Conner is coming home!

For those of you who followed our trip to China in 2012, you may remember a talented blind boy we happened to see while touring Jenny's SWI.  The director allowed us to video tape his piano playing, (you can see it  here)  and across the ocean, on the other side of the world, God was preparing his parents' hearts.  After two long years of mixed up paperwork and challenges, they left on a plane yesterday to bring this sweet boy home.  Both are former piano teachers. :)  We serve a great God - praising him today for this sweet boy's family.  You can follow along with them here:  http://www.abeautifulroad.com

Blessings,

Kim

Spring is here!!

We headed out yesterday for an Easter egg hunt but forgot our park pass and had to find something else to do. We ended up at the bridge park early, meeting some friends for a windy bridge climb and beautiful views.

Sarah and Jenny were thrilled as they hadn't done this before.  It was so windy that the little wispy blond girl was blown over!  It was fun to see all the young moms in the park with their toddlers and strollers.  Sadly, a little boy was left alone at the park (yep - here in Mt. Pleasant) and the police had to take him.  It was sad for my girls to see with their own abandonment stories.

It was fun to see some ladies that are just starting their Isagenix journeys - Rene has already lost 23 lbs in a little more than a month!  I love seeing people get healthy - and hubby and I are now at our goal weight. It's so fun to "shop in my own closet," and to see the kids following our lead in healthy eating.  That is, till Mom gets involved.  I took them to Whole Foods and bought them Easter treats - yikes!  I suppose a little here and there is ok.  I'll pack more lemon bars next time! :)

Our most exciting news was when I gave in and had my cholesterol tested after a little over 4 weeks.  I was DOWN 40 POINTS - and only in the bad stuff - LDL's and Triglycerides!!!!  I took a picture as I'm such a skeptic and wanted others to have some proof!  Here is is. :)

So I've sounded like a bit of a looney toon on my fb page - hawking Isagenix - but it's such a huge weight off my chest to not have my docs pressing me to go back on statins.  They cause me severe joint and muscle pain for some reason - and I've avoided them for the last 4 years.  With young children, it's been a worry to have such high numbers.... Hoping others can find some relief! I'm back to my flight school day numbers - and tried on my flight suit to see if it still fit!

I'm planning the girl's homeschooling classes for next year and am so excited as Rachel is moving into Algebra.  It's my favorite math class and I can't wait to work on it with her!  She'll also be starting Spanish with Señor Cancino at BJU Press - he's hilarious and lots of fun with the kids - I enjoyed the class when my boys took it.  The littles will be doing Elementary Spanish, as the Hebrew was a little too challenging for my newest girls and the big girls had no one to practice with.  We have lots of Spanish speakers in town. :) They love the little hedgehog puppet and Bible Club songs.  It would be a great help with a Latin America missions trip!

The girls have been doing incredibly well in school.  Jenny and Sarah have both beat us all at Bananagrams - a fast paced Scrabble like game.  Their English progress is amazing!  Jenny still has difficulty expressing herself with helping verbs and tenses, but younger Sarah sounds almost native.  Jenny is reading beautifully, however, and is completely immersed in Gloria Whelan's Impossible Journey right now as we study the Russian Revolution.  We read Angel on the Square aloud, and the girls hung on every word.  GREAT story!!

We're loving our new healthy life and learning to cook with new healthy ingredients.  Hubby has mastered the Kale Superfood Salad which is mediocre at best at Whole Foods.  I'm glad I gave in to desperation and tried the Isagenix plan - it's really changed the way we eat in a fun and easy way.  I'm keeping one shake a day because I love it as a base for smoothies, and the extra protein is a great supplement to our diet.  Can't give up the Ionix Supreme and Isalean Bars, either (especially the Lemon!) - and it's nice to know that if I'm not counting calories well, I can just do a few days of 2 shakes and get back on track.  Praying for those whose journey to health is longer - it's so worth it!

Blessings, Kim

Lovin' Life!

We are happy, happy, happy (as Phil would say) with our healthy changes around here.  I'm on day 18 of my Isagenix 30 Day Plan and really enjoying the shakes and dinners.   I started off a little sad on the first two days as I really find joy in baked goods - I "live to eat," vs. those who "eat to live."  But I've been learning to find new, healthy ways of cooking that satisfy my fun in the kitchen and leave me feeling full after meals.

I've lost 8 lbs total - only 1 in the last week - but many more inches.  I've been working out harder and the high concentration of protein is keeping the muscle while shedding the fat - no starvation stuff - so I'm actually gaining muscle weight at the same time.  I feel very energetic - so much so that I researched the ingredients to make sure there were no stimulants (there weren't) and attribute much to the natural potent sources of B vitamins in the products.  I'm definitely much more aware of what and when I eat, and have felt very little temptation to cheat.  Especially when I'm back in my skinny jeans and belt:

We've also started some new healthy habits - like walks after dinner and more outdoor time (instead of so much indoor baking time) and everyone is enjoying it. Even the dog!

The girls and I are doing run/walks on my off bike days and so they are getting more exercise, too!

The shakes are yummy and we've experimented with all kinds of low cal additions:  strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Did I mention I love the little gadgety $40 blender?! :)

The girls are learning to eat better by watching mama! And I'm giving them an afternoon half shake to help them with nutritional deficits as well.  There have been all kinds of stories of adopted children improving cognitively and emotionally from the nutritional supplementation.  They just like the way they taste with bananas and berries!

In short, Isagenix is somewhat of a miracle program - and here's why (in my humble opinion):

• There's little left to choice - 2 shakes, 2 100 cal snacks, and one healthy 400-600 cal dinner.
• Avoiding gluten, coffee, caffeine, sugar, and fatty meats - huge cholesterol inflators - makes you feel better - and the nutritional cleanses help to clear out the toxins with the fat.
• You learn to control your habits with only one meal and two snacks - doable for most people.
• You're nutritionally supported while making such big changes.

After a week, I told everyone I knew and started my 71 year old MIL on the program - who is now down 5 lbs in the first week!  It sounds cheesy with all the "build wealth" stuff - but my peeps are in it to get healthy- period.  Hubby is on Day 10 or so, and is back in his old uniform pants. :)  He's found it easy to do on the road.  I've found terrific recipes on skinnytaste.com and don't miss much of the junk that we've left behind.  The best part is that when I reach my goal, I can easily do a shake day or two to make up for big nights out to dinner, etc.  I am finally in control of my weight and health - it's not an up and down game anymore.  LOVE IT!

We will likely keep a shake a day (the higher protein Isalean Pro) in our diet to supplement our workouts and "make up days."  :)  We love the tangy "Want More Energy" mix that gives you a B12 boost for midday workouts as well.  The kids love the shakes, and they're a terrific low cal base for smoothies.  So, in short, we highly recommend the program.  You're welcome to contact me here on fb or by email if you'd like to try it for yourself - or find someone you know who can help you get started - you'll see big changes in your energy levels, fitness, and physique.  Loving my new healthier family!

If you're in town, come join me on the back porch for a strawberry shake! :)

Blessings,
Kim

Healthy Changes

I really enjoy junk food.  It makes me happy.  But it’s also taking a toll on my health and so it’s time to make some changes.

We’ve decided to pursue a healthier lifestyle around the Jackson household – but we needed a little help.  (ok - a LOT) So hubby, several friends, and I decided to kick start our fitness program with the Isagenix 30 Day Weight Loss program which you can find here!  (reply below if you want to join us!) I’ve watched some friends and other adoptive mama's do this with incredible results – and they feel and look great.  

So we took the plunge.

 Everything arrived yesterday – along with a measuring tape.  So first we measured…

 Then we planned our shake and nutritional cleanse days around coming events

 And found some yummy recipes for dinners.

 Easy squeezy!  

But today the “rubber hits the road” as we start to watch our portions.  We get two shakes, a few healthy snacks in between, and a healthy dinner that we choose ourselves.  There is lots of support, guidance, and cheerleading with this program, and we’ve had fun just getting started.   I’ll let you know how it goes and would love you to join us on this journey to better health and fitness!

Blessings,

Kim

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Another Teen!

Jenny turned 13 years old this week.

She has changed so much this year - from a wary, insecure girl to a joyful young woman who knows her family loves her.

She's learned to give love in return.

But most of all, to receive it.

I'm so thankful that we didn't listen to any of the advice from doctors or naysayers when we found this treasure of a girl waiting on the shared list.  Despite a difficult and unfair start in life, Jenny never complains and works hard to catch up.  It hasn't been easy to learn a new language, culture, family dynamics, and so much else, but she has made it look easy.  She tests her boundaries but has a teachable heart.  She loves Jesus, reads her Bible daily, and gains in wisdom as a result.  I can't wait to see what God has planned for this young woman's life.

Blessings, Kim

To all who mourn in Israel,
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3

Favorite Children's Books 2013

Some friends asked me to put together a list of interesting books we've found this year.  I added in a few movies, games, and old favorites as well. Here's what we've been enjoying through the summer, fall, and winter.

The books that transcend all categories below are the YWAM Missionary Biographies.  I highly recommend purchasing the entire series for your family or Church – despite the cost.  It is the best investment we ever made – no exaggeration.  They put all of today’s troubles and challenges into perspective – great reading for moms as well.  You can find the set here.

ALL the Journeyforth (JF) books, available through BJU Press, are excellent and my girls have loved them.  The Arby Jenkins series is particularly appealing to boys, as well as many other titles.  These are a wonderful investment for families, Churches, and homeschooling groups.  Start here for great Christian themed fiction. Most have happy endings – all have Christian worldview.  You can order a catalog here:

http://www.bjupress.com/books/journeyforth/

Some stories below have different religious sensibilities, superstitions, and political ideas due to their cultural context.  The mature themes symbol (**) is due to violence such as the mass graves in A Million Shades of Gray. (Vietnam)

I am not listing the obvious favorites such as The Bronze Bow, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,  Oliver Twist, Redwall, Chronicles of Narnia, etc.  I’m assuming most parents are familiar with these.  I also have not listed all the JF  books below, but heartily recommend ALL of them.  The Middle School and 9-12’s can be exchanged depending on the maturity/reading level of the child.

*high boy interest

**mature themes

Read Alouds

The Year of Miss Agnes

Caddie Woodlawn

Breaking Stalin’s Nose*

Anne of Green Gables (girls)

The Little Princess (girls)

Heidi

Tchaikovsky Discovers America

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Young Readers

A Question of Yams (JF)*

Escape (JF)*

Pelts and Promises (JF)*

Little Pilgrims Progress

Prairie Anna

Carolina’s Courage

The Courage of Sarah Noble

Cora Frear

Squanto, Friend of Pilgrims*

Amy Carmichael (JF)

The Culdesac Kids

The Year of the Panda*

Betsy and Tacey

Nix

Perch, Mrs. Sackets, and Crow’s Nest

A Cricket in Times Square

The Family Under the Bridge

9-12 (many are worthwhile for middle school level as well)

Yang the Youngest * (Chinese immigrants – boys and dads – hilarious!)

Yang the Third Youngest (girl version of above)

Chu Ju’s House (China one child policy)

The Breadwinner* (Afghanistan)

Esperanza Rising (we listened to the audio book together –Mexican immigrants)

Goodbye, Vietnam (South Vietnamese immigrants)

Arby Jenkins series (JF)*  (humorous stories with Christian theme)

Sherlock Jones series (JF)* (kid who solves mysteries)

Peabody series (JF)

Trailblazer series (mostly ebooks now – coincide with lives of missionaries)

Homeless Bird (Indian widow abandoned at 12 years old)

George Mueller (JF)

Red Thread Sisters (Chinese Adoption)

Silent Rescue (JF) (Eric Liddell on a China rescue, WWII)

The Sign of the Beaver

My Sister is a Pop Star (light reading trilogy for girls – but clean)

Ben Carson (Today’s Heroes)

A Father’s Promise (JF) (WWII)

Best of Friends (JF)(learning about Down’s Syndrome)

Middle School

An Angel on the Square (Russian Revolution)
The Impossible Journey (sequel to above)

Mary, Bloody Mary

Beware, Princess Elizabeth

Listening for Lions (British African orphan)

Wings of Gold (JF) (Naval Aviator struggles with living out faith)

Daughter of a Thousand Pieces of Gold (China orphan)

 A Million Shades of Gray**(Vietnam minorities)

Red Scarf Girl (Cultural Revolution)

The House of Sixty Fathers* (WWII Japanese Invasion of China)

Mara, Daughter of the Nile** (Egypt)

A Single Shard* (Korean orphan learns honor)

Diamonds in the Shadow* (African immigrants, thriller)

A Coming Evil (WWII, French Revolution, Ghosts)

Careful Enough (JF) (Chinese missionaries)

The Silent (JF) (school shooting with Christian perspective)

High School

Bruchko (19 year old missionary to South American Indians)

Safely Home (moving story of Christian persecution, Asia)

Peace Child (very violent – missionaries to cannibals)

Tortured for Christ (the Cold War - FREE from VOM)

God’s Smuggler (Behind the Iron Curtain)

Mutiny on the Bounty trilogy**

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Fahrenheit 454

Tale of Two Cities

In the Land of the Blue Burqa (Afghanistan – great mom’s read, too!)

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University  (a liberal Brown student goes undercover to Liberty University – worthwhile read and he has the last interview with Falwell before his death)

Movies

Nestfamily videos – Bible and Historical

Voice of the Martyrs videos – Eric Liddell is our favorite

Anne of Green Gables

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Gladys Aylward)

Ben Hur

Mao’s Last Dancer** couple obviously lives together/breaks up, but still good for younger if skipped.

Gifted Hands

The Little Princess (BBC)

The Captain of Castille

Zorro

Pirate movies with Tyrone Powers: Black Swan, Captain Blood

Drums Along the Mowhawk

Gone With the Wind

Robin Hood

A Candle in the Dark (William Carey)

Pearl Harbor Commentary (youtube)

The Secrets of Jonathon Sperry (Christian evangelism)

The Tale of Two Cities **(high school)

Favorite Educational Game

Bananagrams – LOVE this!!!  Big families (more than 6 players) need the double set.

 Blessings, 

Kim

Happy Chinese New Year! (and an answer)

I had so much fun today that I forgot to take pictures! It was wonderful to fellowship with fellow adoptive moms - we've been too closed in this winter and haven't made time for fellowship.   It was great to see Annie's girls and how much they've changed since they've been home.  Lucy is a terror on her new wheels, and they both look so happy!

I love Angie R's boys - they're so funny and always smiling.  I had to take a pic of Angie - can't believe how much weight she's lost.  She looks awesome!

Eva made the cutest "Great Wall of China cake."

The girls all had a great time playing with the little ones and we had a beautiful spring day in the midst of winter. :)

Praising God for such a wonderful group of friends - all with the same heart for adoption.  When we returned home, we got the news that the child we had been praying about was put on hold.  God opens and shuts doors - praising HIM that she'll have a mom and dad and be an orphan no more.

Blessings,

Kim