Real or fake?

Matt and NB say this picture is for real. I think it's fake. What do you think?

Yeah!

Forever 21 online has kids' clothes.

I'm not happy...

I just spoke with our social worker. Ollie's Korean social worker JUST submitted his emigration permit paperwork on Tuesday. She estimates at least another month before it is actually approved. Another month!??!!

announcing.....

Lilly Ann

born December 26, 4:46 pm (by c-section)

5 lbs 10 oz, 19 inches

I was sent this picture.....

So, what's your answer? I'm going to have to think about my response for awhile. Because I do.

From me to you....

메리 크리스마스 새해 복 많이 받으세요

Or in english: Merry Christmas!!!

Track Santa's journey around the globe!

http://noradsanta.org

table talk

Mandy got us this great gift for Christmas. It's called Table Talk and it's a bunch of cards with conversation starting questions. Since I seem to be all out of material for this blog, I thought I might use these to jumpstart a discussion.

Our first question: What is your favorite time of day?

My favorite time would have to be around 8:30 in the morning. The girls come into our room and climb up in our bed. Sometimes we all go back to sleep and sometimes we just cuddle and talk. It's definately my fave.

What's your favorite?

I've got nothing here...

To appease Jen, I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a blog. I can't think of a thing so here's some pics:

ananamas jr.
how to act when you meet Santa
how NOT to act when you meet Santa
I think Ollie is going to be out numbered.

admin jr.

Mama's little piggy...

We got a copy of Ollie's 3 month check-up. He weighs in at 16 lbs. I thought that seemed a little big so I got out the girls' baby books to look up what they weighed at 3 months. Turns out neither of them hit 16 lbs until they were 9 months old. I realize my girls were peanuts but I think this boy might come home looking like a sumo wrestler. I can't wait.

Look Mark! I see weird things too!

please vote

Middle name for Oliver ...... Albert (Matt's grandpa's middle name) or Scott (Matt's middle name)? I can't do a poll on blogger so please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks!

3rd annual Jeppsen Christmas party.

She's the life of the party....

It's great to be a girl!

Can you tell where I was sitting when I took this picture? That's right, inside the warm van! Being a girl gets you out of doing so much yucky stuff. Feel free to ask Matt what happened to our tire. I'm sure he'd love to share.

Blessings seem to come in spurts.... UPDATED

Today is only half over and already.....

Our wonderful social worker called. She said to get ready because travel calls are coming MUCH faster than anticipated. The families that were #2 and #3 ahead of us have already gotten their calls to come get their babies! She thinks we should hear something within the next 4 weeks. 4 weeks!!?? So much to do.......

She also got a little teary when she told me that she does many adoptions. Some are just normal adoptions and some she can see God's hand working throughout the whole process. She said we were one of those. We KNOW God's hand has guided and provided us through this journey.

We got a reciept from USCIS which means they are processing Ollie's visa. That's great news.

We sold our old t.v. I'm so excited to get it out of here.

Lucy is WANTING to use the potty. She thinks she's pretty big stuff.

I'm sure I'll have more great things to share before the day is over!

Korean culture in a nutshell....

You Know You're Korean When...
You have a container full of Kim-Chee in your fridge right now.
Your parents are shorter than you.
You call a korean older than you "Oppa/Hyung" or "Un Nee/Nuna"
Your parents think church is a social event.
"No-Rae-Bang" is a common household word.
Your main source of income is New Years.
Everyone asks if you're Chinese.
Your parents think anything goes with rice. "
Glue? Use rice, it’s better"
Your parents have never kissed you.
Your parents have never kissed each other.
Failing a class means finding a new place to live.
Your mom rents korean soap operas and watches them daily.
Sleeping on the floor is nothing new to you.
Your parents yell your korean name REAL loud in public places.
No matter how hard they try, your parents will never pronounce "wood" correctly.
You think ramen is the fifth food group.
You have to translate for your parents when ordering fast food.
Your family owns a dry cleaning place, liquor store, or grocery store.
Your mother has a short haired, curly perm.
Your parents still tried to get you into places half-price saying you're 12 when you're really 14. You ask your parents help on your math homework and 2 hours later they're still lecturing you about how they knew it in 4th grade.
You have a 40 lb. bag of rice in your pantry.
You've had a bowl haircut in one part in your life.
You've had to sit through karaoke videos with ugly asian women attempting to dance in a temple or park.
You've had to eat parts of animals they don't even put in hotdogs.
Piles of shoes tend to make it hard to open the front, back, and closet doors.
You hear (your name + eee (optional) + yah) every time someone calls you.
Your parents insist you marry someone Korean.
People see a bunch of scribble on chopsticks and ask you to translate.
Your parents simply cut off the green/black part off the bread and say "Eat it anyway, it’s good for you."
Your parents have either forced you to play the piano, violin, or both.
You have rocks, sticks, leaves, deer antlers, and other strange smelling substances for medicine. Your parents read about some super nerd who has no life and got in the paper for scoring highest in the SAT’s and ask why you can't be more like him.
When an Asian girl with a white guy (or vice versa) walks by, your parents STARE at them with their eyes popping out.
When you go to buffets, your parents make you eat until you think you're going to hurl, and even after you do, they say, "good, eat more."
Your parents never participated in the "American" traditions of Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. You'll say, "Where's Santa Claus?" and they'll reply, "Santa Claus! Ptch! He's dead!" And then you'll start crying.
After you're get off the phone with someone from the opposite sex, your parents will start interrogating you about that person (except the last one).
You'll talk to someone from the opposite sex two days in a row, and your parents immediately think there's something going on.
You bring home straight As, and your parents say, "So? You're supposed to get that!"
You're proud to be Korean - and you pass these jokes on to all your Korean friends.
_________________

This episode needed its own collage....

Snow Days!!!

What Maggie and Jackson would look like with bangs.

I'm a snoop

First of all, welcome Laura D.

Second of all, I'm totally jealous of everyone who saw Paul Rudd.

I love listening to stranger's conversations. I'm just so curious! I often have to remind myself to stop staring. So, tonight we ate at Mexican Villa next to a couple obviously on their first date. All was going well until she told him that she has 8 cats. She then launches into a looonnng description of all the cute things they do. Poor guy.

Today is black friday which means tomorrow is broke saturday. - Ellen

Trial and error. That is the name of our game. Every year we learn something new, perfecting the process. I figure in 5 more years we will be certifiable black friday experts.

Matt spent the night in the Best Buy line with Perry. I think half of Springfield was in that line, it wrapped around the shopping center. He froze but it was worth it. He scored us an awesome t.v. for practically nothing.

Jen and I decided to try not going to sleep at all. We agreed that we won't be repeating that.

We went by Best Buy and Wal-Mart at 4:00 to check out the crowds before heading to Toys R Us. We waited in line for 20 min until they opened and then we were treated to a delightfully organized shopping experience. In and out in 19 minutes.

Then it was off to Target where we joined the line at Applebee's. By the time the store opened, the line was all the way back to the stoplight at Primrose. FYI- we were in line behind the mayor of Strafford so now we know a lot about that great town.

Joanne's and Mardel completed our spree. We were home by 7:45am. So much fun, this really is my favorite morning of the year.

Sky- I hope you're having as much fun as me!

What I'm thankful for

I've done some calculations.......

1. I have bought presents for 32 of the 47 people on my Christmas list. If you think buying for 47 is a lot, talk to the blogger who is married to someone with 9 siblings.
2. There are 4 foods that I absolutely hate. Seafood, dark meat chicken, chocolate icing from a can, and Twizzlers. I've thought really hard and I can't come up with anything else.
3. December 9th is Oliver's 100th day birthday. 100 days after birth is a HUGE deal in Korea. We will be having a party. Well, maybe.
4. Only 54 hours until black friday!!!!

Laura and Lisa....

You can sleep well tonight, girls. We applied for our passports today. Did you know you now have to make an appointment to get a passport? Neither did we. Good thing the lady was nice enough to work us in right then.

Verbose?

I voted for myself in the poll. I don't really understand it. (Stop laughing at me)

I think we should have bloggies. Kind of like the Dundees (season 2) but for blogs. What do you all think?

Why today is great.....

1. Volleyball is over!!!!!!!
2. Wednesday night church is my favorite.
3. It's cold outside and we are warm inside basking in the glow of the Christmas trees.
4. I found a camo baby tee at Dollar Tree.
5. I put Oliver's visa application in the mail today. I'm glad to have that over with. It was a doozy!
6. It's 4:00 and my girls are still in their jammies.
7. It might snow tonight!

Sky, you are my bestest friend.

2 journals
4 purses
1 sweater for Ollie
1 shirt for Maggie
2 tanks for my cousin ( I drew her name for Christmas)
5 tops for me

grand total: $30.94

Thanks for letting me know about the great sale at Old Navy. You're the best!

Once again, my opinion....

A friend and I were discussing how she was having a difficult time finding a Christmas stocking for her daughter. She expressed disgust that the stores seemed to have more stockings for pets this year than children. This conversation got me thinking.....

I have been noticing lately that pets have attained a status equal to humans in many circles. Celebrities have more attachment and commitment to their dogs than their spouses. I looked it up and the most current statistic I could find was from 2004. Americans spent $34.4 billion on pets that year. I am sure this figure has grown since 2 years ago.

I am by no means anti-pet. I think they serve many purposes, especially among children and the elderly. Companionship, responsibilty, security, etc. I just think our society's fascination with dressing and pampering them is out of control.

They just came out with new statistics concerning the enormous number of orphans. 143 million worldwide. Many of these human beings have been left without parents because of poverty, disease, and war. These are individuals with souls.

I just think we need to re-evaluate our priorities. That's all.

This is for hillenblogshappywife.

Apparently, you and the buyer for SDC's christmas shop have something in common.

Oh,no!!!

Doogie says he's gay!

We recruited some new blog readers tonight.

Annette and Ryan.

My favorite pic of the night,,,,

Cubbie verse for tonight- This is my beloved Son. Matt. 3:17

Top pic is 10 days old and bottom is 2 days old. 7lbs 5oz, 20 inches at birth.

We feel so blessed!

Oliver Scott Jun.....

.....was born on September first. We'll be getting his pics and birth history by FedEx tomorrow. We have a son!!!

babies and pumpkins (well...mainly babies)

My grandpa turned the big 9-0

If I was only allowed to listen to 10 songs, these would be it.....

Taking You Home - Don Henley
He Walked on Water - Randy Travis
Please, Before I Go - Derek Webb
How Great Thou Art
It is Well With My Soul
I'll Fly Away
A Consistent Ethic of Human Life - Derek Webb
Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton
4th of July - Shooter Jennings
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard

What are your top 10?

we hung out with the over 60 crowd last night....

My mom's cousins had a costume party and they were nice enough to include us.
They made authentic curry chicken and tumeric rice. It was the best meal I have ever eaten. No kidding.

I am basically posting this just so that Missy can see my dad posing in his costume.

On the make....

haircuts by Kendra

before
after

Gary!!!!!

Excerpt from a widely circulated e-mail written by no other than Gary Wilson....

"However always go to http://hillenblog.blogspot.com/ and then look on the right side for Wilson Family Blog and click on it there. The reason is we always want to be the #1 outgoing link on Hillens blog and by doing this we will get a lot more hits. Rachel Burch is either number #1 or #2 and it is killing her that we are beating her as the #1 outgoing link.

So check out our blog often so we can get more hits then Rachel."

I bet you thought I wouldn't find out, didn't you?

This is purely my opinion........

I think these inflatable snowglobe things are the biggest waste of money ever.

Greg- If I really did have a bone to pick with you, I would not use a blog to communicate it. I think you had a very valid point.

Is this shallow enough for you Greg?

What a beautiful weekend. Really, the weather could not of been more perfect.
We drove to St.Louis thursday afternoon. We got to my aunt's house around 8:00 and surprised her because apparently I forgot to let her know that we were coming on thursday instead of friday like we had originally planned. That's what happens when plans are left up to me.
Friday we went to a great pumpkin patch where we played for awhile. We left there and headed for The Galleria. Now shopping is really the main reason why I leave town. Do you remember when a trip to a big city was not complete without a stop at Old Navy? Then it was Abercrombie. Next, Forever 21. Well, now it's H&M and Anthropologie for me. Of course, I can't afford anything at Anthropologie unless it's on sale and their sales weren't that great on Friday. But, H&M was great!
After shopping we ate at a new italian restuarant then headed to Crate & Barrel. We stayed up late that night playing card games with my family.
Saturday we packed a picnic lunch and went to a HUGE apple orchard. After spending the better part of the day picking apples and enjoying the country life, we left to do a little more shopping. We enjoyed a great steak dinner that night at my aunt's house.
I woke up a little bummed on Sunday thinking about how we were missing hearing Pastor Rogers preach. I'll have to get the recording of that.
We packed up the car and went to the Musuem of Transportation. The Talburts had been the previous weekend and had recommended it. It was fun and quite the bargain at only $4.00 per adult admission.
We got home around 7:00 and ate Lenny's subs with Mandy and Erika. Then we went to Mandy's to watch the Office episode we missed while on the road. I don't like that new girl flirting with Jim!
There you have it. A web log of our weekend away.

a few things...

Is anyone else watching Dancing With the Stars? Let me just tell you, Slater can dance!

And Jerry Springer cannot.

We got another update from our agency. We're still #1 on the list which means we should hear any day. You've all heard me say that before.

Help me out. What should Lucy be for Halloween?

Last day of September

 

Surprise!!!

We had Jen a little surprise lunch today for her birthday. She loves surprises!

 

apple picking

Well, it was actually more like apple looking. The kids weren't allowed to touch the apples because they had just been sprayed. Maybe next year!

So I had this dream last night......

We were in a tattoo parlor that just so happened to be located in that McDonald's that goes over the highway in Oklahoma. I was trying to make up my mind as to what to get and where. Cindy and Sky were there helping. Sky showed me her arms which were covered in tattoos. She had very colorful rainbows and flowers and such. I thought they were so beautiful. Well, after much thought, we all agreed that I should get a Windsor chair on my back. We thought it was a brillant idea.

An office party

I've decided I'm way too emotionally invested in Jim and Pam. You Know?

Ethan

As many of you know, Ethan's leukemia has been in remission for 2 years. He has been in the hospital this week fighting a high fever. Today they decided to transport him to Children's Mercy in Kansas City since he is just not kicking this infection due to chemo. Well, his blood work came back showing leukemic blasts. This is totally unexpected. Hiedi wanted me to spread the word that they would really appreciate everyones' prayers. He is having a bone marrow extraction tomorrow to determine exactly what is going on. Please pray for Ethan's healing and peace for Jason and Hiedi, especially Hiedi as she is 3 months pregnant.

Anyone need life insurance?

Everyones' favorite New York Life salesman stopped by today. We were his first appointment. Ever! He did a great job. Give him a call!

 

cider days and football

Tell me this is not addicting........

http://www.bigideafun.com/veggietales/arcade/pile_up/default.htm

Is this not the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen?

 

I knew I liked that Mr. Pitt

Though Shiloh, the world-famous daughter of Pitt and girlfriend/earth mother Angelina Jolie, hogged much attention upon her birth in May, Pitt says he "cannot imagine life" without adopted children, Maddox, 5, and Zahara, 1.
"They're as much of my blood as any natural born, and I'm theirs," says Pitt. "That's all I can say about it. I can't live without them. So: Anyone considering (adoption), that's my vote."
(Foxnews.com)

name those people