Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Belated Easter post - holy cow, April got away from

April has been quite the month. Nothing bad, just lots of taking care of ourselves.

Tom had sinus/deviated septum surgery. I was scared to death with all the horror stories of recovery but...he was amazing! They didnt pack his sinus's so he was almost back to normal in a few days.

I had my 1st colonoscopy and...similar to the above, was terrified of the prep. But, it wasnt bad at all. Trying to figure out if it was a worthwhile weight loss plan though.

Billy had 2 taekwondo tournaments, 1 in Brainerd and 1 in Kansas City.  We pawned him off on another family for KC because...

Jimmy had 3 junior day football college recruiting visits (Moorhead, Drake and Mankato) and I just couldn't handle being gone for another weekend of driving.

Kay is doing better in some ways (we got her on meds and she's actually taking them plus she's doing well in 2 of her classes) but much worse in others (sneaking out, vaping, trying to cheat on a test). We knew her teenage years were going to be challenging but ... holy cow. We are in for a ride.  I've been going to therapy to get parenting advice and she's tried it twice (convinced the therapist she was fine) and then we had the ever intimidating joint session. I think it went well. At the very least, both our therapists see our dynamic and now her therapist has some good material to work with (sort of like a disfunctional comedian).  Fingers crossed she can help find ways to make better choices when she's feeling overwhelmed.

Maui is "almost" potty trained in his kennel (indoors) but still won't "go" when he's on a walk. He comes inside after the walk, runs right to his kennel and does his business.  Sort of like Jim F, he doesnt like to poo in public.

Nikki is a doll, she and Maui play for hours and she's so gentle with him.  I think he's good for her but... she's showing her age, moving slower and her hips seem to bother her.

So, Easter ended up being a bright spot in the month. The kids (Kay) insisted on eggs, candy and baskets. Unfortunately, years ago we started a tradition of a scavenger hunt for their "big" present.  I was at a loss but managed to pull it out at the last minute.  Tom, Jimmy, Billy and I went to church with Jimmy. It was fun and Billy (my introvert) seems a bit overwhelmed. Kay slept through it of course.  "The Hunt" was post lunch and the kids all claimed that the bunny FINALLY brought good candy.  Then we called Grandma H and wished her a "Happy Easter! Bunny." Our favorite joke of the year.

So...whew.  Tomorrow is May. Another crazy month but .... we wouldn't have it any other way....

Snow in April, on the day of Tom's surgery

The PT's at the hospital made a snowman

Recovery 

Silly man, I didnt take an 'after' shot of my colonoscopy. Your welcome.

Brained team TKD water park.

Billy ROCKED it in Brainerd. Best sparring match of the year 

These two. they are constantly playing 

1st bike ride of the season!! (once the snow melted)

Jimmys friends slept the WHOLE way to Morehead

So did Jimmy. It  was a boring drive for me. Both ways


Sunday, April 14, 2019

Happy Gotcha Day Jimmy!

This week we celebrated Jimmy's 16th gotcha day. 16 years ago, this week, he came home.

Wow, its been a crazy journey! This year has been especially eventful with Jimmy finding his 1st "real" girlfriend (yes, they are in love), finding his faith (getting water baptized), exploring colleges (wants to do football, political science and jazz), becoming politically aware (starting a conservative club at school and speaking about civil discourse in front of the Hopkins District), killing it in football and basically being a great kid.

Over dinner, we talked about when we met for the 1st time in Seoul, meeting his birth mom, the flight home and the 1st few weeks when we were blessed to start to get to know him.

He was a happy, talkative and social baby. He loved music of any kind and LOVED being around people.

He hasn't changed a bit.

Its funny how you are who you are.  Jimmy is Jimmy and we are so blessed to have him in our lives. He was the start of our family and we can't imagine our lives without him.

However, our blessing is others sacrifice and we also honor their choices and pain.

Sending all our love and gratitude to his birth mother, birth family, foster mom, foster family and all the social workers, judges, volunteers and caring hearts that made a place for a (gigantic) baby from Seoul to become ... Jimmy Murphy.

Love.

Jimmy with Nikki and Maui

Jimmy with his idol - Kyle Rudolph

Jimmy and Melanie

Date night!

Jimmy, Will and Mario - his besties 

Leaving Seoul

1st photo of Jimmy - love at 1st sight

2nd photo of Jimmy - did they switch kids on us?!

Getting ready for conservative club