Christmas letter and pictures!

For the past couple of years, we Spricks have included with our Christmas card a Christmas letter filled with newsy notes, funny quips, and boring information. The letter was fun to write-- to reflect on the past year, to see if we had changed or grown at all during the past year. I enjoy reading other's letters. . . sometimes my kids even get ignored when I receive a Christmas card with a letter in it. Don't tell social services.

I didn't compose a letter this year. First of all, I'm not all here. It is discouraging to me to write that, but I'm not. I'm off. I keep forgetting things. For example, I invite my family over for brunch on Christmas day. I love making breakfast, Gary and I love to give out Christmas stockings to everyone (a tradition Gary grew up with and I've eagerly embraced), and I love seeing my family on Christmas day. Not everyone can come, I have brothers who married non-Michiganders so they are often out of town on Christmas day. It is fun, casual. . . it is Christmas. I bake a cake and we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. I love it. This is what I forgot this year. First, I forgot to back a cake. I forgot that we sing to Jesus, so I didn't make a cake. We made doughnuts. Fun, but not our tradition. I forgot to put the pig-n-the-blankets into the oven. We ate them after breakfast was finished. I forgot to use my Christmas dishes from my friend Sandy. I use them every year: not this year. I forgot to check if I had enough syrup for the pancakes. Many thanks to my brother-in-law who went easy on the syrup (sorry Matt!). I forgot to buy powdered sugar for the doughnuts. Yup, I'm off. Another reason for no Christmas letter: I'm a little busy. I know I know: shocking. Also, with everything that has happened over the past couple of months, I figure that those who read this blog are pretty up-to-speed on what is a'goin' on at the Spricks.

So, here is a summary of our family and how we are doing. Enjoy!

Gary: Big job changes this year for my main squeeze. AT&T changed the way that techs work. Gary now gets orders about where to go rather than seeing all the problems and hitting the most important ones first. I keep saying that they took away his ability to think. He is adjusting well, complaining little, and so very thankful to have a job. Next year will bring more changes as he'll be all call more. We are glad for the income that this brings, but don't like the extra time that he has to be away from home. He (and I) continue to make more friends at church. We continue to love our small group. We also had a facebook church group party at our house in October with over thirty people in attendance. It was great. He continues to love hanging with the family, doing projects around the house, and finding a good deal.

Garrison: Our big guy is going to school. He likes it except for the crafts. He is in El Puente, a Spanish Immersion program at Zeeland Christian. He tries our patience at times, yet makes us laugh every day. He is very funny and extremely animated. I love the one on one times that I get with him because he loves to talk and I love to listen. He loves to help Gary with anything, especially in the workshop or outside. He graduated from the church nursery this spring and has adjusted to being in "big church". He especially likes greeting time and will often go up on stage to shake hands with Mr. and Mrs. Jones. He even called out to Mr. Jones in the middle of a song during the Christmas program. Yup, I keep laughing with my dear Garrison. He has adjusted quite well to having a little brother, though sometimes he wants a break. Simon loves him and wants to do and say everything that Garrison does. Garrison still loves basketball, and really any sport in general. He loves being outside as well and doesn't seem to get cold: just like his dad.

Simon: Our newest member of the Sprick crew. He is doing remarkably well considering he has been at our house for only six weeks. He can say well over one hundred words and can understand even more. I need to remind myself at times that he might not be able to understand what I'm saying to him. He is fascinated by trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, buses, and our dog Smokey. He was terrified of him when we came home from China, yet today he asks for kisses, cuddles with him, and chases him around the house. We are so thankful for this as we weren't sure there during the first week if we'd be able to keep Smokey around. He eats a ton, though some of this is slowing down. We are trying to teach him not to put so much food in his mouth at a time. He is fascinated with Diego and responds to the songs and what Diego asks of him. We are sad that he isn't singing in Chinese for us anymore. We do play the Chinese kids songs from the Back to God Hour for him. He loves this and seems to hum along. We know it is just a matter of time before we won't hear him speak Chinese anymore. We know it is coming, but I will miss it. We love his smile and laugh. He smiles just like his dad: his eyes close. It is very funny.

Noel: How do I being to describe our Noel? She is a delight. We love almost every minute with her. She prances around the house, she laughs, she cuddles, she loves books, she talks so much. . . she is a hoot. It has become challenging to get a good picture of her as she makes so many crazy faces. She wears her emotions on her face, so we always know what she is thinking. She does give Smokey open mouth kisses which Gary loves and makes me a little ill. She loves to bug Simon and of course plays the martyr when anything goes wrong. She is one smart cookie. She wishes she could join in with Garrison at school, but she'll have to wait at least one more year. She doesn't really have a toy that she enjoys playing with, she just really enjoys being. If I had to choose, I'd say that books are her favorite.

Smokey: Smokey has finally grown up. He still loves to play, but that crazy puppy behaviour that drove me nuts has passed. Amen and Amen.

Shanda: Well, you already know that I'm losing my mind. I am a strong candidate for What not to Wear. My house was clean when we returned from China and hasn't been since. I was hoping to lose weight while in China, but gained instead: such good food! All in all I'm so very happy. I'm so blessed by God with a wonderful relationship with Him (though getting up early lately has been a challenge!). I have a wonderful husband whom I love so very much. I can't believe that I'm a mom of three--three kids that I really like. I love my church and look forward to going and learning. I especially enjoy my Bible Study. We are doing a Beth Moore Bible Study and I'm challenged and encouraged in many ways. My friendships are great. I have some tried and true friends and I'm even making new friends, something difficult to do at my age. I wouldn't trade my life for another.

May God bless you as well over the next year. May you have eyes to see all the wonderful ways that God shows Himself to you each day. Feel free to share your prayer requests and celebrations with us. We enjoy praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas. Yes, I do mean it. May you have a very Merry Christmas. May you smile about, celebrate, and rejoice in the gift of God--His precious Son.

I'm sitting in our living room enjoying the lights of the Christmas tree. I don't really enjoy getting out of my warm bed early each morning, but once I make it to the living room, I really like it. I like the time spent with just God and I, I like the quiet, and during Christmas I really like the lights. Gary has programmed the tree to be on every morning when I get up. Thanks honey.

So I'm here, all alone, and more tired than usual. Something happened last night, during the night, that was unusual in our house. There are very few nights where I get to sleep all night long. There is at least one child who seems to wake up and alert us to their presence at least once every night. Sometimes we need to get up to address to problem, sometimes they can fall back asleep on their own. (pause pause pause)

As I was writing, I heard the bedroom door open and there stood my dear son Garrison. I quickly put away the computer as he ran to me and we snuggled together in the chair. Let me share with you the conversation that followed.
Mommy (that's me): "Garrison, do you know what day it is today?"
Garrison: "What is it?"
Mommy: "Today is Christmas. Today we celebrate Jesus' birthday. Happy Birthday Jesus!"
Garrison: "Yeah, and I'm going to give Jesus my clock book as a present." Know that Garrison's clock book is a favorite!
Mommy: "Really, that is a very nice thing to do for Jesus."
Garrison: "Yeah, and He can play with it and I will help him do it, just like this (and he proceeds to turn the hands of the clock)"
Mommy: "Garrison, I love you and I know that Jesus loves you so very much."
Garrison: "Yup."

So, now that the stockings have been opened, I'll get back to my early morning thoughts.

So, last night things were different. Noel started putting up a fuss a little after one. Gary got up with her (we have a deal that he does the little things and if they get longer, then I take over. I have a difficult time getting back to sleep if I get up, so I do the longer ones since I'd be up anyway. If you have questions about our system, feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment.) and changed her diaper. She had more to drink than usual, so I suggested that this might solve the problem. Gary changed her, came back to bed, and fell asleep within five breaths--I counted. I continued to listen to her moan and cry. After fifteen minutes, I decided that something was amiss. I went into her room and discovered that I had neglected to turn on her heater and it was quite cold. Not only that, but I had not put her pajamas on at night. She was in such a comfy outfit and I thought that she would be able to wear part of it again in the morning. . . .so she wasn't wearing her super warm pajamas. My little girl was cold. It took several more trips, some rocking, and finally a glass of milk to get our little girl back to sleep. I was up for over two hours. One hour later, I was awakened to Garrison crying in the bathroom. I stumbled in and there he stands without his pajama top on crying. "What's wrong?" "I'm all wet." "What?!?" "I have to go potty, I'm all wet. . . I can't get my pants off." I bend over and discover that he is indeed covered with pee. I take off his pants and see that we forgot to remind him to put on his nighttime underwear (pull-up) before bed. He had wet everything. Just as I am going to his room to change his sheets, get new pajamas, and nighttime underwear, Simon wakes up and says, "Simon potty. Simon potty. Simon potty." I wake up Gary and ask for help. Minutes later, everyone is warm and dry. Twenty minutes later, everyone except me is asleep. What a night.

Parental error. That is what happened last night. It is a very unusual occurance. During the day--all the time, but I have nighttime routine pretty down pat. Perhaps we would have had a full night of sleep without parental error, but who knows. I didn't turn on the heater. I didn't put on her warm pajamas. I didn't remember nighttime underwear. I missed out on about three hours of sleep last night.

I'm thankful that my Heavenly Father didn't make a parental error when He sent Christ to earth. Now that I'm the mom of two sons, I don't think I'd give them up for anyone, let alone crazy selfish sinners. As I was laying in bed last night trying to get asleep for the third time, I thanked God for doing the right thing and not forgetting anything. He never slumbers, never sleeps, has so many children and isn't losing His mind (unlike me). Happy Birthday Jesus and thank you Heavenly Father.

Food Network

I'm sitting in a comfy chair in the living room while the kids nap. Food Network is on and I'm being inspired, and encouraged, and taught, and . . . I'm also getting hungry (not really, but I'm telling myself that I am) and thinking that I could just let myself go for the holidays. I can count my points again. . .after Christmas, or my New's Year's party that I'm attending, or after the Koeman Family Christmas in January.

I had a discussion last week with some friends about the food network. Jodi mentioned that her husband watches and then expects her to produce dinners to impress: after all, it only takes 30 minutes. Yeah right, and I'm a size 11--just my feet are. All the prep, all the planning. . . more that what you would think. She wishes that her husband wouldn't watch so much.

I have learned a lot from the cooking shows. I love to cook. I love to experiment in the kitchen. I've only recently returned to the kitchen after our travels. We relied very heavily on meals that friends gave us and now I'm enjoying my return. Years ago I gave away my food chopper because I love to chop veggies. I mostly do o.k. with cooking, but there are flops. This week-end a batch of chicken noodle soup found its way into the garbage. How do you mess up Chicken Noodle Soup?

This spring, my sister and I were talking and we happened to mention a particular bar that we saw Ina Garden bake on Barefoot Contessa. We affectionately named them the naughty bars and would joke about them. It finally got to the point where we decided that we needed to make them, so we got together and enjoyed our time in the kitchen laughing and baking together (I don't think we've baked together since we were living in Graafschap!) The bars were amazing and they were indeed naughty.

Just watching the Food Network doesn't make me an expert, just like watching CSI doesn't make me able to solve every crime. Yet, haven't all these shows that we watch made us a little overconfident sometimes? There were times in China like I felt I was in the Amazing Race. There are days when I know I could give the Dog Whisperer a run for his money. I do know that I couldn't hold a candle to Les the Survivorman (what a great show!). If I want to succeed in the kitchen, I need to work, to experiment, try a new variation, do it again.

I've been struggling with knowledge/performance in regards to my spiritual life as of late. I'm easily able to identify areas in which God has blessed me, or gifted to me. I'm easily able to identify areas in which I need to work. Yet, some things aren't working that way I'd like. I think that it should only take 30 minutes right? Yet, I need to remember that there is a ton that goes on behind the scenes, it'll get better with time, with my practicing to be the woman that He wants me to be. . . I need to continue to tweak myself until I am holy before Him. I'm so thankful that He isn't giving up on me. I won't give up on being more like Him either. Now, about that chicken noodle soup.

Christmas Cards

I love Christmas cards. I should rephrase that, I love getting Christmas cards, especially the ones with pictures. At the beginning of this month, I begin getting the mail. Usually it isn't that big of a deal to me. Gary always picks it up when he comes home from work: not during December! I find myself glancing outside hoping for the postman, post officer, employee of the United States Post Office, . . . what are they called these days? I find myself glancing outside for the individual who delivers our mail on a regular basis. If I happen to miss the delivery and Gary gets the mail first, I greet him at the door with a kiss (always first!) and then, "Did we get any good mail?" He willingly lets me open the envelopes with handwriting on the outside. I love seeing the pictures, I love reading Christmas letters, I love putting all the cards on my cupboards so I can look at them each day. I keep them all, every year, so that many years from now I can pull them out and remember how young my niece and nephew were, how the styles have changed, and how far Christmas cards have come. Remember when it was a big deal to pick out the card. . . and it was just a card. Which message? Which picture? What are you going to write to the cute boy that you have a crush on. . . don't be direct, but perhaps a hint or two? Then, the pictures began. First, folks began including a 4x6 photo. Are you serious? It was wonderful. Will I or won't I include a photo? Soon, the madness began. Karen (my best friend besides Jesus and Gary) and I sent out pictures of the two of us for many years. We lived together for six, so we took a family photo. We had to find the negative, submit it long in advance. . . you remember. One year we went lobstering in the Keys and had a great picture of us, our lobsters, and Russel. . . the former student who took us lobstering. Since we wanted that photo (we both looked great!) we had it made into a card with "Feliz Navidad" (after all, we were living in Miami). I sent mine out as is, and Karen cut Russel off the end of the card. Her cards looked oddly shaped, but Russel wasn't in them. I had to answer the question of "who is that boy?" In the months following, I found pictures of Russel hidden in my bedroom and classroom.
Last night we took our Christmas card photo: our three kids. Getting them dressed was an event. Having them stand together was an event. Trying to get them to all look at the same time was an event. Getting three smiles at the same time was an event. Sorting through twenty photos was an event. Choosing the card from Samsclub.com was an event. . .so we decided to show the event on our card. There is one main picture, and three smaller pictures of the event that was. When Gary returns home (he is gone on business for a few days: pray for me!) I'll try and post some event pictures. I will say that at one point, both boys fell into the tree. Gary and I loved it and laughed over and over again. See, perhaps the reason why I love the Christmas card isn't just because I get to see pictures of my family and friends, it isn't just because it is fun to get mail, it isn't just because I get caught up with far away friends, but because it is another fun event in my life. If you didn't know, I love celebrating events.

Playing trucks

There has been a change in my house since we came home after 16 days away in China with another 2 and 1/2 year old child. I know, shocking. It hasn't been that I've gained some weight (thanks for the great meals by the way!) or that I don't leave my house at least once every day (boy do I miss that) or that I'm drinking more diet mountain dew than ever (I'm not going to post my daily consumption-but I'm drinking my fifth can of the day at the moment). It isn't that the boys are sharing a room, there is more laundry, our grocery bill is higher (yup, Simon is still an eater) and getting ready to go anywhere takes so much time. There are many more, but I digress.

The change I'm talking about is the way that my kids play together. Pre-Simon, Garrison and Noel pretty much playing independently of each other. Garrison did his thing, Noel hers. She would pester him at times, but she generally was interested in very different toys than Garrison. He ignored her most of the time except when she was in his way. The times they are a'changin'.

I can't exactly explain why things are different, but they are. First, Garrison is interested in cars and trucks, something which he hasn't really been excited about before. He has done the occasional vroom vroom, but give the boy a ball and he is happy. Simon loves cars. Since we have been home, so has Garrison, and to an extent Noel--I'll get to that in a minute. It has been really cool for Garrison and Noel to get excited about something new through Simon. Garrison saw Simon's love of cars, and running around with them, and pushing them, and crashing them--that he now loves cars. This can be good especially when they are both racing around the house laughing together, but they also both have a favorite truck which happens to be the same one. This has created numerous conflicts between the boys. Noel loves cars, not any one in particular, but any one that is in the hands of one of her brothers. She loves to find a neglected car and entice her brothers that they might want it--and when they do, she gleefully runs away with the said vehicle. She loves to try to take a car away from them, she loves to get in the way and get "hurt". She tries to do all these things while we aren't watching, but she lets us know if her brothers have abused her in any way, even though she is little miss instigator. Simon seems to feel as if any car he has played with during the past hour is still his, even if he is done. He protests very loudly when someone takes "his" toy. Garrison is the fastest, strongest, and most coordinated and can come very close (sometimes too close) to hitting something or someone with his vehicle. When they all play together: oh, the smile on this mama's face. More often than not, I'm a ref. I call penalties and time-outs. It is a new hat that I'm wearing.

I've also thought: I'm glad that I'm beyond that, I know how to share, how to treat family and friends with kindness. . . .then God knocks on my heart and asks me to really look at myself. I enjoy being exposed to new things: recipes, television shows, stores, products, thoughts, people. It can really open me up to avenues I hadn't really explored. I also fall into the same traps as my kids: I can take credit for stuff that isn't mine. I can think that just because I began something, no one else has a right to use it. Sometimes I think that I can use something better than someone else, so I try to show off in front of them. . . just to see how they'll react. I can do these things when no one is looking, then put up a fuss when someone wrongs me. Now--I don't do these things all the time, but God is showing me that I have. . . and can do them.

My devotions this morning centered around the ten commandments and how they serve as a boundary stone for my life. Sometimes, I try to move the stones, to get away with more, to do it more my way. . . . and this can be passed on to my kids. Lord, protect my kids by changing me when I need it. Continue to open my eyes and thanks for using my kids to teach me.

Facebook

Are you on facebook? I am. Yup, I said it, and now I'm even saying it proudly. There was a time when I was almost apologetic for being on facebook. I fought joining for quite awhile. I'd get an e-mail stating that someone wanted to be my friend. Yeah! Guess what, they are already my friend. My limit was five requests, and when it came to number five, I joined.

I love it. I love it that I've reconnected with classmates from high school. I love it that I've reconnected with friends and roommates from college. I love it that I get little snippets, pictures, and updates from the friends that I see occasionally as well as the friends that I see and talk with often. I feel connected. I feel like I'm aware. I'm able to pray for my friends. I'm able to laugh with my friends. I am in "the know" baby.

I am not addicted. I know there are those who have a hard time getting away from facebook, who need to give eighteen updates a day, who need to comment on every picture that one of their friends post. I don't need to do that. Sometimes I just don't want to communicate. Guess what? That's o.k.

Gary and I have been having facebook discussions lately. Why do I want to be on it? Why doesn't he want to be on it? He can tease me about it, but he is also very supportive of my being on facebook--just make sure the kids are safe at all times. He enjoys, for the most part, when I share some info that I've gleaned from my time spent at the computer. I don't always share with him where my friends are at--Debbie--I still like the frosting on the cupcake. Gary doesn't need to be in on that. Is my time spent wisely?

Yes and no. No-there are times when I do spend too much time. I should have cleaned the bathroom. I should have read Dr. Suess again. I should have walked on the treadmill. I should have gone to bed. I'm learning, but aren't we learning all the time? The key is if you do something with the learning. Yes--I have relationships that I have been lacking with my being at home with three kids full time. I feel closer to the heart of many of my friends. I am walking (via computer) with some folks who may be going through hard times. I am having fun. It is fun. Fun fun fun. I enjoy having fun during my day, in a variety of ways.

If you are reading this and aren't on facebook, do you want to be my friend?

The doctor was in.

Yes. We went to see our family doctor today for an evaluation for Simon. He is doing great! (and by great, I mean great.) He is in the 25% for height and weight. That means that he is not our biological son, in case any of you were curious, and that he and Noel might be able to be in the same weight class for wrestling. We'll let you know when we get the ring set up. I think she might take him.

We were referred to a pediatric plastic surgeon to get his leg and back looked at. There may be some scar tissue and the stitch up/staple job that was done wasn't done very well. We'll let you know what happens.

When Simon and I returned home from the doctor, my mom was here with Garrison and Noel. I asked her to stay for awhile and soon we were laughing together. Why? Well, all three kids were crying. Garrison: Simon ran into him with a truck. Simon: upset that he had to say he was sorry. Noel: upset because I wouldn't pick her up because I was dealing with Simon and Garrison. It was so comical. I'm glad that I'm laughing about it. God continues to give me Mich's patience.

Chicken Noodle Soup and Grilled Cheese for supper. Thanks small group!

Three weeks

Three weeks ago an adorable little boy walked into a room where I was waiting for him. Three weeks ago. Three weeks. It seems like such a short time ago, and as Gary said this morning, a lifetime. In three weeks time, we have been in three countries. We have traveled in a myriad of ways. We have increased our family by twenty percent. We have recovered from jet-lag. . . twice. We have spoken in church. We have survived. We have laughed. We have cried. It has been a long time since I have done so very much in three weeks. It has been a blessing.

I'm excited to think that in three more weeks, things will be even better. Yes, we are doing great. Yes, Simon is adjusting better than we could have hoped. Yes, I love him. Yes, I'm excited for the next three weeks to be done. I want our family to function better. I want Simon to be able to communicate in the way that he wants to. I want Garrison to know that he is a big boy and doesn't need to act like a little boy. I want Noel to not want me so much. I want to cuddle with Gary on the couch for a hour. I want to cook. (Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful for the meals in the freezer from generous friends as well as the twenty bucks for pizza some night, but I really enjoy cooking.) I want to be on the helping end rather than the receiving end.

I know that these things will happen. Like I said, I'm very grateful, but I'm eager for the next phase. I want Simon to know that we are here and we will take care of him. He doesn't need to throw a tantrum or pull his hair out. I want Garrison to put on his clothes. I want Noel to let go of my leg. I'm so thankful for my God who in the midst of this gives me what I need for the moment. This morning was especially trying. . . for about an hour straight. It is my first day home alone and in the midst of that hour, I asked God over and over and over and over for help with one issue, then another issue, then another. Know what? He gave me what I needed for each moment. If I had known it was going to be an hour, I don't think I would have done as well. I think God is going to surprise me even more in the next three weeks. I'll let you know. :)

Pictures, get your pictures.

Simon was a little miffed with the last post, so I'll try harder this time.















Ok, Ok!!!















Awwww.
Come on Simon this is a good one.















Our last dinner in China. Including noodles and some version of "fried chicken".




















We have these cute outfits for Garrison and a cuter dress for Noel. I will post a pic of all after it is taken.















Simon, enjoy the freedom. I see a five point harness in your future.

First cheeseburger was not a hit. No cheese please!!!!















You have a choice between eggs and some sort of rice/noodle/pork?/gross dish. Oh, we are out of eggs.















I love the PocketPC almost as much as Simon loves Baby Einstein DaVinci.
















No drugs were used, well at least for his first nap.
















Nice to meet you. Likewise I'm sure.















How do we get to the ice cream truck?!?















Nice to be home with my guys on my lap.















Bath time is a blast, and then it's time for...















night night.

It's Wednesday already?

Hi all----

Wow. . . I feel like I'm able to see through the fog for the first time this morning. I don't remember having this much trouble when we arrived in China in terms of jet lag, but I also wasn't up in the middle of the night with any child or staying up because my children were still awake. :)

First off, I know you want to see pictures. Hey, I know that I want to see pictures on others blogs. Well, Gary is the picture guy. Gary is sleeping right now. Perhaps he'll carve some time out of his busy schedule to upload some pictures for me. I know I know, I need to learn how to do that. I'll add it to the list. Now, where is my list?

That past few days have been good, and hard, and frustrating, and joyful, and confusing, and . . . insert your own emotion here ____________ and I have probably experienced it. I tend to be emotional. This morning in my devotional time with the Lord, I cried. I'm so thankful that He is emotional as well. . . He gets me. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you Lord for getting me, and holding on, and never letting go, and loving me enough to save me. . . oh the tears may be coming again.

I have NO DOUBT that the path to Simon was the Lord's path. Did you see that. . . NO DOUBT. That is a great place to be, a great place to rest. There have been moments during the past few days when I wonder if I am indeed crazy. Three children? Three years and under? What we were thinking? Then, God leads me back to see Him. My devotions this morning came from my Psalm of Ascents study by Beth Moore. This morning was on Psalm 127. God pointed out several new things to me (thank you God!). The first was about work and how if God is not in it, work and labor is in vain. Being home with my kids is my work. We spent time this morning, the Lord and I, talking together about my home and kids. I so want Him to be in this home. I asked Him for special eyes today to see Him. The second thing. . . oh it made me laugh. . . was verses 3-5. Now, I had been questioning His wisdom at times, not doubting but questioning, at the choice to give us three kids in three years. Let me write these verses out for you.

"Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. . . ."

I love it when God makes me laugh out loud.

Alright, next order of business. How is the rest of the family doing?

Gary: Boy do I love this guy. I'm so thankful that he is home this week. He took days off without pay: money well spent. He is tired, but doing better than I am. He is so great about having fun and being consistent with the kids. He is working on the Simon/Smokey relationship. Smokey is our dog. Simon is afraid of dogs. Fun times.

Garrison: Garrison is doing better than I thought in regards to Simon. He doesn't seem to feel threatened at all by his presence. He welcomes him and enjoys sharing a room with him. He makes me laugh every day and has grown taller since we left. Didn't think I'd be buying new pants for him so soon. Wanna know the rub? He decided three times yesterday to wet or poop his pants. I wasn't expecting this behaviour, yet there it is. I'm not surprised. It seems this is the way he is responding to our being gone, new person in the house, not as much attention on himself, etc. I know he'll be fine. We are doing a couple of special outings with just him.

Simon: Simon is doing well and is struggling too. I like to see it. He is doing well in that he is learning so many new words. He really likes to learn. He is eating very well. He is still potty trained, even through the night. I got up early this morning because I heard this tiny voice saying "Simon potty" over and over. Now he is back to sleep: bless him. He laughs and runs and tries to trade something of value whenever Garrison or Noel are playing with a toy that he'd like to have. What a brilliant thing to do! Many times it works. He is quick to cry these days. Something can set him off quite quickly. I'd cry all the time. . . oh wait sometimes I do. . . if I was in a brand new place with new people, new words, new foods, new clothes, new rules. Lot's of love and assurance is headed in Simon's direction.

Noel: Ah, my little love. It is hard to see her sometimes because she is a blur on the move. She is so much fun, but is a little needy. By needy I mean that she wants to be by or on her mommy almost all the time. Once again, lots of love and attention headed her way.

We are still not accepting visits from dear friends. . . so sorry! We just are our own little insula here and it is good. We do go out at times (Meijer and to church), but Simon is very close to us there and not building relationships with anyone except us. He really enjoys going out as do we. It is a sanity booster for me.

Thanks for your continued prayers. We see God working. We ended our honeymoon time with Simon on Sunday, and now the real work is beginning. We'll keep you posted. Enjoy your day.

Blessing upon blessing

Hi friends!

Guess what, it is 5:15 a.m. and I'm sitting at our kitchen counter in Zeeland. What a treat! I've been up for about an hour already. I'm sure I'll be exhausted later, but for know I'm enjoying the quiet of the morning.

God is so very good. He blessed us beyond measure over the past two weeks, and He didn't stop with the trip home. I couldn't have asked for anything better I don't think, except perhaps business class. Have you seen those seats?

As you know from a previous post, I had given all my stresses and concerns to the Lord earlier on in the week. I didn't even take them back. I just felt such peace from Him. Well, we were able to get seats together on-line for our last flight from Detroit to Grand Rapids. Yeah! That just left the first flight which was almost completely full. I just trusted that God would make everything o.k.

We woke up around 4:30 a.m. and did our last minute packing, checked-out (and received money back from the hotel--another great surprise from God), and headed to the airport with another family: the Lowes. They are so very sweet. Anyway, we checked in and asked if we could get seats together: sorry. There were so many other adoptive families on our flight, many of whom were split up. I saw many anxious parent faces and heard many pleas for help. So, we head off to the plane and finally get on-board. Simon is doing great! The seats are three across on both sides and Gary and Simon are together (window and middle) and I'm behind them. So many people come on: it's a full flight. One father in particular is struggling because his girls are sitting near the front by themselves. There just seems to be no solution. Kids are crying. . . it is all very chaotic. Meanwhile, I sit hoping for a glimpse of the person who will be sitting next to Simon and perhaps they will be willing to switch with me. Finally, the plane is full, they announce that the doors are closing, and guess what. There is one empty seat on the plane and it is next to Simon. I quickly move and then cry and laugh at how God works. I just imagined that He was laughing with me and had been planning this for some time.

Great flight to Tokyo where we need to get Simon some lunch. He is hungry and will be taking a nap shortly. We are trying to figure out how much money to change to Yen when Andy Lowe approaches us and sees us with money. "Wait wait wait--I have hurry to make my flight and I won't be able to use this." He hands us some yen. It was plenty for lunch as well as some snacks for the next flight. Look at how God continues to bless! Then, the big flight. The one I began stressing about since we decided to adopt from China. Simon falls asleep before we take-off and sleeps for three hours. Then, he is up and happy and wonderful for the next four, then back to sleep for five. Did you read that? He slept for about 7-8 hours of the trip! Oh God, you are so wonderful! The last flight was nothing: 27 minutes and then we are in Grand Rapids: exhausted and excited. I'd just like to point out here that when I am exhausted and excited and haven't seen my other two kids for two weeks, I'm going to be a bit weepy. Those folks who witnessed our reunion saw and heard quite the mama.

It was so fun to walk down the hall as a family of three and see my mom and dad, brother Kevin, and of course Garrison and Noel. They both ran to us and hugged us. Noel knew who we were. Both greeted Simon (who became quite shy) and we just sat on the floor and hugged, laughed and cried (o.k. I cried) together. It was so wonderful to see them again. My sister Tricia and her kids were able to come as well with big "Welcome Home Simon" signs. They are beautiful! My brother Ryan and sister-in-law Kate and sister-in-law Gretchen rounded out the party. It was so wonderful to visit with family and see the cousins play together. Simon quickly warmed up and played so great with his siblings and cousins. We enjoyed just talking together and reviewing the past couple of weeks. We needed more visit time, so we were all off to Matt and Tricia's house for pizza. So very tasty.

Finally, back home where--oh wow--we finally got home and arrived to balloons and craft supplies from our sweet neighbors and the cleanest house I've had in a long time. Gary, enjoy it now because it won't happen again for awhile. :) Jim and Rebecca had been staying at our house and left it so beautiful. Thank you so much!

Bedtime was quite the scene (Garrison and Simon talking and laughing and getting our of their bunks), but everyone is sleeping now including my mom who is staying to help for a few days. Thanks mom!

See how wonderful God is? "Thank you Lord for allowing me to see your Hand in such mighty ways over the past two weeks. It has been pure joy for me to follow you on this journey. I'm so confident that you will continue to go before us as our family begins on a new journey. I praise you for who you are--so mighty, awesome, and wanting the best for me and my family. I don't deserve any of this, yet you decided to give it to me. I can't praise you enough. I love you more than anything else in this world. Thanks for Gary, my kids, and for opening my eyes to see the hearts of the friends and family that you have placed in my life. I've been overwhelmed by the gifts given to us through them. Please give me opportunities to bless them as well."

We'll continue to post so check back. Thanks for walking on this journey with us. We covet your prayers as well adjust to a new time schedules, life with three kids. . . you get the picture. Please continue to pray for Simon as well. For the first time, we won't come into contact with anyone who speaks Chinese. He is doing great (he knows 39 English words!), but how challenging to have so much to say (oh the boy can talk!) and no one can understand.

Love you!
shanda

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow. You're only a day away!

Yup, leaving tomorrow. Beginning our new normal. It's good.

All we have left is the oath ceremony in about an hour. We'll let you know how that goes. The last time I made an oath, I hitched up with Gary. That turned out great. It'll be so much fun to celebrate the Simon is officially a Sprick. Simon Yiyi Arthur Sprick. Simon after the disciple: so full of courage and passion. Yiyi is what he was called in the orphanage. Arthur is after Shanda's dad (it is his middle name) and Sprick. . . well you know about that one. We've had a couple of questions about Simon. He is 2 1/2. He does have a special need, although you probably won't ever see it. He had a lipoma on his back and a lymphangioma on his right thigh. Both are benign tumors that have been removed. We think he'll need surgery again as it looks like his scaring could be cleaned up a bit. There is still a bit of lumpiness on his thigh as well. We'll see what Dr. Waalkes (love her!) has to say about it. He runs, jumps, and climbs just like a 2 1/2 year old boy, pausing to point out the airplane, motorcycle, bicycle and dogs that he sees around him.

Things we'll miss about China:
Great food
Others cleaning up our hotel room
Brand new things to look at
A very different culture than what we are used to
Walking all over
Cheap cab rides when needed
Little stores
Chinese obstacle course television program
The Reigers
Learning learning learning
Two on one parenting
Early morning walks
Warm weather
Being encouraged by other adoptive families
Big and delicious choices for breakfast
And so much more. . .

Things we are looking forward to in the U.S.
Garrison and Noel
Clean air
Water from the tap
Fewer offensive smells
Vegetables we understand
Living in more than one room
Seeing our family and friends
Smokey (our dog)
The Amazing Race
Garrison and Noel
Obeyed traffic laws
Holland Heights Church
Fast internet
Standing in a shower that drains completely
Our beds
Seat belts
Stopping the flow of money
Garrison and Noel
And so much more. . .


Thanks again for all your encouragement and prayers. We still don't have seats together tomorrow on our first and last flights, but it is o.k. We are one aisle away from each other. We are together on the long one, the one that matters the most. Our family is meeting us at the airport. Boy, are we looking forward to some fantastic hugs!

Prayer Requests
Please pray for us tomorrow. As you go to bed tomorrow night, we'll be leaving. Our flight begins at 7:30 p.m. your time and we'll be landing at 4:30 the next afternoon. Please lift us up often as it will be a long day. We leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m.
Also, please pray for the transition that our family will be making in the days, weeks, and months ahead. It is going to be a big adjustment for all of us.
Praise God that Garrison and Noel are doing great. They have had such wonderful care. I'm thinking that Gary and I will seem quite boring upon our return.
Most of all, please join with us in blessing God for this amazing event. He adopted us as sons, and now we have adopted a son. My love grows more each day and I already can't imagine life without Simon. . . I don't want to.

You have been an important part of our journey. We bless God for you.

shanda and gary

I guess It's my turn to narrate. woohoo.

Man he can melt my heart.
















We have so much fun on the bed.

















Well, mostly fun.


















Pronounced Ka_ra_te with a long A at the end.


















We will leave the music to Shanda and her guitar.















Simon so content watching the Pearl river pass benenath.















What, there was corn! I didn't get any corn!
















I swear I can't get away from the Dutch.
















Such a little ham and a bunch of duck and corn.
















Pretty lady and her son.



















Such a pretty view and the lights aren't bad either.

some thinkin'

So. . . I did it. I went into an American restaurant of my own volition. I'm sitting at Starbucks and listening to Christmas music. Now, before you pass judgement: either good or bad, let me explain. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to a Starbucks: I don't drink any coffee and am not overly fond of warm drinks, so I rarely frequent. For my friends the coffee drinkers: now you know you can come to Guangzhou: there is a Starbucks! I'm here because the computer in our room only likes to work in the morning, so while the boys sleep, I thought I'd grab the computer, a Coke Zero, and purchase a piece of blueberry cheesecake (not exactly what I was hoping for in terms of taste. . .) and enjoy the comfy chairs.

This morning my devotions were about prayer. I have learned many new things about prayer in the past couple of months. God meant it when He told us to pray about everything. It has been just a joy for me to see prayers answered over and over again. I tend to worry, and God has humbled me into seeing that worry is such a worthless idol. This morning I finally gave Him our trip home on Friday. I've been worried about that ever since we decided to adopt from China. That is a long time (over 2 years) to worry about such things. Well, God has it. I'm going to pray about it and trust that He'll take care of getting us seats together (two of our three flights our family is not together), help Simon to sleep on the flight, help Simon to be occupied for around 22 hours of travel, and help me to be a good wife and mom despite the long travel and anticipated sleep deprivation,. In addition, I've asked him to keep pilots awake, help us avoid troublesome weather, and see that our plane and those in it arrive safe. Sound like a lot? Not for my God. Could you ask Him for these things on our behalf as well?

I did struggle this morning with distraction. I feel that I've received so much information over the past two weeks. . . I'm not exactly sure what to do with it all. It all seems to flood over me in those quiet moments when I'm not focused on some task or event. I've learned so much about China, about her people, about adoption, about other families, about why adoptions occur, about how families need help when they arrive home, about about about. It has been so wonderful to learn so very much each day. I'm sure I'll be doing much more thinking in the months ahead.

As we anticipate leaving, I start to think about every place we have been. At every stop that we have made, we've made friends. Isn't that so cool about God? Beijing: Angela. We stayed at her apartment for two nights and enjoyed her touring services. Such a sweet woman, so encouraging, and a believer. Fun to share that together. Changsha: The Reigers. So wonderful to receive their hospitality and see how God is using them to change lives, show God's love, and bring hope. Plus, they were fun to be with. Guangzhou: The Friends (that is the name of their family). We are both using the same agency and discovered we live just ten minutes apart back home. It's been fun to have a "taste of home" here in China and to celebrate our adoptions together. God is so good. Christians everywhere we have been to welcome us, talk with us, and encourage us.

Plus, we've loved messages from family and friends. I received two e-mails in particular this morning that made me laugh out loud! My mom shared a story with me about Garrison: can't wait to see that boy again. My sister shared a joke that her son, my nephew Bryce, had told. "What is the difference between roast beef and pea soup? Anyone can roast beef, but not everyone can pea soup!" Yup, funny. . . especially from a six year old. I can just hear his giggle. I'm excited to hear it from him in person. God, I see again the blessing of family. Thank you.

Blessings everywhere. I'll make sure to look a little more closely when I get home. I'll bet that God has plenty more for me in Zeeland. How fun that He decided to teach me one extra lesson on blessings by taking me half way around the world. I love that about Him: full of surprises.

Last night: Chinese dinner with all the families from our agency. What a super fun time!!!
Today: Consulate appointment: our paperwork looks great!!! Thank you Lord. We take the oath tomorrow morning.
Tonight: dinner cruise on the Pearl River. I'll let you know if Captain Stubbing is aboard.

So long from Starbucks. Gary will be back here tonight to work on pictures.
shanda

Look at what we've been up to.

Look at all the pearls!

Simon and Abigail enjoying the playroom. He calls her his big sister: in Chinese of course.

Enjoying our supper in the room. Simon out ate us.

Bargaining for pearsl.

The only dog that Simon will go near.

Crawling out of bed.

Shanda and Leila: our guide.

Most of our kids in the AGCI group. The four in the middle were adopted on this trip.

Daddy and Simon look at the boats.

Simon playing with Abigail.

(She was adopted by the Friends. They live ten minutes from us and we met in Beijing!)

The store where we got supper last night.

Simon loves David!

Eating chicken with the bone it: you chew it and spit it out. He's got that down pat.

Supper with the AGCI families.

All the AGCI families. What a great group!

Questions answered

Hey everyone--
Guess what, we get to come home on Friday. We are more than ready to come home and get down to our new normal. Still need to do some government things tomorrow and Thursday. Tomorrow our guide will go to the consulate with all our paperwork. We need to stay in our rooms in case there are any questions. Pray that there are no questions. :) Thursday, we get to take the oath. We'll let you know what promises we end of making.

We've heard from many of you via e-mail, facebook, or the blog--we love it! We can in no way express our thanks for the prayers and encouragement that have been sent our way. This process has granted us a new look at our amazing God, and much of that has been how you have been used by Him. Thanks for being His hands in our lives.

We've also had questions thrown our way and though we can't answer all the questions (somethings we just don't have a clue!), we'll try to post some here.

1. Yes, we did get to watch the Steelers win--it was live here on Monday morning. The Chinese commentators may or may not have done a nice job. We don't have a clue.
2. Simon is doing remarkably well. We are not hiding anything from you. He did just finish crying because he didn't like the pajamas that we put on him for his nap (he refuses to sleep in his clothes--we'll just take one step at a time). He is attaching himself to us more than we had hoped. He has had two spells where he begins to cry and we. . . well, we lose him. He seems to just disengage and it takes a bit for him to get back to us--maybe five minutes or so. Both of these happened yesterday. Once, he dropped his egg on the floor and when we didn't give it back, but rather began to peel another. . . he fell apart. Perhaps he thought he has lost the food. . . no more food? We don't know. He couldn't even see that we had another egg for him even though it was a foot in front of him. He also lost it when we happened upon a cat yesterday afternoon. We've seen cats before--not a problem. He likes dogs from afar, but not up close. It will be interesting with Smokey in the house.
3. Yes, we are enjoying the food. We haven't found a great Chinese place here yet within walking distance, but we did buy some food last night out of a local's kitchen. It looked a bit sketchy, but hey, it was good and super cheap. We aren't sick today.
4. No, Diet Coke does not taste the same.
5. No, we don't know Chinese. We can't read or understand anything. . .at all. . ever. Even their writing goes in several directions (up and down, left to right, and right to left). It is quite the feeling to be so very lost when it comes to being self sufficient or going on an adventure.
6. Yes, there are traffic lines, but they are not recognized by drivers, walkers, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
7. Yes, the weather is warm here in Guangzhou. It is a bit cooler today (upper 70's) but has been in the 80's. Gary is hot.
8. Yes, our hotel here is wonderful. We have a great room and wonderful service. The breakfast buffet is delicious. Big shift when we get home and Simon has one choice for breakfast. :)
9. Our schedule? Well, I get up a little after six and do my Beth Moore Bible Study in the bathroom so as not to wake the boys. Then, I'm off for a morning walk: lovely! Come back and Gary is usually awake. Simon is up around 8:00 and we mosey down to breakfast when we get dressed and feel like it. Back to the room: check e-mail (hopefully) and then off on a walking adventure. Where? Around the island, to the pearl market, to the fish market. . . who knows. Lunch in the room around noon, nap for Simon, another walking adventure before supper. . . then supper. . . playing in the room and bathtime and then bedtime around 8:30 for Simon. Gary and I lay in bed and watch CNN until I fall asleep around 9:30. Who knows when he falls asleep. The deviation to the schedule is when we have adoption stuff to do (see note at the beginning on this post).
10. Yes, God is so very good and we glorify Him many times a day.

Love and miss you.
shanda--who is coming home on Friday!

Gary will try to post pictures later.

Doing great

Hi



We are doing great and our internet seems to be moving at a snail's pace at last. At least it is an improvement. Our group today went to the safari park. We decided not to go along. It'll interfere with Simon's afternoon nap, so we worked on the blog this morning and then walked around looking for Chinese outfits for Simon, Garrison and Noel. They don't have many choices for boys.



Now we are back in our room and enjoying peanut butter and jelly as well as cucumber chips. That's right: not a type-o. I've heard about the crazy flavors of chips here, so when we went to the grocery store, I of course had to get a few to sample. I passed on the prawns, but did purchase blueberry: not bad, but just doesn't seem to be right. We also got cucumber, lime, sweet spicy flavor, and good ole salt and pepper. We'll let you know how things turn out.



We walked to the fish market yesterday morning before church and Gary got to hold an eel. Simon wasn't too excited about it. We didn't have much time to explore before church, so we'll make sure to visit again. Church yesterday was good. . . good to worship with other believers and good to experience feeling very different and very lost at times. The service was in Mandarin and English. They did their best to translate, but things can get lost. We did feel like we needed to "come, now is the time to worship". We sang to twice, so they much have really wanted us to be there. One of the Chinese songs had the characters as well as the pinion (spelling?) so we tried our best to sound it out. Being the only blonds in the place gave us a feeling of what Simon might feel at our church and school. We did miss Holland Heights and George's sermon: we look forward to being with you next week!!!



Nights are going great. Simon is sleeping well: we thank God for this each night. He is learning more English, yet talks up a storm all the time. If only we could understand this little guy: soon, I know. He is very obedient and we have so much fun with him. The only word that comes to mind is delightful. He is a delight. He'll be a great addition to our family. God is so very good.



We are a bit homesick at times. . . o.k. often. We try to keep busy as this helps, but we are ready to be reunited with our kids. We ask God to give us what we need each day and to enjoy our time here.



We relish your comments and covet your prayers. Thanks for following along and joining us in the journey.



Love

shanda, gary and simon

Pictures!!

Simon looks at the fish.

He's not happy about his physical examination.

The building where his medical photo was taken.

A sucker on the plane.

Getting his head measured.

More of the medical exam.

Reading on the plane.

Shanda and Anne.

Look: raisens!

Running in the lobby of the hotel.

Riding in the elevator.

Church on Sunday morning.

Look, it's Simon.

Playing with magnets on the fridge.

Blowing on the noodles to cool them down.

The view from the pool.

Eating Thai: this may have been his last bite. He wasn't a fan.

Noodles in the room for lunch.

He loves playing with legos.