tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73259483627117381192024-03-14T06:10:55.841-04:00...And so we wait"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-21847984412558119262012-09-09T20:42:00.004-04:002012-09-10T20:51:20.856-04:00Game, Set...Match??? {Sunday Snapshot}<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7967121144/" title="IMG_7276-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7967121144_0d2ea67d60.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_7276-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Oh. My. Lanta. We are off and running around here! I have been so so blessed to be able to be home full time with Jillian since we brought her home last November. It has been glorious for all of us...a special time to really focus on Jillian's adjustment...and in fact, ALL of our adjustments to becoming a family of four.<br /><br />But...as they say...all good things must come to an end...and September found three of us heading back to school. <br /><br />One week in...I feel good. Lia seems happy, Jillian mostly happy...and me? It felt great to be back at my middle school and the best group of co-workers ever. I think it's all going to work out perfectly...a little rushed...and the feeling that all I am doing is packing lunches constantly...but good. (Please don't visit unexpectedly until late June though...not sure my house is going to be company ready any time soon. Just sayin'... :-))<br /><br />Definitely a balancing act!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7967122902/" title="IMG_7233-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7967122902_56584fa710.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_7233-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I have also made a conscious effort to keep our activities at a minimum...at least until we get back into the groove. Both girls will take dance class (Lia actually does two this year)...and we added a new love...tennis.<br /><br />One of the few sports I know NOTHING about. :-)<br /><br />Lia expressed an interest in tennis this summer...and I scheduled a few lessons for her just to see if she did, indeed, love it as much as she imagined she would. <br /><br />She did.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7967122384/" title="IMG_7253-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7967122384_fe137b1d8e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_7253-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />:-)<br /><br />...and so...Saturday afternoons this fall will find Lia on the court...practicing her skills...and learning to love a game that I hope she will enjoy well into adulthood. Time will tell...but for now?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7967121706/" title="IMG_7263-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7967121706_d98ff1621b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_7263-Edit-2-1"></a><br /><br />Definitely...<br /><br />Game. <br /><br />Set. <br /><br />Match.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7967121144/" title="IMG_7276-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7967121144_0d2ea67d60.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_7276-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />{ps...if anyone has a good lead on Tennis for Dummies...I wouldn't mind the hook up.}<br /><br />Photo 4-1-1:{Canon 50D, 50 mm, f/2.5, 1/250, ISO 160}<br /><br />Edited with <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Actions</a>.<br /><br />I am linking up to <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stefanie's</a> Sunday Snapshot. Hop on over for some serious photo love. Did you notice how I worked that tennis phrase in? Love? Get it???<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />Yeah...I really need the book for dummies. And perhaps a book of jokes...<br /><br /><br /> Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-62055626178351736292012-08-27T16:39:00.007-04:002012-08-27T21:05:51.355-04:00Passages {Sunday Snapshot}<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876758808/" title="IMG_6709-Edit-Edit-3-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7876758808_175738271f.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6709-Edit-Edit-3-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />It's that time of year...the changing of seasons that makes one stop and take stock. Perhaps fall, for me, more than any other, is the season that evokes introspection...a check on where I've been, where I am...and where I'm going.<br /><br />The promise of a fresh start, pencils with sharp points AND erasers, new lunch boxes...new adventures just over the horizon.<br /><br />It's all good. <br /><br />But I would be lying if I said that THIS particular impending fall isn't giving me slight heart palpitations.<br /><br />Not full blown anxiety. <br /><br />Just yet. <br /><br />But heart fluttering, fighting back some tears kind of feelings. Worry and anticipation all rolled into one. <br /><br />I will be returning to work this fall to the Middle School where I have worked for ten years. Lia will start Second Grade...and sweet Jillian will attend a full day Montessori School right down the street from where I work. <br /><br />We love the school. Truly. Lia attended for five years. They are like family to us...supported us through our adoption of Jillian...and I have no doubt Jillian will flourish there. <br /><br />If I could just loosen the the heartstrings a bit and let her go with grace. <br /><br />Again...the whole worry AND anticipation at the same time thing. Tough stuff I tell you. I'm working on it...<br /><br />But...for now, we have one more week to enjoy our leisurely summer schedule around here...and we are going to suck every last drop of fun out of it that we can.<br /><br />Denial calling...(I know!) <br /><br />On other fronts, it has been a whirlwind of photo shoots for me over the last two weeks...I have been so blessed...and so honored. One of the most special was the Senior shoot I did with my niece Renee. <br /><br />If you read my blog...you know I adore that girl more than I could ever say...the girl who made me an aunt. The first grandchild in our family. I could not ask for a better role model for my girls...she is just a delight in every way. <br /><br />Focused and fun...hardworking and somehow laid back at the same time. She left her small hometown last year, as a junior to attend a boarding school...and by all accounts has made a success of that decision (and total score for us because she is only an hour and 1/2 away now!). I can hardly wait to see what the coming year(s) bring for her.<br /><br />We did part of our session outdoors...in a sunflower field...so fun...and a first for me as a photographer...but definitely not the last! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876761326/" title="IMG_6467-Edit-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7876761326_a94a0ed014.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6467-Edit-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876760908/" title="IMG_6477-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7876760908_f4d2195a8b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6477-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876759792/" title="IMG_6521-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7876759792_5e3a52faa2.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6521-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876760318/" title="IMG_6496-Edit-Edit-4-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7876760318_30224f17cc.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6496-Edit-Edit-4-1"></a><br /><br />For our second location we both wanted to do something a bit different. Dare I say...<em>moody</em>...<br /><br />Over the years I have done a ton of photos with Renee...so we thought we would shake it up a bit (for us that is!). We found a great location (so lucky to have a brother in law with an empty warehouse attic!)...battled some cobwebs...and only one (small) hole in the floor...and lived outside of the box for a bit. Although I had my flash with me...I really wanted to use the available light to make the photos a bit more dramatic. It definitely was a bit of trial and error for me...but thankfully, Renee was patient...and we both love the results of the shoot.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876758216/" title="IMG_6719-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7876758216_433a4207b3.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6719-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876759324/" title="IMG_6693-Edit-2-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7876759324_5169d6e2ed.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6693-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876757728/" title="IMG_6724-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7876757728_11ef3a3697.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6724-Edit-Edit-2-1"></a><br /><br />Even as I type this, time is marching on. Ready or not, we will soon bid good bye to the golden days of summer. We'll all soon be off and running...some of us at the end of a journey, some of us at the beginning...and me?<br /><br />Somewhere in the middle...trying to hang on tight to the kite strings on both ends...laughing, wiping the tears...but always, <em>always</em>...counting my blessings along the way. Here's to new adventures and new opportunities! :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7876758808/" title="IMG_6709-Edit-Edit-3-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7876758808_175738271f.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6709-Edit-Edit-3-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Photo 4-1-1: {Canon 50D, 50mm 1.8, ISO 640, f/2.2, shutter 1/25}<br /><br />Edited with actions from the <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Collection</a>.<br /><br />To feast on some photo goodness...hop on over to <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stefanie's</a> blog!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center><br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-30764397908862571252012-08-19T18:12:00.018-04:002012-08-19T19:07:00.412-04:00Sunday Snapshot. Just one. F'real.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7818842130/" title="IMG_6788-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7818842130_8984c3277a.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6788-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />It has been a week of ca-razy fun around these parts. We packed the car and headed west...to Grandparent/Cousin central where we spent the week lounging pool side, playing carefree and just generally sucking every last drop of fun out of this summer that we could. <br /><br />I was thrilled to work in several Senior photo sessions during the week...including my oldest niece...which will be a post of it's own sometime soon. I had some crazy ideas for her session...and she was on board completely. Really SO special for me...and I am so thrilled with the results that I have ALMOST forgiven her for going and growing up. <br /><br />I also did a quick "Back to School" session with Lia, Jillian and my youngest nieces. Also lots of fun...despite the youngest little student who enjoyed walking around more than actually taking part. :-) I have some hilarious outtakes of that shoot... but again...a whole post in the making. <br /><br />So I woke up this morning. thinking of all the packing I needed to get done to come home and realized I had kind of left out one of my nieces. Although she has modeled for me tons of times...we didn't hook up this week ONE time. <br /><br />And that? <br /><br />Just ain't right. :-) <br /><br />I made the necessary calls, the child (and I am using that term VERY loosely...because like the rest of the children in my life she is refusing to heed my requests to stop growing up. Sigh.) may or may not have been awakened from a deep sleep, ideas were thrown about in quick succession and 40 minutes later we were on location. <br /><br />Uhhh...I think it was worth it. <br /><br />Like...holy cow...take my breath AWAY...worth it.<br /><br />I love it when a plan comes together. <br /><br /><em>Especially </em>a totally thrown together last minute plan. <br /><br />Really really good stuff. <br /><br />A perfect ending to a perfect week...and a fitting good-bye to this most golden of summers. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7818842130/" title="IMG_6788-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7818842130_8984c3277a.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_6788-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />The Photo 4-1-1:<br /><br />Canon 50D<br />ISO 250<br />50mm<br />f/2.0<br />1/40<br /><br />This photo was edited with <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Actions </a>{Splendor and Classic Color} and with Sunflare by <a href="http://shop.nicholev.com/">Nicole Van</a>. Head wreath by <a href="http://www.pinkandpigtailsblog.com">Pink & Pigtails</a>.<br /><br />Because it's Sunday...I am linking up with <a href="http://www,nihaoyall.com">Stephanie</a>. Click the link below to find some honest to goodness photo genius...and meet some really nice people along the way! You'll be SO glad you did! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-19710779249231234342012-08-12T06:25:00.001-04:002012-08-12T15:16:42.522-04:00Treasures {Sunday Snapshot}<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7759489022/" title="IMG_5985-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7759489022_d0bf86cb8e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5985-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I recently found myself discussing with Lia the phenomenon of "happy tears". It certainly is not the first time we have had this discussion...as, it appears, I am a frequent flier in the realm of "happy tears".<br /><br />It's not pretty.<br /><br />I know this because my sister wrote me the most beautiful thank you note when I was her Maid of Honor. Her last line read, "Don't cry when reading this note. It's not your best look."<br /><br />As if.<br /><br />I appreciated the sentiment...but it did nothing to stem the waterworks.<br /><br />Everyone could use a sister like her I tell you. F'real.<br /><br />...anyway...back to the reason for this post. I cried the ugly "happy cry" because my husband loves a good garage sale. <br /><br />And he is passing that...<em>ahem</em>...<em>passion</em>...right down to Lia.<br /><br />While I am a firm believer that one man's junk is...well...one man's junk, as it turns out, neighborhood garage sales are an excellent place to spend Tooth Fairy money (lots of bang for your buck!)...and hopefully learn the value of a dollar along the way.<br /><br />I am so proud that Lia more often than not comes home with a little <em>something something</em> for Jillian too. So proud. <br /><br />But that doesn't normally bring on the tears.<br /><br />It's that genuine plastic carousel/music box/jewelry keeper beauty in the photo that brought me down. And not for the reason you <em>might</em> think. :-)<br /><br />Lia came home cradling that contraption like it was made of solid gold one Saturday in June. She declared it her "most favorite treasure" ever. THERE IS EVEN JEWELRY INSIDE THE DRAWERS MOM!( ...and I use the term "jewelry" loosely here). But to her seven year old eyes...magical. <br /><br />A treasure to be sure. <br /><br />Jillian was equally besotted. <br /><br />Causing many...shall I say...disagreements...about who was going to play with it.<br /><br />And how.<br /><br />And when.<br /><br /><strong><em>That</em></strong> nearly drove me to tears of another sort.<br /><br />But since this is a family blog...I am going to stick to the happy.<br /><br />We finally put it up on a shelf in Lia's room where we could all gaze upon it's loveliness whenever we chose. <br /><br />Never underestimate the value of a high shelf.<br /><br />Peace reigned once again...until one night a few weeks ago...Lia and her carousel made me cry. <br /><br />Lia has taken to getting both herself AND Jillian ready for bed each night as a "surprise" for us. <br /><br />They scamper upstairs and I can hear Lia coaching Jillie through putting on her pajamas, brushing her teeth...and using the potty. <br /><br />On this particular night, Jillian was a bit resistant to the whole potty part of the routine. I heard Lia tell Jillian that she would give her a "present" if she did it. So Jillian did it. <br /><br />I headed upstairs to make sure Lia would honor her promise to find her scanning the shelves in her bedroom. I suggested a hair bow or ribbon...but she wasn't satisfied. She asked me to take Jillian into my room to wait for the surprise. <br /><br />I could hear her pushing her stool around...a little banging...and then..there she was.<br /><br />With the genuine plastic carousel/music box/jewelry keeper beauty.<br /><br />I tried to quickly point out that she needn't part with such a dear possession...but Lia was adamant. She was proud of Jillian and she wanted her to have the treasure "because she loves it so much Mom. It will make her SO happy."<br /><br />So you know where this ends right?<br /><br />Me...in the bathroom, trying to hide my sobbing from the children, all the while babbling incoherently to Jim about what just happened. He thought I was hurt at first.<br /><br />I think I gave them all a scare.<br /><br />But it WAS a happy cry.<br /><br />And even though I wasn't pretty...I sure was proud of MY treasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7759489022/" title="IMG_5985-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7759489022_d0bf86cb8e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5985-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><em><strong>The Photo 4-1-1:</strong></em><br /><br />{Canon 50d, 50mm, f/2.5, 1/60} <br />{Edited with actions from the <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Collection</a>} <br /><br />Hello Sunday! Check out some <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">really great photography</a>! (and be sure to stop by here later this week. Coming up? A video of Jillian yodeling! It's a don't miss!!) :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-36699916286983091272012-08-07T14:58:00.008-04:002012-08-10T08:45:42.588-04:00Three Lines<div>It seems like a lot changed in the five years between the adoptions of my girls. Lia is from Baoji, Shaanxi Province...smack dab in the middle of China. Baoji, the city where she was found, has a military base (so I've heard)...and they don't allow many visitors (although it seems they are getting better about that)...at least we were not granted permission to visit in 2006...a huge regret for us. We hope to go back one day to see where she spent her first year of life. </div><div> </div><div>We WERE granted permission to visit Jillian's orphanage last November...and didn't have to travel far to do it. Just about twenty minutes outside of Guangzhou, it was an easy trip at that. The director herself conducted the tour...and although I felt they were trying very hard to present a great impression, I WAS impressed with the classrooms, the workers who clucked over Jillian and even gave her a snack as they fed the other children. I wrote, somewhat non-coherently, about the visit and the emotions of that day <a href="http://andsowewait.blogspot.com/2011/11/beginnings-and-endings.html">here</a>. <br /><br />I would like to go back and make spelling corrections, etc...but have decided to leave my China posts stand as they are...typed hurriedly in the dark of a hotel room as my daughters slept...and I should have been. </div><div> </div><div>Before we left the orphanage that day, Jim asked the director if she had an e-mail address. To be honest...it had never crossed my mind. I was even more excited when she said she did (seriously...SO different from our first adoption clouded in so much secrecy it seemed). I sent her some photos of Jillian a few days ago...and this morning I woke up to a response...short...but oh so sweet.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>THANK YOU SO MUCH . SHE IS VERY BEAUTIFUL NOW. WARM WELCOME FOR COME BACK CHINA.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br />Seriously good stuff. I hope we can take her up on that warm welcome some day...</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><a title="IMG_2082-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7752466558/"><img alt="IMG_2082-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7752466558_ee8fa25052.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-80534749791661151552012-08-05T08:00:00.007-04:002012-08-06T09:45:40.971-04:00.Beloved. {Sunday Snapshot}<span style="font-size:180%;"><em><strong>Beloved~adj.</strong></em><br /></span><br />1. greatly loved; dear to the heart<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6026-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710309744/"><img alt="IMG_6026-Edit-Edit-2-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7710309744_cd9ef2f5b7.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />2. a person who is greatly loved<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6041-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710307626/"><img alt="IMG_6041-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7710307626_7cb1228085.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Synonyms:</strong></em><br /><br />cherished<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6010-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710311022/"><img alt="IMG_6010-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7710311022_500ac01daa.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_6017-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710310534/"><img alt="IMG_6017-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7710310534_545a992291.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />precious<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6029-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710309052/"><img alt="IMG_6029-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7710309052_fbf0268a57.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_6032-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710308584/"><img alt="IMG_6032-Edit-Edit-2-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7710308584_0217bb313d.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />sweet<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6039-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710308078/"><img alt="IMG_6039-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7710308078_e92bb1fc53.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />darling<br /><br /><a title="IMG_6060-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710307128/"><img alt="IMG_6060-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7710307128_e4bb3e8b91.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />She is...most definitely... <strong><em>beloved.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><a title="IMG_6026-Edit-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7710309744/"><img alt="IMG_6026-Edit-Edit-2-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7710309744_cd9ef2f5b7.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />{Top photo:Canon 50d, 50 mm, ISO 200, f/3.5, 1/125}<br /><br />{Edited with <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Actions </a>and <a href="http://http://shop.nicholev.com/section.aspx?sec=0">Nicole Van </a>sun flare}<br /><br />Dresses from <a href="http://www.jellythepug.com">here</a><br />Lia's Petticoat from <a href="http://themeasuredesigns.com">here</a><br /><br /><br />It's Sunday...so stop around and check out the Sunday Snapshot goodness at <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Ni Hao Y'all!</a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-56725165682087311712012-08-01T16:35:00.003-04:002012-08-01T17:06:03.273-04:00Frozen Concoctions...with a Shower on the side...We spend several, glorious weeks visiting our hometown during the summer. The girls get some excellent cousin and grandparent time...and I would be lying if I didn't admit to enjoying the low key days and many dinners out with various relatives. :-) <br /><br />It may have been the general air of joie de vivre that we embrace on vacation...or maybe just the thought of a good photo op...but a quiet trip to the local coffee shop during our visit last month turned into great summer fun in the blink of an eye...and I can't say for sure who enjoyed it more...the girls or me! :-)<br /><br />We were leaving the shop after a {brain freezing} drink...when the girls took notice of a ground fountain in the courtyard outside. They asked if they could "dip their feet"...<br /><br />...and, here, is the rest of the story...(and proof that I CAN be a fun mom from time to time...ha! :-))<br /><br />At first...they WERE mild mannered and demure. Perfect little ladies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693480646/" title="IMG_5586-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7693480646_f254b05fa3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5586-1"></a><br /><br />That lasted about 30 seconds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693478542/" title="IMG_5590-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7693478542_37759f9961.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5590-1"></a><br /><br />(and really...with a face like that...would you deny her???)<br /><br />Jillian was hesitant at first...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693482264/" title="IMG_5581-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7693482264_bd16713d0f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5581-1"></a><br /><br />...but soon got as carried away as Lia!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693475592/" title="IMG_5614-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7693475592_88288685bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5614-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693473916/" title="IMG_5617-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7693473916_aefa70315d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5617-1"></a><br /><br />Here, they were dipping their faces into the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693471436/" title="IMG_5625-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7693471436_541678fb22.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5625-1"></a><br /><br />One of them liked it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693468378/" title="IMG_5629-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7693468378_00d98124e8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5629-1"></a><br /><br />and one of them did not!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7693469956/" title="IMG_5626-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7693469956_2a0b6283ca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5626-1"></a><br /><br />(don't worry...those tears lasted a total of 3 seconds!)<br /><br />Such a fun time...one of those unexpected joys that just happens along in a day's time. Despite the wet ride home, Lia has already asked to "go to the coffee shop" again when we visit later this month. :-)<br /><br />{Photos edited in Lightroom with Presets from <a href="http://www.onewillowboutique.com">One Willow</a>}Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-19773744217625169582012-07-29T13:20:00.000-04:002012-07-29T13:22:02.874-04:00Kickin' it Old School {Sunday Snapshot}<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7652222364/" title="IMG_5939-Edit-2-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7652222364_67b5bd1b43.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5939-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Once upon a time, Jim was the photographer around these parts. I was so excited the Christmas before we traveled to China for Lia when I gave him a S**y point and shoot <em>digital</em> camera. That trusty little workhorse saw us through that trip to China and our first year home with Lia. <br /><br />Until I started carrying it around in my diaper bag.<br /><br />With leaky sippy cups of apple juice.<br /><br />Quick PSA...leaky sippy cups and cameras don't play well together.<br /><br />I blame it on the sleep deprivation. :-)<br /><br />Because it makes me seem slightly less...well...ditzy.<br /><br />I started <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com">Livin' la vida </a>Lia in January 2008 (you can see my first post <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com/2008/01/liathen-and-now.html">here</a>. It's actually <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com/2008/01/see-what-i-mean.html">two posts </a>because I couldn't figure out how to add more than one photo on a post. :-)).<br /><br />As I started to read more blogs and see such fabulous photography...I wanted to do a little more myself. Photographically speaking that is. <br /><br />I convinced Jim I needed a better camera.<br /><br />One not slowed up with apple juice and all.<br /><br />So...he bought me a Canon Rebel. On the condition I learn how to use it. I promised I would.<br /><br />So I did. :-)<br /><br />...and boy did I have fun along the way.<br /><br />I can't tell you how many afternoons I spent dressing Lia up so I could photograph her. I would like to say that my children look like they stepped out of a Matil*a J*ne look book on a daily basis...but really they do not. I love 'em just the way they are to be sure {all bed headed and usually wearing mismatched dress up clothes...if I'm lucky. Jillian is going through her "undies only" phase...a topic for another post}...just letting you know that becoming...<em>ahem</em>...<em>fancy photo ready</em>...takes a little bit of <em>doing</em>.(Although I want to be clear here...I LOVE shooting the everyday goodness too :-))<br /><br />Luckily, Lia loves the "getting fancy photo ready" part...and was a very willing participant in those early days. You can see what I was up to back in the day <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com/2008/07/singing-and-dancing-in-rain.html">here</a>. Or <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com/2008/08/we-heart-books.html">here</a>. Good times. :-) Filling my days up with fun photo shoots and my evenings blogging about it. And getting LOTS of camera practice in the process!<br /><br />Now that I have branched out a bit, a lot of my photography time is spent planning and editing photos for other people. And while I truly love every second of that...I sometimes miss those early days of my journey. <br /><br />So I decided to head out with Lia one night this week to kick it old school. Me, my camera and my best big girl. (this photo totally inspired by the genius of <a href="http://www.agingwithgracetoo.blogspot.com">her</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7650624340/" title="IMG_5950-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7650624340_45198397c3.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5950-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Total bliss.<br /><br />...and the fact that the park maintenance workers had apparently decided to mow everysinglefield I wanted to use? Didn't slow us down a bit.<br /><br />We <em>made it work</em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7650627094/" title="IMG_5920-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7650627094_442bb4b8d8.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5920-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.biography.com/people/tim-gunn-594086">Tim Gunn </a>is somewhere smiling. I just know it.<br /><br />My Lia is an artist. Compelled to create. She literally wakes up each morning and heads right to her craft table. And I love every blessed, <em>messy</em> second of it. It is a sight to behold...watching her work...so lost in what she is doing...usually humming or whistling a happy tune. <em>Joyful</em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7650625912/" title="IMG_5932-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7650625912_fc9b546c41.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5932-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Completely unaware of her surroundings...lost in her happy place. I dropped her in the middle of the woods...and she sat right down and went to work...drawing, blowing away the loose bits of chalky pastels...creating. I could not even bring myself to interupt her to give directions...I just let her <em>be</em>.<br /><br />And it was beautiful to me. The girl. The location. The passion. <br /><br />Magical. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7650626540/" title="IMG_5931-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7650626540_c5f1d0c5bc.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5931-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />After a recent visit to our local art store, she told me she wanted to stay there all day looking at the art supplies.:-) <br /><br />She told me "photography people" were <em>my people </em>and "art people" were <em>her people</em>.<br /><br />I told her my people would give her people a call.<br /><br />Maybe we could <em>do dinner</em>.<br /><br />She was not amused.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7650625380/" title="IMG_5933-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7650625380_b952cf687e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5933-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I just hope someday she appreciates the effort. :-)<br /><br />(Because even though I didn't mention it...I proudly claim <em>the Goofy </em>in the world as <em>my people </em>too.) :-)<br /><br />So...she's growing up...despite my efforts to stop the hands of time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7658885648/" title="IMG_5917-Edit-3-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7658885648_185db6d99a.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5917-Edit-3-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />But these photos...treasures to me...helped capture THIS moment...and in the process re-live some others.<br /><br />Old School rocks.<br /><br />And so does my little artist.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7652222364/" title="IMG_5939-Edit-2-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7652222364_67b5bd1b43.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5939-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />{Canon 50d, 50mm, f/2.5, 1/60, ISO 400}<br />{Edited with <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella</a> Actions ("Splendor" and "Add Some Drama") and Textures (Cream Canvas)and <a href="http://shop.nicholev.com/">Nicole Van </a>Sunflare Action}<br /><br />{Shirt is from <a href="http://www.gapkids.com">The Gap</a>}<br />{Petticoat from <a href="http://www.themeasuredesigns.com/">The Measure</a>}<br /><br />I have been loving the <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Sunday Snapshot</a>! Be inspired, make a friend, have some fun and join in. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-77829148179780838862012-07-24T10:42:00.002-04:002012-07-24T10:57:04.571-04:00A study in contrasts...Lia and Jillian are almost exactly four years apart in age. I originally worried {SO silly!} that they would be too far apart to truly become friends...and happily co-exist. <br /><br />But as time goes by, I am loving that spread more and more. I am enjoying a perfect mix of toddler and big girl thankyouverymuch...<br /><br />...and getting some amusement out of it too. <br /><br />As I was attempting to organize recent photos (and that is NOT going well...I keep getting distracted. You are reading the case in point. :-))...I found two photos that kind of give a visual to the dynamic we are rocking these days.<br /><br />My Lia...almost second grader. Reading quietly. Drenched in sun. Peaceful. Serene.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7637193862/" title="IMG_4435-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7637193862_b1526e31f7.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4435-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />...and Jillian. Who just brings the sun with her. {You KNOW you secretly want to lick your ice cream bowl clean too. Live vicariously. I know I am. :-)}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7637185776/" title="IMG_5276-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7637185776_1ed8336518.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5276-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />So thankful for both my girls and their VERY different personalities. :-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-80775671292119944262012-07-22T08:44:00.002-04:002012-07-22T12:40:16.641-04:00Of Beaches (again!), Cousins (again!), Kites and Gratitude {Sunday Snapshot}<div><div><div><a title="IMG_4650-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612497080/"><img alt="IMG_4650-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7612497080_425f955cc8.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />It has just been a summer of feeling settled around here. We started our first adoption in 2004...and since that time, we have been "waiting"...first for Lia (home in February 2006)...and then for our second China adoption. Standing at the window in Xi'An China with Lia the night before we took her away from the only life she knew, I shed some tears and promised her (in a MOST over emotional, first time mother tired and overwhelmed way) that we WOULD return to her homeland one day...and I KNEW that there was going to be another daughter for our family.<br /><br />Little did we know HOW long it would be until we met her. Our second adoption...begun in the spring of 2007 took so many twists and turns...renewing paperwork, praying for a speed-up, happily living our lives with Lia...but always waiting.<br /><br />While it makes sense that the waiting would become easier over time...the last 6 months...after we had been matched with Jillian were definitely the most trying for me. Last summer, especially, was so bittersweet...going through the motions...while knowing "the rest of our story" was waiting for us on the other side of the world. Each morning, when I awoke, I said a prayer of safe-keeping for my Jillian...being tucked in to sleep...and each night, a prayer of safe-keeping for her new day. It just about did me in. Some of the hardest days I have known.<br /><br />But THIS summer?<br /><br />Everything is different. And it's ALL good.<br /><br />And for the first time in almost 8 years (!), my heart is settled. Blessings abound. And we are enjoying this sweet sweet season more than I could have imagined.<br /><br />It have been wonderful to spend time with our families...welcoming Jim's brother and his family home from a year in Brazil (we were able to Skype them from China...how fun that was!), spending extended time with the grandparents...and introducing Jillian to all of her cousins.<br /><br />We're ALL about girls in our family. My girls have 6 cousins...not a boy among them. Jillian is the youngest and most likely the last of this cousin posse. Thankfully they do not spoil her at all.<br /><br />Ha! :-)<br /><br />This year, in addition to Jillian, we were thrilled to bring our niece, Eva, with us to the beach for the first time.<br /><br />All mad cello playing, 6 ft. of her. :-)<br /><br />Both girls were ecstatic...especially Lia...who quite possibly broke a record for thinking up questions to ask Eva during dinner (and every other waking moment). The good news is...we know now what Eva's favorite vegetable and fruit are...and what they are not...and pretty much every other bit of trivia about her. Good stuff. We love that girl...and it was fun to get to know some new things about her! :-)<br /><br />Our first few days at the beach were chilly. Even so, the call of the waves was strong...so we bundled up one evening determined to fly our kite!<br /><br />While Jim fought with the temperamental kite...the girls took some time to explore...undeterred by the chill in the air.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4646-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612492834/"><img alt="IMG_4646-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7612492834_58d8218ed0.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />I got Lia to stand still just long enough to snap this photo. In EVERY other photo from this night, she is on the move...she loves the beach SO much she has a hard time NOT skipping or dancing ALLTHETIME.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4667-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612496874/"><img alt="IMG_4667-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7135/7612496874_a3d7b75fc9.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Eva was a little more patient.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4616-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612493336/"><img alt="IMG_4616-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7612493336_a9ecf6d9e9.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Jillian insisted on getting in on the act. :-) (She's obviously VERY serious about it! If she wants to be in the photo...well...I can't bring myself to stop her (I may be guilty of slight spoiing myself). I aim to please. (At least where photos are involved. Can you blame me???)</div><div><br /><a title="IMG_4677-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612496588/"><img alt="IMG_4677-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7612496588_fc0efd8af0.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Going back through my photos to document our time with Eva, this one caught my eye. To me, it is a photo that speaks 10,000 words...and I could just put my mom goggles on and stare at it all day long. So poignant to this season in our lives...<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4688-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612496302/"><img alt="IMG_4688-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7612496302_1c785433b1.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />And on this...Jillian's second time on the beach...she decided she liked the sand. Despite the lack of sand implements, she sat right down and started to play. While technically a snapshot, taken on the fly...this photo is one of my all time favorites of my Guangzhou girl. Just like her big sister, she takes her mother's breath away...<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4629-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612493052/"><img alt="IMG_4629-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7612493052_647e0e99d4.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Finally...Eva. Did I mention she is 6 ft. tall?<br /><br />I am not 6 ft. tall.<br /><br />So my decision to photograph her standing, with the water in the background became somewhat problematic. Changing perspective is sort of photography 101 for dynamic portraiture. I usually take a step stool with me to sessions to help with that actually. But I didn't have one on the beach of course. The only way I could have shot Eva was from below. At a steep angle (sigh). So I set the shot up...and handed the camera to Jim.<br /><br />All hunky 6 foot 2 of him. :-)<br /><br />And he snapped it for me.<br /><br />He's so handy sometimes.<br /><br />I think I'll keep him.<br /><br />:-)<br /><br /><a title="IMG_4650-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612497080/"><img alt="IMG_4650-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7612497080_425f955cc8.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Sadly...the kite never really took flight...but this golden night...and the week that followed will surely remain perfect memories for the rest of our days. The days, home with our Jillian, that we began the rest of our lives...blissfully complete and so so grateful.</div><div> </div><div align="center">Canon 50d</div><div align="center">ISO 200</div><div align="center">f/1.8</div><div align="center">1/6400</div><div align="center">{Edited with actions from the <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Collection</a>} </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It's Sunday...so I am linking up with <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stefanie's</a> Sunday Snapshot!<br /><br /></div><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center> </div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-13393754872822704962012-07-20T22:28:00.003-04:002012-07-20T22:34:34.756-04:00Thursday Afternoon<div align="center">Take one girl</div><div align="center">With one older sister</div><div align="center">One <em>bored </em>older sister</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Add one hat</div><div align="center">Purchased for <em>someone </em>to wear to a hat parade in October</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Throw in less than summer-ly weather</div><div align="center">Which canceled plans to swim with friends</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><a title="IMG_5748-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7612813436/"><img alt="IMG_5748-Edit-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7612813436_f16cd2411a.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center">And you get one awfully sweet...</div><div align="center">...Totally styled by a 7 year old</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Memory. :-)</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-83824940451867124602012-07-19T08:44:00.007-04:002012-07-19T09:36:38.073-04:00Blog Business. And a Pink Hat.Small confession. I can't juggle. :-) Most days the tail wags the dog around these parts. Don't get me wrong. It's mostly a happy dog...but all that tail wagging makes me tired. And I have a hard time keeping up!<br /><br />Once upon a time, I loved to blog. As you might imagine...I am not a traditional scrap booker...and my blogs are my legacy to my children. Dramatic? Yes. But so true. The special days, and the everyday, run of the mill days...I want to remember them all. And I want both of my girls to know just how much I treasure them and this {very} fleeting season. <br /><br />As it turns out, my good intentions of maintaining a blog for <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com">Lia</a>, Jillian and my <a href="http://www.maxandmimiphotography.com">photography business </a>were WAY too ambitious...and I gave up on all of them. <br /><br />So...I'm making some changes around here. My personal blogs will be merged in the near future (who knew you could do that??? So thrilled!) and I will blog our personal story under ONE {new} name (Whew!)...and my business blog (poor pathetic unused space it is)will also undergo an overhaul to reflect the new changes and directions my photography is going. (I also have a Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/maxandmimiphotography">here</a>. Thusly adding to the whole juggling failure). <br /><br />Fingers crossed that this makes things easier!<br /><br />I am thrilled that in the last few weeks, as I have stuck my toe back into the blog world, I have reconnected with old friends...and found some new ones too. <br /><br />It's nice to be back. :-)<br /><br />...and since I am here...and no post is complete without some photos...I bring you Jillian. And a huge pink hat. When she sashayed downstairs in this little number yesterday, I didn't waste a moment getting her outside for some photos. But...well...it was about 227 degrees outside yesterday. And the only thing Jillian was feeling was sweaty.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603112850/" title="IMG_5695-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7603112850_de676cd9b2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5695-1"></a><br /><br />Oh she looked smashing...and she knew it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603114224/" title="IMG_5693-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7603114224_29ea3fc16f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5693-1"></a><br /><br />But my attempts to get her to "look at the camera" were apparently translated as "open your mouth wide and look away"...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603117590/" title="IMG_5691-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7603117590_a9303004f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5691-1"></a><br /><br />We're working VERY hard on her English by the way.<br /><br />Also on the list is the word "smile". At this point, I think she must be translating this as "show Mommy your teeth".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603119440/" title="IMG_5690-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7603119440_ebaef7f470.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5690-1"></a><br /><br />They are SUCH cute little teeth though. She just aced her first dental exam last week. Rock on little tiger. Rock on. Grrrr.<br /><br />And the last "My head is hot and I am done now" photo. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603121446/" title="IMG_5688-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7603121446_f8ceb8aea4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5688-1"></a><br /><br />Just the kind of 10 minutes I love in an otherwise "normal" day.<br /><br />The kind of moments that make MY life extraordinary.<br /><br />And the reason I adore blogging. :-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-35210251268709176852012-07-14T10:42:00.017-04:002012-07-16T08:09:04.407-04:00An open letter... {Sunday Snapshot}<div align="center"><a title="IMG_5565-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567850112/"><img alt="IMG_5565-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7567850112_676b54ce70.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Dear Renee and Annemarie,<br /><br />Gosh, you both make me so proud. I want you to know that. It has been a joy and an honor to be your aunt. Between the two of you there is an abundance of kindness, genorosity, drive and spunk. I could not ask for better (or more patient!) role models for my girls. You are the very best kind of cousins...and to say that we all look forward to the weeks we spend visiting you in the summer is an understatement.<br /><br /> <a title="IMG_5531-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567850878/"><img alt="IMG_5531-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7567850878_177036f87d_z.jpg" width="457" height="640" /></a><br /><br />Your mom (who, by the way, has stood, not by my side...but just a bit ahead of me...protecting me, shielding me, taking care of me...and always <em>telling me how it is</em>...in perfect older sister fashion) asked me to get some images of you both together...and, well...she didn't have to ask twice. :-) <br /><br /><a title="IMG_5553-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567978760/"><img alt="IMG_5553-Edit-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7567978760_f157b3ceb0_z.jpg" width="457" height="640" /></a><br /><br />Renee...as you get ready to head to Fashion Merchandising Camp (does that sound like a fabulous time or what??? I know you'll take the Big Apple by storm!)...I LOVED how you styled your outifts!<br /><br /><a title="IMG_5522-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567982160/"><img alt="IMG_5522-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7567982160_2f5f246905.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Annemarie...as you get ready to take the Big Apple by storm in a different way in the next few months...I love that you were patient enough to let <em>me</em> take your photos. And thanks for not laughing when I forgot to turn my camera on. Multiple times. That was kind of you.<br /><br /> <a title="IMG_5548-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7568112690/"><img alt="IMG_5548-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7568112690_22b7a84320.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />It was so much fun to head out without a firm plan in mind. Those unepected adventures have proven to be some of the best in <em>my</em> life...and I hope you both have many in your lifetime!<br /><br /> <a title="IMG_5568-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567849370/"><img alt="IMG_5568-Edit-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7567849370_85d518ba10.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />Your mom asked for "a field"...and we sure found a great one! :-)<br /><br />All in all...a fun filled few hours that I will treasure for years to come. I will most certainly enjoy looking at these images from my arm chair vantage point as your lives start to take shape. I can't wait to watch you both fly. May ALL your days be full of sunny, happy adventures...and may you always take them on side by side.<br /><br />Remember you have each other.<br /><br />And your old aunt too. :-)<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Aunt Katie<br /><br />(The sun was SO gorgeous the night we shot. I loved this photo straight out of the camera!)<br /><br />Unedited version:<br /><br /><a title="IMG_5565-Edit-2-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7568029746/"><img alt="IMG_5565-Edit-2-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7568029746_cbb1b892b4.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />For my edited version, I used {Classic Color} from <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella </a>at a very low opacity and did some sharpening.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_5565-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7567850112/"><img alt="IMG_5565-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7567850112_676b54ce70.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br /> Canon 50D</div><div align="center">50 mm 1.8</div><div align="center">f/2.5</div><div align="center">Shutter: 1/500</div><div align="center">ISO:200</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I am joining <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stef's</a> Sunday Snapshot this week. Hop on over to see what all the fuss is about!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-8382521008847693612012-07-11T11:05:00.001-04:002012-07-19T11:19:12.348-04:00Accessorizing...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7603801668/" title="IMG_5575-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7603801668_cae6f3b9d5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5575-1"></a><br /><br />Getting those band-aids open and attached is not the easiest thing for Jillian. So when she got hold of a box at her grandparents and went to town, I didn't try to stop her. :-)<br /><br />When she realzied I was going to take her picture, she ran and grabbed her little purse. OF COURSE it was the prfect accessory. <br /><br />It's just the way she rolls.<br /><br />All fancy and sassy at the same time. :-)<br /><br />And well protected in the shin area.<br /><br />Nana and Papa...we'll square up on that band-aid issue our next visit!<br /><br />:-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-20452636649307428442012-07-08T10:20:00.007-04:002012-07-08T20:13:31.306-04:00SumMer LiVin' {Sunday Snapshot}<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527659494/" title="IMG_5289-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7527659494_f08d2757ba.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5289-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />We celebrated the 4th of July yesterday.<br /><br />I know. :-)<br /><br />It was actually an annual party that started as a 4th of July fete...but has evolved into apartysomewherearoundthefourthofJulythatnowhasadifferentthemeeachyear party.<br /><br />My sister and brother in law, super fun party planners and hosts that they are usually give us a ring a few weeks before the party to let us know the "theme" for the year.<br /><br />This year? Disco. Complete with a dance contest.<br /><br />Right on.<br /><br />Before the big dance off, we enjoyed some swimming.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527662012/" title="IMG_5287-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7527662012_fb8eca7c60.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5287-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Cousin love...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527656852/" title="IMG_5291-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7527656852_bd49e7d16d.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5291-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />...and LOTS of lip licking good food!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527651080/" title="IMG_5303-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7527651080_1e119968c9.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5303-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Chloe wore her finest. Please don't mention to her that ties are for boy dogs. She doesn't know and was awfully proud of her poochy ensemble.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527638730/" title="IMG_5345-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7527638730_42401bdf85.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5345-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />And the dance contest?<br /><br />My girls<em> brought it</em>.<br /><br />Good to know all of the hours we have spent dancing around the house have paid off.<br /><br />Older cousins who organize and DJ a dance contest totally rock.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527653664/" title="IMG_5298-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7527653664_3855fc75b3.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5298-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Lia took it seriously. Here she is listening to the rules.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527648226/" title="IMG_5305-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7527648226_fe72fbfe8e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5305-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />And all that seriousness paid off. She won for the "best moves". All that sweaty dancing earned her a Gei*o headband and a bottle of cookie dough hand sanitizer.<br /><br />Total score, right??<br /> <br />She could not have been more thrilled and already has plans to take that hand sanitizer in her backpack to Second Grade. :-) I love my slightly germ obsessed girl. And her awesome dance moves.<br /><br />Jillian wasn't quite sure what to make of it all at first. Taking it all in but not sure what the craziness was about.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527635730/" title="IMG_5352-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7527635730_73c2a0223c.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5352-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />But soon the pulsing beat won her over and she got her boogie on.<br /><br />Big time.<br /><br />And even though she won no hand sanitizer...that little one's got moves too.<br /><br />I'm SO proud.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527641644/" title="IMG_5337-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7527641644_656c54496b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5337-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527644708/" title="IMG_5336-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7527644708_fa3d8b7feb.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5336-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Needless to say...a great time was had by all (I may have joined in to dance "The Hustle...but happily no photographic evidence exists. You're welcome.) and we are all a little "danced out" tired this morning. Such a fun party and we sure can't wait to do it again. In about a year. :-)<br /><br />(My niece, Olivia. Always <em>camera ready</em>.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7527659494/" title="IMG_5289-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7527659494_f08d2757ba.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5289-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I am joining in with <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stef's</a> Sunday Snapshot. Lots of fun and lots of great photos! Check it out!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-52629539428979067382012-07-01T10:24:00.003-04:002012-07-18T10:48:35.166-04:00A TaLe of TwO SisTerS {Sunday Snapshot}<a title="IMG_5213-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479276406/"><img alt="IMG_5213-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7479276406_9175899568.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />We have been home with Jillian for just over 7 months (whoa!). I remember reading a blog post by an adoptive mom several years ago where she suggested that it takes a good six months to truly start to settle in and feel "normal" again after the addition of a child (biological or adopted!). That kind of stuck with me (obviously) and before we traveled to China, I had prepared myself for {possible} rocky roads and a {possible} difficult period of adjustment for all of us.<br /><br />Well...if you haven't gotten it from reading this blog...we have been extraordinarily blessed with a wonderfully easy transition with Jillian. She is SO easy-going, loving, trusting...just easy. She eats, sleeps, plays, cries, laughs and just generally meets each day head-on looking for the next adventure.<br /><br />Having said that...I have to admit that it hasn't been ALL rainbows and unicorns around here. :-)<br /><br />There's a new sheriff in town and the....ahem...OLD sheriff had a bit of a bigger adjustment than we thought she would.<br /><br />Jillian adores Lia...<br /><br /><a title="IMG_3188-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479409638/"><img alt="IMG_3188-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7479409638_6be167c258.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_3855-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479408902/"><img alt="IMG_3855-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7479408902_466b84f3e9.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />...and I know Lia loves Jillian too...<br /><br /><a title="IMG_3395-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479409306/"><img alt="IMG_3395-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7479409306_cc883ded05.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_2391-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479410374/"><img alt="IMG_2391-Edit-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7479410374_2e179c3a22.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />...but it HAS been a bit of a work in progress.<br /><br />On a daily basis. :-)<br /><br />We've been on summer vacation for two weeks...and I am thrilled to say it seems we may have tunred the corner onto Sibling Love Lane for good. While we still take a turn on to Squabble Drive or Give Me a Break Way from time to time (usually around the time I am trying to get dinner on the table each day!)...I see them each settling into a good routine with one another...a nice mix of doing their own thing and playing together as well.<br /><br />Yesterday we took a short trip to a local historic park to explore a bit. I had my camera to scope out locations for some upcoming family sessions...but when I saw all those painted doors I HAD to get a few of the girls. Sometimes the bloopers are my favorites! (This truly makes me laugh...hilarious...and SO them!)<br /><br /><a title="IMG_5223-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479275984/"><img alt="IMG_5223-Edit-1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7479275984_8bac616997.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />...and then of course...the kind of shot my husband insists I take. The children are as enthusiastic as me. We!love!canons! LOVE! Can you tell?? :-) (see Jim??? I DID put it on the blog...because we love you if NOT your choice of backdrops! Ha! :-))<br /><br /> <a title="IMG_5201-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479277934/"><img alt="IMG_5201-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7479277934_c679f02f3b.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />But then...I get lucky enough to capture a quick moment between Lia and Jillian that makes all the struggles (photographic and other!) worth it. I stopped to reset my camera settings...and left to their own devices...this is what happened. Like I said...Sibling Love Lane. I have proof...and I am saving it to look at tomorrow.<br /><br />Around the time I will be trying to get dinner on the table. :-)<br /><br /><a title="IMG_5213-Edit-1 by Kate.Morrison, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7479276406/"><img alt="IMG_5213-Edit-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7479276406_9175899568.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></a><br /><br />I am linking up once again with <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stefanie </a>(third week in a row...shut.the.front.door!). Click on the link below to enjoy some more Sunday Snapshot goodness...you'll be SO glad you did. Good stuff. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-30578481425029420042012-06-29T21:01:00.007-04:002012-06-29T21:46:04.591-04:00{Don't FalL OvEr}......it's the second post in a week. <br /><br />Because I am a younger sister. <br /><br />Happily so, mind you...but a second nonetheless. And really? That's a good place to be. A LOT less pressure...and there's always someone to look out for you. I like it here in secondom (and with all that less pressure, it frees me up to coin new words. Like <em>secondom</em>...just sayin'...).<br /><br />But it makes me just a bit more sensitive to things like noting all the important passages of life....and just the <em>everydayness</em> (again with the new words...to be honest I have been working hard to get a word added to the dictionary ever since Beyonce got credit for the word "bootyliscious"...but I digress...).<br /><br />My <a href="http://www.livinlavidalia.blogspot.com">Lia's</a> younger years were fairly well documented...and well...I want the same for my Jillian. :-) It's not that any of HER moments are less important...because we have enjoyed every.single.one....but it seems to have more to do with how busy life is keeping us. <br /><br />We have been home just over 7 months with Jillian...and things seem to be settling into a new {fabulous...but busy} normal. Time seems to be passing in warp speed...and I am already losing some of the details. <br /><br />So...no promises...because, you know, that is WAY too much pressure for me, a <em>second </em>daughter and all...but I am going to try REALLY hard to document our life with Jillian just a bit better. <br /><br />Whew. <br /><br />Okay...got that out of the way.<br /><br />Which means I can now move onto the good stuff.<br /><br />About a girl and a sprinkler. <br /><br />Old school summer fun at it's best. <br /><br />Jillian hated it. <br /><br />As if.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469799078/" title="IMG_5139-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7469799078_cca96b99f4.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5139-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I actually have yet to find an activity the child does NOT love...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469799620/" title="IMG_5138-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7469799620_fb0f510b4e.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5138-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469798716/" title="IMG_5143-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7469798716_a4ca068fa4.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5143-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />She took some time to explore...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469798396/" title="IMG_5151-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7469798396_402047d94b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5151-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />...but mostly, like Forrest Gump...wherever she was goin'...she was running...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469798112/" title="IMG_5153-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7469798112_df4076ce2c.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5153-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />But always with a smile.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469816186/" title="IMG_5134-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7469816186_61cd2144ee.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5134-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />So glad I get to come along for the ride. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7469797826/" title="IMG_5190-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7469797826_d4c9bd1af5.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_5190-Edit-Edit-1"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-52140970459552134222012-06-24T08:12:00.007-04:002012-06-24T09:29:36.264-04:00{SerEnDipiTy} ~Sunday Snapshot<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7432031042/" title="IMG_4920-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7432031042_e7ce42d250.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4920-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />My life has not turned out the way I planned. I say that often. But I always follow up with..."it has turned out better than I ever could have hoped."<br /><br />And it's all a marvel to me on a daily basis. I am so so thankful for so many blessings...but mostly for the three people I live with. <br /><br />A chance conversation with a co-worker at a part-time job led to the blind date with the man I would eventually marry. (See mom...Prince Charming really DID come knocking at my door!!)<br /><br />A chance conversation with the {somewhat crazy...but that's a story for another time} Social Worker who came to do our home visit for a domestic adoption led us switch gears and find our first daughter in China.<br /><br />The road to our Jillian is a bit more complicated but no less miraculous. In fact probably more so...and I know without a doubt that a much bigger Hand orchestrated it all. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431607732/" title="IMG_4923-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7431607732_35057a17e6.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4923-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />...and in SORT of the same way...a happy accident led to one of my most favorite photo shoots ever. <br /><br />The aforementioned accident happened during a visit to a nearby mall (in an attempt to escape the scorching heat) . And it required...ahem...the purchase of a new pair of {dry} undies. When I was buying them, I spotted the dearest little pink bathing suit. On sale. DEEPLY discounted. I did what I had to. It was a must have. Can you blame me?? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608362/" title="IMG_4869-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7431608362_7e3e85e1f7.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4869-Edit-Edit-1"></a> <br /><br />...and even though I had promised (and held to!) my big girl to keep the beach shoots to a minimum...I had made no deals with the little one. Total score.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608552/" title="IMG_4868-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7431608552_f80fd4abbf.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4868-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />So...I had the suit...and visions of what I wanted to capture...but we had no swim cap. I sent my husband (I KNOW!) out to search the one beach store on our small island with no big hopes that he would find what we needed. And he came back with the perfect cap. For which he proudly told me had to ask for help to find. I was indeed VERY proud that he took the time to ask (which in fact MAY be the biggest miracle of this whole post... :-)).<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608196/" title="IMG_4877-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/7431608196_491637d88b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4877-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />That miracle was followed closely by the miracle of actually getting Jillian to put on the cap.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608084/" title="IMG_4919-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/7431608084_35c5ae1806.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4919-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />We kept Jillian up past her bedtime to take advantage of some beautiful light that we noticed every evening...at once pink and golden and soft...perfect.<br /><br />She didn't seem to mind.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608732/" title="IMG_4862-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7431608732_0e665fd1dc.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4862-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />...and in true Jillian fashion, she did not disappoint.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7431608282/" title="IMG_4872-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7431608282_8f46d01f66.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4872-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I ended up with a series of basically unplanned photos that capture my girl at her best...and bring a tear to my eye every time I look at them. Serendipity. Those unplanned moments in life? I'll take them!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7432031042/" title="IMG_4920-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7432031042_e7ce42d250.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_4920-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /> <br />I'm playing along again this week with <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stefanie at Ni Hao Y'all</a>. To see some awesome Sunday Snapshots click the link! You'll be glad you did!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-28223901575561055212012-06-17T10:32:00.012-04:002012-06-18T16:26:32.098-04:00{JOy as BiG aS thE OcEaN} Sunday Snapshot<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7386528062/" title="IMG_4599-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7386528062_400a667728_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4599-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />Last year at this time, we were here at the beach...dreaming big about the coming year and knowing that THIS year, Jillian would be with us. Truly, almost everything we talked about started with the phrase, "Next year, when Jillian is home..."...<br /><br />...and now, here we are. We blew in to our favorite island Saturday, packed to the gills and looking forward to the week ahead. Although we spent a weekend here in the winter, we couldn't wait to see Jillian step on the sand for the first time...and experience the thrill of the ocean water (and really...here on the Jersey shore...part of that thrill has to do with the COLD water!). <br /><br />We threw open the sliders while we unpacked the car...and Jillian was mesmerized by the "big kids" on the beach. Every time we told her we would go play in the water, she cheered loudly. And I am not kidding when I say she asked us 112 times about it. She is nothing if not persistent. :-) <br /><br />By the time groceries has been bought, suitcases unpacked and dinner served, it was getting close to bedtime. But I had a plan for Jillian's first time on the beach...and I am so glad I pushed through. Several years ago, I brought a pink pettiskirt for Lia to do photos on the beach. She was so excited to see the water...and on a whim, I threw the skirt on the minute we arrived and off we went. I captured some of my favorite photos ever of Lia wearing that skirt, so happy and filled with joy to be at the shore. The skirt is still a bit big for my little girl...but in the words of Tim Gunn (who doesn't love that man??)...we "made it work"...to capture Jillian's reaction to HER first visit to the beach! (and she did not disappoint!!!). I am so excited to have "matching" photos of my girls...taken years apart...but sharing the same happiness!<br /><br />Her fist glimpse of the ocean...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7393854536/" title="IMG_4551-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7393854536_5c365bbd8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4551-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />I wish I could share the giggles that came out of her when her feet felt the sand for the first time! It was a puzzler for sure!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7393855148/" title="IMG_4556-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7393855148_bc6a3070be_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4556-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />A little nervous about the waves at first...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7393855628/" title="IMG_4562-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7393855628_fb1107f2dc_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4562-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7393857266/" title="IMG_4569-Edit-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/7393857266_1fae36cf26_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_4569-Edit-Edit-Edit-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7393853990/" title="IMG_4572-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7393853990_3f80485e0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4572-Edit-Edit-Edit-2-Edit-1"></a><br /><br />But then...she decided she liked it...and I am so glad I had my camera in hand. Really...we were on the beach such a short time...but these moments will forever be etched in my mind. I am SO glad Jillian is home...and so glad I have the honor of being her mother. Blessed beyond reason...and so so grateful. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7386528062/" title="IMG_4599-Edit-Edit-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7386528062_400a667728_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="IMG_4599-Edit-Edit-1"></a> <br /><br /><em>Edited to add this photo of Lia in the pettiskirt several years ago. When I posted the link on Facebook someone asked if I could post a photo from Lia's session. I didn't think I had any on this computer...but lo and behold...I found one!!! :-)</em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7396532758/" title="_-2 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7396532758_90b9e95aa0_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="_-2"></a><br /><br />{photos taken with a Canon 50d (bought secondhand but works like a champ! :-)) and a 50mm 1.8 lens}<br /> <br />Join the fun and check out other Sunday Snapshot entries over at <a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com">Stef's</a> blog!!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/gcvAK.jpg" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-69713851412208293042012-04-22T20:21:00.012-04:002012-04-22T21:45:33.712-04:00What a difference a year makes...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7103570423/" title="IMG_3871-Edit-Edit-2-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7103570423_b0fc45d7fb.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="IMG_3871-Edit-Edit-2-1"></a><br /><br />Ummm...can you hear me now??? For the three people who may have been waiting for updates (Hi Mom, Dad and Gram!!! :-))...we are here. Very happily so...but crazy busy. Jillian continues to fit in like she's always been here...keeping us hopping and laughing a good deal of the time. Although she puts her backpack on every morning when we walk Lia to the bus and insists, "Ying Ying SCHOOL", she won't officially start pre-school until next fall when she will attend the same Montessori school that Lia did. Luckily she seems content with her weekly music and gymnastic classes where she generally holds court and regularly brings a tear to my eyes with her tenacity and can-do attitude. While we all might be slightly more worn out at the end of each day...and have had to re-discover the skill of multi-MULTI-tasking...we can't imagine life without our Jillian. She's going places I tell you...and lucky LUCKY for us...we get to come along for the ride.<br /><br />This week (April 25th)one year ago, we received our referral call and saw Jillian's face for the first time. We tried to do the "right things" before assembling our paperwork to commit to adopt her...had her file reviewed by an International Adoption Clinic , talked to other families who have children with limb differences, researched treatment options...but...she truly had us at hello. We received the call at about 10:20 pm...just as we were getting ready to head to bed. We quickly looked at her file and contemplated a Special Need we had not specifically checked off on our agency's checklist...and then we got to her photos. Jim kind of chuckled when he saw her for the first time...the same reaction he always has when he likes a photo I have taken of Lia...and when I heard that...I knew. I knew she was the ONE we had been waiting for. She was the REASON we had waited. We sent our Letter of Intent in that week...and traveled to bring her home last November. <br /><br />So...this is our version of a Sunday Snapshot...just call it "What a difference a year makes..."<br /><br />Our first snapshot of Yu Ying...this was taken when she had just turned two years old...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/6958176976/" title="Yuying1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/6958176976_c9264df4aa_z.jpg" width="433" height="614" alt="Yuying1"></a><br /><br />Our first update...in June, 2011...she was 2 1/2 and had been moved to foster care...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7104248703/" title="Zhang_Yu_Ying_1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7104248703_d1c1a19d1f_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Zhang_Yu_Ying_1"></a> <br /><br />A surprise (and much needed!) update in August, 2011...when we learned Jillian had a foster sister (see her arm in the photo???)!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7104248843/" title="Zhang_Yu_Ying-_(2) by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7104248843_08005f8389_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Zhang_Yu_Ying-_(2)"></a><br /><br />We missed Jillian's 3rd birthday by mere weeks...a tough blow to this mom who did everything to be in China for the big day...but we sent a cake...and were thrilled to receive 50(!) photos of the party! (10/24/11)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7104457643/" title="party6 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7104457643_7616a18a4a_m.jpg" width="221" height="166" alt="party6"></a><br /><br />FINALLY...our first REAL glimpse of our girl...look how brave and trusting she was (November 14, 2011)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/6958177958/" title="IMG_1946-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/6958177958_5fdac32fe1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1946-1"></a><br /><br />An impromptu photo shoot about a month ago...a day where everything I did struck her funny!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50346344@N00/7104249861/" title="IMG_3499-Edit-2-1 by kateandjim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7104249861_8a9523d57b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_3499-Edit-2-1"></a><br /><br />And of course...the first photo at the top of this post...taken today...you understand why I had to lead with THAT one, right??? We're in the throes of a massive rainstorm in our parts...and we let the girls run a bit in the rain. They got some new rain boots for Easter...and, well, it seemed the perfect day to give them a great test run. Jillian wasn't sure at first...but before long she got the hang of it and had a great time. It is her expression in the top photo that makes me love it so. It's the same one she has when she is checking with me to make sure she understands my directions...or whether she should use a fork or spoon...or if it is REALLY okay to run in the rain...so so sweet and eager to please. And really...I just want her to know she had me at hello... <br /><br />{Photo taken with Canon 50d. ISO 200, focal length 50mm, f/1.8, Shutter speed 1/200}. Edited with actions from the <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com">Florabella Collection. </a><br /><br />To join in the "Sunday Snapshot" fun...head on over to Ni Hao Y'all...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-35682790822122655442011-12-16T13:40:00.004-05:002011-12-16T14:12:58.381-05:00For Jillian...a love letter...To my sweet Ying Ying Jillian (as you now call yourself),<br /><br />You have been with our family for just over one month (one month and two days to be exact...because you are a girl who likes things <em><strong>just so</strong></em>...). I can scarcely believe where we've all been and what we've done over those four short weeks...and yet, here we are, safe at home, Christmas tree twinkling in the corner...and life continuing in it's normalcy all around us. It throws me for a loop every now and then as I contemplate you...and the miracle you are.<br /><br />When you took your sister's hand and walked out of the Civil Affairs Office...so brave and so trusting of us, I knew you were special. I knew the prayers of many many friends and family...and indeed our own daily prayers for many months had been answered. I did not doubt that the hard times would come...the sadness...the confusion...the anger...the grief...but I saw in you, in those first few moments, the determination and the strength that is sure to see you through the inevitable hardships that come our way in life from time to time. <br /><br />In the months we were waiting for China to tell us it was okay to come and get you, Mommy talked a lot with many other Mommies. In one e-mail...a very special Mommy told me that you would "wow" me every day. I believed her. And she was right. <br /><br />Ying Ying Jillian...you <em>are</em> a miracle. A gift. I am so overwhelmed to call you daughter. I am so thankful for the days we've shared...and can't wait to see what the next 30 days...and years will bring. <br /><br />You do, indeed, "wow" me. Every. Single. Day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f-7cBHaYmRdavDKSmPBIypndIEpYNSL3NNz-sdcdGo84L-lz5u_NVJvSoFcGclgB7RskrOMm11OYugBVuMJpc5OP9tbEZ6VG492-R2H36_5F0DDemfoEIJLMYK8w7u4jeEUwrZpRMAM/s1600/IMG_2308-Edit-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f-7cBHaYmRdavDKSmPBIypndIEpYNSL3NNz-sdcdGo84L-lz5u_NVJvSoFcGclgB7RskrOMm11OYugBVuMJpc5OP9tbEZ6VG492-R2H36_5F0DDemfoEIJLMYK8w7u4jeEUwrZpRMAM/s400/IMG_2308-Edit-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686805932715381666" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-769654403785250292011-12-06T09:41:00.002-05:002011-12-06T09:46:23.887-05:00Pigtails<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51937365@N06/6466037877/" title="IMG_2263-Edit-Edit-1 by Kate {Max & Mimi Photography}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6466037877_06af59f06a.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="IMG_2263-Edit-Edit-1"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-19589485352982157832011-11-30T13:54:00.004-05:002011-11-30T20:58:53.639-05:00He-no!We have just passed the two week mark with Jillian...and we are amazed at just how far she has come. She had her first doctor's appointment yesterday...and received four immunizations. Today she is battling a fever...but is still just as sweet and smiley as she can be. <br /><br />One of the things I worried most about was communicating with Jillian in the first few weeks. I can honestly say that this has been a non-issue. She makes her needs known by pointing (and saying the Chinese words as well). We just keep trying until we get it right. She shakes her head no until we do...and has been so patient with us! Additionally, she really seems to understand what we are saying to her! She follows directions like, "Put it in the trash can", "Give it to Lia", and "Do you want to take a bath?" (which she LOVES now, by the way!). <br /><br />And in the past three days or so, we have seen a small explosion of English words creeping in to her vocabulary. I wanted to take a minute to get those words down so I can remember one day how it all happened...<br /><br />Mama<br />Daddy<br />Lia (although she really calls Lia "Mia" so insistently, I jokingly asked Lia if we should change her name! :-))<br />Nana<br />Papa<br />thank you (SO cute!)<br />More<br />love you<br />bye bye<br />yummy<br />hi<br />shoe<br /><br />...and my favorite:<br /><br />hello ("he-no" said with great gusto! :-)). She says this when she "answers" her play cell phone...so darling. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYFfRWEx0tSrtI5ah2g9LtMs04Bxi3aMWiDz-F5226JfUoo3nYK2rSqldMTe0Sc2PjWQAqW2ilDUra_uBiCpVPHzFPVsmmmajxtnqC-M675AicfuEOoJLmZ4tyBY7ICJigHbeTscyKmE/s1600/IMG_2239-Edit-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYFfRWEx0tSrtI5ah2g9LtMs04Bxi3aMWiDz-F5226JfUoo3nYK2rSqldMTe0Sc2PjWQAqW2ilDUra_uBiCpVPHzFPVsmmmajxtnqC-M675AicfuEOoJLmZ4tyBY7ICJigHbeTscyKmE/s400/IMG_2239-Edit-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680867752621246722" /></a><br /><br />She has gotten much better about putting on different clothes each day...and yesterday picked a new pair of shoes from her closet to wear...the first pair since we got her. They happened to be two sizes too big...but they were sneakers like Lia had on...and she was so happy with them, that I just put them on and off we went. Still the cutest three year old ever...even with clown feet. :-)<br /><br />We are still shaking our heads over how easily Jillian has fit into our family and lives. She is a joyful, determined, sweet, giving child. We are so so thankful and humbled by the blessing of having her home forever.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-75329975998074185002011-11-27T22:06:00.002-05:002011-11-27T22:16:33.702-05:00Settling in...and loving life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWcSQ_9wpd9KcM7Jnuh_3HLrG4HVy8LWdF6F_jYBnggl_2n6VBykLGBTNJ6mlQ08Miq4BorDFyxZcLiz5c3U5XiisCQpU6RAHvcAHH-roVRjAyvU8SSOp8gfMLxeLzbPWa5xHnoZPTac/s1600/IMG_2213-Edit-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWcSQ_9wpd9KcM7Jnuh_3HLrG4HVy8LWdF6F_jYBnggl_2n6VBykLGBTNJ6mlQ08Miq4BorDFyxZcLiz5c3U5XiisCQpU6RAHvcAHH-roVRjAyvU8SSOp8gfMLxeLzbPWa5xHnoZPTac/s400/IMG_2213-Edit-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679878196403616498" /></a><br /><br />Jillian continues to make big strides each day she is with us. It's hard to believe that it has only been two weeks since she walked into the Civil Affairs Office shaking her little head "no". We have all fallen hard for the little girl with the huge personality. She is a bit of a flirt...and a comedian...and one of the best snugglers I have ever come in contact with. <br /><br />Lia will return to school tomorrow...and is looking forward to celebrating her (sayitisn'tso) 7th(!) birthday this week. It is one happy event after another around here these days...and we are hanging on tight, trying to take each and every one in for all it's worth. Life is good...and we are so thankful.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325948362711738119.post-77772069115267309382011-11-25T20:39:00.003-05:002011-11-25T20:44:19.214-05:00Home SWEET Home...See you on the other side of jet lag!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpEj4rPrDwPllv9hYl5UQcvdHqMd6EffsAtOdL-0LxxOcpZOkzHb1QP2_rgOCiyVup_ebyytmat69oZVwGIUNf7JIKFubbZ_djYu9bBz-tNnWabWLAjcqhq19Six11ZZPLZ1KmqE_gPk/s1600/IMG_2211-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpEj4rPrDwPllv9hYl5UQcvdHqMd6EffsAtOdL-0LxxOcpZOkzHb1QP2_rgOCiyVup_ebyytmat69oZVwGIUNf7JIKFubbZ_djYu9bBz-tNnWabWLAjcqhq19Six11ZZPLZ1KmqE_gPk/s400/IMG_2211-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679114132019188386" /></a><br /><br />With love and thanks for all the support!<br /><br />Kate, Jim, Lia and Jillian :-)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833853055283180865noreply@blogger.com7