Questions

People say some pretty lame things sometimes without thinking. They are just curious but Marquez is getting to the age where things don't just go over his head anymore. He understands what the questions are implying. That he looks different than us. That all of them do. But why do people have to constantly be reminding him of that with their endless questions? Obviously I didn't give birth to them, but they are calling me Mom. Can't you hear them? Why do you need to know the details when you don't even know us and will probably never see us again? I'm talking perfect strangers at stores waiting in line to check out. I know, I know, I'm sure this doesn't come as a surprise. Here are a few of the questions we've received:

"Why did you have to go buy a baby?" (from the 5 year old neighbor girl)
"Are these all your kids?" (in line at Ross. No, I rented them.)
"Where did you get her from? (Pointing to Nyah. After explaining that she is adopted from Ethiopia, the lady then proceeded to point to Makaylee and ask me then where did I get her from-as Makaylee is standing right there, listening. Poor Makaylee. She just knows that I am her mom. Period. Nobody asks other mothers standing in line where they got their kids from. But just because we have different skin colors it is okay to ask this?!
"Where is her real mom?" last time I checked I am not plastic
"Is this a birthday party?" No. "Oh, you guys run a daycare?" No. (someone approached me and my friend who has adopted while we were sitting down eating at McDonalds)
"How much did she cost?" (from an adult neighbor)
Maybe I am just being overly sensitive. I've heard stories of questions way worse than these. Now all these questions are perfectly harmless and information seeking only. It just becomes annoying when the validity of us being a family seems to always be in question. But I guess that is what you sign up for with transracial adoption. I actually like answering people's questions when it is just Nyah and I. If Nyah can plant the seed for adoption in someone's heart and another child in an orphange gets a forever family, that is great! I don't mind being the poster child for adoption, but don't ask me questions in front of the kids. I worry about their feeings.

Elmo's Splashtime Sprinkler Mat review

What the heck is this thing?

Oh, a drinking fountain!

It fits 5 years olds too!

Great for giving sisters "baths".

I'm outta here.

Review: 3 stars

It cools them off, they can't drown on it, but better for pre crawlers because she lasted only a few minutes until she went exploring elsewhere.

Best Mom in the World

My mom came down from Tacoma to watch the kids for two days after my surgery. I only wish I could be half the wife and mother that she is. She is the most selfless and giving person I know. The kids love hanging out with her and cooking. They were in the kitchen the entire first day it seemed making granola, homemade pizza, carmel corn. She took them to the library, park, visiting great grandmas, ice cream. Yeah, pretty much spoiled them and they feel so loved when they are around her. She actually has a calming effect on them even though they are eating so much more sugar than normal.

Thank you God for my mom.

Listening more than I realized

Makaylee: "Mommy, what is God doing in heaven?"

Jill: Thinks for awhile... "Watching us."

Makaylee: "What else?"

Jill: Hoping she wouldn't ask anymore hard questions..."I don't know."

Makaylee: matter of factly "I know, Mommy, counting our hairs."

I can't believe this. I told her Matthew 10:30 two months ago.

Favorite pictures from last two weeks

Loving the alphabet quilt that Great Aunt Elaine made her.

Watch this mom

I can do the belly crawl.

mission accomplished

Gee, sure wish I could hang with the big kids.

A little too cold!

Here sissy, now you can "pet" (grab fur) the kitty.

fascinated with Alicia's cell phone

Can we go to the park everyday?

Cruisin' in the pool

That's enough, now get me outta here!

Wear sunscreen or you too could have a lovely tumor extricated from your nose.

Can I get up on the trampoline?

Pretty please with a cherry on top- I'll be your best friend for life!

Marquez won MVP for his age group at basketball camp. Orin was so proud he almost shed a tear right there in the gym.

AC Green basketball camp

Nyah knows a celebrity when she sees one.

He even took time to spend time with Makaylee who is too young to be in the camp this year.

Marquez is having so much fun at the AC Green basketball camp this week. I am really glad Mr. Green impresses character values into the kids. They hear it from us parents everyday but it is nice to have a former NBA player backing you up. And did I mention what a sincerely kind, humble person he is? Such a nice guy. He lives in the LA area and flies out here to put on this camp every summer. This is the 24th year. Thanks AC!

4th of July at the beach

The 4th of July at Seaside was such nice weather this year! And the best part was that all the grandparents come too!Now Ella won't run away.

Nyah keeps diving for Grandma's waterbottle. Maybe she's thirsty.

She was surprised by how fast it comes out!

Can I try on your sandals Auntie Jenae?

When will I be old enough to skim board with Marquez? That looks like fun!

Makaylee made us go in and watch the fireworks from the hotel room because someone accidentally shot a firework at us on the beach that came right at her and burned a hole through two of our blankets. She was screaming to put it mildly. Now fireworks are right up there on her list of things she wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole, along with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

A trip to the beach isn't complete without touring the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Why do I always have to stay in the car?

Orin talking on the phone, eating and trying to drive. Maybe that's why he forgot to get gas...


See you next year Seaside!!