Today is Toryn's 3rd Birthday! We are so glad he is home with us for this birthday. On Sat., we will have a little birthday party and cake, but today he had a candle with his pancake!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Happy 3rd Birthday, Toryn!
Today is Toryn's 3rd Birthday! We are so glad he is home with us for this birthday. On Sat., we will have a little birthday party and cake, but today he had a candle with his pancake!
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pictures
I still think sister is pretty cool!
I am way cool in these shades!
Being at home, getting lots of attentions is a-ok!
Eating this delicious American food wears a little guy out!
Having visitors since I've been home is so much fun! Blake and Micaela came to see me! Congratulations are in order for them- they got engaged while we were in China! Yeah!
I decided my brother is a great buddy!
I'm cute and I know it!
I've also decided that my daddy is the best!
Our family waited for us to get home to have Christmas. Toryn wasn't sure about gifts at first, but he soon got the hang of it!
Treagan and CJ show him how to open gifts. At first he didn't like them taking the tissue paper out of the bag. He likes things nice and neat. Oh, boy, he will go crazy when we get to our house.
Decked out in his Texas Tech shirt and hat that his Aunt Kim, Uncle Tim, and cousins gave him. Go Raiders!
When I don't get my way, this is what I do, but I'm learning it doesn't do any good!
Toryn with all of his new cousins (with sister and brother). We are all about to watch the Cotton Bowl.
HOME, SWEET HOME
THERE IS DEFINITELY NO PLACE LIKE HOME! (Or almost home, anyway.) After about twenty LLLLOOOONNNGGG hours of traveling, we did finally make it home to Big Spring, TEXAS! Unfortunately, we are still not in our house due to the kitchen fire. Hopefully soon insurance will cooperate! You know how that goes! But it sure was good to get back to Texas soil! There's no place like America! We are so blessed here in America.
I am so sorry I have not updated the blog till now. Since we have not been at our house, it has been hard to get on the computer. Please keep following, as I do plan on keeping up with the blog now that we are home and the real adventure begins!
We are in awe at how well Toryn traveled. It was such a long flight, but he did awesome! From China to San Francisco, he only slept for about 45 minutes of the 12 hour flight. He only had two to three crying spells and the rest of the time he played there in his seat. What an angel! It was definitely a result of your prayers! Thanks! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you wonderful family and friends who met us at the airport to welcome us home! There was about forty people there, and it was a wonderful welcome home. It was SO wonderful to be greeted by all of you! We needed you there, because we were so homesick. You made our day!
I cannot even begin to tell you what a blessing Toryn is to us! Everyday is just that much more sweet. He is a little doll! Don't get me wrong though. He can throw a really good tantrum when he doesn't get his way. We are also learning to share. He is so smart! I know what you're thinking!!!! Yes, every mother thinks their child is the smartest, but I'm not kidding! LOL He is very particular. He hates crumbs, or a mess. He loves to fold clothes and he does a mighty fine job at it! (I'm so glad, because this is my least favorite chore!) Also, the other day, I was washing dishes and he brought me all the empty cups from the table. Then he went to his highchair and took his bowl of cream of wheat to the trashcan, scrapped it out, then brought it to me to wash. My teenagers never do that! I remind you he's only two, almost three. He is so much fun. It's hard to imagine life before him. Our God is so good! Again, I'm just so thankful that He chose us to parent this precious little gift from above! He has adjusted every well, and seems to enjoy our many outings, like the kids basketball games.
Well, I'm going to have to cut it short..... the prince has called.....needs Mommy time and I love that!
More soon,
Toryn Ling Kendrick~~~~~~is now an American citizen!
"Hurry up and get me home!"
I am so sorry I have not updated the blog till now. Since we have not been at our house, it has been hard to get on the computer. Please keep following, as I do plan on keeping up with the blog now that we are home and the real adventure begins!
We are in awe at how well Toryn traveled. It was such a long flight, but he did awesome! From China to San Francisco, he only slept for about 45 minutes of the 12 hour flight. He only had two to three crying spells and the rest of the time he played there in his seat. What an angel! It was definitely a result of your prayers! Thanks! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you wonderful family and friends who met us at the airport to welcome us home! There was about forty people there, and it was a wonderful welcome home. It was SO wonderful to be greeted by all of you! We needed you there, because we were so homesick. You made our day!
I cannot even begin to tell you what a blessing Toryn is to us! Everyday is just that much more sweet. He is a little doll! Don't get me wrong though. He can throw a really good tantrum when he doesn't get his way. We are also learning to share. He is so smart! I know what you're thinking!!!! Yes, every mother thinks their child is the smartest, but I'm not kidding! LOL He is very particular. He hates crumbs, or a mess. He loves to fold clothes and he does a mighty fine job at it! (I'm so glad, because this is my least favorite chore!) Also, the other day, I was washing dishes and he brought me all the empty cups from the table. Then he went to his highchair and took his bowl of cream of wheat to the trashcan, scrapped it out, then brought it to me to wash. My teenagers never do that! I remind you he's only two, almost three. He is so much fun. It's hard to imagine life before him. Our God is so good! Again, I'm just so thankful that He chose us to parent this precious little gift from above! He has adjusted every well, and seems to enjoy our many outings, like the kids basketball games.
Well, I'm going to have to cut it short..... the prince has called.....needs Mommy time and I love that!
More soon,
Toryn Ling Kendrick~~~~~~is now an American citizen!
"Hurry up and get me home!"
Monday, December 29, 2008
Just wanted to let you all know that for some reason I am having trouble accessing my email. Sheila, I am dying to know how Corbin's surgery went. I will keep trying it, but if I don't respond, that's why.
Love to all,
Love to all,
To God Be the Glory!
THE CHOSEN HEART
Longing for a child to love,
I'd wish upon the stars above.
In my heart I always knew,
A part of me was meant for you.
I think how happy we will be,
Once I adopt you, and you adopt me.
I dream of all the joy you'll bring,
Imagining even the littlest things.
The way it will feel to hold you tight,
And tuck you in every night.
The drawings on the refrigerator door,
And childhood toys across the floor,
The favorite stories read again and again,
And hours of games with make-believe friends.
The day you took my outstretched hand,
A journey ended, but our lives began.
Still mesmerized by your sweet face,
Still warmed inside by our first embrace.
I promised to give you a happy home,
And a loving family all your own.
A house you've now made complete,
With laughter, smiles and tiny feet.
A parent is one who guides the way,
Know I will be there everyday.
Rest easy as each night you sleep,
A lifetime of love is yours to keep.
Longing for a child to love,
I'd wish upon the stars above.
In my heart I always knew,
A part of me belonged to you.
--Teri Harrison
I woke a little early this morning before everyone else. I decided this was a perfect time for me to spend a little extra time with my precious Heavenly Father. How can I ever thank him for this incredible journey we've just endured. There is no possible way, and that's one thing that is so wonderful about our Lord. He doesn't want nor expect us to repay Him. He loves us so much, he enables us to have these blessings. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for choosing us to be this precious little boy's parents. No, we do not even deserve His goodness. We allowed Him to use us in a mighty way. It has not been easy, and the process was not painless, but let me tell you how much we have grown. Our faith grew tremendously! Do not ever doubt the power of God! I think we have also grown stronger as a family, and the lessons that our kids have learned along the way are priceless. My prayer is that they will always remember God will always take care of them. I pray that God will use them in a mighty way. Many times in the last three or so months, we would look at that huge amount we needed to complete this journey, and time after time, God provided in unbelievable ways. He will ALWAYS provide in remarkable ways. How do we ever thank all of you for helping make our dream come true. There is no way we can, but we are here to tell you that God can. Please know that each of you have been prayed for and we have asked God to send you HUGE blessings like only He can. We could not have done this without you! To those who made donations along the way, to those who bought raffle tickets or supported our garage sales, or attended and helped with Tessa's talent show, or have just been there with an listening ear, or most importantly, if you have lifted us up in prayer, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To our wonderful church for your sweet love offering and gifts, thank you so much. We love you so much! Thank you to Central Baptist for your precious love offering. We love you, too, and you will always hold a special place in our heart. There are no words to describe how much all of you mean to us! I don't want to mention each name, because I would probably leave someone out, and I would never want to do that.
Thank you for your sweet comments along the way. They kept us going, and brightened each day. Cristi, you don't have to worry about Toryn not liking American food. The boy eats anything you put in front of him! He's my son!
Many have asked how we communicate with him. He is already learning some words (in english). I don't know if he is speaking Chinese or just jabbering. He's pretty clear at getting across what he wants. He said Daddy last night. He will try to repeat most everything the kids try to get him to.
I want to thank Toryn's birthmother. Oh, how my heart aches for this woman. This brave woman. You loved your precious little child so much that you gave him up knowing he would have a better life than you could provide. You must have known that you could not provide his medical needs, or physical needs, and you placed him in an area where you knew he would be found quickly. I cannot even imagine having to make this very difficult decision. Please know that I pray for you often. I ask God to please send peace your way so that you will know that Toryn will be very well cared for, and his medical needs will be met. No, I am not the best mother, but I promise to you that I will try my very best. Thank you for the gift you have allowed us to have.
I also want to thank my magnificiant family. Termite, I know you thought I was crazy at first, but you never stopped me for allowing my dream to come true. You supported me even when I think you didn't want to. Then, you got excited, too. I love watching you with the kids. You are such a fun daddy! You are the very best hubby and father anyone could ever have! I love you, and thanks for being who you are. Tessa and Treagan, how do I ever thank you both for being the kids you are? You both make me so happy and proud. You are great kids and it blesses me so much to see you allowing God to use you in marvelous ways. Thank you for being who you are and for making good decisions. Thank you for your excitement and determination to be the best brother and sister ever!
Dear Toryn, "When they placed you in my arms and I looked into your face, I felt our hearts melt into one, a miracle took place. My prayer was finally answered, though delayed, 'twas not denied- the pain of love unanswered, in a moment's time subsides. God's plan seemed hard to understand. The circle's now complete. He placed the heavens in my arms, so precious and so sweet. Though you grew within another, my soul and yours were one. We united in God's loving heart before life had begun. I received a priceless treasure, this adopted child I love...a gift of joy and happiness to me from God above." Love, Mama
Well, this is our last day in China. It is bittersweet. We are real ready to be home, but at the same time, it's a little sad that we will take Toryn away from his country. Maybe some day when he is older, we can return to show him. I probably will not be able to post again until we get home. Again, thank you! You may continue to follow us as this part of the journey comes to an end, but a whole new adventure begins........whew, I need prayers...... he's all boy and two years old at that! LOL!!
Happy New Year to you all!
God bless you all,
Traci, Termite, Tessa, Treagan, and Toryn Ling Kendrick
Longing for a child to love,
I'd wish upon the stars above.
In my heart I always knew,
A part of me was meant for you.
I think how happy we will be,
Once I adopt you, and you adopt me.
I dream of all the joy you'll bring,
Imagining even the littlest things.
The way it will feel to hold you tight,
And tuck you in every night.
The drawings on the refrigerator door,
And childhood toys across the floor,
The favorite stories read again and again,
And hours of games with make-believe friends.
The day you took my outstretched hand,
A journey ended, but our lives began.
Still mesmerized by your sweet face,
Still warmed inside by our first embrace.
I promised to give you a happy home,
And a loving family all your own.
A house you've now made complete,
With laughter, smiles and tiny feet.
A parent is one who guides the way,
Know I will be there everyday.
Rest easy as each night you sleep,
A lifetime of love is yours to keep.
Longing for a child to love,
I'd wish upon the stars above.
In my heart I always knew,
A part of me belonged to you.
--Teri Harrison
I woke a little early this morning before everyone else. I decided this was a perfect time for me to spend a little extra time with my precious Heavenly Father. How can I ever thank him for this incredible journey we've just endured. There is no possible way, and that's one thing that is so wonderful about our Lord. He doesn't want nor expect us to repay Him. He loves us so much, he enables us to have these blessings. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for choosing us to be this precious little boy's parents. No, we do not even deserve His goodness. We allowed Him to use us in a mighty way. It has not been easy, and the process was not painless, but let me tell you how much we have grown. Our faith grew tremendously! Do not ever doubt the power of God! I think we have also grown stronger as a family, and the lessons that our kids have learned along the way are priceless. My prayer is that they will always remember God will always take care of them. I pray that God will use them in a mighty way. Many times in the last three or so months, we would look at that huge amount we needed to complete this journey, and time after time, God provided in unbelievable ways. He will ALWAYS provide in remarkable ways. How do we ever thank all of you for helping make our dream come true. There is no way we can, but we are here to tell you that God can. Please know that each of you have been prayed for and we have asked God to send you HUGE blessings like only He can. We could not have done this without you! To those who made donations along the way, to those who bought raffle tickets or supported our garage sales, or attended and helped with Tessa's talent show, or have just been there with an listening ear, or most importantly, if you have lifted us up in prayer, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To our wonderful church for your sweet love offering and gifts, thank you so much. We love you so much! Thank you to Central Baptist for your precious love offering. We love you, too, and you will always hold a special place in our heart. There are no words to describe how much all of you mean to us! I don't want to mention each name, because I would probably leave someone out, and I would never want to do that.
Thank you for your sweet comments along the way. They kept us going, and brightened each day. Cristi, you don't have to worry about Toryn not liking American food. The boy eats anything you put in front of him! He's my son!
Many have asked how we communicate with him. He is already learning some words (in english). I don't know if he is speaking Chinese or just jabbering. He's pretty clear at getting across what he wants. He said Daddy last night. He will try to repeat most everything the kids try to get him to.
I want to thank Toryn's birthmother. Oh, how my heart aches for this woman. This brave woman. You loved your precious little child so much that you gave him up knowing he would have a better life than you could provide. You must have known that you could not provide his medical needs, or physical needs, and you placed him in an area where you knew he would be found quickly. I cannot even imagine having to make this very difficult decision. Please know that I pray for you often. I ask God to please send peace your way so that you will know that Toryn will be very well cared for, and his medical needs will be met. No, I am not the best mother, but I promise to you that I will try my very best. Thank you for the gift you have allowed us to have.
I also want to thank my magnificiant family. Termite, I know you thought I was crazy at first, but you never stopped me for allowing my dream to come true. You supported me even when I think you didn't want to. Then, you got excited, too. I love watching you with the kids. You are such a fun daddy! You are the very best hubby and father anyone could ever have! I love you, and thanks for being who you are. Tessa and Treagan, how do I ever thank you both for being the kids you are? You both make me so happy and proud. You are great kids and it blesses me so much to see you allowing God to use you in marvelous ways. Thank you for being who you are and for making good decisions. Thank you for your excitement and determination to be the best brother and sister ever!
Dear Toryn, "When they placed you in my arms and I looked into your face, I felt our hearts melt into one, a miracle took place. My prayer was finally answered, though delayed, 'twas not denied- the pain of love unanswered, in a moment's time subsides. God's plan seemed hard to understand. The circle's now complete. He placed the heavens in my arms, so precious and so sweet. Though you grew within another, my soul and yours were one. We united in God's loving heart before life had begun. I received a priceless treasure, this adopted child I love...a gift of joy and happiness to me from God above." Love, Mama
Well, this is our last day in China. It is bittersweet. We are real ready to be home, but at the same time, it's a little sad that we will take Toryn away from his country. Maybe some day when he is older, we can return to show him. I probably will not be able to post again until we get home. Again, thank you! You may continue to follow us as this part of the journey comes to an end, but a whole new adventure begins........whew, I need prayers...... he's all boy and two years old at that! LOL!!
Happy New Year to you all!
God bless you all,
Traci, Termite, Tessa, Treagan, and Toryn Ling Kendrick
Mon. 29th-
Didn't do a whole lot today. This morning we had to stay in our room so that we could answer the phone if needed. Our guides took all of our paperwork to the US consulate office. If they had a question on any of the paperwork, they would have called. We did not get a call! One step closer. Tomorrow, we go to the office and have to be interviewed by the consulate. It's pretty easy, they just ask you if you want to keep this child and if we promise to not hurt or abandoned him. I think we should pass!
In the afternoon, we did our shopping. It's a really neat area to shop. Reminds us of all the little shops at Ruidoso, Mom. We found some cool things. We will have to go back tomorrow because we had this one little shop paint the kids names in Chinese, so we'll have to go pick them up.
We are excited that we just have one more day here. It has been fun, but we are really homesick. Can't wait to see everyone. We will be in on Wed. Dec. 31st. We will arrive in Midland at 8:30 PM on the 31st.
The city of Guangzhou
Just a picture of some run down buildings. There is lots of construction and building going on all over. Of course, they have to build up, no room for any other way.
We went shopping today to Shamian Island. There was a little park with lots of statues in it.
There was a cool little pond with gold fish at the park. The kids were showing Toryn the goldfish.
The kids were playing hopscotch with the statues. Wonder who won?
Hmmm, a little confused about his American eating utensils? Doesn't everyone eat their grilled cheese sandwich with a fork?
We found Lucy's Restaurant at Shamian Island. Lots of American food! Very good, too!
Toryn is finally letting Termite help him a little. Still not real happy when he holds him, but it is getting better!
Treagan found a smokin' hot girlfriend!
I'm speechless on this one! Goofy guys! Toryn wouldn't put his hat on. Can't say I blame him, I wouldn't want to look like these goobers either!
Kung Fu Termite- aka Meloveyoulongtime!
I told you the traffic is crazy! Here's about 4 lanes of traffic all trying to merge into one lane.
Bet you can't guess who bought him this camo hat!
I'm all American Boy now in my overalls!
I have lots of help posting on my blog these days! That's why it takes me forever!
This boy loves his baths!
In the afternoon, we did our shopping. It's a really neat area to shop. Reminds us of all the little shops at Ruidoso, Mom. We found some cool things. We will have to go back tomorrow because we had this one little shop paint the kids names in Chinese, so we'll have to go pick them up.
We are excited that we just have one more day here. It has been fun, but we are really homesick. Can't wait to see everyone. We will be in on Wed. Dec. 31st. We will arrive in Midland at 8:30 PM on the 31st.
The city of Guangzhou
Just a picture of some run down buildings. There is lots of construction and building going on all over. Of course, they have to build up, no room for any other way.
We went shopping today to Shamian Island. There was a little park with lots of statues in it.
There was a cool little pond with gold fish at the park. The kids were showing Toryn the goldfish.
The kids were playing hopscotch with the statues. Wonder who won?
Hmmm, a little confused about his American eating utensils? Doesn't everyone eat their grilled cheese sandwich with a fork?
We found Lucy's Restaurant at Shamian Island. Lots of American food! Very good, too!
Toryn is finally letting Termite help him a little. Still not real happy when he holds him, but it is getting better!
Treagan found a smokin' hot girlfriend!
I'm speechless on this one! Goofy guys! Toryn wouldn't put his hat on. Can't say I blame him, I wouldn't want to look like these goobers either!
Kung Fu Termite- aka Meloveyoulongtime!
I told you the traffic is crazy! Here's about 4 lanes of traffic all trying to merge into one lane.
Bet you can't guess who bought him this camo hat!
I'm all American Boy now in my overalls!
I have lots of help posting on my blog these days! That's why it takes me forever!
This boy loves his baths!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A note from Tessa
Hey guys. It's been great here but I'm real ready to come home. My favorite place that we have been to is Guangzhou. I don't know if it's because it's warm and green or if it's because it's the place we finally get to shop at. :) The food is much better than from Beijing because it's mostly McDonalds haha. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. My little brother is cute but he's a real toot. He's come out of his shell and is very funny. He still won't let dad or Treagan hold him. He plays with Treagan and gives him sugars but has nothing to do with dad. Well I hope everything is going well. I will see yall Wednesday finally.
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