We had a lovely Christmas celebration. Up early with excited little ones. We had a happy houseful with all of us regulars and some family who came all the way from MS to share in Gates's first Christmas home!
Breakfast was buffet style with bagels, cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and juices. We just carried our paper plates into the living room here and there, very casual and the gift opening and battery searches continued. Both of the little Boys got that Hess Race Car with the other car inside and they also each received light up remote control cars than can flip, bump, twirl and spin. So, we've seen a lot of flashy vehicle driving around the house these past few days! Mr. and Mrs. Bob in MI sent Red Wings Ball Caps which have been a big hit with them as well.
After awhile we relocated to Chari & Brian's for a delicious dinner and a bike ride for the boys too. Next, we drove out to the country where Karrie's cousin Sheri and her husband hosted the extended family of our Grandmother and all connected aunts, uncles and cousins who were local this year. It was very nice and the boys enjoyed playing with outside toys and running free.
Once we got home we all relaxed and ate and relaxed and ate some more. Gates and Bridger both did a great job remembering their manners and gift receiving protocol. We had a blast with them all day!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
We had a wonderful time on our night light drive. Seven of us filled up the van and we headed out to see the offerings of fellow citizens who have dedicated hours of their time to celebrate in lights and sharing with the communitty. It was really fun. We looked up the best local lighting displays and programmed them into the Granstra's Garmin. We had decided on Cape Coral and if you know Cape Coral then you know why we saved hours of searching this way:-)
The boys had enjoyed a nice long bike ride through Lakes Park after a wonderful time with the church earlier in the day. Side note; Gates's little sense of humor is blooming. We've been wondering if he has just been tripping into perfect comedic timing for some of his comments, but it seems he is intentionally choosing his moment. Case in point. While we were singing Christmas songs that Gates loves to sing, he wasn't joining in. We coaxed and reminded him of the words and he shook his head and weaved his fingers through Mamma's hair the whole time singing continued.
While we were walking out Bridger started singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas."
and Gates stated, "I don't know that one." Yes, he does know that one. Then as we are driving toward home to change into play clothes for the park I mentioned to Paul quietly, "Gates just wasn't in the singing mood. Too bad he won't share his talents outside the house yet." Daddy said, "Gates do you want to sing in the car with us? You start a song." Silence then, "No." as we pull away from an intersection Gates bursts into song, "Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!" (Thanks Barney's Christmas Star Video.) Bridger counters with "I have a little Dreidle." and we're all laughing. Smart aleck:-) Wit is very much appreciated in our family.
So, back to the light drive, The boys' nap ran a little over and when Brian and Chari arrived we had tacos and talked loud with the NFL on to help them wake up. It took awhile, but they did. Nothing like a long bike ride on a breezy day to make a little guy tired. Their enthusiasm awoke quickly though. They chose a fave pillow and blankie (yes it's 57 degrees here at night and we tropical
fruits have to be well covered!) I can hear the chuckles of my northern friends and family from here.
Mom sat between the boys in the far back seat, which was wonderful because I got to hear every little sound of admiration and response. The lights were fun and we shared over and over again that Jesus is the light of the world and how those who follow him will not walk in darkness. The long dark streets followed by brilliant lights really helped them receive this truth easily. Light is better and more beautiful. Merry Christmas.
The boys had enjoyed a nice long bike ride through Lakes Park after a wonderful time with the church earlier in the day. Side note; Gates's little sense of humor is blooming. We've been wondering if he has just been tripping into perfect comedic timing for some of his comments, but it seems he is intentionally choosing his moment. Case in point. While we were singing Christmas songs that Gates loves to sing, he wasn't joining in. We coaxed and reminded him of the words and he shook his head and weaved his fingers through Mamma's hair the whole time singing continued.
While we were walking out Bridger started singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas."
and Gates stated, "I don't know that one." Yes, he does know that one. Then as we are driving toward home to change into play clothes for the park I mentioned to Paul quietly, "Gates just wasn't in the singing mood. Too bad he won't share his talents outside the house yet." Daddy said, "Gates do you want to sing in the car with us? You start a song." Silence then, "No." as we pull away from an intersection Gates bursts into song, "Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!" (Thanks Barney's Christmas Star Video.) Bridger counters with "I have a little Dreidle." and we're all laughing. Smart aleck:-) Wit is very much appreciated in our family.
So, back to the light drive, The boys' nap ran a little over and when Brian and Chari arrived we had tacos and talked loud with the NFL on to help them wake up. It took awhile, but they did. Nothing like a long bike ride on a breezy day to make a little guy tired. Their enthusiasm awoke quickly though. They chose a fave pillow and blankie (yes it's 57 degrees here at night and we tropical
fruits have to be well covered!) I can hear the chuckles of my northern friends and family from here.
Mom sat between the boys in the far back seat, which was wonderful because I got to hear every little sound of admiration and response. The lights were fun and we shared over and over again that Jesus is the light of the world and how those who follow him will not walk in darkness. The long dark streets followed by brilliant lights really helped them receive this truth easily. Light is better and more beautiful. Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
My head has been such a whirlwind environment lately that I've had a difficult time bringing my thoughts and experiences into a communicable format. Too much to write about I suppose. I'll just put one word after another and we'll see where we end up 'kay?
Gates is progressing so well. He is just such a precious little person. I don't think I could ever convey the hundreds of ways I see him changing. His movements have become more fluid and graceful. His personality is developing as he gradually begins to embrace the idea of independent thought and action. He was very threatened by this at first. He ate when Brother ate (not so unusual), went to the bathroom at the same time and played with toys, watched a video, read a book, climbed on Dad at the same time.It doesn't seem that strange in type but when you watch a child read a book and wait for his brother to turn the page so that he can, or have a meltdown because Brother wants to play with monster trucks and he is still enjoying his puzzle as if it requires him to surrrender his puzzle time and play monster trucks because B. did... it's a little unusual. Gates's constant scrutiny annoys B occasionally, "Stop copying me."
It's really ingenius in a way though. Like any older child in his circumstances he learns the language and routines in this new world by mimicing and imitation. On the other hand, he is still institutionally programmed to move from activity to activity en masse with other children. No time or tolerance for independant actions. I am amazed by his tenacity and determination to plow through each day. He is just as strong as we all imagined him to be and yet still so very infant like and fragile.
Bridger is five and he is... well, Bridger. By no means is Bridge insensitive, quite the opposite, but he isn't the most patient guy in the house. Let's just say, the boys are learning from each other. Gates is still learning how to play. He does the 'work' of play and he will copy B's play actions like driving a matchbox car around on the floor while B. does it. But he doesn't engage in play yet. He will still aquire toys many times a day, grabbing them from his brother's hand while poising his hand and fingers as if threatening to scratch him but he doesn't know what to do with the toy once he has it, he'll look at it and toss it on the ground. Nowadays Bridger just holds onto the toy and shouts, "Drop it. I'm playing with it. A little help here?"
The moment a grown up says, "Gates play nice. Get another toy from the box." He shouts,"No."
and throws himself to the floor and begins the rocking behaivor and moans or whines. Then he gets ups and engages in a familiar activity like re folding all of the clothes in his dresser. We're not clear on whether he starts doing chores as a self comforting reflex or as an attempt to earn back the favor he thinks he lost with whatever caused him to be corrected. I know that all children work from the time they can walk in the orphanage. Gates folds clothes better than I do and watching him take his recently discarded play clothes from the bathroom floor and rinse and ring them out in his bathwater after he's done is impressive... but we remain positive that Gates will enter childhood any day now.
Gates is progressing so well. He is just such a precious little person. I don't think I could ever convey the hundreds of ways I see him changing. His movements have become more fluid and graceful. His personality is developing as he gradually begins to embrace the idea of independent thought and action. He was very threatened by this at first. He ate when Brother ate (not so unusual), went to the bathroom at the same time and played with toys, watched a video, read a book, climbed on Dad at the same time.It doesn't seem that strange in type but when you watch a child read a book and wait for his brother to turn the page so that he can, or have a meltdown because Brother wants to play with monster trucks and he is still enjoying his puzzle as if it requires him to surrrender his puzzle time and play monster trucks because B. did... it's a little unusual. Gates's constant scrutiny annoys B occasionally, "Stop copying me."
It's really ingenius in a way though. Like any older child in his circumstances he learns the language and routines in this new world by mimicing and imitation. On the other hand, he is still institutionally programmed to move from activity to activity en masse with other children. No time or tolerance for independant actions. I am amazed by his tenacity and determination to plow through each day. He is just as strong as we all imagined him to be and yet still so very infant like and fragile.
Bridger is five and he is... well, Bridger. By no means is Bridge insensitive, quite the opposite, but he isn't the most patient guy in the house. Let's just say, the boys are learning from each other. Gates is still learning how to play. He does the 'work' of play and he will copy B's play actions like driving a matchbox car around on the floor while B. does it. But he doesn't engage in play yet. He will still aquire toys many times a day, grabbing them from his brother's hand while poising his hand and fingers as if threatening to scratch him but he doesn't know what to do with the toy once he has it, he'll look at it and toss it on the ground. Nowadays Bridger just holds onto the toy and shouts, "Drop it. I'm playing with it. A little help here?"
The moment a grown up says, "Gates play nice. Get another toy from the box." He shouts,"No."
and throws himself to the floor and begins the rocking behaivor and moans or whines. Then he gets ups and engages in a familiar activity like re folding all of the clothes in his dresser. We're not clear on whether he starts doing chores as a self comforting reflex or as an attempt to earn back the favor he thinks he lost with whatever caused him to be corrected. I know that all children work from the time they can walk in the orphanage. Gates folds clothes better than I do and watching him take his recently discarded play clothes from the bathroom floor and rinse and ring them out in his bathwater after he's done is impressive... but we remain positive that Gates will enter childhood any day now.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Home and Away for the Holidays... Thanksgiving that is.
I decided to leave our Thanksgiving family vaca personal. Suffice to say it was beautiful, significant and much more relaxing than expected. We enjoyed every minute. The little ones traveled very well and our hotel/condominium was just wonderful.
On the way back to Ft. Myers we stopped near Bradenton and had a visit with friends. Ethan (whom you will remember shared a homecoming plane ride with Bridger from Korea five years ago?)got both an older sister and a little brother this past eight months and we hadn't met them in person yet. T. is an adorable little girl who was in need of a safe and stable home, she found that with her grandparents/now Mamma and Daddy. She is around six. Little E. was already on the way when T's needs were presented so of course Ethan's parents continued on their journey to bring home a tiny tot on the other side of the world who has some big needs, the biggest of course was a loving family to grow up in. Little E hails from a tropical island like environment and loves fruit! He was munching a banana in his high chair when I last saw him, but I understand mangoes are high on his list of delectables as well. Sweet T. brought her treasures to me and shared some things she had crafted with Mom. Her room is as pink as it gets. We're all so glad that these wonderful children are all three home for Christmas!
On the way back to Ft. Myers we stopped near Bradenton and had a visit with friends. Ethan (whom you will remember shared a homecoming plane ride with Bridger from Korea five years ago?)got both an older sister and a little brother this past eight months and we hadn't met them in person yet. T. is an adorable little girl who was in need of a safe and stable home, she found that with her grandparents/now Mamma and Daddy. She is around six. Little E. was already on the way when T's needs were presented so of course Ethan's parents continued on their journey to bring home a tiny tot on the other side of the world who has some big needs, the biggest of course was a loving family to grow up in. Little E hails from a tropical island like environment and loves fruit! He was munching a banana in his high chair when I last saw him, but I understand mangoes are high on his list of delectables as well. Sweet T. brought her treasures to me and shared some things she had crafted with Mom. Her room is as pink as it gets. We're all so glad that these wonderful children are all three home for Christmas!
Monday, December 7, 2009
All Purpose Flour Power!
"Hang on sweet boy, we are doing all we can to raise the money to complete the adoption and come and pick you up! God is gonna bridge the ocean just like He did with your big brother Noah! Until I get there sweetie catch my kisses in the wind!"
The above was written by a lovely Mommy I know who is pouring her heart and every ounce of energy into fundraising to save the life and future of her Taiwan born Son. Jeremiah has severe C.P. and without attentive expert care he his hopeless.
Our Family was blessed very recently by the investment of a local group of believers toward our ministry in special need orphan rescue. We are thankful for the chance to impact Jeremiah's adoption and will continue to make this journey alongside this precious family.
While you are doing your Christmas baking, would you consider throwing in an extra pumpkin bread, dozen cookies or plate of fudge... whatever you enjoy with your family at Christmas... for our "Can't Wait" Christmas Bake Sale? Just call or email us and we can pick up your offering of love toward Jeremiah's survival... and homecoming. One of us would be happy to pick it up. If your work friends or neighborhood group/bible study would like to join in this one time opportunity. We will be selling baked goods and candies Dec.18 on our front lawn off McGregor Blvd. Two adorable cookie chefs will be waiting for you to drop off last minute baked goods or purchase from them. The love of other children was instrumental in bringing our joyful boys home at last and the circle of love continues in Him who first loved us.
The above was written by a lovely Mommy I know who is pouring her heart and every ounce of energy into fundraising to save the life and future of her Taiwan born Son. Jeremiah has severe C.P. and without attentive expert care he his hopeless.
Our Family was blessed very recently by the investment of a local group of believers toward our ministry in special need orphan rescue. We are thankful for the chance to impact Jeremiah's adoption and will continue to make this journey alongside this precious family.
While you are doing your Christmas baking, would you consider throwing in an extra pumpkin bread, dozen cookies or plate of fudge... whatever you enjoy with your family at Christmas... for our "Can't Wait" Christmas Bake Sale? Just call or email us and we can pick up your offering of love toward Jeremiah's survival... and homecoming. One of us would be happy to pick it up. If your work friends or neighborhood group/bible study would like to join in this one time opportunity. We will be selling baked goods and candies Dec.18 on our front lawn off McGregor Blvd. Two adorable cookie chefs will be waiting for you to drop off last minute baked goods or purchase from them. The love of other children was instrumental in bringing our joyful boys home at last and the circle of love continues in Him who first loved us.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Keller Williams Inspirational Breakfast.
I wanted to share about a recent opportunity for us to enjoy the company of our faithful Keller Williams friends at their first annual inspirational breakfast on Nov.19. We were invited to share the victory of Gates's story. We gratefully accepted. November being National Adoption Month we hoped for an advocacy opportunity or two.
Everyone made a valiant effort to be up early enough. Bridger and Aimee also joined us. Once we arrived, Bridger's presence and obvious familiarity with the limelight seemed to ease Gates's tension somewhat although the room full of white dress shirts, ties and slacks seemed to give him China flashbacks and he withdrew alarmingly into himself at first. Paul of course was the one to point out the sea of white shirts and aknowledge that as the source for Gates's obvious fear response. It didn't make it easier that we were to share our table with four gentlemen clad in such a way. Gates wouldn't touch his juice or food and seemed convinced that we were going to hand him over any minute. Poor baby.
We saw a familiar face in Cindy G. and others who had worked so tirelessly in helping bring Gates home. Although Gates hasn't had much opportunity to get to know them, the rest of us were thrilled. Cindy G., who had joined hand in hand with the Lord as he moved mountains and men on behalf of this child. She pleaded for donations and prayed for guidance with Gates's triumphant home coming already a reality in her heart and mind. She always called me and prayed with me on some of my hardest days as if she knew. Tom who had sweated over a hibachi in ninety degree heat every Thursday to facilitate hot dog lunch fundraising by provided five dollar hot dog, soda and chips to employees of KW and their visitors. On the day Gates came home, Tom was at the airport and he came up to me beaming and said, "I think I am as excited as you are." I believed him too. Joan whose office dissappeared beneath a pile of donations for Gates's community sale... for weeks, was there. She and Cindy and Tom had all stood there with us on that rainy day watching our first car wash fundraiser wash out. We were lined up along that 7-11 sidewalk flinching from the lightning together. I knew that day that they were really taking on the trials and challenges of rescuing this child alongside us. Faithful friends indeed.
Bridger began playing with a hot wheels car that he had brought to the table and he chatted easily with the Teen Challenge guys. Just like his Daddy, in a five year old kind of way. He asked one of the guys how old he was and he offered the part of his muffin where he hadn't bitten yet to another guy. Suave and direct. That's our Bridger. Gates started relaxing more as he and Bridger made a place to play under Mom and Dad's feet on the carpet. We were delighted to see our Pastor Mike there as well! I have a picture of Mike holding Bridger the week he came home five years ago. They hit it off even back then.
Before we knew it Paul and I were at the microphone. We took turns speaking and finished up with a hug from Cindy G. and courteous applause. Other speakers sharing their stories about how their lives were impacted by realtor volunteers followed. One lovely lady held up pictures drawn by her kindergarten class from a very poor school because Keller Williams Cares had provided for crayons and other supplies. Teen Challenge sang beautifully a capella, one of their guys shared God's glory in delivering him from addiction and positioning him to now lead others to the freedom he now has in Christ. Pastor Mike, who thankfully didn't wear a white collared shirt, spoke for the occasion. He shared the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph had done right and received wrong and throughout his most miserable days God's favor sustained him and brought him from last to first... and from failure to victory! Our Boys each got one of Mike's signature hugs to their delight and we left for home.
note: Gates was hopping and chatting after Sister Aimee had distracted him with a slide show of recent fun times on the viewer of her digital camera, while Paul and I were speaking. It was like he realized our speech was the reason for us being there and it wasn't related to him directly because when we came back to the table he was grinning all over himself. We were all inspired with the impact each of us can make individually and corporately when we put someone else ahead of ourselves.
Everyone made a valiant effort to be up early enough. Bridger and Aimee also joined us. Once we arrived, Bridger's presence and obvious familiarity with the limelight seemed to ease Gates's tension somewhat although the room full of white dress shirts, ties and slacks seemed to give him China flashbacks and he withdrew alarmingly into himself at first. Paul of course was the one to point out the sea of white shirts and aknowledge that as the source for Gates's obvious fear response. It didn't make it easier that we were to share our table with four gentlemen clad in such a way. Gates wouldn't touch his juice or food and seemed convinced that we were going to hand him over any minute. Poor baby.
We saw a familiar face in Cindy G. and others who had worked so tirelessly in helping bring Gates home. Although Gates hasn't had much opportunity to get to know them, the rest of us were thrilled. Cindy G., who had joined hand in hand with the Lord as he moved mountains and men on behalf of this child. She pleaded for donations and prayed for guidance with Gates's triumphant home coming already a reality in her heart and mind. She always called me and prayed with me on some of my hardest days as if she knew. Tom who had sweated over a hibachi in ninety degree heat every Thursday to facilitate hot dog lunch fundraising by provided five dollar hot dog, soda and chips to employees of KW and their visitors. On the day Gates came home, Tom was at the airport and he came up to me beaming and said, "I think I am as excited as you are." I believed him too. Joan whose office dissappeared beneath a pile of donations for Gates's community sale... for weeks, was there. She and Cindy and Tom had all stood there with us on that rainy day watching our first car wash fundraiser wash out. We were lined up along that 7-11 sidewalk flinching from the lightning together. I knew that day that they were really taking on the trials and challenges of rescuing this child alongside us. Faithful friends indeed.
Bridger began playing with a hot wheels car that he had brought to the table and he chatted easily with the Teen Challenge guys. Just like his Daddy, in a five year old kind of way. He asked one of the guys how old he was and he offered the part of his muffin where he hadn't bitten yet to another guy. Suave and direct. That's our Bridger. Gates started relaxing more as he and Bridger made a place to play under Mom and Dad's feet on the carpet. We were delighted to see our Pastor Mike there as well! I have a picture of Mike holding Bridger the week he came home five years ago. They hit it off even back then.
Before we knew it Paul and I were at the microphone. We took turns speaking and finished up with a hug from Cindy G. and courteous applause. Other speakers sharing their stories about how their lives were impacted by realtor volunteers followed. One lovely lady held up pictures drawn by her kindergarten class from a very poor school because Keller Williams Cares had provided for crayons and other supplies. Teen Challenge sang beautifully a capella, one of their guys shared God's glory in delivering him from addiction and positioning him to now lead others to the freedom he now has in Christ. Pastor Mike, who thankfully didn't wear a white collared shirt, spoke for the occasion. He shared the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph had done right and received wrong and throughout his most miserable days God's favor sustained him and brought him from last to first... and from failure to victory! Our Boys each got one of Mike's signature hugs to their delight and we left for home.
note: Gates was hopping and chatting after Sister Aimee had distracted him with a slide show of recent fun times on the viewer of her digital camera, while Paul and I were speaking. It was like he realized our speech was the reason for us being there and it wasn't related to him directly because when we came back to the table he was grinning all over himself. We were all inspired with the impact each of us can make individually and corporately when we put someone else ahead of ourselves.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The boys are playing happily together on the floor at my feet. I'm relaxing in a chair with the mini laptop we got for Paul to skype in China. We started cooking some of the Thanksgiving foods today that will be heated through again on Thursday... in ORLANDO!
It's been a wild and crazy few months and everybody was in the mood to bust loose together and goof off for a couple of days... where better than Orlando? We will be leaving Ft.Myers on Thanksgiving after about the first hour of the Macy's parade on tv (Karrie NEVER misses it). Paul has to drive the night before and won't get home until 9am or later Thanksgiving morning. We will be stopping by Nana's for a hug or two and then making our way north. We will staying in a lovely suite with a couple of bedrooms which my talented and adorable Son in Law got us for a song. It has a full kitchen and a dining room table that seats six. We'll shimmy one of the patio chairs in there and get all seven of us comfortably positioned for a feast of celebration!
We are doing an off the beaten path week end of experiences. There will be a tour of the Disney Resort Christmas Decorations, including the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian!
The Rudd clan will not be doing a theme park but we will be living it up for two days window shopping in downtown Disney, playing Disney Miniature Golf, enjoying a long anticipated boat ride on the lake and a picnic or two. Gates will be having his first boat ride, carosel ride, visit to Lego land and the opportunity to set the table with his big brother for his very first Thanksgiving!
We are all very excited. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving. Some will be quiet and reflective and others boisterous and over crowded but in the spirit of gratitude I pray that each of you will have time to pull up a chair and talk to God about how very thankful we are for his presence in our lives. We love you!
It's been a wild and crazy few months and everybody was in the mood to bust loose together and goof off for a couple of days... where better than Orlando? We will be leaving Ft.Myers on Thanksgiving after about the first hour of the Macy's parade on tv (Karrie NEVER misses it). Paul has to drive the night before and won't get home until 9am or later Thanksgiving morning. We will be stopping by Nana's for a hug or two and then making our way north. We will staying in a lovely suite with a couple of bedrooms which my talented and adorable Son in Law got us for a song. It has a full kitchen and a dining room table that seats six. We'll shimmy one of the patio chairs in there and get all seven of us comfortably positioned for a feast of celebration!
We are doing an off the beaten path week end of experiences. There will be a tour of the Disney Resort Christmas Decorations, including the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian!
The Rudd clan will not be doing a theme park but we will be living it up for two days window shopping in downtown Disney, playing Disney Miniature Golf, enjoying a long anticipated boat ride on the lake and a picnic or two. Gates will be having his first boat ride, carosel ride, visit to Lego land and the opportunity to set the table with his big brother for his very first Thanksgiving!
We are all very excited. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving. Some will be quiet and reflective and others boisterous and over crowded but in the spirit of gratitude I pray that each of you will have time to pull up a chair and talk to God about how very thankful we are for his presence in our lives. We love you!
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