08-22T12:34:00.001-07:00

We had a busy summer visiting family in Michigan and PA. Great fun but tiring as well! Loved Lake Michigan this year it was actually hot when we were there for a change. It is always great to go back to PA as well. It was hard going back and leaving seeing my dad being sick with his illness and my grandparents health. My mom sure has a lot going on right now... keep her in your prayers for strength. She always handles everything with such grace. I am still working on my adoption paperwork, hope to be DTC by October. All I can say is my homestudy agency was not very good here... I will let that go at that.

Hope my friends had a great summer!

New Pictures of Sun Fen

2010-06-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

We were lucky to get two new pictures of Sun Fen celebrating her birthday. We sent her that little dress and cake (through LADY BUGS N LOVE) Thanks Angela!

Summer craziness.. busy, busy

2010-06-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on this summer I feel like my head is spinning at times. School ended and we took my kids to my mother in laws in Michigan for two weeks, went to Michigan for Memorial Day weekend, got Taylor ready for church camp and Aiden is in "Camp Cho Cho" this week for 3 hours a day... I thought summer is suppose to be relaxing? Doesn't seem to be that way when you are a military family and everyone wants you to come visit... plus I do like my kids to know their relatives, but it doesn't make summer relaxing. I miss going to the beach for vacation or Florida... we are going home... I think next year we will definitely make some changes... Plus we will have a new addition. I do think the holidays we will be relaxing a little more.

So my summer is just starting we are going to Michigan for 4th of July and then towards the end of the month I will be going back to the East coast to my families house... lots of miles and hours in the car. Thank goodness for DVD players in the car!

In the meantime, we also had 3 birthdays in May.... Taylor turned 8, Aiden turned 4 and Sun Fen turned 8... I was able to get some updated pictures of her on her birthday. It makes me sad that she still waits, my home study agency was not very fast 10 months to finish a home study, not good at all. It could be Christmas/January till we travel.

Looking Back... 14 years ago...

2010-05-19T07:41:00.001-07:00

This picture was Chad meeting Taylor for the first time. He was in Korea for the first year and was home on a break... they haven't skipped a beat even with all his deployments. She loves her dad...

These are the two best things that came out of that 14 years..

Getting Aiden was just so emotional and wonderful... something special to be shared

This was our little guy waiting for us... he carried our photobook around..

I wanted to put a shout out to my husband "Happy Anniversary", yes he has been away for this one too! I think in our 14 years we have been apart 4 of them. I tell him that is what makes us strong. On the 17th Chad and I were married 14 years, it is amazing how time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday yet so much has happened in all that time. I remember calling home from Montana and telling my parents I was getting married. I think my mom was ready to faint. Chad and I had only been dating 8 months! I think if Taylor would come to me and tell me that I would have to fly to wherever she is and see what was going on... the things we put our parents through. I have to say that our love has just grown through the years and I am so thankful for such a great husband and father. Chads mom did a great job with him...

We have had great years together and then some tough years. Deployments 8 years in a row, the passing of my son while Chad was in Iraq - I still will never understand why God would allow something like that to happen - but I keep telling myself this: "I believe everyone serves a purpose in your life and when they leave your life it means they've served that purpose. Even if you don't know what that purpose is.." Our challenges have made us who we are today and I am so thankful for such a great guy to share things with. Here is a flash back of some of those years...

Faith Vs Fear...

2010-05-19T06:49:00.001-07:00

I heard a great reference in a seminar I attended that so many people let "fear" guide their emotions and that we need to look to the opposite of fear which is "FAITH". I believe that is so true and keep telling myself that. This week is the last week of school for my kiddos and it comes with mixed emotions. Taylor is most likely going to be homeschooled next year and although I know it will be great for her - I still have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like, "What am I doing?"... But then I go to my support system (and it is big and wonderful out here) and know I am doing the right thing. I think the biggest thing I can do is to go to my BIGGEST support which is God, right? I really like some of the ladies in Taylor's class and it makes it hard saying goodbye. Okay, I guess enough on that pity party right? Just having one of those emotional days.

I have to say though, I am VERY excited to start this journey. I think the best thing is Taylor wants to be homeschooled. We have been at it part time this year and she has loved it. Aiden, well he is just happy go lucky right now. I can hardly believe that my kiddos will be going to my mother in laws for two weeks. I am going to be going crazy, but I guess I will put that time to good use. I went to some friends houses that homeschool to get ideas of what works for them in terms of their classroom setups - so I am hoping I make some headway in that department. I want to make it fun for all of us. I think to have a child have a love for learning you have to make it fun. Taylor is so into science experiments... so I think I may get out all of those things and have a timeline of doing this and that... I am so looking forward to turning tadpoles into frogs (NOT REALLY)... but hey she loves animals!

Taylor in action...

2010-05-11T19:45:00.001-07:00

Thought I would show a few pictures of Taylor in action playing softball. She is doing pretty well and enjoys it. It is hard to believe we only have a few more weeks left of school and then that is it. Time sure has flown by this year.

Living La Vida Vegas....

2010-05-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Chad and I had the opportunity to go away to Vegas for a week. I spent my extra time trying to take in all the beautiful scenery and getting to know my camera better. God has created such a beautiful world, hasn't he? Having a great time!

Field Trip to Zoo...

2010-04-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Had a fun filled day with Taylor's school at the zoo. They are so fun at this age.

2010-04-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Thinking of my family from back home... miss you guys. There is nothing like having a great mom and sister. I think the greatest gift my parents gave me was creating the relationship I have with God and teaching me that family is always there for each other. I thank my family for always being there for us through thick and thin. What a great message it passes on to Taylor and Aiden. Love you guys!

Education is not about filling the pail it is about lighting the fire...

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

(don't forget to turn down my volume on the playlist on the bottom)

Yes, you may think I am crazy... I know, sometimes I think I'm crazy! Someone once said to me, "Your conscious is God's way of talking to you". We have felt this pull for over a year and feel we need to try out this avenue for the time being. I still live by that verse Jeremiah 29:11, "For I have plans for you"...

One of the things I have been praying about for the last year is something I can't believe I am going to be doing (most likely) with Taylor in fall. Homeschooling... something I have been learning so much about in the last year. I know a lot of people feel that kids that are home schooled are not socialized and are missing out. I may have been one of those people once upon a time. I was so ignorant as to what homeschooling is really about.

I have been learning about this exciting way of education for the last year and a half. 1.5 million kids are doing homeschooling now. So why am I choosing this option? Well, my daughter Taylor has been begging me to do this for the last year. What do you do with a kid that everything is way to easy? She goes to private school and I spoke with the principal several times about how the curriculum was to easy for her what could they do? She told me, "We can't teach to one student" and that eventually Taylor will just drop back with the rest of the kids. Why would I want her to "drop back" ? I don't want her to lose her love for learning. Obviously, I know that they can't teach to one student but why not give extra work for her on the side? Well, long story short I kept her there this year (I looked at other schools as well) and we have been supplementing her at home this whole year. I have had to hear everyday how easy school is and how she is "hating" it now. I can't blame her, when I have looked at her Math it is what she was doing last year in Kindergarten!

Taylor has always had a love of learning and slowly has been losing it this year. I feel like I dropped the ball and should have done something earlier. We looked at several other schools but felt she would be in the same boat. I wish I would have had that "gifted" problem in school, I was on the other end of the spectrum in those early years. I struggled. I guess that is what drew me into special education, so I could help others... not knowing it would be my own kids!

Chad and I attended a meeting with other home schoolers and the dads spoke about why homeschooling is working for them. Mostly said, being able to create an education that was tailored for their kids needs and flexibility being a military family was also very big. It was such a positive experience that Chad has been on me to homeschool, I have been the one dragging my feet. I would have never thought in a million years Chad would be pushing me to do it. I guess when you see your kid so unhappy with school after she loved it last year, it made us think.

Going to school for teaching other kids was great - but why am I afraid to teach my own? I guess the thought of having so much influence on my children has scared me to death. Then I heard a speaker talk about she said, "No one cares about your kids more then you, so why not do all you can for them"... and I thought that was so true.

I went to the St. Louis Homeschool Expo for three days. Let me tell you, even if you aren't into homeschooling the seminars I attended where just so uplifting. I heard Steve Demme (MATH U SEE) and Jeannie Fulbright (APOLOGIA) speak - they were wonderful. Great advice on parenting and all different subjects. I can't wait to go to another expo, it was just so informative. It was really neat to see what type of people homeschool. So many professional people just wanting the best education for their kids. It was great to hear what was working for them and what wasn't.

Do I think I will homeschool forever? No, I will take one day at a time - hopefully a year at a time but I am not going to put anything in a box and throw away the key. Would I feel like a failure if it doesn't work? I don't think of life as failing, I think I would be failing if I didn't try something she really wanted me to do and is so passionate about learning. If something isn't working I won't be afraid to change it. That is the great thing with homeschooling there is no right or wrong way. I have been looking at all the curriculum and probably could give a speech on that as well! So this will be our new adventure this year.

It is interesting hearing from people or seeing their reaction when we say we are going to do this. Like are we crazy? Trust me, we didn't go into this not understanding or researching it. On Fridays, there is a coop that meets and Taylor will be able to take classes. They have anything from language, history , Math to robotics. There is a school where she could go one day a week for Fine Arts, she will have piano, swimming and soccer and of course church. So I think she will be just fine. My big thing is will I be fine? ha ha. It will be a change having her at home all the time. She is my "Type A" daughter, but I love her to death. I am going to be working with Aiden as well but let him continue where he is so he gets the help he needs right now. Then in November Sun Fen hopefully will be joining our family and Taylor will have a partner in crime.

So anyways, now that you all probably think I have lost my mind... that is what is new with us. Keep us in your prayers as it has not been an easy decision at all. I do thank God for all the people he has put in my way that I have been able to see and learn from them. So please keep us in your prayers as we journey out into this new thing. I would appreciate positive thoughts and not the negative as well. Trust me we are quite aware of what those negative thoughts are and just don't want to go down that road. One thing I have done this year, is really try to open myself up to new things and it is amazing how great I feel! Life is hard enough and we are about living the best life for our family. I will be starting another blog for our journey we are about to begin.

I thought this was a funny video..

Visits, Soccer etc...

2010-04-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share these pictures of Aidens first soccer games and my parents visit over Easter. We had such a great time together. Busy, busy, busy but it was so fun. Life out here in the great Midwest is not going too bad. I have the attitude I need to make the best of wherever we end up for the time being. It took me awhile to get there but I am there. We have a great support out here and good friends. We have been busy with soccer, softball, church and brownies! I love all the activities for the kids, and they are loving it to. Ready for school to be over May 21st, that is for sure. Ready to start the new venture of our lives coming up...

What a great performance...

2010-04-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

(don't forget to turn down my volume on the playlist on the bottom)

Someone shared this with me and thought I would pass it on. What a great message in this song. I have been so thankful for the peace that God has given me in the last few months about certain issues going on in our lives. I guess I shouldn't say "issues" but something that has been on our hearts for about 9 months, to do or not to do? Someone once told me that our thoughts are God's way of talking to us. I guess maybe I should start listening? I will share more about that later...

still waiting...

2010-04-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Good times

2010-04-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time with my mom and dad! 80 degree weather here...

Waiting Anxiously...

2010-03-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Maggie is over in China right now getting her newest daughter today. I so wish I could be there... here is her blog. She is going to post pictures later today. Her beautiful family is something to see. She has 6 daughters now, and let me tell you her home is pretty organized to say the least... I sure wish it were me traveling right now too..

http://toriecomeshome.blogspot.com/

2010-03-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking how fast time is flying since we moved out here to Illinois. We almost have one year in - 2 more to go! I know it sounds like I am looking at this in a negative way, not at all. I actually have adjusted to the slower life out here and have kept us busy with things. Yes, of course I still miss the East coast, but in the meantime I am going to enjoy wherever I am - even if there is no water around (lol). I think the key is to stay busy and enjoy my kids to the fullest. I look at Taylor and can't believe that she will be 8. Where did time go? I never want to look back at life and be like, "I wish I would have done that"... Right now, I am trying to get together a unit study on dinosaurs she is so into that. Anyone have any good sites they would like to share?

I am slowly but surely getting back into my creative mode. I am trying to brush up on my photoshop and photography things. I have found a friend out here who is very creative - I can't wait to do some things with her... I will post more later on that.

Still working on the paperwork for my adoption, it seems like a never ending process. I have put it in God's hands and when it will be it will be. At this rate I am thinking October till we travel. In the meantime, I have been lucky enough to send some clothing and letters over to her. I am still trying to decide what to name Sun Fen. We will keep her Chinese name but also give her an American name. Chad likes the name "Mia", not bad but I don't feel it is that unusual either. I always like names with meaning, I guess we will see! We flipped a coin for Taylors name because we couldn't agree and who do you think won - Chad! I like the names, Avery, Tia, Tian, Autumn, Mahlia... who knows. I just can't wait to get her home.

updating once again..

2010-03-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

Once again, I have been slacking in my blogging... I promise I will get better. I am so thankful that the sun is shining and it is getting warmer out. I thought I would share with you the latest picture I got from Sun Fen... it is so precious. Yes, we are still trying to adopt her, it just seems like this state makes adoption much harder then NJ was. Something that took us 4 months to complete in NJ is now on 8 months here... So please keep us in your prayers. Taylor is still so happy to be getting a sister. We are thinking at this rate it could be September until we travel.

The kids are doing great. Aiden just started soccer - he is so cute. He is like the "Little Engine That Could"... he is one of the smallest out there but he loves it. He always wants to be doing what Taylor is doing. Taylor also is in soccer right now, it is cool to see how far she has come in the last 2 years... she is still my little heart and soul.

I am trying to get back into my side business adventures... I really need to! I feel like I am just getting into the groove of living out here. I have met some great ladies and that has helped, it is just different in the Midwest.... I miss the water, friends and family.

I am just adding a few pictures of the kiddos... I am thinking of creating a new blog so stay tuned. Hope you are all doing well!

P.S. This is what Sun Fens drawing translated to -

Jan 20,2010 (she wrote 2001)
Dear Daddy, Mommy, little brother and sister,
Hello! I kiss you all from China far away from you. I have dreamed several times that I flew to you and be with you all. I am doing very well here. Dad and mom, don’t worry about me. I expect, expect come to you soon.
Your daughter, Xia Sun Fen

Chinese New Year at a Friends... Fun times..

2010-02-13T20:24:00.001-08:00

We were invited to a friends house for a Chinese New Year lunch it was so great. The kids had a blast. Thanks Julie!

What a great performance...

2010-02-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

This song has a special place in my heart.... when I heard this version on the Grammy's it really touched me. (don't forget to scroll down and turn my song volume off)

Random pictures...

2009-12-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have been so bad at blogging since we have moved out here, I know I need to get better. For me to write I have to have that writers inspiration and for some reason I just haven't had it here of late. I guess to be honest I am still adjusting to life in the Midwest. Living in NJ for 10 years really spoiled me, we had such a normal life and now starting all over has been a challenge. I miss my friends and family something fierce - but I am thankful for all we have here.

Food for thought...

2009-11-02T08:37:00.001-08:00

Someone sent me this link to this touching video this morning. Growing up my grandma always had some child on her refrigerator she was supporting in some country. I never really knew how important just one sponsor could be to these kids until I started my adoption process. Seeing all the kids in Aiden's orphanage and how hot it was there in the summer really makes me think how fortunate we were to be able to get Aiden out of that circumstance (and his orphanage was suppose to be a "good" one. I wish I could help more kids.... so I just thought I would post this clip. Every year I choose a child with Love Without Boundaries to support for $35.00 a month and have Taylor involved in the process. It enables these little ones to live in foster care until they are adoptable or maybe not. It is something I think really hits home with Taylor especially after seeing what being an orphan really is like.

Saying goodbye... again (right?)

2009-10-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Saying "goodbye" seems to be the thing here of late. I heard a saying one time it was, "We don't say goodbye, it is - "Until we see each other again"... I guess that is a more positve twist on it, right? We are still adjusting to the move out here and saying goodbye is just one of those things. Five more years left in the military... (hopefully) We had such a great time with my dad and mom this month. We were spoiled having them both come out and us go there. Thanks for coming dad! Chad and I both appreciate the effort you guys make. It is amazing the bond they share after only a year here.

It is amazing, when I look back at my dad and my relationship, I really gave him the grey hair on his head... sneaking out, getting grounded was the normal cycle. Don't get me wrong we had a great childhood sports, vacations and all that - but I rebelled a little at home (yes, I did!) Now we have such a great bond. Living away really makes you appreciate family that is for sure. I am so glad the kids feel that bond even though we live so far away, that is all I want... to pass on that tradition.

So anyways, now back to the old grind. I am really trying to get some things up and posted on ebay, work on my web designing and some adoption stuff. Taylor and I are also working on some sewing collaborations right now. She actually will wear some cute outfits now that we are living here. (I just can't press the limit with "cuteness". I am following my friend Connies blog right now.. it is priceless. She is in China adopting two more kids right now. A 14 year old boy and I believe 2 year old girl (maybe one)... So special to see her travels. It is inspiring!

Hope you all are doing well!

St. Louis Arch/Science Museum

2009-10-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had a great time with my dad despite Aiden got the flu while he was here.... Friday night he started a fever and by Saturday it was 103.5! Needless to say I took him to the doctor and he tested positive for the flu. He got his medicine and two hours after we got home the fever broke, thank God. He still has some cold symptoms but other then that he is doing great. So we ended up doing a little site seeing while grandpa was in town, since they were feeling better. Tomorrow back to the grind for them. I will be sad when my dad leaves, it has been so nice. Yes, well no use thinking about all that, just thankful for the time we do have right? I am very thankful too!

Taylor and her friends at a party at the zoo

2009-10-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

Taylor had a birthday party to go to yesterday with her classmates at the zoo. It was really neat. They were able to touch a hedge hog, chinchilla and an iguana. Her favorite "boy as a friend" was there Huntley, it seemed wherever he went so was she... so innocent and fun at this age!

Go Penn State!

2009-10-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry, Chad we are trying to convert the kids while you are gone! Big game today... I guess we will see who's who... Miss you Chad!

"Poppy's" Arrived... the kids are so happy

2009-10-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

My kids were so happy when my dad came to visit today. They have been looking forward having company at our house. We are so happy to see him. It is priceless to see Aiden just run up to him when he sees him. It is amazing how from the very beginning Aiden just had a special spot for "poppy" and vice versa. My dad brought out the four wheeler Aiden drives around out in PA when he comes. He just about went crazy when he saw it in his truck. Chad is away right now, so it is nice having some company. I am going to go through withdraw when he leaves because we have been lucky to see so much family this month. It isn't bad out here, but it is taking some adjusting being away from what we called home for 10 years. So it is wonderful having some of home come out here.. Poppy bought those new pajamas for the kids... I was shocked Taylor wanted feet pajamas too. I guess Aiden can't have something different then she has... you know how that goes!

Baby Loss Awareness Day..remembering all babies

2009-10-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

This video someone sent me, sad but so true. Just wanted to remember my son Chase, as well as all my friends who have lost a child. Today is a day of remembering all the little lives gone to soon from our life. Although, life moves on there is not a day that a parent who loses a child forgets about that child. It is a hole in the soul. I do thank God for his hope that he has given me and my family for the future. I truly believe everything happens for a reason although it is hard to understand, why? Why would God allow me to have years of infertility all to lose my son 3 days before birth? But I have had to just give it over to God and thank him for giving me peace to move on. We move on but never forget. I look at Taylor and think, "Would, Chase look like her?"... then I look at Aiden, and I think, "Would Aiden be alive if it weren't for Chase".

I do think there is so much to learn from the loss of a loved one, and that is to realize that life is short. I feel like I really try to live like that song says, "Live like you were dying". I was one of those people that lived in a bubble from true loss, and then it happened. I have done alot of soul searching over the last two years, and I truly hope I am a more compassionate person. I just wanted to remember especially my friends on Silent Grief, Odette,Kristin, Tabitha and Dusty. Our little ones are our guardian angels... one day we will be united, there will come a day...

What I received today - a wonderful surprise!

2009-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sun Fen, sent a picture to a friend of mine in China who sent it to me - what a great surprise today! I just wish my paperwork was moving faster!

In the picture there is a note in Chinese “I want to have a warm family”.

On the back of the picture there is another note:

Dear Daddy and Mommy,

Hello! I miss you very much. I hope you can come to get me – your daughter soon.

Daughter Xia Sun Fen

Cousin pictures...in PA

2009-10-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Having a wonderful time with family out in PA. There is nothing like home. I so have missed the mountains and fall foilage. Taylor and Aiden are having a blast being spoiled by the grandparents and aunts.We took a quick 6 day vacation out here.

A few days with my mom...

2009-09-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with my mom visiting. I hate saying goodbye and that is what we just did. Tears always come having to say goodbye. I can't help but be emotional, but am thankful for the time we have together. My dad always taught us that family is the most important and that is so true. I am excited though because we will be flying home in 2 weeks so it isn't so bad and my dad is coming out at the end of this month for a week! Then I probably will really go through withdrawl (haha) It was short but sweet. We packed a lot in four days. We did some shopping, went to a craft fair, took the kids to Chuckie Cheese, played games and went to Grants Farm in St. Louis. The kids just ate up the attention. Aiden wanted to go home with my mom to see his "pop", he was calling him on his pretend cell phone at Grants Farm.

Update!

2009-09-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to get an update on SunFen today. I have a great gal (ANGELA) in China who is so awesome at getting updates for families who wait. It is these little updates that make the wait tolerable and makes Sun Fen even more real to us. I wasn't able to get pictures this time but questions answered that I wrote to her. I have a friend who is going to the area where she is from on a mission trip and will be taking this care package we out together. Today, I am going to take a video and she will be able to watch it over in China. Some of you have asked about names and how we made out with that... It seemed like Willow won out in the popular poll I had done. I like that name too, but am going to wait until I meet her and see how things go. (She is from Nanning, Gaungxi)

So here is a copy of the email I got today.. Thanks Lady Bugs N Love .

Hi Heidi,
I have received the update today! The orphanage is going to send me pictures later.
Here is the info I got:
Does Sun Fen need a winter coat or clothing?
Yes, she wants a coat, a sweater and two pants.

What does she think of having a sister her age?
She is happy about having a sister her age.

Would she like to share a room with her or would she like one by herself, color of room?
She likes to share a room with her sister and she likes pink room.

What does she think about coming to the United States?
She hope she can see dad and mom and go to US as soon as possible.

What is her favorite thing to do?
Play with computer.

What would she like to know about her new family?
She wants to know dad and mom’s occupation, hobby and personality.

I am wondering if she remembers anything from her family before she was given up at 4? How has she dealt with that?
She dimly remember her house, can’t remember anything else. She thinks that her parents have ineffable difficulties.

Is she able to draw or write us a letter back (I will pay for it) ?
Yes. We’ll mail it later.

If I sent a video over with a volunteer who is going to her orphanage next month, is she able to view it? It would be of her family.
Yes, she will be able to view it.

How is school going?
She is doing very well at school. She is a good student.

I will get back to you as soon as I receive pictures!
Have a blessed day!
Angela

www.lovesreach.o rg
www.ladybugsnlove.c om

Aiden's 1st field trip..

2009-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Aiden's field trip today. It was so cute to see him with his friends. He wasn't too keen on the animals, you have to watch the one video... I think his favorite thing was sitting on a powered John Deere tractor that didn't work, he thinks he is cool on tractors! He has one of Taylor's bad attributes, he has to be the first one on everything and he has his eye on things he gets off of to get back on if someone is coming to take over. It was a great trip. His teachers are so nice you can tell they really care about kids.

Our weekend...

2009-09-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend, we had a soccer game, birthday party and then today a rained out air show on base. Weekends here are still a little different. We have been here not even 3 months but it seems so much longer. I miss my family and friends back east that is for sure. We are so looking forward to seeing everyone in the next few weeks. My mom is coming out on Wednesday, we are going home October 6th, and then my dad is coming out the end of the month. Taylor and Aiden are so excited.

We are having school issues of Taylor feeling like she isn't learning as much as she did last year. She likes her teacher and school but feels she is learning things she learned in early kindergarten. It is hard knowing what the right thing to do for her is. I never thought being in 1st grade could be so hard. The one great thing is we made some really good friends here.

Today we had the air show to go to on base. It rained.. and needless to say there were no planes flying. Chad had to work a hotdog stand, Taylor thought that was the funniest thing. So the kids enjoyed going in some of the planes.

These were from soccer yesterday..

New link...

2009-09-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this picture of my niece. I sure miss her!

I have been going crazy for the last week trying to get my "followers" list to configure with my blog. For some reason my web address is wrong with that "gadget" and I can't figure out how to change it without changing my address. So I ended up changing my blog address. Feel free to pass on my blog, it isn't private... Hope you all are doing well! I still miss the East coast but it isn't bad out here, just another pit stop for our family. It is funny when I see shows on Philadelphia I have to stop and take it in... I never realized how much I liked living close to the city till we moved away. I think the thing is - we were there for 10 years and developed a sense of "home"... some day it will be home again (I hope)! I know there are people out there thinking "How can you like that area?"... I liked being so close to so much... friends and family!

Thinking Names...

2009-09-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

I put a poll on the side and we would love to see what our fellow bloggers may like! Chad and I made a list between the two of us. What do you think? I have thought about letting her pick between the names as well... I thought I had to have a name picked up for her paperwork before I get her? Anyone know?

"Gotcha Day" One Year Ago Today

2009-09-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Aidens "finding spot"

One year ago today, our lives were changed forever. Adoption is just such an amazing journey. All the hardwork of the paperwork, the trials and tribulations we have faced, fade away when I look at our happy boy Aiden. He is such a delight. To say Aiden has fit right into our family would be an understatement. He is all about letting us know who is boss and what he wants. The things is with him, he does everything with a smile. He is one of those kids that if are not in the greatest mode he can make you smile. I love now that he can say, "Mom, I give a big hug"... it is music to my ears. He really is blossoming more and more everyday.

I can hardly believe that we have had this little boy who was once called, "Gong Gong" in our lives for a year today. It seems as though it was a lifetime ago, and then on the other hand not really. Our time in China was so great, I just loved it. It is so amazing how far these little ones come in a year. When we first saw Aiden he was just so weak, meek and mild. But yet he had this happy little spirit about him.

I will never forget the day we showed up in the civil affairs building and saw Aiden for the first time. We had no idea he was there as we were expecting a big group of people... he walked out and Chad goes, "There he is". I turned around and just couldn't believe it. All the years of planning to adopt, things that happened and then joy of what was happening. It really was a surreal moment. An awesome moment. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to scare him as he looked so innocent and scared, but did yet he did not shed a tear. He walked over to us, took the ball and backpack and hung onto it for dear life.

Aiden, is just such a blessing to all who meet him. I truly believe God had a hand in choosen this child for us. He is just so happy all of the time. I know he just loves so many of our extended family and friends. He gets excited seeing everyone's pictures on our screensavers. Especially his "poppy". I would have never guessed they would have the relationship they have even being this far apart. Thanks to poppy, "Aiden, growls all the time".

Aiden had his heart checkup today and he is doing great. When I was sitting there listening to the doctor talk about what "could" happen years from now (if he would need another surgery), it started to sink in like, "Oh my goodness I can't even think of life without this little guy". - I just felt at that moment how truly connected I feel to my little sunshine. The great thing is, he has a normal life ahead of him and we are just so very blessed.

Sorry if my pictures are a little off on here. I loaded them from different computers and it isn't exactly like I wanted but hey... I just had to show where he has come in a year with us. I can't say enough good things about our little guy from China.

Party

2009-08-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to my friend Maggie's house for a birthday party. Aiden just loves Leah, we kid each other that they are our future daughter/son in law. We had a great time together. I can say that people here really are so friendly. It makes moving here so much easier. They have been such a blessing to us. ( I know I have said that a lot but I can't help it) I am grateful! It is just amazing that a year ago Maggie and I were talking on the phone about our adoptions, living across the US from each other and I end up 15 minutes from her now... I think it was a "God" thing... he knew I needed someone.

So today, my goal is to get myself organized - I should say my week goal is that. My sewing/craft room is still quite a mess. It is easy when it is the room in the basement to let it be like this. I am trying to get myself back in the business mode again. I am going to be starting another blog with all that on here soon. I am trying to design my own blog this time so it is taking me a little while. Please email me if you would like this link ( heidshosh@aol.com ) . I am going to be sharing some good recipes that I have been making and some clothing design. I think Taylor is into it as well. She picked out her colors already. Now I just have to sit down and put it together.

The Zoo Today!

2009-08-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at the zoo today. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the nicest zoo's I have been too - and its free at that. The kids loved it. It was sort of like Central Park in NYC but much nicer! So much to do, we will be going back for sure. Tomorrow is another day on the run. Church and then a birthday party!

Magic House St. Louis

2009-08-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post these on here as well. A few weeks back we went to the Magic House in St. Louis. It is a children's museum. They totally loved it, we took 2 of my friend Maggies' kids with us. They had such a good time.

School Pictures

2009-08-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

I was a little slow at getting these back to school pictures up on here... Aiden just loves school, he thinks he is a big kid everyday. Not too much is going on here. I am so excited my mom is coming out at the end of this month and then we are going home for a few days in October. My parents really miss the kids, my dad calls Aiden and they do this bear growl to each other on the phone. So now in school, Aiden goes around growling like a bear to the teachers and kids... I had to explain how that came about. He is really talking more too.. he came up to me the other day and gave me hug and he goes "A BIG hug mom"... I was like speechless because his speech has been somewhat slow but it is picking up all the time. He has advanced so far since last year it is so amazing.

Taylor and Aiden are funny together. For the longest time she kind of picked up on him (like sisters do), well now he is figuring out what makes her yell. Every morning when they are sitting together I hear some yelling and it is Aiden sticking his tongue out with food on it and showing Taylor. She gets so grossed out... kids, it doesn't matter what country you come from they are all the same.

Catching Up...

2009-08-24T18:51:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I blogged so I thought I might start back at it. We have been busy with school starting here so early (August 12th). It has been an adjustment to say the least for Taylor with school but we are praying everything works out. I think she misses her friends and teachers from back home - she also says that school is way to easy for her right now. So, I have been praying about what should I do?? I think I may start supplementing her with homeschool and see how that goes. It is hard knowing what to do with your kids sometimes. You would think I would know what to do since I went to school for teaching - but it is so different when it is your kid.

Aiden started his "special" preschool also. He loves it. It is through the school district and he gets speech therapy and alot of one on one attention. He thinks he is big stuff now. Everyone says, "He is so delightful"... He is the first one out of bed in the morning and then he stands over Taylor telling her she needs to get up... or should I say yelling at her. It is so funny to hear this 20 pound kid yelling at his big sister to get moving.

~ this has been edited ~
I just want to say, my blog is my way to express myself. Maybe sometimes I "express" myself to much and I apologize for offending anyone. I guess when I get hurt or let down I let it fester and that isn't always a good thing. I know my blog has helped other people who have gone through something similar and I know it has helped me. It is real, it is what happens in life. Yes well, keep pressing on right?

Well enough with all that... I am going to be trying to update more and also get back into my business stuff. I have also treaded back into the exercise routine bit again. We have been biking and walking everyday. Taylor loves it too! I sure miss everyone back East, hope you are doing well! Look out for my new blog I will be creating.

2009-08-04T19:54:00.001-07:00

2009-08-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

I was able to get these pictures from my friend Angela with Lady Bugs N Love. These pictures are so priceless. They are pictures of Sun Fen with the package Taylor sent her and a cake we sent. We sent a few things for her foster family and friends as well. I hope they liked them. It was great to see how happy she seemed. I am so thankful for these pictures as many adoptive parents aren't able to get updates on their kids (or they get one or two pictures)

I am starting the paperwork all over again and it is quite daunting here in Illinois. They have an extra step that will delay my paperwork an extra month. But I have to look at the whole picture and know this is just part of the process. These pictures really help us see the big picture as to why we are doing what we are doing.

Taylor leaving for camp...

2009-07-29T16:54:00.001-07:00

Taylor left for "Kids Kamp" today with some kids she will be going to school/church with. She was so excited... the only thing is, when I was getting her bag out of my car I said, "Taylor, I love you and am going to miss you". She goes, "I love you to, but can you only say that once and not when we get inside?"... I was like, "What?"... my little girl is growing up. It seems like she will have a great time with these little girls. It took her two minutes to meet some friends. Isn't it great to be a little one with no inhibitions about people?

Awesome Video on China's Waiting Children

2009-07-22T19:25:00.001-07:00

Taylors Music Drama Camp

2009-07-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it was Taylor's first week in Illinois and she went to a great music/drama camp at a local church. Last night we went to see the program and it was great. It is amazing to think Taylor and another girl led a song in front of about 200 people, not knowing anyone. Can you tell I am a proud parent? It was a great show, Chad made it back from Delaware with 5 minutes to spare! Taylor was so elated her dad was going to see her "solo" (even thought she sang with another girl).

A new day here in Illinois..

2009-07-17T07:17:00.001-07:00

It is Friday here and we are excited Chad is coming back today. A week TDY is nothing compared to 4 or 6 months but it is nice he is coming back. I need some more pictures hung up in the house (ha ha). Taylor has been going to a drama/music camp at a local church here and tonight she has a program for it. So that is our exciting Friday night excursion. I love to see her praising God, it always warms my heart. Aiden is dying to go but he has to wait one more year.

Life here is going pretty good. It has been a good transition. I appreciate all the warm thoughts yesterday and allowing me to express my thoughts on here and not think I am crazy. You know I always think Chad is a big strong guy and it is just as hard on him on Chase's day. He wrote a little tribute on Chases site and it made me realize he still hurts too. How can you not right? I think what really hurts is when you think some people would be there for you and aren't, but I guess that is par for the course for us.. we just keep pressing on as a family. I really have to just concentrate on us or I would go crazy with all that, and pray.

So now off to do a whirlwind cleaning job on our house. If anyone knows Chad you know how tidy he is... So I guess that pile of wash better get done! I can be such a procrastanator at times. Hope you all have a great weekend. I am thinking we may take in the zoo or something like that.

Remembering Chase, and celebrating what his life has meant..

2009-07-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well, today is that dreadful day that I found out 2 years ago that Chase died, 38 weeks 8lbs 5 oz. There still is not an hour in the day that goes by that I don't think of Chase. I know for someone who is looking in they may think, "Gee, she should be over it by now"... I might have been one of those people to before this happened to me, but a mother never gets over losing a child. Every birthday, or holiday you think gee someone is missing... Someone once said to me the bleeding stops but you always have the scar that is so true. But I do have to say that thank God that he has given me faith to move on and has supplied so many blessings to me and my family. Without God, where would I be? I am not quite sure I would want to answer that...

Faith is hope... and that has been my motto ever since this has happened. Hope is what lets us go on when we think we can't any more. I really believe that God has a reason for letting something like this happen. Maybe a wake up call to do something good with our lives, not to take life for granted. Before this, our family was easy sailing, no problems... then July 16, 2007 hit and life changed forever. It changed for many in our family, we were shaken to the core. I still thank my family for all they have done, and my precious husband who had to hear the news in Iraq...

I know not many people like to hear or even talk about sad news, especially the death of a child, it is easier just not to say anything... but for us we like to know that people have remembered, that Chase had lived and is still living. There is nothing wrong with talking about what could have been and sharing our story. Because out of this story has come a greater story yet, one of continuing love no matter what happens.

Without our tragedy we would not have the blessings we have now. I am so thankful for my precious daughter who is wise beyond her years. She tells me all the time, "I have 2 brothers, one in heaven and one on earth"... and the one in heaven went up through the clouds and is keeping an eye on me... I truly believe that too, she still says things that take my breath away. And my precious little China blessing Aiden... I can't say enough good things about him. He truly is an angel from above, he is the kindest, happiest little guy. And because of AIDEN and our trip to China we always have a heart for these kids in China.... Chad and I have had it on our hearts to adopt one more

I am so thankful for all of God's gifts he has given to us. We might not always know the why of things but I just have to believe that there is a bigger picture out there that we don't know about.

Finally here and settling in...

2009-07-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a few pictures of our house as we are getting it together It has been a whirlwind of a week. We moved into our house last Thursday and have unpacked over 16000 pounds of household goods, thanks to Chad and his "we got to get this done" encouragment. Seriously, I probably needed it though... when the movers left and we had all these boxes filling our floors I could have died but we really knocked things out pretty fast.

Our house is great, we have lots of room. Taylor and Aiden are with my mother in law right now so we have had time to get things organized without them. I am really anxious for them to see their new place. We tried to make it special for them. Taylor is already signed up for a music/drama camp next week and soccer starting in Fall. Sports is really big out here which will be great for our family.

How is the midwest compared to NJ? Well, much slower that is for sure but I guess that is a good thing (at times). I think it will be a good 3 years, people seem to be happy here. St. Louis is 12 minutes from here so that is a great thing as well.
My friend Maggie has taken me out to the Cheesecake Factory and shopping... what more could a girl as for!

Well, I hope to put more on here soon and start blogging again. I need to get my business up and running. Hope you are doing well! Don't mind the messy pictures compared to 2 days ago our house is a palace. Hopefully in the next week things will be totally put in their places. Miss you all!

Just sitting here thinking before life becomes crazy for awhile!

2009-06-06T19:12:00.001-07:00

Well, Chad and I packed up everything we think we need for the next 3 weeks and we have the movers coming Monday. That is the one nice thing with the military they do move us! I took a few pictures of Aiden and Taylor today horsing around in the backyard. They are just such a joy to watch, they can bring you up when you are feeling down. I shouldn't say I am feeling "down" but I am a little sad about moving as you can imagine. Taylor had her friends over for one last sleepover, they are such great girls. So we have one week left in school, a field day, movers coming to our house, then we will be going to the shore for a week with my sister next Sunday.

Saying goodbye... not an easy thing

2009-06-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we are getting down to the wire with our move. Our house will be packed up Monday-Tuesday, and then we will only have a few more days left here. I am feeling a little more emotional then usual here of late. Last night Chad had his going away dinner at Charlie Browns restaurant. It was nice but just another stamp that this is about to happen. It is hard leaving once you have been someplace for ten years. It has been great here, lots of memories - mostly good and of course the one sad thing. Once you are getting ready to leave some place you hope that you lived as good as you could ...seen what you could see. I do think that we have done a lot and I am so thankful for that. I am so thankful for the time I have had with my friends and family. Taylor's school has been such a blessing to us, I am sad to see her leave it. She came home from school the other day and crawled in bed for 2 hours. It is hard to see your kids sad, but I know she will bounce back. And thank god for the internet! Plus we will be back in the summers. We do have things to look forward to at our next place. It is just hard leaving a lot of memories and going to a new place.

Okay, so enough with that.. well gotta get packing again. Oh and one more thing.. Taylor was the best speller in Kindergarten this year at her Spelling Bee! Her little friend Sara was the second runner up. So cute and special.

Aidens Birthday!

2009-06-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for this late post... It has been non-stop with packing and everything. It seems like we have had something to do everyday. These are pictures from Aidens birthday from May 27th. It is amazing how far he has come. He is just such a happy camper and it has been so amazing to have this positive little boy in our lives. So positive we probably will adopt again sometime in the near future! All in God's time.

Knoebels Grove

2009-05-23T19:26:00.001-07:00

Starting the weekend right at Grandmas!

2009-05-22T19:08:00.001-07:00

We just started the weekend holidayup here in PA and I just had to share these cute pictures. I loved these pictures of Aiden with his popcicle. Tomorrow we plan on going to Knoebels Grove. It is a cool amusement park in the mountains.

McGuire field trip...

2009-05-20T06:40:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would share some pictures of Taylor's class field trip to the base. Chad and a couple other military dads arranged for the kindergarten kids to come and see some planes, and the atc tower. It was a great time. Taylor was so proud of her dad.

Taylors Birthday...

2009-05-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have to share one more post... Taylors' birthday was on the 8th, it is so hard to believe she is 7, time sure flies by. She is one of the greatest joys though. She had a sleepover with her best pals. It is amazing how fast they grow!

Happy Mothers Day !

2009-05-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post Happy Mothers Day to my mom... you have always given so much to me and our family. Just think we lived in Germany together, you have been there for me all through school, military service and to me are the greatest. I am so thankful that you have been able to celebrate my greatest joys with me my kids. I am so thankful that you have been there for me in the worst of times, I couldn't imagine going through what I did without you. I know I can count on you day or night. Your love for God and family has taught me what I need to do so I have the best relationship I could have with my kids. It is amazing what sticks with you when you are young. It is true when they say, "Train up a child in the way they should go and they will not depart from it"... (something like that). We have a bond that never will be broken no matter the distance.
I love you mom. You are the best!

Taylor's school put on an amazing banquet for the moms of the kindergarten class. It was so special. I have to say it was one of the most touching mothers day things I have been at. I have to share some pictures of that as well. I am so thankful to have such great kids and husband. Happy Mothers Day to my friends and family!

Chad "Pinning On" Ceremony Pictures/Birthday

2009-04-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share with family and friends Chads pinning on ceremony. It is something they do the day before someone puts on a new rank in the military. The squadron commander recognized him today in front of 100 airmen for his leadership and making SNCO. We are so proud of him and it was great to see his recognition and accomplishments that the colonel talked about. He is such a humble person I would have never known about all the awards he got if I would not have gone - he never says a word most times! Well, he did tell me when he made his rank, which I guess is most important. Taylor came to see what a pinning on ceremony entailed. Basically it is putting on your stripe a day before you actually put it on, and talking about what the next rank entails - while someone socks your arm as they do it! It is a tradition in the AF, I guess slight hazing (haha). His Chief also got up and said what a great asset Chad has been and how he will be missed. I am adding a few video clips... not the greatest but you can get the idea... Also some b-day pictures from yesterday! (yes, Chad is younger then me, he loves to rub in that fact) Taylor wrapped up her bunny for Chad in her one blanket... she is too cute! Chad was like, "Oh, this is nice"... then like a minute later he goes, "Okay, Taylor now you can put the bunny back in your room"... way to go along with it Chad!

March of Dimes Walk

2009-04-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

I should be going to bed but for some reason I can't sleep! So here I am blogging about our day in PA at the March of Dimes walk. I haven't updated my March of Dimes website but we raised $360.00 ! I thank my friends and family who supported us, it really means a lot to Chad and I that you honored Chase's memory by donating to a cause to help with preventing these types of tragedies. It was such an emotional day. Last year I wanted to do this walk and missed it so I am so glad we were able to participate.

When Taylor and I pulled into the parking lot I just got this overwhelming feelings of emotion. I felt tears springing up in my eyes and I was like, "Okay, Heidi get it together". Here were all these people who have either suffered a loss or watched their little ones suffer a premature birth. When I saw the "Wall of Wonder" where people who lost their children it was a solemn moment to watch these other mothers put up a flag in honor of their child. I also got to meet my friend Kristen who lost her son Gavin around the same time as I did Chase. We have supported each other through email and finally met. Just a special person, and I could feel her pain. I still wonder why God allows these things to happen, that will be the big question when I make it to Heaven one day. There isn't a day that goes by that my heart doesn't wonder why. There will always be someone missing in our family. I know there is a bigger reason out there and I have faith that one day I will have my answers...

Barbara, who walked with us also lost her grandsons due to premature birth about 10 years ago so I know she knows too. Thank you for walking with us, you are like family to me. Thanks mom for always being there and supporting me through everything. And Taylor, you are the light of my life... thanks for jumping out of bed this morning and saying, "Mom, I WANT to walk for Chase" - I thought 3 miles might be too much for a 6 year old!

So here I am remembering Chase... remember he was "Stillborn but still born"

Taking in the beach... in April!

2009-04-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

We just love the beach... and since it was suppose to go to 85 degrees today we thought we would take it in. The only thing is it was 70 degrees but we loved it. It was Aiden's first time and I don't think he knew what to make of it at first, but it didn't take long. It was so neat to see him gradually get into it. We also went on the boardwalk at Seaside Heights and he took in a few rides. Last time we tried that he did not want anything to do with rides... this time he loved them. The only thing is he is so little he could only go on a few and that was with a parent, poor little guy.

Getting life organized again...

2009-04-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well after taking a break from blogging about my life I decided I needed to do it again to have that outlet and also to keep me on track. It seems for me, when something new pops up into my life (such as getting orders) I just let it take over. When we found out we were moving I knew it was coming but it was still such a shock. I think if we would have kept moving like a normal military family it would be much easier. Being here 10 years, it is like we just started to find our groove here and we love our house.

That being said, I was thinking how great it was that God allowed me to have my family close when I needed them most. Who would have known that Chad would be deploying from here every 6 years straight, and in that time having a child all to lose it. I am so thankful that God does love us enough to put people in our lives that can help us overcome things.

After living in Montana for 4 years, I was so anxious to come home. I thought in the back of my mind, "Well, if I could see DJ graduate and Heather get married that would be great". Well, god allowed me to do even more then that with giving us 10 years here. Compared to most military families I have alot to be thanful for.

Now I truly believe that God has a purpose for us moving to Scott. I think he is saying, "It is time for a change". Maybe we need to slow down a little. I think God knows that I am "okay" now with moving. If we would have got these orders 2 years ago after losing Chase it probably would be alot harder saying goodbye. I know it would have been.

I also thank God that I have been able to meet a wonderful friend before I even move there... my friend Maggie. I think he knew I needed that too! We met last year because we adopted from the same agency, now I will be living 20 minutes from here. How ironic is that? The other ironic thing is that she is from Allentown, PA 20 minutes from where I lived - so we have that in common as well. I also have met many friends through an online community just for Scott Air Force Base wives... what a great thing the internet is. Also, the community out there is just great for families.

Taylors school is going to be such a blessing for her, I can tell already. I have heard alot of good things about it. I often wondered if sending her to Christian school if she was really learning "deeper meaning things"... and lately she just surprises me with what she says. She was talking about heaven again the other day, it is just something to hear. Just makes my heart smile. It is amazing how deep kids are and you really don't even know it. It makes me think to myself, "I really need to watch what I say and do"... I am sure you know the feeling.

I know people probably don't believe in these sort of things. But I do. I believe that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. Now, I am trying to get focused on getting healthy again. I had started weight watchers only to fall off the band wagon when this news game down about moving. That is my problem, when stress arises a fall for food.

So here I am, back on weight watchers again. Today, I had a yummy slim fast shake (haha) and a turkey dog and pickles... yummy. But actually it does make me feel better to think about what I am putting into my body. So tonight this is what I am making... hopefully it will taste good! I will take a picture when done!

CHILI PORK CHOPS
Source: "dailyrecipes"
Serving Size : 6

2 cup onions -- chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon chili powder
6 bone-in pork center rib chops
Salt and pepper -- to taste

1. Cook onions in oil until pale brown. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, water ketchup and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. 2. Arrange pork chops in crock pot, then pour sauce over the chops. Cover and cook on LOW 6-7 hours.

Beautiful Weekend...

2009-04-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Not to much going on here but thought I would share a few pictures. This weekend we made it up to 76 degrees and now tomorrow it will be in the 50's with rain. We have been busy going through some things, getting rid of others and packing up breakables that I don't want the packers to pack. So in other words.. fun, fun! But the kids always put a bright spot in my day. Aiden had a great time with his friends yesterday. It is amazing to see how he has advanced from September until now. When we first got him he was very lethargic due to his heart condition and just being in an orphanage. Now he is one of the bunch. I love this one picture of him yelling at Taylor for being on his tractor, they really are brother in sister.

The 4 Grandkids....

2009-04-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

My mom was brave enough to watch 4 kids the other day. They had a great time! Heathers baby Leah is such a sweety and Kaylee is just so full of energy. Taylor loves to be at her "poppy's house".

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend this year. I have to say it was one of the most fun. Chads brother and Megan came in from Massachussetts and we spent the weekend up in PA. Aiden and Taylor just love them. Needless to say we did eat alot this weekend...back on the band wagon this week! We started off the weekend by going to Shady Maple - delicious restaurant near Lancaster PA. Then we went to Chocolate World in Hershey. I have only been there over 25 times, but it never gets old. Taylor loves to ride on the ride of how they make Chocolate. Aiden clung to Adam the whole weekend, he was his "best buddy" .

Then on Easter we all chimed in and had Easter dinner at Heathers house. It started out with 6 of us and ended up having 15! But the more the merrier. My parents were away in Virginia but decided to come back to spend Easter Day with the family. We had an Easter Egg hunt in the 50 degree weather, but the kids still liked it. It was great that we could all be together...since we are moving soon. But my mom swears she will not be the Christmas and Easter grandma, that she plans on coming out to visit often. We will be spending summers poolside in PA as well! It is just a little sad thinking about leaving, but I am also looking forward to this new chapter in our life. Family is just so important to us. It has been great being able to see Megan and Adam since they have moved a little closer.

Quick video...

2009-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this quick video. Aiden just loves his tractor. He is finally getting the hang of turning it. He is such a joy!