In Search of Issac

I've been Tagged!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Seven wierd or strange facts about me:

I live within a mile of where I was born.

I started swimming at age 2.

I am named after my Great-Aunt

I hated Psych Nursing in school but Love being a Psych Nurse.

My Favorite color is green

I love foreign accents

I have always wanted to write books.

Issac has been home One Month!!!!!!!

2008-09-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Issac has been home in Sunny AZ for one month. He received a special gift from my coworkers and was able to choose a toy by himself. Here are some pictures with his special toy!!!

How is Issac doing?

2008-07-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

Many people have asked me how Issac is doing. Well he still struggles some at bedtime with tears and fears. Either James (my oldest son) or I will hold his hand as he falls asleep. Some times he will stroke my face and hug me and this seems to comfort him. He is all smiles most of the day and will try new foods and wants to eat whatever anyone else is eating. He, Brian and I still feel slightly groggy at wierd times due to remmants of jet lag. He seemed to enjoy the family get togethers and his welcome home party last week. Grace seems to be regressing with his appearance but hopefully this will be shortlived. He just fits! A pretty simple statement but it works.

Home one week!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

This week has been a week of many firsts for Issac and us as united family. It is such a blessing to have all my children under one roof!!!!!! Enjoy the pictures of his first extended family get together and his welcome home party!!!!!

Issac's first dinner out in the US

2008-07-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

We had 4 children believe it or not spending the night with friends and family so we took advantage of a smaller group and went out for dinner. I think Issac liked it! Check out his ice cream eating :)

Some parting shots of the July firecrackers!!!!

2008-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the day for red couch pictures and oaths and goodbyes. Here are some parting shots of the Firecrackers. See you in the U.S.!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Have you ever seen a Chinese boy that could resist Connie ? :)

Dinner with friends!!!!!!!

2008-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had dinner at The Cow and Bridge with Marianne and Jarrod and their boys and Jonah's Grandpa :) We had a great meal and it's hard to say goodbye to good friends.

Last meal at Lucy's

2008-07-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the last full day on the Island and we had one last Lunch at Lucy's!!!!!!!!!

Issac first taste of Mcdonalds

2008-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday afternoon we headed to Li Wan Plaza and the up and down nine street to purchase some dvds. Before we left we headed to Mcdonalds for his first happy meal.

Issac's first swimming adventure

2008-07-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Issac was able to enjoy the pool at the White Swan for a few hours on Monday. We followed it up with swimming on the roof at the Victory as the lights of the city of Guangzhou lit up the sky!!!!!!

What to do when waiting on consulate appt.

2008-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here's what Brian and Issac did to kill time while waiting for news about our consulate appt and Issac's visa!!!!

Guangzhou Medical exam

2008-07-13T00:42:00.001-07:00

Here's some pictures of yesterday's exam of Issac.

My favorite picture from China so far!!!!!!!!

2008-07-13T00:39:00.001-07:00

This was taken during some downtime yesterday and it is so sweet to see them together like that!!!!!! Thanks again to my CHI family for helping to make this possible!!!!!!!!!!

How not to feed the animals

2008-07-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a sure-fire way to get bit by a wild animal!!!!!!!!!!

Wild Animal Safari Park

2008-07-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of our trip to the Safari zoo today. I will post some pictures also

Last Dinner in Yinchuan

2008-07-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night Brian and Issac opted out of dinner and had bananas and peanut butter crackers for dinner. I on the other hand ventured out with my guide Lei Lei and Mr. Ha our driver to a hot pot resturant. It was great and I ate lots of shrimp, mutton and beef along with mushroom, sprouts and other veggies. We finished the meal with real ice cream!!!! In the resturant you have a heating element flush with your table in front of you. Once it is heated up, you began to boil water or oil with spices and you can then dip your food in it and begin cooking. It was such fun!!!!!!!! Enjoy the picture and video:

Last full day in Yinchuan

2008-07-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today we walked down to the KFC for lunch and let Issac play in the playground area after that. He really enjoyed playing on the slide and being around other children. After dinner tonight he began to count for me. Brian and I were amazed as he can count at least up to 20. What a smart boy!!!!!!!!

Lakes and Licks (of icecream)

2008-07-09T03:17:00.001-07:00

Today we visited the north tower and the Buddhist temple. Later we visited the largest park in Yinchuan and took a paddle boat ride on the lake. Issac couldn't decide if he liked Lemon or Chocolate ice cream better. As you can see on his face, both were given thorough tries!!!! Enjoy the photos.

Good Goodbyes

2008-07-08T02:05:00.001-07:00

Today we went back to the orphanage after a visit to the notary in the morning. We brought some lotion and baby shampoo that the director said could be used. As soon as we entered several staff members swarmed around Issac. They asked him questions, asked him for kisses and passed him back and forth. Many wanted pictures and one of his "MaMas" brought several handmade sweaters and knitted pants for him in winter. She said that she made two sizes for him . This way her present will last for a long time. She was in tears after we left the orphanage. She stood composing herself at the gate. It almost makes us feel guilty taking him home. I guess it is good to know that he was loved so. A few of you have been asking if he is always happy. For the most part he is, except nap time and bed time and then he sobs and cries for his "MaMa". He does silly things to be cute but he gets carried away and will hit. I think this is a fun adventure for him right now. I hope he realizes in the days ahead that this is a permanent deal!!!! Everything is finalized on our part and we will pick up his passport and our receipts later in the week. So for now we learn more about each other.....

Pictures of Tuesday

2008-07-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of Issac on Tuesday

The Many faces of Issac

2008-07-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the 1st few hours with Issac

Our Son ISSAC!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from today!!!!!!!!! We have more paperwork today, so I will post some more later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's Here!!!!!!!!

2008-07-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

Here he is!!!!!!!!!!!

Less than two hours and we'll be parents again

2008-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times it happens, it's always a miracle to become parents again. Brian and I are preparing to meet Issac and nerves and stomachs are rising and falling. I will post as soon as I can. We have to do paperwork at the orphanage, civil affairs and the police station. I can't wait to have him in my arms and I can't wait to share him with family and friends. See you in a few hours!!!!!!!!!

Dinner out in Yinchuan

2008-07-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

At the top of an 8 story department store in Yinchuan is a really unique Brazier/Barbeque place. You pay @ 144 yuan for 3 people and they have a buffet and entertainment but they also bring around meat and vegetables that they carve for you or slip off of skewers. It was really neat and the band even played some english songs. Here are some pictures.

A video of Issac's Hometown

2008-07-06T00:28:00.000-07:00

If you have never been to China- here's a view of the traffic!!!!!

Pagodas and Pizza-Sightseeing in Yinchuan

2008-07-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

Brian and I met our guide this afternoon. With the help of our guide we found Uncle Robin's Pizza. It is owned by a Korean man who speaks English and they even deliver. It was wonderful! After lunch we climbed 13 stories to the top of the pagoda on the Yinchuan provincial Museums grounds. My legs were burning afterwards but the view and experience were well worth it!!!! Enjoy the pictures!!!!

Traveling and confusion

2008-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we arrived in Yinchuan about 7pm last night. We ended up with a layover in Xi'an that was longer than expected due to a missing pilot who was stuck in Beijing. The picture I will upload sums up the confusion of two english speaking parents surrounded by others who don't know english. After arriving in Yinchuan, our guide helped us check in and then took us to an Italian place for dinner. I had fruit pizza and spicy noodles. Believe it or not it was Yummy!!!!!!!

The start of our adventure

2008-07-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here is Brian and I at Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix at the beginning of the trip!!!!

We Made it to Guangzhou!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

After being up for more than 24 hrs and most of those in flight, we made it to Guangzhou. We will sleep fast and fly out to Yinchuan tomorrow around one pm. I hope all is well at home. I miss everyone there in Az!!!!!!!!!!

Drawing for Dollhouse Raffle

2008-07-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

The dollhouse raffle chip-in ended on June 22nd and we had Gwen draw the winner last night. Here are some pictures of the process:

And the Winner is ????????????

2008-07-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Camera Raffle

2008-07-01T11:30:00.001-07:00

I painstakingly wrote out the names of all the raffle entries on white slips of paper and we trifolded these and placed them in a large lobster pot and drew one out. The winner was Rebecca Leighfield. I wish everyone could have won as I am so grateful for the outpouring of Love and hope from friends and "family" Here are some pictures:

Needing Help to Get Issac Home

2008-06-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

We are Auctioning off our Canon Rebel XT EOS Digital camera. We are also including our larger lens that is 75mm-300mm. We also have a camera case. Suggested donations are 5$ and we only need 100 people or donations to make our total for our Boit Costs. Can you spare 5$ for the chance to help bring Issac home and win a great camera. Please donate through paypal at brijay2@msn.com and put a note that it is for the camera raffle/auction. You have a one in a hundred chance at winning. Pretty good odds!!!!!!!

2008-06-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

New picture of Issac

2008-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

A family traveling to Ningxia last week snapped this picture of Issac. It seems like he is eating all the time, as the last set of pictures he had food in his mouth also??????? Anyway, he is still so cute!!!!!!!!

LOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

2008-05-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

We rec'd our LOA on 5/20/08 and are now waiting for Travel approval which can't happen soon enough. Hold on a little bit longer Issac :)

2008-05-07T10:18:00.001-07:00

Monkey See Monkey Do!!!!!

2008-05-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

A Monkey for my Monkey Boy

New pictures of Issac

2008-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pictures of Issac

Waiting on our LOA

2008-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

As we wait for LOA, I thought it would be neat to give others an idea of where Issac is in China. Here is a map showing where Ningxia is:

If you click on the map it will appear larger.

Revolution Money Exchange: Earn $25 when you sign up!!!

2008-04-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of talk around the blogosphere about Revolution Money Exchange and how you can earn $25 for signing up for an account. I'm usually someone who blows off things like this as "too good to be true" but after reading about it, and being encouraged by my friend Sandi, I went ahead and signed up today. It was a simple 5-minute sign-up process and I now have $25 showing up in my account. I am not sure how this company is affording to hand out $25 like this to everyone, but I'm thinking it's cheaper than other forms of advertising, so that is why they are doing it. So, Sandi had a great idea. First of all, if you use my link to sign up, I get a $10 referral fee, up to $500!!! Which would help us bring Issac home! Now, Sandi's idea is if everyone who signs up donates their $25 to Issac's fund, that is another $1750(total) that didn't cost anyone anything!!!!!!! All for my "job" of "advertising" Revolution Money Exchange to you! Then we could do the same thing for other families once my maximum number of referrals has been reached. WOW, I think Sandi is a great friend! ;)

***NOTE*** You must enter your SSN due to the terrorist laws that every bank account must be associated with a SSN. It is a secure, FDIC insured site just like ING Direct. I felt completely comfortable after reading their policies and we will enjoy the free money. I hope places will begin to accept this just as much as paypal on the web.

Here is the link to sign up using me as your referral:
https://www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com/ReferAFriend/ReferAFriend_landing.aspx?referreremail=brijay2@msn.com

2008-03-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here are more pics of the dollhouse in progress :)

New raffle /additional items added

2008-03-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of the dollhouse we are adding to the raffle. You have to use your imagination at this point to imagine the door and curtains and carpet, "tile" and more furniture. More pics coming!!!!!!!!

Official Log in date of 3/21/08

2008-03-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here's how Gracie celebrated!!!!!!!

Win a Lifebook/scrapbook

2008-03-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Sandi Peiffer is donating her time and talents by offering to make an 8x8 scrapbook album for the winner of a chip-in auction for the rest of March and the month of April. The contest ends the 3oth of April. 5$ donation enters you in the contest. every 5$ donation equals a number in the auction. Check out the link below to some of the wonderful work Sandi does.http://www.croppinparadise.com/idea-gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/3502

Here's hoping you win!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. the months of May and June will be involved with an auction for a custom made dollhouse. Pictures of the dollhouse in progress will be coming!!!!!!!!

DTC FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom,

What took you so long? Don't worry Issac, your days are numbered in Yinchuan! We are anxiously awaiting you in Sunny Arizona :) I can't wait to hug and kiss those cute little cheeks

Issac kisses some of his friends goodbye :)

2008-02-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

Issac enjoyed treats and kisses from some of his friends as they visited their orphanage one last time before leaving with their parents. Here he kisses Anna Kate Li hello. What a sweetie!!!!!

It's 2008 in China!!!!!!

2007-12-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's 2008 in China and the New Year will be here soon in Arizona!!!!!! I have some new pictures of Issac and my heart is so full knowing that he will soon be our son. This year we add to our family and our hearts and it will be a year to remember!!!!!! Happy 2008 to all!!!!!!!

Elf Fun!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-29T17:44:00.001-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1112248032

Missing China

2007-11-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

It's funny but the more I think about China or read about it, the more I miss it!!!!!

Issac in November at the orphanage with friends

2007-11-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken by a traveling parent. Can you find Issac? Click on the picture to enlarge it.

2007-11-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.photoshow.com/members/Voges/all/mk6DZ6gx

Check out this photoshow of Issac!!!!!!!!

The First Glimpse

2007-11-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

These are the first pictures we saw of Issac. These helped us realize he was the one :)

Issac Li

2007-11-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

This is a blog to chronicle the international adoption of our youngest son ZhuGe RongEr who will soon be Issac Li Voges. We have finished our homestudy and will be sending in our 1-600-A on Friday. We are slowly gathering the documents needed to send in our dossier and then we will begin the wait for Travel Approval from the CCAA