Down the Garden Path

Fall Camping FUN!!

2011-10-18T13:43:00.005-04:00

We are not very spontaneous people. I mean, if you call us to go to dinner and dinner is in the oven, we will put it in the frig and head out. If you have a cool place to go and we are cleaning or doing yard work, we are happy to drop our mops and rakes and head out but that is usually the extent of it. But we went crazy this weekend and decided to go camping less than 24 hours before our departure!!! We have heard that Halloween Camping is fun so we decided to give it a try. To add to our pleasure, Elizabeth took her best buddy, A!

As soon as we arrived we realized we were camping next to her Pre K friend Emily. Quickly they became reacquainted and the fun began!!!

Saturday morning after an outdoor breakfast of eggs and bacon, we headed to the craft shop to do ceramics. Who ever said pumpkins needed to be painted orange??

After ceramics we went to the playground and then headed to the pavilion for a magic show.

Best Friends waiting for the show to start!

Then there was more fun playing together.

Then there was Trick or Treating. Sam was Luigi, Elizabeth was Mario A! was Jesse and Emily was heading to the sock hop!

Watching what other people were doing, I pulled my chair up to the road and handed out candy. WOW, I gave out 4 bags of candy in about 40 minutes!!

Check out my haul!!!

After our candy gathering, we took a hay ride. This was the activity that both girls said was their favorite part of the trip.

Saturday night there was a beautiful sunset of the bay.

Sunday morning the girls piled into my bed and the giggles started!!!

And more time playing on the bikes!

By the time we were on the road home, the girls were fast asleep~ the sure sign of a great weekend!

This trip was certainly one that reminded us about the importance of making memories for Elizabeth. We hope this will become a yearly ritual. Having Anna along just made the fun that much better!

How could it be the middle of September?

2011-09-16T12:47:00.007-04:00

Oh where did the summer go??? Our summer ended rather abruptly with the arrival of Hurricane Irene. Our last weekend was spent getting ready, enduring and cleaning up. Luckily not too much damage. The first week of September brought the opportunity to visit E!'s new school. She loved it and is so excited about what it might bring. So are we!!!

We got to visit her classroom, find her desk and leave all of her supplies. Her class seems warm and inviting. She was excited by the books, the computers and the words she COULD read!!!

Mrs. Sanzo seems like a wonderful teacher. She listened to some of our concerns and some of E!'s story. She sat down and E! read her a book ~ cover to cover. It was a simple book but it was a first for her in a classroom setting. We left with a huge feeling of relief. Hopefully it will last for a little while.

Instead of going somewhere and feeling exhausted we stayed home and did some fun things around town. Sunday we went to the bounce house but Saturday, we decided to RIDE THE TIDE ~ our new light rail system. E was excited to head out. We were picking up her friend A for our adventure.

Everyone got their ticket and eagerly awaited the arrival of the train. A had never been on a train so her eyes got huge when it pulled into the station.

We went to mall as our train destination. We enjoyed lunch at Max and Erma's.

We went shopping a Claire's for everyone to pick out one special treat.

We played for a good long time on the playground before heading back out to the train for the trek home. By the time we pulled into the station everyone was exhausted. We ran to 7-11 for a refresher Slurpee and then the girls proceeded to pass out in their car seats!! Fun was had by all!

Tuesday brought the first day of school. When we woke E up at 5:45, she declared it was still "relax time". She informed us that she doesn't get up until "the sunshine is up". Well kiddo, that is about the change!!!! I had to take picture inside because it was still kind of dark outside when they left at 6:30 to catch the bus. I am thrilled to report that Daddy took her to the bus. She was nervous but there where no tears!!! She has loved getting on the bus each day and has adjusted well to our new wake up time. Honestly, I am a bit surprised. It has been easier to get her up at 5:45 than it was at 7:30 last year. We haven't had one morning fight yet!!

I am not big on character things but she so very much wanted the Mario backpack so I had to give in!

The very next weekend we had the honor to be involved in the VA Freedom Festival. In part, it raised money for Special Olympics but it also was in incredible tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. This fire truck is from the NYFD. All of the men assigned to the truck perished in the towers on that day.

This is a 5.5 ton piece of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

This is a piece of the granite from the site of the PA crash.

This is a piece of the Limestone from the Pentagon.

Theses pieces will be permanently housed in Chesapeake. What a magnificent tribute!

Life is good as we enter a new phase with a first grader!!! How lucky we are!!!

Gotcha Day Reunion

2011-08-17T20:28:00.002-04:00

We were so lucky to travel to China with the most wonderful 4 families. Sharing such an intimate moment as your first moments as a new parents builds bonds that we didn't expect but we are SO thankful for. We have been blessed that each year,around Gotcha Day, we have been able to get together. Of course, it wasn't complete because Doddlebug and her family couldn't make it all the way from Texas but we hope to see them next year!

The weekend started out a bit rocky. Sam had been gone all week in California and got home just hours before everyone arrived. It made alot of work for me to get ready but I was so excited, I didn't mind. I slipped into the shower about 15 minutes before arrival and my shower came to an abrupt end when the shower water was pouring out of the light fixture on the first first floor.

An emergency call to the plumber and we were assured we would have water for the big weekend just no master shower. That was ok. I was too busy to primp to much!!

Friday night was spent reconnecting with everyone. Everyone enjoyed the nice weather and played outside and chatted it up on the deck. I got a special cake made with the American and Chinese flag. I was a little disappointed that the flags decoration was mostly on the side of the cake but it was one of a kind, none the less.

Saturday morning we all met over at Bluebird Gap Farm for some fun together.

The foursome at the Wishing Well

Sam's job was to keep the pet food coming!! They all enjoyed feeding the animals.

Our four beauties!

The Baba's and the Gie-Gie's

Our Extended Family (minus the O's :))

After Bluebird, the K family had to head out. We will miss you Jilly!! We went back to our house for lunch and then headed to Buckroe Beach for some beach time fun.

The girls follow big brother M into the water!

The rest of the time was spent running, digging and laughing!

Big brother MT was a great sport about making it a weekend for the under 6 crowd.

The S mama and baba

The T mama and baba

It seems like there might be a plan hatching!

Just before we were chased home by the raindrops!

For dinner we made Frogmore Stew. The ladies were inside preparing the food and table while sipping a little vino while the men folk were out under cover boiling water and keeping time. It was a great dinner and everyone seemed to enjoy the eating off of newspaper!!

Menfolk hard at work watching water boil and their watches at the same time!

Yummo!

All that was left of that big pile!

After dinner there was more playtime. They disappeared into E's room where "no boys were allowed". They were up there for over an hour and quiet as church mice. They came down with "makeups" and dress up clothes on and performed a dance for everyone. It was wonderful to see them work together as a team. Sunday morning everyone came back (well the T family just came in from the driveway, they were staying in our camper) and we had a final breakfast together. Conversation quickly turned to next year's plans. We are so lucky to have each other on this journey as our girls grow and their questions change. They are so lucky to have each other. Someone else who situation is about as close to their own as they will find.
May god bless each of these "China Sisters" with a life of love, togetherness, and happiness. We love all of you!

Cleaning and Scrubbing...or Not!

2010-11-25T11:20:00.006-05:00

Today is the day before Thanksgiving. I had every intention of staying home and finishing up the cleaning and getting the cooking started. Instead, Lizzy is home from school so that changes things some. Then, Anna needs a home for the day while her momma works. They play so well together and have so much fun, how could I refuse. Not to mention Jamey pulls me out of more fires than I could ever count. Anna arrived at 6:45 AM and the fun began. Soon there were pleas to read, color, play games and go outside. I remember the saying "Cleaning and scrubbing and can't wait for tomorrow because babies grow up much to our sorrow...) Cleaning and cooking plans went to the side and we had a blast!!!

Swimming!!

2010-11-13T11:21:00.004-05:00

Elizabeth was invited to come swim with her friend Fin while they were at the beach on a mini get-away. She had a BLAST! The whole way down there in the car, she kept saying "I so cited!". On the way home she slept the ENTIRE way. Thanks Fin for dinner and tiring her out! Oh, yeah, and for being a good friend and giving her the courage to be the best she can be. Tonight was the first night that Elizabeth has ever been in a pool without mom. In fact just 2 weeks ago, she refused to get in without me. When we did get in, she just clung to my throat. Tonight, she swam like a fish (a fish wearing her swim vest). She even jumped in by herself ~ face wet and all. I was so proud of her accomplishing something new. Thanks Leslie for the opportunity!!

Fin will never drown in a pool! She is a pretty good little swimmer.

This is Elizabeth in July of 2008. Boy, sometimes I forget how big she has gotten.

Totally off topic but way to funny!

2010-10-11T18:35:00.000-04:00

This was just too funny NOT to post....

This is an "actual letter" from an Austin , Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. This was PC Magazine's 2009 Editors' Choice award-winner for the best letter sent via e-mail.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'

Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything
mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh!t. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always . ...

Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-06T08:09:00.003-04:00

OK, 4 word Wednesday ~ I love you, baby!!

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-08T14:02:00.005-04:00

The first day of Kindergarten is a mixed bag of emotions around here! To be fair, it also falls on the same day that 3 years ago we walked through our front door for the first time as a family of 3. Only three ago!!! Most mommies get 5 years with their babies before they send them off to begin their life of academia, I only had 3 and Lizzy only had 3 years to be babied before she was on her way to big things. I need more time. I am not sure about her. She is so smart and ready and eager to learn. I usually don't mourn the loss of the her first 3 years or the loss of mothering a true baby but maybe just today will be ok?

Kindergarten started out with a meet your teacher tonight. Lizzy was eager to go. She was most eager to wear that back pack that had been hanging on the closet door just taunting her. She was not allowed to touch it until the big day!

She woke up happy and ready to go!! I had gotten a little worried because over the weekend, she kept crying that she wanted mommy and daddy to go to kindergarten. We explained the rules and she seemed to accept them. She even got to sleep in mommy's bed the night before for some extra cuddles (and to make sure the anxiety didn't get the best of her. After all, a good night sleep would help her be rationale in the morning. She even insisted on wearing a dress, which is unusual for her. She was all smiles and ready to pose for some commemorative pictures.

School went great. She got out of the car with no problems, kissed Daddy goodbye and went off to conquer the world, or a least to make friends with 2 new kids, Maria and Devin. We promised her that we would go our to her favorite restaurant if she had a good day, so off we went to the "Terra Cotta Warriors". We praised and she beamed. Please just let the next day go so well I thought.

Getting home, we let her play outside, which she loves before settling into our early to bed night time routine. We will pray for a day 2 that is just as wonderful as day 1.

Update: Day 2 not off to the same good start. She cried from the moment she got up to the moment she disappeared into the school. Today she knew what was up and she would have NONE of it! Oh lordy, I hope this gets better quick. Dealing with her attachment issues as it relates to all of this puts a different twist on the situation. We have seen such progress with her attachment struggles. I don't think I am mentally ready for a step back. I so wanted it to go smoothly:(

Kindergarten

2010-09-02T20:46:00.003-04:00

Tonight was open house for Kindergarten. I am not sure if it is to ease the Mom's and Dad's (well, mostly the mom's) in to Kindergarten or if it is really for the kids. Elizabeth had a pretty new dress to wear after all, we know the old saying about first impressions. She was excited to put on the new back pack which has been hanging on the door know for a month just taunting her. She seemed excited and inquisitive. I think she will do great and have the whole situation under control in a week!

Her teachers are Mrs. Yarrington and Mrs. Moore.

Excited by all of the new things that lie ahead.

She proudly found her seat, her new home away from home!

"Finally, I can wear my backpack!"

Summer Vacation Part 2

2010-08-31T15:55:00.005-04:00

The second part of our trip was in Lake George New York. It was a long rainy ride from South Jersey but Elizabeth did amazingly well. Lake George, the lake and the village, are so quaint. It was a wonderful place to visit.

We found a fun place to eat on "Grandma's Front Porch"

The big reason for going to Lake George was to visit our former neighbor, Alisha and her beauty, Mollie. We gave not seen Mollie since she was just a few weeks old. She is such a cutie. We had a fun time visiting and exchanging gifts.

We went on a horse drawn carriage ride around the lake.

We then went on a cruise along Lake George. The Mini haha was alot of fun!

Oh, how I wish I owned this chair!

Friends sharing popcorn along the way.

So pretty and vast!

Our hotel "The Tahoe Resort" from the lake

It was a wonderful stay. Next time, I hope we can spend some more time and enjoy some of the other activities that the area has at offer.

Our Summer Vacation

2010-08-26T16:00:00.006-04:00

We enjoyed a wonderful summer vacation! The first leg of our trip was to Wildwood NJ. My dad went there as a kid, I went there and now Elizabeth is enjoying it just as much. We stayed at a new place which was fancy by Wildwood standards. Janet and her family were in the room next door and we shared a room with Grammy and Poppie. While all of the activities were lots of fun, I think the time Elizabeth spent with her Grammy and Pop was the best. That is what she talks about most which is cool because you can jump in any waves or ride any rides but doing with your grandparents is special.

Here is our first 5 days in pictures

Having lunch on the Cape May Lewis Ferry. Wildwood here we come!!

Grammy, Pop and E on the Tram Car

Daddy and E on the bumper cars. She so wanted to drive.

Fun with cousins, Domi and Gabe

She enjoyed the beach, especially jumping the waves with "Gammy"

Refused a nap in the hotel and then collapsed for an hour on top of me at the beach.

Lots of good food was had. She loves "Cabs"

and rides with Grammy was a hit.

All in all, a great extended family vacation. I am thankful that the good lord blessed us with the opportunity.

It's All About the Bears

2010-07-27T15:53:00.007-04:00

We had a wonderful camping trip on just about the hottest weekend of the trip. With our great friends, Jamey, Nelson and Anna, we headed to Jellystone Campground at Natural Bridge. We had a fantastic time! Here is our trip in pictures, in no particular order.

Playing along the banks of the James River

We went to the VA Safari Park. We took the wagon ride and then our car. It was great except for the heatstroke we all just about had the my bit on the a$$ from an out of control ostrich!

Anna is not sure what she is so excited about yet.

The Llama had a nice snack out of the back seat!

Dropping food into a bison's mouth

Forcing E to try and feed the gentle llama

She is not so sure about being eye to eye with this buck.

Sam feeds the doe!

Elizabeth was brave enough to touch the pigs. She really liked the baby pigs.

E and Anna with the Yogi who doesn't more. He seems so much safer!

After the pledge is done the bears go back to their home for a rest.

Lizzy was trying to be brave. Afterall, it was BooBoo's birthday.

E and Miss Jamey enjoying hanging out at the campsite.

Jamey and Nelson, our camping buddies (and everything else buddies too!)

Best Friends!

Elizabeth really enjoyed the lake this year. Wearing her vest has brought her a new sense of confidence that she never had before. She will actually let go and let the vest do the work although she can really kick those little legs and get to where she wants to go. She has even gotten brave in the last few weeks and is willing, almost eager, to put her face under!

Went to the zoo and E got to ride the Elephant with Baba!

She was pretty brave feeding the deer.

Here is how you know everyone had a great time!!!

We will be back next summer!!!

Rites of Spring

2010-05-29T22:02:00.004-04:00

Strawberry picking is a wonderful rite of springtime. We found a local farmer's market that had a hay ride out to the strawberry fields. Strawberry picking was a first for Elizabeth so it was fun to watch her search the plants for the perfect specimen. It was just hard to get it in the box instead of in her mouth, which was encouraged by the farm owners.

We walked away with five pounds of strawberries. Red mouths, red-stained shirts and a tradition started!

One for the bowl, one for the mouth, one for the bowl, one for the mouth

Toothless Grins

2010-03-03T22:09:00.003-05:00

My friend Leslie's little girl Fin and Elizabeth currently have matching toothless grins! Fin's happened recently in Disney World by the mere fact that she is 6 while Elizabeth's happened a 2 years ago because of a hard marble floor at the mall. Nonetheless, they are as cute as they can be with their matching smiles. Leslie was right when she said we couldn't pass up the opportunity to get some great pictures of the girls. They had a fun time posing and getting silly with the camera and the photographer. I think she did a great job capturing the spirit of both girls as well as their special friendship.

Sometimes I Love My Husband

2010-02-13T12:16:00.004-05:00

I love my husband.

Sometimes I love him because it's a just a fact of my life. Something that is true by default.

Sometimes I love him because he does something sweet for me.

Sometimes I love him because he overlooks the error of my ways.

Sometimes I love him because I realize I never have to worry about his faithfulness and commitment to our marriage and family.

Sometimes I love him because I see how much he loves Elizabeth.

Sometimes I love him because he gets this special look on his face that lets me know he is proud of who I am.

Sometimes I love him because he cares as much about my family and Max as I do.

Sometimes I love him because I'm talking to another person about him and I realize what a wonderful husband I have described.

Sometimes I love him because he overlooks my too-frequent faults.

Sometimes I love him because he rubs my feet after a long day.

Sometimes I love him because he takes Lizzy out for a date when I don't feel good or have work I need to get done.

Sometimes I love him because he keeps Elizabeth without complaining when I have to go out of town.

Sometimes I love him because he is happy to go to all sorts of things for my job.

Sometimes I love him because he serves "his girls" breakfast in bed ~ everyday.

Sometimes I love him because he is always happy to go out to dinner instead of my cooking dinner.

Sometimes I love my husband because I'm away from him for little while and it hits me how much I love him.

Sometimes I love my husband when I'm listening to heartbreaking stories from bad marriages and realize how blessed I am to have him.

Sometimes I love my husband because when he can prove I am wrong, he doesn't rub it in.

Sometimes I love my husband because he loves me first.

I guess if you put all those "sometimes" together, it adds up to the fact that I love my husband every minute of every day... more and more every day.

Yep, that sounds about right. I love you Sam Apperson!!Happy Valentines Day!

Never let it be said that I am not determined...

2010-02-09T13:08:00.004-05:00

to do anything I can to make the Polar Plunge Winter Festival happen. It was a quite a day for an outdoor charity fundraiser. We had it all ~ wind gusts to 50 mph, rain, sleet and snow. We also had a committee of about 25 incredible volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the 2010 Polar Plunge Winter Festival to benefit Special Olympics Virginia an awesome day under far from perfect conditions. I am so happy and honored to lead the pack!!! Today I feel like I have the best job!!! 2636 brave souls took the plunge into the cold Atlantic and raised over $860,000 for Special Olympics Virginia. We wouldn't let them get too wet because of the vicious waves but just standing out there in their bathing suits won them a badge of courage to me. Volunteers, supporters, plungers, you are INCREDIBLE!!!!

My Little Fashionista!

2010-01-29T07:45:00.004-05:00

My little girl knows what she likes! If she doesn't like it there is no convincing her. These all pass muster!

Thanks Fin! You give the best hand-me-downs. I am wearing this today on my field trip!

Thanks Aunt Katy! This dress makes me feel like a diva! It goes perfect with the shoes from Ms. Debbie.

Thanks Grammie, this one matches my "funky socks" (aka socks with polka dots)
This is my own creation! The outfit mom bought me and the princess gear from the Vanbuskirks. It is amazing how a tutu, some plastic shoes and a tiara turn an ordinary girl into a princess.

Tinkering

2010-01-02T22:48:00.002-05:00

After a nine day trip, I have a ton of laundry to do, xmas gifts to put away, decorations to stow and a gazillion other things to accomplish. Instead of doing anything (alright, I did get a few things done) I sat and tinkered with Windows Movie Maker. I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and never could figure out which software to make it work until I was blog hopping this morning (of course wasting more valuable time). It seems pretty simple now, silly that I could not have done this last year when I wanted one for my mom's birthday. Anyhow, I know it is not Christmas related (that will be coming soon) but it was a fun group of pictures that I thought I would use as my test. Nothing is more fun than to play with photos of three beautiful little girls.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-17T23:50:00.001-05:00

Cousins

2009-12-07T09:15:00.001-05:00

Some things are just not meant to be shared. Why can't they share toys this well?

Thanksgiving.....In pictures

2009-12-05T11:11:00.018-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Since I am now getting christmas decorations out, I realized I never posted a Thanksgiving update (nor a birthday or Halloween, but those will have to come later). My family came from Delaware and PA to celebrate with us. Elizabeth enjoyed having her MeMa, Grammie, Poppie, Aunt, Uncle and cousins all in one place.

Elizabeth preparing Poppie's favorite sweet potatoes

Uncle Max and Elizabeth watching the Parade

My baby looks too grown up in this picture. Where did the babyness go?

Poppie and Grammie are here! Let the good times begin!!!

We have so much to be thankful for. Elizabeth is the greatest of blessings.

Half of the family table.

Cousins trudge off to see Santa. Where are the smiles??? Domi wouldn't go but Elizabeth took 18 month old Gabe up to show him how to do it!

The big perk of the weekend was getting to ride in the "back back" with Grammie.

We took the kids to a bounce house to burn off a little energy.

Elizabeth liked going down with Aunt Janet.

Leaving Daddy to his own devices!

Too much fun!!!

Aunt Janet reads the night night stories.

The next day, a little quiet time with Grammie before....

we eat more leftovers, again!

We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving filled with a bounty of family, friends and good food.

Soccer

2009-11-09T15:30:00.004-05:00

This summer Elizabeth began requesting to play soccer. One of her little friends at church plays so we decided to join her team. The first few games were a disaster to say the least. After buying all of the "stuff" needed and hauling ourselves out to the field, she refused to play ~ for 3 games. Just as we were about to give up, at the fourth game, the coach took her hand and "helped" her out to the field. She has been going strong ever since. Many games she not only had to play one quarter but all four due to lack of attendance. She didn't really kick the ball but a few times but she sure did chase it around. If it came too close to her, she usually deferred to another player close by. She usually stepped it up and did it for the team. She loved to play "Purple" aka goalie. She was surprisingly good at that position. She had one game where caught all four balls that were heading in. Next season we are hoping that she will kick the ball!

SCORE!!!

Kicking the ball was reserved for practice!

She really liked being part of a team.

We loved our coach!!! She was great with the kids.

She had to stand on her "stage" aka fireplace hearth to show off her trophy!

So tired!!! Our day started with a school trip to Norfolk to see Elmo, then lunch out with Mommy, then the school Halloween party, then the soccer game, then the team pizza party. I fun day!!!

A Few Recent Updates

2009-09-18T10:16:00.002-04:00

Life has been so busy, sometimes it seems hard to carve out a few minutes to update!

We have had a few big milestones in the last few weeks ~

If you read often, you know we have had a struggle getting Elizabeth out of her crib. Since Elizabeth is now too big for the pack and play and the room was too small for the new inflatable bed we bought her, while on vacation, she was forced into the "big girl bed" She did great!!!! Not one issue of crying or getting out of bed. It was wonderful. Of course, once we got home, she wanted to get back into the crib. The first night we let her and the next day, down came the crib!

Elizabeth tucked into bed on vacation!

Another big happening was both for her and for mommy and daddy!!! The picture below is everyone who was at our table for a nice Sunday lunch a couple of weeks ago! Notice who is missing!!!!! Yes, she actually went with her Uncle for the day. I was doubtful but hopeful! After a false start which included lots of crying and "no go". I, who had stayed out of the transfer, gave her a quarter and suggested she ask Uncle Lem to take her to the store for a piece of gum (her favorite thing right now). She grabbed the quarter and they were off before I could get to the window to watch. When they come home, she wanted to go again so they went to the carousel, then Uncle Lem called and said they stopped by the house (we were inside waiting for them to return)to get her backpack and stroller from the driveway and they were off to Busch Gardens for the day! We ran (not really exaggerating) to the car and enjoyed a nice lunch at a new waterfront restaurant. We then enjoyed some restful shopping and time at home to relax together. She did not get home until 9PM. She was exhausted but all smiles with lots of stories to share. Truly, it seemed like a light at the end of our tunnel!

The first date for Mommy and Daddy in 17 months, but who's counting!

Our Gotcha Day Celebration Continued

2009-08-22T23:11:00.006-04:00

For Gotcha Day, Elizabeth gets to choose where we go for dinner. Of course she picks "soup" which is her favorite Chinese buffet.

Momma loves her baby!

A Blessed Family of 3!

Yum, Yum, her favorite

After dinner we had sang Happy Gotcha Day and got a few treats including a doll that I had bought in China. We also picked out a charm on line which will go on her charm bracelet. It should be no surprise that it is a Mickey charm.

This weekend we went to Richmond to meet with two other families we traveled to China with. We sure did miss Little Miss C and DD and DB. After plenty of socializing and reconnecting on Friday night, we went to the Richmond Zoo on Saturday. It was blazing hot (not quite as bad a China but getting worse by the minute) but it was great. Fin, you would love it!!!!!

Elizabeth and J were happy to see each other and reconnected so quickly!

After dinner J joined J and Elizabeth. They were silly and tired!

Fun was had with the all of the treats the girls had received.

The zoo was fun! Lots of different animals. Fin ~ you gotta go!

It was time to part ways at the zoo. Nobody seemed excited to leave or maybe they were just hot, tired, hungry and dehydrated!

We got to share one last meal with J and her family before we parted ways. Cool air, cool drinks and some food brought those smiles back out!

Elizabeth fell asleep in the car and slept most of the way home! She needed it!

We missed those who couldn't come. You were constantly in our thoughts and part of our memories recollected! We have some big plans already in motion for next year. We hope we will ALL be together again!

Today We Celebrate

2009-08-19T08:01:00.004-04:00

Today we celebrate. Today, two years ago, We woke up as a family of 2 and went to sleep a family of three. The day I wed my husband and this day were the two best days of my life. Sadly, for Elizabeth this was probably the scariest day for her as everything she knew and depended on changed forever. I hope she never has to feel that again. Kind of ironic that the adoptive mom's greatest joy can be the adopted child's cross to bear.

Tonight we will continue the traditions that we started last year. Miss Elizabeth will get choose where we will go to dinner (she has already declared that we will be getting soup (aka the chinese buffet that she LOVES!), we will pick out a charm for her bracelet that will represent the past year and she will get a small gift from our collection that we bought while in China.

My sweet Elizabeth,

I can not believe it has been two years. So much has happened in the last 12 months, that it is hard to recount. Most noticeably, you have grown. You have gotten taller and so much more muscular. Your language has really developed as well. We love to hear you chatter and boy do you like to hear yourself chatter as well. This past year, you have started to become engaged in some fun activities. You enjoyed being part of the church choir and gym class. You learned about Mickey Mouse, Busch Gardens, and the fun you can have playing with friends. You know your colors and letters, you can almost count to 20, and you know how to sing so many songs. You remind us every night to say our blessing over dinner (even snack now) and you recite your prayers each night praying for your family, friends and other people who have touched you that day. Do you think Ms. Gee will ever know how many times you have said, "Dear God, please help Ms. Gee feel better". You still are not a big fan of Mommy and Daddy leaving but you will now leave us, if we sit quietly in one place.

Every day that goes by, we love you more than the day before. When we look into your beautiful almond shaped eyes, we are reminded that we are the luckiest people on earth to have been chosen to be your mommy and daddy. Two years ago we were overwhelmed with gratitude to the Peoples Republic of China for entrusting you to our care. Those feelings have not changed. We are grateful everyday that you are ours and we are yours. You have a brought us such incredible joy. We love our home filled with your devilish laugh. We love you like crazy cakes my dear baby!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

August 20, 2009

August 20, 2007

On a side note, we went to the dentist yesterday for our first teeth cleaning in a conscious state. There was much screaming but it ended peacefully. We love Dr. Plauka. Best news..... No cavities, no $13,000 worth of dental work needed and six year molars are popping out a year early!

Clean Toothy Smile

Playgroup

2009-08-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

This past weekend we had a wonderful time hosting our FCC playgroup. We had 4 little girls all about Elizabeth's age over to play at our neighborhood pool. I hope fun was had by all because E really enjoyed it. It made her so much braver!

What is missing from this picture? Elizabeth clinging to my bathing suit in terror that I will let her go.

I love watching Fin have a good time.

Karen's cooler is so good for many different things!

Our playgroup friends

Later in the week we decided to take advantage of her new found bravery. Uncle Max and I took her to the pool after a long 100 degree day.

"I do myself" was heard alot. I love it.

For the first time she would jump in and let the float catch her which resulted in water in the face and eyes. Until that night, there would have been crying and fussing. Not tonight. Tonight there was laughter.

It was a fun night!

We continue to struggle on a daily basis with attachment issues. Days like this when she is willing to move away from my immediate presence is wonderful. It gives me faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It was especially needed after the huge meltdown at church on Thursday night which was related to attachment.
I look forward to more pool time before the summer is over. Now, just make the rain stop!

A Nightmare

2009-08-07T23:52:00.002-04:00

There is a family in China right now who is being forced to leave their newly adopted 4 year old behind. She tested positive for TB and with the new CDC laws, they will not permit her in the country even though she has been on meds for 2 months and is not contangious. This is an atrocity for many reasons. This family who has bonded to this child must now abandon her because they most go home. This child has been legally adopted so she is really left without a country. If she was a natural born child born on foreign soil she would not have been subjected to these tests. If she was traveling to the US for pleasure or work she would not have been subjected to these tests. These are not Chinese laws creating this nightmare. It is OUR government. It is our CDC. The website which tells the story of this family is http://jayscruggs.livejournal.com/

The made a video of their saying goodbye to their daughter Harper. They did this to stir emotion in some politicians heart in hopes of having this decision over turned so that they can bring their dear daughter home. If you don't like watching a little girl scream for her Baba not to leave in Chinese, I wouldn't suggest watching. It is heart wrenching. I feel for everyone who is in the process of adopting now who will face this horrible rule along with the new immunization laws. How many families will this happen to before the cruelty ends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G1FCAhL-WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkldZTw5f9g

They need help now but a long term fix is the passing of the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act. Please keep your eyes and ears open and share your passion for these beautiful newly adopted children with your elected officials.

Busy, Busy Weekend

2009-08-06T21:44:00.003-04:00

Time flies so quickly, last weekend we had a crazy time. Friday night, I brought Uncle Max home with his friend Michael. We all went to a work function. Max and Michael stayed behind while Elizabeth and I went to the Dollar Tree to "find Jesus" (I think a few people thought I was crazy as E announced our intentions upon entering the store. Luckily, we found the statue of a woman holding a boat wheel which somehow E thinks is Jesus. Unfortunately, said Jesus busted in to our next stop, KMart. I think we must say a few extra prayers for breaking Jesus!
On Saturday, we made three round trips through the dreaded tunnel. We took Max and Michael home in the morning. Rushed back for E to go to gym class. Rushed home from gym so we could go back over to meet our friend Fin for a playdate. While on the way to Fin, Elizabeth was, without any prompting, rehearsing her behavior in the car ~ "I no hit Fin, I no bite Fin, I no scratch Fin, Fin love me". After our playdate we went home to get daddy to rush back over to meet our friends, Katy, Rich and Leslie for Daddy's birthday lobster dinner.

Sunday was just spent hanging out at the beach!!!
Here are a few pictures of our playdate with Fin. They were totally stolen from Fin's mommy since I didn't have the sense to bring the camera.

The innocent look when plotting something good!

My favorite picture! I hope they are friends for a very long time.

Hmmm... Fin hasn't thought of it yet so let me ponder what trouble we can find!

New School Pictures

2009-07-30T09:14:00.004-04:00

Probably the best yet! I can't decide if I like the smile or the smirk!

Fourth of July

2009-07-11T13:00:00.003-04:00

We had wonderful Fourth of July weekend. My parents and my sister and her family came to visit. Our friends Debbie, Rocky and Peyton joined us for dinner on the Fourth. The pictures can tell the story!

Elizabeth and Domi enjoyed some bike riding.

Cousins!!

Baby Gabe ~ We love you!!

Elizabeth enjoying the little pool in the backyard

Elizabeth adores her Aunt Janet

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T22:00:00.006-04:00

Happy Father's Day to the two best men in the world ~ my husband and my dad!

To celebrate, we went to lunch and then we embarked on Sam's favorite past time - going to the movies. This was Elizabeth's first time. She did pretty good if you don't mind 4 trips to the bathroom and a gazillon "Dat scare me Mommy"'s, not to mention a few whines about being cold and the attempts to put Polar Bear into time out on the step of the theater. Sam relaxed and enjoyed "UP". I enjoyed it although I can't say I relaxed. Elizabeth and I got Sam the Rosetta Stone Mandarin computer program. I sure hope he enjoys!!!

Daddy~we sure wish we could have been in Delaware to celebrate with you. I hope you had a wonderful day. We look forward to seeing you over Fourth of July.

A few messages from Elizabeth to her two favorite men ~

Our Newest Family Member

2009-06-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

I am happy to introduce our newest, yet unnamed, addition to our family. Sam grew up camping and I always thought it would be fun. When my college roommate was looking for a buyer of their gently used camper, we jumped at the chance.

Baba would like to redefine the word "help"

We opened it up and let Elizabeth explore. She seems to think it is pretty cool. We will just have to see how the sleeping thing goes. That is our biggest worry. She is notoriously horrible in a hotel so we are keeping our fingers crossed that she will just be so darn tired that she will sleep.

It seems like lots of fun!!!!

Next weekend we are hitting the dusty trail on our first trip. We are going to Jellystone at Natural Bridge VA. Wish us well!!!

It's a Good Thing....

2009-06-16T07:45:00.005-04:00

that Baba is not in charge on the playground!

Elizabeth had a good time! It was really the first time she has been on the "Big Girl Swings"

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Making salad for Mommy

She is just like Daddy in alot of ways!

Two Years Ago

2009-06-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

Two years ago this past Sunday, our long awaited referral arrived. I can remember the phone call like it was yesterday. I was sitting at my desk getting ready to leave for one of the busiest work events of the year. The head of our agency's local office called and said "You did say, you would take an older child, didn't you?" For an instant I became a little worried that we were getting like a 12 year old. After I said yes, we said up to 36 months, her response was "Oh good because your referral is for a 34 month old". So quickly the baby things went away and new toddler things were bought! I remember sitting at my computer that night, not expecting anything until the next day when I opened my inbox and there was an email from Grace! Sam and I opened that email together and cried. She was beautiful and she was ours! Everyday was are thankful to the good lord above who put our family together. We love her like crazy cakes!

These were the referral pictures of Song Song that we received on that wonderful day!

This is my beautiful Elizabeth Mei-Song now! Oh my, how she has grown and changed!

Elizabeth and her extra special friend Christina. Christina's family was one of our travel buddies.

A New Day May Be Dawning But.....

2009-06-05T22:25:00.002-04:00

The view is still the same!!!!!!

In her defense, we put the bed up and then she had 4 days of a fever. Who wants a change when you are not feeling well. Now that she is feeling better, there is still no interest. At this point she has lasted about one minute in her bed before she pleads for the crib. She has moved her big girl pillows in the bed although she doesn't really use them. With her growing size, growing doll and stuffy collection, and growing pillow collection, she is really starting to run out of room.
(Gigi, you can't really see because of her hand but her VERY favorite pillow is Ellie the Elephant. Once it goes under her head, she is quickly on her way to dreamland!)

But she does look safe, happy and comfortable which is most important to me~ it is such a far cry from the plywood and bamboo mat that she slept on before so she will move when she is ready. We can wait.

A New Day is Dawning....

2009-05-31T22:37:00.003-04:00

at least we hope she will witness the dawn from a new perspective.... a BIG GIRL BED.

She still is very happy in her crib. She has never really cried to get out. Each morning she lies there and patiently waits for us to get her up. She can easily climb in and out but never does except during the day when she goes in to rescue a doll or stuffed animal.

Of course, she is closing in on 5 years old so it is about time to give it a try. If we don't, she is going to have to start sleeping with her knees bent. We only have a couple of inches left to go! I guess the upside of this is that I really put to good use those crib sheets which I wasn't even sure I would need!

The crib is moved, bring on the bed!

Baba bringing in THE BIG GIRL BED

It looks like fun to her so far!

Wish us well! We will see how tonight works out.

A Busy Couple of Weeks

2009-05-04T08:41:00.007-04:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Last weekend, we got to meet our FCC playgroup at BlueBird Gap Farm. We LOVE this place so to enjoy it with our new friends makes it an extra great day.
Daddy worked that day so we had the whole day together. After the farm we went to the gym, lunch, shopping and back to home to do spring cleaning in order to get her room ready for the incoming big girl bed.
This week she was adamant about making "foamies for Ganny!". After dinner she spent about a half an hour pouring all her energy into her art project. Ganny- don't peek, it is coming in the mail to you!

This weekend, I went to the NASCAR race in Richmond. Elizabeth was helping with the collection of items for my trip (except I would never wear THAT hat, sorry Mark Martin, she is too young to know better!)

Yesterday, it started pouring on our way home from our Special Olympics Swim Meet and picnic. We decided to take a few minutes and dance in the rain! That smile just lights up my entire world!!!

Just a random picture of my pretty girl!

I love her like crazy cakes!!!!

Bound and Determined....

2009-04-23T15:49:00.002-04:00

to turn the lights off while mommy is reading the newspaper! Good thing those socks have the treads on them!

Just for Fun

2009-04-20T22:08:00.000-04:00

Easter weekend

2009-04-15T22:16:00.009-04:00

We had a wonderful holiday. We had the opportunity to travel to Delaware to see my family. It has been a long time since I spent Easter at home.

Before we left we spent some time with Uncle Max making Easter Egg Cookies! Both had a great time! Elizabeth loves "party cake" aka sprinkles so this was quite the experience!

Saturday morning, we got up and went to my parents favorite joint for breakfast. We then went to the mall to see the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny has received far less hype than Santa so I don't think Elizabeth realized that you sit on this huge bunnies lap! She refused at first but I am not above bribery so we headed straight for the Disney store to buy something Mickey. No surprise that she then sat with EB! I haven't scanned those pictures in yet. Saturday afternoon E's cousin Domi came down so the girls could decorate Easter Eggs.

Those scooper tools only work to keep your hands clean IF you use them!

Such determination! Her belly still has the pink stain!

Domi enjoyed coloring her eggs and was happy to show off her work!

Saturday was also our 6th wedding anniversary so my parents took us all out to dinner. After we got E off to bed and we ran an errand to the grocery store we stopped by a local tavern for a celebratory toast! It was the first time we had been a restaurant by ourselves in a year. It was a real treat even if it only lasted 45 minutes. Thanks Mom and Dad for keeping your ears open for her so we could escape for a few!

Saturday night, the Easter bunny came. Elizabeth loved her Easter basket full of treats. We tried to explain to her about finding the eggs but she just didn't get it at first. We practically had to point directly to eggs that she walked right past in plain view. After about 4 eggs, she got it and tore around looking for them.

What chocolate goodness so early in the morning!

Baba and Lizzy!

After our hunt, we went to church with my Aunt and Uncle. My aunt sung in the choir which did a special performance for Easter. It was wonderful! After church we went back to their house for lunch. It was then back home for a Daddy-style Easter Egg Hunt (plastic eggs in the yard). Both Domi and Elizabeth found lots of eggs, unfortunately my camera decided it was nap time.

Elizabeth with her Poppy

My sweet nephew, Baby Gabe

Mommy and Elizabeth

Aunt Janet and Elizabeth

Elizabeth and her Gammy

My beautiful Sunshine!

Happy Easter baby! I love you like crazy cakes!

PS. Happy Anniversary! I love you!

A Great Weekend

2009-04-09T08:20:00.006-04:00

I have finally recovered from a great weekend! Laundry has been caught up so now I can share a few pictures.

Saturday, our friend Fin came over to go to and Easter Egg Hunt at our church. Elizabeth had a bit of a difficult time at first but then settled in and had alot of fun. I enjoyed having Fin's mommy to hang out with!

Fin showing off her haul!

Elizabeth trying to keep that egg on her spoon!

Taking a break after the big hunt. The pressure was HUGE!

In the begining, Elizabeth was still deciding if she was going to have a good time.

One cool chic~ I think the pastor called her a DIVA!

On Sunday, Elizabeth dressed in her pretty dress for Palm Sunday. This is her "Happy Face"
After church we had a surprise visit from our friends. They have adopted a Baby M! We are sooooo happy for them. They were traveling from the state she was born in to their home up North so they stopped in to visit and let us have a few minutes to meet and love on Baby M! She is tiny!!! You can just see the joy on my friends face. I am so happy a baby has joined their home. The will be fantastic parents!

Introducing Little Miss M! Oh my, the seat buckle is bigger than she is!

As soon as they left, we headed out the door to Busch Gardens. We got season passes. Elizabeth had a ball! We weren't too sure since she tends to be a nervous nellie but we did about 6 rides and she enjoyed all of them. It holds great promise!!!! To make it an even better day, we went with some friends whom we really enjoy spending time with.

A little Gatorade to engerize me!!!

The Dads!!!

Now a little popcorn break in New France!

I LOVE the swings.

If I must.....

After we left the park we headed to Pierce's BBQ. While the Dads got dinner (which took about 45 minutes) the girls ran and ran and ran around in the yard. We had a picnic dinner by the dim of the parking lots. All in all, breaking bread with friends for dinner was a great way to end an absolutely wonderful weekend!

Be A Fan

2009-03-31T13:23:00.005-04:00

Special Olympics is my passion. Special Olympics is my vocation. (How lucky am I!) I believe will all that I am that people with intellectual disabilities have value. I believe they have value to their famly, their school, their place of employment, their neighborhood and their community. I was blessed many years ago to have been told that I had to attend a Special Olympics practice as part of a college club that I belonged to. It forever changed my path. Today, I work for Special Olympics. I volunteer for Special Olympics. I call many people with intellectual disabilities my friends. I am lucky to be guardain of Max, a wonderful man with Down Syndrome. Elizabeth LOVES her Uncle Max without any regard to his differences. To her, he laughs, he can carve a great pumpkin and can make some really good dinner!! We will continue to make Special Olympics athletes a normal and regular part of her life. I hope she will be part of a new generation who will understand that words hurt. They hurt of they are said on a playground or on the Jay Leno show. Join me today to help eliminate the R-Word. Click www.r-word.org to make sign a pledge to stop using the R-word. Encourage your kids and the community around you to do the same. It is important to some very special people!!!

Special Olympics is changing attitudes where lessons of ability, acceptance and inclusion are taught on the fields of competition by our greatest teachers – the athletes

Just Beautiful

2009-03-26T22:21:00.003-04:00

Last summer Elizabeth and her friend Fin (and mommy's friend, Leslie - Fin's mommy) were enjoying a little treat at Sonic after a fun day of play at the Botanical Gardens. They had a sweet hug goodbye and this is the result....

A wonderful painter by the name of Julia Stein saw this photo on Fin's Blog and she asked if she could paint the girls picture. Oh, I just love it!!!! It will have a special place in our home!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-03-13T14:33:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Poppy!!! We love you like crazy cakes. Thanks for being the best dad and the best Poppy that a girl could ask for. We wish we could be there for your special day. Hopefully the postman delievered a little love your way today!

Hmmm

2009-02-24T10:38:00.000-05:00

What kind of trouble can I get into next?

A First!

2009-02-20T22:44:00.005-05:00

I have been looking at other blogs and admiring the digital scrapbooking of others. Since Elizabeth has arrived, my time at my scrapbooking table as been slim. Other than our trip to China, I have done nothing. So... I thought I would give this a try. I don't like it as much as paper scrapbooking but hopefully it will help me catch up. So today, I bought my first digital scrapbooking kit and tried a tutorial. I have sooooooo much to learn but I managed to make these pages all on my own. No template, no plopper, just me!
If anyone is a digital scrapper and has suggestions, I am open. I am using Paint Shop Pro, if that makes a difference.

Overall not a great day...

2009-02-18T18:51:00.002-05:00

For Victor, the cat!

17th Annual Polar Plunge

2009-02-02T23:33:00.005-05:00

My dear husband is the best! He is once again supporting my passion (which also happens to be my job- how lucky am I!) which is Special Olympics. While I am busy organizing the 17th Annual Polar Plunge, my dear hubby will be joining the other 3500 crazy souls who will be jumping into the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday. He does it because he loves me but he does it because he has learned the value of giving a person with a disability an opportunity to prove what he or she is capable. Last summer we had the great honor to "adopt" (really become guardians) for our friend Max, commonly referred to by Elizabeth as Uncle Max. He has Down Syndrome. Special Olympics has given him so many opportunities not only to train and compete but to travel and have experiences that he would not have had otherwise. We know times are tight but if you have a buck or two to spare, my dear husband would be grateful. Most especially though, Uncle Max and his buddies and his buddies would be grateful. A special thanks to my dad and my Uncle Bob and Aunt Margaret who have already helped Max show the world his competencies.
If you can help, just click on Sam's fundraising page. Again, thank you! Every little bit helps!

Uncle Max, Elizabeth and Sam

My Hope...

2009-01-23T13:36:00.004-05:00

This post is really not about politics. I will say that I am proudly a democrat and while I am not too sure about Obama, I am from Delaware so that makes me a fan of Joe Biden! This post is more about opportunity. My beautiful daughter is 4 years old. I was four years old in 1971. In 1971 most people would not have thought we would have an african-american president ~ ever and certainly not in a short 40 years. I hope the world keeps changing and that when my daughter is 40 she has the opportunity to be president, if she wants, even though my beautiful little girl is asian-born.

My First Attempt....

2009-01-17T00:33:00.002-05:00

I LOVE to scrapbook. I never wanted to get started because I knew I would get hooked! But I did and I am! Before Elizabeth, I did a pretty good job keeping caught up at least I was never too far behind considering the extra books that I did like our wedding book, our honeymoon book and various books as gifts. Since Elizabeth has been home I really haven't touched anything. Well, I did do a HUGE album of our trip to China but besides that~ nothing at all!! I have been thinking of trying digital scrapbooking. I was inspired by Leslie over at Room for at least one More" to at least give it a try. She laid out such nice directions. OK. they were nice but I still really didn't get it. I spent a little time tonight fooling around with it (seemed like a great diversion to laundry!) and I actually learned how to do Ploppers!

Truthfully, I like traditional scrapbooking better but this might just be the solution to getting myself caught up again!

On another note, I have yet to find a some time to download my Christmas pictures and post them. Hopefully, I can do that this weekend.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T08:54:00.002-05:00

I TRIED...

2008-12-18T22:47:00.003-05:00

to get a pretty picture of her in the Christmas dress that Grammy bought in front of our tree. Apparently she sensed how much I wanted that picture so the more I stressed my desires, the more ornery she became. SURPRISE!!!

Breakfast with Santa

2008-12-17T22:44:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we went to have Breakfast with Santa. Elizabeth continues to surprise me with her love for the big guy in red. As skittish as she can be, I never thought she would be so into him. Santa just happened to be a friend of mine so he immediately called her by name which took her back a bit. During breakfast she must of tried to climb up on his lap a half dozen times. It would have been more if we had not stopped her. It was a wonderful way to spend some holiday family time!

The Wonder of the Holidays

2008-12-11T23:14:00.003-05:00

Girls Night Out

2008-12-10T23:40:00.007-05:00

Elizabeth and I had a wonderful girls night out. Our friends Leslie and Fin invited us to Polar Express at the Botanical Gardens. After what was an ugly start (aka screaming and carrying on in the car when I picked her up from school), it was a wonderful night. She was in a delightful mood, in fact great enough to do a little shopping after we parted at Chick-fil-a. That is an experience we don't have too often. Since my day didn't go as planned, I never got to go home to get my camera (Good thing it wasn't cold because our blankets, hats and gloves were also at home). You can head over to Leslie's blog (click on the the word blog for the link)to get a recap. Keep in mind when she says the girls listened to the story of Polar Express, that did not in anyway include Elizabeth. We made 2 trips to the bathroom and then had to be contained on my lap. She was just way toooooo excited about the train ride to sit still for a book! Thank you Leslie and Fin for a wonderful night. We had a great time!

You Know You Are Skinny When...

2008-12-02T22:08:00.002-05:00

you are 4 years old and you still can't hold up a pair of 18 month jeans!

Having too much fun to worry about her future life as a plumber!

Parent Teacher Conference

2008-11-21T09:08:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we had our first official conference even though we chat with the school all of the time. For a little background, Elizabeth is in a class with kids 12-18 months younger. We did that last year because she was delayed in everything from feeding to gross and fine motor skills to social skills to talking ... EVERYTHING. Last year after being in a class for a few months, they wanted to move her up and I refused. She has such attachment issues, I and her Ped thought she needed to be in the same place for as long as possible. Fast forward to summer when it was time to move up. I made them transition her slowly. The school tells me they understand her special needs in this area but I am not sure they really get it. Fast forward to yesterday, the teacher tells me she is doing everything she should be doing. They only thing in the "not yet" column is puzzles. Can you live life without a desire to do a puzzle. We have tried and she just doesn't seem to get it. Then they tell me she is mannerly (ok, are we sure we are talking about Elizabeth?)and then they tell me she is reserved(ok, you have the wrong file, my kid is not reserved!). The teacher tells me that, in fact, she heard Elizabeth laugh for the first time the day before. She just walked away for fear that if she looked at Elizabeth she would stop laughing. Now for the best part~ Since she is comfortable, she should be moved up! Can you imagine how much I wanted to pull my hair out. Do they not hear themselves? Now that she is comfortable, is that not reason to stay so that she can really flourish? In the end, I have agreed that after the holidays she can move up. Not for their reasons but I do need to have her on track to be in an age appropriate class by the time we get to Kindergarten. If she moves up now, then in the summer she can transition to the next class, the winter transition to the pre K class and then hopefully be ready to start Kindergarten in the fall.
That night after school, this was my reserved child!

First Family Pictures

2008-11-18T22:43:00.004-05:00

Over Fourth of July weekend, my parents and my sister came to visit. We were supposed to get our family picture done that weekend but my dad got sick so we postponed. We had the opportunity to do it later when we went to their house for a visit. I am so thankful that everyone took the time and energy to make it happen. These pictures could be a once in a lifetime ( I hope not) opporunity to capture our family together and smiling!

This is our first professional family picture. Can you see the attitude!

The Three Cousins ~ Dominique, Gabe and Elizabeth

My very favorite picture of all ~ Grammy, Poppy and their three grandbabies!

Me, my sister, our parents, and our children.

Our family with Grammy and Poppy.

These pictures were done at good old-fashioned Sears, nothing fancy but I am so happy they turned out good and I am grateful to have captured our family in pictures. They are priceless to me.

Thank You

2008-11-11T17:28:00.003-05:00

To my husband, my father, my uncles, my friends who have served this country by wearing it's uniform,thank you. To my friends who continue to serve, thank you.
We will say a special little prayer tonight for all those who have lost their lives in defending the freedoms that we all have become so accustomed to. May God Bless the USA and those who serve her with bravery and valor.

What Could Have Been

2008-11-07T10:40:00.004-05:00

Had Elizabeth not come home with us, she was set to be enrolled in the new school that Love without Boundries was establishing at her orphange. I was actually able to talk with the folks at LWB and they confirmed at Huai Dong Song was on their list. Since Huainan is a very poor orphange, this is probably one of the best things to happen for the children. They sent me this video of the children screaming, I mean singing.

This is the littel girl that we sponsor at the school. Her name is Chloe. I am not sure if the plan for her is to find a forever family but we are so happy to be able to help her get a good start in life. We would have wanted that for Elizabeth!

Toddler Style Entertainment

2008-11-07T02:53:00.003-05:00

Concerts used to mean spending the night sleeping in a line to get the best tickets, an arena filled with people who most likely won't remember much in the morning, the wafting smokey smell of questionable origin, lighters lit in Free Bird style, and music so loud your ears rang until the next day. Now that I am a happy mamma to a toddler, concerts involve popcorn, ice pops, light sticks and lots of blue, purple, yellow and red! Last night we took Elizabeth to see the wiggles. In her style it took her over half the show to relax and to start enjoying it. By the end she didn't want to go home! The best part was watching her dear daddy smiling has he sang along to the songs we hear everrrrrrrrry day! I think he liked it the most!

Thankful Thursday

2008-11-06T12:36:00.002-05:00

I am thankful that my little girl is healthy! Yesterday we took her to the doctor for her 4 year old well visit. She weighs in at 31 pounds which is 10 pounds more than at her 3 year old check which was just about a month after we got home. She is now at 37 inches tall. She is still small for her age but she is moving along the growth chart in a nice arc so that is the most important thing. The poor thing had to have 5 shots! I am not sure the ice pop they gave her will make her more cooperative next time but she was a trooper! This morning she woke up and said her leg hurt. I bet it did! She said "NO NO Mitchell". She knew who inflicted that pain!

Welcome!

2008-11-03T14:53:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new blog! We hope to make this blog a recording of our family life.
Since it has been over a month since we posted any pictures on our previous blog, I thought that I would start this blog off with some pictures of my beauty!

Yeah, Joe Biden!! If we must take Obama along then so be it!!

Wild woman!!! After getting her face painted with tatoos, she insited on them every morning! The best I could do was magic markers!

Elizabeth had a great time at a nearby church community day. Phoebe showed her a great time! (as did her sister Grace)

Aunt Katie brought Elizabeth back a beautiful new outfit from her trip to China. She looked so pretty in it!

I LOVE that smile!!!

At the park with our friend "Baby" Anna
So excited for the world to be filled with Pooping Patches (AKA pumpkin patches)!

Grace and Elizabeth at the Fall Festival.

14 months home and she finally found the tupperware cabinet. YUG!

An afternoon with Mommy at Buckroe!

Enjoying the pumpkin patch at our church

Carving Pumpkins with Uncle Max

A Good Time Gone Bad!