Young Party of Five

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

2011-12-21T21:11:00.000-06:00

October and November

2011-12-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

Josh and AC

Ana Claire turned 8 at the end of November.

AC and Clay

Craft Gift Exchange

2011-11-19T18:58:00.001-06:00

I have been inspired by several crafting blogs to create some different things to decorate our home for the holidays. One blog I love is Craftaholics Anonymous. I have recently participated in a handmade craft gift exchange over at Linda's blog. I made this wreath for my gift exchange partner. I hope she likes it.

BOO! Did I Scare You?

2011-11-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! It's been a long time. I needed to step away and focus on our family. I have missed blogging! I hope to catch up on some posts and some of my blog friends.

AC is in the second grade. Time flies. She was a zebra for Halloween.

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-28T12:45:00.001-05:00

Josh and AC

Jax and AC ready to hunt eggs.

Rare photo of me with the boys. I had heels on, so I was as tall as they were. LOL They normally stand over me. I cannot believe how quickly they have grown into young men.

Counting the eggs

Clay and AC

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T04:25:00.000-05:00

Silly String Fun

2011-04-11T18:34:00.001-05:00

And the winner is....

2011-04-04T19:28:00.002-05:00

And the winner is....

Denna.

Congratulations!

Thank you for playing. Denna, I will be sending you an email to get your mailing address.

A Give Away

2011-03-30T13:20:00.000-05:00

Picture above is how it will be shipped to the winner.

Below gives a description of what is in the basket.

To enter the GIVE AWAY

please leave a comment with your contact information

become a follower

and if you want your name added twice add this to your blog. If you do this please let me know so I can add your name a second time.

We will draw for a winner Monday evening, April 4th.

Good Luck!

A couple of months ago I started selling Avon for a few reasons. One, because I love the products, and secondly to have a little fun money for the kids. Right after AC's fifth birthday after many tests and dr appts she was diagnosed with CPP. If you would like more information on this condition please email me. The endocrinolgist has told me it is very common in internationally adopted children, but I haven't found anyone else really to talk to. Anyway, after exhausting our options to treat her, we were left with one option, an implant. She has an implant in her arm that has to be removed and replaced every twelve months. We have been told she will have to do this until she is 11. She is 7 now so we have a few years to go. She will have to have it replaced next month. Our insurance isn't the best in the world and we have to pay a pretty hefty copay before the home health pharmacy will even mail the implant to the dr. Ugh. So this is my small way of trying to help our family.

Anyway......

Have you looked at Avon lately? If you haven't you need to. I have a website that you can shop from. You can click here to visit my site and look around. Avon offers clothing, jewelry, shoes, products for your home as well as makeup and skin care. If you see something you would like to try, but would like to try a sample first, please email me and I will be happy to send you a sample if it is available for that product. You don't have to live in the same state as I do. I will be happy to mail it to you. ;)

Spring Break 2011 Warning lots of pictures

2011-03-30T11:06:00.001-05:00

During Spring break Tom and Clay traveled to North AL to Insanity Skate Park. By the look on Clay's face, he had a GREAT time. Clay knows no fear.

Tom told me this was a 12' drop.

AC and I went to Oak Mountain with friends. We visited the petting farm. There were several baby goats. We also had a picnic and rode the paddle boats.

A Give Away

2011-03-10T23:03:00.000-06:00

If you would like a chance to win one of these Chinese New Year Rabbits, go here . They are really cute.

Celebrating our SIX years with our Hunan Princess

2011-02-03T11:48:00.002-06:00

AC and KL

We went to the country to visit the family we traveled with to China.

On the way, we had to stop and visit with Sonya and KL.

AC loved visiting with girls and feeding the horses. It is always so peaceful there.

They tried their clothes on they wore on their "Gotcha Day". I don't think they will fit into them next year. This year brought alot of questions from the girls. They are insistant that they are related... sisters, cousins or something since they come from the same orphanage. We explained to them we didn't have all the answers to some of their questions, but if that is how they wanted to write their story of their time in China that was fine with us. AC's questions gave me alot to think about and I know I need to finish her lifebook.

Below are some photos from our time in China. Its amazing to see how much the girls have grown and changed.

We called the doorman, "The Mad Hatter".

We were amazed that she could actually feed herself with chopsticks.

When we returned to our hotel from the Civil Affairs office, she passed out and slept for a few hours. I guess this was a way of her coping with all the changes.

We love you baby girl!

Clay an AC

Catching up the end of 2010

2011-01-10T17:14:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We did despite our house was full of illness. Everyone was sick at some point with the exception of Josh. He was the lucky one. Thank goodness. I unfortunately was the one that it hit the hardest. I hope I don't get sick again for a very long time. Having to rest did allow AC and I alot of quality time to read. She loves to read. I love listening to her read. She reads with such expression.

We brought in the new year quietly at home playing games. She really loves playing Yatzee and Hedbanz right now. Playing Yatzee has helped her with her multiplication while adding her dice. The boys even humored her and played with her a few times.

Praying for a great year in 2011!

Birthday Memories

2011-01-06T16:03:00.000-06:00

Turning 7

Turning Six

Turning Five

Turning Four

Turning Three

Turning Two

Celebrating her First Birthday after we returned home.

Where Does the Time Go She Lost Tooth #2

2010-11-19T10:37:00.000-06:00

With a blink of an eye my baby girl has blossomed into a beautiful, sassy spice girl. She just lost her second tooth. She will be turning 7 at the end of the month. So hard for me to believe. I wish I could turn back time....just for a little while.

Helping Others

2010-11-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

I love my baby girl and I am so thankful to have her in my arms.

Over the last few years since AC has been home she has asked for a baby sister. Her Daddy says our family is complete. So AC and I have to love on our friends babies. Over the last few years we have had the privilege to sponsor children from China waiting for their families to bring them home.

I have recently donated a couple outfits here to help to dear sweet Mothers working hard to bring their little ones home. I would love to meet Robin, and AC and I have had the privilege to meet Daleea and her two peeps. If you click on their names you can read about their little ones.

Please take a minute to visit here. Several items have been donated. Great time to start your Christmas shopping. I also have a few things here for sell and another way to help Robin bring Liliana home.

November is National Adoption Month.

Maybe you have thought how you may help other families or orphans waiting. Now is your chance. You can click on the links above bid and shop. ;)

If you look over on the sidebar I have adoption magnets for sale, if you would like to bring awareness to adoption you can purchase a magnet.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T23:30:00.001-05:00

Earlier in the afternoon we visited with some friends.

Later in the evening we went on a hayride with some of our neighbors and saw a few crazy things.

I think we all had alot of fun.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-31T22:21:00.002-05:00

Check it out

2010-10-22T09:21:00.001-05:00

If you have a minute sneak over here and check out all the new goodies. Be sure to scroll down since there have been several things post. Also check out the Accessories link on top.

Many Faces of AC

2010-10-16T22:50:00.000-05:00

A Cool Treat with Good Friends

2010-09-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

AC ready to go meet her friends.

We met HG, SH and their mom to eat a cool treat.

To say that AC loves these two girls is an understatement.

She loves playing with them any chance she gets.

Notice they are all on their toes.

I think they were trying to be tall.

We cant wait to meet and play again!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Star Student

2010-09-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

We had a star student in our house last week.

It is still hard to believe she is in the first grade. We are still adjusting. She has her moments. We have had our share of tears, but it is slowly getting better.

If you are interested in Halloween clothing you may want to look here .

I had to put sewing on the back burner last year for many reasons, but I have pulled it all back out and having fun making her some new things. ;)

A Must Read and a few interesting videos

2010-08-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

If your little one is asking questions about their Chinese birth family, I highly recommend this book. It is an emotional book to read, but it gave me a better understanding of my daughter's culture and a window into the world of the mother's that gave up their children. I purchased mine from Amazon. AC has already started asking questions. I think this is a great book to share with her as she gets older and can understand all the details of adoption. Right now she is happy with the information we have given her.

I started looking on the Internet for adoption stories and ran across this video of an adult Korean adoptee sharing her story and struggles. I cried as I watched the video. Listening to the things that she struggled with as a child and into her adulthood is heart wrenching. It shows her going back to Korea to find her family. Her adoptive parents go with her on a second trip.

There is a follow up to it you can see a clip of it here.

Also on APT tonight there is a story about an 8 year old girl adopted from China. You can learn more about it here.

Saying Goodbye to a very SPECIAL Lady

2010-08-31T21:00:00.038-05:00

MeMe in FL

Tom, his Mom and MeMe

Tom's grandmother passed away this week. She was 94 years old. She was one of the most nurturing, caring people I know. Can you imagine all the things she saw in her lifetime? I loved listening to her stories she would tell about Tom. Until she fell ill a few years ago, she always made Tom his favorite chocolate chip cookies when we visited. She lived life to the fullest and didn't take a day for granted. So many great memories we have of her. She will be greatly missed.

Two Milestones in Two Days

2010-08-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

Ana Claire met her new teacher for first grade. She was very excited that she has Mrs. Gould.

Yesterday Ana Claire lost her first tooth. She was a little upset that she lost it the day before her first day of school, We assured her there would be other kids in her class that had missing teeth too.

AC is dressed and ready to go to first grade.

She was very excited this morning. Today is actually her first day of school. I homeschooled her for kindergarten. So today is a big day for her and myself. Sniff sniff.

Here is Clay.

He is a sophmore this year.

He looks more like his dad everyday! I can't believe he will turn 16 soon.

Both ready to tackle their first day of school.

Oh, How I love this girl...

2010-07-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

She takes my breath away.

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The summer is winding down quickly. School will start in a couple of weeks. It is so hard to believe. What is more unbelievable to me is that our little Peanut will be going to first grade. She seems to be very excited. We went shopping for a backpack this weekend. She picked one out all by herself.

We have been velcroed together for almost five years now. Not sure what I will do with myself. Everyone keeps telling me I will figure it out. LOL I know I will. I do have several projects around here I would like to finish. I have also promised myself I am going to exercise more and get into better shape. I hope I can keep my promise to myself.

A Gift from New Day

2010-07-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

We received a special gift in the mail the other day from New Day Foster Home.

The children at New Day have painted the beautiful cards above. If you are interested in sponsoring a little one click on the link above and see all of their beautiful children. I bet you will find one that will tug at your heartstrings.

This is Aurora, the little one we sponsor. Isn't she precious? In the envelope was a special gift from her. We received a painting of her little hand prints. What a special little gift. When a family comes forward to adopt her I would love to be able to give this to her mommy.

Happy Fourth Flashback!

2010-07-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

2005

2006

2007

2008

I found a few photos of AC celebrating the fourth from the past.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy fourth! More photos to come later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!

2010-06-18T09:19:00.001-05:00

Today is is our oldest son's 19th birthday!

Josh we have watched you grow from a baby, to a toddler, to a rough, tough little boy that liked running around in cowboy boots, playing in the dirt and digging giant holes in the sand. To a teenager that liked dirt bikes and his music....now you have graduated from high school, and getting ready for college. In a blink of an eye you have turned into a handsome, tenderhearted young man.

We love you and are so proud of you and the young adult you are becoming.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA THOMAS!

WE LOVE YOU!

Visiting Tom's parents and revisiting the past

2010-06-17T19:51:00.001-05:00

Clay throwing AC in the pool.

Flashback

I can't believe how much all three have grown.

Warning: Lots of Random Beach shots

2010-06-17T07:51:00.000-05:00

Arlene, this is for you. She loves the hat.

Just a couple of shots that Clay has allowed me to take.

He grunts "Mooom" if I even point the camera at him.

I would love to take more photos of him.

AC seems to be the only one that doesn't mind having her photo taken.

Playing in the sand.

Twirling. I love watching her hair fly in the wind.

She takes my breath away.

This is a some sort of jellyfish she picked up. It isn't the kind that stings.

It looks like a plug of jelly. Kids were catching them and playing with them on the beach.

She has to sniff of everything.

Asking me if I wanted to hold it. Uh NO.

She bent it and it broke right in half.

Writing her brother's name in the sand to let him know that we miss him.

I think this is my favorite.

Deep Sea Fishing and Science Marine Center

2010-06-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

Tom and Clay went deep sea fishing and caught over fifty fish but were only allowed to keep

a few. They had a great time. They saw a giant sea turtle swimming along the side of the boat.

Clay

AC and her two friends learning about the turtles.

We learned we don't ever want to run into one of these.

In the lab.

The center is a rehabilitative home for sick or injured turtles.

Girls being silly while we were waiting for our lunch.

Then off to the beach for fun in the sun.

Mondays Fun

2010-06-14T21:02:00.001-05:00

Clay, AC, and Daddy catching a wave to body surf.

Blast from the past. I found a few photos from our family trip in 2006. I can't believe how much they have changed. I really miss Josh. He had to stay behind since he started his new job. He loves coming down here every year.

Clay went to the skate park this afternoon to try out his new board. He didn't want us to go and definitely wouldn't let me take any photos. Tomorrow Tom and Clay are going deep sea fishing and AC and I are going on an adventure with some friends.

Fun in the Sun Day 1 in NSB

2010-06-13T22:13:00.001-05:00

The beach is beautiful and the water looks GREAT! AC wore herself out today. We are getting up early and doing it again.

Can you guess where we are headed to?

2010-06-12T07:25:00.002-05:00

Graduation 2010

2010-05-28T11:25:00.008-05:00

Our family minus AC. She was running around playing.
Josh and two of his friends I have watched him grow up with.
They were headed to rehearsal.

My sister and Josh

Josh, AC and Kasie

Hanging before he has to leave for graduation.

Two very proud parents with Josh

Zac and Josh

Tom and Josh

Josh and Hunter

Josh after graduation

Josh walking in with his class.

Josh with my parents before graduation.

The pictures are in no particular order. I had a hard time getting blogger to load them.

Yesterday Josh graduated from high school. It was one of those bittersweet moments as a parent you are so happy and proud for them, but sad for yourself. You know this day will come at some point in the future, but its not fun when it creeps up on you. Some parents can't wait for their kids to get old enough to kick them out of the house, but not me. I love having them around. We were going to take family pictures before graduation, but when he put his cap and gown on, I lost it. I cried. I couldn't help myself.

Yesterday marked a day for Josh that closed a chapter of his life and opened a new exciting one. I can't wait to watch how it unfolds. He has grown into a handsome kind hearted young man right before my eyes. This kid has always kept us on our toes. LOL Right before graduation he received a phone call regarding a job he had applied for. He was told he had the job! Wonderful news. It is a great opportunity for him. We are praying that it will turn into an internship while he starts college in the fall and he is able to co-op.

Joshua Thomas Young,

we love you and we are so very proud of you.

Feeling Better

2010-05-12T17:52:00.007-05:00

I love her little toes.

Ana Claire finally got the okay from the doctor to run, jump and play. Thank goodness. We have been enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.

Ana Claire is in to hats right now. We love our new one. We found it at this etsy shop.

If you look below I posted a couple of pictures of Clay.

Clay, he is our quiet one

2010-05-12T17:45:00.003-05:00

Clay humored me this evening and let me take a few pictures of him. I can't believe he is turning into a young man right before my eyes.

Ana Claire and her hats

2010-04-30T16:10:00.005-05:00

Ana Claire is recovering from her surgery. She isn't 100% yet, but she is getting there.

Today when we checked our mail we received our package we ordered from

"The Rosey Posey".

If you are looking for a cute hat you need to click on her link above or over on my sidebar.

Thank you Arlene! Ana Claire loves all of her hats!

We're home

2010-04-28T14:54:00.004-05:00

Before

After

AC did great. We had a few tears when they took her back, but overall she did GREAT! Now to keep her calm for 10 ten days. I wonder if I can sit on her.......She has slept most of the day. Hoping for a good night.

Tomorrow

2010-04-27T12:37:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow morning AC has to be at Children's at 6:00 AM. She is scheduled for surgery at 7:00 AM. We are all feeling a little anxious today. We will be home tomorrow afternoon sometime. Afterwards she will have to be calm and no jumping around for ten days. This may not be an easy task after she feels better. Her new favorite thing to do is to jump rope.

We deeply appreciate any prayers sent her way.

This and That

2010-04-25T19:34:00.007-05:00

Eating strawberries we are growing

Nature walk

Right after I took this picture of Clay one of the limbs he had been standing on broke.

Lucky for him he has quick reflexes and grabbed onto another limb before he fell into the creek. He walked away with a few scratches.

I think the pollen has bothered Daisey Mei.

We have been trying to enjoy the spring weather we are having. Above are some random shots of nature walks and just having fun. Clay has found a few of these little snakes around the backyard. Just thinking about snakes, makes my skin crawl. LOL.

Ana Claire has had several doctor appointments over the last couple of months and will be having surgery this Wednesday morning. She is having two different procedures. The two doctors are working together so she only has to be put to sleep once. I am so thankful they are willing to do this.

Prom 2010

2010-04-25T18:35:00.005-05:00

Kasie and Josh

I can't believe Josh is a senior and will graduate from high school in a month.

Where did the time go?

Josh and one of his best buds.

Josh is always up for making everyone laugh.

Photo Session

2010-04-21T20:32:00.001-05:00

The picture below is my favorite of AC.

Recently our kids had a photo session with Jen Cowsar Photography.

You can click on her name and visit her website. I have to say her prices are very reasonable and she is very patient with the little ones.

She has turned turned her favorite hobby into a job she absolutely loves.

I have posted a few of my favorites. I am so pleased with the way they turned out. If you live in the same area as I do and are looking for someone to take your photos. Please consider her. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you Jen for the treasures I will be hanging on my walls.

Can you guess where we went?

2010-04-15T16:01:00.004-05:00

Checking into the hotel. The girls were catered to by the hotel attendants. Each getting special treats. One being a bed waiting for them in our room.
So many baby dolls.....so many choices.

Believe it or not it didn't take them long to decide.

Back at the hotel taking their babies out of their boxes. They took them for a quick stroll before their special snack, milk and cookies.

Ready for bed. Another big day.

Primping, ready to go. Back to American Girl for a special lunch.

While Sonya and I waited for our referrals, we would talk and dream about the girl trips we would go on. We recently made one of our dreams come true. We drove over to Atlanta for the weekend. I think we were just as excited as the little girls were. I was really hoping that AC would choose one of the Just Like You dolls, but when we got there she was quickly drawn to the twins. There are so many beautiful dolls to choose from. She got to choose which to twin babies she would adopt. She knew without a doubt she didn't want one of the boy baby dolls. The two girls quickly told the person helping us they both had two mean brothers at home. LOL

Ana Claire chose the chinese and hispanic baby girls.

She named them Rubi and Lola.

Now we are dreaming Chicago.... American Girl, China Town....

Little Lucy.... Please Read

2010-03-11T07:32:00.003-06:00

This little girl desperately needs our help. Please go here to learn more about her. Please share her story with anyone you know that may be able to help her.

If you know of anyone that can possibly help her please contact Robin at the link above. We can all pray for a hospital and a team of doctors to volunteer their time and expertise to correct her heart defects and for a family that wants to adopt her.

Beautiful Day

2010-03-09T10:46:00.003-06:00

We have had a couple of beautiful days here. Hoping its a glimpse of Spring around the corner.

Chinese New Year Festival

2010-02-23T11:22:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we went to the Chinese New Year Festival downtown with some of our good friends. This was the first year we have attended. It was alot of fun.

The girls had a great time making crafts, watching the acrobats, dancing and other things.

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T10:47:00.007-06:00

We had our local FCC CNY celebration last night. The kids made paper and glass bead bracelets. We got our beads from Janice. If you get a chance check out her blog and her bead shop. Part of her proceeds from selling the paper beads go to the children in need of the Philipines to purchase school items.

Ana Claire and I have had a great time making some of our own beads and trying to make some jewelry.

Snow

2010-02-13T14:37:00.002-06:00

We got snow. It is rare here, so we were very excited. We have another small chance tomorrow night. I hope we get more.

Just Playing

2010-02-11T09:01:00.004-06:00

Sitting in the chair reading

I love her eyes

I am having fun trying to figure out my new camera. I wish the boys would be cooperative and let me take some pictures of them. Hmmmm, maybe today.

Yesterday

2010-02-10T09:47:00.004-06:00

Taken sometime around my first birthday.
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Yesterday I turned a year older. Tom and the kids gave me a new camera. I can wait to figure out how to use it.

The magnets are here

2010-02-01T23:18:00.000-06:00

The magnets are here.

The magnets measure aprroximatley 5"x6-3/4 ".

The magnets are made from .30 ml outdoor quality vinyl.

The magnets are strong enough to withstand the weather to be put on your car or you can hang it on your fridge.

Thank you to the ones that pre ordered one.

If you would like one for yourself, please check out my sidebar.

The price is $6 each plus $1.50 for S/H.

Celebrating Five Years

2010-01-31T23:30:00.001-06:00

Five years ago. It was 1/31/05 in China.
Ana Claire with her referral photo.

Trying her clothes on she wore the day we first met her.

Clay, Ana Claire, and Josh

Today five years ago we were in Changsha, Hunan meeting our baby girl for the first time.

So hard to believe.

We asked Ana Claire what she would like to do to celebrate our family day. Her request was to go eat Chinese food, eat key lime pie (her favorite dessert), play games and she wanted a fish. She wanted a goldfish, but after talking to the salesperson at the pet store we ended up with a blue Beta.

We love you Ana Claire!

Be sure to look below for the winner of the key chain.

And the Winner is....

2010-01-31T23:10:00.001-06:00

BARBARA!

Congratulations! I wish I had a key ring to give everyone that entered the giveaway. If you would like to have one of your own you can visit this etsy site. Her workmanship is excellent.

Barbara, please email me to give me your mailing address.

Thank you.

Paper Beads

2010-01-26T21:18:00.005-06:00

Ana Claire beading

Taking a break to eat one of her favorite things for lunch. Can you guess what it is.....Rice.

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Ana Claire and I have found a new hobby, making paper beads. We have had alot of fun making them and now we are trying to make some jewelry for us to wear.

I found Janice here and she has a great blog. She even has an esty site.

Dont forget to look below and put your name in for the giveaway. Ana Claire will be drawing a name this Sunday 1/31.

Adoption Awareness Magnet

2010-01-25T13:55:00.002-06:00

(Above is a sample of the magnet)

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Since taking a break from sewing to home school AC, I have tried to think of a way to continue to help bring awareness to the orphans and possibly help different organizations and other adoptive families raise funds for their adoptions. My dream would be able to make a monthly donation to one of these things.

We have had the privilege to sponsor two children from New Day and watch one of them join her forever family.

When the earthquake hit Haiti my heart felt heavier. My heart was broken for the people of this country. How many orphans will come from this devastation? I want to do more, but what could I do?

One night I went to bed with this weighing heavily on my heart and mind. The next morning I woke up with this idea. I sat down and sketched out my idea. I decided to sell this magnet to help raise awareness and possibly help orphans in a small way. The magnets I have ordered are outside magnets and are strong enough to withstand the weather or you can hang it on your refrigerator if you dont want to put something on your car. The magnet measures approximately

5 x 6 3/4 in size.

If you are interested in purchasing a magnet or two, I am selling them for $6 plus $1.50 for S/H. If you order a large quantity, your shipping won't costs anymore than $5. You can email me and we will figure out the shipping before you check out through paypal. This is a great little happy for your family and friends.

I have a button on the side where you can place an order and pay through pay pal. Please add the $1 for S/H when you check out. I also have a button you can grab if you would like to put it on your blog to spread the word.

The magnets are being printed now. I should have them in a week. If you would like to preorder now please let me know.

Just a reminder if you haven't put your name in for my giveaway a couple of posts down please remember to add your name.

Celebrating our 100th day of home school

2010-01-22T08:50:00.003-06:00

Ignore the pizza sauce on the artwork. LOL She had it on her hand from lunch. She didn't want to stop to eat.

(Click on the images to enlarge)

Yesterday we had a fun day celebrating 100 days of home school. We started by checking our calendar and counting our straws by 10's. She bounced on her bouncy ball 100 times. Afterwards we started on the cake. While it was baking she counted out 100 poms and sorted by color and graphed them on a chart. She made her 100 piece of art with the poms. During the day we worked on our list. She wrote 100 words that we will be coding next week. Great way to work on handwriting. LOL She decorated the cake and worked a 100 piece puzzle. At the end of our day she wanted to do more.

If you haven't put your name in for the giveaway, be sure you look below on the previous post and please do so. Thank you and good luck.

Catch up and a GIVE AWAY!

2010-01-20T18:28:00.005-06:00

This is the item I am giving away. The above picture is the front and back of the keyring.

Below is the front. I found this on Etsy and had to have it.

Josh and his girlfriend

Ana Claire ready to go.
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I am playing catch up on my blog. I use this to journal for my family. It is also a way for our extended family to keep up with us. I can't believe that half the school year is over.

Josh is a senior this year and will graduate in May. He is looking into a few colleges close to home. He told us he wasn't ready to move out. Honestly I was glad to hear that. I am not ready to let go.

Clay is a freshman. He recently got his driver's permit. This is a scary thing. He wants to drive every time we go somewhere.

Ana Claire is in kindergarten this year. We chose to keep her home this year and home school her for many reasons. We have had a great time. Tomorrow we celebrate our 100th day of school. I have several activities planned for her. I hope to take a few photos. I have been a slacker in taking pictures lately.

Now for the GIVE AWAY. Not sure if anyone still reads my blog since I haven't posted in such a long time. If you are checking in and would like to put your name in the hat for the giveaway, please leave me a comment with your name and email address. I will let Ana Claire draw the winners name on Sunday 1/31. That also happens to be our forever family day. I can't believe that day will mark five years that she was placed in my arms.

December is busy busy (Lots of pictures)

2009-12-28T11:19:00.011-06:00

Clay

My nephew Jax

Watching Santa from a far.

Waiting with her brothers and cousins.

I couldn't believe that the three of them did this.

I can't believe how big all three are. Why do kids have to grow up so fast?

Celebrating Tom's birthday

AC and Shaylee

We had a great time spending time with family and friends. My mom, sister and myself managed to do most of our shopping together on a couple of girls nite out. We took the kids to see Santa. For the first time since Ana Claire was one she sat with Santa. Of course it did help that we waited in line with two of her cousins and her brothers for almost two hours. I was very appreciative that the boys humored me and sat with Santa so Ana Claire would talk to him.

Birthday fun

2009-12-15T21:14:00.006-06:00

Fingernails and toenails

Making bracelets as they wait their turn.

Ana Claire having her nails painted.

We love our baby girl.

Above is the cake before and after it was baked.
Below Ana Claire is mixing the batter with food coloring.

Cake after we dove into it.
The only thing she asked for was a dollhouse. She loves playing with it. It is fun listening to her play and use her imagination.

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We had a little celebration for her at home on her actual birthday and celebrated with friends later. She had alot of fun. I am not a baker by no means, but she wanted a rainbow cake. I found a recipe on line. We made one on her birthday for practice and then another to share with friends at her party.

Happy Birthday Ana Claire

2009-11-30T07:24:00.002-06:00

I can't believe our sweet baby girl turns six today. More to come on this post later as this day has just begun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANA CLAIRE!

A Very Blessed Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T07:03:00.002-06:00

Our new little dumpling we are sponsoring, Aurora.

Julia

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving shared with family. One of the things I am most thankful for is the little girl we have been sponsoring, Julia, was united with her forever family over the holiday.

If you want to take a peek, you can go here.

We have now been matched with a precious little baby girl named Aurora.

You can go here to see all the beautiful children that New Day cares for. You may find a little one you would like to sponsor.

Trick or Treat

2009-11-04T08:26:00.004-06:00

Can you guess who she was?
She loves her Minnie Mouse light up shoes. She calls them her high heels. She wants to wear them everyday.

Our Little Cheerleader

2009-10-09T08:52:00.003-05:00

Ana Claire cheered at her first football game last night. The five yr old team are cheering with an older team. They were all so cute. She won the spirit stick last night for showing the most spirit. Hmmm, looks like something she could whack her brothers with when they aggravate her.

Nature hike

2009-09-27T23:28:00.003-05:00

AC wants to stick her tongue out and be silly everytime I point the camera at her.

Here are a few of the neat things we saw.

We Love Poppy Dip

2009-09-09T10:23:00.006-05:00

First I want to apologize for the quality of the photos. Someone and I want mention any names broke my camera. I had to take the pictures above with my cell phone.

Sallee over at It's Poppy Dip made these precious dresses. She is raising money for their third adoption. I ordered one to begin with since Ana Claire decided she didn't care for dresses anymore. Well she changed her mind after she tried her first dress on.

Notice the pictures with her Bitty baby. Sallee can make a dolly dress to match your little ones dress.

Great News for Julia

2009-08-02T18:55:00.002-05:00

Our family has been blessed to sponsor this sweet little girl Julia for sometime now. At the beginning of June we were told that a family had come forward to adopt her. We were thrilled. This was an answer to my prayers. Recently Julia's mom contacted me. I have Sara to thank for this. I can't wait to follow their journey to bring this precious girl home. Thank you Sara for telling her mom about me.

A song and video that touched my heart

2009-07-28T23:42:00.001-05:00

To listen you will need to turn the music off on the bottom.

Little Fish

2009-05-18T07:15:00.003-05:00

Ana Claire and her daddy went fishing one afternoon this week. She caught two little fish. Last year she wasn't afraid to hold the fish. This year is a different story.

Guess where we went

2009-04-30T09:39:00.004-05:00

Ana Claire and I had a chance to slip away to the beach with friends. It was just what I needed. We have had alot going on the past couple of months and it was a welcomed getaway! Thank you Kim for taking me away from it all even if it was just for a little while. We had a GREAT time!

Thank you Tom for letting us go. He held down the homefront and kept the boys in line.

Ana Claire with Attitude

2009-04-15T19:10:00.005-05:00

Sweet Girl!

Ana Claire was full of herself the other night showing us alot of attitude. I just had to grab the camera.

Photos from Easter

2009-04-15T18:22:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T23:33:00.001-05:00

He is Risen!

If you have a minute or two take the time to watch this video. Thank you Aunt Margie for sharing it with me.

http://www.truefaithbaptist.com/Movies/New_Again/New%20Again.html

PROM 2009

2009-04-05T21:16:00.007-05:00

Tired of having his picture taken

The group

Again

Josh went to his junior prom this weekend.

I took over 200 photos of him and his girlfriend. I have posted a few of my favorites.

Snow in the South

2009-03-01T21:41:00.005-06:00

IT snowed in AL. I couldn't believe it! It was BEAUTIFUL!

She made this snowball and brought it into the house. She wanted to keep it.

Making a snow angel

AC and Clay

Daisey Mei loved the snow

Wow, long time since my last post. February has been crazy here. Birthdays, wrestling, the flu hit our house the kids have been sick and took me down for two weeks. I haven't been that sick in a LONG time. I think we are on the road to wellness now. Thank you God for good health!

It snowed here last night and today. It was beautiful! When it snows here in AL it is a

BIG DEAL. We don't see it very often. The kids had a BLAST!

Happy Forever Family Day....Its been 4 years

2009-01-31T21:13:00.001-06:00

Ana Claire with her referral photo.

She is the cherry on the top. I love this little girl more than she will ever know.
Daddy and his girl.

This photo was taken on our one year anniversary.

This photo and the ones below are just a few random shots from China. She loved playing with her bag of hair bows. She would pull them out of the bag and hand me one to put in her hair and before you would know it she would have them all in her hair. I am so thankful that she still loves to wear her hair bows.

She loved chopsticks. She could actually eat with them while we were in China. She did a much better job than I did.

This photo was taken on our ride back to the hotel from the civil affairs office. She had just thrown up on me. We cleaned up and she passed out on my chest. Poor baby. I think this was the way she coped for the first couple of days.

You can see more photos of our family day from the past couple of years here and here.
It so hard to believe how much she has changed and grown.

We have had a great day spending quality time together as a family. This morning after the princess woke up I rocked her in my arms and told her no matter how big she gets she will always be my baby girl. We looked at some of our photos from China. At one time she wanted no part of looking at these photos. This is slowly changing. I have gathered things for her lifebook and we are going to work on it together. I think this will help her talk about her feelings. She still displays some anxiety and is fearful of Chinese people. She is making baby steps in a positive way.

We went to dinner and enjoyed reminiscing about our time in China and also about some of our favorite moments when the boys were little. This time is so precious as the boys get older. Our house is always filled with the kid's friends. I am thankful that they want to hang here but I had to be selfish and have them to ourselves today. Today is another reminder that I have the best job in the world. I am the mother of three beautiful children.

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-28T10:43:00.003-06:00

Getting ready to go celebrate.

Christmas Break 2008

2009-01-04T14:38:00.006-06:00

Playing with Aimee at the park.
Hanging out with baby Micah Moo.

Ana Claire and Shaylee with the Big Bear

Daisey, she now weighs 53 pounds. She is a big girl.

Ana Claire feeding her poo poo doll Christmas morning.

First glance at her goodies on Christmas morning.

Josh and Clay showing a little brotherly love.

Clay and Ana Claire decorating cookies.

Clay with some friends a wrestling tournament.

Ana Claire's preschool class getting ready for their party.

Wow, I can't believe Christmas was here and gone and a new year has rolled in. The kids start back to school on Tuesday. I have been trying to enjoy our time together. I haven't spent alot of time on the computer. I want to make it around in the blogworld to see how everyone is doing.

We have spent alot of good time with family and friends. I have added some photos in no particular order of some of the things we have done over the holiday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T10:55:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Ana Claire's letter and photos from the past

2008-12-18T23:41:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2005

The only photo we have with Santa
Christmas 2005

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2007

My hands holding her face

Christmas 2008

Ana Claire wants no part of talking to Santa. She did want to write a letter to him. I of course had to deliver it to the big guy. You can click on the letter to get a better look.

I think it is neat to look back at how much she has changed. I need to look back and find some photos of her with her brothers.

Wrestling, Wrestling and more Wrestling

2008-12-16T10:19:00.005-06:00

Clay with some of his wrestling buds.
Ana Claire showing her team spirit.

Ana Claire took the photos this weekend. I videotaped. Tom had to work. He was able to watch Clay wrestle in minutes versus sitting there and waiting and watching everyone for about 11 hours. She took some great shots. Clay and Ana Claire in between matches.

We are living and breathing wrestling right now. Clay has practice or a match 6 days a week. Yes you read that right 6 days a week. The only day off we have had is Sunday for the past few weeks. He has had a two day tournament the past 2 weekends and a match during the week. He has another match tonight. This weekend we will have another two day tournament. I am glad that he loves it. This past weekend he had to wrestle up a weight class. This meaning the boys he wrestled weighed about 9 pounds more than he did. I was sick to my stomach with worry that he was going to get hurt. All I can say is Clay is a lot stronger and tougher than I gave him credit for. He won 5 out of 6 matches. I was so proud of him. This is his second year to wrestle and he has learned so much in the past several months. This sport requires alot of self discipline.

On a different subject, I really need to finish my Christmas shopping. I have done a lot of my shopping online this year from the lack of time. It has been pretty nice staying toasty warm and doing some late night shopping in my pj's. ;) They get out of school for the holidays the end of this week. Ana Claire has her preschool party this week as well. I am so ready to sit back with a cup of hot chocolate next to the fire, lights off and watch Polar Express or a Christmas Story with the kids while the lights on the tree twinkle. Doesn't that sound wonderful. Maybe it will happen this weekend. Hope everyone is having a great week.

Four years ago today......

2008-12-13T00:02:00.004-06:00

I saw three photos of the most beautiful face that I had dreamt of for years.......my daughter's face. I thank God that he blessed our family with our precious spicy Hunan Princess. I can remember sitting in her room with her photos and fantasize her running around playing. It is so hard to believe that four years have passed so quickly. I can't say it has been an easy four years, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. The empty place I had in my heart was filled ten times over with this precious girl.

Our Little Elf

2008-12-11T22:12:00.005-06:00

I love this girl!

Ana Claire and Rhonda Reindeer

One of her silly faces.

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I am so thankful to have my computer back. Our modem died this week and I have been without a computer. My hubby got a new one and wola I am back in business.

Ana Claire is afraid of the little elves that are visiting the homes. She doesn't like Santa, so I guess she views the elves as being part of Santa. She was okay with an animal. We wanted to have fun with her so I told her that Rhonda the Reindeer is visiting with us to help her be good.

She is so excited about Christmas this year. She moves the ornaments around on the tree on a daily basis. She just can't help herself.

Ana Claire turns "5"

2008-11-30T20:25:00.005-06:00

Ana Claire and Mommy

Ana Claire with her brothers and friends

Opening gifts

It is really hard to believe that my baby turned five today. It is so hard to believe that in a blink of an eye she is five. As I was watching her today, I couldn't help but think about her birth mother and wonder if she was thinking of the baby girl that she gave up five years ago. What I wouldn't do to have five minutes with her to let her know how this little girl has blessed our lives in so many ways. She has made my heart whole.

Last night when she went to bed she told me she wanted to go eat Chinese today, but when she woke up this morning she told me she changed her mind. She wanted cheese dip and salsa. So we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant. She has another celebration next weekend.

Happy Birthday to our sweet baby girl!

We love you Ana Claire!

Mommy, Daddy, Josh and Clay

Update: I got her baby doll from here. The doll has Ana Claire's name on her tummy, with the Bible Verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Her precious little Chinese takeout outfit came from Robin.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T09:47:00.000-06:00

Ana Claire's Thanksgiving Celebration at school

2008-11-24T14:00:00.001-06:00

Pilgrim Ana Claire
Ana Claire and her friend

All the Indians and Pligrims

WOW, two posts in one week. I am doing good. LOL

This morning Tom and I were able to go watch Ana Claire's class and the other preschool classes perform their Thanksgiving celebration. Ana Claire's class were pilgrims. All the kids were so precious and did a great job singing the songs. Afterwards we had refreshments. Ana Claire has made friends in her class and seems to be adjusting. She still has her moments but overall she is doing well.

When school started she was excited to come home and tell me that there was a little girl in her class that looks like her. She was so excited that there was another dark hair dark eyed little girl. She isn't from China, but they do look similar. I had the privilage to meet the little girl today and her mom. We actually had lunch together at Chic-fil-a afterwards. The girls really have alot of common. Her friend was adopted too. We hope to get together again very soon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Christmas card bloopers

2008-11-23T20:41:00.005-06:00

Here are some of the pictures that didn't make the cut. There was a woman that stopped and offered to take some of the whole family. She was so nice to do this for us. Too bad none of them were good enough to make the Christmas card cut.

The boys kept complaining today, "Mom enough already, how many pictures are you going to take?" They are at the age where they don't like to pose for pictures. I guess its not cool. When we returned home, I downloaded the pictures and showed them how few I really had to work with. Either someone has a goofy grin or their eyes were shut. They were like ooooooh. Poor Ana Claire has been sick and her poor nose is red and raw. Josh has a zit on the end of his nose that is driving him crazy.

If anyone is interested in a card swap please email me and give me your snail mail address.

Hope everyone has a great first of the week as we all prepare or travel to be with loved ones. I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Can this Mom brag a minute?

2008-11-17T13:35:00.005-06:00

" Clay the Wildman"
Sporting his medal at the end of the day

This was his last fight. He is in the red singlet. Can you tell how much
bigger the other kid was?

Here he is again the red singlet with brown hair.

Saturday was a very long day. I got up around 4:00 AM to get ready and get somethings done before we had to leave. I have to say Ana Claire was a trooper. We had Clay at his school to weigh in at 6:00 AM. Then we were off to the other school for weigh in again at 6:30. There were eight schools represented. I am proud to say that Clay came in second place for his weight class. He started wrestling last year. His skills and strength have improved tremendously from last year. He fought hard. His last fight he lost which put him in second place. This team dominated in every weight class. He put up a good fight and scored points, but he was so tired and the other kid dominated. It was very hard to watch as he got taken down and couldn't get up. In his Mom's eyes he ROCKED! The day ended with medals around 4:30. It was a long and stressful day. He loves the sport. I was so proud of him. This was his first time ever to place in a tournament. Way to go Clay!

Ana Claire with Attitude

2008-11-14T14:19:00.004-06:00

It has been crazy around here. Ana Claire has been battling with a case of the hives since Halloween. Not alot of fun. She will turn "5" on November 30th. She is counting down the days.

I have been trying to check in and read blogs. I just haven't had much computer time lately. I miss checking in on my friends in blogville. I hope you all are doing great.

Clay has wrestling practice five days a week and a tournament on the weekend and some weeks one during the week. I guess it is going to be crazy around here until February. He loves it so that is all that really matters. I will have to tell you from Momma's stand point it is hard to watch at times. Our day tomorrow starts with weigh ins around 6:30 AM and the tournament should be over around 5:30. That makes for a very long day. ;)

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Our Happy Hallow Day and Pumpkin carving

2008-11-01T11:12:00.007-05:00

Pumpkin Carving

Daisey Mei with her glowing eyes. Hasn't she gotten big. She weighs close to 45 pounds.

Josh and Ana Claire

Fall Festival

An Ex-President came to see us.

Clay's costume

Look Butterbug is flying

Ana Claire and Shaylee on the go for candy

My Butterbug
We carved pumpkins two different nights. Josh is getting to big I guess to partake in the festivities. He was to busy talking to his gf to help carve pumpkins.

We had a great time yesterday. We started our day off by going to preschool. I helped with the Fall Festival at Ana Claire's preschool. She didn't want to go because she was scared to. I told her she would have a great time and she did.

When the boys got home we all prepared to do our own thing. Josh went to his girlfriends for a cookout, hayride and some ghoulish fun. No pictures of him. Clay got ready to go out with some of his friends. Ana Claire got dressed for her fun with her friend Shaylee. She had told me she wanted to be a ladybug, then she wanted to be a polka dot, then she said no she wanted to be a butterfly. She ended up being a combination of a ladybug and a butterfly...... she was a butterbug. Thanks Chad for helping me come up with a name.

After trick or treating we brought the girls back to our house for hotdogs and a little dancing with Mei Mei. We had a great day.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T08:08:00.002-05:00

More to Come Later.

Have a great day.

Notice anything different

2008-10-21T22:05:00.002-05:00

Our Spice Girl

Saturday Fun/Lots of pictures

2008-10-18T16:55:00.007-05:00

Face Painting

Pony ride
Dancing around to the music playing

Wild Child

Shaylee

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Ana Claire and myself went to a festival in a small town with a friend and her daughter Shaylee. It was a Swedish Festival. We were a little puzzled because we didn't see anything that remotely looked Swedish, but we still had alot of fun.

Check this out. I am having another little give away.

Happy Fall

2008-10-16T19:37:00.003-05:00

I love this little girl!

Taking a hike for Fall Treasures

This is what we found.
Picking out a pumpkin.
Painting pumpkins

I've been tagged twice

2008-10-16T19:06:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged by Nancy and Robin . I am supposed to share 7 random things about myself and the tag 7 others. I don't know how interesting I am.

1. My favorite drink is Diet Dr Pepper. I also love sushi and could eat it every day.

2. I love to sew and create things. My latest love is making little felt and material hairbows.

3. I am scared to death of clowns. I don't like them at ALL. I watched the movie "IT" when I was pregnant with Josh and have been horrifed of them since. They really CREEP me out. Why do they wear all that makeup anyway?

4. I am a very shy person.

5. This may really gross some of you out, but living with three guys what can I say. I think bodily functions are hilarious, but not the smells. Just the sound makes me laugh. I know I am warped. I am trying to be reserved about it now since bringing AC home. I want her to be a little lady.

6. I love to take walks at night especially this time of the year, the cool night air is so refreshing and is a reminder that a change of season is right around the corner.

7. The first car I bought, my dad cosigned with me was a stick shift. I couldn't drive it, but was determined to learn how. I learned the hard way about gearing down the gears after going dead in the middle of the road a few times. Once I got the hang of it I LOVED it. I think everyone needs to know how to drive one.

Okay now to tag 7 people, this will be a challenge most people have already done this.
So if you want to do this considered yourself tagged and leave me a comment to let me know that you did it.

Homecoming 2008

2008-10-14T23:25:00.002-05:00

Josh and his girlfriend go to different high schools. Their homecoming dance just so happened to be on the same night. They decided to go to her dance. I thought they looked great all dressed up. Ana Claire had to jump in to get her picture taken too.

Happy 14 Birthday Clay

2008-10-11T13:28:00.003-05:00

Today is Clay's 14th birthday. Josh is going to homecoming. A busy day here at our house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAY!

WE LOVE YOU!

MOM, DAD, JOSH AND ANA CLAIRE

I am having a little giveaway over at my other blog. If you want to throw your name in leave me a comment. I am drawing a name tomorrow

Pet day at at preschool

2008-10-05T21:05:00.005-05:00

Waiting in the car rider line with Kenny the snake.
Sharing with the class

Ana Claire had pet day this past week at school. She didn't want to take any of our furry friends, she wanted to take Clay's snake. Since I refuse to hold the snake..... YES I am horrified of snakes, Clay went with us to pet day. One little boy brought the pair of birds you see above. They were really pretty. Speaking of animals I just finished an outfit with owls. You can click here to see it.