LIFES JOURNEY

THREE YEARS AGO

2010-07-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

Three years ago today, we entered the civil affairs office in Kunming China. It was a dark office with limited office type furniture. I appeared as a vacant apartment might look. Adam and I walked in. Our hearts were racing and our anticipation heightened. We were about to meet our daughter.
Then we saw her. She was down the hall. A sweet waddling toddler in a denim dress, holding the finger of a nanny. They walked her to us. She looked stunned and confused. They pointed to us "mama" "baba". She began to cry and we held her. We started to play games and sing songs. We began with a play phone, saying "Ni Hao" and answering the play phone. She began to giggle and then seemed to be OK with us.
Daughter. Our daughter is our miracle. She is bold, intelligent, sweet, kind and compassionate. She is sensitive. She is ours. We are forever indebted to our daughter's birth mother who chose life and gave her the opportunity to be found and cared for.
Daughter. This most special day was three years ago, and many of the memories are foggy, but the one true fact remains, that three years ago, you came into our arms and our hearts and became family. You became our daughter.
We love you Sophie!

A plea from my great friend

2010-04-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

My friend, who I admire so deeply, is walking in faith and adopting a little boy from China. Her family has findraised COMPLETELY for this adoption and God has been FAITHFUL. This sweet littleboy that they are adopting has a best buddy who is NEEDING a foerver home. PLEASE check out their blog at
http://www.mycupoverfloweth.blogspot.com/ for details. Could you be him family?

God's Heart

2010-01-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

God has CALLED Christians to care for the widows and orphans (James 1:27). God has been MOVING in our hearts, calling us to obey and asking us to step out in faith. Tune in soon!

SOPHIA IS A DANCING PRINCESS

2009-12-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

Sophia had her first round of ballet and tap and she STOLE the show - absolutely BEAUTIFUL! She is our dancing princess! You make mommy and daddy smile sweetheart!

Mother's Day TEA

2009-05-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

I was able to be BLESSED BLESSED BLESSED! My little man hosted (with the help of his fellow Kindergarten pals and teacher) a fabulous Mother's Day brunch and tea! What fun! My handsome fella sang his precious songs and MELTED my heart! Where has the time gone? Thank you Lord for making me a mommy! My children are the most precious gifts ever and I thank the Lord for how much they add to our family! They shine the Lord daily and I LOVE THEM with all of my heart! My little guy made my Mother's Day extra special this year!

We will miss you Friend

2009-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Our doggie went to be with TOP DOGGIE in heaven and we will miss our pal! Percy, was by far - thee best dog. The kids adored him and he made our lives fuller because of how wonderful he was to us. Percy YOU WILL BE MISSED!

MOTHER - I so LOVE you!

2009-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

We had a VERY special Mother's Day at My parents with the kids massaging the mama's stinky feet :) - and then our men all cooked us BRUNCH - move over country club - MY MAN CAN COOK! We had a BLAST! I am so blessed to have a mother who I love so much! I also thank the Lord for making me a mama! This is the role of a lifetime! Being a mommy is the best!

Life's a BEACH!

2009-05-12T18:44:00.002-07:00

We had THEE best time on Mother's day celebrating with Adam's Mom at the beach! What a PERFECT day to let her know that she means THE world to us!

You held her under your heart

2009-05-12T18:32:00.001-07:00

Just two days past Mother's day, I feel this strong desire to say thank you to Sophia's "tummy mommy". Thank you for giving my daughter life. Thank you for holding this precious child in your womb and giving her the chance to live. Thank you for her sweet smirk and bright loving eyes. Thank you for giving her a silly sense of humor and quick whit. Thank you for giving her the best chance ever when you allowed her to be found instantly at a police station out of your village. Thank you for holding her and kissing her sweet head the moment she breathed her first earthly breath. Thank you for your courage and strength. I pray that even though we will never meet face to face, that you feel the love I have for you. I can not imagine a better gift than the gift I have in my children. I hope you know that you too are our family - someone that we love and pray for - someone that we wish abundant peace and the power of the Lord in your life. I love my little girl and I will raise her knowing what a huge sacrifice you made to give her life. She was born under your heart and she was born in my heart. We are forever weaved together in the life Sophia has and will live. You gave her life and I will be the one to hold her hand throughout her life journey. Words can not express how much you mean to me. Woman to woman, I see you as a rock in your strength. I love you.

Goodbye Dear Friend

2009-05-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

What a day. Today, we had to put our best friend to sleep. Our Percy, our fabulous BLACK LAB - one in a million dog - was sick with a cancer that had spread throughout his body. He was by far, thee best dog we have ever seen! He let the kids love on him with every ouce of LOVE that our children have (which can be hard for a doggie to do). He was always barking at suspicious sounds and coming to us for love and hugs and wet slobbery kisses!
This loss has rocked our little world. Our children are feeling very sad - lots of questions - WHY WHY WHY?
We went to the vet today and let our Percy lay in our arms as the vet administered the sleeping medication and he quickly and peacefully went out, almost as he lived here!
We have had a day of tears and disbelief. We feel like we have lost a family member.
Please pray for us.

ALMOST DONE....or is it just BEGINNING.....

2009-05-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

So Adam and I are almost done with our PRIDE training which includes MANY hours (40) pf training and CPR/HIV and First Aid training - these classes have been jammed pack with information from how to transition a child who will go back to live with their birth parents to attachment. Some of this seems repetitive since we went through training for Sophia's adoption - but always helpful to brush up on! Plus this will be a FAR different journey for us - revealing different things that the Lord has for our lives and the lives of our family. I have been SO blessed by the wonderful people who have embraced and have given us such love during this time. So many people have already been touched, we have been even able to share about what we know already and have a couple of families that are interested about fostering....it is all about planting a seed - LIFE IS LIKE THAT
What we do today has eternal rewards/consequences. I think this week has really challenged the anxious ones as the Swine Flu has become a reality of many unknowns. People have started questioning their own lives and if the lives they have will be put in jeopardy. It totally makes me think of life. Questioning myself if my life is full and if I am walking the journey with God as the lead, or myself. I am so thankful that He has called us to care for His children - WOW - what a privilege. Life is short. Life is precious - why not allow a little life to be touched by showing love to a child with no hope - no love - no mom- no daddy. No one to tuck them in, pray with them, kick the soccer ball with, hug them when they have had one of "those days". In many ways we are ill prepared for this next journey - not all of our ducks are in the nice neat row that I like, but God still has given us this AMAZING peace and strength!
If any of you are ever interested in adoption or fostering, please leave me a comment. I would LOVE to pray for you and let you know how to get started!
In Him!

A license to LOVE!

2009-04-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

OK OK OK - we have prayed and asked God for His leading - His will - His way! This has been amongst one of the first life situations where I do not feel this rush that I need to be in charge or in control! It is WONDERFUL! God has been showing us in so many ways that He is calling us to shepard one of His little lambs! We have decided to Foster to Adopt! YAHOO!!! We are 1/2 way through completing our training and are so excited about what we are doing! MUCH MUCH MUCH more to come - !!! We plan to parent a baby - and.....are soooo excited about this new journey to family and love!

EASTER EGG PARTY !

2009-04-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

SO - 10 dozen eggs - equals TONS OF FUN and creativity! We had grandma and grandpa come over and help us decorate eggs - what a blast! We had cousin, S come too!!! I think we all had fun being creative - having NO idea what we will do with that many eggs - LO CARB DIET THIS WEEK? Sounds good to me! Super excited for Easter - NEW BEGINNINGS...

Love this family!

2009-04-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,"Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:36-37 New American Standard

A QUESTION AMONG QUESTIONS

2009-03-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

We have been thinking and praying. God has been revealing some really AWESOME things to us. It is amazing how God calls us to do things that we feel - we are not capable of in the flesh. I guess this is where faith comes into play - believing the unbelievable! EXCITING NEWS TO COME!

SPRING SOCCER FUN!

2009-03-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

I have been CRAZY with all four kids in soccer - they are having a BALL and we are enjoying watching each of our little kickers get in and play soccer! They are all so much fun to watch and a GORGEOUS day it was to play! Mom and Sophia snuggle in right after her game! WAY TO GO SOPHIA!

MY DADDY IS THEE BEST!

The gang - in their "silly"pose!

THESE FOUR PRECIOUS ONES ARE MY HEART!

2009-03-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all - just wanted to give recognition where it is deserved and I LOVE MY MOM! She is super STRONG willed and always "willing" to help make me stronger - when I ask and when I don't. She loves my kids - but has these incredible standards and expectations that they ALL meet - when I am flip flopping and being sloppy in my parenting, I think of her and how she does it!
I turn to mush when the kids are being manipulative - she tends to set them straight! Just got back from the ER and was SO SUPER SICK and was there overnight and WHO stayed with my precious angels - MOM - who had the house clean - MOM - the kids adorably dressed - MOM - the donuts and coffee on the table - MOM! HONESTLY - how does she do it?
When I am sick - as a woman - I still WANT MY MOM - isn't that wild!!!! She is such a rock - I would hope to someday be as strong as she is!
I LOVE YA MAMA!!!!
Lisa

CHINESE NEW YEAR FUN!

2009-02-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

THE TOTALLY AWESOME DRAGON DANCE! SOPHIA AND HER BESTEST FRIEND!

THE BOYS ENJOYING SOME OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR FUN!

OUR VERY PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRLS!

ENTERING THE EVENT!

A QUOTE TO LIVE BY

2009-02-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

I am only one, But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
~Edward Everett Hale~

learning, growing,changing and becoming

2009-01-26T01:07:00.001-08:00

In the past few days I have learned some from life that I have not listened to or responded to for years. I have been more in tuned with God's will for my life, the life of my family and the lives of others. I find it interesting that we grow the most when times are significantly painful and I can now understand those that say they find peace in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Without being specific, and possibly later we will be able to write more in this blog, but we had some exciting things entering our lives and today marks the very day that we surrendered all of the anticipation at the Lord's feet, knowing that He is God and we are not. We thought we had a plan - a family plan and now we look at tomorrow - planless - BUT in planless peace, being optimistic about what God will bring into our lives.
We all have a choice, to follow our heart or to seek the heart of God. There is true peace when we walk in God's path, but when we wonder onto our own, we create much pain, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.

CAN HE REALLY BE 6?

2009-01-24T00:56:00.001-08:00

I can not believe that B is already 6! It is amazing how fast this time has gone by and I just wish I could slow down the speed to catch my breath!

I love you so much. You have the biggest heart of all! We are always trying to give me hugs and continually telling me that you love me. You are so helpful and always wanting to please. You love school, your friends, your family and Jesus. I watch as you play with your friends and I see so much maturity in you. You are the kids who puts the needs and wants of others above your own - a characteristic that is so admirable - especially when you are just 6. I feel so honored to be your mom and to hold your hand and snuggle with you. You are such an important part of this family and add so much spice into our lives. We love you so much and can not wait to see what this 6 year old year will bring for you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love - Mom

WHY ADOPT?

2009-01-18T00:42:00.000-08:00

I have had so many people ask why Adam and I are so passionate about adoption. I thought that because there have been a variety of people asking, I should come up with an intelligent answer that sums up reasons without creating a novel to explain our hearts. We love God with all that we are. In saying that, we continually fall short of reaching His will because we are sinful and self focused. Our passion is not because we are martyrs for any cause, we have just been called. We have a strong belief that God wants Christians to adopt. The very fact that HE adopted US into HIS family, gives us the model of a pure and selfless love. We know that it was not easy for Him to love us and choose us as His own, just as adoption is seldom easy in any facet. Many people comment that we "have our hands full" and as we continue to think of yet another adoption, we realize that these very same people will not understand why we would choose to fill our basket even more full. The truth of the matter is that we seldom have it all together and know the direction that we are to go. We do not have the perfect marriage, the perfect behaving children, the perfect homelife. We are broken people and we fall short. What we do have is love. What we can offer is family. What we can do is fulfill God's call on our lives to give to those who are helpless and hopeless and for us, that is those who are orphaned - who have no mommy to wipe those tears or daddy to high five when they aced the spelling test or kicked the goal. We can give love. It does not cost one single cent. Life is EXPENSIVE and the economy is HORRIBLE - we wonder if this is the right time - but could it honestly ever be the WRONG time to give a child a chance - a life - a family - something to identify with and make them stronger in themselves. We also see adoption as a chance to change the world for the Lord. We love God so much and our home reflects His love. We pray - read His word and reflect on His will DAILY - which is why, adopting just makes sense! We were praying the other day and Sophie pointed to her heart and said "EESUS" - That is when it is SO CONFIRMED! Sophie now knows that Jesus is in that sweet heart of hers and that she is loved. Some people will tell us that adoption is not for them and I do not stand in any place to judge. We try to follow God's word as we interpret it and His will as He leads us. We chose to adopt in China because God planted a seed in my (Lisa's) heart showing me that our daughter was in this land. Because of this, we love China and the people and culture and would be honored to adopt from there again if God opens the doors for us. We will not limit God or His ability to use us, people of little talent and ability - to further His kingdom. From the moment Sophie was placed in our arms, she cried big tears, and the confusion and sadness she was feeling was overwhelming, but the love we felt at that moment could only be compared to the love we felt the moment our biological children were placed in our arms. So simply, why adopt - I guess, why not? Life is short and there is no greater gift in life than a family! When we put our children to bed at night, kiss and hug there sweet little necks - we are burdened for those many who have no mommy and daddy to hug and kiss and pray with them - EVERY CHILD DESERVES A FAMILY!

MY BABY IS 8!

2009-01-18T00:25:00.000-08:00

LOVE THIS CAKE THAT MOM MADE - JUST LIKE A STACK OF LEGOS

MY FAMILY ARE THE BEST PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY WITH!

MAKING A WISH AND BLOWING THE CANDLES OUT!

LOVIN' THESE COOL GIFTS...

I can not believe that you are 8. I recall the day that I had you - like it was just days ago. You came into this world as a vibrant and demanding little guy and continue to be just as tenacious! You have a heart of gold and demand much from yourself and others. You brighten a room by your smile and the love you have for others, is amazing! You are sensitive, loving and caring. You enjoy a sense of humor that is delightful and fun! I love you so much. I thank God for blessing me with a child who makes me be a better and stronger person. As you question, I do as well. You love God and you yearn to know more of who He is in character. You remember things that I can not for the life of me think of (especially when it benefits you :) -. I have just adored the past 8 years with you. They have been the best ones of my life. I thank God for allowing me the awesome privilege in raising such a wonderful boy! I love you! Mom

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER!

2008-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

All the kids with papa and grandma and great papa and great grandma

We love great papa and great grandma

THE BEST OF TIMES

SILLY WILLY COUSINS!

IF ONLY EVERY DAY WAS CHRISTMAS DAY!

2008-12-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

So excited to get this drill set!

MY JEEP MY JEEP MY JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOOK AT THIS VANITY AND A BARBIE TO GO WITH IT!

IT WILL BE OK BABY!

GOTTA LOVE THIS!! WARM FLUFFY ROBE!

CHRISTMAS EVE FUN!

2008-12-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER SNOW DAY AND HIP HIP HORRAY NO SCHOOL!

2008-12-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

LOOK AT ALL THIS SNOW! It keeps coming! They are shutting down major highways and freeways and calling this our winter storm! It is SOOOOOO beautiful! You can see the snow falling in the background! We are having a BALL!! We even made a snowman today and cookies and managed to bake some homemade cinnamon rolls - WE JUST LOVE THIS SEASON! Sophia is beginning to realize how fun the snow can be! It is actually warmer today than yesterday - even though the snow continues to fall rapidly - it does not seem that cold - LOOK at that sweet face!

Sophie blinked - but this is a sweet one of the kids!

I don't know why- but I LOVE the pic below of my little sweetie all bundled up!

MAKING Mr. SNOWMAN!

BRAYDEN'S CHRISTMAS PLAY

2008-12-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am just in love with being a mom to these AWESOME kids!

We were all happily enjoying all the Christmas cookies at the reception!

WE ARE THE HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS TREES!

CAN YOU SPY BRAYDEN - This sweet little song was so precious with all the kids singing "I am the happiest Christmas Tree" - SUPER CUTE!

I think that this Christmas tree was the happiest of all!!!!

I just love the Christmas plays that Brayden's school puts on. They make it so special for the families and they somehow really get these kids to sing their hearts out. I don't think Christmas is ever the same without attending a children's play - it just makes the season! When you see the magic in the eyes of your own child, it makes everything you do, day to day, so worth it!

A SNOW DAY! SNOWED IN!

2008-12-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

IT IS SO COLD - THE KIDS WERE UP AT 6am READY TO PLAY IN THE SNOW - WHAT A SUPER FUN AND CHILLY DECEMBER DAY!

WOW - IT IS FREEEEEEZING OUT HERE!

SOPHIE DECIDES THAT BAKING SPRITZ COOKIES INSIDE IS MUCH MORE FUN THAN BEING IN THE COLD SNOW!

LAYERED BUT STILL COLDER THAN ANYTHING!

MY THREE SNOW ANGELS!

CONTRAST!

2008-12-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

I saw the doggies sitting on the couch and though this was too sweet not to post - FUNNY!

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!

2008-12-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

Each Christmas our family goes into town and there is a super FUN Christmas parade and it snows each night (flakes of soap - but SO MUCH FUN!)

HERE THE KIDS ARE WITH THEIR COUSIN RILEY!

ON THE NUTCRACKER PLATFORM!

FUN WITH PAPA AND GRANDMA!

DADDY AND SOPHIA ARE HAVING A FUN TIME!

INTRODUCING........

2008-12-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

OUR NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER....DANDY - OUR LITTLE 3 MONTH OLD PUPPY

LOTS OF WORK

BUT ADORABLE AND WE ARE IN LOVE!

MORE OF THE CHRISTNAS TREE CUTTING!

2008-11-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

SO VERY EXCITED THAT CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!!!

THE BIG RED BARN WHERE WE GET OUR TREE - SUCH A GREAT SPOT!

THE ENTIRE ACT OF CUTTING IS MOST OF THE FUN!
STAYING WARM AND PLAYING AROUND ALL OF THE MANY TREES!

I JUST LOVE THIS MAN WITH ALL OF MY HEART - HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET SO BLESSED?

CUTTING DOWN THE TREE!

2008-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

We had such a wonderful time cutting down our Christmas tree - we met grandpa and grandma L and our cousins! I must say that I think this year was the best tree ever - what a BLAST! The kids just loved picking it out and riding Santa's express train!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

2008-11-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

BRAYDEN AND HIS THANKSGIVING BUDDY TRADE NECKLACES! BRADYEN LOVES THANKSGIVING DAY!

BRAYDEN AND HIS VERY BEST BUDDY!

TWO OF THE CUTEST LITTLE TURKIES EVER!

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN!

2008-11-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun Halloween! The kids were set for some trick or treating and LOVED going to our neighbors houses and they LOVED seeing the kids - Daddy decided to dress us as Santa - the first time Sophie saw him she said "no daddy - daddy home" - this may be an indicator of what Santa pics will be like this year....priceless BOTH BOYS WERE MORE EXCITED THAN I HAD SEEN THEM IN AGES!

MY PRECIOUS PRINCESSES - WHAT A FUN NIGHT!

EVERYONE DRESSES UP (MINUS MOM - WHO TYLER THOUGHT WOULD MAKE A GREAT WITCH - HAD TO POST THAT!)

GETTING READY FOR SOME SPOOKY SURPRISES!

PUMPKIN PATCH FUN FOR EVERYONE!

2008-10-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

RIDING THE BIG TRACTOR

GIDDY UP HORSIE! CUTEST COWBOY AND COWGIRL IN TOWN!

JUST CHILLING OUT ON THE FARM!

THE POOL OF INDIAN CORN WAS THE BEST!!!

HAVING THEE TIME OF HIS LIFE!

PUMPKIN CARVING FUN!

2008-10-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

PUMPKINS MAKE ME SOOOOO HAPPY!

GOO AND MORE GOO - HOW FUN!

DIGGING OUT ALL THE SEEDS AND GOO!!!

LOOK AT THE BABY PUMPKIN SHE CHOSE!

SO PROUD OF A DIRTY JOB WELL DONE!

SOPHIA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

2008-10-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

OLIVIA, SAVANNAH AND SOPHIE ARE HAVING A BALL!
TO SMILE OR NOT.....
THIS IS THE CUTEST BUNCH OF KIDS I HAVE EVER SEEN
BIRTHDAY PARTIES ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

THE PUMPKIN PATCH IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY!! WHAT A LOVELY DAY!

SOPHIA TURNS 3!!!! OUR BABY NO MORE!

2008-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

All four kids on the couch enjoying Sophia's special day!
THIS WAS SUCH A SUPER FUN NIGHT!
I LOVE PRINCESS THINGS!!! YAHOO!!!
LOOK AT THIS FANCY WAND - SO PRETTY!
I AM NO LONGER A BABY!! I AM A BIG GIRL!

1st DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-10-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

READY FOR HER FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL!
LOOKING PREETY SMART IN HER NEW BARBIE BACKPACK!
I LOVE SCHOOL MOMMY!
AT SCHOOL READY TO WALK INTO CLASS
SOPHIE HAD A WONDERFUL DAY AT SCHOOL! WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HER IN SUCH A WONDERFUL PROGRAM!

THEE CAKE!

2008-10-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

SOPHIA WANTED A PRINCESS BARBIE CAKE - SO MOM WENT TO WORK!

"WOW - I LOVE THIS MOM"!
IT IS SO AMAZING THAT SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE ME!
I AM HOW MANY NOW???? 3!!!!!!!
LOOK AT THOSE PRETTY FLOWERS ON HER DRESS!

BIRTHDAY FUN!

2008-10-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

WE HAD SUCH A FUN TIME AS A FAMILY WATCHING MISS SOPHIA OPEN HER GIFTS - SHE WAS LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET PEA

2008-10-05T00:09:00.001-07:00

To my youngest daughter - I can not believe that you turn 3 today! It seems like we were just celebrating your 2 year old birthday yesterday! In this year that you have been home, you have changed and grown so much and in so many ways. You make me say "wow" all of the time! You make me laugh continually and I am beyond blessed to be your mommy!
God created you in such an awesome way! You are so kind and sweet. You look at others who are sad, and always try to comfort them. You have thee most witty sense of humor and keep me on my toes as your mind thinks at a speed that is by far - "over the limit!" You will do great things in your life darling and I feel privileged to be one of the people who get to hold your hand as you become the person that God has created you to be.
You came into our lives in such a miraculous way - and I am still in awe of the miracle of your adoption and how God meant for us to be your mommy and your daddy. You are just beautiful inside and out!
Now that you are three, you are becoming more independent - "I do it" to just about everything - and me, as your mom, has had to allow you to wear your minnie mouse shirt inside out with your purple Gymboree leggings and your cowboy boots - it is YOUR style and you wear it with CLASS! :) - I can not believe that in just days, you will be going to preschool, learning, growing, making new friends and seeing what you like in life! AMAZING!
Thank you for allowing me to be your mom and for loving me with this amazing unconditional love that makes me melt! Sophia Hui Juan - you are such a blessing! Have a super third Birthday darling - WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

FUN FAMILY TRIP TO CANNON BEACH!

2008-08-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING WAS SO MUCH FUN! WE GOT TO VISIT TILLAMOK AND SEE WHERE CHEESE AND YUMMY ICE CREAM IS MADE!

OUR VERY BRAVE GRANDMA TOOK ALL 6 OF US BY HERSELF TO THE AQUARIUM! WE ARE JUST THREE VERY HAPPY BEACH BUMS!
IT IS SO WONDERFUL TO HAVE MY COUSIN AS MY BEST PAL!

FUN FUN FUN IN THE SUN!

2008-07-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

ALL OF THE KIDS HAVING THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES!
I JUST LOVE MY SISTER!!!
WINNING THE HULA HOPP CONTEST - WOW!
THE WRESTING MANIA COMPETITION!
ALL YOU CAN EAT ICE CREAM IS THE BEST SET UP YET!

FUN TIMES IN THE SUMMER SUN WITH COUSINS

2008-07-12T13:58:00.001-07:00

SOPHIE AND STELLA ARE BEST PALS!
SOPHIA LOVES TO GET INTO MOMMY'S MAKEUP! ADORABLE LIPS GIRL!
OUR COUSIN OLIVIA IS GONNA GET US WET!

HAS IT ALREADY BEEN A YEAR???

2008-07-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

WOW - One year ago today, something miraculous happened. God's seed that was planted October of 2003, saw fruit and Sophia was placed into our arms. This sweet little girl was tiny, malnurished for sure, scared, unsure, anxious, sick and unprepared for the say we had spent months preparing for. We looked odd, talked odd and even smelled odd (at least Adam did :) - how scary for a little girl who was not even two. This sweet little girl had endured so many transitions and attachments in her short little life. Because of the love of her foster family, she attached to us instantly and has never let go.
Many people will stop me and tell me how lucky she is - no - not at all! We are the blessed ones. We are blessed to see her daily smile, her spunk, her two year old tantrums. We are blessed to get her wet willy kisses and big bear hugs. We are the blessed ones who get to pray for her, sing with her and read books to her. We are the blessed ones to be able to watch her grow.
Saying thank you is not near enough a phrase for the mighty gift we have been given. Thank you God, for adopting us as YOUR children and creating the beautiful model of adoption. Thank you God for calling us to adopt a little girl from China. Thank you Steven Curtis Chapman for doing God's work and being used as a vessel to communicate the act of adoption at your concerts. Thank you China, for allowing United States Citizens to adopt from your BEAUTIFUL country. Thank you mom and dad for taking awesome care of our children while we brought you a new grand baby home. Thank you to Sophia's birth mom for loving her and placing her to be found right in the front of a police office. Thank you Americans Adopting Orphans for choosing us to be one of the families in the Pilot group - one of the first families from AAO to adopt a sn child. Thank you to my husband who listened to God's still small voice and who is a WONDERFUL father. Thank you to all of our friends and family who faithfully pray and lift us up and contribute to our lives and make our lives richer!
Thank you Sophia, for blessing mommy and daddy and your brothers and sister more than words can express. You are such a sweet little lady.
It does not seem like it has been a year - but in looking back - Sophia has made so many changes. THANK YOU FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL YEAR OF OUR LIVES MISS SOPHIE - WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY.....

2008-07-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY, ADAM AND I WERE BOARDING A PLAN, SET FOR JAPAN, THEN TO GUANGZHOU, CHINA - TO STAY THE NIGHT AND BOARD ANOTHER PLANE TO GET TO KUNMING, CHINA TO MEET OUR DAUGHTER. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS ALREADY BEEN ONE YEAR. THE EXPERIENCE OF ADOPTING SOPHIA STILL GIVES US THE CHILLS. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. WHAT A MIRACLE. HOW DID WE GET SO LUCKY? THAT YOU LORD! WE LOVE CHINA AND HAVE A HEART FOR THE PEOPLE PF CHINA. WE LOOK AT OUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER, WHO HAS BEEN IN OUR HOME FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR NOW AND CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE OUR LIVES WITHOUT HER. I THANK THE LORD FOR CALLING US, BEING THE VERY ORDINARY PEOPLE THAT WE ARE, TO DO SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY THING! SOPHIA HAS BLESSED OUR SOCKS OF AND WE ARE FOREVER GREATFUL TO BE ABLE TO ME CALLED HER MOMMY AND DADDY. I THINK OF SOPHIA'S BIRTH MOM AND THE HUGE SACRIFICE SHE MADE FOR SOPHIA AND HOW MUCH SHE LOVED THIS PRECIOUS CHILD. I PRAY THAT SHE KNOWS THAT SOPHIE IS LOVED BEYOND COMPREHENSION AND CARED FOR AND TREASURED. I PRAY THAT SHE FEELS IN HER HEART A SENSE OF LOVE - WE WILL FOREVER TELL OUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER THAT HER MOTHER HAD FOR HER. AWE IS THE ONLY WORD THAT CAN MEASURE HOW WE FEEL.

WE LOVE OUR DADDY BEST!

2008-06-15T19:53:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD! 2008! WE LOVE YOU BEST!

Our dad is special because he spends so much time with us!
S: My dad is special because he is a wonderful and kind person!
T: My dad is special because he coaches stuff!
B: My dad is special because he is the coolest in the whole wide world and so handsome!
S: My dad is special because.....love!
What a special Father's day today is for our daddy. We had a blast today - went to church and then to the Fathers day church bbq and finally to the lake! WHAT A BLAST!! Thank you dad for loving God with all your heart - for providing for us and loving us! Our daddy is best!

THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING ME FAMILY

2008-05-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the gift of having such precious children to raise. These children make me laugh and dream. They make me a better person, to evaluate what is important and what isn't. They make me look into the future and see the brightness that lies ahead - these children are WONDERFUL!

SOPHIE AND CANA

2008-05-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

THESE TWO PRECIOUS GIRLS WERE RAISED TOGETHER IN THE SAME VILLAGE IN CHINA AND ARE NOW FRIENDS FOR LIFE! I THANK THE LORD THAT WE HAVE SUCH A STRONG RELATIONSHIP THAT AS THE GIRLS GET OLDER - THEY WILL HAVE ONE ANOTHER!

FAMILY VACATION!

2008-05-29T00:35:00.001-07:00

BRADYEN WAS NOT IN A PHOTO FRAME OF MIND!!!

RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE MAGICAL CASTLE!
WE LOVE POOH BEAR!
MICKEY IS OUR BEST FRIEND OF ALL!

We just got back from Disneyland, where we met our friends who live in California whom we met in China! We have had such a wonderful vacation, making memories to last a lifetime! We all had just a blast and can't wait to go back! The older kids LOVED the thrill rides and Sophie could not get enough of all that Disney has to offer - Many told us that we were crazy to take all 4 at their ages - but in all honesty, it could not have been a more smooth and fun trip! I just love my family!

THANKS FOR MAKING ME A MOMMY AGAIN

2008-05-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking of how special this mother's day is, I rejoice in the fact that this year I am a mommy once again. I could not feel more blessed. I have the most wonderful four children in the world! Thank you Lord for all of my blessings and for making me a mommy to this precious child!

BAKING UP A STORM!

2008-05-07T00:03:00.001-07:00

I THINK THIS TIME I WILL ADD THE FLOUR AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

FORGET ADDING THIS CUBE OF BUTTER TO MY COOKIES - I WANT IT AS A SNACK!

WOW MOM - I AM DOING ALL THE WORK HERE!! ALL YOU ARE DOING IS TAKING PICTURES OF ME!

THIS BAKING THING IS SOMETHING I CAN GET USED TOO!

Sophie and Mommy decided to make some Monster cookies! Sophie SOOOO enjoyed making cookies with mom! She thought is was SO MUCH FUN!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG WITH SNOW!!!!!

2008-03-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

Today we got a surprise as we woke up to SNOW! What unbelievable weather we have been having these days - I caught a few cute pics of the kids playing and having fun while the snow is here!

I LOVE MY BROTHER!!!!!

2008-02-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

SAVANNAH'S SPA PARTY

2008-02-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

THE BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!!

DAD - BE VERY CAREFUL MY NAILS ARE DRYING FROM MY MANICURE!

I JUST HAVE TO GET THESE TO STAY ON!!!!
DADDY - I LOVE YOU - THIS IS THE BEST PARTY EVER!!!!!!

I THINK I LIKE THE POLISH WITH THE PINK SPARKLES!!!

SAVANNAH HAD A PARTY AT A GIRL'S SPA - SOPHIE GOT RIGHT IN THERE FOR PAMPERING FUN!

MORE FUN TO BRING IN THE YEAR OF THE RAT!

2008-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

SOPHIE AND MEGAN HAVE SO MUCH FUN TOGETHER - THEY ARE BEST BUDS!
SOPHIE'S NEW "BIG SMILE - SAY CHEESE" LOOK!
CHINESE FIRECRACKERS - BUBBLE WRAP - JUMPIN' ON THE WRAP TO MAKE FUN SOUNDS!
SAVANNAH WITH MISS SEAFAIR 2008 - THESE TWO GALS ARE TOO PRETTY!
TYLER IS SO HAPPY THAT FINALLY AT AGE 7 - HE HAS FOUND "THE ONE"

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

2008-02-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

FACE PAINING A RAT FACE FOR THE YEAR OF THE RAT!
PRETTY MAKE YOUR OWN LANTERN STATION PIN THE TAIL ON THE RAT! SAVANNAH HIT THE BULLSEYE! YAHOO!
WHAT A PRETTY LITTLE RAT! :)
FISHING FOR PRIZES IN THE FISH POND!

WE HAD THE BEST TIME LAST NIGHT AT A CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION - THE KIDS LOVED THE DANCES, KARATE DEMOS, GREAT FOOD, CRAFTS, FACE PAINTING AND MORE! WHAT A BLAST! LIKIN' THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION THING!!!!!!

Christmas Day Miracle!

2008-01-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I wonder what is inside this one Daddy!

Santa brought me a DS!!! YAHOO!!!!!!

I love this cute little Webkinz!!!!!! So sweet!

I could open these ALL DAY LONG!!!!

Our lil' screaming princess!

This Christmas was by far the most special in the world for us. We have our precious daughter, born in a land far far away, home with us - it is the ultimate gift! We had such a memorable time this year. Savannah continues to amaze us with how quickly she is growing up, Tyler amazes us as we continue to try to KEEP UP, Brayden takes life in stride and Sophie is like a little energizer bunny - she goes and goes and goes.... :) - We are so blessed and thank the Lord for our family. He has blessed us with these wonderful kids and we feel a sense of awe and this incredible gift. This Christmas our family is complete - The bunch of crazy Hopps that we are!

FUN WITH GRANPA WALT AND GRANDMA PAM!

2007-12-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

SOPHIA IS OUT LITTLE HAM - SHE IS SAYING "CHEEEEEESE"!
SAVANNAH SURE LOVES HER GRANDMA!

WHAT'S UP EVERYONE!
SPECIAL TIME WITH GRANDMA.

Papa and granma came over to hang out with us when mommy and daddt went to a Christmas party!! We had so much fun!

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS 2007

2007-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Dave and Grandma Leslie took all of us and the kids to Stanwood to see "The Lights Of Christmas". We had the best time and enjoyed all of the sights and sounds of the season! We rode the Christmas train, met Frosty himself, took a real life sleigh ride, took pony rides and ate AWESOME donuts! We all spent the night in Kris Kringles cottage!! What a blast! We had a wonderful time and hope to continue this tradition - certainly a highlight of this year!!!

SPOOKY COOKY HALLOWEEN!

2007-11-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

LOOK AT THESE SHARP DRESSED KIDS! WOW!
Here is the gang, getting ready for some treats!

SOPHIE ENJOYED HER VERY FIRST HALLOWEEN!!!! Of course we began the festivites with all of the kids getting dressed up - and once I started getting Sophie in her EVER SO SWEET ladybug costume - SHE FREAKED OUT! She screamed and cried and the more she protested, the more I got stubborn and told her "this is Halloween, we dress up for this day and you WILL have lots of fun!" - She did not agree, so the ever so totally composed daddy quickly took the costume off and let her wear her street clothes!!!! SOOOOOO we shall tray again NEXT year!

On a side note, we had a ball! Sophie LOVED getting treats and putting them into her "spiderman bucket" - she was the one digging in everyone's bowl for more "canneee". What a funny site - she was right in there with the rest of the kids. We had a BALL!

To Sophia's tummy Mommy

2007-10-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

The lovely girl, that I hold in my arms, is now 2. She is such a gift. She is beautiful both inside and out and I am blessed. You gave me a gift and you have been left with an empty hole in your heart. I looked up tonight and prayed that God would give you a sign, one you would be able to understand, to let you know that your precious baby girl is safe, loved and cherished. My heart breaks for you. To loose a child and be forced by your circumstances to abandon that which is most valuable to you is beyond heartbreaking. Sophia has these most wonderful characteristics that are likely passed from you. She has big and beautiful eyes that shine bright. She is witty, ever so curious and inquisitive. She is lovely and has the sweetest smile. She is happy and knows she is loved. Every night, she hugs me tight, she gives me slobbery wet kisses and I am reminded at how my joy is your loss. You made the greatest sacrifice when you gave Sophie to us. You will always be in my heart and prayers. I will always uphold you with honor and let Sophie know of the love you have for her. She grew in your tummy, and continues to grow within my heart. I promise to love and care for this precious gift, to let her know about China and the beauty of her homeland. I will give her opportunities to know what it means to be Chinese and American at the same time. I will never meet you and you will never meet me, but we share this common child. Without even knowing you, I love you. You gave my daughter life. You are her tummy mommy and we will never forget you. Lisa

Sophie Turns 2!

2007-10-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Opening the gift of 3 multicultural babies from papa and grandma!

Look at all of my friends who came to my party!

These are my pals Camie and Quincey from Kunming!

If this is what birthdays are like - I LOVE HAVING A BIRTHDAY!

Our little girl is two! Where has the time gone? We celebrated her birthday on the 22nd of September because her palate surgery was on the 28th and we were not sure how quickly she would recover. Sophie LOVED opening her gifts and playing with her friends - she just had a BALL! She thought that everyone singing to her was pretty cool too! We had a full house, and it was such a special time!

Has it really been 3 months?

2007-10-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

I am sure that I have disappointed many of you because we have stopped blogging and many of you live out of state, so I am going to try to post and put pics on when I can. Life is crazy, busy, hectic and WONDERFUL! Sophia is a miracle and her presence in our family is just what we needed to be complete. She is goofy and witty and she makes us laugh constantly. The kids adore her and she likewise, adores them. It seems like forever since we have had the precious gift. We get comments from people, telling us how "lucky" Sophia is, but we know the truth, that we are the lucky ones to be able to have the gift of raising her.

There is so much catching up to do, but to shorten things up, Sophia had her palate repaired at Children's Hospital on September 28th! All went well and she is healing nicely. She was a trooper - loads of pain and was needing extra love and hugs, but she totally needed us and we think it was a positive scenerio for her to know WE ARE HERE FOR HER no matter what! She has seemed to become even more attached since, which is wonderful! She loves to get hugs and kisses and she is beginning to talk up a storm which is really fun! We have an assessment for her speech in early November so it will be nice to get her on board for therapy. Sophia is also in a little Coop preschool with her pal Megan, who was also adopted from China. These girls ADORE one another and it is fun to see them become lifelong buddies. Attached are some fun pictures that are more recent!

Each day gets better

2007-07-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Sophie is adjusting beautifully and we are just so blessed to be her mom and dad. She is a burst of energy and loves her family and her home. My parents came again today and Sophie let them hold her - my grandma also got to hold her! She played games with my brother and she let Kim hold her with no problem. Our awesome church has been sending us DELICIOUS dinners - Thanks to Melissa, Julia, Pam and Karen - YUM we are being SPOILED. This has certainly taught us a lot about our values and the people who are there for us and love us. We thank the Lord for bringing those into our lives who consistently invest into our children! We are blessed!

Home Sweet home!

2007-07-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

We have been home now for three days. Sophia is adjusting so well to her new home. She is giggling tons and getting into all of the new things that create so much interest to her. She loves her room (not so much her bed at bedtime yet) and loves all of her little toys. She even began her first moments with the kids sword fighting with Brayden. I looked over at Adam and we both had tears in our eyes. This was God's perfect plan to complete our family! My parents and my awesome friends met us at the airport with flowers and gifts and best of all hugs and smiles that Adam and I missed so much. The kids looked huge and we could not stop kissing and hugging them. Sophie was not so sure of everyone, but in the past three days now goes to my parents. They have come everyday to make sure Sophie is comfortable with them and I so appreciate their love for her and commitment to making her adjustment to them as easy on her as possible - plus it is nice to have company to giggle and laugh with. We have had meals everyday until the end of next week! We are BLESSED!!! God is GOOD!!! Sophie is just a miracle. Savannah has taken to her like she is a little mommy and Sophie is like a movie star now - everyone wants to sit by her in the car and at meals, etc! Wonder how long her stardom will last? :) We plan to continue to update as much as we can. Thank you to all who have visited, called and sent wishes and blessings our way. Your words and actions of love have blessed us during some of the most challenging and life altering moments!!! We love you!

july 18 - Last day and oops.....

2007-07-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

We got up, had a wonderful breakfast, did a bit of shopping and then realized that we had no idea where Sophia's plane ticket was - we ended up calling Northwest and they told us that we needed to reprint the ticket for $100.00 - we were in a mad rush to get to Northwest before they closed at 5pm and also make it to our consulate appointment at 4pm - where we got all of Sophia's necessary paperwork to give to the immigration personnel and took an oath to love her unconditionally (duh) and that everything we have said and done is true to our knowledge. I got teary eyed knowing that this was it! Our daughter can come home to America! We will be leaving tomorrow morning at 5am!!! Pray for us late starers (8am is our typical). Our last day in China is bitter sweet - we will be leaving the land Sophie was born which is sad, but we are bringing her to a place where she has a loving family and siblings who adore her!

july 17th Lay Low and Goodbyes!

2007-07-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

We went to breakfast late and went into town for a quick look around and then back to the room. We called the kids and it was by far the hardest goodbye yet. We just miss them so much. We have talked about this miracle of getting Sophia and we know that we had to go to China in order to get our daughter - but it doesn't make missing the kiddos any easier! My parents took them camping, which is one of their most favorite things - so they are sure to be enjoying themselves quite a lot. Again, we are just so thankful to my parents for taking the kids - two weeks is a very long time! WE said goodbye to Stacy and Paul and little precious Cana - a very hard thing to do! We plan to see them again - just a short plan, or long drive away :)! We met our friends Laura and Robb and their little one Ella for lunch and shopping! We ended up taking a long nap in the afternoon (much needed for all three of us) and met our friends, Julie, Becky and little Maggie for dinner and yummy coconut ice cream. For all of those going to Guangzhou very soon, we have found that the two shops that tended to be the most honest and best deals were Lucy's (great for laundry and got two medium chops for only 80 Yuan!) and also Jordan's, who can write your child's name for free in Chinese and also on a little drum and his prices were VERY reasonable and he is a wonderfully nice man! We had just a day of relaxation and can't wait to take our oath before the consulate and be ready to go home - only one more step to finalize our adoption! YAHOO!!!!

Medical Exam and Jades! July 16th

2007-07-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the medical clinic in Guangzhou and boy oh boy did Sophie FREAK OUT!!! She has this fear of doctors and we assume that because we started off with such a rough beginning, she is not too sure of the intention of doctors and their procedures. The medical exam was just a riot. Picture like a hundred American couples, with their babies and toddlers, many of them screaming and scarred out of their minds! Them picture three separate rooms to measure, weigh and check hearing for each child. The hearing exam consisted of squeaking a play toy and seeing if the baby looked in the same direction of the squeak. Sophie was by far the worst behaved child. She screamed and freaked out totally. I am so not looking forward to going to her medical exams when we get home. We also let her play in the White Swan play room and she was less than enthusiastic about sharing the toys with the other children. One dad asked me what her "special need" was - I laughed and said "behavior" - he laughed too. She really is a spit fire - and we love it. We believe that she got a lot of attention in foster care because of her constant desire to get her own way - she has a will - that is something that many children are missing from orphanage care. We just laugh and laugh at her. She brings us complete joy and completes our crazy Hopp family. We also went to the museum and listened to our guide tell us interesting facts about the Chinese government and way of life. We thought that the jade factory was really interesting as well. Adam ended up buying me a beautiful jade bangle, which I love, he picked out just a lovely one. The Chinese believe that these jades symbolize good luck and told me to wear it daily and never take it off. We will see! Our faith is much bigger than luck - but the cultural aspect of Chinese things are interesting and we plan to explain these concepts to Sophia once she gets older. We went on a cruise in the evening which was beautiful! For 128 RMB (like 15.00 dollars) we got dinner and a 2 hour cruise!!! It was so much fun! We got back to the hotel and Adam and Paul played in the arcade and Stacy and I did what we do best - hit the shops. We talked to them till 1am and then went to bed! Stacy and Paul leave tomorrow. We are so happy for them that they will be able to hold and kiss their sweet angels - but we will miss them very much!! They have become lifelong friends and we are so thankful to the Lord for bringing them into our lives - it is an amazing experience what we have been through with them!

july 15 - temple and SHOPPING for Pearls!

2007-07-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

July 15th Buddhist temple and pearl shopping!
Today we went to the Buddhist temple. It was amazing to see the temple and all of shrines. We watched the Chinese people worships. their gods and it was interesting to see the culture and religion of these wonderful people. Our guide did tell us that many Chinese people are not very religious - and that religion has become a more social event, that Buddhism is more of a philosophy of living than a religious conviction. It was so hot and poor Sophie is not used to this Guangzhou heat - Kunming is about the temperature at home, so we miss it greatly. We spend much more time in our room than we did in Kunming - we hope to maybe swim today!
The pearl factory was amazing! We were able to handpick pearls and watch them be strung on a necklace. We purchased pearls for the girls, for their wedding day. The pearls here are about 100.00 us for really great quality and they are worth over $1000.00 in the US. They are lovely and the market was a cultural experience in itself.

July 14 Good bye Kunming -We love you!

2007-07-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today we flew from Kunming to Guangzhou. The plane ride was two hours long and we were so unsure about how Sophie would do. Come to find out - we have a world traveler with us. She did so well. She took a bottle and was asleep withing 10 minutes of the flight!!! What a GREAT baby! We checked in at about 2pm at the White Swan and got our much anticipated Adoption Barbie. We shopped a bit - this city totally caters to Americans. There are many Americans with their adopted little girls here at the White Swan and it is fun to see all the sweet babies with new, loving families. People are so happy! We shopped around with our friends, Stacy, Paul and baby Cana. It is really hot and humid here - very difficult to be outside for any length of time - we are continually going into little shops - the ladies are so cute, the follow you around in the shops - fanning you as you browse around. Tomorrow we go to the pearl factory and the Buddhist temple. Sophie is sleeping so well. She sleeps through the night and wakes up around 8am in the morning. She wakes up so sweetly and smiles at us and babbles. We love giving her, her morning bottle. She gazes into our eyes and smiles at us. We are so amazed at how far she has come!!!! She knows who daddy and mommy are and cries when anyone else picks her up or talks to her! She has definitely bonded with us. We are blessed!

Buddhist temple and pearls!

2007-07-14T23:50:00.001-07:00

Our sweet baby!

2007-07-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Kunming

2007-07-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

July 14th Goodbye Kunming!
Today we flew from Kunming to Guangzhou. The plane ride was two hours long and we were so unsure about how Sophie would do. Come to find out - we have a world traveler with us. She did so well. She took a bottle and was asleep withing 10 minutes of the flight!!! What a GREAT baby! We checked in at about 2pm at the White Swan and got our much anticipated Adoption Barbie. We shopped a bit - this city totally caters to Americans. There are many Americans with their adopted little girls here at the White Swan and it is fun to see all the sweet babies with new, loving families. People are so happy! We shopped around with our friends, Stacy, Paul and baby Cana. It is really hot and humid here - very difficult to be outside for any length of time - we are continually going into little shops - the ladies are so cute, the follow you around in the shops - fanning you as you browse around. Tomorrow we go to the pearl factory and the Buddhist temple. Sophie is sleeping so well. She sleeps through the night and wakes up around 8am in the morning. She wakes up so sweetly and smiles at us and babbles. We love giving her, her morning bottle. She gazes into our eyes and smiles at us. We are so amazed at how far she has come!!!! She knows who daddy and mommy are and cries when anyone else picks her up or talks to her! She has definitely bonded with us. We are blessed!

A letter to Sophie's Chinese mom

2007-07-13T06:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Sophie's Chinese mommy,

Today I found the place where you laid our little girl. I looked around and saw all the people and the police station and my heart felt warmth because I knew that you had specifically chosen a place to lay your newborn baby down, so that she would be found instantly. I think of how you must have hid, watching from a distance to make sure the precious child from your womb was taken and being cared for. Your heart must have ached for her. You must have cried and felt enormous pain. This special child from your womb was never again to be placed in your arms or in your care. As I looked around today I wonder what your circumstances were. Assuming you were not prepared to handle Sophia's medical needs, you must have decided to let her go in order for her to live the most normal and healthy life possible. You gave Sophia away, and part of you was given that same day. Fate and law have created a situation that we will never meet face to face. We will never be able to embrace. You will never see the love that I have for this precious child. I hope that somehow, somewhere you will feel peace. I hope you know that your precious baby girl is greatly loved and cared for and that she is such a gift to us. We can never repay you for what you have given us, but we love you and will always tell Sophia for your deepest love for her. We will allow her Chinese roots to be remembered and be a part of her life. We will talk of China and the beauty of Kunming and the place she was born. We will never let her forget you and the gift you gave us on that cold October day. Thank you.

Sophia's mommy

Hanging out in Kunming!

2007-07-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Above is my friend for life Stacy and her little girl Cana who I have talked a lot about!!!

These women thought it was so funny to see a white woman with a Chinese baby and loved my freckles!
Trying to talk louder in English so the Chinese woman will understand ... doesn't really work! :)
Bartering is soooooooooooo much fun!

Gettin' used to the high chair!

2007-07-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

I WANT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This can be fun!

Our last day in Kunming

2007-07-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Today was bitter sweet. We went to Sophie's finding spot - on a sidewalk right outside a village yards from a police station. This place makes it obvious that Sophie's birth mommy desperately wanted her to be found and by the right people. We were thankful that Sophie was found right away and in a safe place that many would see her!
We spent the day with our friends Paul and Stacy, shopping and sight seeing and we ate at the famous Weis in Kunming. All I can say is that chocolate milkshakes are on the menu! I had three Chinese elderly women stop and try to rub my arms (they were memorized by my freckles!) I said "freckles" and they repeated and were quite pleased. It appears that many people in Kunming have little or no understanding about adoption. They seem to not be able to put the two and two together; white family - Chinese daughter. Most of the time we get smiles and gentle hellos - a few snickers here and there - but we understand that not all people know what we are doing or can grasp the depth of our love for our new daughter. She is precious gift!!
Kunming is lovely - scenic and beautiful!! This is a great place. It is green and there are many close by shops to venture off to. Leaving Kunming is difficult because we know that Sophie is one step closer to becoming an American, which is exciting, but this is where her roots are from. We can not wait to reunite with the kids and be a complete family. We miss them terribly.
Sophie is a firecracker - even tried to bite mommy today! She runs a million miles a minute and is VERY busy! She is always smiling (at least when she gets her own way) and is really fun to be with. Today, when we were getting ready to pack to fly out to Guangzhou, Sophie managed to draw all over herself with pen, throw her cup and new toy in the toilet and take all of the toilet paper off the roll!!! All with a smile! She is a Hopp alright! Please pray for us, we fly out tomorrow to Guangzhou at 11:40 - getting a sneak preview of what miss Sophie is like on a plane - outta be an experience!!!! Days away from coming home!!!!

Sophie's pal!

2007-07-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed to have become close friends with Stacy and Paul! We clicked from the start - come to find out, their daughter, Cana and Sophie have been friends in the same village for over 6 months!! God is so good! We brought Stacy and me together knowing that our daughters knew one another!

You don't see this everyday!

2007-07-12T08:17:00.001-07:00

Look at Sophie's very brave daddy!!!!

A Fabulous Day in China!

2007-07-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a GREAT day! Sophie is feeling 100% better and has perked up so very much! She is just a doll - a little firecracker! She is so very spunky and has a funny sense of humor already. We just spent the day totally enjoying her. Thank you for all of your many prayers and thoughts - it has been such a blessing to see her feeling better! We spent the day in the minority village and it was great! We saw all the many minorities in Kunming and the things they make and sell. It was a beautiful and wonderful place - truly the first sight seeing venture we have been able to be apart of because Sophia has been so sick up till now. Sophie is sleeping in her crib and taking a good nap in the afternoon (we are trying too). She has also totally taken to Adam - another prayer answered! We ate dinner with our traveling group again - they are just so great! We ate at a restaurant that one of the facilitators recommended - let's just say that there was "Yak Penis" as an appetizer - needless to say, we are still hungry! It was like many things "a cultural experience". We are also enjoying bartering with the street vendors - it is fun and challenging! We have gotten some good deals (or so we think!) We ended up hanging out with our new friends, Stacy and Paul and their little daughter Cana (the girls are from the same village and know one another well)- we have just grown so attached to them - it is going to be hard to see them go - although both of us are soooo thrilled to be back with our children at home. It is really hard. We miss Savannah, Tyler and Brayden so so so much! We can't wait to give them the biggest hug and kiss when we see them! Sophie will LOVE her new brothers and sister! Can't wait to be home! Kunming has been so great and we plan to see Sophie's finding place tomorrow - which will be hard to see - we are so in love with this girl! We are so blessed!

MY HAPPY BABY!!

2007-07-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

We just woke up and Sophie is doing really well! WEplan to go to the minority village and Sophie's finding spot today! Praise to Lord! Will pst pics soon - thanks for all of your prayers!!!!! No fever and she is LOVING her daddy!!!!

My poor baby girl!

2007-07-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

As I posted earlier - Sophie had a very hard day and here are some pics of my little baby girl - we have cried so many tears today - both of us - Adam was furious with what happened to Sophie today. This is just so hard and so amazing how much we love her and have become her parents in hours time.

More orphanage

2007-07-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of the gal who works with families who adopt babies - she also checked on Sophia's Foster family once a week (we were told by her directly today that the information that we were given on gotcha day was incorrect and that Sophie lived with a Foster family with an older teenage sister whom Sophie was very close to, and two other foster children - one older and one younder - we were also told that her foster dad is quite quiet and the mom is crazy and talks a lot and that Sophie Bonded very much with the mom).
This picture was taken as we left our CRAZY day at the orphanage! Poor little girl of ours that has been through way too much! Sophie freaks out everytime she saw a nanny. The moment we entered the orphanage she screamed and held me tighter than ever. I fear she felt we were bringing her back - so sad! Also now, each time a Chinese woman comes up to Sophie - she freaks! Kind of a challenge in China!
This is the place on campus where the orphanage workers live. They all sign a contact to work there for many years and in return get housing. This is one of those places we would never have seen if we did not go get Sophie's IV antibiotics.
At lunch with all of the orphanage workers. Poor Sophie is just bushed!

More Orphanage pictures

2007-07-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures from Sophie's orphanage and our newest pals Stacy and Paul!

Difficult day

2007-07-11T02:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Sophia's orphanage and took the tour. Things are kept very clean and the staff is so genuinely sweet and loving towards the children. We were shown all of the rooms. There was a room filled with 15 babies and 8 nannies - the room was clean and the babies were so sweet and very happy. We saw many of smiles. The nannies all had a baby either in their arms or feeding them. We were also shown Sophia's room where she slept when she was a baby - it was filled with 20 or so cribs. it made me cry to think of my baby girl laying there with no mommy or daddy to welcome her difficult night or calm fears. We were taken into a room with special needs kids with communicable diseases - these kids were so sweet - there was one girl especially who I fell in love with. She is 11 with Hep B - she is the sweetest and cutest thing - made it hard to leave the room! We also met Quincey, the little boy that our friends, Jason and Bridget are adopting - he is just as cute and sweet as can be - and he is ready for his mama and daddy to come get him!

We were able to buy a cart filled with formula for the orphanage which they told us they would give to Sophie's village. Sophie's village is made up of about 80 families and out of the three other families that we have bonded with, she was in with two - Cana and Maggie's village - the nanny told us that they played together everyday!

We got a really neat book from the orphanage and the head nanny signed it. Then things got challenging. I am just so thankful that we have God in our lives and that I have such a wonderful husband! The orphanage docs took a look at all the kiddos and told us Sophie's tonsils needed antibiotics NOW. We were caught off guard and they escorted us to the doctors offices, checked Sophie for allergic reactions to penicillin (which they said she was not allergic to) and then started an IV (in her head) - two pokes till they got it right. Anyhow, one hour into this procedure - Sophie was head to toe red (she almost looked like a burn victim) - she had the most HORRIBLE reaction to this IV antibiotic - They rushed 5 docs, gave her benadryl (which made the rash go mostly away in 1/2 hour) and her fever also went from 104.3 to 100.0 - Daddy kept holding her hand because she would freak whenever mommy got near - IT WAS A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE - to top it off they encouraged us to come back for a different antibiotic tomorrow - UH - I think not! The director, whom no one has ever met, came down, hugged me and talked a lot to us. She also took us to the place where all orphanage workers eat lunch and we had lunch there. She continually apologized to me. She was a very direct, but kind woman and she was honestly concerned for Sophia. to say the least we have been doing VERY LITTLE site seeing - but Sophie is our number one priority.

Will post later - so tired. I kept thinking today "I need my mom!" - thanks mom for being there for the kids! I love you!

Stubborn with a capital S

2007-07-10T16:26:00.001-07:00

Sophia has begun to show her true and sweet little colors. Last night Adam was reading her a book and she insisted on holding the book - he wanted to hold it and read it to her so she flung herslef down and just cried - no tears and then she refused to look at Adam - she is so little and cute that it looks funny. She also had her water cup and kept putting it on the bed so little drips of water got on the sheets - I sad "no" and she looks at me smiles and of couse......does it again! She is funny. She still has a fever so it has been really challenging at times for her - so many new things and not feeling well makes it all the more hard - but she is SURE a trooper. We visit the orphanage and finding spot today. This is sure to be a more emotional day! Will post later.

Lots a milk!

2007-07-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of all of the formula we were able to buy for the orphanage from the money that the kids helped raise with their cards! Way to go kids! Many babies are going to have their tummy's full because of you guys!!!

Dinner with our made up travel group!

2007-07-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

Since us four families were going this trip to China alone, we all met up online and got together tonight for dinner. We have really loved spending time with these families and their new precious daughters. The restaurant we went to not only had awesome food - but also the coolest and most cultural atmosphere. Please take note of the sign by the entrance to the restaurant: no dogs, no bottles, no pictures - but kids are ok - it made us laugh!

Our style queen!

2007-07-09T22:52:00.001-07:00

The sunglasses were a HIT! She loves to put them on and take them off continually! and....a girl can never have too much shoes right??????? At least that is what Sophie and mommy think!

More Pictures 7/10/07

2007-07-09T22:46:00.001-07:00

These pictures were at Green Lake park. The men at the table are playing a game similar to chess in the US. The retired people here seem to be more social than in the US - they keep very active and busy and hang out with one another. The big beach balls were taken at the lake - the children love them and it is good for balance! The last picture with all the people was a group of older parents trying to meet other parents to find mates for their children. They meet at the park, discuss their grown children and try to play match maker. Our facilitator tells us the grown children don't enjoy this much!

Green Lake Park

2007-07-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Today we walked around green lake park. It is a beautiful park with so much to see and do. There is a little amusement area for little kids and people dancing, singing and exercising. There is also a place where children gather to feed fish (Sophie thought the fish were amazing). There are little paddle boats, which we hope to be able to ride with Sophie later in the week (she is running a low grade fever with a bad cough so we have started her on antibiotics and are trying to lay low with her until she feels better). The older ladies were giving the thumbs up and coming up to us and wanting to see and touch her. One older lady felt her head and told me that she must have a bad cough even without ever seeing or hearing her cough - WIERD! We walked quite a bit until miss Sophie seemed to have to go potty and we decided to head back to our room (now she is napping now and has not had one potty "accident" yet. It is challenging because we do not communicate well yet and there is not a definitive way to know if she has to go potty that we have established yet. We meet our group of friends tonight for dinner at the Blue Bird. It has been a total blessing to have these people to talk with and eat with. We are all in the same boat and encourage one another continually which really helps. I can not say more positive things about our facilitator - he is the best we have seen - he is so helpful and kind and really funny!!! Americans Adopting Orphans families are very blessed to have him - he makes this process so doable and we really enjoy him!

Bathtime is so much fun!

2007-07-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Sophia LOVES her bath!!!!

Forever day!

2007-07-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

Today was just a busy day! Today marks such an important milestone because Sophie is officially ours according to China law. We took an oath that we would not abuse or abandon her. When filling out paperwork for our adoption, we were told that the camera in the civil affairs office was broken and we were to go to a photo studio to get our family photo done. By this point, little Sophia was just so tired and the photographer freaked her out. Our family photo is one of a precious screaming baby girl. From that time on - she has been much more weary of men in general.

We finally got back and had bath time, which Sophia LOVED. She is just such a hoot - she is spunky and crazy all wrapped up with really sweet - she is just the perfect child that God hand chose for us and for our family. She is very social and giggles to herself when she plays. She likes it when we get crazy with her too!

She is such a teeny little one. Her hair is also quite thin. We were told that she lived in a foster home with two teenage sons in the country and wonder if she did not get enough food. Her ribs just stick out. The amazing thing is that she loves any food that we give her without rejection - so we anticipate it to be only a short time until she is to a healthy weight for her size.

She is also fighting something. I gave her Tylenol tonight and called UW who told me to give her the antibiotics, just because babies with cleft do have a harder time with ear infections and we will be flying very soon. She seemed ok with both meds. Her chest cough is pretty bad. Please pray for her.

This is just the awesome proof about how awesome God is. The lady from California that I have become very close to, who happens to be Cana's mommy - and we have had dinner with them and hung out with them often, adopted the sweet baby girl from Sophie's farming village and she was in the same baby room as Sophia in the orphanage! Sophia really loves this little girl and you can tell that she knows her well. It has just been so awesome and I know that because of our girls and God's hand, we will be friends for life.

We are so in love with this little one! Can't wait till tomorrow to see what we get to know more about this amazing little one!

Kids - Sophia is going to LOVE you guys so much! Daddy and I showed her the pictures of you guys and she always wants to look at the photo book and touch you and have us tell her who you are! Only 10 more days!!! We love you guys.

On a total side note, which we will write about later, Kunming is GORGEOUS!!! This place is great!!!

Gotcha day

2007-07-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! We have been filled with the wonder and miracle of this wonderful sweet baby girl of ours. God is so good. We are so blessed. We can't believe how much in love we are with Sophia already - she is such a little spunky thing.

We got to the Civil Affairs office at 8:30. We sat down and we saw a nanny bring in two babies. One was apparently very upset. They were in another room so we were not sure which one was Sophie. Our facilitator told us Sophie was not the crying baby, but once they brought her to us, she was VERY upset. Daddy held her then mommy. She cried for about 10 minutes and then we got the bottle out which did the trick. She drank it well and then ate her filling of fruity Cheerios (thanks to the advice of the been there done that mommy, our friend Cathy). She then was playing and laughing and smiling. She has taken to us both equally so far.

She is a VERY tiny thing - she wears about a 6 month size and looks thin - daddy says give her a couple weeks with the Hopp snack drawer and she will be her right size in no time!!

She does have a little cough and we plan to take her to see the doctor just to be sure she is ok. She seems happy and content though. She is on the bed playing with her new toys. She is SOOOO smart - stacking cups and reading books and LOVING her sunglasses and her new baby doll. LOVES THE BABY DOLL!

She is in fact potty trained - her motion is a dress tug and then I take her in and she goes. I still have a diaper on her - she does not seem to mind the diaper.

We were told once the nanny gave her to us to be VERY careful - that even though she seems quiet because she is upset - she is WILD and will get into EVERYTHING! I guess we may need to Sophie proof the house more!

We will write later - we are just so in love with this little one that God has blessed us with.

Gatcha Day

2007-07-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

More pictures later but wanted to let you know that we finally got beautiful Sophia in our arms today. At first she was a little hesitant but now has taken to us very well. We are so happy.

Our favorite site!

2007-07-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture that we have sent yet. Look at what we were greeted with when we checked in to our hotel and entered our room!! That little blue crib was my favorite site so far. I can just imagine my baby girl asleep dreaming in it all snuggly in her new blankets. Looking at this little crib brought tears to both of our eyes. Life is about to change in an amazing way!