Luckily, we were not among the hundreds of thousands that were affected by the snowpocalypse this past week --- I mean, with the exception of the fun we had sledding and the mugs of hot chocolate we drank. We were fortunate to have missed the madness on the streets. Most likely that's because we live downtown and didn't have to travel to the suburbs. We are also happy to report that Jim didn't get too caught up in it, given that he thankfully works only a couple miles from their new house located north of the city (though it still took him an hour's drive). We all made it safely home and that's what counts! We know plenty of folks - and we saw countless many on the news - that spent the DAY in their cars. So glad that is all behind us and mostly everyone has now returned back to normal life. In that regard, here are the videos we captured of our sledding excursions in the park. Enjoy!
1.31.2014
SnowJam 2014
Written by Melissa
Luckily, we were not among the hundreds of thousands that were affected by the snowpocalypse this past week --- I mean, with the exception of the fun we had sledding and the mugs of hot chocolate we drank. We were fortunate to have missed the madness on the streets. Most likely that's because we live downtown and didn't have to travel to the suburbs. We are also happy to report that Jim didn't get too caught up in it, given that he thankfully works only a couple miles from their new house located north of the city (though it still took him an hour's drive). We all made it safely home and that's what counts! We know plenty of folks - and we saw countless many on the news - that spent the DAY in their cars. So glad that is all behind us and mostly everyone has now returned back to normal life. In that regard, here are the videos we captured of our sledding excursions in the park. Enjoy!
Luckily, we were not among the hundreds of thousands that were affected by the snowpocalypse this past week --- I mean, with the exception of the fun we had sledding and the mugs of hot chocolate we drank. We were fortunate to have missed the madness on the streets. Most likely that's because we live downtown and didn't have to travel to the suburbs. We are also happy to report that Jim didn't get too caught up in it, given that he thankfully works only a couple miles from their new house located north of the city (though it still took him an hour's drive). We all made it safely home and that's what counts! We know plenty of folks - and we saw countless many on the news - that spent the DAY in their cars. So glad that is all behind us and mostly everyone has now returned back to normal life. In that regard, here are the videos we captured of our sledding excursions in the park. Enjoy!
1.10.2014
Asa's First Test
Written by Melissa
I never thought Asa's first test would happen in a dojo, but last night it did. And the boy was a tad nervous going in, but as you can see, he performed brilliantly! By passing, Asa received a new belt --- and great confidence. This Mama is very proud. KIAY!
I never thought Asa's first test would happen in a dojo, but last night it did. And the boy was a tad nervous going in, but as you can see, he performed brilliantly! By passing, Asa received a new belt --- and great confidence. This Mama is very proud. KIAY!
1.06.2014
New Year, New State
Written by Heather
Now in 2014, it seems there is no way, for us, it could be better than 2013. Watching Ariana grow in strength and personality, and our family integrate into an amazing force of support and love; it is hard to believe there could be anything to beat the previous year. Jim and I certainly have never felt more blessed and more grounded and happy than we were in 2013. Despite that, we know there is so much more ahead this year and all the wonderful years to come.
This year has started in a new state with a new job for Jim, and soon we will move into our new home. As we settle in to Georgia living, we hope the stress of moving will dissipate and returning to our routine will bring a welcome calm. Here we will enjoy proximity to family, church and many great services and new experiences. We feel, beyond a doubt, that this is where we are meant to be.
Ariana is sure to enjoy the warmth of this state, and the warmth and love of all the family members who live here. We plan to enjoy much more family time which always brings us so much joy and happiness.
Though we sadly say good-bye to great friends, co-workers, doctors and therapist in Tennessee, we welcome getting to know new co-workers, friends, doctors and therapists in Georgia. We pray God will continue to bring wonderful care workers into our lives to help Ariana thrive. But she will certainly thrive with the love she receives from her family here.
We could not be happier to become Georgians. We feel just "peachy" about our move, and to bringing Ariana back home.
Once we settle, we hope to share much more of Ariana's progress with pictures and videos to keep our distanced loved ones up to date. We thank all our friends and family across the country for the love and support through 2013 and beyond. We love you all!
Happy New Year!
Now in 2014, it seems there is no way, for us, it could be better than 2013. Watching Ariana grow in strength and personality, and our family integrate into an amazing force of support and love; it is hard to believe there could be anything to beat the previous year. Jim and I certainly have never felt more blessed and more grounded and happy than we were in 2013. Despite that, we know there is so much more ahead this year and all the wonderful years to come.
This year has started in a new state with a new job for Jim, and soon we will move into our new home. As we settle in to Georgia living, we hope the stress of moving will dissipate and returning to our routine will bring a welcome calm. Here we will enjoy proximity to family, church and many great services and new experiences. We feel, beyond a doubt, that this is where we are meant to be.
Ariana is sure to enjoy the warmth of this state, and the warmth and love of all the family members who live here. We plan to enjoy much more family time which always brings us so much joy and happiness.
Though we sadly say good-bye to great friends, co-workers, doctors and therapist in Tennessee, we welcome getting to know new co-workers, friends, doctors and therapists in Georgia. We pray God will continue to bring wonderful care workers into our lives to help Ariana thrive. But she will certainly thrive with the love she receives from her family here.
We could not be happier to become Georgians. We feel just "peachy" about our move, and to bringing Ariana back home.
Once we settle, we hope to share much more of Ariana's progress with pictures and videos to keep our distanced loved ones up to date. We thank all our friends and family across the country for the love and support through 2013 and beyond. We love you all!
Happy New Year!
12.20.2013
Karate Kid
Written by Melissa
Per Asa's request, he started karate last month. These videos are of his very first session with the instructor. Asa has played basketball, soccer, and baseball in the past year, but none of those sports brought on the excitement and, dare I say it, FOCUS that karate has in him. It's fantastic to watch. He is passionate about learning. He's even gotten much better since these videos were even taken just a hand full of sessions ago.
Enjoy Asa-son. Pretty soon, I'll be teaching him the value of wax on, wax off - the Yukon needs a good cleaning! :-)
Per Asa's request, he started karate last month. These videos are of his very first session with the instructor. Asa has played basketball, soccer, and baseball in the past year, but none of those sports brought on the excitement and, dare I say it, FOCUS that karate has in him. It's fantastic to watch. He is passionate about learning. He's even gotten much better since these videos were even taken just a hand full of sessions ago.
Enjoy Asa-son. Pretty soon, I'll be teaching him the value of wax on, wax off - the Yukon needs a good cleaning! :-)
12.09.2013
Christmas Card "Insert"
Written by Melissa
I normally insert a page-long (if not longer) letter with my Christmas cards every season. I typically write about our family events of the year. However, with this year's card including our blog address so prominently, I decided to save a few trees and just include my "insert" here as a post. Hope you don't mind - just being environmentally-friendly.
At the top of 2013, my family embarked on a new year... and a new life. We had transitioned into The A Team and we were all still pretty confused about what had just happened - and, more importantly, what was to come. Thankfully, Jim, Heather, Andrew, and I worked hard and steady very early to make the vision of our new family a reality. Here now at the end of the year, I can assure you, I have an amazing family of 6... and I LOVE it! But, let me not get ahead of myself too quickly.
January was a month of newness for us all. We had a bit of a struggle with Asa adjusting to his new normal. Well, each of us struggled, really. But we enlisted the help friends, family, and professionals, and they have ALL helped us through the tougher moments in the beginning and throughout the year. We are ever so grateful for all of your warmth and love for our family. We keep each of you (you know who you are) very close to our hearts!
Ariana grew strong in her new loving home - also adjusting to the newness of, well, the world! Even bananas were new to her! :-) In March, Nana and I took a weekend trip to see Ariana. It was a wonderful visit. It was such a joy to see her smile! Then, Easter came at the end of the month and we all gathered at our home to enjoy an amazing egg hunt with tons of family and friends.
May brought on Mother's Day. Maybe one of the harder days of my year, but also a precious one. I had started by this time to accept my life as it was - and even relax in it. Still, while my head had learned to sit better with our new family life, my heart was still broken. I kept hoping I had done (and was doing) the best I could for both my kids. Well, spending the day with both of them reassured me of that. I know they are bonded as only siblings can be. And I know they are individually growing in the best environments with all the love and support I could hope for each of them. And I am so thankful to have shared the day with Heather. She is an amazing Mom and deserves the joy of motherhood - not to mention, she makes it look good!!!
In June, another bitterSWEET day took place - Ariana's official adoption day. It was a day of both tears and laughter. One that only a mother - both by birth and by choice - can fully appreciate as one of the most precious days in her lifetime. Certainly, a day I never thought I'd ever see, but a day I will never forget --- and never regret. It will forever be one of my most memorable days on this earth. Again, to have been there as a unit, as The A Team, was both amazing and trailblazing... we even had the judge confused about our unique and extended family. But it didn't matter. What did matter and still does matter the most is the love that surrounds Asa and Ariana. It's irreplicable.
July brought on a new role in my life - as a CASA volunteer. I've since taken on a case with a young lady that I am proud to report is doing very well despite her trials and tribulations in her short existence. It's been quite fascinating to hear her story and to see the steps she's taken in the aftermath of her own trauma. Makes me take a deep breath and realize that we all have a story. It's how we LIVE with those stories that makes us who we REALLY are.
August was a fantastically busy month. Ariana turned 1, if you can believe that!! I can't! We all celebrated with a room full of family and friends and presents, lots of presents. It was so easy to see all the love for Ari. I am so grateful for the village that has been built to support her as she grows - and she is growing! There's no stopping that. Asa began PreK - yet another milestone I can't believe! He started in a new school this year and he's had tremendous progress in his learning there. The teachers are incredible with him - they are teaching him a great deal, but loving on him just as much. He's met some new friends, but kept the old. Asa truly has a wonderful spirit and amazes me daily with his big heart.
Asa's another one that keeps growing - the boy turned 5 in October! Pretty sure he's tall enough for Space Mountain at Walt Disney World - and we'll be testing that out this month! Woohoo... but shhhhh - he doesn't know we're going. :-)
November brought on the amazing race! Heather finished in record time!!! Hey - it was her first marathon... it's a record for her! But, we all really finished marathons of our own. Jim and Heather celebrated one full year as parents - and Andrew and I closed the first chapter (and look forward to the next) in our role in The A Team. And I can't fail to mention the $10K that was raced for PRISMS in honor of Ariana and our family, our team, our marathons!
And now we're here - in the present - in the now, as they say. A place we like to live daily. A place that is starting to feel comfortable again. Normalcy. Woe! Who would've thunk it?! We all made it through the year together. And though there may have been some lows, Asa reminded us just recently that it's alright to cry... crying gets the sad OUT of you... it's alright to cry... it's gonna make you feel BETTER! And after the tears dried, we also had some very high highs. I feel so lucky to be a part of this new normal. So blessed to know and to LOVE Jim and Heather (and all the family that comes with them, too!).
Finally, we're incredibly glad to announce that the 6 of us are now living in the SAME state!!! How cool?! It was certainly a hope and part of the vision of our family last year, but now a reality. Just a little over a half hour drive from each other now, we have a new year to look forward to all sorts of time together - helping each other, supporting each other, growing together, and loving one another.
What a year! And to many, many more...
Merry Christmas to all --- and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(Click here if you'd like to take a look at our 2013 family pics!)
I normally insert a page-long (if not longer) letter with my Christmas cards every season. I typically write about our family events of the year. However, with this year's card including our blog address so prominently, I decided to save a few trees and just include my "insert" here as a post. Hope you don't mind - just being environmentally-friendly.
At the top of 2013, my family embarked on a new year... and a new life. We had transitioned into The A Team and we were all still pretty confused about what had just happened - and, more importantly, what was to come. Thankfully, Jim, Heather, Andrew, and I worked hard and steady very early to make the vision of our new family a reality. Here now at the end of the year, I can assure you, I have an amazing family of 6... and I LOVE it! But, let me not get ahead of myself too quickly.
January was a month of newness for us all. We had a bit of a struggle with Asa adjusting to his new normal. Well, each of us struggled, really. But we enlisted the help friends, family, and professionals, and they have ALL helped us through the tougher moments in the beginning and throughout the year. We are ever so grateful for all of your warmth and love for our family. We keep each of you (you know who you are) very close to our hearts!
Ariana grew strong in her new loving home - also adjusting to the newness of, well, the world! Even bananas were new to her! :-) In March, Nana and I took a weekend trip to see Ariana. It was a wonderful visit. It was such a joy to see her smile! Then, Easter came at the end of the month and we all gathered at our home to enjoy an amazing egg hunt with tons of family and friends.
May brought on Mother's Day. Maybe one of the harder days of my year, but also a precious one. I had started by this time to accept my life as it was - and even relax in it. Still, while my head had learned to sit better with our new family life, my heart was still broken. I kept hoping I had done (and was doing) the best I could for both my kids. Well, spending the day with both of them reassured me of that. I know they are bonded as only siblings can be. And I know they are individually growing in the best environments with all the love and support I could hope for each of them. And I am so thankful to have shared the day with Heather. She is an amazing Mom and deserves the joy of motherhood - not to mention, she makes it look good!!!
In June, another bitterSWEET day took place - Ariana's official adoption day. It was a day of both tears and laughter. One that only a mother - both by birth and by choice - can fully appreciate as one of the most precious days in her lifetime. Certainly, a day I never thought I'd ever see, but a day I will never forget --- and never regret. It will forever be one of my most memorable days on this earth. Again, to have been there as a unit, as The A Team, was both amazing and trailblazing... we even had the judge confused about our unique and extended family. But it didn't matter. What did matter and still does matter the most is the love that surrounds Asa and Ariana. It's irreplicable.
July brought on a new role in my life - as a CASA volunteer. I've since taken on a case with a young lady that I am proud to report is doing very well despite her trials and tribulations in her short existence. It's been quite fascinating to hear her story and to see the steps she's taken in the aftermath of her own trauma. Makes me take a deep breath and realize that we all have a story. It's how we LIVE with those stories that makes us who we REALLY are.
August was a fantastically busy month. Ariana turned 1, if you can believe that!! I can't! We all celebrated with a room full of family and friends and presents, lots of presents. It was so easy to see all the love for Ari. I am so grateful for the village that has been built to support her as she grows - and she is growing! There's no stopping that. Asa began PreK - yet another milestone I can't believe! He started in a new school this year and he's had tremendous progress in his learning there. The teachers are incredible with him - they are teaching him a great deal, but loving on him just as much. He's met some new friends, but kept the old. Asa truly has a wonderful spirit and amazes me daily with his big heart.
Asa's another one that keeps growing - the boy turned 5 in October! Pretty sure he's tall enough for Space Mountain at Walt Disney World - and we'll be testing that out this month! Woohoo... but shhhhh - he doesn't know we're going. :-)
November brought on the amazing race! Heather finished in record time!!! Hey - it was her first marathon... it's a record for her! But, we all really finished marathons of our own. Jim and Heather celebrated one full year as parents - and Andrew and I closed the first chapter (and look forward to the next) in our role in The A Team. And I can't fail to mention the $10K that was raced for PRISMS in honor of Ariana and our family, our team, our marathons!
And now we're here - in the present - in the now, as they say. A place we like to live daily. A place that is starting to feel comfortable again. Normalcy. Woe! Who would've thunk it?! We all made it through the year together. And though there may have been some lows, Asa reminded us just recently that it's alright to cry... crying gets the sad OUT of you... it's alright to cry... it's gonna make you feel BETTER! And after the tears dried, we also had some very high highs. I feel so lucky to be a part of this new normal. So blessed to know and to LOVE Jim and Heather (and all the family that comes with them, too!).
Finally, we're incredibly glad to announce that the 6 of us are now living in the SAME state!!! How cool?! It was certainly a hope and part of the vision of our family last year, but now a reality. Just a little over a half hour drive from each other now, we have a new year to look forward to all sorts of time together - helping each other, supporting each other, growing together, and loving one another.
What a year! And to many, many more...
Merry Christmas to all --- and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(Click here if you'd like to take a look at our 2013 family pics!)
12.02.2013
It's Alright to Cry
Written by Melissa
Andrew and I attended our first ever school performance last week before the Thanksgiving break. Asa's class (and 3 others) joined to sing, "It's Alright to Cry."
Andrew and I attended our first ever school performance last week before the Thanksgiving break. Asa's class (and 3 others) joined to sing, "It's Alright to Cry."
We were in the way back, so it was tough to make out. We asked Asa to sing a solo version for us in the car. First round was performed by "shy" Asa, second round sung by "I love the attention and affirmation" Asa. Both help us to realize that it is indeed alright to cry (and laugh). It makes you feel better!
11.13.2013
11.11.2013
Life's Marathons
Written by Melissa
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
I don't know that I would have described it this way last year, but it was very much like an emotional marathon. I had been preparing myself for weeks for this day, the day I would entrust another to be Ariana's mother. I was preparing myself for the unknown - and it was most frightening. I didn't know if I could do it. I didn't know if I would make it through the day or the days to follow. But Heather was there - that day and the days to follow. Most importantly, she was there for Ariana - and I knew she would be an amazing mother to Ari. I never had a single doubt about that and that was of such great comfort. What I didn't know, but came to learn so quickly, was that Heather was there for me, too. She was so supportive of me and my feelings. When I cried, she cried with me. When I laughed, she laughed with me. When I needed to see Ari, she welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. I have never known another woman like her. I am so proud that she is my daughter's mother - and that she is my friend - that she is my teammate - that she is my family!
This year, on November 9, I woke up and put my family - both immediate and extended - in the car to head to the Chickamauga Battlefield in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. It was Heather's marathon to support this time. Her first! Obviously, hers was the real deal of 26.2 miles - a long, hard, cold 26.2 miles. I was glad to be there for her. I wanted to show my support - my appreciation - my love. I felt so proud to watch her cross the finish line. And she did it so fast!
I'm not sure what marathons life has left for us. I'm sure we're both hoping for the ones that come with some work, but NOT so much pain! Nevertheless, there isn't anything Heather and I can't do with each other by our side. So, here's to the next first... may we kick it's butt, too!
Heather Crosses the Finish Line, but Who Wins?
Written by Melissa
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
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