Family Blah, blah, blog...

HOLY COW!

2010-05-29T06:45:00.002-05:00

Hello Blogging world....it's been FOREVER! I would say, Five months is way to long. But as you know with us, there is a story.....Holiday, cray schedule, computer crash and loss of EVERYTHING, kiddos, travel schedule, events, daily life, trianing for a half marathon, and oh yea, did I mention computer crash and loss of EVERYTHING...including how to long onto Blogger. Well, long of the short is.....WE ARE BACK! I will post some photos to catch you up on us and hopefully continue to keep up with posts of our exciting lives.

Welcome Back!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T05:02:00.003-06:00

BAKAPALOOZA = THERAPY!

2009-12-20T15:56:00.006-06:00

BAKAPALOOZA 09 = GIRL THERAPY! Got some baking on with my girls and had some wonderful girl chats! True therapy! ROCKED the oven!

Then Robb played Santa and delivered all the goodies to all the people on our Good list! Thanks honey!

Kids also helped in the fun!

What do you get when you have 8 four-year old's over for cookie decorating and a luncheon? A big mess and lots and lots of FUN! This was the end result.

WE ROCKED THE COOKIE WORLD THIS WEEKEND!

2009-12-17T21:40:00.009-06:00

This is JARI (pronounced Jerry - it's all 4 of our initials)...he is our very own Elf on the Shelf. He is a magical elf that works with Santa (we can't touch him though or he will lose his magic powers). He sits up on the shelf and observes our family all day, then reports back to Santa at night. Upon his return each morning, he is located in a different place of the house, so when it's breakfast time we spend it looking for Jari. However, our Jari is a bit mischievous at times, he has hung underwear's on the tree, taken our Angel from the top of said tree and took over her spot, and even mix matches all our shoes. If you ask me, I think he might even know where all the lost socks and gloves are. It's been fun having Jari around this holiday season.

Isabella had her annual Christmas dance performance. It was really cute and she looked as though she was having some fun.

We have had our fist official snow day of the this school year. We of course had to get outside and play in followed with lots of cocoa and marshmallows.

It's been a few busy weeks for Isabella. She also had her school's annual Christmas program. It again was really cute and all the kids did such a great job.

Then no season would be complete with out a visit to Santa. Isabella loved him this year and kept touching his beard. When Jacob was asked what he wanted from Santa he told him to surprise him.

As for the rest of our year, well we have plenty of things going on, a few more really good work outs to end this year with a bang, Robb will be home for a few days of vacation to enjoy, Isabella is hosting a luncheon and cookie decorating party for some her friends, Jacob has a few more days of school to finish out his first half of first grade, Bakapalooza, couple of cookie parties for the kids, and time for sharing with family and friends.

Enjoy it and GO GET YOUR HOLIDAY ON!

What happended to November?

2009-11-30T16:09:00.006-06:00

Well - November has come and is almost gone. Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful weekend filled with family and friends.

We started off with Robb's brother from Michigan joining us here at our house. So, all four of the brothers were together, but most importantly all 9 of the cousins were together. It had been since June 208 since that happened. It was fun and at many times, the kids out numbered the adults. But I must add....Adults 1 - Kids 0!

Thanksgiving morning I ran a 5k and hit my fastest time ever - best part....ran the entire race! Last time that will happen, but it sure felt good Thanksgiving day. I also had the pleasure of running with my two Sister-in-laws and a couple friends. Really is a great way to start off the day, see that on my list of 'to do's' for next year.

We hosted the holiday's main meal.....with having 25 people over. Now, remember 9 of them were kids. However, we were smart enough to set another table in another room for them. Great food, better company. Heard stories of yesterday and plans for the future. The ages at our tables ranged from 86 - 2, with everyone in between.

Had a girl cousin sleepover and might I add, we rocked Hungry Hippo for the entire night! Understand that at the boy sleepover Nerf Wars took place and the boys won.

We also attended a Birthday party completed with cake, ice cream, lots of wine, and a balloon dude to entertain the kids. I think I also remember grandpa passing out gold coins if you could figure out his trick.

The holiday was great and felt good kicking off the holiday season. Bring it on my friend....we are ready!

More of the fun.....

2009-11-01T07:44:00.008-06:00

Busy - Just like you!

...soccer, soccer ceremony, soccer party, pumpkin hunting, birthday party, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, dinner, candy fest....today - DETOX!

Gettin' Our Fall On....

2009-10-18T17:26:00.005-05:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009 - Even if it's freezing outside.

Been a little busy lately and letting most things slip, just to make it through each day. But this weekend we took some time out as a family and went to our local Pumpkin Patch. It was a bitter cold day and we were bundled up, but we had a great time. Enjoyed some time with friends and family, broke bread with them, and had a chance to catch up a bit. Wonderful times had by all and looking forward to many more.

Happy Fall Ya' All!

Grandma's Visit...(weekend)

2009-10-12T09:24:00.004-05:00

Had a great visit with Grandma this past weekend. Kids spoiled, little sleep, lots of giggles, fun, and can't wait until the next time.

Thursday - Grandma's arrival day, pizza party, cousins, uncles, aunts, and some fun on a school night.

Friday - School, dance class, dinner party, more cousins, uncles, aunts, along with Grannie.

Saturday - I ran a 5K - IT ROCKED! Best time ever - still slow to most, but for freezing out butts off...my running partner and I kicked it out. Even had a cheering section at the finish line of grandma, dad, and kiddos. Soccer, brunch with friends, a little shopping, had a sitter for all kid and cousins, so grandma, aunts, and uncles could go have an adult night. Great meal, great wine, and even better company.

Sunday - FOOTBALL! Dinner here, cousin, aunts, uncles, and granny. A little pumpkin decorating, and the best part......several months ago, Grandpa made these canvas's for me (stole the idea from Robb's brother who surprised his wife with orignal works of art for Christmas) so we could paint on them and hang them in our new house. Well, Grandma (resident artist) helped me get my butt in gear and get on this project. Not only did they start it....but also finished. Grandma, Jacob, and Isabella retrieved to the garage for the after noon...had colors picked out, looked thru Chinese art books we had, and a painting they went. Jacob did the pagoda, Isabella did the bamboo, and Grandma finished it up with the boat. The end result is absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to get them on the wall.

Great weekend...and workin' for the next one.

Really? It's been that long....WOW!

2009-10-05T09:26:00.009-05:00

Dear poor, neglected, blog....(which really means we are really diggin' life and so busy that we don't update...or we have dropped from the earth - I will go with the first scenario),

We really are here....and just pluggin' away with life. It's groovin' well, not like the well oiled machine I would like to see, but can't or rather won't complain. Could be worse...you know, no friends, no family, no events happening, and so forth. So, here we are....about 6 weeks after our last post and still really not much to report.

Robb - doing great. Pluggin' away at work as usual and traveling a lot. Diggin' being a home owner and of course revolves his weekends around cutting the grass. I kid you not about this one....he really does. He has taken his boat a couple of times this year and I think maybe even squeezed in a golf game. This past weekend was the American Royal BBQ Contest (considered the world series of BBQ)and his company hosted two dinners and had 6 teams participate in the contest. This was his first year actually competing with a team, and they did well; considering their were 486 entrants. Most of all, I think he had fun. He has also decided to be the Den Leader for Jacob's Tiger Cub Scouts group. He has 12 little boys he is charge of and I might add...looks pretty cute in his tan button up shirt.

Robb Gettin' his Q on making dinner for his teams and their guests.

Me - Hmmmmm, what can I say about me...that's always a tough one. Not to good at talking about myself. I have taken the roll in our family right now as pilot and in charge of just keeping everyone else on course; albeit necessary. Even though I am busy every minute of the most every day, having to sum it up in words seems a bit on the boring side. I have also taken charge of our families nutrition, health, and fitness. Figured if I do it everyone will go kicking and screaming, but really have no choice. It's been good. We are by far eating so much better than ever before, saving our monies from eating out, and we get out and move more. I am in love with my time at the gym and getting ready to run my third 5K race this year next Saturday. Now, you must know this about me....I hate running (and let me add, running these races is really stretching the definition of running, it's more like run, hop, skip, walk, and jump...my only goals are to finish)...it's something I don't really enjoy, but love the challenge and have a great group of friends who are pushing me. I promise you when I see you running/jogging on the side of the road no matter what size and shape you are....I clap for you. I have such an admiration for you runners. It's one of the hardest things I can honestly say I have ever done. Other than that, I have managed to get a few more boxes unpacked and organized...but not completely done. We will get there someday, but in no rush...besides what will I do after I am done or what would I have to complain about?

Susan Koman Race for the Cure last August

Jacob - whew - this kids is busy, busy, growing and changing. He is doing great in first grade. He loves school, but hates the homework and let me say we have some every night of the week. He is still doing karate and loving that he gets to start using weapons and sparring. He is also playing soccer this season. He plays on a great team of (2) boys and (6) girls, so you can imagine the show off he has become. He also competed this past weekend in the American Royal BBQ. His age group grilled burgers. It was so cool - they even got to keep their grills. He didn't get in the top three, but he did walk away with a groovy ribbon and that made all the difference in the world. Already talking about next year.

School Project we had to work on.

Our two Q'rs leaving for the contest.

Isabella - Groovin' right into the pre-k. She has a particular fondness for a certain teacher and she even mimics her at home. It is cute and this teacher is someone we all would want to mimic. She is an angel. Isabella has started dance for the season at a new studio and diggin' it with her friends. She has also started karate. The uniform and belt are bigger than she is, but she is karate chopping everything in the house. It's great. She is just blossomed over the summer and has the funniest disposition.

We do dress ourselves now and choose our own clothes; accessories and all.

This girl as NO fear.

Until next time blog...I promise to update more often and take more photos.

First Grade or BUST!

2009-08-19T16:35:00.003-05:00

Today marks the first day of First Grade. Jacob woke up with bells on, was excited and couldn't wait....he has a new teacher, friends from baseball and Kindergarten in his class. In fact, he chose to sit at a table of 5 other boys, all of which he knows...so I am sure that table will be switched soon.

So, here is the lesson I was taught today; when you are First Grader, no more naps, they already know how to read - so what more is there to learn, and you get to eat lunch later than the Kindergartners. Sounds good.

Time Flies...and we are not getting older....

2009-08-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

19 years ago today, I hopped, skipped, jumped, ran, and even jogged down the isle to say 'I Do', today I say 'I Still'.

VACATION!

2009-07-17T11:22:00.006-05:00

10 DAYS - 2 Cases of wine - Late Nights - Great Company - Good Eats - Fun - Michigan Ocean - Cousins - Aunts - Uncles - Nephews - Nieces - Date Night - Sand - Beach - Pronto Pups - Sculpture Gardens - Water Taxi's - Navy Pier - Chicago - Sky Scrappers - Ikea - Shopping - Michigan Avenue - Lego Land - Millennium Park - Taxi Cabs - More Shopping - More great eats - Lot's of Laughs - Bicycles - Parades - Fireworks - Baseball....

SUCCESS + Photos = PRICELESS!

Summer is here and the time is right.....

2009-06-24T07:34:00.010-05:00

WOWSA - it's been over a month since our last post. Where is the time going? Seems like it's slower than snails this week, but when I look back at photos over the past several weeks, seems like it has whirled by.

Where to start, where to start. Well, we left off with the ending of the school year, baseball, soccer, karate, and final dance performances....that seems like so long ago.

Since then we have started summer school (which btw, is almost over), played so much fun baseball, baseball pool party, had a birthday, a birthday party, went to professional baseball game, visited with friends, had friends over, and planned the rest of the summer....can we say slumber parties, vacation bible school, vacation, holiday with lots of sparklers, cousins, karate, soccer and swimming.

So, kindergarten ended with a bang...you know becoming a first grader is a big deal. Apparently you run faster, eat more, have a later recess and get to bring your very own snack each and every day. Jacob started first grade summer school and is diggin' it. It's such a great program. They have a home room that they go to each morning and learn a different topic each week, then after lunch they go to three different electives for the afternoon and switch after two weeks time. The electives Jacob chose this year were Get Movin, Tech Treasures, Super Summer Science, Spectacular Sports, Music Mania and Got Games. He has at least one friend in each one of his classes, so it's just one large play date for him. I am going to be sad to see it end, but must admit...happy that we won't have to get up and movin' each day so early. Summers are hard, stay up late....get up early, makes for some grouchy kiddos each day.

Baseball has ended for the summer - Jacob was the ball player, Robb helped coach the team, I was the scorekeeper, and on occasion Isabella was the bat girl. I am so proud of this team and Jacob. We started the season at our house not knowing that you put your glove down to bat and ended playing the catcher position and lovin' it and becoming a pretty good hitter. Although next season he has told us he wants to play pitcher. The season actually ended last week, then we had a season ending tournament to fight for the championship. It was an elimination of the best of three games, so when you lost you were done. We played a game on Saturday and won so we advanced to the next game, which was played on Monday night in 100 degree weather. It was one of the best baseball games I have ever been to - professional or other wise. It was intense and the boys were having so much fun. I think the parents were biting their nails and pacing back and forth (at least the 100 times they asked me the score). You see, we played a team that has been undefeated this season and been together for 3 years, has all the best equipment and wares, and has no less than 7 coaches. Yep, three years. Mind you, this is our first real season and at times looked liked the Bad News Bears, and most of the boys on the team were in the same shoes. Some of us didn't know how to hold a bat when we started in April. I also have to add, when we played them the first time this season we didn't score one point against them and they scored 10. Well, these boys dug down deep and played with all heart. They played an exceptional game. They kept this team on their toes, went into extra innings because of the need to break a tie, played an extra 30 minutes into the next games time, and only lost by 1 point. Final score
12-13 - them. IT ROCKED! Actually was told by the other's team coach, we were the best team they were up against this season and they were sweatin' it out. Wait til' next year, we are only going to improve. Did I mention, I love baseball, especially at this age, because they love it. Jacob loves it so much, we play a lot of 'pretend' baseball inside the house. We even attended a professional game and have plans to hit another professional game on vacation.

Karate is going great and still continuing on. We have taken our summer activities to one per child until the fall. We all need a break in this house and wanted time to swim, take out the boat, and just have some fun around the house and with friends.

Isabella turned 4, had a birthday party and is learning to ride a bike. She invited 10 of her closest friends over for a chef/cooking party. We cooked our hearts out. The girls came over for lunch and helped prepare a healthy fun kid friendly lunch, while making it a little fun playing some games. It was great. The kids did so well and actually ate their lunch and couldn't wait to decorate their cakes. I must say, I would do this again in a heart beat. She has also been a great cheerleader and bat girl for Jacob's team and I think enjoyed going out to the park as much as we have. She also is swimming like a fish, she can stay right up with the boys when she is in the water. In fact, it's hard to get her out of the water.

Other than that, we are just livin' life, attempting to stay cool, and gearing up for vacation next week. Until next time, enjoy yourself, get your sweat on, and go outside and play.

Last Day of Kindergarten for Jacob.

Cooking adventures!

Workin' on the boat.

Resident Chefs!

Hey Batter, Batter, Batter - SWING!

Take me out to the ball game....

More going on's to report...

2009-05-18T16:46:00.021-05:00

School is almost out and the Teacher’s are ready to let the Monkey’s out. I am “one of those mom’s” who loves summer vacation. I know, I know, give me a week or two and I will be asking when does school start up again, but I love the thought of now having every minute of our day planned and actually having a day off or two during the week. 3 ½ days left and Jacob will be officially a first grader and Isabella will be a pre-K student. WOW! Time has gone by fast.

Speaking of time, it’s been a while blog and I have photos to prove it. That’s how I will continue with this post – a photo essay of the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Since I last posted Jacob turned 6. It’s hard for me to believe that he is already 6years old. Time flies by so quickly. What a year we have had. He started Kindergarten not knowing the entire alphabet, now he is reading to us at night, plays sports, has sleep-over’s, and this summer has a goal to learn how to ride his bike with only ‘two wheels’.

We celebrated his birthday at home with our family and of course with cake, ice cream, presents, and dinner of his choice. He wanted to go out to eat this year and picked ‘Olive Garden’. Isabella insisted on making his favorite cake which according to her was chocolate cake, white frosting, with strawberries – so I obliged. He also wrote a birthday book at school and had to read it to all of us before opening presents. It such a great feeling hearing your child read.

Then over the weekend we picked up some of his friends (6) and went bowling and out for pizza. It was a lot of fun. The kids were great and Jacob had so much fun. Parents, I recommend doing this…it was little work, didn’t have to clean my house, the boys all stayed busy, and seemed to have a great time. Then at bed time took them all home exhausted and ready for bed.

Jacob has also started baseball. He is on a great team of boys which most of from his class at school. The coaches are wonderful (Robb is one of them) and we are now eating, sleeping, and drinking baseball. In fact have a few major league games planned to attend over summer vacation.

Sports, Sports, and more Sports for our house. Soccer is going great. It’s so much fun and again, we got in with a great organization. It’s on Saturday mornings and they have practice first and then play a game with three on three. I really should tape a game because she is so small out there, she laterally has to get behind the entire ball and put her entire body behind it just to kick it. We couldn’t even buy matching cleats, shin guards, and shorts with her team because they didn’t carry her size this year. So we made do with what we found and she doesn’t seem to mind at all. It is so fun to watch. She calls it her ‘baseball practice and game’ like her big brother.

Jacob also finished his Kindergarten school year with a musical performance at school. They did a production of the Little Red Hen where he played a seed. I think he was the best seed it. Cute, cute, cute and I still hear him from to time sing some of the songs.

On May 9 we celebrated our Metcha Day. This is the day that Isabella was placed in our arms and we met for the first time. It’s hard to believe it’s been three years. She has changed so much over this time and turning into a wonderful, funny, beautiful, smart, little girl. We are so lucky.

2006

2007

2008

2009

Jacob has been working hard in Karate and tested a couple of weeks ago for another belt color. He did it. Last week we were at the exhibition/ceremony and he was handed a green belt. He started off with white, then earned a yellow belt, and now up to green. He loves karate and wants to continue working on his craft.

Then our last thing we have done and been up to is Isabella had a dance performance this past weekend. She has been involved in a tap/ballet class since last September and this was her year end performance. All the girls looked so cute and had so much fun. Isabella has made many friends and we look forward to next season. It was truly an honor to see them dance and how they have worked so hard through-out the school year.

Other than that, we are just preparing our summer plans, keeping up with our activities, continue to unpack and take care of our house, and enjoying our time we have together.

Run Forest, RUN!

2009-04-27T11:13:00.006-05:00

WOW – seems like I start most of our blog posts…but that’s all I can say about 2009…..it’s right up there with Rock Star status! Okay, okay, maybe not ROCK STAR yet, but it certainly is SUPER STAR!

Set out a few goals for this year and am hitting some of them…..and feelin’ really good. They weren’t impossible things, but stayin’ on track is tough. One of my goals was to turn 40….well, I did that one. I know, it was coming regardless if I wanted it to or now, but on January 1 when we wrote our goals down, I needed at least one to be able to check off the list at the end of the year.

Another one for me was to sign up for a race (not to run but possibly walk and jog it), set a time limit to finish, and of course FINISH it. Let’s back track a bit, if you know me…you know I am not a runner, you know I am not of an ideal weight, hell, as of January 1, I wasn’t even physically active (although working on that one and discovering, I might be liking it)….

Well, this past Saturday was the Trolley Run. It’s a 4 mile race that benefits the visually impaired in our local town. WOW! I have such an admiration for runners, hell, even fitness walkers. That is some tough work and if memory serves me the first woman to cross the finish did it in less than 21 minutes – that is 5.25 minutes a mile. WOW!

Turned out to be a great, great, day….no rain, wasn’t to terribly hot, and had a slight breeze every so often. IT WAS AWESOME! I DID IT! I finished. I even beat my personal time goal by almost 7 minutes. I am so darn excited. Did the race with 3 other girl friends…all of whom are not runners, trying something new…and we all did it. I am so damn proud of these girls. So, because of that, we are doing a 5k on Mother’s Day. Still decided I am not a runner, but am going to do these sorts of things from time to time to keep it interesting. YEAH US!

Last week was also ‘take your child’ to work day. So, Jacob went to work with Robb in the morning. As you can imagine with the sense of creativity that Jacob has, we had to do everything just like dad, the ‘worker guy’. From dressing like dad, had to have coffee (albeit hot chocolate) in a to-go cup, blackberry on his belt, and ID card to get in the building, and a pen on his shirt. He insisted that he also went out to lunch for business talk. So, Robb being the great dad he obliged…and I even got invited to said luncheon. We talked business, and it was great seeing them interact with one another.

Last, but certainly not least…Isabella had her first Soccer game. The girls were so cute. She had so much fun. Although, I think she is in it for the gear, because she posed for the camera way to many times as the ball would go right by her. She even told us last night her favorite part of the entire weekend was Soccer Day.

So, this week....SUCESS, FUN, ADVENTURES, and lookin' forward to the next. Until next time....ENJOY!

Where oh where have we been!

2009-04-22T08:49:00.004-05:00

Wow - Can't believe it's been a whoppin' 23 days since we last met. Way to long, but a lotta fun goin on.

Hmmmm, let's see...we left with Robb's birthday!

We spent Spring Break in the lovely state of Colorado. Visited with Friends and Family and did a lot of firsts. We played tourists for a couple days, played golf a couple of days, took in some skiing for a couple of days (our first time ever with the exception of Robb) and then did a bit of retail therapy. Loved skiing and can't wait to go again and next time I am going to try snow boarding. Great Spring Break was had by all.

Got home just in time for Easter. We were dying eggs at 10:00 PM Easter Eve. Everyone was wired from our long trip home, so we had some fun. Easter day was a quite one for us this year, unpacking, laundry, cleaning, and preparing to get back on track, but we made a nice family dinner and enjoyed each other's company. Oh yea, the Easter Bunny did find us at our new house.

Somewhere along the line, I turned the big 4-0! I went kickin and screamin'. We were in Colorado on the actual day. It was some great fun, surrounded by family and lots and lots of yummy food. I got lots of cards and phone calls from friends back home. Then last weekend went out on date night to celebrate again with lots of friends and their hubbies.....all I can say is.....GREATEST TIME EVER - OMG - We laughed so hard, drank way, way, too much (probably been 10 years since I have seen a room spin), danced anywhere our feet would take us, a little karaoke with our thumbs, and stayed out way, way, too late. Fun times - and can't wait to do it again. With friends like you all, I would do it again in a minute and am looking forward to the next 40 years. Not to bad being 40 - seriously, I have done some great things in 2009 and it's going to be a great year. What's next, maybe a tattoo, a piercing, how about blue hair? Who knows!

Been makin' a lot of changes and doing a lot of firsts in our house and it's been fantastic. Everyone is happier, enjoying life, and even getting some relaxing done. Not takin' things so serious. It's all good.

Jacob is on his first baseball team. He is doing so well and loves it. We went to the batting cages last week for some practice and he did so well. WOW! Where did that little boy go.

Isabella is on a soccer team and can't wait to go. She calls it her baseball practice. We have (2) rain out days, so she doesn't really understand it all as of yet....but she is excited.

Robb is busy working hard at work. He plays on the weekend with his lawn, in his garage, and now his boat. Yep, I said it....BOAT. It's a small family touring boat that his grandfather made in the 80's. New hobby and everyone can't be more excited.

As I mentioned above, I am doing well. Busy, busy, busy, makes me happy, happy, happy.

Stay tuned for all our adventures and firsts coming up.....cool stuff, birthday to celebrate, baseball games, soccer games, and more.

My old man is gettting old....

2009-03-30T16:08:00.002-05:00

Nooooo - Just joking Robb! This past weekend we spent the weekend celebrating Robb's birthday. It was a great weekend.

Started on Friday with a date night and having two other couples joining us for what could possibly be the best dinner I have had in years. Seriously, it was a great restaurant, wonderful company, and great time had by all.

Robb wanted to spend the day Saturday with the family, so the kids made him breakfast of his choice - Egg's Benedict. Then we played the entire day. The kids made him his cake of choice - Chocolate Mayo cake with cream cheese frosting from scratch. Great little bakers they are. We ended the night with making Sushi night. It was a lot fun, yummy, and the kids ate great.

Oh yea, forgot to mention the snow and ice storm that occured on Saturday.

Then we ended the weekend off with a BBQ with friends and family at the house. The snow melted, Robb smoked some Pork Loin, and we had a fantastic time.

Great weekend!

Karate Tournament and more....

2009-03-22T17:38:00.006-05:00

Hmmmm, been a busy time here. Looks like it might actually be spring, so we are enjoying some wonderful time outside. We even unpacked a box or two, hung a couple more pictures, sorted the garage AGAIN, started baseball season, and attended our first karate tournament.

Jacob participated in his first karate tournament today. He participated in the strongest punch, strongest kick, fastest kick, fasted punch, and a stanger danger drill. He did fantastic. He got one silver medal and 4 golds. He was so excited. You couldn't wipe the smile off his sweet face. Then Isabella was our resident cheerleader. She kept yelling 'go Jacob, go Jacob' amongst the 200 kids.

Great times and great fun.

Top of the O' Day to ya!

2009-03-17T13:43:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!

We woke up this morning to what we can only assume was a pesky little Leprechaun. He ransacked the place and turned our milk green (the entire gallon). It's crazy!

Jacob thinks that he came in the middle of the night to look for gold. Since there isn't any here, he got mad and turned our milk green and the place upside down.

Isabella thinks he went next door after our house.

Then Jacob discovered the green chocolate muffins that were left behind, therefore, they both enjoyed having that little pesky guy visit our house while they were sleeping.

Enjoy!

Missed you....

2009-03-02T09:20:00.010-06:00

Opps! It's been awhile, sorry! Robb has spent the better part of the last several weeks out of town, so I think maybe we just went into autopilot.

Hmmmm - what have we been doing? So busy, no unpacking has happened but can't think of what we actually have been doing with our time. I think maybe it's denial -lack of willingness to work anymore on the unpacking. Did you know a box could be a desk, a table, holds lamps, books, and even a toy bin.

Well - let's see, Chinese New Year came and went. Valentines was busy. Both kids had parties at school and came home with more candy than anyone needed. But had fun. We spent the day as a family and made pizza's at home. Then the next weekend, Robb and I went on a real date. Dinner and a movie. It was fun and yummy. The kids have had a few birthday parties to attend, we hosted a family brunch, had some girlfriends over for Margarita's, a few kiddo play dates, went to a wonderful musical, saw a few movies on day off from school days, attended parent teacher conference, and we can't forget our weekly activities we are involved in. I think we are just just busy pluggin' away at our routine. Meanwhile, waitin' for Spring.

Our dining room chairs came in and while Jacob and I were away at a birthday party, Isabella helped dad be a 'worker guy'.

This is what our front yard looked like just this past Friday....yep, geese eating and having fun in the nice warm weather.

Then we woke up Saturday morning to snow and watched it snow most of the day. This is Isabella's first time sledding. She loved it. I kept hearing her scream with laughter.

Jacob didn't want to come in - EVER!

I think Robb said we got 6 inches. So, of course we had to play outside. The kids had the greatest time.

End of Chinese New Year...

2009-02-09T16:32:00.003-06:00

We mark the end of the Chinese New Year Celebrations....we have attended a party with friends, ate Chinese food several times, had a dumplin' makin' party, visited our local art gallery viewing thier Chinese celebrations of crafts, lion dances, music, Chinese costume show, had the privledge of watching Isabella's dance teacher perform an entire show, and the cherry on top....Isabella got to perform for an audiance group two dances that she has been practicing with her friends in her Chinese dance class since last October. It was so much fun. The girls worked so hard and looked so beautiful. They had so much fun and really enjoyed every minute of it. I think maybe a star has been born.

Gung Hay Fat Choy (may you prosper)2009, year of the Ox!

I Believe...

2009-02-05T16:44:00.002-06:00

A friend sent this to me today and thought I would just share it with whom ever reads this blog. Happy believing...

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other..
I Believe....
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.
I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is,
They're going to hurt you every once in a while
And you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,
Even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love..
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be
done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best
time.
I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be
the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe.
That maturity has more to do with
What types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them
And less to do with
How many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe....
That it isn't always enough,
To be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken
The world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...
That our background and circumstances
May have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe......
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give,
When
A friend cries out to you -
You will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
Do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life
Are taken from you too soon.

Food for thought...

2009-02-02T08:38:00.003-06:00

"You create your own reality, and if you believe you are destined to fail, chances are you will. However, if you believe you're worth it, you can achieve almost anything you want."

Have a good day.

Dumplin' of Fun!

2009-02-01T09:36:00.004-06:00

Havin' some fun bringing in the Chinese New Year. Had a dumplin' makin' dinner party last night. Filled with tons of dough, stuffing, and lot's and lot's of giggles.

This was the kids idea. So, they sat the table and wanted to have a party. So, we decided to make dumplings, since it's a traditional Chinese New Year food. We had a few friends over and everyone sat around counter making our dinner - Chinese Pork Dumplings. It was fun to see the funny shapes and sizes that everyone made. After the making of the dumplings, we loaded our plates full of chinese food and had some fantastic converstation around the dinner table. Jacob was so excited and had so much fun throughout the day, he fell asleep at the table in the middle of dessert.

Happy New Year!

chǘn jīé küàī lè

2009-01-25T19:58:00.003-06:00

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!

We have already started the festivities with a wonderful party thrown by some of our friends and to welcome a 40th birthday in. We made lanterns, Chinese hats, bracelets/necklaces, did a wonderful Dragon dance, even had safe fireworks for the kids, and dined on traditional Chinese New Year food. Thanks friends, great way to kick off the Year of the Ox.

Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first moon of the year, which is considered to be a particularly auspicious day (January 26, 2009). Children are given hong bao, lucky red envelopes full of money, and households exchange visits and gifts. Most celebrants at Chinese New Year wear red, which is a lucky color, and also refrain from reflecting on the past year and uttering unlucky words, as it is believed that the first day of the new year will determine your fortune in the months to come. So let's go have a great day today.

Chinese New Year continues with 15 days of celebration, including a day to welcome the god of wealth, a day to celebrate farming and produce, and days to celebrate friends and family. Friendships and family relationships are a very important part of Chinese New Year, and a great deal of food and dinner invitations are exchanged as part of this tradition. Numerous lucky foods are served throughout the Chinese New Year festival, and after all that rich dining, the 13th day of the festival is set aside for eating rice and bitter greens to cleanse the palate.

On the 15th day, the Chinese New Year celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival, which is traditionally held at night. During the Lantern Festival, hundreds of citizens flood the street with lanterns representing wealth, animals, historical figures, plants, and a variety of other things. The lanterns are paraded through towns and cities throughout China, Taiwan, and parts of the world with large Chinese communities. The Lantern Festival ends with a burst of fireworks to celebrate the upcoming year while celebrants eat special round dumplings to celebrate unity.

Happy Year of the Ox. Click here to learn more

Random thoughts swimming in my head while in the shower...

2009-01-20T06:49:00.001-06:00

I do my best thinking while in the shower. It’s weird, I know. One because it’s the shower – early in the morning and frankly to early to even be thinking. Secondly, it’s only about 15 minutes out of a 1,440 minute day, so it isn’t to much thinking at all. Then I will let you in a little secret, there are some days that I don’t even get a shower in. I often wished I had someone to scribe what I am thinking in my head because occasionally I do have some light bulb moments. Even weirder I know, having someone in the shower with me scribing what’s in my head.

Before Christmas I was telling Robb how I would love to have (3) new journals. His first question was, ‘why 3?’. One of which I can write all the light bulb moments down or just the occasional good thought, random thought or dream. I suppose to just reflect upon someday when I find my youth missing (yes, I plan to live to be 150, so my friends I am young). The other two journals to use one for each child and just to write funny things they say, stories about each of them, and maybe even the occasional advice. Then Robb, in his wisdom ways says, ‘isn’t that what the blog is for’. Of course it is, not just a means to catch up family, but a means to just blab. Blab anything, say most anything, and just get it out of my head. Then again, often times you may not want to know exactly what I am thinking – but if that’s the case, I realize that you happened upon our blog at your own free will. I always wondered about people who read other blogs and then comment on them as if they were saying, ‘can you believe so and so said….xyz’ and then they continue to keep reading so and so blog. So you may have opinions, thoughts, and just plane sick of us….if that’s the case, click on the “x’ on the top right of your screen. Should take care of anything you are feeling towards this blog.

To wrap this up, I guess if you can hang onto the occasional gripe session of the people checking me out somewhere or the drivers on the road and an occasional thought in the shower, I will keep my attempt to also keeping you updated on our piece of the world, who is in it, how we are doing in it, and what we are doing to make it better.

None of these thoughts today that you are about to read amount to anything or really make any sense, but sometimes you just have to write them down.

Today – regardless of our own political views….I AM PROUD OF AMERICA! Are you? It’s just right; our new leader couldn’t be more welcomed, and it’s in the air. Change isn’t coming, it’s here and now it’s time do our part. It’s a new World – feel the vibrations, and I am glad to be here.

This day as a hole, is good, good for our families, a new opportunity to serve, and just an absolute thrill to want more, do better, and most importantly be better.

Today and going forward the possibilities are endless….go out and find them, make them, and do them. ‘We have come, we have prevailed, and it’s our decision now’. It’s a brand new day, a brand new us.

So, I am thinking of you today while you are watching this magnificent change happening in the air, on the television, standing in your kitchens, driving in your cars, and getting ready for this day…..the new day of CHANGE.

It is FREAKIN cold outside....

2009-01-15T14:23:00.007-06:00

Whew - I can't remember the last time it's been since I have been this cold.

It's so cold....(well, you get the idea)....(or can finish my sentence)....

Not much going on here. Just attempting to get back to routine. Last week everyone started back to work and school and did great. However, isn't this week the longest week.......EVER??????????? Well, that's at least how I feel. It think maybe I was on a high from all of Christmas being put away, and every one's routine getting back to normal last week, that this week I am dragging, by days end, I am exhausted. I am guessing that means I put in a good days worth of work.

Hmmmmmm - what's up at our house......well let me see. Robb is working hard at work (as usual). I am pretending to unpack boxes (yes, STILL), and decorate our home, meanwhile I am just handing a box to anyone and everyone that comes over. I figure by Easter we will have no more boxes - then I am done unpacking - right?

Isabella is doing great. She is our Social Butterfly in the house. In the past month and 1/2 she has been invited to no less than 5 parties and 3 or 4 play dates, I forget. She is working hard in one of her dance classes to perform for Chinese New Year at our local art gallery. Then in another dance class she is working equally as hard since the end of the season in May she will do a ballet number and a tap number on stage for us all to see. She is loving school and seems to like the boys the best. At least that is the names she calls out as we are entering and exiting the building. I am already warning Robb as I sure he will the be the shot gun at the door kind of dad time comes for dating.

Jacob received his first report card and got all S's (satisfactory) in every category. He has learned so much in his first semester of Kindergarten. To boot, he likes it, he is making some really nice friends, and even enjoys his teacher. In gymnastics he is working hard at climbing the rope (1/2 way to the top), and can almost swing completely over on the rings. A few weeks ago he tested for a higher belt in Karate. He had to go into the room with out us and test with only his peers and judges. We didn't find out any results until this week at their exhibition and ceremony. He is now the proud owner of a yellow belt. His Sense (the instructor - whom we love), even did a demonstration himself for all the kids. He broke boards, with his hand, elbow, foot and even his head. He then let all the younger students have a piece of the wood to take home and he signed it for them. Jacob was more proud of this block of wood than anything he has ever gotten. He told me on the way home, "mom this is so cool - it's like a real trophy - I am going to hang it in my room on the wall". I loved it.

Other than that, we are trying to survive this FREAKIN cold and waiting for Spring. Bring it on.

Bring it on~

2009-01-02T08:31:00.005-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here is to a great new year with lots of positive changes, more giggles than you know what to do with, some stabilization, and add a dash of adventure. CHEERS!

Since Christmas we have been busy having some fun. We managed to get the holiday decorations down, put away for another year and made plans to decorate for Chinese New Year (begins January 26). Even unpacked a box or two and hung a shelf.

Isabella had her first Chinese Dance performance on December 30 for all the parents in preparation for Chinese New Year. It was so adorable. There are about 8 little girls in her class and soon 2 more will be joining. We got to see their interpretation to a Chinese Butterfly Dance and a Chinese Bunny Dance. Which I really think equates to, wearing butterfly wings and bunny ears while doing Chinese dance movements that appear to be butterfly and bunny like while telling a story. It was so much fun - these girls range from 3 to 5 and their dance teacher is such a wonderful person and dancer.

We had a wonderful news years eve. We hosted out first dinner party of 8, plus 5 kiddos. We even had our first overnight guests, as we maybe sipped a little to much on the champagne bottle. None, the less, we brought in the new year with cheers, toasts, hugs, and watching fireworks out our windows from around the city. I might add....all children made it to midnight. Cheers friends, thanks for the wonderful company and Happy New Year to all.

Whew

2008-12-29T16:08:00.004-06:00

Whew - it's been a whirlwind, fun loving, visited, visitee, cooking, cooked for, cleaning, gift giving, and receiving......GREAT CHRISTMAS.

Bring on the New Year. We have a lot to look forward to and a lot to be thankful for.

Happy New Year! Be safe, think smart.

Cleaning House for Santa

2008-12-24T09:09:00.009-06:00

This is how we clean the house, in our PJ's, sunglasses, and boots. Meanwhile, I wear a tiara while cleaning, but Isabella doesn't like the way it stays on her head, so this is her version. How do you clean the house?

Happy Christmas Eve. Be safe if you are traveling, keep warm if you are home.

We are tracking Santa, are you - click here? At this moment he is in Chongqing, China. That is where Isabella is from. Chongqing is the largest and most populous of the People's Republic of China's four provincial-level municipalities, and the only one in the less densely populated western region of China. Formerly (until 14 March 1997) a sub-provincial city within Sichuan Province, the municipality of Chongqing has a registered population of 31,442,300. The boundaries of Chongqing municipality reach much further into the city's hinterland than the boundaries of the other three provincial level municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin), and much of the municipality, which spans over 80,000 km, is rural. The population of the urban area of Chongqing proper is about 5.09 million. WOW - Santa is busy in China.

Bakapalooza 2008!

2008-12-22T09:31:00.008-06:00

What you say - Baka who, palooza what?

Bakapalooza:
A hand full of friends
A dash of chaos
Cups and Cups of Sugar and Flour
Spoonfuls of stories and giggles
Little hands to help (optional)

It started in 1998. A few girlfriends wanted to do some holiday baking for neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Well, I had the bright idea, if we all got together with our recipes, and our ingredients we could just bake the day away and swap our goods. Mean while we also attempt to wrap presents, write cards, and decorate cookies. The bakers have changed over the years and new recipes have come and gone, we laugh, we cry, we learn a lot about one another, we might add a little to much of this or that, or even have a complete flop, and sometimes something gets broke....but the end result is always the same, a huge success and more fun than you could ever imagine. I wouldn't trade the way the day goes for anything.

Thanks friends, I can't wait until next year.

Santa's Elves hard at work:

Looks Like we have been baking:

End Results:

Now they just need to be delivered. Where is Santa? Enjoy!

Chirstmas Card...

2008-12-19T16:35:00.004-06:00

This is sort-of what our Christmas Card looked like this year, it also doubled as a change of address card. Made a few minor changes to post on our blog. We did manage to get a few sent out amongst all the boxes. If we missed you we are sorry and consider this is our effort in "Going Green". Our wishes to all of you are still the same.

Happy Holidays!

Dancing Elves

2008-12-17T10:08:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

and the beat goes on...

2008-12-16T17:45:00.008-06:00

Wooooooooooowwwwwwwwww Nellie - life is happening all around us and no unpacking is getting done. In fact, I am thinking maybe we turn the boxes into furniture and go with it. I think a nice bedside table out of that box sitting over there will look good. A wise man once told me, "make a plan and go with it, plans change and that's okay - because you just gotta have a plan to put your feet on the ground when you get out of bed each morning".

We had Uncle Luke over last weekend for some cookie making fun. Not sure why we didn't photograph Uncle Luke, but we didn't at all. Not one photo. Maybe it's the fact that is so darn handsome, I didn't want him to out shine my kids.

This past weekend, Isabella and I went to a 'tea' with the Sugar Plum Fairy on Sunday. We attended Brunch with some friends and met others at the event. It was a great time. For those of you who don't know....the Sugar Plum Fairy is from the Nut Cracker. She hosts a 'tea' each year at the studio where Isabella dances. It was a great time and all the little girls looked so pretty. A little background story, before the long of the short comes.....Isabella asked Santa for a 'princess dolly'. I have combed the isles at our local stores with her asking her to show me what it was that she told Santa she wanted. To no avail...we have not had any success on tracking down what she told Santa. Well.....back to the 'tea'...the curtain opens and 'Dew Drop' ballerina comes on stage and dances....she turns to me and says, 'that's it Mommy, that is what I want for Christmas'. After the show, we took photos and tried to get the little dancer to come home with us and sit nicely under our tree, but I just got one of those teenage eye rolls. So, still looking for Dew Drop Ballerina Dolly.

Below is the view from our front porch as of yesterday afternoon and...

then this afternoon, here is what the view from our front porch looked like.

Then we spent about 20 minutes getting all dressed for this white stuff....and probably only spent 10 minutes outside. All of which Isabella spent in the garage crying, I was shoveling snow, and Jacob was doing snow angels all over the yard.

One last thing....I had this conversation with Jacob this morning:

Jacob: Hey mom.....

Me: What?

Jacob: Remember, not last Christmas but the one in our old house?

Me: Yea buddy, why?

Jacob: In the apartment at Christmas there weren't a lot of presents. But at our old house there were a lot of presents under our tree.

Me: Yea - that was a good year.

Jacob: Well, I was thinking......that our tree this year is looking like the apartment.

Me: But Santa hasn't been here yet and we are pretty lucky this year to be in our new home, fed, and warm.

Jacob: Well, tell Santa.....I want it to look like our old house on Christmas morning, not the apartment. We have more room now.

Me: I will get right on that buddy.

Jacob: Hey Mom, if you text him or email him he will get the message in time.

We have come a long way baby! Enjoy!

Happening at our house...

2008-12-07T18:02:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine reminded me, 'it's not moved in, it's moving in'. So, I going to think of it this way. We are slowing 'moving' into our new home. And I do mean SLOWLY in every sense of the word.

We do love it. It's nice to have the extra room, our own rooms, and a wonderful kitchen to cook in. However, there are still a ton of boxes. This weekend our favorite accomplishments were, getting both cars into the garage (all Robb, I had nothing to do with this one) and actually hanging a couple things on the wall. So, I would say....some success has happened with our 'moving in' status.

We have been busy doing 'kid' activities. Jacob and Isabella spent yesterday morning visiting with Santa and friends. Jacob told Santa that he wanted, 'some cars - you know like Hot Wheels' and then Isabella asked him for, 'a princess dolly'. Robb and I wiped our brows as we have been hearing things like a puppy, gas power four wheeler, new kitchen set, and we think we even heard a new swimming pool. Hey, kids can dream, right?

Then last night, Isabella had her first ever dance recital. OMG - it was so cute. I missed it as I was filming it and she was only up there for about 3 minutes. But once we got home we saw the video (which I would post but don't want to as their are other children on this video that aren't mine), we laughed so hard I bet milk would have come out our noses. You see we walked into the studio and she went into a big room with her other dancer friends and teacher. While we went to sit in the audience. Well, let me just say, when she went into the room, her skirt was not falling down, the waste band was not flipped up, and her sweater fit her just fine. After further review of the video the entire performance her skirt was falling down, the waste band was flipped up and her sweater crept up so high, all we saw was belly button from Bella. She thinks it is so funny and just keeps asking to see the video again and again. It was a great night and I can't not wait until the next performance, which I think maybe we will get her suspenders to wear.

We did decide to decorate a bit for Christmas, but went mild this year. The stockings are hung, the tree is up, and very, very little shopping has been done. But everyone here in our house is in the spirit. We hope you are to!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T18:18:00.002-06:00

Happy Turkey Day from our family to yours.

We enjoyed a great day with family and friends and feast fit for a King. Our Pilgrim and Native American were very happy.

Enjoy!

Farewell Shangri-la!

2008-11-23T17:02:00.002-06:00

Hello - We left Shangri-la and are in our Home Sweet Home.

Sorry - no photos. Can't even begin to think of where the camera is located. Not to mention, you just don't want a bunch of photos of boxes.

We love it the kids are happy and we have our own beds in our own rooms. But other than that, we can't find anything.

I will leave you with this......every time I put something away, organize it, and figure out a spot for it......all I think is, 'I am never moving again, and once it's away it's the kids problem. Once they roll me out of this house to my resting place they can deal with it.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving......we have so much to be thankful for.

The Final Countdown!

2008-11-10T08:22:00.003-06:00

No updated photos - sorry! We are so busy, we just keep forgetting to get photos of the progress. So, I guess you are just going to have to stop by and check it out for yourself. Please note, if you do, you are required to grab a box and unpack it.

This is a drawing (really rough draft)that Robb and I drew up on an airplane in January of this year on our way to vacation. It all started here.

They still have a lot to do to finish the house this week, but I have confidence it will all get done. Our builder and his 'worker guys' have been a dream to work with. We have been very happy with the entire process.

So, hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...............I have my list for the week to 'to do's'. We have a 10:00 AM appointment with the bank on Friday, November 14 to sign our lives away once again and live amongst the land of mortgage payments. Then hopefully all is clear for us to start moving some items before school ends that day. The window treatment guy is so wonderful, he is bound and determined to install all our blinds before we go to bed that night. We are planning on staying at the house that night on the floor because everyone is so excited.

Then Saturday is true moving day. The moving truck arrives at our storage unit at 9:00 AM. We are blessed to have some wonderful family and friends help us out that day and the kids are going to their cousins house for 24 hours (We owe you big Aunt Gwen and Uncle Bill). Our local weather is calling for cold, but please, please everyone do your 'no rain dance' for us. That would make for a miserable move.

Other than that, just getting ready to get ourselves knee deep in boxes, get our organizing hats on, meanwhile trying to attempt to keep things as normal as possible.

Success!

2008-11-05T10:07:00.003-06:00

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Yes we CAN and DID!

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
Said by your 44th President Elect.

T - 10!

2008-11-04T06:16:00.006-06:00

Photos, as promised. Sorry they aren't the best. Remembered to bring camera this time, but didn't take many pictures as we were to excited walking around looking at everything that had been done.

T MINUS 10 and COUNTING!

View of breakfast room from front door as you walk in. It's yellow, in fact, I would say about one third of the house is yellow.

My office and yes, that is green. It took me a bit to get used to, but now I love it. Lot's of creative things are going to get done in this room and NO sleeping.

One more coat of stain to make it shiny and new looking.

CAN'T WAIT!

Oh yea, GET OUT AND ROCK YOUR VOTE TODAY! Your vote can and does make a difference.

Halloween Update!

2008-11-02T14:22:00.006-06:00

Happy Be-Lated Halloween!

We had a great time on Halloween Day. The weather was beautiful and the kids walked forever collecting more candy than we know what to do with. Actually, I think maybe I talked them into packaging it up and sending to the troops along with hand made cards we are going to make this week. SUCCESS!

Jacob went as a member of a SWAT team this year. He was very into his character and everyone kept getting arrested. He even decided to direct traffic on Halloween night. He was in charge of the kids and making sure they didn't go in the street when there were cars coming. You wouldn't have known he was 5 with the exception of his size. He was in full-on character the entire night. In fact, he has taken the vest off, but everything still is in his pocket, attached to him some how, or hanging off his belt loop. When he comes in from being out, he takes it all off and lays it on the table as if he had been out in the field working all day long and was exhausted. It's really cute.

Isabella went as a Kitty Kat. She kept changing her name and would often be arrested. She had a full on growl for the night rather than a meow or purrrrrr. She kept telling us she was a 'wild cat'. Now her "kitty kat' costume has been retired and is a 'princess dress' and matches all her pretend play things.

As for the house - LOOKING GOOD! Halloween was the absolute last holiday we have to spend here. Look over there - ONLY 12 Days! OMG - we absolutely can't wait. I don't think the kids really understand that we are leaving Shangri-la to go to our house and won't just be over there to look at it anymore, but Robb and I do. HOLY COW - I wished you could see the excitement and joy. I would pack us up now and sleep on the floor and eat microwave meals for the next 12 days if I thought Robb would go along with it. But I don't think that will work for everyone, so I will begin packing next week (maybe secretly packing things this week when no one is looking). Will post photos of the house later. We are going over later today to look at the floors as they spent all last week staining them. This week, appliances, plumping hardware, door hardware, mirror hanging, landscaping, carpet, and possibly the beginning of the end of construction. It's starting to look like "Home Sweet Home".

Gettin' closer to the finish line.....

2008-10-27T09:19:00.008-05:00

A photo pictorial of what's been going on here:

Tile is done.

Stairs and cabinets are stained. Floor stain starts this week.

Lights are in. So now we don't have to rush over and get a look at the day's progress before it gets dark.

Started the rock and painting of the exterior on Saturday. These guys are fast. I bet they are done today. WOW!

This is just a small not finished version of what Robb refer's to as his 'Man Cave' (aka the Dog House by me). We are finishing the basement on this house, so Robb has had to put on his Interior Design Hat and has designed most of this area himself. Looking good honey.

One last thing.....interior painting - DONE - and friends, let's just say....if you don't like color...you won't like it. In paint alone, there are 7 different colors and let's just say, some came out brighter than expected (if you know me, I sampled them all and then some (I think about 14 - gotta love the sample quarts), but I sampled flat paint in small areas, not eggshell in larger ares). We had to visit it a couple times and vision our things in the house - but WE LOVE IT! Jacob's loves his NEON green room so much he asked for his closet to be repainted from white to green. We kept it white. Isabella, loves her pink room so much that if you stop by the house, she will grab your finger and take you to her room and tell you, 'look, it's pink - my favorite'.

Other than that, we are just busy living life, attending school, working, thinking of moving and the logistics, making plans for Halloween, and taking a bit of time to play. Have a great Halloween and I will post photos this weekend of the kids and their costumes. We have been invited to some old neighbors of ours that moved to trick or treat, then onto a small gathering at some other friends, to sort through the goods and eat until we pass out. Halloween on a Friday this year, is a lot of fun. Not to mention, it's also a NO school day. Enjoy!

Countin' the days away.....

2008-10-12T18:15:00.009-05:00

Notice to the right of your screen......it's a count down until we are out of here and F-I-N-A-L-L-Y moved into our new house. We can't wait. We talk about it daily, are over there constantly, and even talk about our first meal we are going to cook (changes with each conversation). So, last week, the kids and Robb made a 'count down chain' and each night they pull off a link as we get closer and closer to our move. It's fun for all of us, but I think Robb and I like seeing that chain get shorter and shorter each night more than the kids do.

House Update - going great. We have a driveway, sidewalk, and they are currently working on the posts outside. As for the inside....they start staining and painting next week. We picked out some color for this house (7 to be exact and a stain color and this is just the interior), so it might scare most of you off - but I can't wait to see it come to life. Hip, hip, hooray!

We also took some time today to enjoy the weekend and fall. We went to the Pumpkin Patch and met up with some friends we havne't seen since this summer. It was so much fun. Kind of warm for this time of year, but it wasn't raining and cold, so the kids got to play and run around until they were ready to drop.

From our house to yours.....Happy Fall!

Enjoying some Fall Weather here.....

2008-10-05T09:25:00.007-05:00

Well - when dad is away the rest of the house will PLAY!

Robb has been away at the American Royal BBQ since Thursday, so we ditched our responsibilities for the weekend and decided to play. Made not one house decision, didn't clean, cook, or bathe (just kidding)all weekend.

Actually, we took some time out to enjoy the weekend and the fall here. It's just gorgeous. So Friday night Isabella had a sleepover. We ordered Chinese food,
Tye-died some shirts for Halloween, and watched a movie. The kids were up late and up early, so I was tired all day yesterday.

Then yesterday we went to a local apple orchard and picked apples and played. It was so much fun. We met a friend, and cousins up there and we all enjoyed ourselves. We played, picked apples from a 'real tree' with a 'bucket that had a metal handle', had a picnic lunch, and apples desserts from the bakery. Made for a good nap in the afternoon.

The reason some of the above are in quotes, is something funny Jacob asked. You see, Jacob is a lot like me, we get so excited about the anticipation of an event and plan it just so in our heads, that most often once the event happens we are disappointed and fail to enjoy ourselves or we just exhausted from building our excitement up in our heads of said event. So, we have learned to prepare Jacob for the event but not to early. Therefore, I didn't tell him about going to the apple orchard until late Friday night (I am sure it was something like, if you don't go to sleep we won't pick apples tomorrow). Once I told the kids we were going, Jacob's first words were...."do we get to actually pick them from a real tree?", followed with, 'can I take my gloves, worker guys (that is anyone he is pretending to be at the time) have gloves when they work?', and 'will we use buckets with metal handles like in the books we read?'.

So, as you can imagine we had a tall order to fill in this little guys head. Therefore, never having been to this place, I was praying and keeping my fingers crossed on the drive up that they had real trees and buckets with metal handles...we supplied the gloves. Whew - Success - they had everything Jacob had imagined. It was perfect. In fact, I didn't get many photos of him because he was so busy running around with his cousin having so much fun.

Then to make the last day of our 'taking the weekend off' fun, we are going Halloween shopping. You see, I am a planner, so I have costumes for the kids already, but Isabella's is way, way to long and Jacob's - well, it's just not what he wants and who am I to get in the way of pretend playing. So, we are off to look for the greatest, least expensive police officer, soldier, or pilot costume for Jacob and the greatest, least expensive police officer, kitty cat, or witch costume for Isabella. Wish me luck, I am going to shopping with two children 5 and under alone for costumes on a budget. Crazy mom, I know - but at least I am not home cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry.

Enjoy! I am sure I will keep you posted on the shopping adventures.

House front - coming along nicely. We have a side walk, a driveway, and a patio this week. The cabinets are coming in nicely and all the trim work, stair work, and closets are looking great. No photos, sorry didn't have camera. Still no exterior house color, but narrowed it down to two...so we are closer.

Oh yes, I forgot....on our way home from the orchard, Jacob spotted a helicopter hovering around in the air. We went and looked for it and it was so cool. There were some 'worker guys' working on some electrical towers and they were using the chopper to bring them the large material needed to work. We snapped a quick photo just in time before it moved.

Catching Up!

2008-09-26T16:26:00.005-05:00

First Day of school photo - Finally!

She loves her back pack!

Garage view of house....!

Kitchen Cabinets Installation.....aren't they great!

Where does the time go? Fall is here. WOW!

Catching UP!
Kids - School, going well. Jacob is doing better and better each and every day. He still asks every morning if he can stay home, but doesn't fight me on it when I say, 'no'. It's just amazaing how fast and how much he has learned in 6 short weeks. He empresses me more and more each day. Isabella is loving school this year. She asks everyday if it's her school day.

House - It's going great and looking like a house. I am getting more and more excited. Best part, we turned in our notice at Shangri-la so we are seeing and end to this journey. This week they put in the wood floors, worked on cabinets, trim work, and doors. I am having so much fun watch it come together.

US - We are busy just trying to keep up with kids, house, school, work, election information, and our economy. We are doing well and just livin' life.

Happy Fall!

What is your favorite exterior house color?

2008-09-07T19:20:00.008-05:00

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, where do we start, it’s been a while. What’s going on?

School, work, travel, colds, flu, dance, karate, gymnastics, house, and just living life is what’s going on in our little piece of the world.

I think right now, I just want to state…..I LIKED SUMMER BETTER!

Well, school has started as you know; day one was a success…..not day two and so forth. Apparently, I was a bit over confident. We have received no less than three phone calls from the teacher, a personal phone call from the counselor at school, and about half a dozen email exchanges or so. You see, we get up in the mornings and start the moaning and groaning right off….’I don’t want to go to school’, and it just keeps going. However, somehow, we do manage to get out of bed, get dressed, eat breakfast and out the door. Then the tears begin all over again at the actual bus stop. In fact, most everyday we put Jacob on the bus in tears or whining. Then he gets to school and tears up for a couple of minutes and then it stops and the day gets better. I guess it’s just getting used to a routine, something new, and a lot of tough learning along the way. So, as for the first three weeks of kindergarten for Jacob….I am chalking it up as….WE SURVIVED! WE are looking for a better attitude in hopes of not looking for ‘survival’ the entire school year. I have faith and IT WILL get better if it kills me. BTW, did you know in Kindergarten there is homework….., which btw again, Jacob loves that part of the day.

Isabella has not started school yet. It started this week, but with out us. I have had the stomach flu for almost three days now. She had it for about 24 hours, but can’t seem to shake the fever. Therefore, I opted to keep her home until she is better and not to get anyone else sick. So, we are hoping to start school next week. She is very much looking forward to it, as she has a friend in class that she just loves.

Gymnastics and Karate did start this week. Both the kids are taking gymnastics this fall, Isabella is enrolled in dance (which starts next week), and Jacob is enrolled in Karate also. Robb did the car pooling this week, since I was sick, so no photos – just one exhausted dad from taking on both rolls.

Isabella did take a dance class over the summer at our local community center. She loved it. She had another friend in there that she loves and they had fun. They had a small recital last week in their last class, but unfortunately Isabella wouldn’t stand still long enough to get a good photo.

House update, it’s coming along nicely. Our move in date has been pushed back a bit, but we kind of expected it. We are looking at the end of November of so….therefore, we will be spending a bit more time in Shangri-La. The house is up, framed, front porch poured, garage doors on, and temporary front door locked. The rough electrical, plumbing, insulation and drywall are in. In fact, Friday when we were there, it was framed, by Sunday it’s all sheet rocked. So, it should start looking like a house inside real soon. We have been busy picking out the interior items for the house. I love this part. We have finalized our cabinets, doors, pulls, and knobs, door knobs, counter tops, exterior paint colors, stain colors, and more that I can’t think of right now. We still have a lot to do, but it’s coming along nicely. Will keep you posted as it changes.

Other than that, we are enjoying the heated evenings of political information, doing homework, and preparing for the next day. So, for now, we hope all is well with you and Thanks for stopping by.

FRONT DOOR:

KITCHEN:

GREAT ROOM:

Watch and Learn my Friends....watch and learn...

2008-08-19T17:07:00.006-05:00

This morning, I softly opened your door
Reluctant to rouse you from sleep
Your blond hair all tousled from a little boy's dream
And your body curled up in heap.

My mind reached back into time
To a little blue bundle cuddled up in my arms
And gentle hints of nursery rhyme.

Was it not a mere yesterday
That you were learning how to walk
And I know that it was just last week
We were teaching you to talk.

But somehow, I managed to waken you
To your breakfast waiting there
You dressed your self in your finest clothes
And you carefully combed your hair.

Oh little boy, I love you so
And I felt like such a fool
To be so hesitant to let go of you
On your very first day of school.

Author: Unknown

Today Marks the very first day of Kindergarten for Jacob. I am going to keep this short....as I can sum it up in as little as 7 words......

After Jacob got all ready this morning, including picking out his own clothes, dressing himself, eating breakfast for brain power, brushing and flossing his teeth, picking out shoes that make him run faster, and putting gel in his hair because it will make him look cool to the big kids, he put on his back pack and announced to all:

"Watch and Learn My Friends, watch and learn". Then he headed out the door to catch the bus.

It was priceless and there are very few times in life I am speechless and this was one of them.

Day 1 - SUCCESS!

What's Happening!

2008-08-11T17:38:00.003-05:00

Hey - What's happening with you? How is the summer going? Anything new? Any trips planned?

We are just busy plugging away through life - house stuff, tonsil care, gearing up for school, Robb's travels, birthday parties, BBQ, babysitters, and errands.

Friday we spent the night ordering Chinese food and watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic games. Say what you want, don't really care.....we LOVED it. Every moment was captivating to us and enjoyed it to the very end.

Saturday Uncle Luke (my youngest brother) took the kids to the zoo. A first for Uncle Luke to watch the kids. They had a great time and Luke said, he did to. However, after watching them for 5 hours, he went home and took a nap all afternoon. Ha, ha!

Meanwhile, Robb and I picked out the rock for the front of the house and fireplace and had a three hour lighting meeting. WOW! My head was about to explode after that meeting. I couldn't make another decision if I had to. However, it was fun looking through all the lights and imagining them in our home.

Saturday night the kids had a sleep over. Each one of them had a cousin over. We went and played miniature golf and then went out for pizza. It was a lot of fun and the kids did great. However, I must admit....Robb and I looked like the in laws that don't have kids and took the nieces and nephews for the night to attempt to be cool auntie and uncle....4 at a restaurant and the two of us, they won. They went to bed around 10:00, all slept in the same room and through the night. SUCCESS!

Sunday, the kids got to go to the cousins and go to the spray park and play for the morning. Robb and I met with our cabinet guy to make a plan for the house. Now that was fun going through the work shoppe seeing all the options and custom work the cabinet maker is working on. I think this may have been my favorite part thus far.

On the house front....we have a roof with shingles now and the covered back porch is on. So, I imagine it's time to start going to work on the inside. We meet with the electrician tomorrow, so wiring here we come. Therefore, might be time to start taking pictures of the inside. Coming soon!

Sneak Peak!

2008-08-08T09:25:00.003-05:00

Ni Hao!

I just can't, just can't look at them (it's killing me)....but if you want, here are some sneak peak photos of the Opening Ceremonies.

ENJOY!

It's time...It's time...It's time!

2008-08-08T07:35:00.004-05:00

Oh my, oh my, oh my.......we can't wait until 6:30c time tonight....our tushes will be planted in front of the television (probably the only time you will see me write that comment), taking our breathes away watching the opening ceremonies. CAN NOT WAIT! In fact, I already have the local Chinese food menu sitting on the table for review. Have fun, cheering on your favorite countries and athletes.

Jacob has survived his tonsil removal remarkably. In fact, we keep commenting on if we hadn't seen them, we wouldn't be to sure that they took them out. It's been tough attempting to keep him calm this week. I am a believer of when the kids aren't feeling well, let them call the shots as to the activities they chose to do and what to eat, and he has chosen to do anything and everything and the eating has not stopped. In fact, maybe since he can breathe better and possibly swallow better he is enjoying his food much better. We also have been busy gearing up for school. I can't believe Kindergarten! WOW! It's been an unbelievable fast 5 years for Jacob. I think maybe he is getting a bit nervous and he keeps telling me he isn't going. He keeps telling me that 'preschool is more funner and that he wants to go back there, because in Kindergarten you have to work and he isn't ready to go to work'. I just tell him, you never are and it's the law. No seriously, we talk about it and all his new friends, recess, lunch time, and all the fun things he will be learning. I even made a date with him to come visit him and have lunch the first day Isabella goes to school. I hope that works for now. We decided to not to many activities this fall for Jacob since school and moving is going to be an adjustment. So, in September he has decided to start Karate again. I can't wait and hope he enjoys it this time. Some how I think he will be karate chopping everything in site.

Isabella is doing great. She is excited about pre-school and thinks all her same friends will be in her class. I haven't suggested otherwise. I am not that crazy! We enrolled her in a small dance class at the community center for the end of the summer to see if she enjoys it well enough to continue on at a dance school. Well, she enjoys it. She is all over the place, not paying attention, there to see her friend, and adds words to the song they are learning. That being said, she loves it. So she is enrolled in gymnastics and dance this fall. I am not sure they will keep her in the class since she really does dance to her own drummer, but we are going to try. She is talking more and more lately, and even tells on her big brother. Last night she told me she likes Jazz music and Princesses, so that is where her dreams lie at night. I want to be 3 again.

On the house front. It's coming along. No pictures of the house (keep forgetting the camera when we go), but our apartment is filled with samples, books, catalogs, and a wish list a mile long (possibly a map of the banks we plan to rob). We are meeting with vendors whenever possible and I am enjoying the process every step of the way. Robb on the other hand, well a lot of choices makes him nervous and I just keep seeing him wipe his brow when it comes to money (maybe even a few more grey hairs). Below is a photo of just a few of the samples that have taken over our pad (I noticed a lot of neutral colors - I am trying not to do that - off to make changes). In fact the kids have started using them as toys, they make great tunnels. So, this weekend...plans to get lights and light planned done, meet with the cabinet guy, and get our appliances completed. That is ambitious for us (since we have limited sitter time and the stores aren't open on Sunday), but I do hope it happens or I am on my own next week as Robb is leaving town for work....does that also mean 'carte blanche' next week?

4 Days, 11 Hours...and so on.....

2008-08-03T18:53:00.003-05:00

Our house is so excited about the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. We have been learning a lot about the games as well as the country of China.

Click here to learn more.

Or here to check your favorite sport and it's air time.

So, our plans are to order Chinese, stay inside from this heat wave we are having here in the mid-west and watch the opening ceremony on Friday night. What are your plans?

The THEME/SLOGAN for the Beijing, China 2008 Olympic Games:

"One World One Dream" fully reflects the essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind. In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams.

"One World One Dream" is a profound manifestation of the core concepts of the Beijing Olympic Games. It reflects the values of harmony connoted in the concept of "People's Olympics", the core and soul of the three concepts -- "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics". While "Harmony of Man with Nature" and "Peace Enjoys Priority" are the philosophies and ideals of the Chinese people since ancient times in their pursuit of the harmony between Man and Nature and the harmony among people, building up a harmonious society and achieving harmonious development are the dream and aspirations of ours. It is our belief that peace and progress, harmonious development, living in amity, cooperation and mutual benefit, and enjoying a happy life are the common ideals of the people throughout the world.
"One World, One Dream" is simple in expressions, but profound in meaning. It is of China, and also of the world. It conveys the lofty ideal of the people in Beijing as well as in China to share the global community and civilization and to create a bright future hand in hand with the people from the rest of the world. It expresses the firm belief of a great nation, with a long history of 5,000 years and on its way towards modernization, that is committed to peaceful development, harmonious society and people's happiness. It voices the aspirations of 1.3 billion Chinese people to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and bright world.

The English translation of the slogan is distinctive in sentence structure. The two "One's are perfectly used in parallel, and the words "World" and "Dream" form a good match. The slogan is simple, meaningful, inspiring, and easy to remember, read and spread.

In Chinese, the word "tongyi", which means "the same", is used for the English word "One". It highlights the theme of "the whole Mankind lives in the same world and seeks for the same dream and ideal".

House Update...

2008-08-02T18:49:00.007-05:00

We have R*O*O*F! Woooooooo Whoooooooooooooo! So, with a roof and windows it means we can move in - right? Who needs doors? We always wanted to have an open door policy.

FRONT:

LEFT SIDE/GARAGE (Right Side - so not photo worthy):

BACK:

Less of him, but still the same cute kid.....

2008-08-01T15:59:00.003-05:00

We are home and Jacob is acting like nothing happened. He really is asking to eat and wants an apple and chips. We started with pudding and then some soup for lunch. The surgery went great. Everyone was so wonderful and the doctor was great. They even kept his tonsils in a jar for him to look at once he woke up. They also had to show mom and dad to make sure they took the right thing out. I have know idea what tonsils and such look like. The doctor said they were some of the biggest tonsils they has ever taken out of a 5 year old. They also said he would probably be a better eater once he heals because it's easier for him to swallow. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm - that could be fun. So, for now he is playing quietly and on pain medicine. We are to keep him mainly in the house and quiet for a week and then once we see the doctor next Friday he will more than likely turn him loose again. They did tell us that more than likely Sunday night thru Tuesday will be the most painful hardest times as the scabs are forming and may be painful. So, wish us luck on keeping a 5 year old during the summer quiet and laying low. Thanks to everyone who was thinking and praying for Jacob this morning. It worked. Also thanks for the emails, phone calls, offer of help and even a meal delivery. We all appreciate how thoughtful you all are. I may call upon some help next week as Robb is traveling and Jacob may become a bit restless.

Meanwhile, Isabella had her first sleep-away sleepover. She said she had a great time and was tired today. She is busy playing 'doctor' to Jacob. As soon as she got home she went and got her doctor kit and asked Jacob where is hurt. She is being very sweet to him, but this to shall past. Ha, ha!

Sorry, no cute photos, the patient wouldn't let me take any photos. Maybe we will get out to the house and post some photos. We have a roof line now and the are working on framing the inside. You can actually see what the rooms are going to look like. It's really a lot of fun and exciting watching it all come to life.

Ice Cream, Ice Cream, he will be screaming for Ice Cream...

2008-07-31T07:54:00.007-05:00

For those of you don't know, Jacob is going in tomorrow morning to have his tonsils removed. He has been snoring, having sleep issues, a bit sleep apnea, and breathes loud. So, we had them checked out at his 5-year check up and the doctor said, 'those are some of the largest tonsils I have ever seen'. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers over the next up coming days as even though this is routine, he is getting a bit nervous.

Meanwhile, he has spent the week picking out Popsicles, yogurt, pudding, jello and soup to 'help him heal'. Not to mention a couple of new trucks, new video, and a really cool ABC book to work on. So, he is prepared for the recovery part...just not sure why his sister gets to go to a sleep over at the cousins house and he has to get up early in the morning.

Isabella has an exciting couple of firsts as well. She had her first dance class last week and had so much fun playing on the stage in the curtains, so as for dance....I don't know. Then after her first dance class she had her first sleep over. She had two of her friends join us for pizza, cookies, dress up, mani/pedi's, and you can't end the night wiht out a movie about a Princess (notice the top photo, Jacob was Prince Charming that night). The girls were so great, but it was a long day after as they didn't go to sleep until 11:00 and were up by 6:00. Can't wait until the next one!

House Update....

2008-07-19T16:29:00.002-05:00

We are having some summer fun during the daytime hours, playing, outside, meeting new babysitter, playing with uncle Luke, taking walks and gearing up for school. Then in the evenings we go take a look at the progress of the house and spend time designing the inside. Then on the weekends we visit local vendors picking out the necessities that go inside the house. It's great fun!

Front View!

Back View!

Garage View!

Come on Halloween - we can't wait to move in.

Where did the Spring go - can't believe it's July?

2008-07-06T17:36:00.009-05:00

Whew - seriously, where did the Spring go? Not talking heat - I just can't believe it's July already. WOW!

Well, we have tried in 5 short years, music, gymnastics, swim lessons, karate, basketball, soccer, and now it looks like we have a winner......(drum roll)....T-Ball. Jacob has been playing T-ball and absolutely loving every minute of it. As you can tell from above, we have tried many things over the years, so I only signed him up for one session of t-ball and we are sad that we are finished....but you can bet we will be playing again next year. He just loved it.

The house is coming along nicely. We have some outside walls. Now if we could just decide on a house color. Any ideas?

We have had a great holiday weekend. First everyone went camping to visit with some friends from out of town - great company, camping, steak, and smores. Doesn't get much better. We spent the actual 4th with some friends - bbq, fireworks, and plenty of fun. Then last night we spent the evening in our old neighborhood with friends and more bbq. All in all, I say it was a success and a lot of fun. The kids napped each day and slept in a bit this morning. Whew - we all needed it. Thanks friends can't wait to move and start hosting parties, holiday's, and events once again.

Summer has begun...

2008-06-25T17:28:00.004-05:00

Summer has begun here. Not really a lot to report.

Jacob is having fun in Kindergarten Summer School and we play taxi cab running him back and forth to the bus stop.

Isabella and I spend our days picking out stuff for the house and then coming home and researching everything we looked at all day long. So many choices, so many colors, and so much to learn. I am loving it.

We have a floor in the house. Bring over your tap shoes and lets have some fun. We are hoping to see some framing happening soon.

Hope you are enjoying the summer and eating lots of Popsicles.

Birthday, Pizza, Fun, Walks, and Flooring - OH MY!

2008-06-11T11:29:00.007-05:00

We have been busy having some Summer Fun. Last week Isabella turned 3. I just can't wrap my hands around our children being 3 and 5. Where does the time go? We put together and quick party for her, as we have been so busy, the planning just didn't happen. However, it turned out great. We met some of our friends during the week at a local pizza joint and the kids got to make their own pizza's while the moms got to enjoy a nice lunch. It was a lot of fun. Dad surprised us and showed up during his lunch hour to enjoy some pizza right along with us. You will notice the corsage pinned to her shirt.....dad brought that with him to surprise Isabella. She was so cute. You could not wipe that smile off her face. She new it was a special day and loved all the attention. After the party we went home for naps and while I was putting her down, she kept saying, 'mama, they all came to my party'.

THIS IS THE BEFORE:

HERE IS THE AFTER:

We have also been busy with our local annual Walk for Hope. It's a fun walk that is done each year, this year marking the 10th...and the walk helps raise money for International Orphanages. In the 10 years that this has been happening, our little community has raised over $100,000.00. This years theme was the Olympics and Isabella started the walk off carrying the touch.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh! This one is a secret. This is what we do while Jacob is at school. We play dress up. But we can't let him know how much fun we have or he will want to join us. Jacob started Kindergarten Summer School. He goes all day long and his favorite part is eating lunch at school. Each night we have to look at the calendar and see what his options are for the next day, then we talk about it all night long.

Last, but certainly not least.....by the days end we will have basement floors. Hip, hip, hooray!

Havin' Some Family Fun...

2008-06-05T09:13:00.004-05:00

Whew - it's Thursday and we maybe, just maybe are recovering from the weekend. We had a great weekend. More fun than we could imagine. But we also had 6 adults and 9kids 5 and under - Aunts, Uncles, In-laws, Brothers, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, and Grandpa. It was crazy, chaotic, fun, and more sweat than anyone needs for the beginning of June. I must admit from my point of view....the kids won this time. We were ALL absolutely just exhausted come Monday AM and I was waving my white flag. Wouldn't trade it for the world and can't wait until the next time. Photo's aren't great, it's hard to get everyone in one place at one time. Our weekend adventures had us doing many cook outs, plenty of ice cream, a couple trips to the park, a nature walk to see water falls, picnics, and even took the crazy gang out to lunch in at a restaurant. Nice weekend had by all.

Things, things, and more things...

2008-05-30T16:04:00.010-05:00

Seems like I always start with how busy we are and not enough time to blog....well we are there again. So, I will do a short photo essay and catch you up on our happenings. Until next time, enjoy the summer and go outside and play.

Jacob's Preschool Graduation. WOW! He is getting so big.

Isabells taking a break from playing so hard.

Spent last weekend camping with family. First time Robb and I have camped in 12 years. Survived three rain storms and the smores were great. Robb's oldest brother is in town, so for the first time all 9 cousins are together. We went from having no children in the family to just a tab (like a month) over 5 years, to having 9 children - all relitively the same ages. It's chaos, crazy, and so much fun. We will post more photos of the kids next week as we are spending one last weekend with everyone in town.

All of us taking in a Memorial Day Parade. It was fun and the kids so enjoyed themselves, but they were looking forward to getting back to the mud at the camp site.

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL! Last soccer game of the season and Jacob had some contact with the ball. It was great. I didn't get the photo, but as soon as he kicked that last kick, he ran to me and said, 'did you see that mom'. Mind you, I am not on the field...so he left to game to make sure I was watching. PRICELESS!

House Front - Plans - check - builder - check - location - check - contract - check -hole in the ground - check.....now - footings/and foundation walls. LOOKING GOOD!

Last, but certianly not least...we finish this week up with the last day of school - FIELD DAY!

WOW - A green thumb I don't have.

2008-05-28T16:09:00.009-05:00

Absolutely loved these photos of the gardens in Beijing, China as the entire city gears up for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

On another note, this is an article a friend send and I thought it was worth reading. Made me thankful for where I live and how I live - as these rules/regulations don't even cross my mind here at home.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080526/ ap_on_re_ as/china_ earthquake_ one_child
(Sorry, having problems linking with blogger, will have to copy and paste if you want to read it).

Enjoy the beginning of summer.

Another Family Moment...

2008-05-20T11:00:00.004-05:00

Today marks our 2nd "Forever Family Day".....on this day we celebrate becoming a family of 4. On May 20, 2006 we met as a family of four for the first time. It was the day Jacob got to meet his baby sister - Isabella, so we celebrate this day as our Forever Family Day. My how they have changed in just two short years.

"The world's greatest changes are made at home."

May 20, 2006

May 20, 2007

May 2008

WOW - Time flies!

2008-05-09T06:38:00.006-05:00

Isabella, May 9, 2006.

Isabella, May, 2007.

Look at her now.

Today marks the 2 year anniversary since Isabella Ruby Xian Yan was placed in our arms. She is an amazing, beautiful, smart little girl. She has changed so much since we first met her two years ago. She is funny, loves to make you laugh, has absolutely no fear, and can be as stubborn as they come. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Below is the entry I made the day she was placed in our arms and most often it feels like a lifetime ago.

So today, I will secretly say prayers all day long thanking the good Lord above for all the happiness he has brought in our house, and some how send out thanks and gratitude to her birth givers letting them know what a beautiful gift they have blessed us with. We will spend the evening with our family and friends out to dinner; and of course Chinese will be the cuisine of choice.

May 9, 2006

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away…

Our breath has been taken away! Today, May 9, 2006 Isabella Ruby Xiao Yan was placed in our arms forever. Jacob we have your little sister! She is perfect.

Today we said goodbye to Beijing and continued on this journey to Isabella, heading to central China… Chongqing, China. We arrived to our hotel in Chongqing China around 3:30 PM (2:30 AM CST) on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 and that is where it hit me, it’s not tomorrow anymore. We went to our rooms to gather supplies, freshen up, and make any last minute notes. At 5:00 PM we went to our Coordinator’s (Lina) room (all 6 families). This is where the babies were being brought to us.

The room was filled with nerves, excitement, and just pure energy. At 5:20 PM we heard some bustling in the hall and in walks the Director and five nannies holding beautiful baby girls all dressed a like. I noticed right off that the director had Isabella in his arms. Then one by one they called out each child’s name and the babies were placed in our arms.

It was pandemonium. Pictures flashing, everyone filming, babies and parents began to cry, and then finally they called Xiao Yan. We walked over the Director and he handed us Isabella. I can’t possibly put into words the emotions we had at that moment (one of the best feelings I have ever had).

We just looked and ohhhhddd, and ahhhhed. It was an indescribable moment that only the heart knows and we are so happy to have it on video to review later. She is perfect. We passed her back and forth, taping each other, taking pictures of each other, hugging, kissing, as if we were the only ones in the room.

We signed a bit of paper work, and then I went off to our room with Isabella. Robb stayed behind and had a chance to talk with the Director and nannies and trying to arrange a visit to the orphanage. We had a list of questions beforehand and they stayed until each family had all their questions answered. It was wonderful. Meanwhile, I was back in the room just staring at her – I couldn’t think of what else to do at that moment. I sat her on the bed with some toys and we just talked. She appears to be healthy. She can sit up, grasp toys, and moves her head to noises. I gave her a picture of Jacob to hold and she has yet to let it go.

Once Robb returned we undressed her, she had four layers of clothing on and it was 85degrees out. We changed her, looked her over (she is a girl), washed her up, and put on her PJ’s. Then we attempted to feed her a bottle. Even tough both of us have done this before; it was a pretty amazing site….followed by a pretty big mess.

It’s now 10:00 PM China time, we have Isabella down, ordered some room service, and then we are out for the night. Tomorrow we have to do some official paperwork, and then Isabella is legally ours according to China.

I will post more as we learn more and have more photos.

Jacob, help take care of grandma and we are telling Isabella all about her wonderful big brother. We love and miss you much.

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you who is following this most amazing journey, sending us e-mails, praying for us and thinking of us. We feel your love and your prayers as well as ours have been answered. Thank you.

Keepin' Busy....

2008-05-08T18:44:00.009-05:00

Seems like I am always saying that we are busy...I guess that is life and what we live for. I am sure most people are busy, it's what keeps us going. Right?

Well, since our last post...we have been going - going - gone.

I got to get away for a weekend....and spend a wonderful weekend with 18 lovely ladies scrapbooking. It was perfect. OMG - it was great. We spent the 50 wonderful hours at a bed and breakfast and it was just the girls. We got to get a little creative, stayed up late, watched movies, and had the most incredible food prepared for us by the lovely divine Mrs. Pat. Best part, no drama, no problems, and all very nice ladies. Girls...if you are reading this, I look forward to our next adventure.

(no photos - having to much fun to stop and take a picture)

Then Jacob turned 5 this past month. Doesn't seem like it. My time goes fast and he is growing up. He is such a great kid. He is so much fun, full of heart, and enjoys doing most anything outside. He continues to amaze me with the amount of knowledge that he takes in. Grandma came to town for a visit and we had 4 days filled with non-stop fun with family, friends, and a big pirate party. We were exhausted the week that followed.

We have a hole in the ground for our house. That is exciting news to us. In fact, we went over...had a small ground breaking ceremony, toasted to the future, warded off any bad karma, and dug a hole with a gold painted shovel. It's the same shovel we used on our last house that we broke ground. We figured we loved that house and have such fond memories, we wanted to carry it forward. Friends and family joined us and then we took a nice walk to the park followed the night with ice cream. Doesn't get much better than that on mid-week on the Spring here.

Jacob also started soccer. It's amazing to watch him grow and actually make friends. Robb is the coach on his team and Isabella and I went this week to practice. Turns out, Robb is a great coach. I had three parents come up to me and tell me how great he is with the kids. Way to go honey. I was so impressed.

Now I haven't forgot about Isabella. In fact, she is doing great. She is communicating more, learning more everyday...she is just at a point that she won't sit still long enough or just plain won't let me take her picture. Here is my attempt.

Other than that, not much going on here. We have made our summer plans and are ready: Watch house be built, Jacob is going to finish soccer, start T-ball, attend Kindergarten summer school, and do gymnastics. Isabella is in year round gymnastics and begins tap and ballet in July.

8-8-08!

2008-05-03T09:40:00.003-05:00

97 DAYS until the 2008 Summer Olympic games begins in CHINA!

Hip, hip, hooray!

While some of you may not be interested and others are protesting because of it's location and/or beliefs, we just ask that you think about the spirit of the games and it's meaning.....DREAMS....Hard working individuals striving for excellence who have changed their lives to make a dream of theirs come true - and THEY are doing it. While maybe over simplifying it, we ask that you don't politicize it, just enjoy it. It's 16 or 17 days of competition and just maybe along the way you will learn something about beautiful China and their country and customs.

It's been 8 years in the making and 500 million dollars spent to make it happen, new highways, new additions to the airport, new shopping, all employed people along the way and opening the gates for visitors.

Opening ceremony will start at 8.08:08pm (7.08am Central)on August 8th 2008.

If you are wondering why the fascination with all things 8. It's because the character for the number 8 in Cantonese is remarkably similar for the character for fortune and luck.

Official Site for Updates and Information:
http://en.beijing2008.cn/

Spring is a Flinggin' here...

2008-04-17T10:50:00.006-05:00

Hip, hip, hooray! Spring has sprung here in the Midwest. We have a fantastic sunny day and pull out the flip flops, things are starting to turn a bit green, then we have to get out our rain coats, think about where to go for Tornadoes, and look for our long sleeves again. It's my absolute most favorite season of the year. I love it.

We have been busy looking at our mound of a lot dreaming of what is soon to come....a place to hang our hats and call home. We can't wait.

We have gone out and flown a kite a two at the park.

We also attended my Grandparents 63rd wedding anniversary.

Aren't they just the most perfect bride and groom?

WOW - 63 years. It's just amazing to me. There families new each other their entire lives but they didn't really know each other. Then they dated for two weeks, got married and off to war he went. Where he flew something like 20 missions in a gunner plane and she stayed home supporting the war and was a seamstress. 63 years and 4 kids, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren later they are still here going strong. In fact, he still calls her his bride. I love that word. They are like newlyweds and for sure I can learn a thing or two.

Thanks for the inspiration grandma and grandpa. I have really big shoes to fill.

Home Sweet Home...

2008-04-06T18:28:00.005-05:00

Amen - Hallelujah - Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus!

9 Months of house shopping every weekend = $1.00
Countless hours of drawing up the perfect house = $2.00
Gas looking at houses and lots/property = $4,387.42

Signing your life away (or the next 30 years income)- Priceless!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - GLORY B!

We have a contract to build a house. It's a lovely 2-story that we had some plans from a builder and turned it to our own 'Shangri La'. A drawing of the house in above photo.

Contract signed....Closing in October..........hanging our hats by Thanksgiving.

Can't ask for a much better weekend.

40 and lovin' it!

2008-04-06T18:08:00.002-05:00

Robb celebrate his 40th birthday with family and friends. The kids were at the YMCA for an evening of fun and we went out to dinner like adults. We had yummy, yummy adult food, ate with two hands, had no spilt milks and a great dessert to boot. All in all it was a successful evening.

For his 40th Birthday gift, his brothers and a friend will be joining Robb at a premiere car show in August in Pebble Beach, CA called the Concours d'Elegance. It's something Robb has always wanted to do and I have been researching it for 8 months. I decided it would be more fun if he went on a wife free, kid free, guys weekend instead of family in tow. So I went looking for some people that he would have a great time with.

After wiping the tears and hanging last years Concours Program (which I framed for him) on the "Shangri La's" walls....he has been on the phone and at the computer doing research.

I would say SUCCESS and a Happy Birthday was had by all.

F-O-R-T-Y Years ago today...

2008-03-28T07:29:00.002-05:00

LOOKING BACK FORTY YEARS AGO..…TO 1968!

• LBJ announced he would not seek re-election
• Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated
• Supreme Court Chief Justice earl Warren resigned
• Richard Nixon said he had a secret plan to end the war
• Apollo 8 was first to televise from far side of the moon
• Sirhan Sirhan shot and killed Robert Kennedy
• U.S., Britain, and 60 other nations’ signed Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
• Antiwar protesters descended on Democratic Party’s convention in Chicago
• North Korean gunboats seized the U.S.S. Pueblo
• Top Movies – 2001: A Space Odyssey, Yellow Submarine, Planet of the Apes
• Tip Tunes – Judy in Disguise, Green Tambourine, Love is Blue, Hey Jude
• Cost of a gallon of gas - $.34
• Cost of a First Class Stamp - $.06
• Cost of a gallon of milk – $1.22
• Cost of a New Ford - $3,201.00
• Cost of a New Home - $24,700.00
• Average Income - $8,633.00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE……………………………..

AND

Robb was born – March 28th.

Happy 40th Birthday Honey!
You are a wonderful best friend, and fantastic husband, and the best father in the world.

Happy St. Patty's Day, Spring, and Easter...

2008-03-26T08:37:00.007-05:00

Hello - Hello - Hello!

WOW!

I don't know where life is going and why we can't seem to blog more...but we aren't.

So, for all of you we missed....Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy Spring, and Happy Easter.

The kids are doing great. We had a long, long, winter full of wet messy snow. However, they were filled with snow days, playing in the snow, and lots of hot chocolate was had. School is going great for everyone and on days off they are mad that we aren't rushing around in the mornings like crazy people. We partook in some great Irish Corn beef and potatoes. We have worn our sunglasses and taken some walks as well as got out the bikes from storage. We have seen the Easter Bunny, hunted for eggs, dyed eggs, fed him carrots as we waited from him to deliver Easter baskets and even have taken in a movie to two.

Jacob finished basketball in February and we took the month of March off. He starts playing Soccer in April and that will take right into swimming season. He continues to love construction things, worker guys, and most all things boy. Lately it's been pirates....in fact, he is turning 5 at the end of April and he wants to have a Pirate birthday party. Lucky for him we won't be in our house and the apartment doesn't accommodate room for 10-15 kids, we have booked out local gymnastics place for the perfect treasure hunt along with trampolines, rope swings, parallel bars, and the foam block pit. If you near hear May 3, come one buy...it's in the evening and we are having a pizza party, then off to play.

Isabella is doing great. She is really talking up a storm. ALL THE TIME. We don't understand most things....but this girl can talk. Whew, we remind her to take a breathe every now and then. She has continued being the class clown in gymnastics and loves it. She is a dare devil and will do anything once. She has made some new friends at school, and in fact I think they have already been separated at nap time as they have decided they aren't going to nap and disturb the class instead.

Robb is busy with work, out of town a lot, so I guess people are buying wine. I am working some out of the house and really enjoying it. It's a bit of challenge juggling everyone here and getting somewhere on time, but once I am there, I turn off the 'mom' button and try to put on my 'thinking cap' and work.

As far as the house front is going. No hole in the ground yet, but we are really, really, close. We love the house plans them self and really can't wait to start making some progress. If all goes well, it will have been worth the wait.

So, for now....we wish you a wonderful Spring filled with sunshine and fun.

Happy "heart" Day!

2008-02-14T10:54:00.007-06:00

Wow weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee = busy here in our house. Waiting for Spring and getting a little tired of the cold, wintery stuff.

We have attended many Chinese New Year Events, playdates, birthday parties, and today we had two parties at school for Valentines Day. The kids are really into this year. Even signed a few themselves. They also were invited over to decorate cookies for the holiday and they wanted to decorate them all for daddy.

On the house note, plans are done and being bid out by the contracters. Other than that, Shangri-la is still here and we are counting the days away until Spring, even got asked about when the pool opens this year. Yikes!

Nothing else to report, just thought I would post a few photos and wish everyone a Happy 'heart' Day (that is what Jacob calls it because he can't remember the word Valentines).

Enjoy!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-06T17:51:00.000-06:00

“Gung Hay Fat Choy”
(Best wishes and Congratulations - Have a prosperous and good year)
"Teen Hau Way Goong"
(We all work under Heaven for the benefit of the common good)

What is Chinese New Year’s

Just what is Chinese New Year? There's actually a lot more to it than lion dances and firecrackers, although these two pieces of tradition are integral and more visible, Chinese New Year to China is like Christmas to the West. In essence, Chinese New Year is spending time with family, gift giving and, the all important, food-fest.

In 2008, New Year's Day falls on Thursday, February 7. Chinese workers usually get a week of holiday over Chinese New Year. This means that offices and factories are closed and shops and banks may have limited hours. But generally, aside from New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, most service facilities (restaurants, hotels) and certainly tourist sights are open.

Chinese New Year celebrations have their origin with end-of-harvest celebrations when people would offer thanks to gods for good harvests and entreaty for a good crop in the following year.

Chinese Zodiac
There are various stories about the origins of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. Some use the Chinese gods, some use Buddha, but the essence of the story is that a higher being called all animals to a meeting and the first to arrive would be chosen. Before all this, the rat and the cat were good friends. But on the morning of the meeting, the rat, in her excitement, forgot to wake up the cat and through various means of trickery (or cleverness, as this rat interprets) got to the gods first and was thus chosen first. The cat slept in and missed the gathering, and since then, the two have been enemies. Only 12 animals came to the meeting. As a reward they were named a year after each other one in the order that they arrived. First came the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Thus we have 12 signs today.
2008 brings us the Year of the Brown Earth Rat beginning a new twelve-year cycle on the Chinese calendar.

Rat

Birth Years - 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Characteristics: Imaginative, Charming, Generous to loved ones, Hard-working, Quick-tempered, Critical

Ox
Birth Years - 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Characteristics: Alert, Strong leadership, Demanding, Stubborn, Methodical, Dislikes failure, Make great parents

Tiger
Birth Years - 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 201
Characteristics: Short-tempered, Suspicious, Adventurous, Sensitive. Emotional, Risk-taking

Rabbit
Birth Years - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Characteristics: Articulate, Ambitious, Controlled, Affectionate, Cooperative, Friendly, Sentimental

Dragon
Birth Years - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Characteristics: Healthy, Energetic, Short-tempered, Stubborn, Honest, Sensitive, Trust-worthy, Gregarious, Popular, Intelligent

Snake
Birth Years - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Characteristics: Vain, Selfish, Sympathetic, Charitable, Romantic, Charming, Stingy, Self-reliant

Horse
Birth Years – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Characteristics: Popular, Cheerful, Skilled with money matters, Hard-working, Impatient, Independent, Intelligent

Sheep
Birth Years – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Characteristics: Wise, Gentle, Compassionate, Charming, Elegant, Slightly materialistic, Quick to complain, Shy, Pessimistic

Monkey
Birth Years – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Characteristics: Intelligent, Clever, Good memory, Popular, Judgmental

Rooster
Birth Years – 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Characteristics: Hard-working, Shrewd, Bold, Boastful, Correct

Dog
Birth Years – 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Characteristics: Honest, Faithful, Loyal, Trust-worthy, Worrisome, Sharp-tongued

Pig
Birth Years – 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Characteristics: Chivalrous, Gallant, Honest, Tolerant, Thirsty for knowledge, Well-informed, Quick tempered, Avoid confrontation, Naïve

Chinese New Year’s Eve (February 6, 2008)
New Year's Eve is a time for family get-togethers for eating, catching up and shou sui (staying up all night), waiting for the new year.
At midnight, it's a custom to eat jiao zi (dumplings), because the word jiao zi is similar to the ancient word for new replacing the old. The crescent shape of the dumpling is also similar to ancient money and the image of plates piled high with the dumplings lets people imagine heaps of money being brought to the table symbolizing wealth in the New Year. Also at midnight, it is customary to set off firecrackers. This was traditionally done to scare away demons but in modern times is a ritual of merriment and pyrotechnics.

From New Year's Day Forward (February 7 – 21, 2008)
Day One: New Year's Day (the first day of the first lunar month):
Traditionally, one welcomes the gods from the heaven and earth. Ming and Qing emperors would perform a grand ceremony at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Elders give children ya sui, or gifts of money. The money is put into a lovely red envelope, called a hong bao, that is usually decorated with New Year’s wishes, and given to happy children. Some Chinese might give up meat for the day. No one cleans! Cleaning on New Year's Day is serious bad luck; you might sweep all the good fortune out the door.

Day Two: Prayers to ancestors are added to prayers to the gods. It's believed that this day is the birthday of all dogs, so it's better to be extra kind to dogs on this day as well.

Days Three & Four: Sons-in-laws pay respect to their in-law families.

Day Five: Everyone stays home to wait for and welcome the God of Wealth. It's bad luck to visit anyone on this day.

Day Six to Ten: Families go out to visit relatives and friends.

Day Seven: It's a special day for farmers and it's also supposed to be the birthday of all mankind. Eating noodles is traditional to ensure long life.

Day Ten to Twelve: Now that the visiting is over, it's time to invite family and friends over for dinner.

Day Thirteen: Finally! A break in the lavish meals! One is supposed to eat simply on the thirteenth day of New Year.

Day Fourteen: Time to prepare for day fifteen, the Lantern Festival.

Day Fifteen: The Lantern Festival, celebrated on the night of the first full moon, also marks the end of the Chinese New Year holiday period. Chinese people light lanterns, play riddle games and eat sticky rice balls.

From our house to yours: Happy Chinese New Year!

Game on...be it basketball or cupcake eating!

2008-01-30T19:50:00.000-06:00

Jacob had his first Basketball game last Friday and let me just say, he has some moves. NO idea, I mean absolutly no idea what he is doing, but he had the best time ever and ran like a pro and acted as he was blocking everything in site. It was great. In fact, one time the coach blew his whistle and on the video that we have, you see Jacob stomping his foot as though he was saying, 'oh man'. Then he proceeded to do everything with his hands that the coach did, including wiping his nose. It was so hilarious and we had the greatest time. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you that I signed Robb up to help coach. He was a great sport about it all and he did a great job.

Now, that leads us to the other little one in the house. Isabella and Jacob recently attended Thier cousins third birthday party where They had a fantastic time. They had a Princess tea and Isabella managed to enjoy every ounce of sugar that she ate, including the cupcake that she was trying to devour before her brother came over to eat only the frosting. It was a fun time and nice to see all the kiddos enjoying themselves. That's our girl!

Recap - DISNEY-mania!

2008-01-15T10:23:00.001-06:00

Left Shangri La (that is what we affectionately call our apartment) a week ago last Saturday with freezing cold weather and some snow on the ground and entered into the world where acting silly is a requirement, carrying magic wands and pirate swords is a must, following pixie dust isn’t some 60’s bad dream, and seeing exotic animals from your hotel window is normal and the was sun shining and 80 degrees…..only to enter the Mouse’s House of Disney.

We spent 8 wonderful nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World resorts. We park hopped every day, dined with a Princess and her Fairy God Mother as well as the big cheese himself and his friends, watched parades, marched in a parade, saw unbelievable fireworks most every night, met up with friends whom we traveled to China with (that really are considered family), stayed up late, acted like kids….(each and everyone of us), watched zebra, giraffe, and ostriches alike outside our hotel window each morning, and swam outside in January.

It was our first family trip out of state on an airplane as a family of four. Robb nor the kids have ever ventured into the world of Magic and dreams coming true….only to experience the BEST vacation we have EVER had. Our entire family are believers now, there really is some kind of Magic there, Fairy Dust really does make you fly and milk coming out of your nose doesn't get you in trouble - you just giggle. If we could go back tomorrow we would.

The best way to sum up this trip is a pictorial view of the vacation and the expressions on the kid’s faces tells the entire story. We highly, highly recommend it if you have never been of it you have, go again. From our house to yours……you and never to young or to old to go. As a good friend told me, it’s a different trip, vacation, experience, and/or park each time you enter the world of Magic and Dreams based on your children’s ages.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T08:22:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

I feel like it was just the 2000, when everyone was freaking out with a bit of concern that maybe everything would come to halt as the new millennium rolled over. Not us, we had a Pajama Party - Shrimp Boil. Everyone wore their PJ’s, we covered the table with mounds of shrimp, corn, and potatoes…ate, drank, brought in the New Year with friends, family, and fireworks. Was it really 8 years ago?

This year wasn’t much different. We kind of bombarded on some friends (invited ourselves over accidentally, by running by their house to pick up some things they have been storing for us), cooked them some dinner, and brought in the New Year together. Difference from then to now, we are all parents, so the noise level came from the kiddos and the drinking was minimal. None the less, it was great. We toasted at midnight, danced to Auld Lang Syne, and made some resolutions to be better parents, better friends, better spouses, better neighbors, eat healthier, move more, watch less television, better to our planet, and just be an all around better person. You know the saying, ‘when you know better you do better’.

I love the whole “fresh new start" thing that comes with the New Year. Robb and I have been talking and we want to make this year awesome. We want to live life to the fullest, do a little more as a family unit, and maybe fly by the seat of our pants just a little more. We have many, many, new changes happening this year – We are in the midst of packing for one of my all time dream vacations (taking the kids to Disney), I have gone back to work part time and am loving it, Jacob will start Kindergarten, we WILL move into a house (working really hard on that right now…we have a place we like, a builder we like, and house plans we are loving), Isabella will begin pre-school, and someone I know…will be turning 40!

We hope you are all ready for one heck of a great year. We know we are. We wish you a new year of opportunity, a new year of hope, life, growth, adventure, challenges, and certainly a new year to remember…so here’s to 2008! May it be all that you imagine, hope and dream it to be!

Santa found out we moved....

2007-12-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. It started with a very early awakening of two little ones more excited than most begging to come see.....Santa came, he found out we moved and he knows where we live. Proceeded to by opening stockings, and more presents than a two bedroom apartment can hold. It was a mass of paper, followed by screams of 'just what I always wanted'....including me...I have been asking for a new camera for a very long time and Santa delivered. Just in time for the Christmas holiday and vacation. Not just need some time to read the directions and figure out to use it.

We then went to Grandpa's house for more stockings and breakfast. We have a family tradition of opening stockings at Grandpa's House and a dutch breakfast of eggs and Balken Brij. Delicious!

We then headed over to visit with my family and exchange gifts. There was a puppy dog visiting so the kids had a great time playing ball with the new dog.

After the morning rush, we settled for the day and evening at our last location - Robb's brother's house for a wonderful day of lunching, present opening, and a fantastic dinner. Everyone had such a wonderful time, left with arms full of presents, bellies full, and tired as could be.

Christmas was a smash - out of the park. We had a great day and couldn't have asked for more.

Stockings at our place on Christmas morning.

Jacob's favorite present of the day....a LARGE firetruck.

Isabella's favorite present of the day....a kitchen.

Happy Christmas Eve!

2007-12-24T07:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve!

A very good friend sent this to us this morning and I felt the need to pass the wishes and cheer along.

My Christmas wish for you,

Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun
I wish you love and friendship too
Throughout the coming year
Lots of laughter and happiness
To fill your world with cheer
May you count your blessings, one by one
And when totaled by the lot
May you find all you've been given
To be more than what you sought
May your journeys be short, your burdens light
May your spirit never grow old
May all your clouds have silver linings
And your rainbows pots of gold
I wish this all and so much more
May all your dreams come true
May you have a Merry Christmas friend
And a happy New Year, too! ~ unknown

Until tomorrow, have a very blessed evening and take some time out of this busy night to thank the ones you love and hug them even tighter.

God Bless you all,

Robb, Angie, Jacob, and Isabella

Move Over November...December is here...

2007-12-14T15:13:00.001-06:00

We are in full HOLIDAY mode here. We have trimmed the tree, hung the stockings, did Christmas cards, visited with Santa, wrote our Dear Santa Letters, explained even though we don't have a fire place - SANTA WILL COME, and a dear friend had us over to decorate cookies today (and sent a supply home for Jacob to decorate since he was at school during the party), had our first snow, frost, freezing ice, and even a couple of snow days, and now to finish shopping...and get some things mailed.

Bring on Dasher, Dancer, Ho-Ho-HO, and so forth......

Instead of Christmas letters or writing on cards this year (frankly had the best intentions it just didn't happen), we sent out cards with our blog address...that way you can stay in touch all year long and contact us if you want.

So, I leave you with photos and Cheers from our family to yours:
Sharing with you the Glory, the Wonder, and the Miracle of this Holy Season...
We wish you and your family and Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Robb, Angela, Jacob, and Isabella

Time Goes Flying By......

2007-12-14T14:21:00.000-06:00

Whew - where does the time go? I guess when your having fun, it just flies by. I won't bore you with the mundane things in our lives, just catch you up on some highlights of November:

1. No house changes yet. Made some progress by meeting with a couple of builders and picked out a lot in a neighborhood. However, it's winter here...so no one if really building much anyway, so we of course are taking our time. Just doesn't seem like 5 months...........NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Spent Thanksgiving with some wonderful friends in their new home cooking the day away. It was a wonderful day, great friends, great food, and of course plenty of room for the kids to play. We had plenty to be thankful for this year. Did I mention, we cooked all day.....it was heaven being back in a functional working kitchen with plenty of room and materials to use. As you can imagine, here in the apartment, it's small, the appliances aren't the greatest, and I didn't pack everything I thought we would need. It's like one big long camping trip with running water and a toilet.

3. Robb has been traveling a lot with work...so he is a bit scarce these days. However, the wine business is treating him kind and he is loving every bit of it. So keep drinking.

4. Jacob is doing great in school and loving every bit of it as well. In fact, on days that we don't have school he is mad. It could however be that he has his first little crush on a little girl in his class that has glasses just like him, or his teacher is nicer than I am. We took Jacob to his first concert in November - Garth Brooks. It was wonderful. He had so much fun. In fact, they taped his show to put on a television program that we also taped. So, Jacob asks to watch it all the time. Because I packed all the musical instruments away, he runs around with a wooden spoon and pretends it's his guitar, fiddle, and/or microphone as he is jumping off the couch yelling. It's a site to see.

5. Isabella continues to grow and learn. She is enjoying her weekly gymnastics class and in fact is the class clown. She will do anything for a laugh, including making me chase her all over the place when she is suppose to be sitting still.

6. I am doing great. I continue to stay at home with the kids, watching them grow up way to fast and dream/think about what I want to do when I grow up.

7. Oh yea, we are taking a family vacation in January. It's Merry Christmas to us and then some. We are going to spend a week at Disney World, submerged in the magic. I absolutely can't wait. I am so beside myself. I know a lot of you don't care for it, think it's crazy, and blah, blah, blah....but this is a dream come true for me. To go on a Disney Adventure with my family. Best part, Robb has never ever been. So, he has no idea what is instore for him. He will be a kid again and love showeing our own kids these wonderful new things. We also are meeting up with two families that we traveled to China with who live in the area. We can't wait to see the girls again and see our friends. I will keep you posted on our adventures.

So all in all, we are doing great and wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season.

Jacob before the Garth Brooks Concert:

Our Turkey's at the very end of a Wonderful Long Thanksgiving Day:

Trimmed the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving:

Boo Halloween!

2007-11-02T15:40:00.000-05:00

Whew – We recovered from the Halloween festivities and October itself. Seemed like it as a busy crazy month with all the events of work, school, Robb’s travel schedule, activities, house hunting and a big finish with Halloween.

We had a blast. Couldn’t ask for more perfect whether for this time of year, 65 and low wind. We spent the evening with family and meeting some new friends having dinner and then of course, Trick or Treating.

Jacob enjoyed Halloween like no other this year. His costume was a Police Officer, but it was more than a costume. It was a character….one that he took very seriously and took on the responsibility of directing traffic and directing the kids. He was such a big boy this year, he insisted on going up to each house alone this year.

Isabella was a Good Witch this year. She had a lot fun and thought she looked ‘pretty’ as she danced around the room telling us all. She also was in character for the night as well. If you asked her, ‘what do witches say’…she would reply in a crackly fast paced voice…’I’ll get you my pretty’. She also figured out just how to get ahead of her big brother. She would ask Robb to carry her by saying, ‘up daddy’. He would pick her up and walk with her to the doorway of each house. She would then say the magic words, and would insist that the person answer the door didn’t pick her treat, but she wanted to pick it. Once she got to put her hands into said treat area, she would smile at them and then take two of them. She would then reply politely, ‘thank you’…and turn to daddy and say “up daddy’. So, she got carried for the most part from house to house and doubled her take from her big brother.

The kids weren’t the only one in character for the night, Robb also go into the action and dressed up along with the kids. He went out dressed as a Cat Burglar. He was dressed in all black, including a stocking cap and flashlight and was a burglar to go along with the Police Officer for the night. Then I drew some whiskers on his face so that he could be the black cat that every little Witch needs….hence, Cat Burglar. He is a great daddy and the kids loved, loved his costume.

We had a wonderful night with family, friends, dinner, pumpkin carving, and treats…but the night did not end with out a ‘trick’. As we left the festivities from one location to another to visit some old neighbors, I (yes it was all ME – only because I failed to mention that along with family, friends, kids, and Trick or Treaters….we had a 'Beer Wagon' for all the dads following us in tow – therefore, I had to drive), turned a corner and hit the right rear tire in Robb’s truck against a curb. Therefore, after the huge bump in the night…the tire went flat (I completely destroyed it). So, Robb dressed as the Cat Burglar, was lying on the ground on Halloween night in the dark of it all changing a tire. Therefore, we missed a visit to our old neighbors. Sorry, but it was a school night and everyone was tired and wanted some candy, maybe next year.

All in all it was a wonderful, exciting evening had by all.

Trip to Pumpkin Patch and a Farmstead....

2007-10-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Been busy with fall activities, took a trip to the local Pumpkin Patch (which just gets better and better each year) and a trip with some friends to the a local farmstead to feed as many goats as we could. Now, we are trying to see home many times we can wear our Halloween costumes from now until next Wednesday night....(trying to get our monies worth)....look for more photos as we have a busy weekend planned.

Make your own slide shows and scrapbooks

Whatch been up to?

2007-10-15T09:23:00.001-05:00

There’s a part of me that feels silly writing a blog. To me, it implies that I think I have something brilliant and important to say. I just feel that I can’t live up to that standard. Now that you know that I’m not planning to be brilliant, I can relax a little and enjoy the more informal nature of our blog.

Fall is wonderful here. I love it. It’s starting to get cool, things are still green, and the smells and colors are great. We have been busy living life and having some fun.

I got to get away for a day with some friends and do some scrap-booking, a wonderful fall rainy day, surrounded by lots of creative people, no drama, no hard work…just fun, pure fun. It was a nice day and of course as usual, didn’t get much accomplished but a lot of chit chat. I did manage to create two layouts on this great day.

The first layout is for this year’s Halloween photos, so it not being Halloween yet –not photos of the kids, but stay tuned….I will get photos.

The other layout titled “Red Couch” has no photos, because let’s face it…our China photos are a mess. Something I had hoped to make the time for with apartment living (not as of yet). However, I do have photos from China of the Red Couch and someday will put photos on this layout. I don’t really know how the Red Couch Photos started, perhaps it began because of the "Red Thread" legend (Ancient Chinese Legend says there is an invisible red thread that connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch, or tangle, but never break.) It could have been because the lobby of the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China just seemed a convenient location for a group photograph. I am unsure. But I do know that American parents adopting from China look forward to their "Red Couch" picture, which includes all of the children adopted alongside their child from the same orphanage. We were no exception. It is fifteen minutes of absolute chaos as parents place their children together on one of the White Swan's many red couches (which btw, before we were there…I thought there was just one infamous couch) before snapping a few photographs. Babies crying, parents not moving out of the way because they are afraid their child will fall, babies attacking other babies, mothers not liking their children crying and all the flashes from all the cameras. There is just something about these Red Couches, most every time I see photos from other families, it looked chaotic and there is always some child screaming. We experienced the same thing the day we took our photos. It makes for an incredible keepsake.

href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7V0JsMVZlTc/RxN4OZ8PDbI/AAAAAAAAALw/b5khrkn6Sh8/s1600-h/RedCouch.jpg">

We had a couple days off last week from school so we decided to make a big track all over the living room floor with every single train track piece we have. We then did not do the typical train, train station, and all aboard lingo….no this track was for a construction zone to be used only by Lego’s and Hot Wheels. Isabella has also taken up photography and is now our resident picture taker. However, if you ask me, I think she likes the sound her camera makes, so she just goes around pushing the buttons.

We also made some cupcakes for a friend’s upcoming birthday. My two chefs ate more than they helped, making 4 dozen cupcakes in our tiny kitchen, not being used to this particular oven, and our expectations were set high, but it did make for a fun day. Therefore, our ode to the Cupcake.

Then this past weekend we all took the opportunity to cheer on our favorite NFL team. It was a nice day; the kids had fun being out at the game and THEY WON. Hip, hip, hooray!

Happy Moon Festival

2007-09-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese Moon Festival

It's also known as the Mid-autumn Festival or Lantern Festival. Chinese culture is deeply imbedded in traditional festivals. Just like Christmas and Thanksgiving to us, the Moon Festival is one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese.

The Moon Festival is full of legendary stories. Legend says that Chang Er flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. You might see her dancing on the moon during the Moon Festival.

Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, Chinese family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and have family reunions. Accompanying the celebration, there are additional cultural or regional customs, such as:
• Eating moon cakes outside under the moon
• Carrying brightly lit lanterns through the village
• Burning incense in reverence to deities
• Planting Mid-Autumn trees
• Lighting lanterns on towers
• Fire Dragon Dances

Last night we celebrated the Chinese Moon Festival with some friends at a local Chinese restaurant and even indulged in some Moon Cakes (similar to our tradition of Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving) that a friend brought along.

Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, about the size of you palm and about 1’ think. A thick filling usually made from lotus paste, red or black bean paste and is surrounded by a relatively thin crust and may contain egg yolks (representing the full moon). Mooncakes are rich, heavy, and dense compared with most cakes and pastries we are used to. They are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea. They can take up to a week to make and labor intensive. These cakes can be very expensive and very few Chinese know how to make them property. Given the intensity to make them and the expense, most bakeries in China have a payment plan and local villagers start paying for next years mooncakes the day after the current years festival, to ensure they have mooncakes for next years celebration.

It was a great evening with friends, family, and lots of little ones. You can imagine we were the entertainment for the evening at the restaurant with 4 adopted Chinese little girls and two very playful little boys. Even the employees would come out of the kitchen to see what the going on’s of the girls and of course watch us Midwesterners attempt to eat Mooncakes. I might add certainly is an acquired taste.

Until next time, Happy Moon Festival and Happy Hump Day.

Where's Waldo?

2007-09-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

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Here we are!

Hello Friends and Family – I apologize for the going on’s and on’s, but we have been busy.

I will start with Apartment life….wow – I certainly have gotten older and grumpier and just let me say, it’s not a place for me and our kids. We are too loud, to rough, and NEED space (mostly mama needs some space and you just don’t get it here). However, we do fit in nicely with our neighbors. The lady upstairs (Mrs. McBowler), you know right directly above us……she either is a manic and moves her furniture at all hours of the day and night or has a bowling ally up there and I have explained how small this place is, so she paces back and forth and stomps. Personally, I think she hears the kids, and that is her way of telling us it’s too loud. Boy, could we out noise her. The lady across the hall (cat lady) has this huge dog. I don’t know the breed, but it’s big enough to scare you when you here his bark. That being said, she has told me that she is feeding a stray cat and it’s finally coming to her, hence why there is a bed, a bowl of water, a pet carrier, and a food out underneath their stairs. So, I ask her, how long have you been feeding this stray…thinking it has a home and will find it soon. She tells me, 9 months……WHAT? I just started laughing and said “it’s your cat now”. According to Robb this cat has had kittens somewhere and brings them up for meals. The kids and I have yet to see them, so we think he is making it up and seeing squirrels. Then the people on the other side of us moved in the middle of the night. Well, not to middle of the night but we all did come home from an evening out one night and they were moving by the light of their car headlights. I would say that is a yellow flag. Since their move, we have had the privilege of telling a parole officer, the county Sherriff, and our local cable company that no one lives there and it’s empty. Therefore, with all the above stated, Robb and I have come up with a questionnaire that we will use if ever in this situation again before picking the place we move into. I must admit, it is kind of fun making up the stories and telling the kids why this or that is happening. Jacob really thinks they have a bowling ally upstairs and Isabella is smitten’ with the kitty cat.

On the house front…..we got word last week that the development that we are wanting to build in won’t be building into their second phase until well into to next year. So, we have decided to jump that ship and start looking elsewhere. We are sadden by the thought of not living there and we fell in love with the house that we had drawn up, but given the ABOVE….I can’t wait until next year to even start building a house. Therefore, we are spending our evenings looking at homes and weekends walking through them, nothing yet, but hopefully soon. Fortunately for us, we keep getting told (yet to see for myself) it's a "Buyers market'.

Whew – Let me see if I can remember what all we have been up to this last month. Oh yea, we have a new baby boy cousin in the family. He is so super cute and the kids love him. Jacob is still trying to figure out how Auntie had a baby in her belly FOREVER and now he is here to play with. I am saving that story for another day, as it is now, I answer anywhere for 50 to 100 questions a day similar to the above.

We visited a local fire department and took a tour of the fire house. The fascination with the kids was that they had a kitchen and a television. The kids got to go through some of the trucks, and got a lesson on fire safety as well as see a fireperson all dressed up incase one ever comes to our house to help and were instructed to not be scared. Jacob wants to know if they have a badge so when they knock on the door he will know if he can answer it or not.

We have also had a High School Musical Party. At four years of age, Disney has gotten to him…..and he has waited all summer to see a Musical movie. So, we had the cousins and some friends stopped by. We had about 6 adults and 5 kids in this tiny place and occasionally someone would watch the musical. According to Jacob’s party throwing abilities, we had to have balloons, pizza, milk, and cupcakes. So, we obliged and had a nice time with everyone.

We had one last BBQ, end of the summer swim and had some friends over. It reminded Robb and I of our younger days when we lived in apartments w/o kids and would have anywhere from 20 people over to watch football and grill all day. So, that night we were setting the table we were discussing the only thing that has changed in 17 years is kids and we have now have furniture. It was a nice evening; we experienced apartment pool etiquette with five kids and five adults. It was a man on man defense and no one got hurt. However, I must say, apartment hot tubs and pools….we weren’t the norm bringing in all the kids. Needless to say, we wore the kids out and came home for ice cream cones to end last summer swim night.

During this past month, we have said good bye to some friends. A family that we met through adoption will be moving south for bigger employment opportunity. The girls all got together for a breakfast and to say our goodbyes. We will miss them and certainly look forward to having a place to come visit.

Then we also lost a friend to cancer this month. Well, she really was a mother to me, but at this age, I feel like using the word friend. She was a loving wife for over 40 years, a mother to 7 wonderful children, a grandmother to 9 and a mom to many, many kids. I met this beautiful soul when I was 5 years old. We were on a field trip to the zoo and my partner was ill and her daughter needed a partner. So, she paired us together. Well, since then we were all inseparable. I was just thrown in their big family as if I was one of them. I would be disciplined, lectured, taught right from wrong, learned to cook, shopped, and even taken care of like I was just part of the family. I even was moved away a couple times during this time and she still managed to make sure I was okay and to take care of me. The greatest thing about this lady, is I wasn’t the only lost soul she took in, there were many, many that she saved from lord only knows. She lived her life for her family, her extended family, and her faith. She has helped me form into the mom I am today and I can only wish to be half the mom she ever was. Even her last months, she was still being a mom to me, and wanting to see my kids, and make sure they were doing well. We will miss you dear friend and know that we loved you like a real MOM. Thank you so much to your dear, dear, family for sharing her with us all these years. I know it must not have been easy always sharing your mother but I am a better person today for having knowing her and your family.

Robb, Jacob, and Isabella took their first trip to the Zoo this year (I took the day off and went out shopping with friends). They played with cousins, fed the birds, and had a picnic lunch. I heard it as great and must admit I was a bit jealous. Robb always does such a great job with them when I am away.

Then finally, last but not least…we visited an apple orchard this week. It was a great day with friends and we saw a lot of things, from farm animals, pumpkins, apple trees, and a hay ride on a big tractor. I must say, that day was a filled with fun and a great nap that afternoon.

Oh yes, one more thing….as you can and can not see from the photos there are a few things we just can’t leave home with out….Jacob has this almost unhealthy relationship with an old cell phone of mine that he calls his walkie talkie. The reason I say ‘unhealthy’ is I am going to hang him up by his toes because of it. It’s not that the ‘walkie talkie’ goes with us every where, it’s we have to pick our clothing around it. The back pockets have to be big and open so that he can slip the thing in and out fast in case there is an emergency and he needs to call anyone. It’s insane, so with this one I have thrown up the white flag and he now picks his own clothes out and dresses himself – some day’s its pretty creative in the clothing department. My only rule is it has to be clean, or he would wear the same orange shorts every day. Then little miss Isabella can not leave the house with out a purse, a phone in her purse, her sun glasses on, only to be worn upside down because that is how they fit her best, and a bracelet on her right arm. It takes more to get out of the house than to actually get ready for the day.

As you can see we are still plugging away here living life. We are all doing well and spending much more time together as a family. So, this little hiatus from a house does after all have a silver lining.

17 Years Later

2007-08-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

17 Years ago last night we had one of the hottest days this city had seen in 10 years and I married my lover, my best friend, my soul mate. Today we celebrated with family and friends. I just would never have thought that our lives would turn this way; I didn't think I could possibly have dreamed this big. Traveled the world with my best friend, experienced new and exciting things, seen the best and most certainly the worst of one another, have two beautiful children and have grown up together. Life is good and looking forward to the next 17 years.

We spent our anniversary evening at the Ethnic Enrichment Food Festival with friends and family. It was great. We tried a variety of foods from many different nations (Ethiopia being may favorite), had a nice picnic with friends, and the kids played until we had to be rolled out of there.

I couldn't have planned last night or the past 17 years any better if I wrote the book myself.

First Day of School!

2007-08-16T16:41:00.001-05:00

Today was the first day of school. The first day of Pre-K for Jacob. He is such a brave little boy. So many changes in his life...first we sell the only place he knew as home, then we move into an apartment, we spend our spare time looking for a new place to hang our hat, new school, new teacher, and all new friends. I can't beleive how adaptable children can be. They both amaze me on a daily basis.

Jacob woke up first thing this morning, giddy. He wanted to get ready for 'work' and sit down at the table and have 'coffee' with dad. I of course was instructed to stay in bed, becuase it was just to early for the girls and the boys had to go to work early. So, I obliged for about 10 minutes....why couldn't have been Saturday...I would have taken complete advantage of the situation. But today, no way was I going to miss him getting on the bus.

I was also told that since he is a 'big boy' he now gets to pick out his own clothes. So, again, I obliged....not what I would have chosen for the first day of school, but again, so many changes...I wansn't messing with anything. He wanted to go and that is all we cared about.

He got on the bus and road away. It was magic. I then of course was giddy (fell this short of doing a jig) only one child left at home for a few hours....what do I do. Isabella and I were meeting up with some other moms who sent their kiddos off to school to. We had a 'First Day of School' breakfast date then some school clothes shopping. It was nice. It has been a great summer, but very hot and long, so having only one child to deal with was nice. The girls played, the moms shopped....all ended to quickly, we had to get home and wait for the bus, make lunches, then naps.

Therefore, we survived the first day of school, and we are looking forward to tomorrows school day.

Relaxing Weekend Away from Home!

2007-08-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

Wooooooooo Whoooooooooo! Coming off of one of the greatest weekends EVER! This weekend, I had the wonderful chance to get away with my girlfriends. Just a few short hours from home, responsibility, and nothing but some scrapbooking, girl fun, pampering, food, laughter, and late nights.

I just spent 55 glorious hours at a Bed and Breakfast, Spa with 11 other woman and I think I managed to sleep only 10 hours the entire weekend. It was worth every waking moment. Walks through the country side trails, spa treatments, pool playing, gourmet meals (that I did not cook myself), even some hammock resting, all in a cute, cozy, rustic, little country B&B setting with a full working spa onsite. Seriously, what more could you ask for? We won prizes, played games, told funny stories about ourselves, got creative, got messy, scrap-booked a little, ate a lot, and became one with nature.

I had such a great time, was surrounded with such talented, nice, caring woman with absolutely NO DRAMA, no classes, no schedule, all fun, all laughter, late nights in our PJ’s filled with giggles, and pure joy. Truly, it was magical how everyone enjoyed themselves and enjoyed each other’s company and got along.

Worth every second, every penny, and I can’t wait to join the ladies again early spring. It’s a date girls, I will be there and thanks for the wonderful time.

It’s something I recommend to everyone…take a step out of the norm, get away from home, the family, and do something you like with people you enjoy, learn more about them, be nice, no pettty chatting behind backs, no meaness, no blaming, and let your hair down and have fun. People are really nice when you get to know them, and they have exciting lives when you get a chance to hear their story and why they are them. Anywhere will do, but I recommend you doing something you are passionate about, something you enjoy and do it away from home and away from everyday life, be adventurous, and do something new.

Meanwhile, the family stayed home, had fun, went swimming, went birthday partying, ate out, and enjoyed each other’s company with out mom around.

All is well with apartment living, everyone is rejuvenated, relaxed, and ready to take on the rest of the hot days of summer.

We Moved!

2007-07-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a whirlwind few weeks. Robb has been traveling a bit for work and we have been home packing up our lives. Then last Thursday AM, we got up and went for it. With the help of a lot of wonderful friends, family, babysitter, pizza guys and some hired hands….four days later we are all moved. Alas, all our stuff is in storage, and our tiny little apartment is unpacked with the hopes of it feeling like home soon.

Our lives are in ‘limbo’ right now, if you will. However, when I was trying to decide the actual definition of ‘limbo’, I came up with the thought of….somewhere between heaven and hell. Therefore, not knowing where that place really is, I decided to think we are in a transition period of our lives. Blessed that our home sold to a wonderful couple in such a short time and thankful tiny as it may be, that we do have a roof over our heads and then excited that there is the prospect that we do have some exciting new adventures ahead of us. Building a house can be stressful, but it can also be exciting. The idea of something to look forward to, something new, and something we actually had the thought, the design, and input to a new place we will hang our hat and call home for many years. ….so again, our family motto right now is…”keep our eye on the prize”.

Now, if we can just remember that as we are stepping all over each other, waiting for one another in the one bathroom, hearing every bit of noise, no garage, and keeping the noise level down to something that the neighbors too can hear themselves think.

I must say, the kids love it. They think we are on a camping trip, we have three pools, a small patio and green grass to call their own, a work out room, volley ball court, and basket ball court – all of which Jacob thinks he needs to do daily. I only dread the day, they start asking to go home.

So, for now…I leave you with the thought of…..we moved!

T-1 - Moving Day!

2007-07-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is moving day! We knee deep in boxes and once we move to a permanent place our children will have to make our next move to the Old Folks home.

It may be a while before you hear from us and apartment living, but rest assured we will be up and running soon.

Summer Has Arrived!

2007-07-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Dear Blog,

You have been missed. Sorry for the delay – no good is excuse is really ever a good excuse, so I won’t even bother!

Since our last visit, we have been busy – something like crazy busy! Seems like summers always go this way: The lazy days of summer don’t exist around here.

First let me just say, I would not have guessed the last several weeks would have happened to us in this lifetime. No, we didn’t win the lottery – but we are crazy.

-Rewind-

We spent the better part of the winter doing things to our house ‘as if’ we planned to sell it. But also keeping in mind we may live here for a while longer (you know, we don’t have a place to go to and the real-estate market isn’t what it once was). So, we started cleaning out things, painting everything, laying new flooring everywhere, re-arranging things, and just plain de-cluttering.

In the meantime, we fell in love with a great new neighborhood that builds Craftsman style homes to ‘your liking’. Robb and I spent a great deal of time in April and May redesigning this 1900’s look a like home that would include the modern day features that we need. Well, the drawings came back from a builder that we just adore and we absolutely loved it. This particular home isn’t any larger than our current home, just MUCH more functional for our family.

Therefore, I came up with the crazy (I say “I” and “CRAZY”, because Robb will not take any of the blame for this one)…to get the house ready, hire a realtor and get our house on the market before we left for vacation early June. We did just that. It was whirl wind couple of weeks, but the day we left for vacation, the sign went up in the yard. Now, I digress a bit….my thinking was this…its summer, not to hot – yet, and prime time for new house hunters to start looking for a new place to live. I have also been watching the homes in the neighborhood and things aren’t really selling all that quickly – say something like 120 days or so, on the market. So, I thought, let’s see what happens and in the mean time get our ducks in a row. Well – you knew it was coming – we sold our house in 15 days. YEP, 15 days! A nice young couple with a family who is purchasing their first home and they liked ours. We have all the signed paper work and will be closing no this house July 30. WOW! You can imagine our surprise – Where do we go, what do we do, we don’t have a house, one isn’t built, we really do love this new neighborhood, why look elsewhere and every other scenario any sane person could come up with. But we still signed the papers and took the deal.

To make a very long story short…..after what seemed liked endless conversations and ‘what if’s’, we are moving. We have rented an apartment for the short term, everything else will go in storage and we will either build our newest dream home or begin looking for another home. We figure – home is where your hat is – and we are taking our hats with us.

On the kiddo front, they are doing great. Jacob finished his first year of preschool and attended his first summer school session. Isabella has turned two and I MEAN TWO. Jacob is taking Karate for the first time, and both kids are enrolled in summer gymnastics. They like to play outside every minute of the day, they swim like fish, and ending the day with a Popsicle seems to be our thing.

We did head off to Branson, Missouri to see the Chinese Acrobat show with some friends here and met up with some friends we met while traveling to China last year. We drove to Colorado where the kids got to spend the week at Grandma’s and with their cousins. They loved every minute of it. Jacob went golfing with dad for the first time. We went boating for a day at a beautiful lake and both kids attempted fishing with grandpa. We visited some hot springs pools and swam for the day. We had a great day visiting the Royal Gorge and mom and dad even played a little poker at night not losing too much. Other than that, it’s been all HOUSE here.

It’s been chaotic, hectic, fun dreaming, crazy, and little nerve wracking….be careful for what you wish for. We have a couple of really hard labor intensive weeks ahead of us, but we welcome the new upcoming chapter in our lives and can’t wait to fill you in on the rest. Until then, enjoy the summer.

Happy Forever Family Day - May 20, 2007!

2007-05-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

On May 20, 2007 it was our first Forever Family Day - meaning, it was the one year ago on that day the first time as a entire we family met. We had just spent the better part of 24 hours in planes and airports trying to make our way back home to Jacob, friends and family....meanwhile we were discovering that Isabella was coming out of her shell and decided this was the moment, she felt secure enough with us and that we weren't giving her back, so she screamed pretty much non-stop the entire 24 hours. Most parents would get up in the isles to walk or rock baby, but that wasn't working, so Robb and I would take turns getting up to walk or rock ourselves so that we wouldn't go crazy. Whew - when it was all said and done, it was a short time in our lives, but at that moment, we just new at any time, the captain was going to come on and tell us the flight attendants were handing out parachutes to the new crazy family with the screaming little girl. However, the best part of the entire flight besides thinking of home and Jacob, we were on that flight with 20 new families that had similar situations. Note to self, next time....purchase seat for little one at any cost. Once arriving home and seeing Jacob and our friends and family there to greet us, all the crankiness, tiredness, and moodiness was just wiped away. It was a nice homecoming and so special to us, there were balloons, banners, American flags, our house was decorated, food was in the oven and loaded in the fridge, and for that moment, we could take in some air and let at a huge sigh of relief because all was right with the world. Thanks friends and family, you made our special day that much more special to us and we will never forget our first meeting as a Family.

This past Sunday was our Forever Family Day....on this day each year, I would like to spend the day as a family. I don't really mind what we do, just spend it together. I would like the kiddos to know that May 20 is a special day for us and we will be together. I realize in later years this will become more difficult, so for now, I call the shots.

It wasn't a spectacular day as for events being planned, no fireworks, banners, or even balloons but it was a day we spent all together talking about meeting Isabella, China, and being a family. PERFECT! We spent the day having breakfast with extended family, catching up, and playing. Then did a little home repair shopping, an spent the evening with friends and meeting their adopted daughter from China. Again, I call that a perfect day with family.

The photos above are when Isabella became a US citizen. According to our laws, once an International adopted child touches American soil and enters the country, they are citizens of the US. Therefore, May 20, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois...Isabella hit American soil and touched her feet to the ground. Another photo is of Jacob and Isabella meeting for the first time. Jacob wanted to hold her, hug her, and talk to her. He patted her to sleep that night and gave his first kiss to her. The next photo is Isabella on May 20 this year....wow how a year has changed her. I just can't believe we brought home a baby and now she is a little girl blooming, growing, learning, and laughing. The last photo is the kids getting ready to play. These days, Isabella has to do everything her big brother does. So, the hat turned backwards was on purpose because Jacob had to turn his backwards.

Thanks to the good lord above, the wonderful support we have from family and friends our family is complete.

Enjoy!

Metcha Day Year 1!

2007-05-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

Our Dear Sweet Isabella Ruby Xiao Yan,

Today marks the 1st anniversary of Metcha Day! On this day one year ago, you were placed in our arms by the director of Liangping County Social Welfare Institute in Chongqing, China and it was the very first day we met. We can’t really even begin to describe in words that day as it was so magical, emotional, exciting, scary, and most of all full of love and anticipation of the wonderful little girl that you have become.

This year has been a great year of challenges, fun, excitement, love, joy and just getting to know one another. We love you very much and can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives with you and watching you grow into the most amazing person you can ever become.

Below are is a photo of the first time you were placed in our arms and others of how much you have changed over the past year and the entry we made on our journal the day you were placed in our arms for the first time.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy, and Big Brother Jacob

May 9, 2006

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away…

Our breath has been taken away! Today, May 9, 2006 Isabella Ruby Xiao Yan was placed in our arms forever. Jacob we have your little sister! She is perfect.

Today we said goodbye to Beijing and continued on this journey to Isabella, heading to central China… Chongqing, China. We arrived to our hotel in Chongqing China around 3:30 PM (2:30 AM CST) on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 and that is where it hit me, it’s not tomorrow anymore. We went to our rooms to gather supplies, freshen up, and make any last minute notes. At 5:00 PM we went to our Coordinator’s (Lina) room (all 6 families). This is where the babies were being brought to us.

The room was filled with nerves, excitement, and just pure energy. At 5:20 PM we heard some bustling in the hall and in walks the Director and five nannies holding beautiful baby girls all dressed a like. I noticed right off that the director had Isabella in his arms. Then one by one they called out each child’s name and the babies were placed in our arms.

It was pandemonium. Pictures flashing, everyone filming, babies and parents began to cry, and then finally they called Xiao Yan. We walked over the Director and he handed us Isabella. I can’t possibly put into words the emotions we had at that moment (one of the best feelings I have ever had).

We just looked ohhhhddd, and ahhhhed. It was an indescribable moment that only the heart knows and we are so happy to have it on video to review later. She is perfect. We passed her back and forth, taping each other, taking pictures of each other, hugging, kissing, as if we were the only ones in the room.

We signed a bit of paper work, and then I went off to our room with Isabella. Robb stayed behind and had a chance to talk with the Director and nannies and trying to arrange a visit to the orphanage. We had a list of questions beforehand and they stayed until each family had all their questions answered. It was wonderful. Meanwhile, I was back in the room just staring at her – I couldn’t think of what else to do at that moment. I sat her on the bed with some toys and we just talked. She appears to be healthy. She can sit up, grasp toys, and moves her head to noises. I gave her a picture of Jacob to hold and she has yet to let it go.

Once Robb returned we undressed her, she had four layers of clothing on and it was 85 degrees out. We changed her, looked her over (she is a girl), washed her up, and put on her PJ’s. Then we attempted to feed her a bottle. Even tough both of us have done this before; it was a pretty amazing site….followed by a pretty big mess.

It’s now 10:00 PM China time, we have Isabella down, ordered some room service, and then we are out for the night. Tomorrow we have to do some official paperwork, and then Isabella is legally ours according to China.

I will post more as we learn more and have more photos.
Jacob, help take care of grandma and we are telling Isabella all about her wonderful big brother. We love and miss you much.

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you who is following this most amazing journey, sending us e-mails, praying for us and thinking of us. We feel your love and your prayers as well as ours have been answered. Thank you.

Birthday #4 - Success!

2007-04-30T20:11:00.000-05:00

Whew - we survied - Birthday #4 was a hit. Jacob turned 4 on Sunday and he wanted to have a party at a local gymnastics place. We obliged. It was fun, exhausting, exciting, and even a little sad. Our little boy is growing up. Where does the time go? It was a wonderful weekend, Jacob and Isabella both had a fantastic time, and we thank the good Lord above for blessing our house.

Tag - Your it!

2007-04-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

I have been ‘tagged’ by a friend who reads our blog. I‘m supposed to come up with 7 weird things about myself and then tag 7 friends. I thought it would be more fun to ask Robb to make the list for me….here is what he came up with:

1. I can’t have my food touch the other foods – this is so true. Even though I am 30 something…the very first thing I do if I didn’t plate my own food is take my fork and separate all the different items. Now, there are some rules to these…mashed potatoes, corn, and macaroni and cheese can touch, but I still separate them and mix them up later. If syrup or dressing or something of the sorts hits the non-syruped or dressed item, I don’t eat it.
2. I like ice in ALL of my drinks. This one is funny. I do like ice, not just some ice, ungodly amounts of ice. More ice than drink….then I drink it all. If there is no ice, more than likely the cup will not be emptied.
3. I only eat one item at a time until it’s gone and then I go on to the next. OMG – can you tell there is a pattern here…I wonder if he was hungry at the time of questioning?
4. When I stay in a hotel, my bare feet can not touch the floor. I must wear flip-flops at all time. This is a true one; I have a pair that are in my closet and are packed every time I travel that I call my “hotel slippers”.
5. I have this weird sense of ‘naming or making up names for just about everything’ (hence the above comment). This one I didn’t get too much, until he rattled off a lot of them. For instance, we have newer neighbors (well they have been here for a year, but we hated seeing our old ones move away, so they are new to us). They are just WEIRD. They never, ever, come out and when they do….it’s like they are on crack or something and they try to get in 800 words from the time they open their garage door to the time they get into their cars….so I call them the ‘talkalots’. I say as though it’s their last name, so Jacob thinks they are Mr. and Mrs. Talkalot.
6. I hate to talk on the phone. This one is a funny one; because if anyone of you know me…I can talk to a stop sign and talk for hours about nothing. I love to chat pretty much about anything, everything, and absolutely nothing…so not liking the phone is weird to Robb. Here is my thing….because I am like this; I rarely can have a phone conversation with out being less than 30 minutes. I have stuff to do, I know the people have stuff to do and it’s just a complete waste of time. Therefore, I hate the phone. I send e-mails to communicate or meet you for lunch, coffee; have you over and what not. That way I know you will respond when and if you want, and if we are face to face, we can carry on like we haven’t seen each other in years.
7. Last but not least, I have this crazy urge to make sure everything is straight, organized and put away before we move onto the next task. Again, all true…I make my family crazy. Funny thing to me is, I don’t ask them to do it, I don’t complain about my obsession, nor do I hold them up from me doing it. Some would say I have an OCD when it comes to the order of things. I would like to say in my defense……..They are probably correct!

Look out - you could get tagged.

Turning your back...

2007-04-19T21:04:00.000-05:00

Here is what happens when you are playing outside and you turn your back for 5 minutes... Can we say she is all girl, but likes to play in the mud? She was having a blast and in fact, when I snapped the photo, she was yelling 'Cheese'.

Then while bathing Isabella in the kitchen sink so that I can keep an eye on Jacob while playing the back yard...here is what happened 5 minutes later.

Let's just say, I am looking for 5 MINUTES!

Where did our Spring GO?

2007-04-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

Hey - Where is Spring? We had our short sleeves out, crop pants, and on some days we were wearing sandals.....but today we had to pull out the winter coats and hats again. Well, looking for the best out of this....at least the sun is shining and we are wearing our sunglasses.

The photos are from a friend who took them while we were attending an Easter Egg hunt. Inside one of the eggs were bubbles and we were blowing them. I was asking where the bubbles went when they popped and the kids just looked at me like I was crazy! Then Jacob replied as if I should have known this forever...."THE BATHTUB, OF COURSE".

Enjoy, off to look for SPRING.

Spring has SPRUNG!

2007-03-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring! It is my most favorite time of the year. I am just so giddy it's crazy. I love getting out of bed in the morning, love wearing sun glasses, driving with the windows down, shopping for new bright colored clothes for the kids, grilling, staying out late playing the driveway, and planting our garden. Even a Spring rain is nice. It's all just so wonderful. As you can tell, I have been wishing for Spring since January, so it couldn't come soon enough. Enjoy this Spring and get outside.

The pictures of the kids are at a Gymnastics place we go to during Open Gym time. It's great. They have trampolines, a foam block pit, swinging ropes, enough room to run, balance beams, bars, hoola-hoops, balls, slides....you name it...they have it....and we LOVE it. Jacob climbs this little maze up to about 5 feet off this wall and then he jumps in the pit (aka - the sock eater). Then there is Isabella, she has NO FEAR - she climbed up it the other day, then turned around to jump off ever so gracefully. I thought the other moms were going to jump in after her. She just giggled, and giggled. Her favorite part, waiting in the pit for her brother to come get her. She would wait there all day, instead of having to do the work trying to get out herself. It's so much fun. I have been known to jump in a time or two myself. I don't know what it is, but there is just something about a 5 foot pit of foam blocks that makes you want to jump on in. We LOVE it.

Happy SPRING!

"The Call" Anniversary!

2007-03-02T06:40:00.000-06:00

One year ago today we received one of the most exciting phone calls of our lives. It was a sunny day on March 2, 2006 at 2:04 PM our adoption agency called to tell us, “It’s a girl” (also known as Referral Day)! We couldn’t have been more thrilled.

The phone call went something like this:

“Ring”, “Ring” OMG - This is it….look read the caller ID. Our dear friend Kathryn, even took a photo of the phone to show it was them calling with the time and date.

Us on Speaker Phone: “Hello”

Agency: It’s *** agency calling to tell you – this is it “the Call” – Your referral is here…It’s a girl!

US: Screaming, hooting, hollering, hugging, and then we all calm down enough to hear….

Agency: She is a cutie (you see we got a phone call first, and then the next day we wait for our UPS delivery person (aka – the Brown stork) to bring us a packet of information on her along with photos). His name is Roger and we have photos of him as well.

US: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Agency: Her name is Liang, Xiao Yan (was then named Isabella Ruby Xiao Yan). She is from Chongqing, China (central China) and was born on June 4, 2005. She is little and has hair.

US: We tried to get as much information as we could, but they too did not have much to give us at they are the local office and the main office was getting our packages ready to mail.

Phone hangs up; we laugh, we cry, we high five on another, we hug…and just sit as it seems so surreal!

Above are some photos from last year on this day we thought we would share yet again. The first one is us sitting at the table with the speaker phone on and taking notes as we got “The Call”. The second one is us waiting for the UPS man to deliver her packet of information and photos to us (friends sent flowers, balloons, decorated, and even had a banner made and hung). Then alas, this is one of the photos we got of Isabella at about 6 months old. Last but not least, a current photo of Isabella at the gym playing. It’s was a great day for us and we hope you have a great day as well.

Saturday Night - Date night!

2007-02-24T20:14:00.000-06:00

It is cold, wet, dreary here and we are staying in. Dad is out of town on business, so I have a date with the kids.

We are playing what Jacob refers to as 'Parking Lot'. It's a game we play on the kitchen floor and get every car toy imaginable out. He even found cars hidden under the bed. Then we make parking lots and drive them back and forth. It's really a lot of fun. Sometimes the drivers even stop and talk to one another. That's my favorite part, because it's really funny what they talk about.

Side Bar....Isabella will only play 'Parking Lot' with her pearl beads on, so she spent at least 20 minutes in her room digging for her purse and pearls. Once she found them, she came in to play.

What a great date night. Need I say more.

Enjoy,

Xin nian yu kuai!

2007-02-18T08:13:00.000-06:00

Ni Hao (Hello)~

Xin nian yu kuai! (Happy New Year)

Gung hay fat choy! (May you become prosperous)

China’s most popular traditional holiday, Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, family reunions, and fun! Throughout the world families spend weeks preparing for the 15-day celebration, officially called the Spring Festival. Families clean their houses, repay any money they owe, get their hair cut, and buy new clothes. They decorate their houses with signs that wish peace and luck for the coming year.

Sunday, February 18, 2007 marks the first day of the new Chinese lunar year; one of the most important of all Chinese festivals. The first day varies from year to year between January 21st and February 20th of the solar calendar.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in pig years (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995) tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, David Letterman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were all born in the year of the pig.

We have spent a little time ourselves preparing for the new year here. We are doing some painting, cleaning, organizing, and some much needed floor work. We even decorated a bit around here for the holiday.

Our family has attended two local events to celebrate the Chinese New Year. We attended a dance performance at a local museum. It was a wonderful time. We met up with some friends, saw some traditional Chinese dances and even learned a few little moves ourselves. We also had the privilege to attend a Chinese New Year/Birthday party for a little Chinese American girl friend of ours. It was a great time. Again, we got to visit with some friends, see all the children dressed up in Chinese clothing, celebrate the New Year and had a Chinese dinner. It was a perfect way to celebrate and keep Isabella’s rich culture into our lives.

All is well on our front and just looking forward to spring the saying bye-bye snow.

We wish you well, happiness, and lots of adventure for this New Year.

Xin nian yu kuai,
Robb/Angela/Jacob/Isabella