Wednesday, June 28, 2006


Many have asked where in China Julia is from. There is a green province called HUBEI, about where the black dot is is where her city, XIANNING CITY is located. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Just thinking....

While sitting on the couch eating BBQ potato chips with Julia I thought about a few things.

1. She is a constant reminder of what being a toddler is all about. She loves to laugh, giggle, scream, cry and run around with her brother and sister just as though she's been here her whole life.

2. Julia continues to amaze me with her knowledge of English. She's a little parrot. She mimics everything we say (good and bad!). She's polite; using pleases and thank you's, says excuse me after she burps or toots and reminds all of us to do so too.

3. Cameron and Anna have totally adjusted to having a baby sister that drives them crazy. I thought they might have issues, but here we are 7 months later and once again, it's as though Julia was born into this craziness.

4. Wayne and I have adjusted to life with 3 kids. I look at a few of the families in Wayne's extended group like the Johnson's and the VanDyke's. They each had 8 kids. If Rita and Bev are still sane raising all those kids, than we should be able to handle our 3 (4 if I get my way...I'm not implying anything, just saying I would like one more!)

5. Julia has a huge memory of life in China and of her foster family. We can look at pictures of our trip or at books and she knows that it's China. She talks about missing her foster mom and foster sister. It's heartbreaking to hear her say that she misses her "China Momma". She also knows that she has 3 Mommas. One China Momma that she grew in, one Momma that took care of her until she was adopted and then me. She will say, "Ai China Momma" (love China Momma) and then say "Ai Momma" and give me a hug and kiss. She knows the difference. We want her to know about her Chinese mothers and how important they were in bringing her up.

6. She is a clean freak! Wayne is thrilled. He loves the fact that she likes to wash tables and fold laundry. Me on the other hand knows how sad it is that she knows how to do these things at age 2. Cam and Anna still don't wipe tables or fold clothes. LOL!

So, there's a little run down and where we are and what's going on. Sorry there are no pictures, just some of Momma's ramblings. Many hugs!

Friday, June 23, 2006


Here's a look at the first picture I saw of Julia (in the turquiose outfit, minus hair), then we got updated pictures in June of 2005 (green and yellow shirt, more hair!) and fianlly the one I took just a few weeks ago. Hard to believe it's the same little girl! Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Parades and T-Ball

I'm fairly tired and don't feel like writing a ton tonight, so here's a little run down on the latest pictures.

We agreed to pull a float for the Hart, Mears, Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce for a few parades this year. The 1st one being the National Asparagus Festival. Kids had a great time. We did another parade this last weekend, Walkerville Pioneer Days. Julia loved waving to people.

The latter group of pics are Cam's t-ball team. He's had an amazing year with it. We have enjoyed getting to know more families in our area. Cam has great sportsmenship and it makes us proud when he says, "It doesn't matter if we win or lose, Mom...as long as we had fun and tried our best." How awesome is that?

Well, take care and maybe I make a longer update later this week. :-)

Anna, Cam and cousin Mitchell ready for the 2006 National Asparagus Parade (in Hart, Michigan).  Posted by Picasa

The Oceana Singers all ready to sing. Posted by Picasa

Wayne's truck with the Oceana Singers all loaded up. Posted by Picasa

My happy flag wavers, Anna, Cam and Mitchell in the parade. Posted by Picasa

Here's our family (with Julia!) watching the parade. Posted by Picasa

Here's my grandma video taping us in the parade! Posted by Picasa

Can you find my cousin Lavonne? Hint: she's got a camera taking a picture of me, taking a picture of her! Posted by Picasa

Some of our friends watching the parade...Can you spot the VanSickles??? Posted by Picasa

Cameron checking his runner on first. Posted by Picasa

This is a typical crowd for a t-ball game. We are related to more than half of these people!! Posted by Picasa

Close up of Cam heading to 1st base Posted by Picasa

Julia and Daddy watching GeGe's (older brother in Chinese) game. Posted by Picasa

Cousin Mitchell, the power hitter. The blue guy in the back is Mitchell's dad and coach, Jason. Posted by Picasa

Cam's pal Logan getting a good hit. Posted by Picasa

Cam watching the ball take off (He got a double out of this hit!) Posted by Picasa

Cam up to bat at the game Monday night. Posted by Picasa

Monday, June 12, 2006

Lyrics from Phil Collins and Tarzan

Anna and I are watching the Disney movie Tarzan and here are some real cool lyrics that made me think of Julia and her adoption. Enjoy!

You'll Be In My Heart
Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold
you keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be herein my heart always
Always
Two Worlds
Put your faith in what you most believe in
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see
A paradise untouched by man
Within this world blessed with love
A simple life, they live in peace
Softly tread the sand below your feet now
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see
Beneath the shelter of the trees
Only love can enter here
A simple life, they live in peace
Raise your head up
Lift high the load
Take strength from those that need you
Build high the walls
Build strong the beams
A new life is waiting
But danger's no stranger here
No words describe a mother's tears
No words can heal a broken heart
A dream is gone, but where there's hope
Somewhere something is calling for you
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

New shirt and white feet

I wanted to post a few pictures of Julia wearing her new shirt. Forever Family is just a huge statement and I love this shirt. I also posted a picture of Wayne's feet. Poor guy...he's got some good tan lines going already!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Kate...Cam says he will make sure that you get to see the his trophy some time. He also wanted make sure you say hi to that "really tall guy"...I'm thinking that would Anthony. :-)

Many hugs!!

Julia being happy to wear her "Forever Family" shirt. I got this from a super friendly woman on Ebay. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/g8mmq
 Posted by Picasa

Think Julia has picked up any bad habits from her siblings?? Posted by Picasa

Julia looking excited! Posted by Picasa

Wayne's feet after being outside all day with shoes and socks on. LOL Posted by Picasa

Sunday, June 4, 2006

We are the CHAMPIONS!!

As you can tell by the title and by the pictures, Cam's team on their tournament! YEAH! We are beyond thrilled. We are happy to be done with soccer and are now moving on to t-ball. Cam has a game tomorrow night and I will try to start posting pictures from that soon.

Well, it's been a busy day and I'm tired so I'm not going to type too much. Have a great night!

Anna, Julia and Cam before the last games of soccer. Posted by Picasa

Cam is the only green guy out there. Posted by Picasa

Cameron getting his trophy!!! Posted by Picasa