Happy Easter

So, yes, I realize that it is Tuesday already and I have not yet posted any pictures of Jadyn on Easter. She was a little under the weather, but over the top with cuteness!! She was by far, the prettiest Chinese princess that we have ever seen.

She started her morning at 6:00 a.m. with a fever, so we knew that it was not going to be a good thing. She felt pretty good off and on, but most of the day she was just sort of blah. But, thankfully, we think we have isolated the culprit and it seems that there is a terrible molar peeking through that gum. Looks like tooth #17 is on it's way through!

Meanwhile, enjoy the pics.

Yes, she is STANDING on her changing table. Why? Because she wanted to, of course!

Chilly Easter afternoon!

Sweet girl!

And yes, in case you are wondering, I did make her dress!

Thanks for reading!

Amy and the Princess

10 Months and Changing

My dearest Jadyn,

Today, we celebrate your 10 month Gotcha Day anniversary.  Where has the time gone?  

I start this post every time thinking how I cannot believe that it's been as long as it has since you were placed in our arms and this one is certainly no different.  It just seems as time is passing so quickly.  Someone once said that time flies when you are having fun and we are certainly having a blast.  I wish someone would have told me just how much fun it would be the "second time around" but I am not sure that they could have adequately described it.  

Bringing you into our lives 10 months ago today, has by far, been one of God's greatest works ever.  In my book, I would put it up there with creating the sun, moon and stars!  What a fabulous work He has done.  He took a little girl from China and created her perfectly for our hearts and for our home.  What a fit you are!  You are so much like us, which is really funny to us all.  Oh my goodness Jadyn,  you are just like your Daddy.  You have that strong will, the will of a survivor I would say, and that drive and determination that sets your apart from most.  I know we will stand amazed at what God is going to do in your life.

You have brought us immeasurable joy and our my days are spent with washing sippy cups, changing diapers, and stepping over plastic food from your kitchen set all over the house.  Man, who knew plastic cauliflower could hurt like that on bare feet!  You know what's sweet? We wouldn't have it any other way.  When you have a child later in your life, it's just an amazing gift from God.  

It's been 10 months today, sweet girl, and you have come so far.  You are the light of our lives and a true joy to our home.  Your laughter and your sparkling eyes bring such joy to us.  We are so grateful to our heavenly Father for the work He has done.  It's something so supernatural, we would have never been able to accomplish something so great on our own.  We look can't wait to see what the future hold, but could you just slow down and not grow and change so fast? Our baby girl is quickly going away, being replaced by our little girl.  Everything is happening so fast.  Thank you, sweet Jadyn, for bringing us such joy, and thank you God, for bringing us such a joy!

You make my heart smile...

I love you,

Momma

Sewing Business Name!

Congratulations, Kelly Stewart, your name won!!  Kelly's name idea was Red Thread Creations.  I have some good news and bad news.

First, the good news!   I mentioned that I might give a prize and I had planned on giving the winner a "free monogram or embroidered name" on anything that I make or that they might already have.  Oddly enough, Kelly emailed me and asked me to do a shirt for Bradley's birthday.  So, Kelly didn't know it, but she gets to collect on her prize right away.  I made the cutest shirt for Bradley for his second birthday and Kelly's monograming was FREE!  

Now, the bad news. :(  I can't use Red Thread Creations, it's already taken, along with most everything else under the sun.  I am trying to find a domain name, business name, etc. all at one time and that's tough.  The name Red Thread Creations.com is available, but the business name is not.  Redthreadsdesigns is not available as a domain name.  I'm having trouble getting the two to match.

My original idea was "Love Threads".  Of course, the .com version of that is taken, so I'm thinking "Love Threads" Designs/Creations or whatever else you can come up with.  What do you think?  I really did take all your suggestions to heart and really do care about what you think, I promise :)

So, what about it?

Love Threads

"Unique Clothing for Groovy Kids"

So now your task is to build upon that.  

Love Threads ... what?

Give me your slogan suggestions too!

Amy

It's Official! I'm in Business!!!!

Well, I have some exciting news.  I have purchased a new sewing machine and a new embroidery machine!  WOO HOO!  I am so excited, SO, I am officially in the sewing business.  I am working on Jadyn's easter dress and lots of fun creations for babies, jumpers for girls, and fun fun stuff!  Stay tuned for more information.  I am working on a website to pedal my wares and I am really anxious to get some orders and get going.  I've got a goal in mind with my sewing, but more information on that later!!!

I'm working on a name for my business.  Any suggestions?  I'm looking for a creative name.

Cheese! - FPF

Valentines Day 2008

This is what you get when you teach them to say cheese when you take their picture.  Every picture from now on will have that "cheesy" grin.

Friday Photo

My friend Alison took this sweet picture of Jadyn at Miss Norah's adoption party.  Jadyn looks so big in her pigtails!  She is getting to be such a big girl.  Thanks Alison and we love you Norah! (And Brad and Alison too!)

Sacred Gathering

As most of you probably know, our church has just come out of a church wide fast.  We began the fast after lunch on Sunday and concluded it on Tuesday night after our prayer service.  I cannot even begin to explain what has taken place in my life during these 3 days.  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

As we gathered together at night, the praises of His people caused me to just to quiet myself and just listen.  The sounds of the voices in the rafters of the sanctuary were overwhelming, oh what a sweet, sweet sound.  How God must have smiled at the sweet sound of His people, gathering together, lifting their voice and praising His name.  It is a feeling that I will not soon forget.  As I stood in the balcony on Tuesday night, on the very top row (Jadyn was over church) and just observed and listened.  The unity astounded me.  Everywhere I looked, people were on their feet, in honest and sincere worship.  They were uninhibited by their surroundings, the people around them or the busyness of their day.  It was a beautiful thing.

God revealed so much to me during that time and confirmed a calling in me that I knew in my heart was there, but perhaps did not want to admit it.  He worked in such a way that I felt a peace and my heart overflowed, all at the same time.  I had a hunger for God, in the purest form.  For this, I will ever be grateful.  How blessed we are to have a church that seeks the face of God.  I am VERY thankful that God allows us to serve Him by serving His people at FBC.  It is truly a privilege.  I am also thankful that He has called me to be a part of such a sweet, sweet fellowship.  Oh, we are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God.  And the unity in that place is something that you don't see in most churches today.  

Amy

FPF - My Big Girl

Yes,  you can call me a slacker, I can take it.  It has been a crazy couple of weeks.  I got a lot of catching up to do, so to begin, here is my favorite picture for the week.

It was a beautiful day here and Jadyn and I spent a little time outside.  We almost had a throw down on the patio when it was time to come in.  Needless to say, I won, but barely.  But, we were out long enough to snap some fun pictures.  Here is my favorite.

Have a good Friday!

Our Story...Part I

How refreshing it is when you look back and see the how a few of the pieces of the puzzle fit together. It always causes me to stand in awe of the Father. Some of you may know our story and some may not. So, for those of you that don't, the following paragraphs will allow you to look into the window of our lives. While it's tough stuff to deal with, I feel compelled to share our story. It's always important for something to be learned from your situations and circumstances. Equally, sometimes it's for someone to learn from your situation and circumstance. After all, if you don't have purpose for your pain, you just have the pain, and nothing to show for it. Let's begin, shall we?

January 7, 2007 2:08 a.m.

In May of 2005, we began a journey of a life time. We started the adoption process and looked forward to the addition of a new family member in the upcoming months. The wait time was a short 5-7 months for referral. We were logged in Oct. 21, 2005 and I don't have to tell you what happened with the wait time. It was at that moment that time began to nearly stand still. We received the referral of our precious Jadyn on March 5, 2007, traveled as a family in May 2007 and brought Jadyn home May 19, 2007. It was during that wait time of 2 years that my family experienced many ups and downs such as the death of my Mother, only 2 months after beginning our paperwork. It was a tough time, but it was only going to get tougher. It was also during this time of great pain that we began to watch our oldest son, Seth, pull away from his relationship with God and begin to live in rebellion. After some very difficult times, he moved out of our home out on his own, where we had much less control. With Pat being a pastor, we have lived in a fish bowl most of Seth's life. And, of course, the rumor mills began to crank out those rumors. Many of which were just blatant lies. Imagine that, the enemy using lies and the people that spread them, to bring you down. What a novel idea!

We had always planned to take both Seth and Zachary with us on our trip to China, but with Seth's growing rebellion, we had made the difficult decision to leave him at home. We explained this too him. He didn't like it, but understood. Again, in spite of the anticipation and excitement of seeing our daughters face for the first time, it was dampened by the situation going on around us. Even with the joy of our impending referral, it was a dark time.

Fast forward almost 2 years. We began to see God working in Seth's life, little things here and there. Comments he made, things that he did etc., were demonstrating that God was turning his heart toward Him. Pat and I really had to mind our own business, and allow God to mind Seth's business. We made the decision to give Seth a list of guidelines that he had to follow to allow him to go to China. He did these, all of them. So, after much prayer, we decided to let him go with us. We left May 8, 2007 China bound. On May 13, 2007, we witnessed the beginning of a transformation before our very eyes. We traveled to Jadyn's orphanage on that day, a day that I must say for obvious reasons, it changed all of our lives. But, a miracle happened that day. I watched as my 21 year old adult son knelt down beside a little girl in dirty clothes and in a dirty walker with snot dripping off her chin, and and ever so gently wipe her nose and face with a tissue he borrowed from one of our travel group ladies. Seth has always been very caring and gentle, so I was moved, but not surprised by his action. Little did I know, I was watching as God was transform the heart of my child, before my very eyes. Seth was very moved, and left in tears after visiting with "the least of these" that the Bible so plainly talks about. It was a life changing day for us all.

Again, fast forward. Tonight, as a family, we drove to the airport in Nashville and watched our 21 year old son, go through the security gate alone, to board a plane bound for Malaysia - to serve as a missionary there for the next 6 months with YWAM (Youth With Mission). We were met there by friends and family, who were there to see Seth off and be support for us. After returning from China, Seth begin to sense a calling had been placed on his life to return to Asia to demonstrate the love of God to "the least of these". We watched him move back home, begin college again and complete the semester with 3 A's and 1 B (and he was MAD about the B), spend time EVERY day with God, work full time, and live a God honoring life.

During the 2 year wait for Jadyn, I questioned MANY times God's plan in this all. Why so long? Why were we going through these things? Why was God not answering my prayers? and so on. Looking back now, I see so many pieces of the puzzle and how they fit together. And what I see, is on a small part of the puzzle. And, as I sit here tonight at 2:08 a.m., unable to sleep, because my first born son is somewhere on a plane bound for Taiwan and then on to Malaysia, I felt an overwhelming prompting from God to share our story. As I was replaying the events of the past 2 1/2 years in my mind, God reminded me of something. "This adoption that I lead you to was not about you, and it wasn't about a little girl living in an orphanage in Fuling, China, and it wasn't about the transformation of Seth, it was about Me and My glory - all the time." This journey is not about us, it about a much bigger plan - one that is life changing and transforming.

So, whatever the reason, God had me share this with you. Maybe you are in the middle of a storm with a child that is rebelling, God has a plan. Maybe the crushing feeling of increasing wait times has you feeling defeated, God has a plan. Maybe you are wondering how this adoption will change your life, God has a plan. I don't know, but God does. We think we have it all figured out, but what we know barely scratches the surface. God used a little girl with a runny nose to bring a 21 year old to say "I just want to share Jesus with people". You never know what the impact of this journey that we are all on, whatever your journey. I am so very grateful that the Master Artist is making all things work together for good.

Pray for Seth, as he spends the next 6 months sharing God's love with others. He will be in Malaysia for 3 months and then spend the next 3 months in another location. He will seek God's face on where he is to go, but it will be somewhere in South Asia. I have a link to his blog from my blog, should you want to follow his journey. But mostly, I just ask for your prayers - for his safety and that he can effectively communicate the transforming power of the gospel to the people of South Asia.


(I wrote this in wee hours of the morning after taking Seth to the airport. It was one of the toughest times of my life. But, seeing God work through this, made it easier to bear. Thank you for praying for our family)

Amy

Friday Photo Fun

This is a picture that Seth took on one of his outreach visits. They visited a camp of illegal immigrants that is made up of men from all over Southeast Asia.

I don't know anything about this man, except that his name is Johan and he is muslim. But, there is just something about his "look". These men live in the unfinished houses that they are building. Most of them have left their countries because of political strife or family problems. Looking at his face reminds me of how important it is to pray for the nations.

Father, reveal Yourself to Johan and draw him to you.

Gotcha Day - 8 months

My dearest Jadyn,

It's so hard for me to believe that 8 months ago we first got to see your sweet face and actually touch you. It was something that we had waited for, as you know by now, for so very long. We were so excited and filled with anticipation. You were handed to us and you didn't cry or get upset, you just sort of looked at us. You studied us, our faces and I'm sure you thought "who in the world are these people"?

What joy you have brought to our lives. We wonder what we actually did before we traveled to China to bring you home. You are changing every day, little by little, and you are so different from that scared little baby that was handed to us on May 13, 2007. 8 months seems like a life time ago. You have come so far from where you were that day. You couldn't walk, talk, roll over and you could barely sit up. Now, you run EVERYWHERE you go. You are always in a hurry. We are thinking about putting up speed bumps down the hall to slow you down when you push your babies in your stroller. What laughter you bring to our home. We constantly watch and laugh at your antics. Your quite the little entertainer.

Your brother has been gone to Malaysia for a week now and he misses you the most! More than any of the rest of us. I believe that you have captured everyone's heart in this household. The fun we had at Christmas just watching cannot be explained. By the time Christmas was over, you had the hang of opening the presents, whether they were for you or not. You have spent so much time playing in your kitchen, cooking lots of things, using your teapot as a purse and talking on your cell phone - not sure where you learned that one!

Jadyn, we love you so very much. You smile is infectious, your joy is compounding, your sweet personality is the light in our home. You are learning so fast and just watching you learn and grow is the highlight of our days. We just can't wait to see what God is going to do in your life. We love you sweet girl, happy 8 month gotcha day!

Mommy

Friday Photo Fun

Here is my favorite photo for the week. I took this picture just before Christmas. The boys were on their way to the Titans game after church one Sunday and I got them to stop for just a second for a quick pic.

The Men in My Life

Bless God for Technology!

It is wonderful to hear from Seth over the phone, but it does my heart good to actually get to "see" him. We talked night before last on Skype (thank you Lord for Skype) and actually got to see his face. Believe it or not, I slept all night that night, which is you know me well, that is a feat in and of itself. Here are some pictures that I took that night, so you can see his face too!

We Have Luggage!

Talked with Seth last night about 6 times on the computer with Skype. It was so good to see his face. He looked great and sounded great. He said that he felt much better after resting.

He then called twice using someone's cell phone - somehow it didn't cost the guy anything so he used it, we got cut off, and he called us back.

He called this morning using a phone card that he purchased for $3 USD. He has an hour and a few minutes on the phone card. He talked to all of us and sounded really good. The best news of the day is he got his luggage! Praise God. He feels so much better about that, he said that they even had his book that he left on the plane - go figure! It is about 10:30pm there and he was going to finish unpacking and go to bed. He has moved rooms and now has 2 Malaysian and 1 Indian room mate - all super nice he said. He is doing great and for this we are so thankful.

The Time is Here

We are loaded up and ready to go. This was in the driveway - we were planning to leave at 4:30pm and it was 4:32pm - Go Hoods! that is an accomplishment in and of itself. Of course, we were not quite out of the neighborhood and had to go back for my camera - Boo Amy! now, that's more like it. Seth was talking to my brother and sister-in-law.

Good, we made it. We are riding the people mover, on our way in the airport. Another proud moment for the Hoods!

This is quite typical of the looks that Seth gives Zachary, of course, Zac don't pay much attention to Seth's looks - after all, he's taller than Seth.

This is where things took a turn for the worse. American Airlines was not going to let him get on the plane because he did not have a Malaysian visa (which he is NOT required to have) and said that he would be deported when he got to Malaysia. We told her that we would take our chances, but apparently this AA ticket girl is in charge of the WHOLE Malaysian immigration department. I wanted to say "call them and tell him to be on the look out for him, he wearig a green shirt", but I thought it best to keep my big mouth shut. Pat was mad enough for all of us! :) She sent us to another lady who processed it right on thru, then 5 minutes later, called Seth over the intercom because the Malaysian Immigration Representative for AA (NOT) had talked with her. We went through the same dance with her and finally, she called China Air - they said "no problem" and we were on our way - again. It was, however, quite the scene.

The Zehrs, the Mills, the Overbys and our family gathered around and prayed over Seth. It was a tearful and powerful moment. Thank you guys for making the trek to the airport, you will absolutely NEVER know what it meant to us (me especially) to have that support.

One last quick family picture, not sure why Jadyn looks like she had been in a wind tunnel. I was trying to keep my composure and not fall onto the floor in a fetal position, okay, maybe it wasn't that bad - but I REALLY wanted to burst into tears.

And from here, he was on his own. Wow, he got through that security gate, turned around and waved too us, then came the tears. Seth, we are so very proud of you! We then went to Toots and stuffed our faces - food always helps you know!

Hard Days Night

Well, it's the middle of the night and I can't sleep. Big surprise, right?

Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life. I can't tell you about how thrilled and excited I am for Seth, but as I sit here, knowing that he is somewhere over the ocean in a plane bound for Taiwan, then Malaysia, my Mother's heart aches. I'm not nervous about him traveling at all. I just want him to love what he is doing. It's the fear of the unknown for me. For those of you who don't know our story, Pat's sermon yesterday was wonderful. He shared a portion of Seth's story and it would be well worth your time to listen to it on line.

Here's the link.

Sermon - Sunday 1/6/07

What a proud and tough day it was. I will post pictures later on in the day, I really need to go to bed. Pray for Seth and for our family. God is good.

Amy

But God, He's My Firstborn...

This is what I have told God many times over the past months.

As you may or may not know, Seth, my firstborn, will be boarding a plane to Penang, Malaysia tomorrow for a short-term mission trip with YWAM (Youth With a Mission). He will be there until he returns to the states on June 16, yes, I said June! That's 5.5 months. If you know the whole story of where Seth came from, where he went, and where he is today - God is truly amazing and He is working mightily in Seth's life. How proud I am as his Mother to see what he is allowing God to do. He is truly seeking God in everything he does and he just wants to tell people about Jesus - it's that plain and simple. Seth has a story to tell - I am grateful that God is allowing him to tell it. Some time ago, he told us that he feel like God is calling him to the mission field. He is currently corresponding with a group in Africa that he is considering becoming a part of AFTER he returns from Malaysia. Wow, is all I can say sometimes.

But, then there is the reality of it all. It's a tough thing for a Mom to let her child go and experience the world, but really experiencing the world, on the other side of the world, scares the heck out of me. I am about to send him to live in a foreign country, by himself for 6 months. At times, I feel almost a choking feeling in my throat when I think about taking him to the airport tomorrow and watching him go through that security gate. He will be living with a group of people that he don't know, in a culture that he's never experienced, in a place that he's never been. Have I prepared him for life? Have I done my part as his Mother? Have I done enough? It was a decision that he made on his own. He prayed over and chose this location - it was all between him and God. But, nonetheless, he is my firstborn. Oh, I know that the God I serve is Sovereign and that He is in complete control, but I am his Mom.

I am so very proud of him and am VERY excited for him. Pray for Seth and pray for us. He is thrilled and excited, but anxious about leaving Jadyn, go figure! They have become quite close since we brought her home.

If you want to follow his blog, here is the link to it.

Seth's Blog

I would appreciate any encouragement that you can give him and comments that you leave on his blog. Pray for us as we take this monumental step in cutting the apron string.

I love you Seth and I am so very proud of you, my firstborn.

How great is our God,
Mom

Merry Christmas to All

and to all a good night.

Jadyn is preparing herself for bedtime with some of her Daddy's tea. She is totally oblivious to what is about to take place. I can't wait to see her in the morning, what will it be like? Will she be overwhelmed? Will she be excited? How will she react. Stay tuned for the excitement! I'll post more picture later and maybe even a video or two (if I can get that one figured out).

Merry Christmas Eve,
Amy

Patience is a Virtue

I have stepped over to the other side, the Mac side that is. I am proud and excited to say that Pat and I got each other an iMac for Christmas and I am so excited. I am just vaguely familiar with a mac as that is what we used while we were in China, so I know just enough to be dangerous. But I am ready to learn.

So, meanwhile, you must be patient while I am in computer limbo. My pictures are all on the other computer, my printer is not hooked up, I don't know how to get my stuff from my old computer to the new one, but I can update my blog and email from the new one. Yay!

We are steadily preparing for Christmas and almost through with the shopping. We're looking forward to having a little one around the house again on Christmas and fully expect this year to be great. Last year was a tough Christmas as we were so close to seeing her face and knew that she would be spending Christmas alone in China, but now she's home where she belongs and a brand new kitchen (along with a few other goodies) awaits her. So, bear with me, I'll get everything up and running as soon as I figure it out.

AH

All I Want For Christmas...

...is for you to beat it!

This is our attempt to get a picture with good old Saint Nick and just as I expected, it was not high on Jadyn's to do list for the day. I'm sure she was thinking "who is this guy anyway?"

So, that jolly old man in the red suit was most accomodating and allowed Jadyn to "steal" his seat while he went behind the curtain. We tried to get her to smile and of course, my smart little girl had it all figured out. This was when she looked up and saw him there, the rest of them she had free flowing tears. Well, Mr. Claus was not the least bit offended and still gave Jadyn her favorite thing in the world, a sucker. So all in all, I'm pleased with the outcome.

Friday Photo Fun

So, I missed last week, but this week is definitely worth the wait. I actually
took the picture a week or so ago when went in to get Jadyn up for church. I
yelled for Zac to bring my camera and when he came into the room he simply said "oh my". I'll just let the picture speak for itself.

7 Months Today

Dear Jadyn,

Today you have been in our arms 7 months, my how time quickly passes. People
say that time flies when you're having fun, and boy, are we having fun!

You bring such joy to our lives and we often wonder what we did before
that special day in China that you were place in our arms. I can't believe
that it's been 7 months and that you are 20 months old today. You have changed
so much, from a little girl who could barely sit up, to a running - yelling -
talking - barrel of fun! You certainly keep us on our toes, but we wouldn't
have it any other way. We must have been some really boring people before
we brought you home.

As I reflect on Christmas, I remember how hard it was last year. Even though
we had not seen your face, we knew that God had you picked out for us and that
most likely, you were waiting for us somewhere in China. And you were. Waiting
patiently in the Fuling SWI in Fuling, China. In just a few short months after
Christmas, we saw your face. It was so hard knowing that you were in China and
we were here, we so wanted you to be with us. But, as the song says, "it's Christmas time again and now you're home". And that's just where you belong - home right here with those who adore you and will watch football and play with your dollhouse at the same time!

I love you Jadyn, with all my heart. Thank you for the past 7 months and for the unending joy that you bring into our lives. As I've said many, many times before, you make my heart smile.

I love you,
Mommy

Fuling Orphanage Video, Fuling China

This video was taken fairly recently at Jadyn's orphanage. It's
just one of the many facilities in China that these precious
children call home. Get yourself a tissue.



Last year, this song wrecked me, and this year it really starts the wheels in my head turning. Watch this video, if you have never considered adopting, listen carefully to the words - they tug at your heart strings, if you are in the process of adopting - go ahead, have a good cry, and if you have your children home where they belong - give them an extra kiss and a hug. Adoption really does change your life.

Friturday Photo Fun

Here is a picture that my brother took last week of Jadyn and me before church. It's one of my favorites.

Jadyn's Dedication Service

Friday Photo Fun

Someone knows WAY too much about the computer mouse. What's funny is that she moves it around and clicks away, like she's really doing something. Maybe she is, who knows???

So Much to be Thankful For

If I listed all the things that I am thankful for, the list would be practically endless. But, the picture above says it all. This is what makes my heart overflow with gratitude, my precious family. I am truly blessed.

From the Hood Family of 5 to your family,

Happy Thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts.

We love you all!

Happy Birthday My Love!

To day is the love of my life's 41st birthday. So in honor of the big day, I'm going to list 41 reasons that we love him so.

1. He is the funniest person I know.



2. His feet are always warm, no matter how cold the night.



3. He is my first love.



4. He's the father of my children.



5. He filled out the preliminary application for adoption and suprised me!



6. He plays "I'm gonna get you" everynight with Jadyn.



7. He prays with me.



8. He loves me like no one ever has.



9. He ALWAYS seeks the Father's face on every issue.



10. He's proud of our boys.



11. He adores "Daddy's little girl".



12. He wants to adopt again.



13. He's hot.



14. He dresses really great.



15. He does our laundry.



16. He sweeps the wood floors.



17. He has more integrity than anyone I know.



18. He's my spiritual super hero.



19. He prays for our children.



20. He prays for me.



21. He lets my dog sleep with us.



22. He loves to shop.



23. He loves shoes.



24. He spends time every day with God.



25. He leads our family.



26. He's so smart.



27. He use to be red headed.



28. He makes me laugh when no one else can.



29. He makes our children laugh too.



30. He lets me sleep with my mattress warmer on in August.



31. He always drives when we go places together.



32. He takes such good care of me.



33. He don't mind if I sleep in socks.



34. He rarely complains about my flannel sleep pants.



35. He likes the same TV shows that I do.



36. He always watches them with me.



37. He always wants me to go to bed when he does.



38. He has a heart for the lost.



39. He has a heart for orphans all over the world.



40. He is our spiritual leader.



41. He's my best friend in the world.

I could go on and on and on, but since he's only 41, I guess I'll stop there. I love you baby, with all my heart. And your children love you too. I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Friday Photo Fun

Happy Fall Ya'll!

No One Ever Told Me

Six months ago today, you quietly came into our lives. A stranger delivered you into my arms and I quickly began to feel my fears, worries, and the stress of a two year wait begin fade away. The emotions that I felt were the same emotions that I experienced the day that both of your brothers were placed in my arms. The joy was overwhelming and the magnitude of seeing the hand of God with human eyes as 14 families gathered in a small conference room in Chongqing, China and had their lives changed forever.

What have I learned over the past 6 months? The lessons have been many, too numerous to mention here, and one day, I will share all of those lessons with you, at just the right time. The time when you want to know what I learned during the long wait for you to be born, for you to lovingly be placed at the gate of an orphanage in Fuling, China by someone who loved you very much, for your paperwork to be completed and placed on the very same desk as our paperwork, for the match to take place, for the journey to be made, and for the our lives to be forever changed. Oh, the stories I can tell.

But what is ever in the forefront of my mind are the things that no one ever told me. Those things that I wasn't prepared for even though I read, studied, researched and prepared myself to the best of my ability. Like...

...No one told that I would experience an undying gratitude to a country that I only visited for 2 weeks. That everytime I see a picture, watch a show, or simply daydream about our travels, it takes me back to a place that I have developed a love for it's beauty, culture, and it's people - China - a land that I will never forget for it has given me one of it's greatest treaures - Fu Bao Jun.

...No one ever told me that not a day would go by without me praying for the family who God created to concieve, carry, give birth to, and finally place you where you would be found, cared for, and then lovingly deliver into our waiting arms.

...No one ever told me that I would grieve for your China Mother. That I would think about her and wonder what she is feeling. I know she must be very sad and I pray that God will give her a sense of peace. I will never be able to tell her what her gift of life, your life, has meant to me. Her gift has made me complete. I can't help but wonder if she has your spicy personality or your firey temper. I wonder if she holds her mouth like you hold yours when you get sleepy, almost in a pucker. I wonder if she loves the water, loves to go barefooted, or ate lots of fried rice while she was carrying you in her belly because you love it so. Did she place you there in the still of an April night? Did she wait across the road to see that the first person to arrive to work the next morning found you and took you in? Does she wonder now about those round, rosey cheeks and your tulip lips?

...No one told me that I would be changed forever. Oh, I've heard a million times, adoption changes your life, but no one ever told me that it changes everything about you inside and out. Beginning the adoption process, waiting on you, making the journey, and bringing you home changed who I am. It has caused me to want to be a better person - a better wife, mother, and ultimately a better Christ follower. You, sweet Jadyn, make me want to experience every second of being the mother of a toddler again. When I am away from you, I long to be with you. Watching you learn and grow causes me to marvel at the wonders of your mind. I am filled with gratitude for the lessons that you are teaching me.

I can't believe that it's been 6 months already - time really does fly when your changing diapers. Jadyn, you have renewed my soul, given me a new love for life, and simply put - you make my heart smile. Thank you for teaching me all these things while climbing on the dining room table, sticking your hand in the toilet, kissing cows, jumping on the leather couch with your shoes on, and allowing me to step in your breakfast banana in my sock feet. You, sweet one, are a master teacher. I only hope that I can continue to learn the lessons that you have for me. I love you with all my heart, Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood.

Mommy

The Obsession Continues

Be very, very quiet, I'm hunting dum dums!

I briefly mentioned in a previous post about Jadyn's current obsession with Dum Dums. Well, it's getting worse and it looks as though we are going to have to have some intervention. For whatever reason, I purchased a bag of the little devils for Halloween and she know's where they are, no matter how many times that you move them. I think she has Dum Dum ESP! Well, this is what we are dealing with due to her obsession with the Dum Dums.

Hmmm, where are those dum dums?

Caught in the act!

And this is after I put them in a bag and put them in the closet. She still searches for them. We can't keep her off of the dining room table. Oh well, a tootsie roll will have to do.

Friday Photo Fun

Well, here it is, what you have been waiting for all week - my favorite photo of the week. Let me just tell you, it was a tough decision this week as there were a significant number to choose from. I'm sure, however, they will be made available for public viewing at a later date.

I went into Jadyn's bedroom to get her up and couldn't resist going back and getting the camera. What a face. God has blessed us with such a beautiful little girl (if I do say so myself) and we are so thankful. We are taking applications for Jadyn's husband as we fully believe in and support arranged marriages! ;)

Pancakes, Football, and Cow Kissing!

Today was a super fun day. We started the day with our Saturday morning favorite breakfast food (well, Pat and Jadyn's Saturday morning favorite) peanut butter pancakes with cool whip. With that kind of beginning, I'm sure that your thinking that it just can't get any better - but wait, it does! We went to the Rec Park and watched Pat's football team play football. His little league team is in the play-offs, the semi-finals to be exact. They beat Franklin in over-time. I am much too old for over time games - my heart just can't take it any more. I needed something for a headache after it was all over. But, nonetheless, they won and will play their championship game next week! HOORAY Daddy! Football will FINALLY be over. (don't tell Pat I said that)

Next we went to the church for the Fall Festival. Let's just say that the highlight of the day was the petting zoo. Jadyn touched, man-handled, checked the teeth of, and kissed (yes, I said kissed) every animal in the pen, even the duck. Here's a run down of the animals she kissed -

• a little brown goat (complete with horns) who was not particularly impressed with the kiss,
• a white sheep, that was less than cooperative but was jerked into line when Jadyn grabbed the hair, fur, wooly stuff on either side of it's head
• a black and white bunny
• a black and brown sheep who wanted another kiss which is only expected behavior from a black sheep
• a rather dirty, large pig who got a kiss right on the forehead
• a black duck who's bill was grabbed and kissed before he knew what hit him
• an alpaca/llama looking thingy
• and finally her favorite - a sweet brown calf with big eyes. He got more than one kiss, I'm thinking there was a little favoritism involved here.

You are probably saying to yourself that you can't believe I let her kiss every animal in the pen, but I did. She thought it was great, the animals enjoyed it, and I'm almost sure that a germ or two won't hurt. But, never fear, we did clean our hands with hand sanitizer. Anyway, here's a few pictures from our very fun day.

By the way, check out her shirt. It says "I'm Famous in Chongqing". I ordered it off the internet and she proudly wore it today. She's pretty famous here too - at least to a calf, a duck, a bunny, a goat, 2 sheep, a pig, and a llama looking thingy, and oh yeah, a mom who allows her to kiss farm animals!

Later,

Jadyn, who kisses cows and Mommy, who lets her!

Friday Photo Fun

What do you do when you tire of someone being in your face with a camera all the time - you simply put the lens cap on for them. I LOVE this picture - Jadyn is over my camera and she simply picked up the lens cap and put it where it belonged - she is such a smart girl!

A and J (who is NOT ready for her close-up Mr. DeMille)