Yeah Yeah, I know…I never blog and now I post 3 times in a week…what’s up with that?
So, I have recently started my own “Happiness Project” and one of my resolutions for August is to pay attention to the funny things the kids say. That was an easy one, cuz they do keep me laughing. Anyway, through the year as Jess and Joaquin have been learning English they have come up with some pretty funny stuff. Sometimes just in the way they pronounce things or the accent on certain words. Well, we have two things that J and J came up with that the rest of us thought was very creative and funny. Both of which Emi and Nate also starting using. And now even I say these two things. So they have now become “Hollisisms” that make me smile every time we say them.
Before J and J…we always called pajamas either PJs or Pajamas. J and J combined the two and now we call them “P.Jams”
Before J and J…girls had panties and boys had underware. Thanks to J and J we are now not gender specific cuz we all wear “Pantywares”
Hollisisms:
Pantywares (panties and underware)
&
P.jams (PJs or Pajamas)
So maybe you don’t find these funny, but for me these Hollisisms make me smile and remind me to laugh and enjoy the little things that come about thanks to my kiddos. Hope they made you smile too!
Oh, in case you are wondering what a “Happiness Project” is…check out this blog:
www.happiness-project.com
It is not a biblically based site, but I find a lot of great info as gentle reminders of everyday situations.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
She's a Teenager
Ready or not, today I became and official mother of a Teenager. We love you Em and are VERY VERY Proud of you!!!
Some of her best friends came over at midnight to decorate our garage for her. What good friends!!!
Emilee lives life to it's fullest. Proud to be who she is as a young lady and Christian, loves having lots of friends, enjoys helping others and gives 110% at everything she does!
At cheer camp she won Most Spirited! Imagine that!
She'll try anything at least once...You GO GIRL!
And one of Nate, Just for Fun!
Some of her best friends came over at midnight to decorate our garage for her. What good friends!!!
Emilee lives life to it's fullest. Proud to be who she is as a young lady and Christian, loves having lots of friends, enjoys helping others and gives 110% at everything she does!
At cheer camp she won Most Spirited! Imagine that!
She'll try anything at least once...You GO GIRL!
And one of Nate, Just for Fun!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Time Flies!!
I am a terrible blogger...when I pulled up the blog to check my last update I couldn't believe it had been so long. Aye aye aye!
It's been so long it's almost hard to put it all in a nut shell...
The kids are all doing so well and are starting to get things ready for the new school year to begin. Football and cheerleading are in full swing and so far Jess is enjoying learning all the cheers. Joaquin is not playing any sports yet, however he has made some friends (siblings of kids who play with Nate) and loves going to practices and games to play with his "buddies".
We went to Disney and had a WONDERFUL time! It was super hot but not terribly crowded. The kids had such a good time they didn't want to come home. I have spent some time thinking about how much they have grown in the past year and it blows my mind. The summer has been so busy I almost don't know where all the time has gone.
I have been able to work minimum hours this summer so I have had lots of time with the kids. Once school starts I will be working a more regular schedule, but will be able to get the kids on the bus in the morning and be home every day by the time the kids get off the bus. I have to give thanks for my job and the flexibility I have.
We also had a chance to visit with The Uhlenbrock family.Their girls and J and J lived in the same house at the orphanage in Colombia. Jessica spoke of their girls often.It was so nice to get to visit with them. What a sweet family and they have the most adorable girls!
And lots of kid pics for ya!
Now those are some good looking kiddos...hee hee
Goofy...a perfect fit!
Always smiling, always having fun
Emilee's favorite princess
Papa and his girls
It's been so long it's almost hard to put it all in a nut shell...
The kids are all doing so well and are starting to get things ready for the new school year to begin. Football and cheerleading are in full swing and so far Jess is enjoying learning all the cheers. Joaquin is not playing any sports yet, however he has made some friends (siblings of kids who play with Nate) and loves going to practices and games to play with his "buddies".
We went to Disney and had a WONDERFUL time! It was super hot but not terribly crowded. The kids had such a good time they didn't want to come home. I have spent some time thinking about how much they have grown in the past year and it blows my mind. The summer has been so busy I almost don't know where all the time has gone.
I have been able to work minimum hours this summer so I have had lots of time with the kids. Once school starts I will be working a more regular schedule, but will be able to get the kids on the bus in the morning and be home every day by the time the kids get off the bus. I have to give thanks for my job and the flexibility I have.
We also had a chance to visit with The Uhlenbrock family.Their girls and J and J lived in the same house at the orphanage in Colombia. Jessica spoke of their girls often.It was so nice to get to visit with them. What a sweet family and they have the most adorable girls!
And lots of kid pics for ya!
Now those are some good looking kiddos...hee hee
Goofy...a perfect fit!
Always smiling, always having fun
Emilee's favorite princess
Papa and his girls
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
In the News
The article about the adoption is in the paper this week...Front page, top story.
www.theharrison-press.com
www.theharrison-press.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May in Review
I am not doing too well with keeping up with the blog…geez…where does the time go?
Here is just a quick update on the happenings of the Hollis household…Oldest to youngest.
Emilee – Number one, she is growing up WAY TOO FAST! Seriously, how does this happen, they grow up right in front of our eyes and we don’t even realize it. Anyway, she is doing awesome. She ran track and did a great job and loved meeting new people and the exercise. And I have to say I was quite impressed with her running. She tried out for 8th grade cheerleading and made the team again. But this year they will build and go to competitions, so it will be an exciting year. She is planning some time to volunteer around the community, which she has to do for National Honor Society. I went with her to Cedar Point for a chorus trip, where her chorus competed and had some fun at the park. It was nice to have some time with just her. She is now thinking ahead for fundraising ideas so she can attend the 8th grade Washington DC trip next May. She’s a thinker, a planner, and an all around darn good kid.
Nate – Soccer is over and baseball is in full swing. He is doing an awesome job. I LOVE to watch him play sports. He always gives 110% and loves every minute of his sports. His papa, my dad, is one of his coaches, which Nate loves and thinks is really really cool. My dad has coached for many years and knows baseball inside and out. Eric is enjoying being a spectator and hanging with the other dads. He is really excited to be out of Elementary School and into the Junior High next year. They have 2 weeks left of school and one of those days he gets to take a limo to a big pizza joint for having straight A all year. Nice treat from the school! Nate is such a big hearted kid and watching him mature is such a pleasure.
Jessica – Oh miss Jess. She is getting prettier and prettier everyday and her hair is so long. She has never been able to let her hair grow so she thinks it’s awesome to have long hair. She was chosen to be Miss Poppy in the parade today for Memorial Day. She got to sit in the back of a convertible and wave like a princess. Then she had to lay poppy flowers on the graves at 2 memorial services with the American Legion. She was in the news paper, picture and all, and she thought she was famous. She talks about Disney every day and loves going to gymnastics. She will start cheerleading practice the end of July. She has done an amazing job in school this year. I could not be happier and more proud of her hard work and accomplishments. She loves to help me around the house and is very thoughtful. She and Nate get along so well, they have the same sense of humor and love to tease each other. She will laugh at Nate from deep in her belly and always makes me smile. Her artistic ability is amazing for her age, I love the items she makes at school and brings home and am anxious to watch this aspect of her life develop. It’s an area that we encourage her to be proud of herself in and show off to the family. She is a very sweet and affectionate kid and is a real daddy’s girl!
Joaquin – My little man is just as funny and energetic as ever. He has made some friends, brothers of Nate’s baseball buddies, which he thinks is cool. He too is doing a super job in school and has come such a long way academically. His karate session is over for now, but I am anxious to get him involved in something soon. I am hoping maybe a soccer program in the fall. I am realizing as I write this that my daily alone time with him will be over in just 2 short weeks. Everyday he comes home and makes me smile. His eyes, his smile, his accent, his mannerisms, his funny oh so witty self keep me laughing and appreciating what he has to offer in life. We have kept an extremely tight leash on him for the last year, and I am feeling like it’s time to start letting it go a bit and let him prove himself. We have worked on so many things this year, about making good choices. He is so young in his maturity and has an awful lot of bad habits to break but has made great strides in the past year. He is coming around, but still has a way to go. He is so darn cute and full of life that I can’t wait to see where his life path takes him!
The local news paper asked to do a story on our adoption and will be printed in two weeks. Hopefully it will inspire other families in our community to pursue adoption. The lady from the paper was very intrigued by our story. Her final question to us was “So are you finished adopting?” There was an awkward pause as Eric and I looked at each other not knowing how to answer. Instinctively, I would have said no, I want one more, and he would have said yes, this is all we can afford. So Emilee broke the silence with “Maybe a little one from Ethiopia,” And I agreed that we would love to have a little one from Africa, but nothing is in the works. And Eric chimed in with “Maybe we will just run a Children’s Home or orphanage, our work here is not yet finished!”
Here is just a quick update on the happenings of the Hollis household…Oldest to youngest.
Emilee – Number one, she is growing up WAY TOO FAST! Seriously, how does this happen, they grow up right in front of our eyes and we don’t even realize it. Anyway, she is doing awesome. She ran track and did a great job and loved meeting new people and the exercise. And I have to say I was quite impressed with her running. She tried out for 8th grade cheerleading and made the team again. But this year they will build and go to competitions, so it will be an exciting year. She is planning some time to volunteer around the community, which she has to do for National Honor Society. I went with her to Cedar Point for a chorus trip, where her chorus competed and had some fun at the park. It was nice to have some time with just her. She is now thinking ahead for fundraising ideas so she can attend the 8th grade Washington DC trip next May. She’s a thinker, a planner, and an all around darn good kid.
Nate – Soccer is over and baseball is in full swing. He is doing an awesome job. I LOVE to watch him play sports. He always gives 110% and loves every minute of his sports. His papa, my dad, is one of his coaches, which Nate loves and thinks is really really cool. My dad has coached for many years and knows baseball inside and out. Eric is enjoying being a spectator and hanging with the other dads. He is really excited to be out of Elementary School and into the Junior High next year. They have 2 weeks left of school and one of those days he gets to take a limo to a big pizza joint for having straight A all year. Nice treat from the school! Nate is such a big hearted kid and watching him mature is such a pleasure.
Jessica – Oh miss Jess. She is getting prettier and prettier everyday and her hair is so long. She has never been able to let her hair grow so she thinks it’s awesome to have long hair. She was chosen to be Miss Poppy in the parade today for Memorial Day. She got to sit in the back of a convertible and wave like a princess. Then she had to lay poppy flowers on the graves at 2 memorial services with the American Legion. She was in the news paper, picture and all, and she thought she was famous. She talks about Disney every day and loves going to gymnastics. She will start cheerleading practice the end of July. She has done an amazing job in school this year. I could not be happier and more proud of her hard work and accomplishments. She loves to help me around the house and is very thoughtful. She and Nate get along so well, they have the same sense of humor and love to tease each other. She will laugh at Nate from deep in her belly and always makes me smile. Her artistic ability is amazing for her age, I love the items she makes at school and brings home and am anxious to watch this aspect of her life develop. It’s an area that we encourage her to be proud of herself in and show off to the family. She is a very sweet and affectionate kid and is a real daddy’s girl!
Joaquin – My little man is just as funny and energetic as ever. He has made some friends, brothers of Nate’s baseball buddies, which he thinks is cool. He too is doing a super job in school and has come such a long way academically. His karate session is over for now, but I am anxious to get him involved in something soon. I am hoping maybe a soccer program in the fall. I am realizing as I write this that my daily alone time with him will be over in just 2 short weeks. Everyday he comes home and makes me smile. His eyes, his smile, his accent, his mannerisms, his funny oh so witty self keep me laughing and appreciating what he has to offer in life. We have kept an extremely tight leash on him for the last year, and I am feeling like it’s time to start letting it go a bit and let him prove himself. We have worked on so many things this year, about making good choices. He is so young in his maturity and has an awful lot of bad habits to break but has made great strides in the past year. He is coming around, but still has a way to go. He is so darn cute and full of life that I can’t wait to see where his life path takes him!
The local news paper asked to do a story on our adoption and will be printed in two weeks. Hopefully it will inspire other families in our community to pursue adoption. The lady from the paper was very intrigued by our story. Her final question to us was “So are you finished adopting?” There was an awkward pause as Eric and I looked at each other not knowing how to answer. Instinctively, I would have said no, I want one more, and he would have said yes, this is all we can afford. So Emilee broke the silence with “Maybe a little one from Ethiopia,” And I agreed that we would love to have a little one from Africa, but nothing is in the works. And Eric chimed in with “Maybe we will just run a Children’s Home or orphanage, our work here is not yet finished!”
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
1 Year Anniversary - Gotcha Day
It’s been a year already…I can hardly believe it. Time has flown by, but at the same time it’s as if J and J have been here forever. It is truly amazing how God places just the right kiddos with just the right family. I watch over and over again, family’s adoption stories unfold and continue to be amazed at how the pieces fit so perfectly. On Easter I wore the same outfit I had on when we met J and J. Jess immediately said, “Mom, that’s the same clothes you had on when you came and got us!” It’s an emotional experience to talk to Jess about things. She is old enough and mature enough to understand the whole process and she doesn’t forget anything. She and I sat one afternoon and she was telling me how scared but happy they were on the day the met us. She said she was happy to have a family but scared because they didn’t know us. I think the grieving of their past started for me a few months ago. The first several months were bonding, training, etc. But I find myself easy to tears the last few months and I think a lot is due to grieving for them and their past. I began translating their protection file and got about half way thru the 200 ish pages. I had to take a mental break. It can be overwhelming. God has blessed us with 4 absolutely amazing and wonderful children, and I fall short as a mother so often and pray for God’s grace and guidance with our precious jewels.
So, what’s been up with us??? Jessica was in her first school play and was SOOOO excited. She spoke of the play every day for 2 months. She got the part of a gypsy moth. She had to dress as a gypsy with wings. She fit the part…smile. She practiced her lines and knew them well. She was nervous to get on stage, which was cute. She knew every move and word to every song and was sure to wave to all of the family in the audience. My mom cried when she saw her on stage…but she also cried when she saw Emi in a track race passing up 3 girls and putting her relay team in first…proud grandma!
Joaquin got to celebrate his 6th birthday on Saturday with family and friends. We went to an inflatable bouncer place, which was perfect for kindergartners and for Joaquin’s energy. His birthday is on Friday…my baby will be 6!
Emilee was inducted to the National Honor Society. She has had straight A on her report card all year. Once in 7th grade you can be asked to join the National Honor Society.
Easter was a lot of fun too. They had never colored eggs and thought it was a bunch of fun to color eggs, have an egg hunt and celebrate Jesus with the family.
Nate had 4 permanent teeth pulled this morning, so no big plans for today, our Gotcha Day. But yesterday, Eric took off at lunch and met us at the Children’s Museum. It’s not as much fun for Emi and Nate, they are getting kind of old for it, but Jess and Joaquin had a blast and Emi and Nate were super sports. They helped and played with the J and J and enjoyed themselves too. We went for ice cream after several hours of playing. It was a great day just the 6 of us staying close to home and just enjoying each other.
A year ago today, a major chapter in our lives began, a chapter filled with lots of memories and an unforgettable time, an amazing journey.
So, what’s been up with us??? Jessica was in her first school play and was SOOOO excited. She spoke of the play every day for 2 months. She got the part of a gypsy moth. She had to dress as a gypsy with wings. She fit the part…smile. She practiced her lines and knew them well. She was nervous to get on stage, which was cute. She knew every move and word to every song and was sure to wave to all of the family in the audience. My mom cried when she saw her on stage…but she also cried when she saw Emi in a track race passing up 3 girls and putting her relay team in first…proud grandma!
Joaquin got to celebrate his 6th birthday on Saturday with family and friends. We went to an inflatable bouncer place, which was perfect for kindergartners and for Joaquin’s energy. His birthday is on Friday…my baby will be 6!
Emilee was inducted to the National Honor Society. She has had straight A on her report card all year. Once in 7th grade you can be asked to join the National Honor Society.
Easter was a lot of fun too. They had never colored eggs and thought it was a bunch of fun to color eggs, have an egg hunt and celebrate Jesus with the family.
Nate had 4 permanent teeth pulled this morning, so no big plans for today, our Gotcha Day. But yesterday, Eric took off at lunch and met us at the Children’s Museum. It’s not as much fun for Emi and Nate, they are getting kind of old for it, but Jess and Joaquin had a blast and Emi and Nate were super sports. They helped and played with the J and J and enjoyed themselves too. We went for ice cream after several hours of playing. It was a great day just the 6 of us staying close to home and just enjoying each other.
A year ago today, a major chapter in our lives began, a chapter filled with lots of memories and an unforgettable time, an amazing journey.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
One year ago today...
One year ago today, March 12 2008, we received the much awaited call for our official referral. I remember waking up thinking “Today is the Day!” And sure enough we got THE CALL. I could hardly wait to show the family the photos and start the process of packing and preparing to travel. Wow…one year ago…and next month will make a year since we met Jess and Joaquin. Where has the time gone?
Everyone is doing just great. Emilee has started running track. She just started this week and is a bit sore, but enjoying the challenge and meeting new people. Nate is still in soccer and baseball is starting. Jessica is taking Gymnastics along with Emilee now and Joaquin is in karate. So busy we stay and wouldn’t have it any other way.
All 4 are doing so well in school, we couldn’t be more blessed. Jessica and Joaquin are doing great progressing with their reading and English skills. I am amazed at how much they learn and take it all in stride. Emilee is doing so well in Language Arts that next year in 8th grade she is going to get to take Freshman Spanish. She had to do a speech not too long ago and spoke on Colombia. She put a power point together with lots of pictures to show the culture. It was nice to reminisce and look back over all of our pictures.
We got to celebrate a birthday with Jessica for the first time in February. She wanted to go rollerskating. So the family gathered and she had 3 friends come along from school. She had a great time and thought having a day all for her was the best ever. After rollerskating she got to go to build a bear and make a bear. So it was a very good day. Joaquin has his big day coming up in April. Last year we only had them for 3 days when we celebrated his in Colombia, he was still in a bit of shock, so this will be a new experience for him too. But he was great on Jessica’s birthday, letting the day be all about her.
Other than staying busy with sports and activities, we are all looking very forward to our big Disney trip in June. With that being said, I am realizing that the end of the school year will be here before we know it…how can that be!!!
Time is just zooming by and I think about blogging often, just can’t seem to find the time to get to it.
Jess and her American Girl in matching PJs
Joaquin and my nieces with Ronald McDonald
Everyone is doing just great. Emilee has started running track. She just started this week and is a bit sore, but enjoying the challenge and meeting new people. Nate is still in soccer and baseball is starting. Jessica is taking Gymnastics along with Emilee now and Joaquin is in karate. So busy we stay and wouldn’t have it any other way.
All 4 are doing so well in school, we couldn’t be more blessed. Jessica and Joaquin are doing great progressing with their reading and English skills. I am amazed at how much they learn and take it all in stride. Emilee is doing so well in Language Arts that next year in 8th grade she is going to get to take Freshman Spanish. She had to do a speech not too long ago and spoke on Colombia. She put a power point together with lots of pictures to show the culture. It was nice to reminisce and look back over all of our pictures.
We got to celebrate a birthday with Jessica for the first time in February. She wanted to go rollerskating. So the family gathered and she had 3 friends come along from school. She had a great time and thought having a day all for her was the best ever. After rollerskating she got to go to build a bear and make a bear. So it was a very good day. Joaquin has his big day coming up in April. Last year we only had them for 3 days when we celebrated his in Colombia, he was still in a bit of shock, so this will be a new experience for him too. But he was great on Jessica’s birthday, letting the day be all about her.
Other than staying busy with sports and activities, we are all looking very forward to our big Disney trip in June. With that being said, I am realizing that the end of the school year will be here before we know it…how can that be!!!
Time is just zooming by and I think about blogging often, just can’t seem to find the time to get to it.
Jess and her American Girl in matching PJs
Joaquin and my nieces with Ronald McDonald
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
