Friendship, by Jillian

I just came across a crumpled rough draft of this poem that Jillian wrote for a school assignment ...

Friendship is not

just a helping hand

or a kindly smiles

but Friendship is

memories and the

lift that it gives.

Friendship is a person

that trusts in you

and believes in you.

Friendship is giving

someone a chance even

if they are different.

The Old Man's Old Shirt

December 14, 2016, would have marked Dad's 89th birthday. Thought I'd post this selfie of me wearing one of his favorite shirts as a bit of a remembrance.

As for the headline on this post, Dad would be appalled at the term "old man." I know he always thought of it as a very disrespectful way to refer to one's father.

Jillian Hits the Wall

We've been so blessed to have Shriner's Hospital in Jillian's life. One benefit is that she is able to participate in recreational programs they sponsor. This is the second time that she's gotten to go rock climbing through Shriner's--this time at The Source in Vancouver--and about the fifth time she's ever gone. She's always up for almost anything and keeps such a positive attitude.

Jillian's Entry

Jillian's school is having a contest to design a cover for this year's yearbook. With a little help from her mom, this was her entry. I think it may have been inspired by the New England Patriots but I'm not sure now.

Jillian's Forever Family Day

Today marked the fourth anniversary of when Jillian joined our family. She's holding the dress she was wearing that day when they brought her to us.

Seen at Tonight's College Fair in Olympia

 Pretty sure my kids would disown me if I wore a Justin Bieber shirt to the college fair with them.

Desert Flower

Jillian loves to sing. Her stage name is Desert Flower. Tonight she wrote this song and sang it for me.

My New Office

Now that I'm working from home, I had to set up a home office. One problem ... we don't have any extra rooms in our house. The dining room area, which is part of the living room, has now been set aside as my office space, which I share with Jordan. Today, Jordan finished hanging a door--all Jeannette's idea and design, made from boards torn out of our back deck--to separate the "office" from the kitchen. 

Child Labor

 

Today, Melody and Jillian were introduced to the world of having a father who works as a regional admissions representative. I hired them to put together packets that I take to high schools when I meet with college counselors. 

She's Got This Birthday Thing Figured Out

Hot Tubbin'

It's pretty amazing to see how far Jillian has come in the last eight months.

Guitar Hero

The girls have been playing with our old Guitar Hero stuff and this afternoon I was listening to my new Jared Mahone CD when Jillian came in carrying the guitar and wanted to put on a show for me.

 

 

Memories

On Saturday, Jeannette, the girls and I had lunch with my mom. We were making small talk and I wondered which was larger in land mass, China or the US. (They're about even, if you are curious.)

After this, a few minutes later, out of the blue and for the first time, Jillian started talking about China. (I am so glad Jeannette recognized it for what it was and didn't just ignore it as random babbling...)

First she told us that her home was small and that there wasn't much food. She told us she was hungry and then said, "Very hungry." We didn't get much else out of her but it was fascinating to get a brief glimpse into her perception of her previous life. I was sad to hear that she felt hungry often  but glad to know that we might someday get to learn more about her life before us.

Phillip Turns 21

Jameson Hits 17