Our last day at the beach traditon

The peanuts saying goodbye to the ocean on our last evening. Harry and Will were sitting at the edge of the water and I saw the photo -op, so Dave simply stuck Kate in there.

I love to have pizza in the early evening on the beach. This is a little family tradition we have whenever we go to the beach. We usually save it for the last day so we can linger as long as we'd like at the beach instead of getting cleaned up to go out to dinner. We don't eat pizza very often (even though I LOVE it) because of food allergies but we make an exception a few times a year.

Kate's first time sharing in our family tradition.

Sandy Will

This guy really wanted to join in on our family tradition too. My camera scared him off before he got too close to our pizza.

An Award and a Meme

Daleea (who is SO nice) passed this nice matters blogging award on to me. I thanked her right away but I did not post about it because I get kind of embarrassed. I feel awkward posting it but do not want to be rude. Does that make sense? This is my scrapbook of sorts. I never knew it would touch anyone else in any way. This award is for those who are nice people, good blog friends and inspiring in the blogging world. I would like to nominate Diana, Lori, Danielle, Heather, Lisa , Leslie and Shana. These women have all been really helpful and supportive and kind to me at one time or another and I am grateful. There are many others I would name but I know they have already been nominated. Those of you I nominated can copy and post the award and you are allowed to nominate seven people. But if you are like me and get embarrassed you can graciously and quietly accept the compliment and you don't need to do anything else.

I have been tagged by Debbie for the middle name meme.

Here are the rules:
1) You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name.
2) When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts.
3) At the end of your blog post, you (need to) or (may) choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


S- Sense of style. I like to think that I have a sense of style in regards to home and clothes but maybe I am deluding myself. I do however enjoy shopping and decorating.

U-Uncoordinated. I was always the last one picked at group sports as a kid. I have lousy hand-eye coordination. I can ski, ice skate and am very flexible in pilates and gymnastics but I stink at sports.

E-Exceptionally organized. That is what I used to be until an adorable little baby girl came home this summer. I am getting my organizational groove back but it was GONE this summer! I would love to write "energetic" here but not feeling that these days.

Oh, and I despise my middle name so this was hard to do.

It seems as though everyone has already done this one, but feel free to do it if you have not been tagged. I'm really not good at the memes or the award thing. Leave a comment so I can go read yours:)

Dolphin Boat Ride

I know you are all probably sick of our vacation by now. But I still have a few special moments to share. One day we had a guide take us out on a boat to look for dolphin. Our Captain (Neil) was awesome! During the school year he is a fourth grade teacher so he was incredible with the boys. Harry's highlight of the ride was definitely driving the boat (just look at his face). Will enjoyed the little ball jellyfish (they don't sting). Make sure you see the picture of the Momma and baby dolphin. I wasn't even sure I caught it until I downloaded the photos. To read some captions move your mouse over a photo.
I know many of you followed Jude's story and prayed for him. Yesterday his life was celebrated at a church service here in town. To read some of the beautiful tributes, click here. Then click on Read Journal. I especially love the one to his brother and sisters.

First day of school and the smell of dead fish

Will

Harry.

Sorry this is blurry. I guess I was shaking?

Brothers and best friends

Okay, SOMEBODY (and I not not going to mention names)

decided it was a good idea to bring a barnacle home from the beach. So yesterday my car started smelling a little "beachy." Then last night as we were heading out for Chinese food, it smelled of dead fish. Finally, we figured out that SOMEONE'S barnacle was hanging out in the hot car (and likely dying). I spent a good hour scrubbing and vacuuming the car last night. I am afraid to go sniff it this morning. Any helpful hints for getting the smell of dead fish out of your car?

Beach Collage

Click to Enlarge

Please pray for the Gilliam family

Beautiful Jude has passed away. His family really needs prayers to get through the days ahead of them. This family has three other children and their youngest child is only 2 months old. Their pain and grief must be overwhelming.

I thank everyone who has lifted this precious boy and his family up in prayer this week. I cannot imagine how much it has meant to them to know that so many people have prayed for them during this extremely difficult time.

We never know how much time God gives us here on earth with our loved ones. It is so vital to focus on the time we have together and not the petty things that often take our attention away from what is really important.

Thankful Thursday from the beach

I feel guilty posting anything while a little boy is fighting for his life (see below). PLEASE continue to pray for Jude and his family. His plight is weighing very hard on my heart. Just as Jude's parents are celebrating their anniversary, I am celebrating my wonderful family. I am so blessed. I am thankful for Jude's progress. I am thankful for all of the prayers people are offering for him. I am thankful for my family and this fabulous vacation.


Today the boys went to a great 1/2 day boating and crabbing camp. Then we all went out on a boat ride to look for dolphins. It was Kate's first time on a boat and I think she liked it. She loves the wind in her hair (pictures to come) Finally, the boys went on a hayride and forest campfire where they cooked hot dogs and s'mores. Scavenger hunts and good old fashion games were planned. While they were there, Dave, Miss Kate and I went to a very nice (white linen tables cloths and candle light with no kid's menu) restaurant. We had a great time. Needless to say, Kate loved being an only child and the whole restaurant staff fussed over her. The owner actually cried hearing of Kate and I meeting in the airport for the first time. She carried Kate around the restaurant showing her off to customers and chefs. Kate giggled and flirted and ate up the attention and Dave and I got a few minutes alone. It was a great day!


I really did not plan to blog while we were on vacation but it gives me something to do while Kate naps and she has napped better here than she has ever napped at home! I also cannot wait to download the photos from my camera everyday. I really don't know what to do with all of the pictures I am taking. So today, I made a slide show for each peanut. I am sure it is too much but here they are.

Miss Kate Emerson

Master Harrison Reed

Master Will

An brief update on Jude

Handsome little Jude is still fighting for his life. According to the latest updates, all of the swelling is gone but there is still no brain activity. He was initiating some breaths yesterday but I did not read that today. Today is Jude's parents ninth wedding anniversary and their two older children plan to dress up as french waiters and serve them a much needed nice dinner. I am glad they plan to celebrate their marriage even with what they are going through. Today is one week since Jude's accident. Please continue your prayers.

My favorite images from yesterday

Despite our heavy hearts regarding little Jude, we are enjoying our first vacation time as a family of five. Please continue to keep Jude and his family in your prayers (see previous post). He is making small advances and the family remains very hopeful. Tomorrow is an important day for the family and for some medical decisions so please continue your prayers. I want to share my favorite images of each peanut from yesterday. Moms, hugs your little ones tonight and pray for Jude to hug his Mom!

Katie Ru

Harry

Will

Chiquita

This is "Chiquita." She is a banana spider that has taken up residence where we are vacationing. The maintenance man here is quite attached to her and he feeds her daily. Apparently, banana spiders are venomous but not deadly. Yeah! They must be common in this part of the US because I remember Daleea posting about one in her backyard.

This little boy needs prayers!

Please click here and read about this family. I do not know them personally but they live in my community and they are friends of friends. Jude is a 2 year old boy who was in a drowning accident and he is literally fighting for his life. At this point, Jude needs a miracle. He has three siblings ages 7, 5 and only 2 months old. I cannot imagine the heartbreak and fear his family is experiencing right now. Please pray for Jude and his family. Also, please ask everyone you know to pray for them. Thank you.

Friends at the Beach

We were very fortunate to begin our family vacation with a visit from two wonderful families in the Chinese adoption community. Debbie from Hiking through life with Ian and Lili & Daleea from Jewels of my Heart came this weekend to meet us in Hilton Head. It was amazing to finally meet these families. All of the children played as if they had known one another forever. Debbie and Daleea are kind, loving Moms and I feel lucky to call them friends.

Debbie has posted some incredible photos and I am sure Daleea will too. They are awesome photographers and I learned a thing or two from them this weekend.

Kate's first time at the beach!

What I am thankful for...

Moments like this with my children. After dinner tonight, I was laying on the floor (I was exhausted) and all three peanuts crawled up on top of me. Kate was flinging herself on top of the pile. We laughed SO hard!

For Dave taking the kids up into the mountains this weekend for a hike and picnic while I was off on an overnight shopping expedition.

For how much the boys love their little sister!

That we get to live here!

I am also very thankful that we are about to embark on a family vacation.

Life is good.

The Frankenstein Walk to Will

Kate is getting better at walking. She still has the "Frankenstein, drunken sailor, wobbly walk" but she is making improvements everyday!

My friend's husband, Jeff has had another set back so please continue your prayers for him. Thank you:)

Amazement Square

Yesterday we had a wonderful time at a Children's Museum called Amazement Square. We went with some friends and had fabulous day. Honestly, I think Kate had more fun there than she has had since she has come home. She LOVED it! Thank you Colleen for all of your help.

I am off for a short "girl's shopping weekend." I cannot wait. We are going to shop for fall clothes. Miss Kate has nothing for winter and fall so I have a lot of "work" ahead of me this weekend:)

Thankful Thursday

Miss Kate having a tea party with me, Kitty (from Danielle) and Duck.


The kitty that Danielle sent for Kate.

Last week I just could not get here on Thursday to post! It was a very hectic week. Kate is very busy and into everything and we are just in the process of getting gates and latches and things to keep her safe.

So this week I am thankful ...

~my wonderful date with Harry.

~Kate is taking some real steps (video coming any day).

~new friends who feel like they have been my friends forever.

~my husband who is trying very hard to let me know that I am appreciated.

~that school starts soon. I look forward to the routine and the time. It is not fun (for me) to drag 3 peanuts to Whole foods, Target, an oil change and a car inspection!

~that God has blessed me with this family that keeps me on my toes.

~that Jeff is home from the hospital and continuing to recover. Please keep praying for him though as he has a long road ahead of him.

Several people asked where Danielle got Kate's beautiful dress. It appears to have come from the Ralph Lauren Store in CA. Thanks again, Danielle!!!

Photo Challenge

Heather hosts a monthly photography challenge and I try to participate. I am a very novice photographer but I am trying to force myself to learn more about my camera (which could take years). This month the challenge was color. We were supposed to capture the colors Heather listed. So, Harry and I took a morning a few weeks ago and walked around the local university. Harry found the subjects and I took the pictures. I know a couple are really not good. I do not have any editing software so that also limits me. But I figured the more I practice the better I'll get. You ought to go to Heather's blog and check out the other participants. They are really great photographers!

One of my BEST dates!

Me and my date just before we left for brunch. Isn't he handsome?

Sunday morning Harry (my 6 year old) came downstairs when he woke up and asked me if I would like to go on a "date" with him to a very nice Inn for brunch. Imagine my surprise as this is one of my favorite things to do. Of course, I said yes! He told me that we had 10:45 reservations and that we needed to wear, "nice clothes but not too fancy." So, we both went to get dressed for our date. Harry actually wanted to wear a sport coat but it was too small. When we went to get in the car, he opened my door. We chatted animatedly (he in his car seat in back) as I drove to the Inn. He kept rehearsing saying, "We are here for our 10:45 reservations under the name of Harry Pretendlastname." It was adorable. I saw Dad coaching him a little bit before we left but I had no idea how much ground they had covered.
MMM

When we arrived at the Inn (a few minutes early) he approached the maitre d' and told him that we had a reservation for 10:45. The kind gentleman directed us to a sitting room to have some tea. Harry had herbal apple-cinnamon and I had a decaf coffee. We talked about him going into first grade and who his teacher might be and who might be in his class. When we were seated Harry made sure to let me walk ahead of him and he tried to pull out my chair (the maitre d' beat him to it). Harry even ordered himself a "decaf" coffee (this was a first). The whole restaurant watched as he poured sugar in the raw into his "coffee." I looked across the table at his tiny freckled nose and his smiling eyes and I thought, "I wish I could freeze this moment in my mind forever." He was the sweetest, cutest little date I have ever had. I told him that his wife is going to be the luckiest woman in the whole world!

Harry is allergic to many foods but I let him have a few things he usually avoids. He is not allergic to chocolate that we know of but he is allergic to the things that chocolate comes in (ice cream, pies, cakes). Anyway, he had some chocolate and said, "Mom, I am going to throw up!" When Harry says this, he means it and it is coming FAST! We stood up and ran as fast as we could out of the restaurant and to the restroom. I felt so bad for him because I didn't want it to ruin this magical time we were having. I was also afraid he was going to get sick in the middle of this very nice restaurant while people were enjoying a quiet Sunday brunch! We made it to the restroom in the nick of time and Harry did get a little sick. Chocolate always does that to him.

When the bill arrived, the waitress handed it to Harry. He beamed with pride as he showed me the pocketful of cash he had to pay for our date. Dad told him to look at the bottom of the check to see how much it cost and then to ask Mom to help figure out the tip. He did all of this beautifully.

Afterwards, we walked around the Inn and looked at the geese and the pond. We held hands and sat on a swing and made a wish in a fountain. He said, "Mom, are all of your dates with Dad this good?"

I LOVE my little Harry! This was one of the best dates a girl could ever go on. I understand (according to Dad's plan) that this is the first in a series of "Kim Appreciation" events planned by my dear husband. I think a date with Will is next. Stay tuned.

The County Fair

The other day we went to the local county fair. If you move your cursor over the photo and click, you'll see the captions.

Updated 8/6-- We were feeding Kate eggs this morning with chopsticks and she said "Chopstick!" If I were alone I would have thought I was imagining it but Will and Harry were there too. She said it a few times!

Kate has been home 4 months today!

Four months ago Kate Emerson got off that plane from China with her Daddy and her big brother. I held her for the first time and my heart melted. Some days, it feels like she came home yesterday and some days it feels as though she has been here for four years! Some days I feel like I know her down to the depths of her soul and some days I am still figuring her out.

Kate also turned 14 months yesterday. She is quite a talker! She says "hi" to people all the time now. She says up, out, yes, apple, Mama, and Dada. She calls Harry either "happy" or Habu. And she calls Will, "wheel."

Kate has the best smile and laugh. She is a very happy baby and she attracts people wherever she goes. She is also the most affectionate baby I have ever seen. She kisses and hugs us all the time. It is amazing! She also crawls over to Scout (our dog) and kisses her. She kisses her baby dolls too. This little girl is so full of love. She is not affectionate with strangers though which makes me glad because if she were I would be worried about indiscriminate attachment.

Kate is still rather wobbly on the walking. She is taking more and more steps every day but crawling is still her most efficient mode of moving (and move she does). We REALLY need to baby proof now!

I am really writing all of this so that someday I remember what she was doing about now. One thing I know I'll never forget is how much Kate Emerson has made my heart grow! She has made me love her more than I ever imagined I could.

I love you my Katie Ru!

My little joker!

Kate has an incredible sense of humor for a one year old. She is the first one to laugh when someone says something funny (and I KNOW she cannot understand). She just has this true "sense" of humor. Today she cracked us up by putting all of these bows in her hair. The pictures are awful. It was dark in her room and I had been playing around with my camera and did not have it on the proper settings but I had to capture her hilarity.

She has also taken to offering me a sip when she is done her bottle. See, funny? Oh and the funniest part is that as I was uploading these pictures, she walked up to my computer, pushed the off button, looked at me and laughed. She just cracks me up!