Spring Vacations...

The Potocniks have been quite the globe trotters these past couple weeks! Fort Worth and San Antonio were a blast---the kids loved the road trip and we did so many fun things along the way. We were blessed to see our friends the Harrells, Tahas, Aters, and Wrehes on vacation---what an awesome thing to hang out with new and old friends during the week, reliving the good old days of college, as well as our trip to China one year ago (with the Harrells).
(Fort Worth Botanical Gardens--not so botanical in March)

And although the the Texas trip memories were still fresh, Madison and I got to take a bonus trip to Chicago last weekend. We had so much fun with my mom and my aunt's family seeing the sights, visiting the American Girl store (of course), and my highlight, seeing 'Mary Poppins' on stage. Do you remember the first time you saw the movie? It was like that---I got chills watching the magic like it was the very first time I had heard the story. It was a wonderful mini-vacation (THANKS MOM!), though we felt a little bad leaving everyone else at home. A little.
(Madison and I at the American Girl Cafe' for lunch!)

Now that we are home, Madison is busy rehearsing for her next play with Christian Youth Theater, Honk, Jr. She just finished her first play, Beauty and the Beast, and has definitely caught the theater bug. CYT is a great organization and we feel blessed to have them here in the Kansas City area. Caeden and Rudy have been working hard reading (and learning to read) to earn minutes on the Nintendo DS or computer. After way too much 'screen time' on vacation, we decided the kids needed a break from the video games, so we made a rule that they could only play for as many minutes as they had read that day. So far so good, and today, I never even saw the video games touched. My kids are reading more and finding that they really enjoy it, despite their initial protests. (They have always loved to read, but needed a little added incentive this time of the year!) When the boys aren't reading, they are studying the ins and outs of Captain Underpants...or something like that.

Leila is still keeping us entertained with endless refrains of Beauty and the Beast songs, specifically the first line of the show "Bonjour! Bonjour! How is your family? Bonjour! Bonjour! How is your wife?" Something about the little Chinese girl singing in French makes me laugh every single time. We also found out for sure today that Leila needs glasses, as she has astygmatism in both eyes, and is also near-sighted. She picked out some cute frames---more pictures to come in about 10 days! When she's not singing, you can sometimes find Leila on the naughty step, muttering 'I am so mad. I'm SOWWY Mommy. Pwease, I'm REAWWY SOWWY!' for three long minutes. Those boundaries are hard to figure out, but we're getting there...slowly but surely!

Jason and I are keeping busy at work, and enjoying just being home, at our home church, and back in the routine. I am loving working close to my home (just 5 minutes), and have been doing a few more cakes on the side as well.

We hope you are all well...enjoy some updated photos!

Love,
Alissa

Happy ONE YEAR Anniversary!

It's hard to believe it was one year ago today that Leila Grace joined our family. I've never posted most of these pictures because they are still hard for me to look at, but I think they are such an amazing part of Leila's history, and it's awesome to see what God has done since that time. Gotcha Day was a turning point in our lives. Not only did we now have four kids including a toddler that didn't speak a lick of English, we had a new family. God knew exactly where to place Leila Grace, and for that we are thankful. It has been a roller coaster of a year in many ways, challenging and thrilling all at once. I've questioned, "Can I really do this?" many times and although I question my own abilities, I will never question the faithfulness of my God---the one I have a personal, intimate relationship with. Because without His sovereignty, the ride would seem confusing or scary. Instead, I know it's just the way He intended---nothing short of a thrill ride!

Taking a look back, one year ago today:

This is immediately after Leila was handed to us at Chengdu Children's Welfare Institute, right outside the orphanage doors:


March 17, 2008

This is on the bus ride home:


Heartbreaking, I know.

This is about an hour later in our hotel room:

This is the next day at lunch...



This is two days later at our night on the town with my sweet sister...

And this is today, March 17, 2009!

We are lucky enough this year to celebrate our "Gotchaversary" with our friends, the Harrell's, who live in San Antonio. We met Elissa and Kyle in China, when they adopted their daughter Lily from the same orphanage as Leila. We loved them from the start, and feel blessed to get to celebrate this big day with them. We spent the day today at SeaWorld, which the kids loved. Lily loved Shamu...

and EVERYONE loved seeing the dolphins, whales, and the walrus! The kids were so excited to get to feed the dolphins...what fun!All in all, an awesome day to celebrate Gotcha Day, Spring Break, time with family, and time with friends. We love you, Leila Grace!

Spring Break in Texas...

Sunday, March 15th, 2009
We are having such a great time visiting Texas for Spring Break. It wasn't until we left that I realized how badly we all needed a break from the daily routine and from our house. I just finished covering a maternity leave at a third hospital, and 'ready for a break' was an understatement!

We had a great trip driving down to Fort Worth on Saturday---the kids are seasoned travelers after our 23 hour trip to North Carolina last summer! They played their video games, read books, and enjoyed a picnic lunch, but we were ALL happy to finally arrive at the hotel. The kids were ready to swim, and then everyone collapsed into bed.

Today we woke up and enjoyed a great breakfast at the hotel. We then went to the Fort Worth Stockyards, which Caeden likes to refer to as the Stock Market. We showed the kids where we met (Billy Bob's of Texas), and told conflicting stories over who was flirting more that night (he was.) While in the stockyards, we got to see a cattle drive, which the kids really enjoyed.

After the stockyards, we visited the Botanical Gardens, saw a show at the Omni Theater, and then enjoyed lunch at the park! Finally, we returned to our Alma Mater, Texas Christian University. It has changed so much since we went there, but every minute of it still brought back a million memories. TCU was where Jason serenaded me outside my dorm window, escorted me to many a sorority party, and studied with me into the wee hours of the morning. I fell in love with him at TCU, and here we are 18 years later, giving our 4 kids a tour! It wasn't the first time we've been back, nor the first time we've taken the kids, but for some reason this time it was extra nostalgic for me.
While at TCU, I offered a quarter to the first kid who could find my 'senior brick' outside the library. Madison won the contest, and I won three crying kids...the ones that didn't win the quarter. Awesome idea, huh?


Thanks for checking in....GO Frogs!

Alissa, J and kids

Late Winter FUN!

Okay, so "late winter" is wishful thinking, isn't it? A few Saturdays ago when I was working, the kids had a great time playing in the snow. 4 days later, it was 77 degrees outside. This weather is so confusing!! Leila loved making snow angels and throwing snowballs at her brothers and her dad. She really wants to try sledding, but it just wasn't working--the sled just sunk into the snow. My favorite part about these pictures? J couldn't find Leila's snow boots, so she wore her pink cowboy boots for the snowy adventure! Yeehaw??

Love,
Alissa

LOVE is in the air!

What a great Valentine's Day this was---finally all 6 of us could join in our yearly tradition of giving each person a moment in the spotlight while we share what we love about them. This year, Papa Ru, Grammy Lin, and Grandma Potocnik were here for Uncle Gregg's 40th birthday, so they got to take part in the tradition as well. While my bigger kids were more thoughtful than in years past with their comments: "I love Caeden because he's brave" or "I love Madison because she lets me play her DS," Leila responded to each person with "I love you because you are my ___________ (sister, brother, mom, dad). As simple as this might seem, the fact that she knows that she has a mom, a dad, a sister, two brothers that "belong" to her was incredibly touching to me. One year ago, Leila had no idea what was about to happen to her. Today she knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is loved by her entire family, and more importantly, her Heavenly Father. We are truly blessed.

With thanks for a love that surpasses all understanding,
Alissa

P.S. The Lego creation above (and below) was Caeden's Valentine collection box for school (created by Jason and Caeden). It's one of my favorite creations they have made together!

One year ago today...

We received the call! After waiting over two years, we finally got the phone call we had been waiting for on February 4th, 2008. I remember the day so well. Madison was "sick"---I realized later that she was completely faking so as to be the first to hear the news. We received an email that morning that the referrals were in and I spent the rest of the morning just pacing around the house, trying to find something, ANYTHING to do that would keep my mind busy. Impossible. Leah from America World called around 1:30pm to tell us...it's a toddler! I remember sitting there, ready to write down all the vital stats about our baby, and all I heard was---'She's two!' Maddie videotaped me receiving the call and when I watch it now, I look like the goofiest teenager who just got asked to her first dance. I was just giddy with excitement, nervousness, questions---ready to burst and call absolutely everyone I knew.

I called Jason first, then my sister and my parents. My sister was fantastic---she had learned all about Leila's orphanage, the province of Sichuan, even the weather we could expect before I even had my head wrapped around the fact that this was really finally happening. My mind was overcome with emotion for this darling girl who had been found in a park when she was six months old, and had been waiting in this orphanage for two years now. I remember wondering immediately if she was emotionally okay, if she would be able to handle this transition, if she would ever be able to bond with us. But most of all, I absolutely HAD to see her. The rest of the day and evening is a blur, because all I could think of was what time that Fed-Ex man would arrive. My best memories were actually February 5th---more on that tomorrow!!

What a big day February 4th was in our life---I'll never forget it. Thanks for following us along in this journey...we're so in love with our girl!

Love,
Alissa and Jason

My daughter, the cat.

I really don't know where this came from. But my daughter thinks she's a cat. And sometimes a dog. But on this particular day, it was a kitty. One day last week, Leila spent the entire afternoon being a feline, and we had to keep petting her, listening to her meow, and calling her 'nice kitty.' This was super cute from about 4pm until about 6pm, at which time the cute little kitty was making Mommy a little bit crazy. And just when I asked her to please take a break from being a kitty, and pretend to be a little girl for awhile, Daddy came home from work.

One thing I love about Jason is that he is willing to come home from a very long day and give 100% to me and the kids, no matter how tired he is. So while the rest of us desperately wanted a break from the kitty, Daddy went ahead and got the kitty a bowl of milk. This is a picture of Leila when Daddy put the bowl of milk in front of her. I think she was dumbfounded, and perhaps thought, 'Daddy really DOES think I'm a kitty.'


I have not laughed that hard in a long time---and wow does she look good in the Dora Jammies and yellow leggings. (This was Leila's first time to be sick since she's been home, so she chose this fashionable outfit to be sick in).

Thanks for stopping by!
Love,
Alissa

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year! We really enjoyed our first Chinese New Year celebration with almost 200 people from our church and community. The party was Saturday night, and Leila talked about it every day last week---she just couldn't wait! Our friends the Stuckmeyer's hosted the bash---complete with crafts, music, and LOTS of food. Leila was most excited to wear one of the traditional dresses we bought while in China. I don't think she knew or remembered that I bought them (enough to get her to age 10 or so), but when I pulled it out, the look on her face was priceless! As she primped and prepared for the prom, I mean the party, I was so thankful that our friends who had traveled to China before us had reminded us to buy these dresses. Leila looked so darn cute and she knew it. My favorite moment of the evening happened when I told her that I really wished I could wear a pretty dress like hers to the party. She looked at me like I had two heads and responded, 'Sorry, Mom. You're not Chinese." True. Thanks for the reminder.

Just in case you need a little lesson on Chinese New Year, click here! 2009 is the Year of the Ox. Leila, however, was born in the year of the Rooster (2005). According to the Chinese zodiac, Roosters are proud, determined, selfish, enthusiastic, candid and eccentric. Determined, enthusiastic, and candid---I agree wholeheartedly (even if I don't believe in zodiacs!) Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! We're excited to have a fun new holiday to celebrate each year.

Favorites....

Leila is so into her books and puzzles right now, but these three books are our current favorites. Dim Sum for Everyone is just a cute story about this favorite dish, and all the different types of Dim Sum that people like to eat! The Seven Chinese Sisters is a great fairy tale about six sisters who save the littlest sister from a ferocious dragon---Leila is absolutely mesmerized by it. And Ruby's Wish is about a little girl who desires to veer away from traditional Chinese roles, and instead pursue going to University. The story is written from the perspective of Ruby's granddaughter---it is awesome! We, of course, also have many favorite books that revolve around Dora, Maisy, and more common themes, but I cherish the time I can watch Leila learn about the Chinese culture in this way.

Tagged by Jen!

My travel group buddy, Jen, has tagged me with instructions to share with you the 4th photo in the 4th photo folder on my computer. Problem is...my computer is brand new and only has 3 photo folders as of yet! So...I'm sorry to say but you now have to look at a stock photo---came with my laptop---titled 'dock.' I mean it's pretty, but not as pretty as that little China girl of mine!


Thanks Jen---sorry my picture couldn't be more fun!
Love,
alissa

Happy New Year!

Wow. What a fun Christmas we had this year...I'm not sure where to begin. We have a lot of traditions in our family, and still some in the making. I'll share a few and maybe that will paint a good picture of what our December was like this year.

1. Decorating the tree (and the house): We had a great day decorating the tree this year. Last Christmas, the waiting Mommies in my swap group sent each other Christmas ornaments related to China. We also bought a great Panda ornament when we were in China. It was fun to watch all the kids, including Leila, sort through all the ornaments to find the ones that 'belong' to them. I'm so thankful that someone (not me) had the foresight to swap ornaments so that Leila would already have a collection this year. As in so many situations, it feels like she has just always been here!

2. Christmas Books/Advent Calendar: My friend Lisa E. told me about this tradition several years ago, and we adopted it right away. At the end of November, I wrap 24 Christmas books. Most are old favorites, some from my childhood. Each year, I add 1-2 new ones as well. Each night, starting December 1st, one of the kids (oh yes, there IS a specific order...) unwraps the Christmas book and either reads it to all of us, or gives Mom or Dad the honors. We save 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' until Dec 24th---it's only right! The kids love it and after we read the book, they open their 'box' on the Playmobile advent calendar. We've had the same set for a few years now, but they act surprised each time they open the box. I know this entire tradition isn't very Christ-focused---something we desire for the Christmas season. However, it is at least 15 minutes each day where all 6 of us can sit together, and that is also something we desire.
3. Christmas program and Visiting Santa: Rudy and Leila had a great Christmas program at their preschool in mid-December. Both of them did a great job singing up on that stage. Leila was shy until she spotted me in the audience. Then she shouted 'I see my MOMMY' about 10 times loud enough so that even the people in the very back of the church could hear. I pretended to be properly embarrassed by the enthusiastic shout out, but what I really wanted to do was stand up and shout 'That's RIGHT I'm her Mommy!' You'll be glad to know, I restrained myself.
After the program, Caeden, Rudy, and Leila chatted with Santa. Leila preferred to chat from afar.


4. Watching "Elf": We always watch Elf, but this year was the best. Apparently our Uncle Wade fell off the face of the Earth for a few years and had never seen Elf. I really do not understand it, but instead of giving him too much grief, we hosted an Elf Premier Night, complete with popcorn, candy, and family time with the Thursday Crew (Uncle Wade, Aunt Megan, Uncle Gregg, and the Potocnik 6). It was awesome. Made me smile. I like smiling, smiling's my favorite. Alright, moving on...
5. Spending time with family: It doesn't get any better than this. My sister who lives in Washington D.C. and her friend Catharine came to visit us the week before Christmas. Karen and Catharine have started a company called Keen Guides. You can learn more by clicking here, and then you might just be as proud of my amazing sister as I am. And as much as I love my sister and her friend, I was just a tiny bit more excited to see my sweet niece Ady. The kids loved doting on their one and only cousin, and Auntie LuLu (that's me) could have kissed those cheeks for another week. I also marveled at the sheer coincidence that 3 cousins (Ady, Maddie, and Leila) could have a "Strong Willed Girl" contest, and a tie would be declared. Or maybe Ady would win. Either way, we had so much fun just hanging out and being together---I didn't want those couple days to end.

6. Christmas PJ's!: I know, it's ridiculous. But seriously---LOOK how cute those footed pajamas still are. I let Madison and Caeden digress a little, but this might just be my favorite picture in a long time.
7. Going Home: We spent Dec 24-26 in Chanute, KS with Jason's family. For two years, Jason's sister Megan was a missionary in the Republic of Georgia, which unfortunately meant that she was physically absent from our Christmas celebrations the last two Decembers. Needless to say, having Megan, her new husband Wade, and Leila Grace finally home was cause for much celebration. I think all of us were just happy to be together---finally 'complete.' We then spent Dec 27-29 in Lincoln with my family, which was again just a great time of hanging out. My parents have wild turkeys that like to visit their backyard once a week or so. We've only seen them in pictures, but they graced us with their presence our first day there---I think we counted 22!


To sum up our trip to Lincoln: My mom's fried chicken...card games...happy kids...the Wii...Scrabble... a visit with my high school girlfriends...my entire family together...what a great end to a great year.

8. Music and Christmas Carols: I love it when it's time to break out the Christmas music. Traditionally, we start playing it on the drive home from wherever we are at Thanksgiving. But with Thanksgiving so late this year, we started early. I bought the new Travis Cottrell Christmas CD (Ring the Bells), which was great. I also had 2-3 others hidden in my car, but for the life of me could NOT find my big case of Christmas music. So---we settled for the radio instead. After about 3 days of 'I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas' ringing in my ears, I was even more bound and determined to find those CD's. While looking, I could hear Jason start HIS tradition of practicing Christmas carols on the guitar. Many people don't know that J is a very talented guitar player, and even writes a lot of his own praise/worship music. As I stood in the kitchen and listened to him play and sing, I decided the Christmas CD tradition would have to wait---my sweet husband's voice earnestly praising God with those carols was literally music to my ears!

With the addition of Leila Grace this year, our family will never be the same. She is sheer JOY, and listening to her sing the line of 'We Three Kings' that says:

Star of Wonder

Star of Light

Star of Royal Beauty Bright

was enough to bring me to my knees in thanksgiving. Thanks be to God, who brought Leila to us. Thanks be to God, who always finishes what He starts. Thanks be to God for His Son 2000 years ago. Thanks be to God, whose love endures forever. Daily circumstances, families, finances, homes, jobs....even time honored traditions will change. But His LOVE endures forever.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Hmm...I've tried to write a title for 10 minutes now, I can't come up with anything to really describe this picture. Leila loves to dress up, but this wig and get-up is too much. Enjoy some Tuesday humor---LOVE YOU LEILA!