One Princess and a Prince

I have moved!!

2012-01-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

My blog has moved to HERE. Please continue to follow our family an my journey through college!! Sorry for not posting this sooner.

Taylor

Family update One year Home and Jacob's Birthday!

2011-03-26T08:37:00.001-07:00

Since I have been so slack about keeping this blog up-to-date, I have finally found time to sit down and up date. Jacob has been home a year Feb 5th and what a year it has been! We have learned so much from this little boy and he is simply amazing!! Tomorrow this little guy turns 9 ad its sad because we missed out so much on the firsts of his life. His adoption and adjustments been much different then the Princesses but I wouldnt trade him for the world and yes that includes those mornings when we first got home and the lights at 4 am when I had to go to school! He i my little brother and I love him and I am wishing him the best birthday ever tomorrow! And I will try my best to update this blog better in the months to come!

The Toy Story Cake

The Birthday Boy with his cake

With his new movies that have since been watched a few times

Notice the Princess checking to make sure the bag is empty

2 Years Ago Today!!

2010-11-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today we had one upset baby girl handed to us. It is hard to believe that we have had Miss Lily for 2 years it feels like forever ago we were in that hot hotel room in Nanchang, China. Happy Gotcha day Lily. I love you so much! You are a blessing to us all and I love being your Jie Jie!!!!

Gotcha Day 2008

and...

Lily Today

Two Years Ago Today!

2010-11-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Jeff, Taylor, Madison, and I were landing in Beijing China to get Lily. Exhausted and delirious, we made it to our hotel for a sleepless night. We still could not image what lay ahead of us in 2 days when we would meet the little girl that changed all our lives for the better. Lily became the link that connected our family together. These 2 years have gone by so fast and the Starnes' have loved ever minute with our girl! I will post Family Day pictures on the 10th as that was the official day!

2 Years Ago Today

2010-11-08T06:15:00.001-08:00

Two years ago today we had landed in Beijing China and were headed to the Wangfuijing Hotel to check in and get a good nights sleep. We were one step closer to our little princess! It is hard to believe that Lily has been with us almost two years!!!

James HAS a Family!!!

2010-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

I got the best news ever tonight. The boy who stole my heart has a family and he is coming to the USA to be exact. I am beyond happy for him and his family. He won my heart this summer and I am so glad that he has won the heart of his new parents already. The email that D sent me tonight was an answer to my prayers. When I left Starfish this summer I bawled having to leave this little boy because I knew the odds were against me of ever seeing him again. So happy that I know who his forever family is and that they have opened their heart to this wonderful little boy and are willing to share their journey with me. Thank you so much H Family! To end here are a few of my favorite pics of James!

Swim Party he loved the water! (this was the hands up pose)
James after his Palate Surgery

Me and the Boys on one of our play dates

My favorite pic of these two James and Sadie

Who doesn't love this face!

Pictures of Our Newest Addition

2010-10-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

She is a Shih Tzu puppy that is now Tibby's little sister. No name yet, but we are in love with her!!

We are Growing once again

2010-09-26T18:54:00.001-07:00

Our family will soon be growing once again details to follow soon!!!! :)

2 Years and a Year Ago Today

2010-09-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today we got a call that forever changed our lives. You have a little girl waiting in China and she is BEAUTIFUL. We had waited 3 years for that call and it finally came 2 years ago today. Two years ago I saw my little sister's face and was in love with a little girl half way around the world I had never met.

Also this time last year we were logged into the CCAA once again this time to bring a little boy home from China that we fell in love with in May 2009 on our agency list. That little boy was to be Jacob's adoption.

Starfish has new and is expecting new arrivals

2010-08-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

Starfish received 5 new arrivals this past week and I cannot tell you more then that. These children are in need of some prayers as a few are not in good shape. Amanda is also hoping to get some new babies from the city orphanage this weekend too. Please pray for all the new babies at Starfish that they will gain strength and weight.

JAMES HAS A FAMILY!!!!

2010-08-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

JAMES IS ON THE SHEARED LIST AND HE NEEDS A FAMILY!! I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOY AND GREAT WALL HAS THEM ON THERE LIST HE HAS A REPAIRED CL/CP AND I WOULD LOVE FOR HIM TO FIND A FAMILY ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN HIM PLEASE EMAIL ME tsw1203@aol.com

Mission Monday/ Jack Has A Family

2010-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Jack is an absolute precious 2.5 year old little boy who needs a family. He is so sweet and really wants a mom and dad and a GeGe (older brother). Jack was born with Spina Bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down from surgery but this doesn't stop him from getting around or getting into everything. He army crawls everywhere or he uses his charm and gets someone to carry him there. He got his wheel chair while I was at starfish and I have never seen a little boys eyes get so big when he found out he could get around easier. He is very protective over his wheel chair and loves it dearly. I can only imagine how protective he will be over his new family and how much love he has to offer. He has every reason to hate life but he loves it so much and is truly the one who lights up any room and no matter how bad your day has been he can brighten it. Jack also has hydrocephalus which does not affect him in anyway really. As far as intelligence he is very smart and as quick as a whip. Other then the size of his head you would never know anything was wrong. His favorite song is Happy Birthday which he sings all the time to anyone who will listen. He loves to be sang to and fell asleep in my arms while I sang to him one day. He is a such a sweet boy and any family would be blessed to have him as their son. If anyone is interested in him please contact me at TSW1203@aol.com we know where his file is at and could help you get it. I can honestly say that if I met China guidelines he would be my son regardless of his special need.

Mission Photo Monday

2010-07-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

Jasmine looking at her photo ablum with

her nanny

Jack playing the piano with Nick

Josie and Nadia playing

Carmen in the hospital 10 days aft surgery

Xiao Liu and Virginia

Pictures as Promised

2010-07-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a collage of photos from our last few days in China while the SD card reader was broken. I hope you enjoy and many thanks to all of those who followed our Journey to China to volunteer at Starfish we met some amazing people through this journey and are thankful for you all. Please pray for Xiao Liu she is a nanny at Starfish whose heart is breaking as two of the children she cares for are leaving Justin left yesterday and Virginia leaves next Sunday. Pray she will have comfort and healing during this difficult time for her and that the babies will have the same the children she cares for are very attached to her and she loves them with all her heart!

We Are Home

2010-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

We are finally home after hours of traveling it feels good to be back! Coming home was much easier then going other then the kid beside us that screamed half the flight. We started our morning before we left visiting Tiananmen Square. It was nice to go back and see it. It has changed a lot since I was there in 2008 you now have to go through a security check before ever stepping foot on it. We looked at the Forbidden City from afar. Then we went back to the hotel to finish packing and to check. The hotel was nice enough not to make us check out until 2 and we left at 3 for the airport. Hannah and Jeff went to the Catholic store right down from the hotel so Hannah could get a few last things before we left. Our new guide met us at about 3 to take us to the airport. Checking in at he United counter was nothing and very easy. Me and Jeff flew through security. Hannah on the other hand had hr bag searched and gone through. And to think what through the alert was ANIMAL CRACKERS. Upon boarding our flight per USA regulations all bags must be searched and they put you in line. I must have looked suspicious because I was wanded and patted down. Our flight out of Beijing was delayed a little and we arrived late to Dulles and had to wait in a never ending line to get through immigration. Thankfully it moved fast and we were not pulled when going through customs. We made it to our gate with 15 minutes to spare. When time came to board we met someone we never thought we would. Kate Gosselin was not only at our gate but on our flight to Charlotte. She was very nice and surprised that we had just returned from China after working in a special needs foster home. She even took a picture with us and then when we got off the escalator she took one with Lily. We were greeted by family and friends at the airport and Hannah's dad brought us BoJangles which was wonderful. We got home at about 12:30 and I was in bed by 1:30 and up by 5 am this morning. Jet lag is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have to say I have had enough Chinese food for a couple months, and I am glad to be home. I promise to get pictures up I might have to do them through my mom's computer as my SD card reader is not working.

Great Wall

2010-07-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the great wall sorry for the delay in posting. We got in late last night and went straight to bed. The wall was amazing the section we went to was very easy to climb no mountain hiking with steep stairs. There were few stairs most of it was the flat flowing sections where you didn't have to put much effort into climbing. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has little kids. Very easy to climb with short legs. It about and hour and 15 minutes from downtown so it is not very touristy and it is very peaceful and quiet. The only complaint we had about the day was that it rained and we couldn't ride the slide down the mountain. We had to ride the gondola both ways which wasn't horrible we were just really looking forward to the slide. I am unable to post pictures as my computer wont read the memory card but I will try to get them up before we leave tomorrow morning but no promises. We leave Beijing at 6:25 pm China time tomorrow please pray we do not have a delayed flight from Beijing into Dulles and that we can clear customs and immigration easily and get to our connector in a timely manner.

In Beijing

2010-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

We have offically arrived in Beijing I promise I will post pictures of our last days with the babies soon. We still have some problems with internet and attaching pictures to the post so if I do not post them while in China I will do so as soon as I get home and have a good night sleep. Tomorrow we go to the Great Wall. We are going to a different section then we have gone to the last two times. It is an hour and a half from the center city. I will try to post pictures of it tomorrow night if we have a good connection and the proxy is working. I am looking foward to tomorrows breakfast it will be nice to eat food food and not peanut butter crackers or cheese its.

Swim Party!

2010-07-07T00:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had a swim party for the babies. Most seemed to enjoy it very much. Some however did not seem to enjoy it. A few even screamed. I have enjoyed my time here so much and I do not want to leave. I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day here. I am going to miss these babies so much. Please continue to pray for Starfish as they will be relocating soon and also for the now 3 little ones who meet their forever families Sunday that all will go well. Today we also took pictures of the babies that will be on one of the next lists soon. I will add more about our day later and post a collage of the last two days. Oh I almost forgot we stayed up late last night and watched the world cup and saw Holland win.

Internet back Yay!

2010-07-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Internet is back for now who knows how long though. These last few days have been great. Yesterday we went to the hospital to visit Carmen and Caroline. They are so sweet Carmen just had her heart sergery and Caroline's I believe was too complicated for them to do so she has to go to a bigger hospital. Helen took us to Japanese and that was great me and Hannah tried sushi. It was ok not the best. Amanda got back today and was talking about how they have to move soon. Please pray they find some where quickly they would love a kindergarden type place. That is baby friendly with a play ground. They love it where they currently are because it is a gated aera and very safe and kid friendly with all the play areas. We have enjoyed are stay here and are sad to leave. Amanda currently has 15 babies matched waiting on families and two of them leave sunday. Pray for smooth transitions for there two little ones as they meet their forever families. Well we are off for lunch and I will update more tonight of our day. I am posting a collage instead of individual pictures. Click on the collages to make the pictures larger and visable

Internet Down

2010-07-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Taylor's internet access is down in Xian. The only thing she can access is Skype but we can only be on it a short time and she looses connection. They are doing great and enjoying their last days at Starfish. She will post when internet comes back.

James' Day

2010-07-04T07:26:00.001-07:00

This is Taylor's Mom updating for her. Her internet connection to her blog is down, so she will update more later . Today was spent with James. She loves this boy so much that she wants to bring him home with her. He also has become attached to her and reaches for her when she comes into the room. He is so sweet and loves to be held and hugged. The pictures are some that I took while on Skype with her last night. Helen took them to a local Japanese Restaurant for dinner that was very good. She is loving her time in Xian and is not ready to come home. She has already said next year she will stay longer.

Lazy day!!!

2010-07-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

Aaron

Josie

Joshua on the phone

Joseph

Libby kissing Sophia

Noa

James and Sadie so sweet

Wild Sadie

Hannah tickling Clara

James and his Oh My Gosh they are

driving me crazy face

Sweet Libby

Noa

James

Joseph

Sadie

Today we took a day off just to rest some. We hung around the house until about 1 then we left to do some shopping at the Muslim market and we discover that it is much bigger then we though you turn one corner and there are a hundred more shops. We had lunch at Starfish and it was wonderful Shou lee can really cook to satisfy our taste. We got back to the foster home t about 5:40 pm we went to see the babies for about an hour until they started to go to bed. We played and all the little ones tried to push m over so they could lay and jump on me. Even Libby joined in on it today and tried to knock me to the ground. Sadie I cannot get over how rough she is to be so tiny. She is one of the boys. Joshua gave me a kiss today it was quite sweet. He is so cute and sweet when he wants to be. Well we are off to find some supper here in a bit no idea what we will have but I will blog about it if it is anything unusual.

Shots round two Day 10

2010-07-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today 6 more babies had to go for shots Sally Mali Joshua Nava Aaron and Maltidla. Only one of them had to get an actual shot the others had to eat that nasty powder stuff. On the walk back we stoped at starbuck and the babies loved it. We got them a Mango Frap and they went nuts for it everyone went for it. We got back home at about 11 am so the babies were ready for naps we layed them down to sleep then we ourselves went for lunch and rested some before the babies woke again. We had a playdate with the boys that was soon bombarded by the girls Josie Libby Nadia and Sadie. The boys seem to enjoy the time alone. I also played with Thomas by himself today and he loved the alone time and extra attention. The boys play so nicely together. Hannah also changed Joshua's poopy today. Her face needless to say was too funny. Other then shots today was fairly laid back. The babies are still so sweet and I am in love with them their personalities show through so much more everyday we are with them it's sad because this is our last weekend with them and we only have until Thursday with them before we leave for Beijing. I don't know that I am resy to leave just yet. However I do miss my mom and the Princess and my puppy. Steve and Roshney cooked Italian for us tonight and it was great. A much needed break from Chinese and fast food. The food was amazing and they have been told to cook whenever they want to for us. One of the nannies also fell tonight so pray she did not break anything. She is an older lady and could not walk after she feel. She is at the hospital over night. We actually just found out that she broke 3 disks. Sean also introduced us to ger brother they ar both hoots. That woman cracks me up and always has us laughing she is so very helpful too. well I am off to bed sorry for the delayed post w lost power which is part of the reason why this post is delayed and we also lost internet for a while right as I hit to post this and lost half the post I will do pictures later I am emailing them to my mom and she is going to post them. Goodbye for now.

Day 9

2010-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tina

Me and Baby Ryan

Matilda and Jasmine

Jasmine and her nannies (mother and daughter)

River and Nava

Daniel

Matthew

Nava

The newest 6 left to right Angela, Isaac, Amanda

Ryan, Elise, Katheryn

Angela and Isaac

The little 6

Elise

Welcome Home Baby Ryan

Libby

Noa

James such a Cool Kid

Thomas and Joseph

Noa and her nanny

Thomas

Josie, Joshua, and Karl watching

me and Thomas outside

Joseph on the Dora spinner

Karl

Sadie

Today was another great day with the babies. It started out as a slow day we slept in until 8 am which isn’t really what I consider sleeping in but it was nice to sleep past 6 am. The babies are wonderful we spent the morning on the 5th floor and for the 1st time one of the babies fell asleep while I was holding them. Well Jack isn’t really a baby but he is close enough to one. Baby Ryan also came home today and is feeling much better. We did updated photos of the babies also they have all gotten so much bigger in just a month of being here, Isaac is still very tiny but is growing. After nap time we went to 104 and played with the rowdy boys some they are so sweet. I could bring them all home. Today was a very relaxing day for me that is, Hannah and Jeff not so much. For lunch we ate at the local bakery it was ok not my favorite place at all other then they had chocolate cake. Supper was at our favorite Chinese restaurant don’t ask me the name cause I have no idea, it is always great though. We had so much food at dinner over half came back for the night nannies they love it so much. Well I am going to bed 6 babies go for shots tomorrow. I do not remember which 6 other then Joshua, Malin, and Sally. Also for those of you who are not friends with Amanda on facebook Starfish now has 15 Children matched and waiting on their families to travel to get them.

Day 8 Terra Cottas

2010-06-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone for the delay in posting pictures...Hope you enjoy them (: -Ashton

Today we woke up early and went with the Oregon group to the Terra Cotta Warriors. They were ok not the best thing I have seen in China. They however are pretty cool for the mere fact they were made several thousand years ago and still are intact today. We had KFC for lurch which was ok I am kind of tired of it, it is nothing like home but a nice break from Chinese food every now and then. We came back after the warriors and rested for a bit and held the tiny babies. Then I went to 104 and played with the rascals for a little bit .Those kids can wear you out fast. Woah, they are all something else. Poor Joseph's arm was swollen from shots yesterday. The kids I swear are wilder at night and always want to play or eat. Jeff Steve and Sean also worked on the 5th floor cleaning off the balcony that was something else and the boys room needs some work. Sorry for the short post today I am tired from the amount of walking the last two days and I am off to bed. I have to day it is quite sad we only have a week left before we leave. I am going to miss these babies so much! Also forgot to add we had delivery to the room tonight for supper it was great sean did a wonderful job ordering it. Sorry for the delay in pictures- I am so tired Ashton will get them up later.

Day7/shots

2010-06-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Me and Hannah before dinner the view

in front of our Apartment

Lunch Time

Josie and Noa

Josie

Clara

Joshua

Thomas

Julia

All the babies who got shots today

Noa

Caught trying to escape through the balcony

Cleaning the balcony

Julia stepping on my head

Attack Taylor

Aaron kissing his nanny

Sadie hugging/kissing maybe attacking James

Joseph

Sean and Clara on the walk home

Me and Olivia waiting for shots

Daniel getting his shot

Megan getting her shots

Virginia

Hannah, Jack, and Me with

Daniel, Jasmine, and Olivia

Today started out early. We woke up at around 7 and got dressed then we headed to the baby rooms and gathered all the babies that had to go get shots today. We had 18 babies walking and 10 adults 9 which were foreigners. Helen and some of the nannies met us with 4 more babies at the hospital. The walk was long and hot. We got there sat down and slowly the nurses started calling in babies to get shots. I took in Clara and Megan, Hannah took in Daniel. Clara and Daniel did not scream or cry at all Megan on the other hand was screaming as we entered the shot room. After shots we all cam back returned the babies to their rooms then went to find some lunch. We went to the noodle shop again which was nice. After lunch we came back waited for a little bit, Me ad Roshine cleaned up the medicine cabinet and put new things in there that volunteers brought. Then we went back to the babies in 104 and word of advice DO NOT lay on the floor or sit for very long the babies attack! I was pushed down several time but it was so much fun and the babies thoroughly enjoyed in. Thomas loved it and was laughing the whole time. I let Thomas ride on my back and he loved it. Joshua, Clara, Sadie, and Nadia are attackers and will tackle you and take you to the ground then jump on you. They are so rough. These are some of the toughest kids I have met. We finished with the babies at about 5 as they were getting around for bed and feeding had started. We left and waited around for a while then we went to dinner we didn't venture out too much McDonald's it was tonight as our favorite Chinese restaurant was closed. Off to bed after skyping mom, looking foward to Terra cottas tomorrow.

Day 6

2010-06-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Rashine and Jasmine

Hannah and Thomas

Daniel

Me and Daniel

River and Daniel

Jessica

Nick and Katherine

Waking up from nap

Lunch time

Josie and Sean

Julia

Matthew

Hannah and Matthew

Nick and Jasmine

Me and Elise

Angela

Olivia

Stella

Sean

James

Joseph

Noa

Baby Amanda

Today was another great day we left to see the babies at about 9 am and were there until lunch time as usual. Today a large group of students from Oregon arrived and they invited us to lunch as we excepted. Lunch was amazing so good we had some type of noodle dish that was great. We also had another playdate with two of the children James and Josie they are so sweet and love to be outside. James was content when we came in Josie however did not like the fact we had to come in and pouted on the way back but thy are so cute. We came back after lunch and checked on the babies in our room they were all still asleep except for Thomas and Aaron. I played with the two that were up then m and Hannah came to the room for some quiet time before everyone woke up from nap. We returned to the babies at about 2 and played in 104 fr a bit but then it became crowded so we left and decided to visit 101 which is where the new arrivals minus Amanda are living they are all so cute and tiny the newest babies are so little they look like newborns but they are several months old. We played with the 101 babies until bedtime then came back to the room. Hannah and me lamented several documents that will be given to Josie and Jasmines families when they arrive. Amanda keeps a detailed daily activity sheet of each baby their milestones, and when they appeared on the shared list, so we lamented those today to help Helen out. Sean also came by today and the babies welcomed her back well with several poops. The babies can poop someone out of here the volunteers and nannies are always changing a poopy diaper. After we finished lamenting Jeff and Hannah sat down to watch Batman and I watched it for few not much of a fan.

Day 5

2010-06-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today was like most days we visited the babies this morning and played for a little while outside with them they love the outdoors. They run and laugh hop and jump all the time. The boys love to make noise where ever they are and they are too cute. They came in for nap and we left to go get lunch and buy some grocies at Lotus which is an experience to walk into I want to vomit just from the smell of the meat section. We had KFC for lunch again and it was great. After our shopping we came back an took Joseph Joshua and Julia out to play on the playground for little kids they enjoyed that very much, They love to slide and climb everything they are so sweet. When we came back in with them it was dinner and bath time so we had to leave which is never fun they all hate it when we leave. Josie, Joshua and Joseph's nanny is so sweet she loved the pictures I took of the boys playing today and I believe she asked for copies of them which I don't mind getting her. We had Subway for dinner and are back in the apartment getting ready for bed. We are having a blast I just wish it wouldn't fly by. Oh how I am going to miss these kiddos. I love them all already. We have also heard baby Ryan is doing better and they hope he will come home Tuesday

Day 4/lazy day

2010-06-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

Me and Hannah in front of the female

lion at the Muslin market

No Idea ( food from Muslim market)

Liver anyone
(more food)

Jack's going away party
(Jack is on the left 1st one)
Indian food great in Xi'an

Today was very laid back we spent the morning with the babies for just a few hours. Then for lunch we went to McDonald's which was great Chinese Food get old fast. I love it but after a few days I am beyond tired of it. We met the littlest babies today they arrived May 29th I think and they are all so tiny and I know all of you who want you daily baby fix but we did not get pictures because we expected the baby room to be crowded please pray for baby Ryan as he has been in the hospital for several days with a bad fever they cannot get down. He was doing better today from what we understood from the nannies and Elisa. I know they have an IV hooked up to him to keep liquids and such in him but other then that we know nothing else. He is a cl/cp baby and so cute. But today we also went back to the Muslim market for some shopping and great deals. Tomorrow is another hectic day as the weekends are always crowded with volunteers from the local colleges and from around town, so no idea how much we will get to see the babies, we also know that either tomorrow or Monday another group of 17 volunteers is coming from somewhere in the states and are staying at a local hotel so it will be very crowded next week also. The babies go Tuesday for shots so pray all goes well there and no one runs a fever or has side effects from them

Playdate With The Boys

2010-06-25T01:42:00.000-07:00

Me and Joseph

Me, Joseph, James, and Joshua during our playdate

Hannah and the boys during the playdate

Kirsten and the boys she is from Wisconsin

and is teaching at the local high school

Today started out as a slow day American Jack left today this morning and is on a plane home to Newark then to Tennessee. We spent a little bit of time with the babies this morning. Hannah did not feel well so we spent most of it in the room. She does feel much better now though she says thanks Mom for getting the Cipro. This afternoon after lunch we met up with Kirsten and took 3 of the boys out to play outside for a little bit then brought them back to our room. We have finally got up the courage to ask to take them and the nannies seem to trust us very much they were excited when we took the boys for a little bit. The boys are amazing so sweet and totally different kids when they are by themselves. They seemed to enjoy the time away from the other babies they were quiet for once and played on the floor not wanting us to hold them the entire time. They were not wild or screaming but very quiet and played so nicely together.

Day 2

2010-06-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a blast we played with the babies this morning then Jack took us to the Muslim Market for some SHOPPING that was a blast I got to use my bargining skills (ABR it was shoppers heaven so many purses and knick nacks) I got a couple gifts for people we spent several hours at the market before coming home to the foster home. We got back played with the babies until bed time. The babies are so sweet all of them. For dinner tonight all of us went to an Indian restaurant which was great. We celebrated American Jack's last night here he leaves tomorrow at 10 for the airport to go home. We also met Sean tonight she is a hoot so funny. She had us laughing the whole night. Helen is also very funny they picked on Jeff for not staying near us and dragging behind. We saw the Xi'an fountain show which was great. We are now in for the night very tired from all the walking. I must recommend the Indian restaurant for anyone visiting soon to Xi'an or Starfish.

First day with the babies

2010-06-23T05:22:00.001-07:00

Sophia

Josie

Virginia

Sally

Snack Time!

Sadie

Taylor and Josie
Joseph

Jack

Taylor's Favorite--

Today we met the babies and they are all so sweet! Sophia is a doll so pretty and quiet, Virginia is a screamer it is her way or no way, Josie is the wild child but oh how she is sweet she loves to be held and plays with your hair. Clara is a little mommy, Joseph and Joshua are two sweet boys they were the first to come to me and Hannah this morning and they cried when we had to leave Josh is also the escape artist . Sadie is too sweet and is tiny she is the little princess the nannies love putting dresses on her. Noa is too sweet she sits backs and watches. James is Hannah's favorite he is such a laid back kid and goes anywhere and everywhere does not care. Tina is a tiny princess she is so little and light. Karl was the first Jeff held and he pulled his ear. We are in such love with these babies. Jack has been a Hugh help he met us yesterday and got us settled into our room. He speaks some Chinese which is a huge help he ordered our dinner tonight which was great. We also gave our donations today all the clothes medicine. They seemed to love what we brought and they really liked the tooth brushes on the 5th floor they opened them right away and brushed the children's teeth. But back to last night our cab driver came with a tiny BMW like car and we had 6 suit cases so that was fun he had to call his friend who had a mini van to carry all of our suit cases then they didn't take us to Starfish but the Xi'an hotel instead d so we did not arrive he until 11:30 pm China time Tuesday. We were very exhausted and went straight to bed. We woke at 6 this morning had breakfast met Elisa then went off to the foster home.Jack is great so helpful. oh i have to tell you we were at lotus a wal mart type place and were by the fish tanks i waled over to have a look and a fish jumped out of the water and tried to attack me cracked jack up he said that right there was worth the trip there. Today has been a long day and we are off to bed we will post more tomorrow. Ashton will post pictures later.

Taylor

Pictures from Taylor!

2010-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Polar Ice Caps
On the Flight to China
Jeff and Taylor in Beijing Airport
Jeff Sleeping in Beijing
Finally there!!!

Short Update

2010-06-22T14:05:00.001-07:00

Just to let you all know, Taylor, Hannah, and Jeff made it to Starfish at about 9am
thanks for the prayers. Keep praying for health and safety during their trip! Pictures to come...

And They Are Off...

2010-06-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all this is Taylor's friend, Ashton. I will be updating for her while she is in China!
As of right now Jeff, Taylor and Hannah are at the airport waiting to get on their big flight! Please keep them in your prayers as they make this LONG journey to China...I have made it twice and it is not easy in the least! I will update as she sends me information!
Keep Praying....
Ashton

Xi'an here we come

2010-06-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

We are on our way leaving for airport now please pray for safe travels and uneventful flights we land tomorrow at 830 am east coast time. 28 hours and we will be in Xi'an

18 hours

2010-06-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

18 hours and me and Hannah will begin our journey to China. I cannot wait to go to China with my best friend.

2 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

2 days and me and my best friend will be on a plane to Xi'an China to love on all the babies at Starfish! I am beyond excited can you hear me screaming yet.

ONE WEEK

2010-06-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

ONE WEEK AND A FEW HOURS AND ME AND HANNAH WILL BE ON A PLANE TO CHINA YAY I CANNOT WAIT TO GO TO CHINA WITH MY BEST FRIEND :)

Two Weeks

2010-06-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from today I will be In Xi'an at Starfish I cannot wait the only thing between me and China other then the wait is the 14 hour flight thankfully we are at the back of the plane and it is me and a friend beside each other and Jeff in front of us so worst case we can lay on each other. Ha if Hannah only knew about that flight and how long it really is. Here is the latest video I have made of the Starfish babies most are featured in this video but some are not because I ran out of time. You can view all the babies featured in this video here and read about them and more of what Amanda does.

Visa applications

2010-06-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Are Visa applications will soon be on their way to the Chinese Embassy in DC hopefully the Chinese officals will approve them and return them quickly.

We have tickets!!!!

2010-05-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Me, Hannah, and Jeff leave June 21st for China. That's 35 days until we leave for Xi'an to volunteer at Starfish Foster home for 3 weeks we return home July 12th I have not decided if I am going to do a separate blog or not for our trip to Xi'an but when I decide I will post the address here. Can't wait until we leave so excited!

Huan Huan!!

2010-04-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Advocating for a little one: Huan means happy in Chinese. But in Huan's photos she is not smiling. Well, she might be smiling inside, but the repair work on her palate (at least the gum area) is such that she doesn't seem interested in smiling for the camera. It is a shame she is such a beautiful little girl with big inquisitive eyes and a precious face. I am sure she has heard all the comments from strangers and mean-spirited children. She is now 8 years old, and more then ready for someone to help her. She needs a mom and a dad to scoop her up, bring her home, love her, love her, love her, and arrange repair work for her mouth so she can show the world her beautiful smile. Please help us spread the word about this child she longs to have her own family and truly wants a mommy and daddy if anyone knows of someone looking for a daughter please mention Huan Huan if someone would like more information please go here and create an account then go to China waiting children to view her file she is a beautiful girl and I can't wait for her to find her family!

Asleep at dinner

2010-04-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when we have to much fun at Paw Paws we fall asleep while eating supper

New List

2010-04-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

As some already know the newest hope project list for our agency that we used with both Lily and Jacob come out today there will be 5 new children added to the 50+ they still looking for families for please pray for these children and their forever families as they begin the long paper work process

Playdate With Mia

2010-03-09T14:12:00.001-08:00

Today we had some good friends come by that adopted a little girl from China

a couple years ago. Mia and Jacob have gotten to know each other since they have been home. They both ride the bus home in the afternoon and Jacob loves to talk to her. They both seem to have had a great time playing together. Lily even joined in to help with making faces. Mia convinced Jacob to play house and the basketball was the baby too cute.

Mia

Jacob

Mia Jacob and Lily making faces

Swinging on the teeter totter

Mia and Jacob pushing the baby

Playing Tag

The Prince

2010-02-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

Jacob is doing fine and settling in well. Sorry it has taken me so long to post pictures of him but finally here is his picture. He seems to be adjusting well and eats anything and everything you place in front of him. Oh and did I mention he is ALL BOY!!!!!

The Princess

2010-02-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Photos Of The PRINCESS and as you can see every Princess needs a pair of sun glasses a sash and more importantly A CROWN

FYI: The crown and Sash are both mine from when I won Tiny Miss Piedmont back in 1996(a local pageant at the high school i currently attend) I think I there was a reason that poor crown has made it through 13 years of torture!

Were HOME!!!!!

2010-02-06T10:54:00.001-08:00

We arrived home early this morning and we are all exhausted and still rolling out bed. Jacob is still currently in bed. We are all glad to be home. The flights went well, Lily slept 11 of the 13 hours, and when Jacob was not asleep he was watching TV. Many thanks to all those who met us at the airport. Will post pictures later of the prince.

3 days!!!!!!

2010-01-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

We leave for China Tuesday. There is still so much to do at our house before we leave. Finish odds and ins in his room get Lily's room set back up. Pack, clean, transfer animals to their caregivers for the almost 3 weeks we are gone and we have 3 days to finish all of this. BUT ABOVE ALL WE ARE SUPER EXICTED TO BE GETIING JACOB THE 21ST and we can't wait to travel with are amazing travel group and great friends the Rice's, Perry's and Yingling's.

TA TA TA TA!!!

2009-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Can you hear us screaming yet we recieved an email from our agency informing us we leave for China January 19 and return February 5th thats just a little over 2 weeks and we will have the Prince. Finally the journey to the Prince is just about complete.

My World

2009-12-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

Lily Grace

2009-12-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Lily is Two

2009-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

As of yesterday my beautiful princess turned 2. It is so hard to believe that Lily is now two. She has changed so much in the past year I love her so much. Happy late birthday Lily
*Pictures to come from her special day and from her party Sunday*

She has a Family

2009-12-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

The little girl mentioned in the post before this has a family that is going to adopt her we are so excited for the little girl and her soon to be forever family.

Help This Girl Find Her Family!

2009-12-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is the email I receive from our agency today. I cannot publicly post the picture of this child because of CCAA rules, but she is beautiful as well as very smart. If you would like to have more info on this child please contact me and I will give you the name and number of our case manager who will be happy to talk with you about this precious child.Female. Hepatitis B carrierDOB: 1-20-1997She came to children welfare center on Jan 20th 1999. Now she is living with foster family and she receives good care from foster parents. She is a fourth grade student; she studies hard and does well in her studies. She is very smart and loves to sing and dance. She can manage herself in daily life and she also helps to do some house work such as cleaning tables and sweeping the floor. She is a very pretty girl and a good student with lots of talents.Dear China Families,As you can see that this smart and beautiful girl has only slightly over a year to find her family before she “ages out” of adoption. We would really like to try to prevent that from happening to her. She simply has too much potential and she truly wants a forever family…Please get her information to the lists that you are aware of and maybe, just maybe her forever family is out there; and they will come forward… We want to give it a final try before sending her file back to China; therefore crush her dream of a family that loves and cares for her… A child growing up in an orphanage does not have much future. She most likely will not be able to attend college; or get a good job… basically, she’ll just have a “gloomy” (I am not sure if this is the right word…) future; and we do not want that happening to her, not without one last try, at least.Please help us to get the word out! And pray for her to have a family, please.We thank you for any assistance you are able to provide!If a family wants to know more about her, I will be happy to talk with them when I get back from my China trip. Please feel free to give my contact info to anybody interested in adopting her.

Gotcha Day November 10th One year

2009-11-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

Click here for the long over due post about Lily's one year gotcha day sorry I have been so slack. Lily's has forever been ours for one year on November 10th 2009 its seems like just a few days ago we were in China getting this precious child that I love. I have enjoyed every minute of being her big sister HAPPY LATE GOTCHA DAY LILY!!

A Year Ago Today!

2009-11-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

One Year to the date we were a a plane to China to pick up our Angel and bring her home. We were headed to a foreign country we knew little about to adopt the little girl who has forever blessed our lives were so glad that Lily's journey home was almost complete. We arrived in Beijing tired and sleeped deprived happy just to be in the country were Lily was. But because of this trip I now have a little Princess who I love dearly.

My Princess

Pom Poms

2009-11-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Most little kids snuggle with a teddy bear or blanket NOT Lily she snuggles with her pom poms.

LOA IS HERE!!

2009-11-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

Our LOA arrived today was signed and sent to Texas and back to case manager. Now we wait for I-800 approval then we can be given a TA. We are hoping to travel by the end of January.

LOA LOA LOA

2009-11-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to announce that our LOA is on its way! Can you hear us screaming from excitement yet we are thrilled to know that we are one step closer to our Prince Jacob. We are about 12 weeks out from traveling to meet Jacob that means late January we should be on a plane to China. Our friends the Rice's, Perry's, and Yingling's also received their LOA's congrats to you guys as well we are thrilled for you too!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone. This year to no ones surprise Lily was a cheerleader. She wore my cheer outfit from when a did rec league cheerleading. She was too cute! We stopped by a few of our close friends houses for Lily to trick or treat at. Our first stop was the Knight's house they have a little girl Mia who was adopted from China too. Lily had fun taking candy from the basket and putting it into her pumpkin.

Lily and Mia

WE HAVE A LID!!!

2009-09-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Finally, we have a LID. It is 9/2/2009. This is the same day we received Lily's referral last year. September 2nd will always be a special day for our family. Our case manager still thinks it will be sometime in January before we travel. One more step closer to my brother

Future Cheerleader/model

2009-09-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Lily loves to say Go Panthers which is our high school mascot. So today I got the idea to dress her up in an old Cheerleading uniform that I wore back when I did rec league cheerleading in Kindergarden and 1st grade. Lily had a blast as you can tell from the pictures she had fun shaking the pom poms and modeling for me in some of the pictures.

Go Panthers!

Stunt Time

My favorite picture Miss. Lily is running to do her tumbling.

One year ago yesterday

2009-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

It was one year ago yeasterday that we received the phone call that we had waited 3 years to receive. "You have a baby waiting in China for you". It was not long after we recieved the call we recieved Lily's pictures and I saw my sister for the first time when I got home from school. Our lives have been changed forever and definitely for the better. Life before Lily has been forgotten and we look forward to everyday we spend with her. She has blessed our family more than words can ever express. She is truly our miracle that we thank God for everyday. We love you Lily!

These are the first pictures we saw of our BEAUTIFUL Meng Ran Yue/Lily Grace Starnes

A year Ago Today!

2009-09-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

One year ago today we read on rumor queen that referrals were arriving in Europe and we had made the cut off. Our little princesses pictures and information were on there way to the states and we would know who she was very soon. Little did we know that a year later how changed are lives would be with her finally home after 3 years of waiting to read that for so long.

Dossier To China

2009-08-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

We are Dossier To China as of yesterday. It offical our paper are on their way to China. Next step a Log in date hoping it comes soon so we can go and get my brother. Over the moon exicted.

A Must Read Story!!!

2009-08-25T17:21:00.001-07:00

This story of Christina is very heart touching and is a must read for anyone. http://afamilyforchristina.blogspot.com/2009/08/beginning-of-story.html

Documents Complete

2009-08-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Words from Mom:
Our documents have been authenticated by the Chinese Consulate in Washington, DC and are on their way back to us. By tomorrow afternoon, our dossier will be on it's way to our agency to be prepared for China. The next group of dossiers to be sent to China will be on Monday, August 31st and ours will be in this group. Now the wait begins!

I797C Approval

2009-08-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

We returned home from the beach today and in the mail was our I 797C approval. This means that the United States Immigration has given us permission to adopt a foreign born citizen. This was the last document that we needed. Monday our papers will be in Raleigh to be authenticated and then on to Washington to the Secretary of State, next to the Chinese Consulate in DC, then our dossier can be sent to China. One more step closer to bring home my brother. Yay

Beach Trip

2009-08-11T14:48:00.001-07:00

This week we are at the beach and it is Miss Lily's first time and she is in love with the sand and water and very tired when we come in from playing. The first picture Lily was in the water and a wave knocked her feet out from under her. We all have had fun today swimming and playing in the sand. I got the fun of burring the princess in the sand it lasted long enough to take a picture and she was up again playing.

Swimming With daddy

I love the beach
Tay Tay Buried me

Can't keep me down

Sandy Girl

Ready to play

Hannah and Jeff building a sand castle

The finished Castle

Cheer Camp

2009-07-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I attended cheer camp this week at Wake forest University. We had a blast between silly sting fights and flour fights woo messy. Today was awards for teams Piedmont Varsity Won Home Pom which is the dance we brought from home and competed with the first night. We also won the Extreme routine Dance award which is a dance UCA teaches us and we add on 8 counts to and Finally Varsity won the Leadership award. Our JV did amazing too they won everything we did minus the leadership award and they won 1st place for the cheer which we did not win but all of us had an amazing time looking forward to our season to start. Lily was too cute today while we were cheering and dancing she was cheering right along with us. Will post pictures when i get some didn't take my camera. no word about adoption process with the Prince.

Relaxing in Sissy's bed!

2009-07-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

Lily enjoyed relaxing in my bed today and pretending to text someone on my phone. She never ceases to make me laugh each and everyday. pictures from my chinese camp will be posted soon i promise i have so many it hard to pick which ones to put on here. Please be in pray as me and Madison travel to Wake Forest for cheerleading camp tomorrow and no one gets injured this year. Be back Monday

Fingerprints are finished.

2009-07-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

We received our fingerprinting appointment in the mail this week for August 12th. We will be out of town and cannot be there.so yesterday my parents and I were in Charlotte today and thought we would go by the Application Center and just ask if they would do it today. Well, they did! They were very accommodating to us. This is a big relief to have this part of the process complete. We are on step closer to my little brother. YAY!

The Waiting child

2009-07-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful video made by Love Without Boundries about the waiting children of China. Please have a look. Make sure to turn off my music at the bottom.

Tiger and number song

2009-07-17T16:07:00.001-07:00

I have a youtube video from camp we are singing the Tiger and number song in chinese check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmq6Fcd6FAY

Purse snd Shoes

2009-07-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't been around this week to take pictures so I am guessing that Lily was digging in Madison's purse, Madison caught her she acted like she hadn't done anything wrong, but Madison took the purse, she cried then decided the shoes were better anywhy who needs a purse when you have a nice pair of shoes.

Hmm... What is in here

Oh no I've been caught act cute

NO! Don't take it from me

Oh well i guess these shoes are ok

Adopting Again

2009-07-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, you have read correctly. Most of you know that my family is adopting from China again so this announcement is not a shock. Our agency is one of three that the CCAA gives a waiting list of hand picked children to find homes. These children are not on any other shared list. My brother, yes it is a boy, is a healthy 7 year old beautiful boy. His is in foster care and his orphanage just recently started participating in International adoption, so this is why he is older. Our agency has sent us pictures as well as a DVD of him. Obviously we all are in love. We have received our home study and our I-800A will be at the Fedex office to be delivered to the USCIS office this week. Our case manager predicts that we will travel sometime between December 2009 to March 2010, depending on how fast our paper work is processed. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel down this road. We can't wait to have our little guy home with us!

2009-07-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here is some of what I learned today at my Mandarin Class. Click on the picture to make it bigger to read.

Mandarin Class

2009-07-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

I started Mandarin class at Queens University in Charlotte today. It was very interesting, it is quite over whelming at first but really sort of easy once you start to learn characters and how to say some words. We learned so much today. It is not as hard as it looks to draw the Chinese characters. My teacher taught us to break it down stroke by stroke and it is very simple. I have learned so much in one day I will post some pictures of my notes later for you guys to see what I am learning. We have a field trip next Friday to ride in the Dragon Boat at Lake Norman. Hope everyone has had a wonderful Monday

4th of July weekend

2009-07-06T16:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend we to Georgia on Friday to visit some of our friends in the Llama community. Ken and Kathy have a July 4th BBQ every year for their close friends and family. This year was special because it was Lily's first, and of course she was the center of attention that everyone had to hug and kiss. But Lily was interested in kissing one thing, the head of a bald eagle on the Colonel Richard's cane. Lily called it a "chicken", so everyone else started calling it "the chicken".

One Step Closer

2009-07-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

We recieved our homestudy today and will be mailing the I-800A to the USCIS office tomorrow to get their on Monday morning. We are one step closer to bring the Prince home YAY!

Leaving tomorrow.

2009-07-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today has just been a stay at home day. Lily hasn't felt very well today and has not had a great nap. Please pray for our family as we travel to Georgia tomorow to visit friends for the Fourth of July. Sorry no pictures today. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL 4th OF JULY ON SATURDAY!

Sand and Pool #2

2009-07-01T16:24:00.001-07:00

Today I had Hannah over who is a good friend of mine. Her and Lily played in the sand together while I took some pictures. Lily enjoyed the cool dip in the pool after playing in the sand. Enjoy the photos from today.

Sand and Pool

2009-06-30T15:20:00.001-07:00

Lily had her first playtime in the sand today and loved it. She liked the idea of getting dirty and sitting in the sand playing. She didn't even really seen to mind having to be hosed off before getting in the pool to go swimming. She had a blast and we can't wait until sand time tomorrow.

Hmmmm... where to sit

Hey there is no sand in this bucket

Yay i have a castle

I didn't mean to mess it up I promise.

Where's my sand?

Yay a new castle.

Cleaned up and ready to swim.

This feels good after being in the hot sun.

Look at that Smile.

Drying off on mommy's lap.

Smelling the lilies.

The Faces of Lily

2009-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Lily is a ball full of energy below are some of the many faces we get from her each and everyday. She makes all of us laugh so hard with these faces some we have not yet been able to catch on camera such as her HULK face it is too funny.

I love my boat

I really like to Swim

I like having my picture taken

Whoa! This water is kind of chilly

Yay lets go swiming

I didn't do it please don't make me sit in timeout

In Deep Thought

Silly Girl

Uh they want me to eat WHAT!

BIG Smile

Sweet Girl

Wow! I like that

Latest addition!

2009-06-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here is our latest addition to our llama farm a little baby boy he is too cute we think. He is almost 3 weeks old. He has a wonderful personality and loves to run and play with the little girl llama born back in April, and did i mention how big he his there is six week between the two babies on our farm and he is as big as the little girl we have already.

Little boy

Little Girl

Goggles

2009-06-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Lily had her first experience with goggles and found out that she kind of likes them, since they keep the water out of her eyes. I personally think she looks pretty darn cute in them too. She now enjoys going under the water with the help of someone. Look closely in the last picture and you can see the rings around her eyes.

My how she has grown!

2009-06-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe how much my spicy little princess sister has grown since she has came home. What happened to the tiny little girl that was placed into my moms arms almost 8 months ago?

Lily on Gotcha day...

...and Lily today
Enjoying Pizza

Out by the pool

Playing in the yard

Princess Lily

2009-06-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

I returned from the beach today and brought Lily a build a bear home from the beach as a present, it was wearing a tiara and it did not take long for The Princess Lily to remove the tiara from the bears head and place it on her head to inform me that she was the only princess for this house. Also included in the pictures are some of the other items i picked up at the beach for her she loves her shoes and the bathing suit cover up too.

Welcome

2009-06-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys and welcome I hope to keep this blog up to date on our daily lives with my spicy princess miss Lily