Saturday, May 12, 2007

Mothers

Now that I'm a mother I am figuring out what my mom was talking about all those years.....

Mom, you were right when you said.....

...You will wish you'd never stopped taking piano lessons.
...As a mom, you give you family 110%.
...You never stop being a parent.
...Even when your friends let you down, you always have family - keep that bond strong.
...It's hard to watch your kids hurt.
...There is enough love in a mom for more than one child.
...Mom's don't enjoy spanking!! :)
...Mom's aren't making you be a slave - they are just helping to teach you responsibility.
...I would wish I had cooked more than Hamburger Helper on my cooking night!!
...Be thankful when all the neighbor kids come to your house to play - at least your kids are home.
...Let the little things go - don't dwell on them.
...Shop for sales!! Don't buy it at full price!!
...When you are tempted to worry, ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen?"
...Clip coupons - they do help!
...Enjoy your kids - they grow too fast!
...When you are tempted to think it all looks too overwhelming, take it one day at a time.
...Enjoy every moment with your little ones ~ I saw that in you as you stayed home with us everyday ~ not sure I ever said Thanks for that!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thanks for all you taught me and still continue to teach me. I only hope my kids look back on me like I look back on my time with you. I love you.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday


We have gotten together a few times now with our new friend, Caeleigh. Ok, I'll admit, they are 2 and they don't really "play" together when they are together but this was a rare moment - a tea party!!! (For those of you that don't remember, our pastor and his wife just brought Caeleigh home from China about one month ago!) We can't wait to watch them get to be even better friends!!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Got Gas???


You all are gonna thank me for this........

Go Here to find the lowest gas prices in your area.

Told ya, you would thank me!!

Too Much Dora

We are getting ready to leave and I hear our precocious two year old singing, "Come on Vamanos, Everybody let's go, Come on let's get to it, I know that we can do it!! Where are we going? *Clap, clap, clap* The Grocery Store!! Where are we going? *Clap, clap, clap* The Grocery Store!!!" Then she yells, "Everybody sing with me!!" We look at each other and chuckle!! Hmmm, can you say, "Too Much Dora?!?!?"

Sunday, May 06, 2007

What in the World??

Joe read this to me tonight - to be honest, it makes me mad, but it scares me too - what is this world coming to???? The scariest quote from the article??

The effect on the planet of having one child less is an order of magnitude greater than all these other things we might do, such as switching off lights.

It makes me think of China - how long will it be before they restrict how many children we can have??? And for us it will be all in the name of the environment - I love the Earth, all that God put in it, I do want to take care of it, but I think that above all of that, God cherishes MORE the lives of the people on the earth - I can't speak for Him, but Wow - I must think this makes Him sad.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

She's One Year Old!!!!

One Year Ago Today - I had my first post. Here we are today - 293 posts later ~ Some days more interesting than others!!! Thanks for reading AND commenting - that makes my day!!

Friday, May 04, 2007

My Momma's Purse

I saw this on another blog and thought, "I've got to do it!!" It's earth-shattering, look out!! Yep, I must have hit an all-time blogging lull!! Something you've all ALWAYS wanted to know!! So here it is - my purse and it's contents!! (Oh yes, the best part??? When my boys said, "Why are you taking pictures of your purse?" I responded, "For the blog, of course!!!" THAT was worth every minute of this post!!!!)

My favorite invention ever - the KEY HOLDER!! The hand cleaner, Palm - CAN'T be without my calendar!!, Cell Phone, Clinique face powder (because a girl shouldn't glisten!!), Orbit - sweet mint (my favorite gum), and mints.....

The wallet and checkbook - now we can't leave home without them, can we?!?

Alright - here's where it gets messy - a girl's got to have options SO we've got gloss with mint (thanks to Sara!!), shimmer gloss with color, plain old chap stick and three Clinique favorites - plumper (yes, Stef, I wasn't kidding!!), my favorite gloss that you CAN'T buy anymore, and lipstick with moisturizer. Hmmm, now which one should I use?!?!?
Ibuprofen and Pepcid (we won't go there), Handcream, Contact re-wetting drops, and a trial size of Happy perfume - just in case I don't smell as well as I'd hoped!!
And lastly, the "bottom contents" - two first-aid necessities - band aids, a notepad for when I'm in the bookstore and have to write down titles for the library, two crayons to keep Chloe occupied in restaurants, shot records for the kids (I mean really, you all have those in your purse too, right?!?!), a CLEAN Kleenex - it's really NOT used, I promise, and three gum wrappers - good thing I did this - I needed to clean out my purse!! OK - now it's everyone else's turn!!! Let's see what's in your purses!!! (Oh, and steal my graphic if you want to play along!!!)

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday

One of my recent favorites!! Except poor Aaron can't stand that bright sun!!!

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Our Grandma's Having A Birthday


We had all these pictures of Grandma and we HAD to post them!!! So we built a collage and want to say, "Have a Great Birthday - and eat LOTS of frosting for us!!! We love you Grandma!!"

(as usual - if you want to see it larger, just double click!)

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Micah Turns 12

I can not honestly believe that I have a 12 year old - but on April 30 - just 12 short years ago - we began our venture of having children!! Our little Micah decided it was time to make his appearance VERY early in the morning and at 5 am my water broke and we were on our way!! We went into the hospital and just a few short (choke, choke) hours later - with my whole family and Joe's mom present (yes, he came quickly once things got going!!) he was born. It has been an adventure - yes, often, I wonder what God was thinking to give me all of these boys, but I am learning and I LOVE BOYS!!!!! What a blessing our Micah has been, and continues to be, he is tender and caring AND loves his little sister and brothers - sometimes I wonder what I would do without him ~ he is a great helper and a wonderful big brother. I see his tender spirit often and he is developing such a love for God - what a blessing - we couldn't ask for more. Happy Birthday my firstborn, I love you.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday

Sorry for the lack of posts this week - once again, I have been gone - only three days this time, but yes, for the library AGAIN!! I had to speak at this conference so it wasn't nearly as much fun - how can you have fun when you're nervous?!?!? But, it's home tomorrow so I'll be back to visit all my favorite blogs!!! Anyway - here's Favorite Photo Friday!!
Can you tell it was windy?!?!?! That doesn't steal our fun at the park though!!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Save the Earth!

I'll be a good doobie and post an Earth Day post ~

I'm all for taking care of the Earth, in fact here are some of the things we do at our house:

~Changed our light bulbs to the squiggly more-efficient ones
~Buy energy-efficient appliances when we purchase new ones
~Turn off lights when not in use
~Recycle
~Turn our computers on Power-Save Mode
~Adjust our thermostat down a few degrees

All good things and I'm all for it - hey, it saves me a buck or two as well. BUT there are times when I just say NO - LIKE:

~Saving the whales - NOPE, but I'll jump on the bandwagon for saving unborn babies!!!
~Or THIS from Sheryl Crow - you've got to be kidding - I think she just "stepped over the line"!!! Sorry- although I teach my kids to try to use less toilet paper, I REFUSE to go to ONE SQUARE!!! OK, to be honest, that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard ~ or maybe she's just got a smaller derriere than mine!!!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Shout Outs

In case you've missed these BIG DEALS in Bloggerland - here goes:

Monique and Jamey (our friends) have a referral!!!!

Jaden's got a Mommy and Daddy!!!! (another friend!!)

Where do I buy all of Chloe's Hairbows??? HERE!!! (And now that she's online - look out!!!)

Mr. Brian started a new job - go cheer him on!!!

The Blog Fairy is hard at work - for a "new look" - stop here.
I read this today - it lays it all out there nicely - explains why China adoptions are where they are in the whole process.
Oh yes, and miracle of miracles, my sister and her husband updated their blog - wonders never cease!!!

Saturday, April 21, 2007

My First Award in Bloggerland

Well - blow me away - I won my first award in Bloggerville. Monkey Giggles nominated me for the Thinking Blogger Award. I love to blog, mainly for family and friends that like to get a small glimpse into our life. But it has become for me such a fun outlet. Not only do I love to read my comments everyday, but I can't wait to go blogging during Chloe's nap - now that she doesn't nap when am I EVER going to blog?!?!?! :) So, I was honored that someone even classified me as a "thinking" blogger!!! Most of my posts do not merit such a name!! More like - bored mother plastering her family all over her blog!!! It's a joke in our house - "Don't let her take your picture - it will end up on the blog!!!" Deep down I think they love it - see how famous they are?!?! So, thank you Monkey Giggles - now I must nominate 5 bloggers that make me think. (And I hate to nomiate people because that always leaves others out - so PLEASE do not be offended if I don't list you. I am puposefully NOT listing any of our travelling buddies - that would be TOO HARD!!)

Always in My Heart....
Catching Butterflies....
Raising Five....
Three Dumplings....
Peace in the Pandemonium....

And many more.....

Now, if you are nominated - you must nominate 5 more bloggers and make a post on your blog with a link back to this one. (All the rules, huh?!?!) Hey, and the best part, you can steal the Thinking Blogger Award for your blog too!!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday

This is one of those blackmail photos that will haunt Caleb someday - but it makes me smile and I wanted to share it. Not sure what was actually happening here, but we have a combination of football helmets and fancy scarves - hmmmm.....

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Sharing with Searching

Joe told me about this search engine - Goodsearch - when you go there, you can choose a charity to donate to and each search earns that charity a penny - just imagine if we used GoodSearch instead of say, Google - how much money we could give to worthy charities!! (Bethany Christian Services is one of the options even - for those of you that support adoption!)So - I switched my search engine - you can easy do that by downloading their browser to add right to your search page. Go check it out and tell your friends!!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Sand Castles

Ok, I did a LITTLE bit of shopping in Portland and I brought back these sandals for Chloe. We, of course, had to wear them today - since it is nice outside!!! So, we put them on and went to get Dad for lunch - when we got there - Chloe very proudly said, "Hey Daddy, look at my Sand Castles!!" Hmmm, guess this girl needs to learn her shoe names!!!

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig!

Here I am - safe and sound at home - that is amazing - I was all the way across the U.S. and now I am home. Nothing too exciting on the trip - thankfully no more loose handles, etc. I tried to act like a seasoned traveller - hope I fooled them all!!! My favorite part?? When I came down the escalator into sight of my family - Chloe looked up and took off at full speed running to me yelling, "Mommy, Mommy!!" She nearly knocked me over but who's complaining?!?! It was so cute and left Daddy in tears - quite the moment - I love my family - what blessings!!

Here is the ham - hammin' it up!! I got this crazy hat to use in Story Hour and look who's claimed it already???!? Of course one has to get the camera out for moments such as these - it's all memories!!!!!

Friday, April 13, 2007

The Travel Queen

Here I am - it may look like I'm in my hometown with all those TULIPS, but NO, take a second look - I am in Portland still. The gal I am traveling with,Sonia, just thought I needed my picture taken by these TULIPS that are not even from my home!!! (Since we live in Tulip land!!)

We had a day - we had meetings all morning and then decided to venture out on our own again. To all who know either of us - that is a surprise that they even let us out without GPS units attached to us, but yes, we may only be in Portland once so we go out venturing. Today's venture - the Chinese Gardens!! So we get on this tram/bus thing and off we go - we just listen for our stop - hey, we are good!!! The gardens were gorgeous - I am SO glad we took the time (and BRAVERY) to go. It was on the way back though that our traveling courage was tested - we already STICK OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB around here - everyone takes one look at us and KNOWS we hail from Iowa!!! We get on the train and grab a hold and get ready for the jolt we know happens at every stop and start (see, we are getting seasoned, aren't we?!?!). Sonia, she's smart, she grabs the iron pole, Me - I grab the leather handle hanging from the ceiling - I've seen people do it, I figure I can do it too. I am holding on for dear life as we are jolting forward and my strap breaks - I AM NOT KIDDING - totally comes right off the pole and I am just praying I don't land on the floor OR in the bum's lap next to me!! Thankfully, I find another pole to grab onto - I AM NOT KIDDING AGAIN - people are laughing from three train cars in either direction and one lady looks at me and says, "You will have to pay for that - See that camera?? You were being taped." I was dumbfounded - I thought - You have got to be kidding!!! Then, thankfully, she busts out laughing. I am SURE I was three shades of red - needless to say - we got off at the next stop - nope it wasn't even our stop, but we were getting out of there!!! Enough free entertainment for the people of Portland!! Hmmm, I'm thinking tonight it's room service and it's a good thing we're leaving soon - Portland can't handle too much more of us and I doubt we'd ever leave our room again anyway!!!!

See you all in SAFE Iowa!!!! (If our city even talks about putting in a tram thing, I will have a word with the city - those are DEFINITELY NOT SAFE for travel!!!)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday

Well - here I am - still in Portland - still missing my family - and STILL in meetings!!! They are good though - can't complain - the ONLY thing I can complain about - it has rained EVERY DAY so I can't even get out and take some fun photos for my blog!!! Maybe soon it will stop - but it better hurry - I only have a few more days!!

So -here's a photo from Easter - nothing I love more than Daddy time - so sweet!!!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Not Home

Well - in case you had missed my presence in bloggerland - I am in Portland at a library meeting - or that's what they'll tell you anyway - shhhh, don't tell that they have GREAT shopping here!!! (Just kidding Joe!!!) So - I haven't been able to post regularly nor do I have any great pictures to share - so I'll share an old one with you until I can get out and take some photos around Portland - it is beautiful here - everything is blooming - which, from what I've heard, is MUCH nicer than my hometown at the moment!!! Did someone say SNOW and I'm missing it?!?!?

So - I'll be here for a few more days and then I'm back again - but now that my internet is working, whew, I feel better already!!!! :)


I saw another blogger that had done this and I loved it - it's Chloe on Gotcha Day holding her referral pictures!! Is that even the same little girl????

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Happy Easter


We have had a wonderful Easter as a family - from coloring eggs to celebrating Christ's Resurrection with our church family to our annual Easter Egg Hunt to just relaxing with our family!! We have a God that is so worthy of being served ~ How blessed we are!!!

(As usual - if you want to enlarge the picture - just double click.)


Thursday, April 05, 2007

Almost Gotcha Day

Well, I'm really a day early because two years ago we had one more day of sight seeing before we got our Chloe but I can't stand it a minute longer (AND I have something more fun for Gotcha Day) so today I will post some Gotcha Day photos!!!







Yep - that's our long-awaited little one - she wanted NOTHING to do with us!!!! (In case our travel group has forgotten ~ remember those long days of screaming!!!)

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

2 Years Ago - on THE WALL!!

Wow - 2 years ago we were climbing the wall and although I was out of breath and wondering what shape I was really in - I do remember thinking, "I can't believe we are REALLY here!!"

And, while you're in China - there's nothing like a good Rickshaw ride!!! I honestly don't think we paid our driver enough - poor guy!!

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

2 Years Ago Today.....

Here's where we were two years ago today....


That's our hotel in Beijing.....

AND the Beijing Airport at Night....
And would we like to be there again?? You bet!! We were on a mission to get our Chloe!! We're coming up on our 2nd Gotcha Day ~ stay tuned!!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Bit of Nature

Coming home last night from Grandpa and Grandma's we came upon this bit of nature - Joe willingly pulled over and I jumped out to capture it - good thing we did it when we did - not five minutes later - Mr. Sun was long gone!!!
It's hard to tell on here how beautiful it was but Chloe was sure someone "painted" the sky!!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Weekend Family Fun

In case you missed us - we've been gone - we went to Grandpa and Grandma's this weekend because Uncle Eric, Aunt Neese, Cory and Emma were there!!! We wouldn't miss an opportunity like that to invade their normally-quiet and calm home!!! We don't get to see my sister and her husband very often so this was a real treat - we had a great time. It is so much fun to see the cousins all together ~ the time just goes way too quickly!! (Look - Grandpa and Grandma are still smiling!!!)
When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don't go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
~Deuteronomy 24:19

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