Lunar New Year

We enjoyed celebrating our 5th Lunar New Year's with Dillon International over the weekend. The first year we attended was in 2006 while we were in process in with Kazakhstan. (Pilot program for Dillon that closed and we ended up switching to Vietnam and the rest is history as you know.)
My favorite part -besides that all the money goes to OrphanCare - is that everyone gets to dress in their native country attire. Children and adults alike wear their Korean Hanbok, Indian Sari, Chinese Cheongsam or Vietnamese Ao Doi's... and more.
Here we are with Jynger, past director of the Vietnam program and current co-director of India and case manager for Russia. She and her daughter wore their sari's and looked beautiful!
My mom and Nehemiah ended up almost matching by coincidence. I love this picture of them together!
Mrs. Dillon walked by and I asked if we could snag a picture with her. I said, "you know, to let people know you are real and everything." She laughed and said that last week she stayed late at the office and ended up answering the phone after hours. The gal asked a question about the agency and asked who she was speaking with. Mrs. Dillon said who she was and the lady said, "Oh, I didn't know you were alive, I thought you were dead." I mean What?! Well here she is folks, a stunning woman- both inside and out!
Our family with the tigers. Note the one trying to eat Nehemiah's head. It is the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese zodiac calendar and so the stage was decorated with stuffed tigers.
My mom with Avi Joy. My kids and my mama were on a roll because this is so sweet too! (Can you believe those cheekbones people! She looks so young, right?!)
Nehemiah with fellow Can Tho kiddo, Rhett.
Playing with some of the other children in the "holding room" waiting for the parade/song to start.
Lining up outside the closed doors to the banquet hall.
They walked through the crowd and up to the stage. The kids performed a very cute song, "If you're in my heart, your in my family," by Laurie Berkner Band.
I did learn something about myself that I will never do again... this whole waiting in a room with children for them to go on stage, will be Adam's job. I did not enjoy this LNY as much as in the past because I spent 45 minutes watching her practice and wait to perform. I am much too social for that. I want to be talking to families and visiting, so since Adam is the quieter and less social parent, he said he would gladly help our kiddos prep for the opening in the coming years. Yeah for marrying your opposite, we are so alike, but so different!
The silent auction had many awesome items. I personally LOVED the artwork from Africa.
Nehemiah opening his red envelope. This is a Chinese tradition where children greet their parents wishing them a Happy New Year and in return they receive money in red paper envelopes. In this case, chocolate money, yum.
Just for a quick flashback. Here are Heather and I along with our BABIES (18 and 9 months) when we attended the first LNY with our children in 2007.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

The Perryman Family

Good ol' snow days

Here is my favorite picture of our 3 days inside. My kiddos loving on each other. My favorite because they generally did more crying, whining and 'I am just so tired of you' type attitudes, so I am relishing on this hug.
This was Nehemiah. Cutting 6 teeth, not eating or sleeping well, constant fussing, running nose and has a cold. And he made it well known that if his mother dared to walk through a room without picking him up that all his baby-drama would ensue.
We did play a few games. Here is the surprise game.
Brother learning to be surprised.
I made a new Valentines day skirt for Avi Joy. Used up some old ribbon, white tulle and cut some red hearts from an old jacket I had. Gotta love hot glue and the results were cute.
Nehemiah wanted his turn in the Valentines skirt. I know he will not always want to participate in our girly fun, so for now, I always let him : )
I told Avi Joy she could do anything she wanted on Friday morning because it was a snow day! She chose to move her whole bed (by herself) and living room chairs to make a dinosaur train to play in for the day.
Daddy got to "work" from home. Working like this seems pretty doable.
Then we made a cookie craft. ANY parent can do this, so go do it! Pick a country and make it out of cookie dough! We used our Silpat (love, love) and made a Vietnam cookie. I do not like cookies, but I am head over heels for cookie dough.
My favorite indoor moment of the weekend... Korean Barbie at the haircutting station.
Kristin, a long time girlfriend and hair client, I fully expect you to do this next week when you come for a haircut. Clothes are optional, the flip over the chair with hands in hair is required.
Avi Joy watching the snow coming down. Adam said we got about 6-8 inches.
After brother went to bed, little joy joy and I did a craft. We took a breadcrumbs canister, some scrapbook paper, glue and rhinestones and made a cute craft.
She is SO crafty. We have decided her birthday party theme this year will be arts and crafts. Even I, an art teacher by trade, needs some help keeping this crazy cutting, drawing, art gal busy.
Adam and Avi Joy played in the snow. She LOVES the snow!
We made snowcones...
And they were very yummy.
Brother beggin daddy for some of his. I did end up sharing with him, but we are trying not to spread too many germs. But that is nearly impossible being the mama, right?!
We shared a little bit about Haiti...
Here is a scripture that pretty much sums up how we feel right now:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" Ephesians 3:20-21

The Perryman Family

Vietnam Family Camp

Before I jump into camp, I want to extend an invitation for local (or any) families to attend a Vietnamese lunch for Lunar New Year. We have two local Vietnamese churches in Tulsa and both have invited us to celebrate with them on February 14th at noon. They have a huge lunch, games and fellowship. Our family attends St. Joseph's as we are enrolled in their language school. We get to see them all the time, so we are actually going to attend the other LNY celebration with Pastor Le at the Baptist church. (That is a hard decision, frown!)
PLEASE join us on 2-14-10 at 12:00pm at Vietnamese Baptist Church (101st and Elm) for lunch. Pastor Le is precious and beyond supportive of our children and the adoptive community. If you have any questions you can leave a comment and I will contact you. Thank you!

2007 Family Reunion- Few Pictures
2008 Vietnam Weekend Pictures
2009 Vietnam Weekend Pictures


Vietnam Family Camp, June 10-12, 2010 in Tulsa, OK. Held at Green Country Event Center.

The Third Annual Vietnam Family Weekend has been extended a day this year! Join us for a reunion of families, friends, travel buddies and newcomers! Help your children explore and take pride in their Vietnamese heritage and birth country.

The committee met for the 1st time last week to set the schedule for the weekend. ALL schedules and ideas are tentative and subject to change before the final date. The information that comes in your registration packet will contain the "final word". : )

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, JUNE 10th
9:00am-1:00pm -@ Tulsa Zoo Trip (optional) *Parents bring lunches and meet at 12:00 in a designated area to eat lunch as a group.

1:00m- 4:00pm- Rest and prepare for Camp

4:00pm-8:00pm - @Green Country Event Center
Opening Ceremony
Ice Breaker Game
Dinner from (Jason's Deli - tentative)
Parent social time, dessert and coffee
Child free play time watched by staff

FRIDAY JUNE 11th
9:00-9:30 Registration

9:30-12:30
Crafts/Traditional Dance/Cooking time for Children
W.I.S.E. Up Sessions by R. Hackworth for Parents (1/2 parents will attend 9:30-11 workshop while the other half help the children. Then from 11-12:30 the other 1/2 that helped with the children first, will attend the workshop) That way, all parents get to attend the workshop AND spend time with their child/children and help with others kiddos as well.

12:30-1:30 Lunch (Chick-fil-a - tentative)

1:30-4:30 (optional or rest time)
OR meet at Leep'in Louies pool at the Radisson

5:30- Green Country Event Center
Parents and Children ENCOURAGED to wear Vietnamese dress
Group pictures will be taken in traditional dress
Traditional Vietnamese Dinner will be served
Vietnamese Music and Dancing will be performed

SATURDAY, JUNE 12th @ Green Country Event Center
10:00-12:00- Camp Olympics and Soccer Play for Children
Q&A Workshop time for parents

12:00-1:00
Lunch - (pizza - tentative)

1:00-2:00
Closing Ceremony
Dragon Dancers

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
If you have comments or suggestions the committee wants to hear ALL your input! PLEASE email or call Whitney at Dillon. (918)749-4600 or Whitney@dillonadopt.com. THANK YOU!
Kerrie has also made a Facebook page! (Its under Vietnam Family Weekend)

Here is a little shout out to Party of Four. Nehemiah has been totally gaga over baby Drew's picture that dropped of the fridge this week. He has been carrying it around for 3 days saying, "Baby, baby." It has now been folded, wrinkled, kissed on and stuck in every pocket. Baby Drew has been well loved!
Sweet girl and all her 10,000 faces. My mom and I went to Nam Hai market this week to find her a new Ao Doi (traditional Vietnamese dress) for our upcoming Lunar New Year celebration. While we were there we couldn't help buying some Vietnamese mini-banana's. They ripen within 2 days and are so yummy. We have them over cereal, oatmeal, yogurt and make banana bread.
Avi Joy and Sidney off to Bible school. I have known Sidney's mom since I started high school. Her grandma takes her to CBS and she and I just love reminiscing about how she met me when I was 15 and now have kids of my own. She mentioned to me this week about praying for my kids, how she knows I do it now, but how I will reallly do it when they are teenagers. (Reading between the lines here, I know she was praying for her daughter and ME when we were teens! Thank you!)
Favorite activity of the week. Bathing Korean Barbi in the sink. Everyday, sometimes twice a day.
Lovie time with mama. She makes my heart sing. In big news for her, we are not putting her in public school next year. She "should" be starting in the half-day 5 day a week program at our local elementary school, but we are choosing to do school at home and stay in our extra activities (Bible school, dance, community group). I have loved the learning center she has attended one day a week (for two years) but that time has come to an end because when she turns four they increase the required hours of attendance. Most likely Nehemiah will start one day a week and she will get to do more projects or school on those days. We will see how it all unfolds!

Before my girlfriend left for Africa (two weeks ago) we were hanging out at her house and I noticed this Pray Often sign. In passing I said, "I have never noticed this sign in your kitchen... I really love it. What a great reminder to have." Welllll, before she left she blessed us with 3 tubs of boy clothes (she has 3 boys) which we really needed. And sure enough as I am opening the tubs, she wrapped the Pray Often sign in one of the tubs. I immediately teared up (and am even now!) and let out a long sigh. How I love this lifelong friend. This reminds me to pray for them in Africa and to always bring everything before my Father. Love you sister.

Learned more this week than I can possibly share. I put a few thoughts down on my personal blog, but here is one scripture that particularly touched my heart...
"You establish peace for me. All that I have accomplished, You have done in me. O Lord, my God, other lords besides You have ruled over me, but Your Name alone do I honor." Isaiah 26:12-13

Adam, Natasha, Avi Joy and Nehemiah

Siblings

Sister and Brother

Wrestling

Peeking over the couch

Playing games for Sum Hop Day

Favorite activity is Playdough

Lighting her 5th birthday cake candles

Love those curls, in her robe with a unicorn sticker.

"With your hat turned sideways" Think A.I. Here...

Cookin with mama
Gaming with daddy
More cookie dough pllleeaase!

Funny face competition

We know where they came up with the phrase
"Oh Brother!"

"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your Faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1
the p's

Second Staffing for future child

My day in a nutshell.

Today is our second staffing with DHS. (We shared what a staffing was a while back...)

And mama was attacked hard core. Lies and fears, all straight from hell.

BUT lots of prayers were said for our family, for future kiddos and peace that passes all understanding.

Some will not "get" this. That is ok. My husband and support team understand where I am weak. Supermom was superfallapart today.

What did I learn?

That I can live in imagination so much so that is alters my body and mind. Think on whatever is TRUE! (Phil 4) And to pray for deliverance and discipline myself against fears and lies. HARD stuff people. Maybe not for you, your "thing" maybe something else, I am sure that is hard.

Tomorrow is a new day. Not wanting sympathy, just keepin' life real. NHP

Nehemiah's First Sum Hop Day!

YEAR ONE IN PICTURES
Sum Họp in Vietnamese means, "To unite, to come together."

ONE year ago today, January 6th, we were united with our child forever!

As part of our celebration we dressed Nehemiah in a traditional Vietnamese Ao Doi and took pictures.

I went to a craft show a few years ago and saw a sign that said:

BOY: A noise covered in dirt.
I laughed then, but now I reallllly get it.

Our boy is all-boy for sure. He is loud & lovey, fantastic & funny, wild & whiney, marvelous & moody and of course, curious & charming!
Picked out a few of my favorites from this year...
The moment we met.
Only 16 days later heading home.
Here is the LOUD...
And more Loud...
And so tired and sweet...
And ready for bed...
My top pick (If that is even possible, because they ALL are perfect and hold a "moment" in time. I also love some of the ones we just took today in Ao Doi!) BUT... here we were on Fathers Day making banana bread for my dad. He was just sitting at my feet in the kitchen enjoying a banana, but this looks so him, precious.
We chose his name, not only because we loved the book of the Bible, but because of the meaning of Nehemiah, it means, "God's compassion." We know that our Lord had compassion on our son and us. And out of all the families in the world God chose us to be a family forever, pure compassion.

Like all parents we think, "Where did this year go??" We have enjoyed our little guy so much. He adds a lot of spice to our home and we love seeing our two kids together.

"We will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness." Psalm 145:7. Like all families we have our own very bad days and struggles. BUT today we choose to put those "things" down and celebrate one year with our son!

Thank you for following our journey. We pray for many more blessed years to come.
The Perryman's