A Few of Our Favorite Things

Nothing much happening over here these days. That's a good thing!!! So I thought I'd post a few pics of some of our favorite pasttimes: Tea Party, Clutter up Mom's den, and Sit on top of Judson. All of which are quite fun. Coming Events: Valentine's Dance for the Down Syndrome Association and Chinese New Year. Stay tuned for pictures!!!!

The Conversation

This morning I was getting dressed. This is the conversation I had with Judson.

Me: Judson, what do you think of this shirt?
J: It makes you look REAL old.
Me: Oh really. How old?
J: FORTY-FOUR, or something!
Me: Ok, I'll change.
Me: Judson, what do you think of this shirt?
J: That makes you look thirty-nine and a half
Me: That's not so bad.
J: THAT'S ALMOST FORTY!
Me: I'll take it.

What do you expect when you ask the opinion of a 4 year old?

On a side note, take a look at the pictures. Everyone in our house does their own ironing. I was always told, "raise them up in the way they should go"

Fun Stuff!

The kids received 'dress up' clothes for Christmas. So I added some hats I found at the dollar store and, TA DA, we have the makings of a fun time. I don't usually get pictures of them in dress up clothes since they come off as quickly as they are put on but I did get some cute pics of them in their hats (or bowl when a hat cant be readily found). Judson and Ansley will come in all dressed up, shoes, purse, hats, whatever they can find and tell me, "Bye Bye, we're going to visit (fill in a name)" and they take off. They come back a few minutes later and tell me what a wonderful time they've had and then take off to visit someone else. It's just too cute!

News Commentary

So, when you read/hear stories on the news about bad kids, adoption, and amnio just remember those stories were written by people who get paid by how many commercials they sell. Perhaps, their news isn't the whole truth. Just perhaps, there is no truth whatsoever in their stories. Here's a story of 3 kids:

1) Ansley. She was adopted from Taiwan. She was NOT adopted because her mommy and daddy wanted a China doll who would grow up to be a doctor. She was adopted because Mommy and Daddy wanted to build their family both biologically and thru adoption. It was always their plan to do so. She is happy, smart, funny, annoying (Stricklins are ALWAYS annoying), opinionated, selfish (Her motto,"what's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine"), loving, sweet, cute as a button, and truly a joy to be around.




2) Sawyer. Yes he was born with Down Syndrome. His Mommy and Daddy knew there were markers for this prior to his birth. They decided against amnio because they knew it would not change their course of action. He is NOT "DOWNS" (whatever that means). Down Syndrome is only a small part of who he is. He is also smart, empathetic, extremely funny, the only thing that scares his sister, happy, stubborn, loving, cranky when he is hungry, a daredevil, and yes, a joy to be around. I would also contend, were there more people like Sawyer around, there'd be less wars and other senseless acts of violence.






3) Judson. He is the first born. Some people might describe him as an Indigo child. He has an old soul and a deep conviction of what is right and just. (despite a few altercations with his sister) You do NOT pull the wool over his eyes. He expects a true and honest explanation to his questions. He may take a while to process things but in the end, if it does not make sense, he won't buy into it. He is smart but he also puts alot of time into learning things. He is also funny and loving and inquisitive and sensitive and a pain in the neck (to his sister) and a great helper around the house and again, a joy to be around.

So when you hear negative press (Is there ever positive press?), remember they don't always get it right. These kids are amazing and wonderful and just plain, crack me up!

Picture Day

Today was the scheduled day for me to take Ansley to have her 2 year picture made. As is always the case, the cards were stacked against us. Earlier in the week, Judson scratched Ansley's face during one of their many 'sibling altercations'. Then last night, Sawyer was up pretty much the whole night. The other 2 got up early this morning as well. Despite the bad karma, we managed to make it to the appointment and I think the pictures turned out pretty well. We'll see when we pick up the final product. They were still in picture taking mode when we got home, so here are some of the shots. You can see the scratch. It's so hard to get them to smile. They always smile AFTER the flash goes off. So don't think they are miserable. They are not. Just bad timing on my part to get the picture.

Can you Believe it?

A family has commited to adopting Naum!!! How awesome is that!!!!

Here are a couple of M&M cookie eating pictures for you. Sawyer preferred popcorn to cookies.

Adoption

OKay. Anyone that knows me will tell you, I'm practically Ellie Mae Clampet. If it were up to me, I'd take in every stray animal and orphaned child in the WHOLE world. Now obviously, that is just not possible. So since alot of you started reading this because of your interest in adoption, I thought I'd take an opportunity to tell you about 2 very special orphans who are desparately looking for a home. I won't do this very often, just when someone tugs at my heart strings. I figure if I tell you and you tell someone and that someone tells someone, who knows? Maybe these guys can find a 'forever home'.

Little guy #1: His name is Naum. He lives in an orphanage in the Ukraine. He was born with 1 extra chromosome. (He has Down Syndrome) He also has clubbed feet. (s/b Correctable in the US) He is 3 years old and at the ripe old age of 4, he will be sent to a mental institution. I wish you could see his picture. Oh my, what a spark this kid has. Those blue eyes just twinkle and he has a shaggy head of brownish-blonde hair. He reminds me of Sawyer. (Now you know why he tugs at my heart)

Little guy #2: His name is Louinard. He lives in an orphanage in Haiti. You really need to see his picture to fully appreciate how special he is. He has a very regal presence about him. By the way, he, too, has Down Syndrome.

So those two are the ones I've chosen to tell you about. There are literally hundreds of thousands of children throughout the US and the world who need a family to call their own. I hope you will tell others or sponsor an orphan (Many worthy programs exist) or maybe consider adoption for your family. Just wanted to share.

Happy Birthday, Pooh!

Ansley turned 2 this week, so we celebrated today. It was a small celebration. Just us. Judson and I made butterfly cupcakes. That was the best thing. She kept saying, "Cukakes". She opened presents and then had a hard time keeping them all to herself. It's very hard when everything is "MINE" to keep it ALL away from your brothers. You wear yourself out. Happy Birthday, Pooh Bear! We love you!

Getting Organized

So this year, I head out to Home Depot to buy lots of storage bins to get everything organized. Cardboard boxes only last so many years and then it's time for Rubbermaid to take over. As you can see, I didn't buy them quite large enough. Only 2 of our 3 children will fit into one box. Of course, the child that was left out was quite happy about the situation. Hope everyone has a happy 2007!

Tennessee Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas in Tennessee. We had over 30 people on Christmas eve and over 20 folks on Christmas day. That is ALOT of people. The kids had a great time. Judson had so many people to give him attention. He wants to live in Tennessee! Sawyer had lots of people to watch. (He is a people watcher) Ansley did great. She did not seem to get stressed with all the people. Of course with that many people, someone is always eating. So she was constantly begging for food. Her favorite past time is eating!

The kids were blessed with alot of gifts. We ate like kings for a week. Best of all, we got to visit with family! We had a very Merry Christmas.

Happy New Year!!

So much happens in a year and sometimes we are so busy 'experiencing' life that we forget how we got to where we are. (Make sense?) Towards the end of 2005, my Grandmother died. She was a wonderful lady who lived to be 95 years old. She taught me alot about life and living and I still miss her very much. During that same time, we also prepared our dossier to send to Taiwan so that our case could enter into the courts and we could adopt Ansley. Now towards the end of 2006, we will be celebrating the holidays with family. My grandmother's spirit is still alive. Her memories can never be erased. Our daughter has been home for 6 months. We are making new memories everyday. So while we are ring in 2007, let's take a look back at what we learned in 2006.

1. CHALLENGE YOURSELF. You can do much more than you think you can. Do NOT take the easy road. It's boring and predictable and you'll be saying someday, "I wish I had". You may not be able to do it all at once (or maybe you will) but you can work up to your goal. So, get off your duff and do it! Sign up for that class on how to write the great American novel. Get off the couch and start walking. Before you know it, you'll be ready to run that 5K you've been wanting to do for so long. Start talking to an adoption agency. Next thing you know, that child you've been dreaming of will be calling you mommy/daddy. To quote the Nike commercials, JUST DO IT!

2. TRUST YOURSELF. There will be folks that will tell you it can't be done. Hopefully, there will be people to support you also. In the end, you know if it's something you're willing to work towards. The people who are telling you "don't do it" are usually telling you because it's something they are not willing to do. Who's asking them, right?

3. BE KIND TO YOURSELF. You may or may not succeed in making your dream a reality. It may take more than one try. You may make mistakes along the way. That's okay. You learn and you move forward. Push the negative thoughts out of your mind. Stay away from negative people. (Life's too short) Be one of the positive people-to yourself and to others.

4. ENCOURAGE OTHERS. Don't be a nay-sayer! No one (let me repeat, NO ONE) wants to be around negative people. Help others succeed and you'll be helping yourself too.

5. NO EXCUSES. Try your best and there's no need for excuses.

So that's my pep talk for now. Go out and make some resolutions and then start working towards them. You just might surprise yourself.

Early Christmas

The kids are all sick. Judson has walking pneumonia, Sawyer has an ear infection and Ansley has a bad cold. (are there any good colds?) So we decided to give them an early Christmas present. Judson has wanted this kitchen set for at least 6 months (since he first saw it in the store) and Ansley loves to cook.



Let's face it, the box is always more fun than the actual toy.





They ALL love it!

Almost Christmas!!!!!

So here's a Merry Christmas picture for those who did not get a Christmas card from us. (I'm sure we forgot someone in the 30+ cards we sent out, most likely because we did not have your address)

Also adding in some more of the Festival of Trees


and from a birthday party Judson attended.

O Tannenbaum

WOW! How many trees can they put in one convention center? I don't know but I'm sure they numbered over one hundred. (Big ones, little ones, fat ones, skinny ones) Add in a giant slide, roller coaster, merry-go-round, other carnival rides, crafts, gift shop, more exhibits, and children's choirs and you've got the makings of a great time. That is exactly what we had! The kids loved it, especially Judson. He rode his first roller coaster. Ansley got a bit scared on the tilt-a-whirl but really liked the flying car ride. Sawyer loved the carousel. Mom loved the trees. And DAD, let's just say, he didn't complain as he rode all the rides! People/groups donate decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses. Some of the themes of the trees this year were: Black-tie barbie (all black and silver decorations), legos (all lego decorations), Thomas the Tank Engine, Swarovski crystal (ooooh-la-la, beautiful), teddy bears, patriotic, South of the Border, Neckties (angels made from old neck ties) and it just goes on and on. They are sold with the proceeds going to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. They charge admission that goes to CHOA. It was a great time and I highly recommend it, even though it can get crazy with the parking and all those people.

I made a collage of some of the trees since there is no way to show all of them. I think I took some 90 photographs today. Enjoy!

The Tree is Up!

Oh boy. Getting decorations up with 3 little ones around, can be a challenge. SO far, the tree is up and the candy canes are put up outside and the Christmas village is out. That'll probably do it for this Christmas. Ansley thinks the the tree is "Pitty" (translation, PRETTY). Sawyer is a bit scared of it and doesn't like to touch it. Judson keeps rearranging ornaments and screwing the light bulbs out of their sockets. And Trinket (the cat) is very interested in the tree! So, it's a typical Christmas in this household.

That's about it around here. Hope everyone is enjoying the season. It's a great time of year, don't miss it!!! Seeing Christmas through the eyes of children is awesome. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Judson's reply was "Whatever you want to give me". Is that cool or what?

If you look very hard in the picture next to Judson, you'll see a red pillow that used to be velvet. The pillows name is 'Fluffy' and he HAD to be in the picture too. That pillow is more loved than the Velveteen Rabbit! Merry Christmas, Fluffy!

Tis the Season

OK. The Christmas season is at hand. And boy are we busy. Last nite was the annual trip to the mall for Santa pictures and train ride. I cannot get the scanner to work, so you won't get the Santa picture but you will get the 'train ride'. Judson LOVES riding that train. He'd ride it day and night. This was Ansley's first time on the train. Her eyes just twinkled. She was so happy. She was a bit leary of the man in the red suit but the train ride more than made up for it. AND SAWYER, oh my, what a hoot. He squealed! He was so excited to be riding that train.

Next up, Festival of Trees. It is for a great cause, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (something near and dear to our hearts). We hear it's very busy so we are hoping not to lose any kids while we are there. We also plan on squeezing in another trip to the Children's Museum in the next few weeks. Then holidays with the family!!!!!

We also got a new Christmas tree this year. Judson and Mommy and Daddy have been putting it up. It came with 200+ lights. (none of which were screwed in) It is very retro looking and Judson is very excited about it. You just can't have too many colored lights on a tree! (At least that is how 4 year olds view the world)

Hope you enjoy the pictures! (The red gown Ansley has on is one I wore when I was little! The picture was taken while visiting Nana)


Brothers, wrestling

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Well guys, it was a Happy Thanksgiving. Ansley is not into staying strapped in a car seat for several hours at a time, though. So we suffered thru some whining and whimpering. She was very happy to be there but when the time came to load up the car to come home, she was determined to be in that car. She was NOT going to be left.

The kids enjoyed playing with each other. They also enjoyed the Christmas tree and opening presents. Although, I think they were overwelmed by so MUCH. They only played with a small portion of their gifts. Adults can learn alot from children! There is no need for an over abundance of gifts. Just being together makes them happy. Judson played "find-a-word" puzzles most of the time. ANsley played with the tea pot to her tea set. Sawyer was getting over an ear infection so he just liked to sit and watch everyone else. Cousin CJ went hunting with his dad. And Cousin Abigayle just wanted to fix Aunt Sammy's (that'd be me) hair. My suggestion to those trying to think about what to get children who have EVERYTHING: make a donation in that child's name to a good children's charity/cause! You would be making a positive difference .

Here's some pics of the kids.

Have you ever noticed?

Little girls keep score. Stuff like: His cookie is bigger than mine. His water is colder than mine. He's got the book I want to look at or the toy I want to play with. And when that girl cannot communicate verbally, she decides to WHINE.

Now, little boys will get tired of whining, score keeping, and of having things taken away. At some point, they snap. When they snap, they start retaliating. That is when the whining gets louder and the screaming starts on both sides. And yes, there are sometimes bruises and flesh wounds.

This has been one of those weeks. We're all looking forward to Thanksgiving. Perhaps the distractions will keep the whining and fighting to a minimum. Then again, there will be 2 more children to add to the commotion. TWO girls and THREE boys. (I personally think the boys are outnumbered. There needs to be at least 3 boys to every 1 girl for any kind of equality.)

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Week in Review

Not much to tell this week. Just going about our business. If anyone has a cure for 2 kids who continue to bite each other, I'd sure appreciate it. Other than that, we're just getting ready for the holidays. Hope everyone reading this is doing well. And to the Dunkins, so sorry we missed the party. We were so looking forward to it. Another time.

The collage is of a few pics we took this week. The lips came in a goody bag from the previous birthday party. The kids had a blast with those. Judson and Daddy built an elevator with the Tinker Toys. Pretty Cool!

Lots and Lots of Pictures

Here are some pictures. First, are pictures of Judson and Ansley building towers with their blocks. Sawyer is incarcerated due to his tendancy towards demolition as opposed to construction. Next, are pictures of a birthday party for one of Judson's friends. They held it at the children's museum. What a blast! The kids had a great time. After all the pink icing, pizza, and crafts, everyone went to play in the museum. Judson's favorite place was the PVC pipe area. Ansley loved the slide. Sawyer loved EVERYTHING! Hey Evie, The family shot is just for you!!!!!