The Past Few Months in Photo Review

Jay-R playing goalie...plays just like big sis...no fear!

Dad & Jay-R at the zoo in South Bend, Indiana over Labor Day Weekend

Ashleigh volunteering as Junior Historian at Sauder Historic Village

Hanging out at Sauder Village during a warm October day...this is when he was still a Michigan Fan. He's since converted to Ohio State!

His latest Lego creation....a Lego House

Taxi on a Pickle

That's how my life has been as described by my seven, oops..eight year old. He says to me one night, "Mom, you're like a taxi on a pickle." And, that's how I feel some days. Running here, there, and everywhere playing soccer mom caravan. And most recently, nurse to a hubby who had knee surgery. Throw in a couple parties to celebrate Jay-R's eighth birthday and yes, I am like a taxi on a pickle. (I guess because a pickle is round and rolls...not quite sure the pickle part, but hey, it works!)

I promise I am back. No more long delays between postings. I will post pictures soon of the birthday boy.

I am learning to not sweat the small stuff, take one day at a time, and breathe! My remedy for stress relief-running, writing, quiet time, laughing, and silliness with my kids. What relieves your stress in this crazy world?

So sweet...

He makes me smile...
Just minutes ago, he says,
"I'm thankful you adopted me, and I have a family."
Melts my heart....
He's really been talking about being adopted lately, asking questions, and accepting of how he came to the family. We love our little guy...wait, I stand corrected by Jay-R-"big guy."
Always making us smile!

Another First...the Ocean!

Jay-R loved, loved, loved the ocean on our recent trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Even my jellyfish sting on Day 2 did not deter him from jumping in and splashing around. It's so much fun experiencing things for the first time again through the eyes of a child.

Camp Mabuhay 2011

We had a great time at the 2011 Camp Mabuhay in Kokomo, Indiana. It is such a wonderful experience for both the children and adults. This was our 3rd year, and it feels like a big family reunion. We encourage you to consider coming. It is worth the drive. The 2012 event will be held on Saturday, June 9. Typically, it starts around 9 and lasts until about 4. There is a Filipino song and language session, a walking museum, a Sari Sari store, dance lesson, cooking demonstration, games, craft, and of course great Filipino food made by wonderful Filipino folks. The theme was "Wow Bohol!" Here are some pictures from the day. Filipino Pabitin (like a pinata only the kids jump to try and grab a bag while the pabitin is lowered and raised). The older kids had to play on their knees!

Leigh-Anne, our exchange student, doing the Tinikling dance

Jay-R eager to spend his pesos at the Sari Sari store.

The best part...the Filipino food! There were different kinds of pancit, lumpia, menundo, rice (of course!), chicken adobo, fresh fruits, and cake. Halo Halo was served later.

Dancing a an American favorite-The YMCA!

Jay-R showing off his "pesos" to spend at the Sari Sari Store.

Ashleigh & Leigh-Anne displaying their project for the Walking Museum-the History of Bohol.

The Traditional camp Birthday cake

Our 2011 Camp Mabuhay family photo minus Dad who had to work.

Jay-R doing the Tinikling dance.

Recent Life Happenings in Pictures

Jay-R received his orange belt at karate.

Jay-R after his first 1K race at the Toledo Zoo. He did awesome!!!

Before the Dart Frog Dash at the Toledo Zoo-me, Jay-R, and my cousin's husband Chris.

Mother's Day with my kiddos.

Ashleigh practicing her piano recital piece.

A New Found Love

Running...something I once hated that I love now. I crave time to run. I love running. When I first started losing weight unexpectedly as a result of some health issues, I began working out. I decided that I would not be a weakling. I ran maybe half a mile or so on the treadmill. My sister challenged me to do a 5K. So, once I got the okay from my surgeon in February, I started running. I love it! I'm not interested in competing. I compete against me-for the sake of my health. When I feel crummy, running makes me feel better. The best part of it, it's something I can do with my kids. Ashleigh has gone on runs with me, and so has Jay-R (although he likes to do sprinting competitions with a little cheating on his part...lol!). I'm excited because I just registered for my first 5K at our local zoo. Jay-R is way excited because he's signed up for the Kids' 1K. It's next weekend already! Ashleigh has other commitments, but she plans to join me for a 5K later this summer. I will post pictures. Can't wait!

Easter

We hope everyone had a blessed Easter! Our schedules have been a whirlwind of activity. This is definitely the busy time of raising children! But I love it! And isn't Jay-R darling in pink?

Rest In Peace...we love and miss you, Kody!

Kody...September 1998-April 1, 2011, our beloved black lab...faithful friend. We will always love and will forever miss you!

Two Amazing Years

March 16, 2009-the day I first laid eyes on my handsome little boy and held him close...what an amazing day we will never, ever forget.

And now, look at this amazing little boy who identifies himself as a Filipino American, full of life, energy, reading, doing math problems, and thanking God for his family tonight in his prayers. God is good indeed. Thank You God for 2 amazing years and we pray many more to come!

We don't have....

We had the funniest conversation yesterday in the car while waiting for Kory to come out of Wal-mart. Ashleigh and Jay-R were having this conversation about where people come from and how God fits into this all.
She said something to the effect that God created Jay-R. And he said no, that his birth mommy created him. Then, Ashleigh told him that God created him and his character traits. He looked at her and said as seriously as anything, "We don't have character traits in the Philippines."
Ashleigh, Leigh-Anne, and I died laughing.
Gotta love the words out of the mouths of babes!

Something to Think about...

I just had a random phone call that has me thinking. Our adoption agency called asking if we want to update our homestudy because we are at the 2 year mark. Do we? I'm not sure. I've been looking at my Philippines pictures from Jay-R's adoption and my heart swells with love for the children still waiting. While I don't think now is the right season in our life as I contemplate going back to school for my Master's degree, it definitely has touched upon that soft spot in my heart. Something to talk with hubby about this weekend. I know it's probably best to put off the homestudy because if we wait a few years to adopt if we decide to proceed, we'll probably have to start all over anyway. Such is the way it seems to go....

Emotional Breakthrough...

Friday night was a rough night in the Allison house. All was calm until around 11 pm when Jay-R awoke from his sleep. When I told him he had to go back to sleep in his bed, he broke into a full fledged temper fit that last quite a while. It was similar to a "just came home from the Philippines" adjustment temper fit. It came out of nowhere. He had went to bed so peacefully, and we had followed the regular routine. Finally, after it was all done, we had a talk about his feelings. I was able to get out of him that he was worried about me. I told Kory later in his 7 year old mind, he doesn't know the difference between a partial hysterectomy and a cancer diagnosis so he probably has been afraid whether I would be okay or not. Add to the fact that for the first 5 1/2 years of his life, he had no family to call his own. And, I certainly haven't been myself even before the surgery due to not feeling well. Of course, after the brief recovery time, I will be fine, but he has no way of knowing that. He has dealt with so many changes and losses in his life. Although I did not enjoy his late night temper fit and I was really tired, I was thankful and blessed to have had that conversation with my son-to see into his mind's eye a tiny fraction of his view of me and his fears. After much reassurance that I will be better soon and lots of goodnight hugs and kisses, he was ready to go back to sleep. Sometimes, it's hard to differentiate between adoption issues vs. developmental issues vs. fear issues. I just had a talk with my friend about her issues with her same age biological daughter. My thoughts are that sometimes the adoptions issues blur into the developmental issues but in the end, all that really matters isn't always the source or the reason behind the issue, but that my son, and daughter for that matter, feel assured, loved, safe, and secure. As a mom, I am blessed for the teaching moments even though they aren't always fun going through them!

Boredom....

I have reached that point of boredom. Being off work on surgery recovery is not the same as being off work on a vacation day. I don't have the ability or the freedom to do as I want. I have a stack of books but I've already read 5 books. I am Facebooked out, tired of checking emails, and done all the research on Celiac disease that I care to do right now before I see the doctor Monday. I have a stack of movies to watch but I'm not really a TV person. I have to be really bored to watch TV. I am tired of sitting but yet like today when I went to the grocery store with my mom, I am sitting here tonight exhausted! (Don't worry...I promise I did no lifting, no pushing, nothing I am not allowed to do). So I guess, now, since my mind isn't feeling foggy anymore, I am going to dive into my novel I have been working on the past few years and hope that the creative juices start flowing. And all you bloggy friends, out there, I look forward to reading your weekend posts!

Holiday Pictures

Family photo at Christmas

O-H-I-O....need I say more?

The three girls...neice Kelsey, Leigh-Anne, our exchange student, and Ashleigh having fun at Christmas

Christmas Eve and all dressed up

Visiting Santa at the town depot...a Wauseon tradition

Anointed

Jay-R is having a hard time with me being down. He doesn't necessarily understand how much I hurt and how much pain I have. He understands on one level, but then when I can't do something with him I always have done, he is saddened. My first night home, I didn't even attempt the stairs. I could barley walk without pain. Last night, I decided I needed to go up to get some clothes so I took it slow. It went okay. So, at bedtime, I walked up the stairs to say goodnight prayers and tuck Jay-R in. I read him a short Bible bedtime story and then said prayers. After prayers, he got a sad look in his eyes and I saw them tearing up. I tried to reassure him I would be feeling better in a few days. He took his water bottle, put some water on his fingers, and leaned up to me. He anointed my forehead with water just like he sees our pastor anoint people with oil for healing at church. The faith of a child. I hugged him a long time and thanked God for both of my wonderful children. Ash has really been helping out extra with chores and with her brother. And, Kory has been a wonderful caretaker and is quick to tell me to sit down, don't do that, etc. I have been anointed and blessed with a wonderful family!

Home and Hurting

I've been out of touch with my bloggy world lately but hopefully I can begin to feel human again. I had my surgery yesterday, and I am home now. Hurting but home. There's the surgical pain and gas pain, but I know it will pass eventually. I had a robotic assisted partial hysterectomy ...it's amazing what medical technology can do. No more adenomyosis...no more pain. The doctor thinks I may also have Celiac's disease based on my other symptoms which means I will have to adopt a gluten free diet if I test positive for this. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, I will have answers and begin to feel better in 2011. In the meantime, I am looking forward to catching up with everyone's blogs!