All In A Decade

I can't hardly believe that it has been nearly 10 years since my life changed forever. It was a day that I had anticipated and planned my entire life. And it couldn't have been more perfect. A lot has changed since I became Mrs. Nash. I thought it would be fun to go back through the years and highlight parts of this crazy journey we call marriage. It has been the ride of a lifetime! There have been times I could barely hold on tight enough as the ride threw us for loops, but the wonderful part has been that seated next to me hand in grasp, has been my Dave. I am so thankful to have him as my partner, my other half, my best friend.

May 30, 2003: Our wedding day! The Temple was amazing, the reception was so much fun, and the start of our lives together was better than I could have asked for. As we rode off together on my 1959 Vespa scooter, I should have known it would be an adventure! We honeymooned on the gorgeous Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, MI. We got our first apartment in Taylorsville, Dave commuted to Provo for school, and I continued working at the UofU hospital in the OR while applying for PA school. And since I am trying to give an accurate account of ALL of our moves...our first one was 6 months into our marriage when upon an increase in rent we decided to move to Sandy and also began attending the Chinese ward in SLC.

2004: I was accepted to PA school and ended up deciding to stay here in Utah for that. Since leaving my job in the OR was mandatory for PA school, we decided to make the best of it! We left the day after my little brother's wedding for a summer back to our mission in Taiwan. It was so much fun being able to experience the country from a tourist perspective, but still have many wonderful friends to play card games and stay out late with. I returned in early August to begin PA school, and Dave came back a couple of weeks later to continue working at Nuskin and wrap up his undergrad degree at BYU.

2005: Mid-way through PA school, I found out I was expecting a baby. Jameson joined us on Christmas Eve 2005. We were so excited (and of course a little anxious) to become parents. Dave just soaked it up! Also another move. We purchased our first town home in Lehi and moved in right before Halloween. I swore I would never move while big and pregnant again!

2006: Dave's career at Nuskin came to a close as I graduated from PA school. I stayed in Utah long enough to pass my board exams and then packed up and moved to the most beautiful place I could have imagined; Olympia, Washington. We made a wonderful home there on a beautiful acre of property. Dave was working for Univera and I took my time finding a job!

2007: I began working at Mt. View Women's Center in Shelton, WA. While the job came with challenges, I learned to love it and have often wished I could go back! We thrived in Washington and built amazing relationships with some pretty incredible people. We were able to travel to Utah and Michigan that year! Our beautiful garden produced fruit and vegetables that we could have started our own farmer's market with. This was a very fulfilling year for us!

2008: Another prosperous year. My Niece Hanna was born to one of my dearest patients, and was placed just hours later in my sister's arms. We enjoyed having Hanna in our home for the first 2 weeks of her life before she could go home to Utah. I kidnapped Dave for his birthday and took him on a weekend getaway to the Oregon Coast where we decided it was time to add a child to our family. We were spoiled enough to make it back to Michigan and Utah again this year.

2009: We welcomed Gregson into our family! He was such a wonderful addition. Jameson was in love with him from the beginning. We had visitors from Utah and Michigan this year. We were able to see more of the beauty of the PNW! We had also gotten 2 mini Dachshunds and decided that we were going to breed them. Elliot and Ranger joined our family as well. This year came a change that I was not ready for and have questioned ever since...ANOTHER MOVE! This one back to Utah where Dave would be working with his best friend at his new start-up company. Back to the townhouse we went.

2010: The move had taken it's toll. 2010 was not our best year. Don't get me wrong, I went on my first cruise and we bought a beautiful home (AND MOVED AGAIN), but little did I know that Dave's work situation wasn't working out as well as he had hoped and we both desperately missed WA. Dave decided to start his own company. This was more difficult than we ever anticipated and by Christmas 2010, we didn't have 2 cents to rub together. It was a year of humility and personal growth! I also decided to change jobs in Oct. I wanted to be back in Women's  health and an opportunity arose, so I jumped on it.

2011: ANOTHER move. We could no longer afford to stay in our big home with Dave's business still so new and my income not sufficient to carry us along. So many miracles and tender mercies we laid before us as we found renters for our home as well as a place to rent. We moved to Orem where my daily commute was cut significantly! We found our new place (about 1/4 of the size of our home) to be the perfect fit for us. We loved the neighborhood and ward. We started to feel happy again.

2012: We had wanted to adopt from China for a long time. We even applied to do it in 2010 just prior to Dave's change in jobs. We were unable to financially take on the task previously, so it was in 2012 that more miracles opened doors to allowing us to begin the process. I also was able to go to China on a CL/CP repair trip which was a highlight of my life. As summer drew close, we began to realize that it was time for us to take a leap that we had been talking about for years! Dave took a job in China and in August of 2012 we MOVED AGAIN! This time across the world to Shenzhen, China. The transition was much harder on our kids than we anticipated. During the adjustment phase, we were referred a gorgeous then 8 month old cl/cp baby girl and started making preparations to FINALLY bring Jade home.

2013: The highlight of this year so far was just that...bringing Jade home. We left our boys with some friends from the branch and Dave and I went to Xi'an, China to pick up this most amazing baby girl who stole our hearts! She has been a most wonderful addition to our family! But what do you know...things didn't work out with Dave's job in China and we nearly found ourselves moving again! Dave begins the eMBA program at HKU tomorrow, but no job has materialized yet. We are praying that one will. We are looking forward to a trip back to the US this summer where Jade will become a full blown American! We are also going to add another baby to our family as the year comes to a close.

Now if you aren't exhausted after all of this, then I may be making more of this ride than there really is! I am so thankful that Heavenly Father placed Dave and I together. I love to look back over my life and see the hand of the Lord working in such amazing ways! We have been so blessed with wonderful friends and family all along this journey! We wouldn't be where we are without all of you! Here's to 10 more years (but hopefully not 10 more moves!)

Happy Anniversary!!!

Blessing day

What a beautiful day! The weather was perfect and we made it to church early which was a huge accomplishment considering that Dave had to go early for meetings and I had to manage the kids all by myself! A good friend in our branch had made Jade the most darling little crocheted blessing dress, but she had made it for a much younger baby. She had to take it home and make some alterations so that we could use it for the blessing. She showed up Sunday morning with a complete outfit that she had made. She took a polo shirt and did some personal touches. I was worried it wouldn't fit. She had cut the collar off the shirt and sewn a beautigul lace on instead. We had to do some unpicking to get it to fit her giant noggin!

The blessing was just beautiful. I cried through the whole thing and felt for Dave as he tried so hard to hold it together. Of course I am a sympathetic crier, so the minute I would hear wavering in Dave's voice, my tears would flow even more! It couldn't have been more perfect. Jade was a champ without any crying and only some of her well known grunting.

We had some wonderful friends join us for the blessing. It was a blessing just having them there with us. Our lives are so blessed with such wonderful people. Every place we have lived we have had such wonderful friends. China is no exception. While we are unable to invite any Chinese friends to the blessing due to the Chinese government's religious regulations, we were able to invite our foreign friends. It really made the day so special.

Many of my friends are so good at taking pictures of their children's blessing days. I am not sure how I have managed not to get these special moments captured for our kids. Dave's family came all the way to Washington for G dawg's blessing and I have no picture of that day!!! So I decided I needed to capture Jade's day. Despite a lot of fuss from the kids...here they are!

A Day to Celebrate

 

 

One year ago a mother looked into the eyes of her newborn babe. Her own eyes shedding tears for the choice she had to make. Savoring every moment she spent with the new child cradled in her arms, memorizing every fold of her soft ivory skin, touching the cheeks of satin. Her heart was heavy as she weighed all of her options. She could not give her everything she needed. She knew in her heart there was someone out there who could. As she looked into the starry heavens that night delicate fingers gripping her hand, she prayed for the will to do what she knew she must, for peace to fill her aching heart, for her child to always feel her love, and most of all for her child to be loved. I wish that mother could see today the beautiful little girl I hold in my arms. She is perfect in every way! Happy Birthday Princess!

A Little Piece of Heaven

For the last 10 years Dave and I have been talking about our little baby girl "Jade." We knew she would come from China, we knew what we would name her, we knew we would have to wait a long time to meet all of China's requirements, but most of all we knew we would love her.
Those of you reading this know me well enough to know how painful the adoption process was for our family. There were countless trials along the path that caused much heartache. We started, we paused, we started again, we moved, we had the money, then we didn't, we jumped through some extra hoops just for fun...and the result couldn't be more perfect. The words of Moroni pretty much sum up our case. Ether 12:6 "And now, I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore dispute not because you see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Our faith was indeed tried in this process to the point that at times I didn't want to go on. But on Sunday March 3rd 2013, a precious baby girl was placed in my arms and suddenly all the pain and heartache we had been though was healed, forgotten, gone! Jade was more perfect than I ever could have imagined. She is beautiful, sweet, kind, happy, and content.
We arrived in Xi'an earlier that Sunday morning. After a lunch of some street food in the Muslim quarters, we met Jerry Zhang our adoption rep back at the hotel. Jerry was a little piece of heaven himself. He was so wonderful to us and Jade. We made all last minute preparations and headed to the subway to go to the Civil Affairs office. That morning seems like a blur, a dream that was experienced in fast motion as though we were running without running at all.

On the 20th floor of this building that appeared to be abandoned and forgotten, noise was heard coming from the only lit room on the floor. My heart was racing at this point...emotions were high and I felt a surreal feeling like I was suddenly going to wake from a dream that was too good to be true. Upon arriving in the room, we found that Jade (ChengJing) was already there waiting for us. Though it wasn't the way I had pictured, it didn't matter...I was in the same room as the sweet babe I had waited so long for! I immediately started to cry! I knew that I would, and quite frankly...would have been surprised if I hadn't. This experience can only be compared to giving birth. It truly doesn't matter what way your baby comes to you, when you look into that face you see into heaven! Jade was so familiar as though I could have picked her face out of a crowd and known it was her. The spirit was so strong testifying to me that she was indeed our little girl. The child that would complete our family!

Civil Affairs

Jade's soothing fingers!

There were papers and more papers requiring our signatures...thank goodness Dave was there to help me keep it all straight.
I was so scared that Jade would cry if I picked her up. I stood there trying to play with her for quite a long time before I finally decided it was time to hold her in my arms. She never cried...not even for a moment. It was like she knew she was safe and finally at home! 20 minutes later we were boarding a subway back to the hotel with this little princess in tow. I couldn't stop looking at her! She was so incredible. She got a lot of attention on the subway and at all our stops in between there and the hotel. People seemed to be drawn to her just as we were.
We got her home and peeled off the 5 layers of clothing she was wearing. I couldn't wait to dress her in something cute! For the rest of the evening we literally just soaked her up wanting to know everything we could about her. It was total bliss! We couldn't wait for everyone we knew to meet her. We skyped with her brothers as well as Grammie and Bumps. Gregs was the only one who was less than thrilled with her. Before we knew it we were in bed with this precious baby girl between us.

Daddy's girl!

First bath

We woke up the next day and hurried to get out the door to meet up with Jerry and go off to sign every document known to man. Some of the families had hard nights the first night, some of the kids were older and having a much more difficult time adjusting to their new environment. We felt so blessed. This day was just back and forth to get passport photos and applications squared away, and sign any last documents. We ended the paper trail with a notary appointment that afternoon. One poor little guy was so upset it took 20 minutes just to get a passport photo of him. I felt for his parents. They already loved him so much yet they were strangers to him.
We made a run to Wal-mart, hoping to buy a stoller and some formula (we just wanted to have enough of the food she was used to to transition her to something new.) That night we decided just to eat at the hotel restaurant since it was the easiest. The ladies that worked there were absolutely in love with our little Jade. They oohed and awed over her. She finally fell asleep on the bench next to me while I finished my dinner. Things still seemed so surreal. She was too good to be true. I kept bracing myself for the moment she would lose it and open the floodgates of pain and morning...they never came.


Wednesday was packed full of sightseeing. Xi'an is a very ancient city that served as the capital of 3 dynasties. The treasures hidden around this city were fascinating beyond belief. We went to the see many of these such treasures around the city. Jade was such a trooper often taking her nap in my arms, the stroller, or the front pack. We ended the evening by going to a dinner show. 18 different types of jiao zi (steamed dumplings) were served followed by a Tang dynasty show that was quite fun. Dave and I sat there thinking about how we would never be able to get our boys to sit through this type of a show...Jade was happy as a clam!

Big Wild Goose pagoda

Terracotta Warriors

Dinner and a show



City gates

On the city wall

 

 

Thursday we hung around close to the hotel waiting for Jerry to bring us the finalized adoption paperwork. We managed to run to Burger King for lunch before he came. On our way to BK we saw a man who had been hit by a car. He was lying in the road with a crowd of people standing around but no one helping. I was really stunned by the fact that no good samaritan stepped forward to check on the guy. They did call an ambulance for him. Later in the day I asked Jerry about this. He told us that years ago the government stopped providing insurance for their employees and started making people purchase their own. This was a big adjustment. A woman was hit and injured in the road. A man stopped to help her. When the abmublance came the woman grabbed ahold of this good samaritan and exclaimed that he was the one who had hit her. He was forced to pay her hospital bill. This then became a common thing. Now people are afraid to help because they fear this situation happening to them. So crazy.
Later in the afternoon, Jerry took us into the muslim quarters and showed us some of their local specialty items. Dave bought some specially seasoned and preserved beef to take back to our friends and his co-workers. Then Jerry left us there as he had other commitments that evening. Dave and I stayed in the quarters and did some antique shopping. We got some great finds. Then we ran back to the hotel to get the camera so we could go take night pictures of the bell and drum towers. We walked back through the Muslim quarters to get some dinner. What an afternoon! I was pooped and so was Jade!

 

Bell Tower



Drum Tower

Muslim Quarters

Friday Dave ran to the post office to mail some of our purchases that were too big to bring on the plane. We packed up our suitcases in preparation for going home and then headed out for our last meal in Xi'an. We ended up trying a Sichuan restaurant. They are known for their extremely spicy food. We of course tone that down a bit! Jerry came to the restaurant and brought Jade's passport to us. We finally had all the documentation we needed to take our baby home to meet her brothers. It felt really strange. Of course we were anxious to get home and get back to normal life. It felt strange to take Jade away from her home province. I know that sounds wierd, but it just did.
The flight was uneventful aside from meeting a woman in the airport who turns out to basically be our neighbor. She is the China rep for Boston Medical College's CL/CP program. She asked if I would be interested in joining them. It seemed so random yet so obvious. I have been looking for opportunities to get involved and to find one this way was quite interesting.

Brother already knows how to make her laugh!

 

 

When we finally got to the Kester's to pick up the boys, we were exhausted. Jade was asleep in my arms in the taxi. We decided it was best to just run in and grab the boys instead of staying to visit. Alicia snapped a photo of the boys in the taxi with their new little sister. They were so excited to meet her. Gregson took her on a tour of the house when we got home. It was so sweet. And there we were at home with a complete family. It had been a whirlwind, but so perfect at the same time. We couldn't be happier!

Year of the snake

One of the joys of living in China is Chinese New Year. I may have totally spaced Valentines Day, but after the month of celebration we have had...it totally slipped my mind!
We were so fortunate to have Dave home for 10 days. We rarely see him and to have him pretty much all to ourselves for a while was absolutely fabulous!
Dave arranged for us to go on a little family vacation close to home. We went to a little town on the beach called Dapeng. We were one of 3 families there the first night! The boys were disappointed to find out that the pool was only open in the summer. Dave and I were thrilled to see all that this old fishing town had to offer. Here are some of the highlights.

 

The Dapeng Fortress.

 

One thing about Shenzhen is that in the city there is very little...OK no historical architecture. It was so fun for Dave and I to step into the world we think of as China.

 

 

Our little warriors

 

 

Handsome boys!

 

 

Doorway into a home.

 

 

Dongshan Buddhist Temple

 

 

Oops...

 

Strawberry picking!

 

 

While mom was sick in the hotel room the boys went on a little adventure of their own!

 

 

Monument of the famous seafood street in Dapeng!

 

 

Family bike ride along the coast of Yang mei keng. Ever seen a bike like this? Not super comfortable to ride I will tell you that!

 

 

Refreshing coconut juice. Jamo was slightly disappointed to find it didn't taste like his favorite coconut palm drink!

 

 

Our sandcastle.

 

 

The lion waiting to chase down the line of firecrackers waiting for him!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE!

To arrive at HongKong's Disneyland resort is to step into a transporter that crosses the gap of thousands of miles and lands you back home where everything is familiar and happy.

 

It is a place where you are reunited with your childhood. Everything is exciting and carefree. You didn't even realize you missed those feelings until you are faced with them.

 

It's Mickey, Minnie, princesses galour; it's food and rides and shows and laughs that don't stop.

It is food shaped like your favorite character, cotton candy on glow sticks, hats and t-shirts, and Buzz Light Year.

 

It's their eyes getting big as they see Mickey from a distance. It's the kids coming off a ride and yelling "let's do that again! It's the 3D show that is complete with blowing air in your face and spraying water at you and wondering how they do that!

 

It's the Commentary as we ride different ride's. One of my favorites is G on It's a Small World during the part where the room is white and gold and pastel. He yelled outloud "we're in heaven!" Later on to then wonder alound "mom where is Jesus?"

 

 

It's Grizzly Gulch where J could have played all day riding the runaway mine cars over and over and over!

 

It was the lights at night that were perfect and added just the right ambiance to end our evening!

 

 

 

Don't worry Disney...we will be back!

 

 

 



 

 

A day in the life

In one of the medical journals I read, there is a spotlight called "A Day in the Life." It follows the provider through a typical day. Since arriving in China and "settling" down, I have wanted to do something like that. I know it is hard for you guys to visualize where we are and what things are like here. These photos basically walk through my morning minus the house. I promise to post some photos of the house as well at some point.

 

 

This is the view from the front door of our building. The trees you can see have large marble sized pods on them that blossom into purple flowers. Each winter the hack the tops of the trees in preparation for spring. This is what they looked like before the pruning.The structure you can see is the covered exit of the underground parking garage. 

 

This is the small street that walks us directly to both of the boy's schools. Next to me (not photographed) is a round about. You can see the street is very narrow and only 1 car can go at a time. Sometimes it is quite commical to watch cars navigate this street.  

 

This is  Jameson's elementary school. Actually it goes up to 9th grade. You can see the colored awnings on each floor. J-man is on the 3rd floor which is green.

 

The name plackard for the school. 

 

This is what coming home looks like. The green glass window is our elevator. This the reverse view of photo #1. 

 

Then there is G-dawg. He goes to a little neighborhood pre-school. He is actually getting to old for it. He likes being with other kids, but we aren't feeling like he is really learning Chinese like we thought he would. He speaks English to his friends and they speak Chinese back to him.

We LOVE our neighborhood and wander through it often. Much of it is very dirty, but this gives you an idea of what things look like.

This is a happening area at night. It is lined with food venders and all sorts of nick nacks.

Here is an example. Belts, purses, socks...you name it.

Lots of fruit and veggie markets. I frequent a veggie market close to home, but I forget to take my camera.

This guy makes J-man's favorite noodles. We go there at least once a week. He doesn't even need to ask what we want to eat. They LOVE having foreigners eat there!

I was going to put on some pics of the house, but couldn't find anything that really did it justice. Since I am stuck with this one...this is J-man's favorite thing to do on the balcony. This day it was like 60 degrees outside, but he didn't care!

I also lack photos of my bike rides. This one I took yesterday with G-Dawg. I am standing on the bike path looking over toward HK. I have some photos on my phone I promise to show sometime.

 

So there you have it.