Working from Home!

One of the things I have loved since moving to Michigan is the ability to work from home. While I do miss interaction, it doesn't make up for the less stressful work environment. I feel that I thrive working from a home home office and am more productive! I also like that I get to take my son to school. In Colorado my son was in daycare/school from 7am to 6pm. As a mom who really didn't get any maternity leave (4 weeks) I have found this time with my son SO important.

If you are thinking of working from home I recommend investing in a stand up desk. I can't say enough about them! Below is the link to the standing desk that I purchased.

Jarvis Standing Desk

WE MOVED, WE ARE MICHIGANDERS!

WE MOVED!

Well it has been awhile since I have written, but I am back AND in a new city. We now live in Ann Arbor, MI. Talk about a crazy experience...moving! No idea how much that rocked our world, but seem to be doing better now. The move was especially difficult for my son. With adoptive kids transitions can be hard, new classroom, change in sports group...so you can imagine how much the move rocked my kiddo. Some people wonder why we left Colorado. One of the reasons is my husband got recruited by the University of Michigan. However, we didn't look at this move lightly. One of the reasons we said yes is after researching the Ann Arbor area we found it more diverse than Fort Collins.


When you have an adopted child of a different race it is important, to me, to live in a diverse area. My son is Korean and I find it so important for him to live where there are other Asians. To help with his identity and mirroring. I had recently taken a series of webinars about raising my adopted son. One of the comments she made I found so powerful as a parent and what I can do for my child. Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker, Beyond Words Psychological Services, LLC

"I'm thinking about getting a tattoo that reads, "There is NO substitute for racial mirrors & diversity!" It will probably have to be on my forehead. Over & over again, at nearly every transracial adoption training I facilitate, the question arises: "What if we don't live in a diverse area? How can we help our transracially adopted child have a healthy & positive racial identity?" My answer is always the same: "Without racial mirroring & diversity, it is not possible to have a healthy & positive racial identity." I understand why this frustrates parents. I recognize how much work it requires to find new jobs, a new home, and uproot your family to move to a diverse community. I can empathize with the wish for some magical alternative solution. But there isn't one. This is one of those rare situations where there is ONE RIGHT ANSWER. Racial mirroring isn’t the only necessity for developing a positive racial identity, but without it, a positive racial identity is not possible. This is not just my personal belief, anecdotal sharing about client experiences, or the consensus of adult transracial adoptees - it is all of these things plus decades of psychological research on racial identity development that proves this to be true. If you as a transracially adoptive parent choose to ignore this fact by continuing to search for magical alternative solutions, your child will be the one to pay the price."

Those words were so powerful to me. I also recommend listening to her webinars, they are fantastic!  My goal going forward with this blog is to continue talking about our life but more importantly to really dive deep into being a parent of an adoptive parent. I will also share our adventures, recipes and things that we love! I had found the adoption community very small and always looking for people close to me who you can lean on. 

Costa Rica for Families!

We recently went to Costa Rica and had the most amazing time! I wanted to write about why I feel it is the perfect vacation with families of kids of any age. Here is our itinerary.

We flew into Liberia, which is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. We went thru Cindy Peck with Costa Rican Vacations.

Hotel in La Fortuna Hotel Lomas del Volcan Hotel Lomas del Volcan this hotel are these amazing bungalows nestled at the base of a volcano. Great for a family of 2-4. Amazing swimming pool! Plus close to all the fun activities!

I am afraid of heights and I recommend everyone to EcoGlide Park! If your child is young they will go tandem! EcoGlide Arenal Park it was a 5 minute drive from the hotel!  This is an excellent adventure for the young and old!

They are known for their hot springs but we didn't hit those up.

La Fortuna waterfall was great! Easy walk and our son enjoyed playing on the rocks!

Proyecto Asis Proyecto Asis was great! It ran a little long for our son at times but it was worth it for the end! I recommend doing the volunteer  + tour.

Make sure if you rent a car the roads are windy and narrow. I would be VERY careful passing and you are on island time so take your time.

In the future I would rent a house! It is pretty much the same as US cost wise and you can cook your own meals.

I would give 5 stars for Costa Rican family vacation!

New Name, New Adventure

I figured it was a good time to get back to blogging. We are leaving our home and love Colorado for Ann Arbor, MI. Jeremy (my husband) has accepted an offer with the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor looks amazing but I have to say, I am pretty sad. I am open for change but it is overwhelming and I think anytime you leave somewhere you become reflective. The blog will be focusing on the same stuff as before; Korean Adoption, Food, Travel and Thoughts! Welcome to the new blog!

Gotcha Day and Why It is Important to Our Family

Happy Gotcha Day, Forever Family, Family Day, etc... (I like them all)

Today, April 13th is our forever day. We flew the long trip back from Korea arriving at midnight greeted by family and friends. People seem to be indifferent on this day in terms of what to call it or should it be celebrated. Hell ya!  I, to myself, call it my Labor Day. It is a day I remember and cherish as it is the day we became parents to the most wonderful boy. A boy who lights up our world. His laugh, smile and wonder of all things is both inspiring and captivating to me.

A few of Cy's favorite things...

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Foods: Mandu, Bibimbop, Hot Dogs, Ranch, Chicken, Veganaise, Hamburgers, Tacos

Favorite Veggies: Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Beets and Daddy's Sauteed Collard Greens

Favorite Dessert: Fudge Popsicle and CHOCOLATE!

Favorite Fruits: Grapes and Strawberries

What Makes Me Happy: When I play with Mommy and Daddy

Favorite Drink: Uyu (milk). Lemonade and OJ

Friends: Yosh, Atticus, Mackenzie, Berkley, Seely, Alex, Cousin Owen

Favorite Movie: Paddington
Favorite Book: Pirates love Underpants

Favorite TV Show: Octonauts
When I grow up I want to be: A Firefighter

Favorite Animal: Rolly Pollies, Humback Whale

Favorite Things: Trucks, Ferrys, LOVES Trains (He says they make his heart happy), Monster Truck from his friend Alex

What makes me laugh: farting and burping

What I love to do: watch movies, ride in my whee-hoo with Mommy and Daddy, sharing and Dressing fancy. Cy loves art. He loves creating whether with play-doh or drawing. He is so into drawing and all things art. He loves to go on dates and special events. This was the first year he got into the zoo.

Cy wears a tie almost everyday. It is funny as last year all he wanted to wear was jeans and this year he wants dress pants, dress shirt and tie...even just hanging around the house or he is naked. I feel bad as Sunday I got into an argument with him, begging to just wear play clothes. I lost. I used to find it endearing but I love the days where he is in his sweats and a t-shirt. He still loves all things chocolate. Our celebration this year is Cy's favorite homemade pepperoni pizza and chocolate fondue!

Oh the Places we will go....

Korea Camp for the first time at Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, CO

Daddy and Cy went for a week to Grandma and Grandpa Nelsons in Minnesota

Weekend Camping trip with Grandma Irene and the Sonnhalter's to Colorado Springs

Disneyland, visiting the California clan and celebrated Great Grandma Mary's 105th birthday

Steamboat Springs for New Years with the Ringerud's 

Glenwood Springs, CO weekend getaway with Grandma Irene

Mickey Mouse!

Looking fancy!

Disney Adventure

Korea Camp Snow Mountain Ranch Winter Park

Disneyland

Disneyland

Huntington Beach, he got his stitches right before we left.

My beach boys, Huntington Beach

Campfire at Korea Camp

Cy's class at Korea Camp

Seely and Cy getting their nails painted at Korea Camp

Meeting one of the chipmunks

Exchanging Hi Fives with Donald

Cy's first play at the Buell in Denver with Grandma Irene, Cinderella

Korea Camp Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, CO

4th Birthday Pirate Party!

Fascinated by the train in Glenwood Springs, CO

Cy and Aunt Jill at the North Pole in Colorado Springs

Cy and Coco, Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Grandma and Grandpa Nelsons - Horse Whisperer

Cy and Great Grandma Mary

The family! Disneyland, what a wonderful...wonderful vacation!

Every year we are living, loving, laughing and lounging! Take time for the small things in life. Slow down and don't miss anything. Savor every moment and every flavor. My beautiful boy, you're light shines so bright every day. You are wonderful, special and filled with so many wonderful talents. My wish is you have happiness, health and success. That you are kind and maybe cause a little trouble now and than. Also, never ever let someone's words define who you are...celebrate your uniqueness.

Love Mom and Dad

Vegan Tacos

Vegan Tacos

Taco Seasoning

2T chili powder

1T ground cumin

2t sea salt

2t ground coriander

1t paprika

1/2t ground pepper

Pinch of cayenne - I was fine without it

Lentil, Kale and Quinoa Tacos

1C dry quinoa

1/2C dry lentils

1 recipe of Taco Seasoning

2-3 large Kale leaves, stems removed and chopped

Cook lentils and quinoa per instructions

While quinoa and lentils are still warm, fold in taco seasoning and chopped Kale leaves.  Serve as tacos/burritos with desired toppings. Squeezed limes, tomatoes and avocados are fantastic!

Best Power Meal!

Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner

This is probably not new to most people but a recent discovery to me and I love it! As a working mom, quick meals and healthy are essential!

Here is how it goes:

Veggie Burger! - your favorite recipe or frozen if needing fast. Fry an egg over easy and place on top. Cut up a whole avocado and some tomatoes! Bam! Filling and healthy!

Easy and Affordable!