First Family Vacation

People told us, "Do not attempt this!" Not wise...wouldn't be prudent! Do not attempt a family vacation with a two year old. But, like most advice, we didn't listen. Instead, we packed our bags and headed off to the beaches of South Carolina for Thanksgiving and Levi's birthday. And we had a blast! Yes, it took a little more planning and a bit a flexibility, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Among our favorites sites were Fort Sumter (where the Civil War began), Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and chasing birds and waves on the shoreline. We had to weather a few sicknesses along the way, but all is good now. So, I'm marking "First Family Vacation" off my bucket list and moving on to another challenge. Next, please...!

Gobble, gobble, gobble

Who needs to eat turkey on Thanksgiving when you can chase one?! Here is our very own "turkey whisperer" doing his best to bring home a turkey for dinner!

More birthday party pictures

All things Bob!

Levi LOVES Bob the Builder! What is it about little boys and their obsession with trucks, tractors, and bull dozers?! When we're riding in the car, Levi feels compelled to point out every piece of construction equipment on the road. Bob? Bob? Seeee....Bob!

So no other theme would do for Levi's 2nd birthday party other than a complete blow out Bob the Builder extravaganza. What fun! I was a little worried about the pinata, but even that was a huge success with no injuries or trips to the ER. :)

What a change from last year when we celebrated the first birthday of our son (still in Korea) with a lonely candle and a slice of pie. Lord, you are an amazing Father! Of all the children in the world, you chose Levi for us....we are truly blessed! Happy Birthday Levi!!!

October Pictures...finally :)

Halloween pictures of the cutest lil' golfer you have ever seen!

Happy Gilmore

Levi's daddy loves to play golf, and the two of them have been working to perfect Levi's swing. Golf, though, can be a frustrating sport. Adam has seen more than one grown man cast down his clubs and throw a tantrum on the fairway...just like a two year old. Watch as our peewee PGA champion forgets his own golf etiquette. :)
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For keeps...forever, and ever, and ever!

Well as they say, it's a done deal! At last! We finalized Levi's adoption on Friday, September 16, 2011! Here we are holding the final adoption decree which states Levi Thomas Parang Williams is our son forever, and ever, and ever....

So after completing mounds and mounds (see picture above) of legal papers, background checks, and home studies we are finished! And you know what? IT WAS ALL WORTH IT! Levi is worth it!

In fact, I would do it again. In fact, we just may do it again....so stay tuned!

Our judge was wonderful, and the adoption ceremony was so touching. Here is a sample of the questions Adam and I had to answer:

Do you consider your marriage stable? Yes

Do you understand your responsibilties as parents? I think so...

Do you vow to meet Levi's needs? Absolutely

Do you promise to love and cherish your son? Done!

I couldn't help but think every parent should be required to make such vows before embarking on the most important job of their life. Today, I'm thankful for my son and for my family and friends that have prayed, supported, and loved us through this journey!

First Day of School

They grow up fast, don't they? Last Tuesday was Levi's first day of Mother's Day Out, and I don't know who cried more when I left the classroom, Levi or me! The teacher said he was "inconsolable" the first hour which made my heart break all over again for him. But, when I came back two hours later, I peered in the same classroom and saw my son laughing, dancing, and babbling like the social butterfly that he is. They do, indeed, grow up too fast. SO fast I'm afraid next he'll be drinking Dr Pepper and asking for the car keys. Wait a minute....!

Levi say "Cheeezzz"

Levi is our first child, and as you know, first children are no stranger to the camera. It's so bad that even if a complete stranger pulls out her cell phone, Levi poses and says, "Cheeezzz"!

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I, on the other hand, was a second child, and my baby book consists of a picture of my birth followed by my college graduation! LOL!

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I signed up for a promotion at a local photo studio that allows me FREE photo shoots for one year with one FREE 8X10 picture each time. But of course, I love all the pictures of my little sweetheart so I end up with a lot more than one 8X10. Adam laughs and jokes that every "FREE" 8X10 costs us a fortune! But, someday we will be thankful that we've documented our first year home with our son, even if he is a camera hog! :)

Let your light shine!

Today was Levi's baby dedication at church. It's really more of a parent and grandparent dedication as we commit to God to raise our child according to His word and His ways. Unfortunately, Levi cried through the entire ceremony because he wanted his Grandpa Tom (whom he loves!) to hold him. The congregation got a good laugh, and now we have a funny story to tell Levi when he is older. :)
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We named Levi after the Levites in the Old Testament who were set apart for the Lord's work. I know I'm just a proud mama, but I already feel that our son is living up to his namesake. It seems everywhere we go, Levi lights up the room! He has an infectious smile and sweet spirit that attracts people, and I believe it is the presence of the Holy Spirit living in him. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world....Let your light shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16
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Yes, my son, you have been set apart for something great in the Kingdom of God, and I can't wait to see your life unfold. Go and let that light shine!





On a side note: There is nothing worse than showing up to your baby dedication wearing the same outfit as another child. How embarrassing! :)

Say "Aahhh"

Levi and I make a great pair... I had oral surgery last week, and he is cutting two huge molars so we are both in PAIN! I sit on the couch with an ice pack on my cheek while he gums his teething ring or popsicle. Aren't we a sight to see? LOL! Perhaps this is the Lord's way of teaching us both a little empathy. :)

Korea's Got Talent

My friend sent this You Tube link to me, and it really inspired me! Maybe because I've always enjoyed rooting for the underdog or maybe because our adoption of Levi has created a special place in my heart for the country of South Korea and its people. Either way, this young man has a beautiful voice, a true gift from God. Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day: Part 2

Levi loves all things about his daddy...including Adam's tennis shoes!
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Happy Father's Day

Isn't this the cutest picture of father and son? The Bible says,

"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it." Psalm 22:6

The first part of this verse is harder than it seems sometimes. How do you "train a child" who is determined (as we all are) to mark out his own path and to have it his own way? With baby steps, I suppose. That's what I love about this picture...Adam isn't dragging Levi down the path but rather gently guiding him in the way he should go.


To my husband,
I always knew you would make an amazing father, but you have still managed to exceed my expectations. I love that you can't wait to pull in the driveway to greet your son. I love that you read the Bible to him and teach him to pray. And I love that you get down on the floor to wrestle Levi even though I worry sometimes you might break him. :) Our son will strive to be just like you and that gives me peace because you are a kind, gentle, and godly man who practices what he preaches. Thank you for guiding our family in the way we should go. Happy Father's Day! I love you!
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We've come a long way, baby!

In Korea, parents often mark the 100th day of a child's life with a huge party including gifts and feasting. This began in ancient Korea when the infant death rate was very high, and a newborn surviving the first 100 days was cause for celebration. Now, the ceremony continues as a way of remembering the blessing of the child and the joy he brings.

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We marked Levi's 100th day home on June 8th. But, instead of the traditional Korean rice cakes, we celebrated with chocolate cake topped with cream cheese icing. Levi went to town on the sweet indulgence. He kept looking at us puzzled as if to say, "You are really letting me do this?!!"

We've come a long way from the first night in the hotel room in Seoul where Levi cried continuously and could not be comforted. God is so good!

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Levi, you are our precious son and the apple of our eye. Thank you for enriching our lives and bringing us such happiness! Happy 100th day!

First Haircut

I hated to do it, but it was time. Levi has beautiful hair. It's soft and shiny, and unlike his mother, he wakes up every morning with a good hair day! Levi did great in the barber chair! Of course, the chair was really a purple jeep, had a flat screen TV playing Sesame Street, and he got to chomp on a sucker while getting his hair cut....but I say whatever works, right?

Here are a few more "first" for Mr. Levi. First ride on a train at the Ft Worth Zoo, trip to the splash park, visit to a petting zoo, and experience with face painting. Fun!

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New pictures!

A few new pictures our our precious boy!