A Forever Family-Year One!!!

A little over a year ago, Jeff and I were packing our bags and getting ready to go to China.  We didn't know what to expect and we were anxious.  Well, we survived the year and one year ago, we became a Forever Family. We often think about Jackson's birth parents and pray for them.

 As I look back at our eventful year, I am reminded of God's grace and bountiful love. We are so thankful that Jackson is healthy, growing and loves everything around him. He is a remarkable child and continues to amaze us.

Jackson Low-3/7/11

• quiet
• cautious
• friendly
• structured
• thinker
• curious

Jackson Low-3/7/12

• talkative
• cautious
• friendly
• structured
• thinker
• curious
• loving

Lovin' the Library!

Last Wednesday, I told Jackson that we will go to the library on Saturday. He was so excited. This is our converstation on Friday night.

Me: Do you go to school tomorrow?
Jax: No
Me: What day is it tomorrow?
Jax: Saturday? Library with Mama
Me: Can Daddy go to the library too?
Jax: No, Daddy stay home!

Every night this past week, we were reading books to him.  One night Jackson read a book to us.  He read just like his teachers were reading to him at school.  He turned the book around and showed me the pictures and he tracked the words with his fingers. He loves (this is an understatement) Llama Llama books.  He has "Llama Llama Misses Mama" and "Llama Llama Red Pajama." He also recently started liking "Arthur" books. He continues to "read" his children's Bible too.  Sometimes Jackson will read Jeff's computer magazines (not sure how interesting it really is) and e books.  Nevertheless, we are thrilled that Jackson loves to read.

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Jackson really loves this book.  We have all memorized it!

January Snow?

The past few winters in Tennessee have been cold and a bit snowy.  There has been no evidence of this kind of weather (so far)! The weather has been mild.  This has been great for us because we are still able to go out and do things. So, what have we been up to? Well, we went to the Science Museum, celebrated Chinese New Year's and the illnesses have been passed around. 

The Science Museum was a lot of fun. Jackson just wanted to ride in the Ambulance, actually he just wanted to be in the driver's seat. He was attracted to anything that had wheels, engines or lights.  One hour was enough for him and I think we will be back there soon. There were many Chinese New Year's events throughout the city but we decided to gather a bunch of friends and so we had dinner at the local Chinese place. Jeff organized it.  He emailed everyone and created the menu.  The menu was a mix of traditional and non traditional foods.  As for the illnesses, well....

Oh, I forgot to mention that Jackson is now 39 1/2 inches tall!!!

Happy 2012!

I know it is 2012 but I haven't had a chance to fill you in on the happenings of November and December 2011.  It was quite busy and eventful!

                                                           November

Ready for winter.

Uncle D visited us in Nashville over Thanksgiving week.  We went to Deal's Gap North Carolina.  Uncle D and Jeff drove the Tail of the Dragon.  I didn't know you have to drive on the Tail in order to get to our lodge. The Tail has over 318 curves in 11 miles. We drove in Jeff's car. Need I say more??? Uncle D and Jeff had their day to drive without Jackson and I. Uncle D filmed it and I am sure he will put together a video!!!  Jackson and I stayed at the lodge and played on the playground and made some Christmas crafts. It was a great get away...limited internet service and no cell service for three days!!!! During one of the evenings, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves came to visit and we all decorated a tree, made ornaments and drank hot apple cider.  This was Jackson's first encounter with Santa. We had a great time but I am sure Jeff and Uncle D were happy to be back in town so they can be plugged in again!

First McDonald's experience in South East TN.

I love cookies!!

Just me and my Uncle D!

                             

                                                                        December

                                                                First time to Monkey's Tree House

December was filled with many things...birthday parties, a pancake breakfast, shopping and of course Christmas. Christmas for the Low family usually means that we travel to see our family on the West Coast. This was to be Jackson's first Christmas and all of the aunties, uncles, cousins and grandparents were really excited!  We told Jackson that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.  I know he doesn't completely understand the true meaning but we wanted to plant the seed in his mind. We had a week of celebrating...decorated gingerbread houses, visited with family and friends and ate a lot of good home cooking! We all had a great time and the we (the parents) survived Christmas. 

JLow3's 2nd picture with Santa.

Merry Christmas Jax!

Who is having fun?

           

 We hope you had a great Christmas and hope 2012 brings you great joy and happiness!