My boy

Today was a rough day for our little family. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say that my boys gave me extra love today. At the end of the evening, as we were getting John ready for bed, he climbed into my lap and said, "I love you so much mommy. I love being with you every day and every day I love being with you." We then listed the others that we love, grandparents, friends, etc. And, then he asked if I loved Jesus. As soon as he asked this, he turned, our eyes met, and we both said, "Oh, yeah, I love Jesus!"

That's the stuff that makes life worth living.

A look back...and, forward!

Can't wait to show you the pix below. But, I first wanted to share a great link. The second Monday of each month finds us at the Wilmore Adoption Support group. It's such a nice resource to be able to talk with other like-minded parents about so many different parenting issues - challenges, joys, and adoption related information. Last night we talked about challenges in school. How do children who were adopted later in life than infancy deal with "bring your baby picture to school" and create a timeline of your life? (When you grow up in a thatch hut in rural Africa it's a little difficult to capture memories with a camera.) Our kids' birth stories are often vastly different than the 'average' American child. And, dealing with these things head-on and EARLY is so important for a child's self-esteem. It also helps other children to understand, learn empathy and to stand up for their friends throughout life together in the school system. We spoke about science classes and heredity and genes. One dad (before his kids were a twinkle in his eye!) was a teacher just out of college and was teaching this very topic to young people. As a particular student was figuring out her gene pool ~ dominant and recessive genes for eye color ~ she called him over to explain why her eyes were one color while none of her family members represented that particular color! It's humorous...but, also tragic! Talking about adoption early, while also not making it our #1 focus is a fine line. But, one that must be walked. Here is a link that is still developing. On it you will find much-needed resources like sensory therapists, counselors and occupational therapists. And, much more. Bluegrass Adoption Support Network, bringing to Kentucky a more aware and proactive group of parents this 2012!

Our Christmas on the farm was a joy this past 2011. We had family from Illinois, Indiana and Georgia. 

We ate well, played games, watched movies, watched the kids play, decorated gingerbread houses and even worked upstairs to install a shower. Wha? Yes, you read that correctly.

 It can't be a get-together with the Neal side without a little home renovation.  

We want to stop here. We cannot thank you enough, family and friends, for all of your encouragement, prayer and support of us as we begin the New Year in Taiwan. Our plans are not always God's plans and you believe that right along with us...you have come beside us to rally and support His plans for our family to serve at the Home of God's Love in Lo-Dung, Taiwan. We are SO very thankful to the Lord for each of you and what you bring to our lives. The Frederickson's will be taking care of our dog, Farris. The Heckman's will be caring for our two cats, Sherpa and Binx. When we began this process back in April, the Lord brought buyers for our goats, guardian livestock dog, 60+ laying hens, etc. One of the buyers is a beautiful family ~ the Maple's. They have been some of our biggest advocates - they are our employers too.  

Aunt Kim in Maryland, Uncle Dick and Aunt Josie in Iowa, Uncle Jerry in Arizona, the Petersons in Colorado, the Wells in Georgia, the Angels in Georgia and so many of our close friends and family Here in the Bluegrass...each of you is so dear to us. Thank you for the blessing you are in are in our lives. We fly on January 31st from Chicago to Hong Kong. Then, on to Taipei, Taiwan. We don't know how long the Lord will allow us to stay - we'll keep you updated with prayers and blog posts and a newsletter or two. We are furiously tying up loose ends, applying for visas and packing, packing and packing some more. Bless each of you this New 2012 Year. We pray God's Biggest Blessings for you!

The cousins ~ early Christmas morning. 

 

Books and a panda from Great Aunt Cis and Uncle Norman

Sweet baby B. 2, almost 3 months!

Gaga and Papa Wells with their gingerbread house! 

Thanks to Uncle Josh and Aunt Rachelle, each family got to decorate our own. Fun tradition!

These two monkeys had fun times together. John was sick and went to bed early the night his cousins arrived just before Christmas Eve. But, what kept K. going during the drive down to KY from IN? Seeing her cousin John! So, just as he was laying his head on the pillow ~ in came his family and everyone had to give lots of hugs and kisses before bed! It didn't always look this picturesque at the table. 

But, aren't they sweet!?

The Brothers Neal

Last month we traveled to IN for our new niece's baby dedication. 

Below is a great pic of the Neal grandparents with their grandchildren. Wonderful, isn't it!?

And, most importantly...Charley read the Christmas Story from Luke. 

Love, Jackie

Picnic, Memorial Day and a Laugh

Yesterday evening we were headed to our monthly Adoption group picnic. We were all in the car together after a day apart - John in preschool, daddy at work, and mommy at home preparing for our trip. I can't wait to ask about John's day when he's been at school, as I'm sure my mom loved to ask about mine when I was growing up.

I would always give the same answer, "It was fine."

Poor lady.

What do I usually get from my son at the end of the day? "It was fine, mommy."

Ok.

"Son, what did you have to eat today?"

"Nothing," he answered.

Oh, ok. Again, my poor mother.

Payback is what this is, I guess. But, here comes the best part...

"Mommy, I love you. And, I love daddy. And, Gaga and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa."

Can I just say how good it feels to know we are still most important and that school and friends don't yet trump family! I pray it stays that way until he's oh...22 or so. Sigh.

After our picnic we stopped at "Old *McDonald's"...so cute, right!? We needed a .50 cent ice cream cone after all of that playing and picnicking. When we finished, our little man announced, "now move on. Hold on to your panties." Daddy sometimes announces that when we leave our driveway. I guess it's made quite an impression.

On Memorial Day we got together with some friends that we've known for several years now. They also adopted from *Thogl and our boys were there at the same time. Little C, below on the right, (not to be confused with the artist Lil C) was the first baby I held and fed before my Johnny woke up the morning we arrived in Taiwan. It is a blessing to be able to connect and share life with them several times a year. God weaves an intricate fabric of love in special ways!

C on the right, at *Thogl (thanks, J, I borrowed this from FB!)

J at *Tholg

And, here are our boys today - 3 years later and oh how they've grown!

Do you love my boys wild hair - spiked after sweaty play outside?!

Our families

Mmm...the AC just kicked on at 9am here in the south. Better go shut the open windows...By the way...we try to stay frugal, even when it comes to AC. We keep the temp at 79 during the summer and turn the ceiling fans on high. Since we're in the middle of a hay field with hardly any shade we try to leave the Ac high so that we don't get too spoiled...we still have to work outside! And, coming back into the Ac on high does not bode well if we still need to keep it real with work outdoors!

Try to stay cool on this hot summer day!

Jackie

All about the best Blessing...Adoption!

At our Adoption Support meeting on Monday night we listened to a recap of a talk our friend and fellow adoptive parent gave recently. Nathan is committed (now you are!) to posting a Fatherhood Fridays collection on their blog. Go, it's great!

We also learned of a few great links that I wanted to share. The first is a Youtube* clip by Eric Ludy called Depraved Indifference. So beautiful there are almost no words.

And, I've heard that Mary Beth Chapman's new book, Choosing to See , is amazing as she recounts her life story of love, loss, adoption, hope, and above all, God's glory.

Today, in an email, our dear friends who introduced us to international adoption linked up to this article about attachment. It's a great website in general!

Another one folks! This website is dedicated to providing a compilation of the best of the best about adoption found online. http://www.wearegraftedin.com/. Thanks, Cydil, for introducing us to this site!

I have another recommendation from Charley's cousin - I just have to get in my email to find it again! I'll save it for another day...

Blessings to each of you today! Charley's parents are coming in town tomorrow to visit and work so I need to run and work on getting this messy house clean!


Jackie

"Mother of 13..."

Charley and I were watching Katie Couric tonight when this came on...about adoption! I couldn't resist posting the link. Here's a teaser: "Mother of 13 urges adoption..." The couple look so young! And, a lot of their children are... Well, click on the link already, will ya!

Go here for a few Thanksgiving pix. I'll have more from my camera soon. Though, these tell it all!