Alyssa's Blog

Disneyland 2008

2008-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Family and Friends,

It has been several months since I have made a post for Alyssa's blog site. Hmmm, I wonder how many excuses I can come up with, but none would matter or be valid.

We just recently went to Disneyland. We took advantage of the Public Safety special that Disneyland was offering to all law enforcement and fire personel. What a heck of a savings this was for our family. We also took Alyssa's cousing Austin. We enjoyed our time there. I think we walked about ten miles both of our days there.

This was Alyssa's first time to Disneyland. Her favorite part of the trip was when she got to meet the princesses and Ariel from the little mermaid. It was so fun to watch her interact with them. She also got to meet Minnie Mouse, Pooh Bear, Tigger, Eyore, Woody and Jesse (From ToyStory).

Enjoy

John

August 22, 2007

2007-08-22T02:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I do apologize for the long delay in posting any new pictures or information. I attached some pictures yesterday. Alyssa started pre-school last week. Mom bought her a Dora the Explorer backpack which Alyssa loves. Alyssa loves her preschool and is doing very well. The teachers all say that she is a joy to have there.
The picture of my patrol unit, didn't come out to well. Alyssa is in the driver's seat. She loves "Daddy's work car" and always wants to get in it. Anytime we are driving around town and if she see any police car she will yell and point, "Daddy's work car."
I hope to keep up better on the blog and will post some more updated blogs here soon.

August 21,2007

2007-08-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

More Photos

2007-05-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Easter 2006

2007-04-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Alyssa opening her
easter basket.
Mom giving Alyssa her
easter bunny.
Alyssa hunting for
easter eggs.
Alyssa with her basket
of easter eggs that she
found.
I love this picture..

Sorry that I have not posted an update for awhile. Seems like there is never enough time in a day. The pictures I attached are from Easter. Alyssa could not wait for the easter bunny to come visit. At night prior to falling asleep, she would ask her mom, "Is the easter bunny coming?" Mom would reassure that he was coming but it wouldn't be for awhile. The night before easter, we told Alyssa that the easter bunny would be coming to her house tomorrow to hide easter eggs. She responded only with a warm smile PRICELESS!!!!

On easter sunday we all went to church. My grandparents were here visiting from Orange County and they went with us along with Julie's grandpa. It was nice. We when we got home, we put Alyssa down for her nap and when she woke up the easter bunny had come and left her an easter basket. He also hid a bunch of eggs in the back yard. My brother and his family came over. Alyssa and her cousin Brooke hunted for easter eggs. It was cute watching them. Alyssa would see another egg and scream "ANOTHER ONE!!" She had such fun, it brought so much joy to Julie and I to see her so excited and happy. I often wonder what her life in China would have been like. I thank God everyday that I will never know that answer because she is with us. After the easter egg hunt, Julie and I prepared a nice dinner for our family. It was a great day.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures and leave a post.

Elephant Seals

2007-03-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, we drove to San Simeon, which is about a half hour from our house and visit the Elephant Seals. They only come to our area twice a year. This time of the year they come here give birth to their pups. Many of the Elephant seal population have already left, however there were still quite a few around. Alyssa loved the seals and wanted to "Pet" them. This was a great family day and to have this marine life so close is really awesome.

Tristan and Alyssa

2007-02-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

Our good friends Roger and Gwenna came to visit from Texas. We sure miss having them close by. These are some cute pictures of Alyssa with their son Tristan. I think Alyssa has a crush on Tristan. Don't worry everyone, I am in control LOL....We sure had a good visit with the Morganson clan. Their youngest boy Logan is just so cute. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Both boys are growing up so fast, as is Alyssa. Enjoy....

Chinese New Year Continued

2007-02-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

More pictures...The couple holding Alyssa are our friends Bob and Rhonda...Another cute picture of Alyssa and Abby...Then the picture of the dragon. And of course many of the local adopted children from China....They were waiting to hand out red envelopes, which contained money and or other items such as stickers.

Chinese New Year

2007-02-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone..Today is Chinese New Year. Julie, Alyssa and I along with our friends Bob and Rhonda (Who are in the process of adopting from China) went to a local Chinese Restaurant and celebrated the New Year. This year is the year of pig. We had such a great time. We were happy that our friends were able to participate this year because they were able to see some of the little girls in our area who have been adopted from China. The adoption process is long and when you are actually going through it, there are times when you feel like this little girl is never going to be in your arms. I know it gave them a sense of comfort in knowing that the "Paper chasing" will bare fruit. What an awesome day...Enjoy the pictures....

Here is a picture of Alyssa with one of her friends Abby....More pictures to follow.....

Thank-You

2007-02-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Julie and I want to say thank-you for all of your prayers, flowers, cards and show of support during this hard time.
Grandma Parlin was layed to rest on Saturday. The service was beautiful even though it rained.

Just wanted to post a quick and short update.

John

Goodbye Grandma Parlin

2007-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Grandma passed away this morning at about 4 am. I will truley miss her. She always treated my like her own grandson and I always felt her love for me. One of her happiest moments that I can recall was the day we brought Alyssa home. She had a smile from ear to ear. Grandma loved Alyssa with all of her heart and called her "My own China Doll."
Last night she was able to say her goodbyes to Alyssa, which I feel gave her so much peace. I love you Grandma, and save a spot for us up there in heaven.
Please pray for Julie, Terri (Her dad) and Grandpa Parlin as they mourn.

John

2007-02-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

2007-02-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today has not been a "Super" day for the Taylor. Right after half time Julie received a phone call from the Ambulance company stating they were transporting her Grandma Parlin to the hopsital She has been suffering from emphysema and it has finally taken it's course of action. We learned tonight that she probably won't make it through the night. We are deeply saddened. Grandma Parlin has been Julies' best friend through out her childhood and adult life. Grandma Parlin has been a huge influence on Julie. Please pray for the entire family, especially for Grnadma that she will not suffer and God will take her home.

Here are some photographs of Grandma with Alyssa...

Recent Photographs

2007-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent photographs taken of Alyssa.

Alyssa's Birth City

2007-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well....One of the commonly asked questions Julie and I receive is "Where in China was Alyssa born?"

Alyssa was born on September 7, 2004 in MaoNan China. MaoNan is located in the coastal area of Southern China, which is in the Guangdong Province. Alyssa was placed in a beautiful park where she could easily be found by the local people. Alyssa was found and taken the local police station. The police station then took Alyssa to the MaoNan orphanage.

On April 19, 2005, Julie and I received the referral letter from The China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA). The letter included two pictures of Alyssa and a brief medical history. We were ecstatic....So estactic we forgot to hit the record button on our cam corder to film this exciting time. Julie and I left for Beijing China on June 10 2005.

John

Alyssa and Cousin Brooke

2007-02-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Alyssa with her Cousin Brooke during Halloween. My brother Jim and his wife Maria and Brooke moved back to U.S. from New Zealand in September of 2006. It's great having them so close. Alyssa and Brooke have fun playing together. I enjoyed the black and white picture of Alyssa and I.
Hope everyone enjoys the pictures.....

John

Alyssa's Baby Shower

2007-01-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,

We are so excited with all of the responses that we have received. Julie and I are hoping that we can tell our (Alyssa's) adoption story with families who are either pondering adopting from China or another foreign country. We hope our journey will assist other families who are struggling with their decision to go forward with the adoption. Our message is simple, although trying and frustrating, it's all worth it. We are lucky to have Alyssa and we hope that just maybe, our adoption story will inspire a family to adopt from China, where there are millions of baby girls who need families.

We hope you all enjoy this blog and continue to leave comments.....

So let the journey begin...

The attached photographs were from Alyssa's baby shower, which took place on June 8th 2005.

John

2007-01-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well....I DID IT!!!!!! I can't believe it....I was able to attach and upload one of Alyssa's pictures. I forgot to rotate it before I downloaded though..Oh well....I am stoked...I will begin starting her adoption story soon...So stay tuned...

John

Just getting started

2007-01-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello....I have been wanting to do some sort of "website" for Alyssa, but do to my lack of "computer skills"I have not done so. However, several friends of mine have blog sites and I have decided to "Pony Up" and do our own. We hope you enjoy this blogsite and as I learn how to navigate through all of this, we will attach photographs...

Enjoy our bundle of of joy...

John