Adoption process update-Adoption Journal

Adoption update!

We received our I-600A Clearance approval in the mail on Friday-yippee!! In plain English, this means that Homeland Security has found us 'fit' to adopt an orphan from another country, specifically South Korea. So we are one step closer! We are right in the middle of our 10 hour adoption training. Basically, it's South Korea's move, kids..
Interestingly, I have been decorating for Christmas this past weekend and I've noticed a mental shift with myself. For instance, putting up our stockings, I found myself making a mental note that we need to get 'one more'..decorating our tree, I thought, 'hey- we need an adoption ornament on here!' (I have ornaments commemorating EVERYTHING)..we decorated two gingerbread houses this weekend, one for each child and I thought to myself, 'next year we'll have 3 houses!'.....JUST GENERAL STUFF LIKE THAT. I'm already starting to prepare room for our number #3!
So hooray, hoor-ah, we're moving along and that is a very nice start to my week. Hope yours is off to a nice start, too!

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!
(check out my bird..I'm a lil' tad bit proud of it BECAUSE it's my first one I've ever cooked..)



I hope your day was blessed! -sm

Day 13 and 14 and 15 for that matter

This little virus has really taken me out..I thought I was getting better only to relapse on Thursday afternoon. Still hanging in there though. I've been making a mental list of what I'm thankful for each day even though I haven't checked in for the past 3 days.
Here they are:
Day 13- I was thankful for great parents in my kids' classroom. I'm a room mom to BOTH of my kids' classes. Now before you say wow or anything..basically that makes me a little insane in the brain to do that!! It's fun though and I enjoy it. Lately, in my daughter's class we've had alot going on- lots of behind the scenes organizing and I'm really thankful that the parents at my kids' school are so willing to pitch in and help with what needs to be done. It makes a difference!! I'm also thankful for the lovely ladies who are co-room moms with me in both classes. All are go getters with servant hearts. I've enjoyed getting to know them all.
Day 14- I was thankful for the opportunity to be a little creative yesterday. I'm already working on our Christmas decorating and I'm doing a couple of new projects for this year. We are hosting a couple of parties at our home this season so I get a little crazy with the decorating! I love Christmas and I was very thankful that my dear husband recognized that I was 'in the mode' yesterday and let me craft away the afternoon. Good for my soul!
Today Day 15- I am thankful for my church. It is far from perfect. Some things I really love about it. Some things I wonder about. Doesn't matter though- I read an article the other day about someone in another part of the world who was sneaking around just to attend a worship service in the basement of a building with a dirt floor. We don't have to do that here. And no matter how big or small your church is, how often you meet budget or not, how awesome worship is or how many glitches happen in the programming, we still worship the same God whose presence comes and joins us each Sunday. I love how Sundays feel after I've worshipped God in the morning. THANKFUL!!
I suppose in spite of being so sick, I have found myself feeling...well, happy. Is my life perfect? nope. are there things going on that are hard and make me sad? yep. But in spite of that stuff, it's true. I'm happy.
What about you? What are you thankful for today? Find something and give thanks!!

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 12

I must say that I have been blessed with some good girlfriends. I was thinking about them and how they've added so much to my life over the years-we've been on many, many adventures!! (Probably some that should not be spoken, much less written, about!!)
I have a girlfriend who is a teacher, many who are mommies, a couple who are not (and want it to stay that way), one who is an actress in LA, one who is an impeccable dresser, one who is a singer, one who knows exactly the right advice to give, one who is an author, one who is an executive, one who has had so many careers that I've lost count, one who is extremely organized, one who couldn't find her head if it weren't attached to her body, one who is a nurse, a couple who fly the friendly skies, one who is a little neurotic but I love her anyway, one who is wickedly funny, one who talks alot, one who is struggling right now, one who'd I like to know better, one who is my partner in crime, one who is my confidant, one who is endlessly optimistic, one who loans me books, one who has known me for almost 30 years, a couple who have known me for 20, one who is now travelling more than I ever did, one who believes completely in my dreams and encourages me to try, one who gets exactly where I'm coming from, one who is a domestic goddess, several who are not, one who is very shy and one who is extremely athletic and daring.

(I'll bet if any of them are reading this, they're trying to figure out who's who up there!!)
But actually, alot of those descriptions fit several of them.
They are all beautiful women to me, inside and out! Some I am extremely close to, some I used to be close to, some I miss. But I still include them all in my circle of friends. They've laughed with me through the fun and happy times, cried with me through the tough ones and simply all together enrich my life daily. They are part of the fabric of my life! So on Day 12, I am thankful for all the girlfriends that God has placed in my life- presently and in the past.

I hope God has given you a special friend..you are blessed if you have one!

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 11

I don't want my words to get in the way of what I'm thankful for today. Because quite frankly, they will fall short. I am so thankful for all the brave men and women of our country who have served and do serve in our country's military. What you do and have done has enabled me to do what I do everyday. You are very appreciated by our family and your sacrifice to us all is huge. I have several veterans in my extended family (one of whom is no longer with us)..you have all blessed my life. Thank you and God bless our veterans!

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 10

I have these two critters that hang around my house..you've read about them: Seoul-Roy and Seoul-Rat.

Seoul-Roy is old and is quite attached to me. We bonded in a PetSmart parking lot about 11 years ago and have had quite a friendship ever since then. He had a tumultuous first two years with us and then mellowed out. His favorite past time is lounging and he's really good at it. Seoul-Rat was also found in a parking lot- a mall lot- after almost getting run over by the car in front of me. She was only 6 weeks old, too young to be away from her mother. That lucky duck found a home with us, too although she's been a little more feisty and challenging. Still, we love her and she definitely has put a little spring in Seoul-Roy's steps.

We're dog people. I heard an expression once- never trust anyone who doesn't love a dog. I like that. (although, yes, I know some of you DON'T like animals at all..you really should give a dog a try..) We especially like spotted dogs and that's why these two fit in so well with us. They're pretty loyal and being sick, like I have been, it's pretty great to snuggle up with the both of them. I think they innately know when one of their 'peeps' isn't 100%. They are extra sweet and cuddly.

So today on Day 10, I'm thankful for my dogs. They've cost me a ga-jillion dollars over the years, make me vacuum almost daily, and try to sneak up on the bed when I'm not around but I think we'll keep them. After all, loyal friends are worth keeping around..

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 8 & 9

I'm slacking a bit but I have a good reason. Seoul-family is sick. We woke up yesterday at 4am, caught a 7 am flight and then had to rush up to the northern end of our state for a Christmas ballet performance. Seoul-girl was dancing in her ballet school's Nutcracker performance. So somewhere in the middle of all of that, Seoul-girl said she didn't feel well. And then I didn't feel well. And then it was Seoul-daddy's turn and so on. Yuck. But yesterday in spite of all the rushing around and sickness, I got to see my sister, who came to see the show. SO yesterday, I was thankful for sisters! (sorry Seoul-sister for the less than animated conversation..next time)

TODAY on Day 9, I'm just thankful for my warm comfy bed. Because even though I feel like a truck has run over me, there is nothing better than to curl up in your own covers on your own mattress in your own house. Trips are fun but home is always the sweetest. Enjoy your day everyone and hopefully this Seoul-mama will be feeling better tomorrow!

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 7

I am late with my post today but better late than never! Now don't laugh, but I'm serious about this one..today on day 7 I am thankful for getting to see the Christmas decorations at Disney!!



Let me explain.
We've been here at Disney World all week and have watched them little by little put up a decoration here and there. I knew that next week would be the big 'unveiling' and everything here would be all decked out. I've been to Disney a few times but have never been during the Christmas season. (It's always something I've wanted to do..come to Disney during Christmas so I could see the decorations.)

So today we walk into the Magic Kingdom and they must have been busy last night after closing because lo and behold there they all were- tinsel, garland, christmas trees, candy canes, christmas music! And it was such a nice surprise that what does this Seoul-mama do?
I started crying right on the spot!
I didn't expect that reaction but that's what came out and Seoul-daddy kept hugging me and saying, 'you are so cute!' I don't think anyone (including myself) knew how badly I wanted to see them!! (They are amazing by the way..)

So there you go. I'm leaving Disney World with a big old smile on my face. (I'm doing a post next week on our trip..) Have you gotten a good surprise lately that you didn't expect? Be thankful if you have!

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 6

Yesterday I was at a Disney restaurant with my kids and a friend and her kids. There were six of us and we were trying to corral children, figure out what we were going to eat, curb behavior issues- stressful! In the middle of all of this madness a lady walks up to us and says, 'I'd like to buy your lunch- I have extra dining credits.'
Dumbfounded we had to clarify..'ALL of us??'
She just smiled and said ABSOLUTELY!



A perfect stranger and a random act of kindness! An unexpected gift!

So I've decided to pay it forward today and do something nice for someone I don't know. I've never been a recipient of one of those 'random acts' until yesterday..not that overt of one, anyway and so I'm thankful today on Day 6 for people who think of others on that level and do things like that!
What about you? Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness? Do you think you could show one today? I dare you..

Attitude of Gratitude- Day 5

Here is where we are...



And today on Day 5 of cultivating an attitude of gratitude, I'm simply thankful to be here! You can't help but be in a good mood when you are walking around the streets of Disney! As they say here in the world of mouse, have a *magical* day everyone!!

Where are you walking around today that you are glad to be?

Attitude of Gratitude-Day 4

Have you stopped to think about what GRATITUDE is really all about? Have you ever almost missed a flight but barely made it? Gotten 'all-clear' results back from a scary health test? Dropped a piece of your wedding china only to catch it mid-air at your knees?

Gratitude is that 'WHEW' feeling. That I can't believe I made the cut feeling. That I really shouldn't have made the cut but I'm so glad I did feeling. Gratitude is what makes other people light up when you come around. They WANT to be around you because you are generally pleasant to be around! It makes you easy to walk up to and say HEY! Good Morning! because you are just so busy smelling the fresh air or the rainy mist and your smile is too big to exude anything but gratitude.

People want some of that. People pay attention. When someone looks like they might be having a bit more fun than they currently are, people want to find out why.

Gratitute changes how you see everything. And then in turn it changes how others see things. And so on. It's the gift that keeps on giving! Maybe that's why it's called Thanks-giving.

Are you smiling yet? Because I am.

Day 4 of cultivating an attitude of gratitude is I am thankful for being able to smile.
Why don't you notice your friends' smiles today? Look at your co-workers or your husband or your children or better yet- a perfect stranger! Give them a no holds barred, unsolicited, genuine SMILE. And see how that makes you feel! (I already know it will make the other person feel good..)

How is your list coming along? Care to share? Drop me a comment!

Attitude of Gratitute- Day 3

We're goin' on a lil' trip...and it took me forever and a year to get Seoul-girl and Seoul-boy settled in the bed last night! They were so excited about our trip that they had the wiggles. And I had to smile because I used to act the same way when I was a kid and something GREAT was about to happen! Let's be honest..this year has been a little *rough* for this Seoul-family. We had a devastating loss this summer and the aftermath of that and have had a couple of stressful points with our adoption process.
So what makes my kids' wiggles a little more sweeter is that experiencing pure excitement from the pit of their TUMMY is something we've really needed! So Day 3 of gratitude is thankfulness for the innocent JOY and ANTICIPATION we all experience over the big things that make us happy- and the little things, too. I hope you all feel some of this if not today, then very, very soon!

How are you cultivating an attitude of gratitude today?

Attitude of Gratitude-Day 2

DAY 2

As explained yesterday (which we will call Day 1), this month I have decided to focus on cultivating an attitude of gratitude everyday leading up to Thanksgiving.
I know, I know- the Christmas commercials are on the television, the decorations are out in the stores, you might even be Christmas shopping already! BUT, here at Hearts With Seoul we are going to make a deliberate, conscious decision to be thankful for something everyday. And you get to come along with us! So grab a notebook, a special journal and start your list.
Each day will bring something different and I hope you will be inspired. And I would love for you to leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today or any day!...

I think I have mentioned before that we have had alot of rain this summer and fall. I don't think I can remember a fall that has been this wet! Usually October gives way to crisp, brisk, blue-sky days but it has been anything but that for 2009! Last week we experienced one of those gorgeous days and Seoul-girl and Seoul-boy couldn't wait to get out of the house and run around outside with their neighborhood pals. Seoul-girl blew in for a snack during a short break and dug around in her pocket.

'oh mom' she called breathlessly 'I almost forgot- I have a present for you! I'll leave it by your computer'

That was last week and today I have just now taken the time to stop and truly examine what she left me..

the colors of the season!

So simple. Somewhat small. So beautiful. So thoughtful.

And so my second day of gratitude leads my thoughts to God's beautiful creation and what He does with His paintbrush around this time of year! And the small hands that bring me simple yet mighty presents from the heart.

Family Night- Halloween Weekend part 2

Here are some more highlights from our fun weekend! Seoul-bat took flight at a costume party and made it into the finals of the costume competition!



On Friday night, we decorated festive cupcakes!





We also carved a pumpkin!



...and Seoul-girl roasted the seeds!



Halloween morning, the kiddos woke up to a massive spider web at the kitchen table!


And we enjoyed spooky food all day: jack-o-lantern donuts and scrambled brains for breakast..jack-o-lantern sandwiches for lunch..mummy-dogs and slime for dinner..

All before heading out for a rainy night of trick-or-treating..



I was only a *little* scared..



And last night when I tucked my two little monsters in, I had such a warm feeling inside. Our family had so much fun together this weekend- being silly, dressing up and simply being together! I'm so thankful for a weekend when we can do this. And that starts my month of gratitude..

What about you?

Family Night-Halloween Weekend part 1

For November leading up to Thanksgiving, I'm going to have every single one of my posts about gratitute and Thanksgiving..Seoul-mama doesn't skip over Thanksgiving like they do in retail! I'm calling it my month of 'Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude' BUT before we kick that off, I must share with you our fun Halloween weekend. Now, ok...in our house we do not glorify scary,gory things around this holiday. But my kids do love to dress up! They always have so we stick to fun costumes and creepy crawlies (spiders and the like). So that is my disclaimer right up front.
Leading up to the big candy night, Seoul-girl and Seoul-boy had plenty of opportunities to unleash their inner "fill-in-the-blank". Here's a little bit of what I saw passing through my kitchen this week...

We started out with Dress As Your favorite Bible character for school. I dropped off a lovely, demure Angel of the Lord and a short, spunky Jesus that day in carpool.

Then we had costume week at ballet class. Seoul-girl takes ballet on multiple days so she wore her regular costume on one day and decided to be a fairy on the other.


Somewhere along the line, Seoul-daddy got in on the action. His company held a costume contest at the end of the week and can you guess which one he is? (*hint, think inner-caveman)


But Seoul-daddy could not let go of our annual tradition. Did you know we have an Elvis sighting each year in our parts?? It's true! I give you Fat Elvis!


And finally, I introduce to you two of the cutest animals you'll ever come across. Seoul-cheetah and Seoul-bat!


BOO to you! stay tuned for more of our spooky fun..