Monday, December 31, 2007

A week of injury

In one week, we have had one case of strep, one ear infection, two cases of stomach flu, one case of possible strep - but more likely a sinus infection complete with vomiting - and a week like this wouldn't be complete without two stitches in one tiny girl.

And now your next question would be - who?  what?  Jack - strep/ear infection, Brad - stomach flu, Caedmon - stomach flu/sinus infection/possible strep, Ava - two little tiny stitches. Me - NOTHING


And NOW your next question would be?  Stitches?  From what?  Well, from me.  Now before you go reporting me, let me explain.

Ava has been experiencing the joys of two - and also the sorrows of two.  And the tantrums of two.  Wild ones.  With flailing and screaming and such.  Run of the mill two-year-old stuff.  Well, our philosophy as parents is that when these tantrums rear their ugly heads, the best thing is to put them in another room and monitor the situation occasionally.  So, this past Saturday morning, Ava let it loose.  I promptly picked her up, put her in the bathroom and close the door part way.  Bathroom, you say?  Yes, bathroom.  Its right off the living room and we can keep an eye on her while still giving her her own space.  There is a step stool in there that doubles as a time out bench.  So, anyway, I hear her yelling and carrying on and something that sounded like something being thrown...so I ran over, threw open the door...into her face.  Oh the horror!!  She had launched herself off of the stepstool and lay their facedown on the tile floor.  I cried with her as I wiped the blood running down chin and called our friend, a doctor, to come over and tell me if we should get to an ER.  He came, said we should have it looked at by our pediatrician and, after an hour of crying by yours truly thinking "they" were going to take her away, arrived there with an appointment within the hour.  Two stitches was an eternity.  Listening to her cry brought tears of sorrow and guilt to my eyes as she watched me with the one good eye coming out from under the surgical paper.  That one eye felt like it was staring into my soul.  She survived and so did I.  Within the hour she was her happy go-lucky albeit two-year-old self.  

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Spreading the cheer...one foot at a time


This is so random that I'm posting this...but I must spread the good news.  

I know it seems VERY strange that I would post any other picture besides pictures of my kids, so here goes.


Although I found myself a bit "anti-gift" this year, my favorite gift that I received this Christmas, other than an exceptionally awesome panini grill, was a pair of Heartside Slippers from LL Bean.  So warm.  So cute.  So comfortable.  Good things come in threes you know...


But HOLD ON!!  As I was searching for a picture of these puppies ('hush' not needed) it looks as though they are temporarily sold out.  However, keep a watchful eye for these pillows of gladness.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Ava's Birthday

Sorry for the lateness of this post...computer issues...now that we have NEW computer and have converted to the Almighty Apple...we are much happier AND more efficient :)  

Here are pictures of a beautiful, feisty, smart, precocious and completely wonderful 2 year old.





A BLUR of action when the wrapping paper starts flying.  Cute panda a gift from Ava's "sister" Cassidy and family...
  
Cassidy and I were just showing her how...and she loved it

Beautiful face...

The girls together again....me, Ava, Cassidy and Kyndra...



Friday, November 2, 2007

Halloween 2007

For those of you who don't know what they're supposed to be...
Sonic the Hedgehog
(Mom's non-crafty try at putting together a costume)

Cutest Pumpkin
(Trick or Treating was her favorite)

Saddest Puppy

(Let's just say this didn't stay on for long)

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Little Cowboy

I feel like anything I COULD say would draw away from this picture.
However, I love it. This is my boy.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Arkansas

The band...in a moment of fatigue-induced stupor...

Last weekend, somehow, I braved taking all three kids BY AIRPLANE to Arkansas to do a retreat for junior high kids. Does this seem like craziness upon craziness...well, maybe. Luckily, two other members of my band and my drummer's wife, braved the trip with me.


Actually, I was feeling very calm about the whole thing at first. I surprised myself by having everyone packed, laundry done, house reasonably clean, and kitchen sink cleaned (a miracle) and ready to go BEFORE we needed to leave. Got to the airport in plenty of time, checked everyone in, got through security and down to the crappy commuter terminal of DIA. The kids, mostly Caedmon, were getting cranky so for our 4:20 flight, carried on McDonalds. Ava had her own seat next to me, Jack seated next to my guitarist, and then Caedmon in my lap. Happily munching on McDonalds, it seemed as though I had defeated all reason and expectation of every passenger on board.

Oh (ha ha ha), I definitely thought too soon. By the time we had about 45 minutes left, Caedmon was getting antsy...Ava was still happy in her seat as well as Jack in his. Just as the engine began to change "hum" to descend, and almost as if he knew something was different, Caedmon started to FREAK out...and I mean, freak out...I was the mom every person on the plan either (a) felt sorry for; or (b) wanted to throw off the plane. For 35 minutes Caedmon screamed and screamed and thrashed and writhed...I was exhausted, ready to snap and I'm pretty sure I pulled something in my back during this time. Once we got off the plane, you'd think it would stop...oh no. We got our luggage, waited for 40 minutes for our rental car (yes, you read that right), got into the car, packed all luggage in and still 10 minutes into the ride, Caed was still screaming. Our last ditch effort was to play the Pirates of the Carribean theme music...miracle of all miracles...he dropped off to sleep.

We arrived safely, and then had to play a 30 minute set. But, for a bunch of energizing excited junior high kids...love it...they are my favorite.

The next day, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, we had some free time to explore...we really didn't find anything except the Museum of Automobiles, which had a cool fountain the kids loved to play in or stare at.

The rest of the day went great, we went to bed around 11pm and woke up at 3:15am to drive back to Little Rock and then on to Denver. And on THAT descent, Caedmon did the same thing...ugh.

Oh well, albeit a little stressful, we had a great trip and I love to spend time with my kids...

Enjoy the fountain pictures!





Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Gotcha Little Bird







Larry & Cassidy - Brad & Ava

August 22nd, 2006


One year later...


So...its a little late to be posting this...but it was one year that we got Ava last Tuesday on August 21st. One year already! One year ago, we were handed the most beautiful, serious, strong-lunged baby girl in the VERY hot, VERY humid, VERY polluted city of Chongqing. And we watched her change over that trip. First showing us the smile that said "There's more where this came from" then sitting up, then showing us her first sweet little laugh. Then we brought her home and watched her transform before our eyes. What a privilege to witness. Rolling, then crawling, then, finally, walking. All the while, charming us with her coos and her singing and her LAUGH...what was a serious and quiet baby, turned into a very silly little girl.

So, in celebration of this sweet silly little bird, we dined on chinese food (american style of course) with our friends Larry, Kyndra and Cassidy Georgeson. Cassidy is Ava's "orphanage sister"...meaning they were both brought to the orphanage around the same time and spent the first 9 months of their lives together. We met Larry & Kyndra in the San Francisco airport moments before we boarded a flight to Beijing. I knew they would be great friends when I cried about, oh, 3 minutes into our conversation about leaving my boys and they weren't scared off. :) Good people. In addition to the picture above, here are some pictures of that night.


So BIG!! (and cute, yes)




We just had to bring this hat and make Larry & Kyndra wear it. We bought it for a dollar in front of the Foribidden City. Imagine about 20 tall, white americans wearing this hat.


Proud Mommies...


Ava, we love you so much, little bird. God has put you into our nest, trusting us with your gentle & silly spirit. We pray that we only help you grow and become the girl you were meant to be! And that will be something great! You are going to be the change that we need in this world. Spread your wings baby girl....


Friday, August 17, 2007

First week of school...



Wow!! How time does fly! I mean, if there is one piece of wisdom I've heard from countless mothers it is to "enjoy them while they are young because it goes by so fast!" Now I see this bit of wisdom play out in one of a mother's hardest days known as "First Day of Kindergarten."




Jack is so big - and smart - and big - and yet so little at the same time. I see him walk up the sidewalk with all the big kids and can't help but see him in those kid's shoes in too short of time. I just want to soak it up...every minute of it.




Thank you God for such an amazing 5 years with Jack! It is hard to believe that the day You gave him to us, and he was wrapped like a little cute burrito in our arms, that someday we would walk him up that walkway to Kindergarten. We can't wait for the next 12 years and beyond!




And, Jack, thanks for being our little hero, miracle, smile, and joy. We love you so much it hurts...be good Bubba.




Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Summer Fun

Okay, people...we're back! In case you may be wondering what our summer has looked like, above is a picture of me in Texas (one of two times this summer) doing a concert...So needless to say, we traveled A LOT. We were going to try to take more pictures of what it meant to be us this summer, but those pictures are not of the kids and therefore, boring. But if we did, the pictures would look like this:

1) all of our luggage which we used a lot and never seemed to leave our hallways and foots of our beds
2) checks being written out to overnight babysitters (which we also used a lot)
3) Brad staying up late typing on his laptop for his new school endeavor while I try to watch what I tivo-ed
4) My severely UNCLEAN house
5) my 'bad friend' award that should be hanging on the wall :)
6) my very empty refrigerator
7) me in a Starbucks apron

Yes, you read that right...I gave it a four month try in an attempt to latch onto this EXCEPTIONAL insurance that they have...yes, its good, if you can get 20 hours a week. But our schedule and the management didn't see eye to eye, so instead of being aptly insured, I just ended up being completely and utterly exhausted most of the time from my shifts ranging in starting times from 4:15am to 6am. All in all, a good experience (I know how to make the drink I like for much CHEAPER) but my kids are more important to me.

We did take up family biking this summer - which we have loved but don't have NEARLY enough time to do it - so here are the babies in all their biking finery (minus their eye-blinding spandex outfits :))




One thing we did get to do this summer was see Ava's "orphanage sisters" at the Chinese Children Adoption International's Annual Reunion. What a great time! The below picture was one of about 10 that I took...this one turned out somewhat the best...Its hard to get five sweaty, energetic kids to sit still and look to one place. From left to right - Katelyn, Ava, Cassidy, Marisa, and Joscelin...


Well...we figured this attempt at getting back on track would be a good effort, albeit short, and we look forward to keeping you all more posted as we go along!

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Cute pictures

Be assured our loyal readers (which has dwindled severely as of late), that we are working on a new LONG post. Here are some pictures to tempt the eye...


Just a little version of our goals for the past 4 months...a la The Chinese...
Hear No Evil...

See No Evil

Speak No Evil...

Monday, February 26, 2007

Caedmon John Farmer

Attention all blog readers!! Cutest baby boy was born one year ago today on 2/26/06. Caedmon John was born on Sunday February 26th, 2006 at 7:14pm. Much like his labor, he is such an easy baby...so loved and so full of surprises (much like his conception :))...a little master of cool facial expressions.




For the pictures of the day o' his birth, go to http://apexministries.com/Caedmon/pics.html.




Here are some pictures to capture his first year:





Big Brother Jack and little peanut, Caed.




This looks like he is flipping us the bird...baby bird.


First visit to the studio with Mom!


God's baby Caed.


Wild man.


Wild animal.

Grandma Kaleen and Caed - 1/07


Cake-eating is hilarious! 2/2/07


Eating sand is not hilarious...but crunchy.

Our lil' buckaroo...we love you.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Ping Pong, Nixon, and Us

What could ping-pong have to do with the possiblity of Ava ever joining our family? Perhaps more than we realize. Listen to this story from PRI's "The World" to find out more.

Nixon in China ping pong report (7:00)
"Thirty-five years ago today, President Richard Nixon got off a plane in Beijing, China. That began a new era in US-China relations. The opening for it came with something that's now called ping-pong diplomacy."

Friday, February 2, 2007

California Dreamin'


So, last weekend, Brad and I and the kids got on a plane and traveled to Oakland. Now, you'd think we would be crazy to get on a plane with three kids...well...after this trip - I think we agree. They're all crawlers, walkers, movers and shakers and can't seem to sit still - much less hang out in one seat on a plane. The 'plus' was that we were going to a place with NO SNOW ON THE GROUND! Novel idea to us Coloradans.
We flew into Oakland, rented a car, and drove to my mom's house in Marysville (she would tell all of you that it is a little known fact that Marysville was the first city in California) and checked into a hotel.

The next day we drove to the "gold country" in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Nevada City, to be exact. On our way there, we made a quick stop to see Bridgeport, which has the longest (and possibly the oldest) single-span covered bridge. I felt like I was Laura - ready to run down the grassy hill - in Little House on the Prarie. My mom had painted the sign at the entry of the bridge and relayed a funny story of how one woman was looking at the sign (a mock-up of the tolls back in the day) and asked where she should pay to cross the bridge. Anyway, the kids loved it - especially Jack - as they were sick of planes, trains and automobiles. Nevada City was very cool and feels like you are transported back to the Old West. We shopped a bit, ate a $4 truffle, sampled some wine from a local winery (and bought a bottle) and had some good Mexican food.



My grandmother came to visit that afternoon. She is 87 and still VERY spry. She is doing awesome. She attributes her nimble abilities to the 100 push-ups she does every morning! Yikes! She is my hero...The picture below is 4 generations of women in my family.




That evening we all went to a Chinese buffet. I would have to say that it was less appetizing than most of the buffets we had in China (I can't believe I'm saying that)...but it was still good. However, my little brother and step-dad apparently had the "teriyaki poisoned chicken." They didn't feel too good after the fact.


The next morning - my mom, Brad and I and the kids left for Santa Rosa. The Diocese of Santa Rosa's youth director, Stan, gave us directions to go through Napa and Sonoma. Loved it! I discussed fleeting ideas with Brad about the fact that we were going to retire here...that is, until my mom picked up a real estate flyer and we figured we could probably afford a shack in someone's back yard (ah, life in ministry). But what a beautiful drive! Once we arrived in the Sonoma Town Square for lunch, we quickly realized that we have a knack for taking our kids to places that most people don't! Las Vegas - no fun with kids. Wine country - really, no fun with kids. Wait...I should rephrase that. Not to mention, not too many kid-friendly restarants. We did, however, find one that beckoned us in with another double-wide stroller in the entry way. After a good lunch, in which Ava discovered the wonders of the "french fry" and Caedmon cracked us up with his "lemon face," we traveled on to Santa Rosa.


Do I like it?


Yes, I do!!


When life gives you lemons....eat them! Wanna bite?

The next day was crazy. We were up early in the morning, ate breakfast, got the kids ready, and traveled to the church for the leadership. We were pretty much on (either Brad & Gene or I) from 12pm until Mass was over at 11:00pm. Brad had left early with the kids before Mass, so I could sing...When I finally rolled in at 11:30, Caedmon was screaming...and I mean, SCREAMING! He did so until about 12:15am...and then fitfully drifted off to sleep. He woke up 2 more times until we all had to wake up at 4:15am. I think I had maybe 3 hours of sleep before it was time to leave for the airport. Fun!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Finger Update

Houston, we have a fracture.

That's right...she broke the very tippy top bone of her tiny little finger on her tiny little hand. Poor baby. She now will wear a splint for a month...

Can't wait to see our medical bills...

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Nebraska Happenings

This past weekend, we made a visit to my sister and her husband in McCook, NE.

They made a huge and life-altering decision to move to McCook (small town - such as that of Douglas, Wyoming - where we grew up) from the bustling outskirts of Washington, D.C. after my brother-in-law, Ty and his family decided to open a grocery store. The store is called Schmick's Market and their only direct competition is none other than the retail giant, Wal-Mart SuperCenter.

We decided to leave earlier on Thursday because, yet again, another storm was headed this way. With bags mostly packed the night before, we woke up on Thursday morning to Ava's 102 degree fever. First, off to the doctor, to rule out an ear infection since Caedmon had made a visit to the ER the week before for a croup attack and then an ear infection. Nothing was seriously wrong with her (no infection to speak of), so we set off to Nebraska. We were not daunted by the fact that MapQuest was telling us that we were to spend 168 miles on a two-lane road...no. But, man, that was a drive with a whole lot of nothin'.

McCook itself is a great little town. Everyone is really nice, it has a fair amount of stoplights, cute little shops including a kitchen store that had all sorts of neat stuff (I bought a few things) and a great little bakery that serves lunch with the best sandwich I've had in a while.

My sister and brother in law's house is another interesting feature of McCook. When they were first married and still lived in Virginia, they bought a house for a fair amount, completely renovated it themselves and sold it for an outstanding profit. They bought their house in McCook - a turn of the century-style home - for cash. Not very much cash. And you can tell. Wood paneling covers the living room...white wood paneling...with the most hideous teal blue "custom" curtains I've ever seen. The house had not been lived in two years. And, this could be because I watch too many supernatural shows, but I suggested they get the house blessed before they moved in. They've been there for a year or so and as you can imagine with the two of them running their own small businesses, there hasn't been a ton of time to renovate. 4 rooms have been done. The kitchen (awesomely beautiful), their bedroom, my sister's office and a really cool slate covered bathroom. They had added an addition to the back of their house and this is where their dog-children sleep. The addition has not been caulked at all. And the cold front/storm that was predicted hit on Friday. I think the high that day was 16 degrees. COOOOOOOOLLLLLD!! brrrrr....

Anyway, Ava's cold got progressively worse. Snot-factory-child that she was, she was obviously not a happy girl. Sleep was fleeting for everyone involved. Caedmon woke up screaming both nights about 3 times, Ava cried intermittently in the office (we keep them separate) and Jack slept in with Aunt Brandi and Uncle Ty. Doggies heard us in the living room and whined here and there, but the real issue was the crying babes. On Friday night somewhere between one of the multiple crying jags of Caedmon's and Ava's I told Brad, "I think we should go home." So on Saturday morning we told Brandi and Ty we were going to think about traveling home because of the babies. As we were sitting around the breakfast table, Ava was crawling into the newly redone kitchen and grabbed something around the corner that we couldn't see. It was a metal step ladder that promptly slipped on the beautiful hardwood floors and smashed down on her little hand. I jumped up, rushed over and saw that her hand was already gushing blood. SCARY!!! She was crying, of course, and I could see that her pinky finger was completely cut open from the nail bed down to the second knuckle. We jumped in the car to the hospital.

McCook Hospital. Very nice. We were the only people there, I think, with the exception of the two nurses, receptionist and the doctor we saw. I guess the new thinking is to not stitch finger wounds because of the greater risk of infection, so they just bandaged her finger, as they told us, "like Fort Knox." We were given instructions to go see our pediatrician once we returned home. This gave us the decision we were struggling with. Let's go home.

We got back to my sister's house and as Brad is trying to put a shirt on Ava's (her old one was covered with blood), her "fort knox" bandage came off. So, while I packed, Brad returned, yet again, to the hospital. 45 minutes later, he returned with this poor little girl and her new white boxing glove. At least that's what it looks like. Poor baby....I will post pictures later this week.

Even though she is snotty, having coughing fits and wears a boxing glove, she is in great spirits and it's interesting that she is already so adept with just one hand. Tomorrow we find out what the next step is, but we know for sure, she will lose her nail.

I'm really praying this is the end of our ER streak.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

One small step for man...and womankind

The babies took their first steps today. Within minutes of each other. Need I say more??

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

God's Christmas Gift for Us

We had a great Christmas! Most of you who were either (a) watching the weather for the Rockies region or (b) LIVE in the Rockies region, know what a tumultuous white Christmas we had. It was GREAT! There is something about being snowed in that makes you feel like you could live in the backcountry as a twice-yearly emerging hermit.
We traveled so much as a family in November and December, that it was really a frantic chase to get all the Christmas shopping done, attend all of Jack's activities for school, decorate, unpack, and generally toe the line of insanity. When all the snow started, we ran to mall (mind you, INSTEAD of the grocery store) to finish up our list of people-to-buy-for. Kids in tow, we pushed our gigantic double-wide stroller through the muck to Park Meadows Mall. Apparently, several hundred other crazy people had to same idea. It was fun. The kids had a blast - we got things done. Win-win. Driving home was another story...just as Brad pulled up the curb so we wouldn't have to walk to the van, he slipped putting Ava into the car. Luckily, with little more than a bruised ego, he was uninjured. This, however, was an omen that the drive home would be a fun one. (note the sarcasm here) It took us twice as long to get home (a 20 minute drive turned into about 40 minutes) and there is a reason that people who are not used to driving in the snow, should not. Cars were sliding all over the place and the jerks who think they can conquer with an SUV and four wheel drive, were speeding too fast for everyone's comfort. However, we did make it home...in one piece...but then that was the last time we ventured out for 48 hours.
Our little town received 33 inches of snow thereafter.
Meanwhile, Jack played out in the front while Brad shoveled the driveway (about 5 times) - we walked to our friend's house in knee deep snow for grilled cheese and tomato soup where we theorized how we would get our friend Shaleane out if she were to go into labor (she is 7 months pregnant with twin baby girls) - I baked cookies...real ones....from scratch...with sprinkles - We watched movie after movie - I cooked with what I had in the freezer/pantry (tuna casserole a la Joia) .....we had a blast. All of this told us that what we needed was to slow down and enjoy each other...enjoy the season...enjoy the solitude and the beautiful gift of snow we were given. I plan on writing God a 'thank you' note...
Christmas itself was wonderful. We drove (once the snow cleared up and roads were finally opened) to Wyoming for Ava and Caedmon's first Christmas...They were cute...we got to see a couple of movies (a Christmas miracle)...and we got some great time in with family.
Highlight presents:
Jack - Toss-up. either his Nintendo DS or his Playmobil Pirate Ship
Ava - Any piece of wrapping paper she could get her hands on
Caed - Any piece of wrapping paper he could put in his mouth
Mom & Dad - NEW TV!!! (our first since we've been married)
Our greatest gift has been this year we have been given. Without getting too mushy and blogging too hard, it has been irreplaceable, memorable and life altering. We are more completely who we are supposed to be. Enjoy some pictures!
Love & New Year Blessings! J & Crew
This is only the beginning....the first night out of our backdoor

The kids enjoying the snow...okay okay...with the exception of Ava


Pretty Girl - pretty cute


Our sweet babes in their Christmas morning finery