Thursday, May 27, 2010

Nick's 8th grade Graduation

My baby, (AKA: Nick: my fourteen year old, first born son) had his 8th grade graduation last night. I can't believe I'll have a child in high school in the fall! Here are some photos of his last day at middle school. (I teach at his school, hence the many photos...I swear I wasn't stalking him!)

The 8th grade class leaving for their annual bolwing trip. Nick and some of his friends.

Nick at the graduation, waiting to walk across the stage and get his promotion certificate.

Why did I upload this one? Well, thats me waiting with the students.

I was able to read the names of students in Nick's row, so when I read his, I had to stop and hug him. He said I could as long as I didn't cry or kiss him. I behaved.

Nick going back to his seat.

Nick and Addison after the graduation

All my kids; not terribly photogenic, but cute notheless.

All of us. I love my family. I looked at this photo and thought, "Wow, that's a big family!"

Ok, the next sequence of photos are hilarious. Before you look at them let me defend myself:

  • First; the gym was pretty much empty when this happened.
  • Second; If you have two or more boys who are all 9 years and older, you'll completely understand what you're about to see.
  • Third; If you dont' laugh at these instances, you'll go crazy.
  • Fourth: I love boys. They are hilarious!!!
  • Enjoy.
Photo #1 Photo op

Photo #2 photo op turned headlock

Photo #3 photo op turned headlock, slighly off balance

Photo #4 No longer a photo op, a wrestling match

Photo #5 Photo op gone wrong

...really wrong

Photo #6 Victory!! He's pinned
(...and we never really got a good photo!)
Also, in my own personal defense, my husband took all these photos.

Monday, May 24, 2010

A Little Baseball....

Nick reading with Addie

Addison playing in the dirt. Its great fun!

Jack loves to play catcher!




Drew playing left field


Sunday, May 23, 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010

More photos...

A runny nose, and something in her mouth; this pretty much sums it up!

Nick lovin' on his little sister!

She LOVES this doll her aunt gave her! She carries it everywhere and loves to kiss and hug it!
(oh, and she loves shoes...thats my shoe in her other hand)





Saturday, May 15, 2010

A Testimony of Faithlessness

Last Saturday, I was invited to speak at my church's mother daughter brunch. I was asked to share about our adoption journey. I realized as I prepared for the event, that my testimony was one of faithlessness and failure; but in my stumbling God proved Himself to be incredible gracious, patient, loving, and oh so longsuffering. I think I proved the following verse: "If we are faithless, he will remain faithful for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)

A Testimony of Faithlessness from Noel on Vimeo.

Bath Time





Addison used to really hate her baths. She would cry every time she heard the water running. She is now growing more accustomed to them. I wouldn't say she loves them, but she is content for a little bit - at least long enough to get some photos!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Video: Journey to Addison

I created this video to show at a mother daughter banquet I spoke at last Saturday. I will upload the testimony I was able to share at that event soon. Its a really big file, so it will take some time.

Journey To Addison from Noel on Vimeo.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Addison's Birthday

The birthday girl in her cute pink outfit. (Thanks Lois!!!)
We celebrated Addison's first birthday last Sunday. In Korea, first birthdays are a very important event. Some people rent banquet hall, cater in food, and invite 100+ people! We didn't do all of that, but we did try to incorporate some traditional Korean customs to honor her heritage and make the day special. Here are some photos from her party.
The boys made cupcakes, iced them, and put pink sprinkles on them.

The doljabi game is a traditional game played at a child's first brithday. All the guests guess what item Addison will choose form the table. The item chosen is supposed to indicate something about their future. Here are what the items mean:
Hammer-strength
thread-long life
piggy bank-wealthy
stethescope-doctor
microphone-star
ball-athlete
pencil-scholar

You'll see what she chose in some later photos.

These towers are also traditional decorations. The boys each made one and put something on it to represent Addison: The one on the left was made by Drew. The circle on it is the symbol found on the Korean flag. The one on the right is Nick's. The pig represent Seoul (its their symbol) which is where she lived.

I made this one. It is her Korean name using the Korean letters.


The one on the left was made by Jack. He made a heart becasue he loves her. (so sweet)


Getting dressed in her hanbok. It has many layers as you'll see. This is layer #1; the slip.
The hanbok is what a child wears on their first birthday. The one she had was given to us by her foster mother. It was so beautful!

Layer #2: the skirt

Layer #3: The top

All ready!

She chose the stethescope!!!! She will be a doctor!! See how delighted Jack is? He obviously predicted she would choose that one!


Opening gifts.


Her birthday cake.

Addison & her daddy. (I love this picture!)

We bought her a silver bracelet with her Korean name engraved on it.


Addison and her Aunt.



Eating her cake. She LOVED it!

What a mess!

Still lovin' the stethescope!

Addison with her grandma & grandpa

Addison with her Aunt and Uncle: both are doctors!!

The bracelet we bought her.

Jack with Addie.