What are we Doing??

Yes - I ask myself this often - where does the time go and why do I have NO time to blog anymore!?? So - I thought I'd post this picture to show you where some of my time is spent - like today - work, then run all three boys to piano lessons for an hour and a half, go back and pick them up, run Micah to drum lessons about 20 minutes away - there you have it - this mom doesn't sit much!!!

We did have a fun weekend - this past Saturday our two oldest were involved in a piano duet concert. Just picture it - 6 grand pianos, 2 children to each piano, one conductor - SO much beautiful music and SO much fun!! We just love this fun day - and just one picture to share - the two boys with their piano teacher - she is a wonderful lady that our kids love for their teacher!

Favorite Photo Friday

We had family pictures done this week - we were SO thrilled with our pictures - we will NEVER be able to decide!!! Here is one of Chloe!And to put a "plug" in for our favorite photographer - go HERE to see her work! She is truly wonderful!!

Adoption Books on our Shelf

I saw others doing this and thought I'd do the same. I am listing all of the children's adoption books on our bookshelf!! Because I am a book-aholic - it will be a bit embarrassing, but if it helps others then I'll forgo my humility here and "tell it like it is"!!!!
(As usual - if you click on a book through my blog - the proceeds will go toward our next adoption.) AND - if you see I am missing something here - PLEASE leave a comment - I'd love to update this list as I can. (I am heavy on the China adoption books, but that is our interest over here!!)

Another book we love but is not available through Amazon is

Letter of Love from China by Bonnie Cuzzolino - you can order it directly by clicking on the title.

Favorite Photo Friday

Goodness gracious - can it really be 9 pm on a Friday and I haven't posted Favorite Photo Friday??? Thank you, Mr. Brian for reminding me - where does the day go?!?!

So here you are - while I was gone last week - here is what Grandma caught on film:

Yep - early Christmas and our house isn't quite anymore - like it ever was!!!! Micah is our new drummer!

And here's the newest gymnast in our house - she amazes us with her agility and strength - it is fun to watch her improve each week.

Smile Moms!!!

If this doesn't make you smile - I don't know what will!!!

More Adoption Books

Here are some more wonderful adoption book links - this is a great blog - Paper Tigers - with lots of asian ideas......

Oh - and if you'd like to be entered in a drawing for one of my favorite authors - Grace Lin - then go HERE and enter!!! She has agreed to giveaway a signed copy of her wonderful book, Lissy's Friends AND the Lissy Doll!!

Favorite Photo Friday

I have been gone this whole week - another library conference - so my Dad and Mom have helped Joe with the kids. I should have a bunch of new pictures for next week!! But, for this week, you get a favorite from Pumpkinland again!! All 4 of my boys!!

Pumpkinland

It's our annual trip to Pumpkinland!!! It didn't feel like fall - VERY HOT - but we still had fun!!






The men mastered the corn maze........




and the girls looked pretty by the flowers!

Favorite Photo Friday

You know, when I started this "Favorite Photo Friday", I thought it was such a great idea, but some Fridays I just have no great photos to share. This is one of them!! So - in an attempt to find one, this is the bottom of the barrel!!! (But to a Mom - it's kind of sweet!)

Free Raleigh, NC Getaway

Yep - you got it - I'm sitting over here blogging and I see this great getaway - just couldn't let it go unnoticed and, in my generosity, I am sharing it with all of you too! It is this FREE Raleigh Getaway - I'm not kidding - you need to go enter!! The getaway includes:

-One night accommodations for two at the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley

-$25 gift certificate to Bloomsbury Bistro

-Free VIP admission for two to Rum Runners

-2 tickets to the North Carolina Theatre

-2 tickets to the N.C. Museum of Art’s Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism

-2 tickets to Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences

I don't know much about Raleigh, but after looking at fun things like this Mamma Mia! I am ready to go!!! I am thinking it looks like a great vacation spot - AND especially in the fall. And, who couldn't use a vacation this time of year?!?!? I am thinking this sounds like the perfect fall getaway. You can thank me for sharing it with you - and if you win - I, at least, expect a postcard!! So NOW let's all pack our suitcases and head to Raleigh!!

Birthday Boy!!

Today is someone's birthday - let's play a game and figure out who it is:

1 - He is in the double digits.

2 - He likes Chinese food.

3 - He was born in Michigan.

4 - He thinks he's much younger than he really is!!!

5 - He is the biggest Bilby Boy (so far)!

6 - He is a great Daddy!!

7 - He is NOT 40 YET!!!!

Yep - Happy Birthday Daddy!!! We hope you have a great birthday!!