A White Christmas for Lily Mei

Lily Mei's first Christmas was a wonderfully joyous day for us all. The snow fell all night, and the reindeer and sleigh tracks were clearly visible on the roof in the morning.

Watching Lily experience each new moment was so exciting and emotional. Her delight in the smallest of things reminded us of how much we take for granted. With Mom and Dad, Nana, and Eric and Rachael, Lily Mei had a great time opening her gifts. As she tore the wrapping paper off each box, she looked up and asked... "What is this?" What a difference over what she must have experienced last year on December 25th in the orphanage.

Lily Mei Builds a Snowman

Lily Mei helped Nana, Mommy, and Daddy build her first snowman today. She also learned how to make and throw her first snowball...right at Daddy!



Look out Daddy!
















I did it!











Lily's first snowman!








Mommy and Nana help Lily finish the snowman.









A rare white Christmas in Seattle!

Lily's First Christmas Season

Lily Mei is experiencing her first Christmas season. It's a joy for us to watch her discover all the new sights and sounds. We've enjoyed cruising the mall and the neighborhoods and showing her the lights and other holiday decorations. Her favorite sight were the reindeer flying high from the ceiling at Bellevue Square.

Nana (Pam's mom Barbara) is visiting us for the holidays. Being from Tampa she has been cold since she stepped off the plane! The snow storms are the biggest in Seattle for many years, and it's guaranteed we'll have a white Christmas.

People living in the Puget Sound area are not accustomed to such weather so, although it's a beautiful winter wonderland, getting around has become a frustrating chore.

Lily and Nana decorated Christmas cookies yesterday. Lily thought that was really cool. Frosting and sugar sprinkles were everywhere...but the final result was very tasty!

Ho, Ho, Ho

Lily meets Santa for the first time.

Lily the Reindeer

Having fun shopping at Pottery Barn Kids while Christmas shopping

Snow arrives for the holidays in our back yard

Lily loves her brother Eric & his girlfriend Rachael.

Chloe's Senior Picture

Chloe's senior picture

John's daughter Chloe attends high school in Oregon. She will be graduating in June and then off for college in the fall.

Thanksgiving with the Bashinskis

This Thanksgiving was Lily's first, and
the Bashinskis made it a very special one.

Justin & Lily Mei

In Memory of Trooper

Trooper

October 29, 1994- December 6, 2008

Trooper has been ill for some time and yesterday, in his own way, he let us know he was ready to go. We all slept in the family room with him last night where he has been spending his last days in front of the fireplace. We listened to his breathing, and remembered all the joy he had brought into our lives.

This morning we all said our goodbyes in our own way. At 12:15 this afternoon, Trooper left us very peacefully.

We miss him very much.

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go.
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and so afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.
Thank you for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,

you’ll let me go today.

Susan A. Jackson