Wow what a weekend...

So I leave Friday to go to Florida for the Beth Moore Conference. What a blessing. Not only was it a refreshing mommy break, but a wonderful time with the Lord. Anyway, I returned Saturday and Samuel was my new buddy. Jim was very grateful because he needed a break. Jim also informed me that on Friday night he made Samuel sleep in his own bed. Then sometime in the middle of the night Grace came to sleep with him. She just can't stand being left out. Anyway, the next couple of nights we let all of the kids camp out in our room. Praise Jesus, he is now asleep in his bed and without much fuss. He has also started saying Thank you alot. That is really cool. The funniest however, is when he puts on his Superman pj's and says "Tooperman" You know I don't think life can get much better this side of heaven. Wow, what a great life I lead!!!

A day of first...

Well, today was our first post-placement visit. Now I don't know if you remember, but our social worker was pretty nutty. Always getting things wrong and confused. Well, for this he called me twice in one week to set up the appointment. I was just like "thank goodness we are finally home." Anyway, the visit went fine. We drove 4 hours for our 20 minute little visit. So with the price of gas and Jim being on spring break we decided on an adventure.

We wound up visiting the GA aquarium. It was nice, but not exactly what I was hoping for. The kids really enjoyed the trip. Samuel had a mixture of enjoyment and wonder with a little "oh my goodness, what is going on." He was really fun to watch. We decided when we go back for the next visit we will go to Coca-Cola World. We then rushed home for another first.

We made it back to my parents' house in time to eat dinner with all of my siblings (except 1) and their families. This was a big gathering of people, but Samuel did really well. He played great and really enjoyed my nephew Andy. Anyway, the day was great. My husband is now telling me to get off so I can get some sleep and enjoy my 48hours without children. Tomorrow I will be going to hear Beth Moore and I am excited.

One month old...

So our family of five is now one month old. I can't believe we have had Samuel for that long. And then again it feels like we have had him forever. We celebrated the day by going to McDonald's for lunch, Sonic for afternoon snack and out to dinner with friends. A busy but fun day. Some highlights: At lunch Samuel actually bowed his head and folded his hands for the blessing. This was a first. Usually he just sits there and watches. The second major thing was that he actually sat on his bed for about 20 minutes during rest time. Big brother was on his so Samuel decided to join him rather than sit in my lap. Woo-Hoo! That might not seem like much but it is huge for us. He even played dress up with Grace this afternoon. He loved the halo and walked around and even went to Sonic with the halo. This really tickled her that he entered into her world.
This day has made me realize that even though there are days I would rather duck tape their mouths and staple them to the wall =), I am truly blessed. God is the Father of perfect gifts and my wonderful husband and three amazing children are definately from above. Thank you Lord for Your amazing gifts. This is most definately a Good Friday!

Three sweet babies...

Here is a recent picture of my three sweet babies on Samuel's first Sunday. Are they not the cutest thing you have ever seen. Let me tell you this adoption has been one of the best things for us. It has so impacted our church family and friends as well as our own two little ones. Sure we have had our issues. Grace especially is jealous and feels left out as the only girl, but we are slowly overcoming this. Right now as I post they are all sitting on my bed with Blake reading them stories for quiet time.

Samuel is really adjusting well. He still has moments where he kinda shuts down. For instance, last night Jim took something from him because he wasn't to have it. Then when it was dinner time he would not come to the table. I had to pick him up and put him in his chair. He didn't eat. Finally when we were through I put him in Jim's lap and he fed him and all was well. I think it takes him seeing that we are not giving in to his demands, but we still love him the same. Typical three year old.

We also had another interesting dinner moment. Grace was not allowed to eat last night because she had invited the neighbor girl over without asking. We had warned her before if she did that she would have to give up her meal for Kasey to eat. Well, Kasey didn't come over, but Grace didn't eat. Now let me tell you that hit home for her. Then Jim gave up his plate so Grace could eat. That then led to a teachable moment about Jesus giving up His life for us. Not sure if she got the significance of Daddy giving up his plate, but it did lead to one more plug for Jesus. She has been asking a lot of questions lately, so I just pray that she is understanding.

Blake has recently finished his Awana hiker book and has started the workbook. He is so excited to be doing that. He really devours scripture. I just pray we can keep up with him. All is well.

The joys of being home....

Well, the past couple of days have not always been joyous. Samuel has been sick the past couple of days. I think it is just weather change, but it gives him a high fever at night and makes him miserable (read into that also makes us miserable). Anyway, I took him to the doctors office and they didn't want to take the letter from HR that we were working on insurance, but he was covered. Then today was his well check and he got three shots and TB test. Add to that my husband was out of town for a couple of days and you get one tired mommy.
I don't want to sound so negative because I am really glad to have my baby. However, it is never fun with a sick child and doubly so when I don't know what to do to make it better. I could really use and prayers that others would have on behalf of me!
On a brighter note, I am so looking foward to the end of the month when I will be traveling with some women from church to hear Beth Moore. A ticket came up at the last moment and I grabbed it. This will be a much appreciated rejuvinating period for me. All is well in the adjustment world.

A review of our first day home!

I have to post this or I will soon forget as it was a major blur! We got home in time to each lunch (congee from VN) and then go outside to play. Our dear friend Sunshine and my Aunt Judy stopped by for a while and then soon it was time to go to school. We walked up to Jim's school so that the principal could meet Samuel and he could check on him classroom. By the time we finished Sunshine and Boyd took us out for dinner. We came home took baths and were in the bed by 8. I don't even remember Jim coming to bed. The kids and I went to bed first and I was out in no time. We put all of the kids on mattresses on our bedroom floor. Some time in the middle of the night Blake woke me up to tell me Samuel was upset. So we put him in the bed with us. He woke up about 4 times throughout the night looking around to see if we were there and then crying for us to hold him. Even after all that I got some pretty good rest. I guess after 48 hours of only airplane rest anything was good. Blake actually got up with him once to take him potty. He is doing great as a big brother. This morning as Jim left for work, Samuel cried. He loves his daddy so much. Soon he quit crying and is playing great with his siblings. I tell you, I have three of the best kids in all the world. Oh, Tina, if you read this I will post a picture of Samuel soon and we need to discuss when a good time would be to get the boys together.

We are home!!!!!

I am so glad to report that we made it home without incident! Samuel did great on the flights and was fun to travel with. Jim is a little tired from carrying him around, but I told him that was his labor pains! When we arrived in Savannah the children came running down to the terminal area. We were so excited to see them! My parents were there and my dear friend Heather and her 5 kids. I think Samuel was a little overwhelmed thinking that they were all going home with him. Samuel started talking with the kids on the way home and by the time we made it to my parents he was laughing. He even had my mom pick him up and rode with my dad on the golf cart. For a kid who has been so shy around strangers, even Vietnamese, he really has taken to our family. We are now at home and I am so excited to see the kids all playing together. We will see how things go when we get ready for bed. I was also happy to find two huge signs on our porch. One from our oldest two and Heather's kids and the other from the Awana kids at church. It really touched me and made me appreciate the people around me even more.
Now I was ready to stay in VN and live forever, but to step foot on my parents property where neighbors are far and few between and cars are scarce, I was thankful to be home. Peace and quiet is great!
For those of you who are yet to travel, a few notes. When Loc schedules to pick you up from the hotel, trust him. He told us he would have a taxi for 4:00 and our plane left at 7:00. I was worried because it is an hour drive to the airport so I asked that we leave at 3. Well, we got there and got in line to get tickets and check luggage and the woman sent us back. They won't let you check until two hours before. So had I trusted Loc I would not have been standing around the airport! Also, Cathay Pacific had nice stewardesses and folks but the room was small. I mean teeny tiny. Definately check the seat space for other airlines. Also, on our last flight before the states we went through security and then just as we were about to board the plane they hand checked carry-ons. Drinks that had just been bought were thrown away. All is well and I will continue to post for anyone interested.

All is well...

This will be a quick post because we are about to see off the Lee's. Anyway, today was pretty much the same. Samuel is doing great. I most likely won't post anymore until we are home. However, anyone who would like to meet us at the airport we will be arriving in Savannah at 9:20am. Can't wait to see my babies and I hope everyone is doing great. Blessings.

God is Good!!!

No, we don't have a flight and will be returning as originally planned, but praise God He is in control. Samuel is doing absolutely fabulous. Last night he actually sat in the tub and I had to drag him out. Tonight was the same thing. He is like a little fish, and I promise we have the cleanest tub, because he has washed it. I can't wait for everyone to meet him. Once he comes out of his shell around you guys I promise he will crack you up. He is also going to give Grace a run for her money in the talking department. It is absolutely non-stop. It is amazing to sit back and watch and see how much he reminds me of Jim and both of the older two. God truly created Samuel for our family and no other!
Today was not very exciting because Jim is trying to get over something. He thinks he may be catching was Samuel has had. I just pray he feels okay for the flight over because I am going to need lots of help entertaining him for that many hours! Yikes!! I did however, wonder out to the Citimart here and buy lots of rice crackers and milk for Blake and Grace's Awana classes. Heather and Lynda if it is okay I would love to bring these for snack one night. Just so the kids can share some. Oh, I also bought B and G some Dragon Fruit Capri Suns. It is really good fruit so I hope they like the drink. I saw some Dragon Fruit Preserves but I am afraid it would break going home.
Tomorrow we say good-bye to our friends the Lee's. They have been such a blessing and so much fun to be around. So much so that they are Uncle Shawn and Aunt Dawn and we are Uncle Jim and Aunt Amy. We were expecting to have to do this alone and God saw fit to send another family who so perfectly matched our needs (aka they act as blockers crossing the street=) Anyway, we hope to visit them some time in China. All is well and I will post more adventures tomorrow!

Tears...

Well, I came down here at 10pm to check email only to find a message from Todd saying he could get us out of here at 7pm. So close yet so far away. He said he tried calling, but it happened to be the time while we were out to dinner. This really gives me a heavy heart. I know God has a plan so I will wait for it. He is probably sitting up there saying "Hey you wanted to hurry up and get there and now you want to hurry and leave?! You can't make up your mind." Really, I will be still and wait. Your plan is the best and I thank You for Your blessings Lord.
About today... We went out after lunch and did some shopping. During this trip I saw an amazing site. There was man standing a few feet from me on the street and a bus came by and I promise, you could not put a pack of paper between the two. He looked up and his eyes were a little wide. Anyway, I bought a couple of lamps for the kid's rooms' and then we bought the BIG suitcase for Jim's instruments. What I wouldn't give to be able to understand the people talking as we walked past. Me pushing a stroller with a huge suitcase sitting in it while Jim toted Samuel. I know they had to be saying how crazy I looked. After that we came in and rested for a little while. Jim seems to think he may be catching a cold. I sure hope not. Anyway, then we went out to eat with the Lee's. Came back and now here I am. Not very exciting, but we are so enjoying ourselves. Samuel is such a ham. While we were waiting for the elevator I was kinda kicking him in his rear and by the third time he would stick it out and just dare me. It was quite funny. He walks around with funny faces and walks. He kinda hams it up like Tyler and Raleigh! Thanks to all of you who have told me your loving my babies. Oh by the way, Grace and Pa-Pa, Samuel had a hotdog for supper tonight and loved it!
For those of you yet to travel, I'll share a few things. 1.) There is a shopping district just a few blocks from the hotel. If you go out the door to the right and walk a couple of blocks. Then take a left for another couple of blocks. You will come to a pond and on one side of that pond is a Highlands Coffee shop and that direction is the shopping area. 2.) Al Fresco's is about 5 blocks down from the hotel. Go out and take a right. It is really good and the people are super friendly. 3.) There is a little grocery in the hotel area. They sell most anything so visit them if need be. 4) Have fun and enjoy the area. I have found you have to get out a little further to find things, but it really is a pretty nice place.
Now, I have to go pray for another flight!

A cultural revolution in Twin City...

Well, today we have had a pretty good day. Last night Samuel got a little upset when Jim had to get on to him, but we reassured him we loved him and he was okay. We got up this morning and went to old town with the Lee's. That was great and the shopping was good. We came home with two musical instruments and my husband planning his cultural revolution =) This fall he plans to put on a marching show all about asia. We are buying hats, fans and au dios for all the flag girls. He even wants to find a dragon. This ought to be a great half-time show. Needless to say we are also shopping for more luggage. We have to large bags and two carry-ons that are full of souvineers. Most of our clothing will be left behind. This was planned so that we could shop, but we never anticipated needing more bags. Boy has it been fun!
When we returned to the room Samuel pretty much zonked on us. He won't sleep unless you are holding him. And we he sleeps he sweats, so needless to say it is a little uncomfortable. Finally after 1 1/2 hours we woke him up and are planning a night time adventure. Not sure yet where we are going, but we are up for anything. Still no word on flights. Guess this means we will be here until Wed. and arrive in GA on Thursday. Please love on my babies and I'll post more tomorrow.