Top 9 Reasons I Loved Christmas

9.  Madeline dressed Gabriel for our Christmas Eve festivities. 

(the fact that I have a child old enough to dress another child goes on my Top 9 Reasons I Love My Life)
8. ......and stole a kiss in the process.
7.  Gabriel and I took a carousel ride together at the zoo lights.

(I never tire of watching him say "cheeeeeese!")
6.  Baking and consuming so many you'd think I was eating for 12 Christmas cookies.

Lauren enjoyed every morsel. 
5.  Watching Ron open Madeline's gift.  A quilt of their soccer jerseys of which each stitch was lovingly hand-sewn.
4.  Madeline unveiled that she and Abby had added a handmade stocking for bambino.
3.  Switching up tradition and opening stockings on Christmas Eve after church.
2.  Opening bambino's outfit.  

(this outfit was first unwrapped during Christmas 2000 when our dear friends, Liz and Charlie shipped it to us from the West coast.  We were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first miracle.)  

All five of our miracles will wear it.

1.  Our Savior

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"- Luke 2:1-14

Counting to 20

Madeline is teaching Lauren to count to 20.  

She wrote a song to help her and I managed to snag it long enough to post here:

(to its own - and quite original - tune)

Counting to 20 can so fun.....1,2,3,4,5

Then comes 6,7,8,9,10

And then comes 11,12,13,14

Here comes 15

Maybe 16

Also 17

Then comes 18

What about 19?

The last one is 20!

Oh, how I like to count with Lauren

Will you count next time with me?

RAK Wednesday

Completely worth your 2 minutes and 39 seconds.

$10 will give a child clean water for life.  That's not an estimate.  That's a fact.

Someone's thirsty.  Click here to give your glass of water. 

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Surprise!

My parents gave us this year's Christmas ornament to hang on the tree.

Notice anything interesting?

Maybe this will help.

You guessed it.  We are expecting Baby #5!  We are elated and feel blessed beyond belief.  

(the surprise is that we are telling everyone....little bambino was 100% planned ;))

A Heavenly Perspective

Our Pastor heard this story from a friend of ours and asked Ron to share it during his sermon:

--------------------------------------------------

As I was packing for a 2-day business trip, I was approached by Madeline, our 7-year-old daughter.  She said in a soft and almost troubled voice, "Daddy, you can't go.  You have to stay." 

I knew by her eyes and the tone of her voice that this was sincere.....it was not that she was losing her jungle gym for 2 days (I like to rough house with the kids) but more that she was in a place that she didn't want to be without me.

We had recently watched a movie together where the little girl was not sure her father was going to return to her.  I knew this was on her mind.

I explained that while she was far more important than my job, I did have a responsibility to do my work with excellence....which sometimes means an out-of-town trip.  Following through on my work is honoring to God and my family.  She seemed to understand, but was still not happy about it.

A few minutes later she brought me a note -- and in her wonderful 7 year-old letters -- she wrote, "Please sleep on the floor beside my bed tonight?  Circle 'Yes' or 'No'"

Of course I circled "Yes!"

She returned a few minutes later with an addition to the note that said, "What time? _____"

I wrote down a time and she seemed satisfied with the response.

Later that night, I went in to sleep beside her bed.  I found a new note sitting on top of two pillows.  "Please bring me down to sleep with you.  Put me on the stripes pillow and you get to sleep on the pink pillow.  And don't forget to snuggle with me."

I can't tell you what a precious moment that was.  Her genuine desire to be near me.  It was not a manipulative thing, just pure and genuine love.  She could have asked me for anything - literally anything! - at that moment and I would have given it to her.

I felt like a got a glimpse into our Heavenly Father's perspective.  He just loves when we want to be near Him.  When we have that genuine desire, there is nothing He wouldn't do for us.

-Ron

11-16-08

A Christmas Poem

Madeline wrote a poem in her journal today that made my day even brighter.

(I've lovingly corrected the spelling errors for her ;)

Christmas is coming

Presents are wrapped

Snow is coming

Season galore!

Cold breath

Bundled up

Snow everywhere

I love Christmas

I'm definitely in the Christmas spirit.

(and the presents are definitely not wrapped!)

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Throwback Friday

I'm - once again - only Throwingback a week.  But believe me, its well worth it.

I happened to have the camera on Thanksgiving morning and caught this footage of the kiddos in the playroom with Ron (aka Stallion).  

(scroll to bottom and pause music before viewing)

I heart Stallion.

RAK Wednesday

Oops.  Little late in posting....

The girls decided this morning to make a special Christmas card for someone (TBD) that explains the true meaning of Christmas.  

I was proud of M for coming up with this completely on her own.

Vote for Owen!

UPDATE:

Owen won!  His site received the top number of votes and will receive $250.  Thanks for voting!

Please head over to my SIL's blog and vote for Owen!  It takes about 2 seconds (today is the LAST day to vote!) and you could very well help raise some funds to bring Owen home to his forever family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

(craft compliments of Madeline)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever."  

Psalm 107:1

Christmas Town!

Our fun decorating memories included Gabriel smashing 2 (very old and sentimental) ornaments together like cymbals.  We had a good laugh as there will be many more to replace them.

I managed to capture this photo of Ron putting up the garland and lights. 

(notice Gabe begging/crying, "Up! Up!")

Friendly Mom Tip

Its been quite a while since I had a good, friendly tip to pass along.  

(I am just sitting here....trying to figure out how to tell this story without looking like mean-grouchy-Mommy?  Pretty much impossible.  Just start typing.)

I threw my child's craft out the car window today.

Madeline came out of Art class with a really gooey, gobs-of-paint, not-even-close-to-dry craft. 

Am I the only one that thinks DRY crafts are good ones to send home?

We start the drive home and Madeline begins to explain that her art teacher said to be "very careful" because this "special" paint only comes out with bleach.

Am I the only huge fan of washable paints?

I try not to notice that not only are both of our hands covered in said paint, but her (brand new, first-time-to-wear) shirt is also adorned with this lovely liquid.

We take a corner and the craft slides.  I now see paint on the car leather.  

Another left turn.  The craft comes into contact with a book.

Next turn.  It almost lands on the carpet.

Paint is everywhere.

And that is when Crafty Craft found its way onto the pavement.  I wish I could say I had thought it through more carefully.  I just popped open the window and tossed it out.

I am proud of my daughter for how she handled her mean-grouchy-Mommy.  It took grace.

Not only did I need to apologize for tossing out her craft but I had to say I was sorry (to the whole gaggle) for littering.  

Not Ok.  Definitely. Not. Ok.

I am thankful for grace.  

And so, my friends, do not -- in a moment of sheer frustration -- toss your child's craft out the window.  Don't do it.

Just a Friendly Mom Tip.

Gotcha Day!

Gotcha Day! is a term used in the adoptive community to describe the day when the adoption is finalized.  Today was Maximus' Gotcha Day and we all headed to the court house for this momentous occasion. 

Gotcha Day! was about to take on a few extra meanings.

We arrive early (of course!  I wouldn't want to make a scene with GLAM now, would I?) and I park the car and tell the kiddos to unbuckle and unload.

I am contemplating whether to take the double stroller, going back and forth, with a mental list of the pros and cons.  Finally deciding that pushing 2 toddlers (with the other 2 in tow) through a court house will be less obvious (and require less energy) than toting them on my hip(s).  

We get inside the court house and see that "Adoption" is on the 2nd floor.  Easy enough.

Upon arriving, I double check to make sure this is where the Honorable Judge Spicer will be holding his proceedings.  It pains me (again) to report that we are not in the correct building.

Gotcha.

Apparently, there is another Family Services building where Judge Spicer bangs his gavel and since this is his court room, we will go to him.  How do you get there, again?

We head back out and down a block to the correct location.  We meet Max on the way -- looking dapper -- and maintain our composure.

(read: try not to breathe like you just finished a marathon)

Upon entering the 2nd building, I quickly realize the double stroller was a VERY. BAD. IDEA. This building is much smaller and the security area is about 6 inches from the front door.  We bid Max adieu (mainly to save him from embarrassment) and begin the rigorous process of de-clothing, I mean coating, and putting everything through the security scanner.  

Gotcha.

I can't even re-live the tugging/wrenching/heaving process it took to get said stroller through the security check point for fear that I will break out in hives.  

Gotcha.

Once I think we are (OMGoodness-finally) done, I am detained for questioning as the officer needs to see the "EpiPen" in my purse.  After a lot of digging, I finally produce a Matchbox car and am released.

Gotcha.

Did I mention I am sweating profusely at this point?  Really.  Who needs Pilates?

In the end, the proceedings went beautifully (Gabe has a massive bowel movement in his diaper) and Max was a complete angel (Lauren keeps saying, "I thirsty!") during the entire thing.  It got a bit teary eyed when Sam and Jen (Abby keeps asking to sit beside me) were asked to explain their commitment and bond to Max.  

Gotcha.

Throwback Friday

Warning: this is the best Throwback Friday ever.

Here is the first picture we ever saw of my sweet nephew, Johnathan.  February 2008.

And here he is, today, in my living room.  Happy Day.  Very happy day.

RAK Wednesday

The girls decided to write a letter and mail it to someone who would least expect it. 

Since I love to get fun mail, I thought it was a fabulous idea.  It literally takes 5 minutes and 42 cents and it will really make someone smile.

Who could you drop a note to?

My Nephew is Home!

Johnathan is finally here.  Thank you God!  

Winter?

Could those be snowflakes on our roof?
Let's throw our wellies on and go investigate.
Yep, winter is coming!

Throwback Friday

I was howling with laughter when I ran across this photo today.

Ron had purchased some new light bulbs that he thought would be "perfect" for the kitchen table.

I know a few of you were over to dinner that night - was it you Bex?  We definitely laughed -- and squinted -- our way through dinner that night!

Photo Tag

I was photo tagged and apparently I am to post the 6th picture from the 6th album on my computer.  

Of course its my husband being a goof ball....per the usual.

In lieu of "tagging", I will let you choose to participate.  Come on, its fun!

(in case you think this has anything to do with me being too lazy to officially tag and link up your blog, you are wrong.  I do not have a barnacle - aka Gabe - attached to me.  Nope.  So, if you are reading this, consider yourself tagged.)

Boys will be Boys

I know, this is edition 486.  Didn't I just post this one like 2 seconds ago?

I snapped a couple funny photos of him yesterday which I had planned to post last night.  Well, that was before my little man decided to jettison himself out of his crib -- head first -- onto the floor.

I heard a (scary loud!) thump and as I am running toward the nursery, (I was not laying in bed leisurely reading and eating hummus and pita chips.  Of course not.) I see his door open and he comes toddling out holding his forehead.  I maintained my composure. 

(read:  I was completely freaking out...quietly)

Might I mention at this point that I pulled the very same stunt at the tender age of 12 months....and weighing a mere 16 lbs?  

So, today, my little man, we are off to buy you a crib tent.  It's going to be a we're-camping-out-every-night kinda deal.  You're going to love it.

----------

Back to our originally scheduled program:

Hmmm.  I think I'll sharpen a pen.  Even though there is a pencil sitting right here.  

Yes!  I hear the motor making a very weird (fantastic!) noise.  

Hi Mom.  What?  I'm just hanging out....not sharpening a thing.  I'm just sitting here on top of the desk.  And I'm not even messing with your computer.  I know you don't like that.

RAK Wednesday

The girls are anxiously planning our RAK for today. 

They have decided to bake some homemade cookies and deliver them to a neighbor that we don't know very well.

(if you like this idea, pick a neighbor that is not a complete stranger....or they might just chuck your cookies in the trash!)

If we have time after the baking session, they want to finish raking our next door neighbor's leaves.

What is your RAK today?

And Speaking of Squeezing!

I might have hijacked the post below from my SIL's blog who hijacked it from her sister's blog.

Hey, we're all family here.

(oh, compare this picture to my sidebar picture - he's gotten bigger!  Little buddy.)

---------

God is good...all the time.  But some days my radar is more tuned in to this truth than others....Today was the first full day we relished in the reality that Johnathan was safe and happy in his Daddy's arms.  Today was the day that Johnathan ventured for 90 minutes in the outside world to meet the man that would have thoughtfully packed a bag of goodies just for him.  And today is the day that Stripey Man got to hold his Stripey boy....the boy he had been praying for and anxiously plotting their times together.  Today Johnathan got to meet his forever family on Skype...a video conferencing tool that I knew nothing about five years ago but that has played a significant role in my sister's growing family.  Today is the day that six beautiful children got to laugh with and share together in the joy of their precious baby brother....the brother who will snuggle to read books with them, sneak their french fries, and surely will want to do everything his big brothers are doing.  And today is the day that I got to see my sister's life feel slightly more complete....she has dreamed and prayed over this day for days, weeks, months, and in many ways, for years.  Her family is her ministry and her life...I am so very thankful for this most amazing day when she could hear the laughs of all these children at the very same time.  Thank you Jesus.  Truly, God is good, all the time.  We can't wait to see you Johnathan.  We love you!!!

Couldn't You Just Squeeze Him?

I bought this Pumpkin Patch coat for my nephew Shayden.

Doesn't he just look yummy?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

As I cleaning up after breakfast this morning:

Come here love, let me wipe off your mouth.

You know Mom, I don't have to look perfect.

And why is that, sweetie?

Because each one of us is perfect just the way we are.

And today's lesson will be on humility....

Throwback Friday

Ok, I've been promising an authentic Throwback Friday photo.  Here you go...

Senior Prom - May 1992 (no I did not.  change the font size for that part.)

And as a side note:  Ron and I were "only friends" back then -- we did know each other and had been out on a "just friends" date.  Funny how God's plan can be different from your own.

RAK Wednesday

Random Acts of Kindness

There is nothing more amazing than surprising someone with something unexpected.  Be it a stranger or a long-time friend.

One of our family favorites is to take a bottle of Gatorade out to each of the guys that pick up our trash each week.  As he girls ran out the bottles this morning, they had the (brilliant) idea to make every Wednesday a RAK day.

So, we are inviting you to join in with us.  Think of something random and kind to do for someone today.  I promise it will bless you as much as it will bless them.

Question of the Day

Guess what my Car Questions were today?

Mom, who shot Abraham Lincoln?  What was the name of the other President that was killed?  And why?

Wikipedia is soooooo much better at this kinda thing than I am:

Abraham was shot by John Wilkes Booth

Unfortunately, 3 other U.S. Presidents were assassinated: 

James Garfield

William McKinley

John F. Kennedy

There were also attempted assassinations on 12 additional Presidents, the latest of which was sitting President, George W. Bush.  He has had 2 attempted assassinations.  The first was outside the White House in 2001 and the 2nd was during a speech in Tbilisi, Georgia.  Both men were convicted.

(oh, and that was for your reading pleasure.  My kiddos got the very simple-- and vague-- answer.  As well as a few questions of my own like, Where did you hear this? and Why is it coming up?)

Hippopotamus Diet

Seems like a bit of an oxymoron, doesn't it?  

We were headed to the zoo yesterday when one of the kids asked me what hippos eat.  Now, I looooooooove these questions when I'm near Mac. 

(nothing wrong with looking like Super Mom occasionally)

The car is an entirely different story.  I stalled for time and then replied, "Grass?"

I went on to explain that they eat lots of different things (random guess) and would everyone like to find the hippos as soon as we get to the zoo (can't remember where they are despite bimonthly zoo visits) and there we can read the exhibit because it will tell us everything they eat. 

(right?)

As I finish outlining our (rather brilliant) plan of attack, Lauren pipes up from the back seat, 

"Or, we could just Google it Mom."

Right.

I think they're onto me.

Jon and Kate + 8....Sorta

The kids are having an sleepover....while our friends Lyndsey and Ryan steal away for a hotel overnight together!
Yippee.  Its Friday Night Movie Night on the big screen.
They are watching the latest Veggie Tales release:  The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.

Fall Festival Party

This year we had a princess, a bumble bee, a Victorian princess (not to be confused with a princess) and a rat.  The rat had no time for the paparazzi and would allow neither unstaged nor candid photos to be taken.  HM.
....except for the first 25 seconds he was in his costume.  

(thank goodness my hand is always attached to the camera)
Here are the kids from the hood.  Having some (healthy) pizza before the sugar intake commences.  Once again, if only you could see Gabe's face.  I said, "NO photos people!"

Fall Foliage

These pictures are compliments of Madeline.  This is their favorite tree in our yard and they have watched each day until every leaf turned red!  Yesterday, they grabbed the camera and started snapping away.

Abby said, "Isn't it amazing how God makes all the leaves turn such cool colors?"

Yes, it is pretty amazing.

And the Winner is.....

(do you love our raffle basket?....aka the girl's trash can)
Congrats Shelby!  I don't know you so hopefully we've just become friends.  ;)

You'll get an email from me with your 5 (lucky) raffle numbers.  

I just had to sneak back and look up Shelby's original comment and here is what it said:

"....my kids and I are planning lots of RAK's so I'll let you know what we do.  If I happen to win your give-a-way, I would like to donate my tickets to my friend Gayly.  She has been waiting waaaaaaaaay too long for her SN kiddo to come home!"

Only the coolest girlfriend does a RAK as her entry.  You rock girl.

And just in case you need a laugh, here was my RAK-gone-bad today.  I have a friend that shares an obsession, oops, love of Great Harvest bread with me.

I decided to pick up a loaf of cinnamon bread for her since I just happened to be in the area. (I was NOT planning to go there for me, nope)  I walked in to get her bread (nothing for me) and SHE IS STANDING THERE buying bread.  So, I just walked out.  

After buying a couple loaves and some cinnamon rolls.

Oh, you can read that?

CONGRATS SHELBY!  I HOPE YOU WIN!!!

Boys Will Be.....

Anyone tired of this yet?  Cause I'm not.  I'm really not.

Remember Beating the Mulch? 

Oh wait, that wasn't my son.  That was an unruly-child-with-no-clothing that I found via You Tube.  Never mind.  My mistake.

How about this one then?  

Or the one where someone (most certainly not me) forgot to Double Check the Lock?

His latest shenanigan involves the trash.  It would.  He loves to find little (or big) trinkets around the house and chuck them.  Sometimes he even "hides" them under a cereal box so they are hard to spot.  I've taken to donning cleaning gloves and searching through each bag before I take it out to the garage.

(Oh, please tell me you didn't just believe that.  Really?  I don't even own those yellow gloves!)

Today's discovered treasure was 2 socks (if only they had matched!), the blender lid (that's where that is!) and the popcorn popper.  Yes, the popcorn popper.

When I went to let him know what I'd found, I might have found him eating a half-eaten, somewhat burnt, breakfast waffle.....from deep in the trash.  Might.

LAST DAY....

....to enter the blog give-a-way, do your RAK (random act of kindness) and win....FREE STUFF!

See below for details.  

Have a great-random-act-of-kindness-day!

Free Stuff? Anyone?

Does anyone like Kate Spade?  Jewelry?  Canon Rebel cameras?  Handbags?  

A Sony camcorder?

Cause I'm doing (my first) blog give-a-way.  I was going to link you to my SIL Amie who is also doing one but after reading the stories of Brent and Owen, I had to donate to the cause as well.

The only thing you have to do to enter this drawing is a RAK -- by October 28th.

(random act of kindness)  

Don't you just love doing these anyway?   Pick anything.  Big or small.  One of my favorites is to pay for the food of the person behind you at Wendy's.  

Post your name and email in my comments section (comments will not be shown - all info will be kept anonymous) and you will automatically be entered.

I am purchasing 5 raffle tickets from To China For Owen.

The winner will receive all 5 tickets on October 28th.

(which is the day Brent would have turned 13!  Happy Birthday!) 

Of course, you'll want to head over to read about Brent's story, an 11 year old hero who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system.  He went to be with Jesus last year and his family is honoring his love of giving by doing a blog give-a-way.

After that, head over to read about Owen, a little guy who will be heading from China to his forever family very soon.

Come back and share your story with one of us too.....its always fun to hear how you are able to bless another person.  

And, of course you can enter Amie's give-a-way too.....just be sure to do an extra RAK.  ;)

Throwback Friday

These are from our trip to the pumpkin patch last weekend.  I know, I know, cheating again.

Which is sad.....considering I have some great Throwback pictures in the storage room.  

Hmmmm. Corn.  This looks interesting.
I think I'll fill this bucket up.
Completely to the top. 

Now.......what to do, what to do.

Yep.  I'm a boy.

(Incidently, I discovered kernels of corn in very random places for the next 24 hours)

What a View!

My view yesterday.

And my view today.

A Whole Lot of Work

For some reason, I always forget how much work it is to travel.  Ron and I get to take a mini-honeymoon together (compliments of a product he represents - yippee - free vaca!) and my family members (including but not limited to sisters, brother, cousins and aunts - thanks guys - love you!) will be caring for our gaggle while we are gone.

Suffice it to say, it is a TON of work to get all the stuff together (and lists and routines and...) that the 6 of us will need for the next few days.  A. Ton. Of. Work.  Did I mention that already?

As I mentioned when we did a get-a-way in January, I miss my babies like crazy while I'm gone. But, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

And I gotta go pack.

Throwback Friday

Once again, I am cheating and only throwingback a couple weeks.  I couldn't help it, this photo makes me laugh.  All it needs is a good caption.  

Any ideas?

Nature Walk

Where's Waldo....I mean Gabriel?
The kids brought bags to collect leaves and nuts so we could "look them up" when we got home. 

Some of them are yet to be identified.

At this exact moment I'm thinking:  A trip to Urgent Care would mean no nap for Gabe.  

I'm just saying.

Nooooooo!

UPDATE:

The guys at the Genius Bar (and they are genius!) returned my Mac promptly.....along with 2 pennies and a dime.  No charge for the trouble.

----------------

I'm about to lose my computer....in 29 minutes.  Lauren thought the cute little slit on the side was a piggy bank and deposited some coins for me.  What a sweetie. 

(ok, so it was a year ago, what's your point?  I'm busy....and slightly hooked on my Mac)

Anyway, Ron is taking it to the Apple store for me.  Let's hope the guys at the Genius Bar know what their doing.  When Ron commented that I might not get it back tonight, I asked if they give out "loaners."  He just stared at me blankly.

Maybe not the best way to demonstrate that I am not obsessed?

I tried to explain that I have blogs to catch up and pictures to post from our nature walk.  

Still a blank stare.

I'm really hoping that our friend Nick doesn't read this.  He'll really thrash me.

Hopefully re-united with my Mac shortly & so not obsessed,

Me

Today - October 15

Today is National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss.

I am praying today for all the families that have suffered in this way.

This morning I sat and remembered each of my dear friends, cousins and sisters that have experienced this loss and counted (sadly) 24 babies in heaven.  My heart aches for each one.

"There is no footprint too small that it can't leave an imprint on this world."

 - Author Unknown

*if you are reading this and would like your baby to be prayed for by name, please leave a comment at: Bring the Rain

Payback Time

Recently, Gabriel had a sleepover with his cousin Maximus.  We met them at church the next morning and my son was looking slightly Amish.

(not that there is anything wrong with looking Amish - its just....we're not Amish.)

Anyway, we had Maximus spend the night on Saturday night and brought him to church on Sunday.....looking like Winnie the Pooh threw up all over him.  

And with his hair parted in the middle.  Just.  Because.

Paybacks, people.  Paybacks.

Monday, Monday

You know its going to be a good learning day when you've already answered these questions and breakfast isn't even over yet:

Mom, is American Girl doll stuff so expensive because of shipping?

Mommy, did I come out of your womb with that hat on? (looking at birth photo)

And finally.....

Mom, do you think the little girl I donated my hair to last year is still wearing her wig?

Throwback Friday

Cheers to Matt and Shay from NYC.  We miss you guys!

(photo taken - Oct 2007)

Zip line Adventure

We took a day trip yesterday to Hocking Hills for a zip line tour.  I almost bailed on the 3rd zip which was 100 feet off the ground, 540 feet and you zipped along at 40 mph.  After all 7 others had gone, I finally mustered the courage to do it.  But, only because the alternative (of repelling down from the platform) seemed even more terrifying.

Truth be told, I settled in after that and had a blast.  

I had our guide, Eli take video footage of this zip.   

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

GRASS!

I will definitely be posting my zip-line adventure later (already promised our guide Eli that I'd post a video) but, had to journalize tonight's dinner story.

Have you seen this video?

(Can't get video to post.  So not annoyed.  Am not talking out loud to computer.  Will try later?)

Gabe has been mowing the grass with Daddy for many moons.  He started out in the Bjorn front carrier and later graduated to the Kelty backpack.  

It has gotten so bad that on a random Wednesday afternoon several weeks ago he heard a mower and ran to the window and started bawling....thinking that Daddy had forgotten him.  

(it is unthinkable to him that someone else might just be mowing their lawn.)

Anyway, during dinner tonight he said, "Grass?"  It was actually prophetic as the grass really does need a mow job.  Anyway, Ron suggested we all make bets on how many times he would say it before dinner ended.  The girls and I all guessed somewhere between 1 and 4.  Ron guessed 10.

He said it eleven (11) times.

Obsess much?

CA is Here!

In addition to the birth of Shayden yesterday, we got word that my nephew Johnathan got his consulate appointment!  (see side bar for his sweet little face)

He is coming home in just over a month!  November 15th is the big airport party day!!!

PTL!

Yesterday was a very, very good day!

Swaddle Me Up!

I caught a quick shot of him last night as I was swaddling him.  Sorry, I didn't post it then.  

(I might have dummied the time on the other post so it would post on Wednesday.  It was actually 1 am and I was whipped!)