Best Birthday Present

We had a small gathering yesterday for her birthday. She opened up some her gifts. Sat we are taking her a few friends and her nieces and nephews bowling. Below are a few pictures of her absolutley favorite gifts she recieved. The purple box and the telphone call are from her YiYang sister Sarah. The call was telling her they are flying in on Good Friday to spend a week here in Indiana. Wooooooo Hoooooo. She loves the box, it has butterflys. The book, OMG the book. What a wonderrful suprpise. It arrived via UPS from my cyber friend in FL. It's amazing how close cyber friends become. Amy and Olivia sent this too Us. Even though it was addresed to Genevieve, it's for us. If you have never read this book, please do so. The website is www.motherbridge.org. Or you can check out www.barefootbooks.com. This is absolutley one of the most touching books I've read in a long time. The red can is "big" (whipped cream)as she calls it. Her Aunt Barbie is mngr at Bonnie Doons Icecream. If you've never had it, your tastebuds are being neglected. It is the best Ice Cream you'll ever eat. Anyway to say the least the girls are quite spoiled with it. Genevieve's fav is pink with lots of BIG on top. So Aunt Barbie gave her a very large can of big amongst all the other gifts in the bag. I will post pics Sat of the bowling party and her big gift from Daddy and I

Happy Birthday Baby

February 28th, 2003 A woman in Indiana was grieving her pops. Today he would have been 88. It has only been 1 1/2 years since he passed. It was along battle with being ill and his passing was a relief but still it hurt to lose your last parent. February 28th, 2003 China was suffering with it's worst ourbreak of SARS yet and the adoption program was in turmoil. Our Dossier was there waiting to be matched to a baby. On that day a baby girl was born in the city of Yin, Hunan PRC. A mother watched her baby cry for the first time. Who would have known this day of grief would soon be replaced with a day of Joy. I guess it was God's way of helping me through. Happy Birthday Dear Genevieve. I have watched you grow from a little baby to such a big girl. Today your true personality shows through daily as you learn more and more every day.

"Hey - He's Black"

Every year Daddy goes to the girls speach program and talks about the post office and the mail. He takes in coloring books for them and helps the kids send a letter home with a cool stamp. Any way this year Daddy went to Abigail's school and I stayed home with Genevieve who was still fighting that flu. Owen went and took pictures. I was uploading them into the computer the other day and Genevieve came over too what I was doing; What you doing mommy? Loading pictures in the computer. From What? When Daddy went to Abigail's school. Hey that's my daddy. Yes it is, he has the mail bag and the stamps to give the kiddos. Hey, he's black. Yeas he is, is that a problem? No Did you just notice that? Yes, never noticed before. Is that a problem that Daddy's black? No, that's my daddy. That's not a problem. (With the stuppid look to me on her face.) And off she went. Just kinda matter of factly. He's only beedn her Daddy for 4 1/2 years, I think we hid that pretty good, HUH. LOL I guess CCAA doesn't know what they're talking about when they say the children are afraid of black people.

The mind of a 4 yr old

Me - Oh Honey that doesn't match very well. Abigail - Yes it does. The sleeves are long and the pants are long. Me - Honey it take s more than that to match, the colors don't go together. Abigail - Yes they do, they both have purple Me - But Honey the stripes don't match Abigail - Yes they do, they both go the same way Me - But Honey there's no green in your shirt like there is in your pants. I just knew I had her here.) Abigail - There's not suppose to, it's the "assent" color. I give, I'm licked, she wins. Never argue with a 4 yr old. I'm just really glad we did not have to go any where that day.

The Last of the Chinese New Year Celebrations for 2008

Well today was the last of the celebrations for this years Chinese New Year, the year of the rat. Luckily enough Abigail got to perform. She was not totally up to par, but enough to get her through. The girls sang a song called Ba Loa Bo. It's about a farmer trying to pull a radish out and all the animals and people who come to help him. Genevieve was especially fascinated with the fan dancers again this year. I really need to look into seeing if there is somewhere for her to take lessons At the end of the performances, the principal of the SBCLS gave each one of the children a red envelope with a gold dollar coin in it. How wonderful. The food was delicious as usual. I think the biggest treat for Genevieve was that her Drewsella came along. Pickle Head is still ill with the same thing Abigail has and Drewsella is going stir crazy looking at her sister cry form being ill, so we brought her along. They had a great time.

So Much for back to Normal

We spent last night at ER with Abigial. She now has an upper respitory infection. They sent her home after a couple hours with a list of things for us to watch for. if any of them occured, we were to head back to the hospital for admition. Because it's a virus there is really nothting that can be done except make her as comfortable as possible and monitor her. Of by the way Happy Valentines Day to everyone. We'll be here watching Valentine shows. So much for the parties.

Getting Back to Normal

Well life is beginning to get back to normal, if there is such a thing around here. The girls are getting better from their illness' and the celebrations are almost done with. We have a valentines party Thursday am for Abigail at her speech program and then the girls perform for Chinese New Year Saturday night. Then the last thing on the list is Genevieve's birthday at the end of the month. The taxes are almost done, the back hall is almost painted and the basement is cleaned out. All of these crazy things make me feel so much better that they are just about to end up behind me.

Chine New Year Celebration #6 and stuff

Well, life came to a screeching halt Friday evening about 5 pm. Genevieve came down with a 102 fever. We alternated Motrin and Tylenol every 3 hours. Around 1 am Abigail woke up projectile vomitting. So I alternated my time between the child who was on fire and the child who was dry heaving. DH had to be to work at 4 am. By 6 am the fever was down enough so she could sleep and the vomitting was done. I dozed for about and hour. Then we started over with the projectiles. Luckily enough the fever was done but she was still lethargic. Both girls were suppose to go to a birthday party at 2. I took Genevieve and left Abigail with her brother. He called me after an hour because her prjectiles had now reached about 4 feet. I came home called the Dr. He said to give her 2t of water every 15 - 20 minutes. If she did not urinate by 8pm or vomitted again take her to ER so they could admit her. She dehydrates just too fast. Luckily she went to the bathroom about 7pm and the water was stying down. By 9pm they were both asleep and I was on the verge of the same thing. Exhaustion was catching up to me fast. It's now Sun afternoon -4 degrees and -30 with the windchill and the lake effect snow is coming in. Abigail ate a piece of dry toast and Genevieve is dancing with the Barbie. But, to say the least we have now missed the Chinese New Year Parade again. Oh Well, Maybe in 2009. We have only been trying to go since 2001. At this rate I may be in a wheelchair before we get to go. They weather is so bad they even canceled our church services at Monson I put on a crock full of stuffed cabbage and will make homemade mashed potatoes for a very good comfort meal. Next weekend is the girls performance. This will be the last the celebrations for the year of the rat.

Celebration #5 for the Chinese New year

Tonight we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant, New China. The owners translated letters I sent to China before we brought Abigail home, they helped me understand her when she would have a meltdown because I just 'did not get it". They have always treated my kiddos as if they are their own. They are going to have another baby in April. The little one I'm holding will be a year old in May. Oh my gosh it was so nice holding that happy baby. She's such a chunky thing. The little boy turned 2 in Dec. It's so hard to believe he and Abigial are 2 yrs apart, they are almost the same height and I'm pretty certain they weigh the same thing. What a great evening as pickle head and Drewsella joined us. The girls love to have dinner with them. It's like their own world. That's what the new year is about, being with friends and family.

Celebration #4 for the Chinese New Year

Today was Our celebration with Abigail's class. We ate noodles, dumplings, fried rice, egg rolls, almond cookies and oranges. I read "My First Chinese New Year' By Karen Katz and " 7 Chinese Sisters" by Grace Lin. (Thanks to my March Moonbeams sister for the awesome book) The children loved the books. Owen showed the children how to use a traditional Chinese Yo Yo and a shuttle cock. They were totally mezmorized. Our crafts consisted of making dragons, red envelopes, chinese flags, luck necklaces, and lanterns. The children had a wonderful time. I keep waiting for my girls to say "OK Mom enough is enough, this is allot of partying". But honestly I think they are loving every minute of it. They get to dress up in their favorite Chinese outfits, and sing their songs.

party #3 for the Chinese New Year

This is party #3 for Chinese New Year. This consisted of family coming over Tonight (Wed) for dinner. All of the kids and my MIL. It was really great watching my DIL with My son's daughterl. She has ALWAYS accepted the kids as if they were her own, it's obvious my grandaughter loves her very much. FYI The grandaughter pictured is my heart string. My son says she and I are a great deal alike in our mannerisms and behaviors. I tell him that he deserves for someone to give him a run for a money like he did me. That's my baby. We had spaghetti, corn, garlic bread and catfish. Not typically Chinese but Ooooh Sooo Good. The girls are whipped after all that partying today Stay tuned for the next party tomorrow at Abigail's school. Chicago on Sun for the parade in China Town

Party #2

This morning was party #2 for Chinese New Year. We went to Genevieve's old class where she was in public speech. I had made arrangements with the teacher back in Nov for it. The kids really had a grea time. We did 5 craft items and ate noodles, rice, egg drop soup, egg rolls, oranges and almond cookies. Picklehead joins in on all of the great festivities. She had a blast playing with all the big kids.

OK everyone with a daughter, print this off

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor. NAME_____________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH_____________ HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________ SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________ DRIVERS LICENSE #________________ BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS_______________________ CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______ Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ACCESSORIES SECTION: A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No C. A waterbed? __Yes __No D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No E. A tattoo? __Yes __No F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, pierced __Yes __No tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring? (IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.) ESSAY SECTION: In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ REFERENCES SECTION: Church you attend ___________________________________________________ How often you attend ________________________________________________ When would be the best time to interview your: father? _____________ mother? _____________ pastor? _____________ SHORT-ANSWER SECTION: Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential. A: If I were shot, the last place I would want to be shot would be: ______________________________________________________________ B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: ______________________________________________________________ C: A woman's place is in the: ______________________________________________________________ D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________________________________________________________ E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is: ______________________________________________________________ F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________ I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE. _________________________________________________________ Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!) _______________________________ ________________________________ Mother's Signature Father's Signature _______________________________ ________________________________ Pastor/Priest/Rabbi State _______________________________ Representative/Congressman Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow four to six years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back) To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating. Daddy's Rules for Dating Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) : Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up. Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them. Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist. Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you. Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.' Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry. Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car? Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better. Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me. Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

First party for CNY 2008

Today was the first of the Chinese New Year Parties for 2008. Today we met with other Michiana adoptive families at Grand Empire restaurant. There were crafts, kids, and good food for all.

Please say aprayer for the girls orphanges

Here is a link to see the updates on our girls orphanages. Please pray for the kids there they are in need of so much http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php for Half The SkyÂ

The best $40.00 I've ever spent

Our Meeko needed a hair cut DESPERATELY. Being a Lhasa Apso his grows long and fast. With the snow as deep as it is around here and the fact he is built low to the ground we have problems. His groomer charges $40.00 per session, and we need to get him cut about every 5-6 weeks. The cash flow was just not here right now,so after listening to everone say you can do it, give it a try, it's just dog hair, I cut his hair. Well after $50.00 for clippers, 3 1/2 hours, one head ache, one back ache, a full sweeper bag and a dog that just shakes when he sees me coming for now. I cut his hair. I will NEVER, I repeat, NEVER do that again. His hair is too fine and the clippers did not work. I had to use scissors. My groomer is a Saint right now. But all in all, he is all ready for Chinese New Year with a new Bandana and a hair cut. Meeko even decided to clean the Twylla up for Chineses New Year.

Out of the mouths of 4 year olds

About a week and a half ago I was heading downstairs to do laundry. Abigail began to follow and I told her to wait at the top of the steps I wouldn't be long. Well, she sat very quietly for the 4 minutes it took me to gather the laundry in the basket, start the next load, and then come up stairs. The reason she was so quiet???? She was peeling the wallpaper off of the wall. GRRRRRR. So we have stripped all the wallpaper and are getting ready to paint. Because we live in an OLD house some of the plaster came off of the wall with the paper. Today I was doing all the patch work so tomorrow it can get painted. There was about a 9" X 9" patch that needed serious attention. Genevieve asked who broke the wall. I told her "no one broke it, it just fell apart." "Why did it fall apart?" she asks. "Because it's old". is my response. She leaves. I get done about 15 minutes later and take the stuff to the tub to clean up and she's sitting in the hallway on the steps crying. Ask her why she's crying? She tells me, "because you are falling apart". I get the stupid look on my face ask her what she means. She then tells me that I said things that are old fall apart. OK, now we all know what happens when we get old. This from the mouth of a 4 year old. Do we really want to get old?