PENNY THE RED-NOSED REINDEER!

Penny and her entire family would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2007 ~

*In this last picture Penny is saying "tell me when it's over"!

MY VERY FIRST INTERVIEW!

I received a phone call from my adoption agency today asking if I would mind being interviewed by a pretty well know newspaper (at least I read it everyday...)~ the subject being: Families in the financial industry adopting from China! Supposedly there are many families in this industry adopting from China and we will be among a few to be interviewed. The story is supposed to be a "happy, uplifting, end of the year" article ~

What could I say - "yes!"

My first interview went well. The reporter was very interested in our adoption, how we came to adopt from China and about the long process. He seemed pretty well informed and knew about the new regulations going into affect in 2007. It is kind of funny because he only spoke with me and for those of you who know me, you know I am not the one in the "financial industry"; he will talk to my more financial-half tomorrow ~ that should be very interesting! My husband is not the talkative type...stay tuned for Part II of Families in the financial industry adopting from China and Ed's one word answers!

*I hope and pray that this article will touch someone or encourage others to adopt from China. That would be just...great!

A VISIT WITH SANTA!

We're so excited!

Telling Santa their "secrets"

Yes, they've been very good boys!

Another successful Santa-meeting!

The boys were so excited ~ this was the day we would visit Santa! Thank goodness the line wasn't too bad and the line moved quickly. We were one person away from Santa when they broke the news ~ Santa had to take a break! We passed the time by looking at decorations, people watching, Eddie had to use the bathroom- I tried to hold him off, we talked with other families, yup- Eddie still had to use the bathroom ~ but, Anthony spotted Santa coming back!

Santa came on line and shook hands with all the kids and patted Eddie's head - how sweet! It was our turn and Eddie yells out "I have to do poo, poo!" ~ why did I want him potty-trainned?

It all worked out and he sat on Santa's lap as you can see above. They were SO happy and so was mommy. Oh, I hope they always believe...

(Eddie did use the potty in car - other drivers wanted our parking spot - they honked horns - some even gave thumbs up - some others gave dirty looks - but, Eddie took his good ole' time!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GIRL'S GONE WILD!!

Yes, my friends and I are out of control ~ off to a local tea house for mini sandwiches, scones and petite fours! They had about 100 different varieties of teas (decaf & regular!); such as chocolate raspberry truffle (mine), chocolate coconut almond (Barb's), creme brule (Mich's) and Debbie also had a chocolate variety that escapes me at the moment! The teas where delicious and tasted like a dessert on their own!

The tea house was decorated beautifully for the holidays~ so quaint and cozy! We got to "catch up", talk about old times and just plain relax! What a great night spent with my oldest & dearest friends! I would love to take Mia here in the future...mother & daughter...or out with her aunts ~ what a nice daydream :)

CHRISTMAS COME EARLY ~

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Every year we celebrate the holidays with my dearest (and oldest) friends and their families. They tell me we've been doing this for 14 years! Can't be ~ I sometimes feel like I'm only 14! We always have a lot of laughs, good food and presents!!

*Just wanted to say, Barbara, Debbie and Michelle, I am so blessed to have had you all in my life for the past 26 years! (They know me so well and still stick around!)
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and I look forward to a fantastic 2007 ~ Love You Guys

Mia, Mia ~ so loved already!

Oh Mia, I wish you were here already...you continue to receive the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts! Grandma and Poppy brought over this ladybug and dragonfly lamp for your room! Aunt Debbie's grandmother (!) made this pink blanket to wrap you in and also a matching one for your crib! I will bring the smaller blanket to China when we go to bring you home... I can't wait to have you home Mia ~

OUR DOSSIER IS IN "TRANSLATION"!

Each month my adoption agency (GWCA) sends out an email letting everyone know where their dossier stands. We are moving right along ~ our dossier is being translated from English into Mandarin! It is another step closer to Mia!

How many pictures does it take to get a Christmas Card??

COOKIE EXCHANGE PARTY

I had the pleasure of hosting our neighborhood's annual cookie exchange party last night!

We had 12 attendees and everyone baked about a dozen cookies per person. We had so many delicious varieties; lindzer tarts, pinwheels, a few types of chocolate cookies, biscotti, butter cookies, secret santa cookie surprise, chocolate chips with nuts and berries, rugalah, peanut butter kiss and chocolate crumb bars (I think I named them all!).

After grabbing a cup of tea or coffee we loaded our plates with the cookies and started our "tasting". We all voted on the "yummiest cookie" and the winner is....for the 2nd year in a row....Melissa for the chocolate cookie crumb bar ~ yes, they were as good as the name!!

We enjoyed each others company, laughed and stuffed ourselves ~ what fun! At the end of the night everyone grabbed a big bag and took home 12 different (dozens) of cookies to enjoy throughout the holiday season!!

Thank you everyone for ALL of your hard work... I think our 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange was quite successful!

*With the depressing news in referrals from yesterday, this cookie party was a welcome diversion! P l e a s e let the next set of referrals be H U G E!!

ANGEL TOP TRADITION!

We decorated for Christmas this weekend, inside & out! What fun (although my husband may despute that!) we had covering the outside with bows, lights and Christmas signs!

We put up the tree and I just love looking at the ornaments and remembering....when we got them, who gave them to us ~ I just love this time of year!! I just hope, hope, hope that Mia will be with us by next Christmas...it doesn't look likely at this point, but you never know!

The photos below are our annual "let's put the angel on top of the tree" marathon (it starts with Anthony placing it atop the tree and then, of course, Eddie has to do his part...fixing her skirt!). It is getting harder and harder for Ed to hoist Anthony up that high, while he fidgets and tries to get the angel to stay put...but it's fun and sweet and a real nice tradition, I think!

*Just look at the happiness on their faces ~ priceless! I wonder what part Mia will have in this tradition...maybe blowing the angel a kiss ~ what a nice picture that will be...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

EDDIE'S THANKSGIVING "SHOW" ~ what a ham...

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KEEP-SAKE BOOK FOR MIA

I just received this very special book in the mail from my adoption agency (GWCA):

"SELECTED CHINA STORIES OF ELDER-RESPECTING".

The proceeds go to charity (China Center of Adoption Affairs) and will "ensure that the lives of those left behind in the orphanages will be impacted".

This book has 41 stories (both in English & Chinese!) about respecting elders and relatives; which has been a very important aspect of the Chinese culture for thousands of years.

I am so glad that Mia will have this piece of her heritage. I have been daydreaming about reading these stories to Mia and the questions she will have about her ancestors. I hope I give the correct answers and that I am able to pass on these traditions from her homeland adequately...

CHARACTER EDUCATION AWARD ~ GOES TO ANTHONY!

What a boy! Anthony received a certificate at his school for being respectful to his classmates. He was so proud, rightfully so! He was called up during lunch to receive this award while his classmates applauded. Way to go Ant!

PENNY-GIRL

These pictures of our Penny deserve their own post. She is just the best dog ever; she is almost human! She is emotional, dramatic, funny, playful, loving and oh, so patient with the boys (especially the little guy). She loves pretzels and she thinks if her back legs are on the floor - it's o.k. to "lay" on the sofa next to us. When I read a book to the boys...she's right up there with us, looking at the pictures. We have caught her watching TV and when she's frustrated she will "throw" herself on the wood floor and moan like Chewbacca (from Star Wars)! What a character we have ~ she is the best...we love you Penny-girl

Caught in the act!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Wow, once again I find myself saying "thank you". We have been so blessed with wonderful family and friends, who have been extremely supportive and involved in our adoption. They continually shower Mia with thoughtful gifts!

What a special and beautiful dress ~

just love the rose headband!

Thank you Trish & Hailey!

Thank you Mary, Frank & family for the meaningful plaque ~ we will treasure it!
Thank you Barb,Tom & family for the doorknob sign and gorgeous ornament ~ all fit for a princess!

Thank you, Deb & Glen for the beautiful tea set and gingham letters for Mia's wall ~ahhh, pink gingham!

Thank you, Mich for the ladybug bottle of wine (awesome find!) and for the jewerly/music box; which I cannot wait to see Mia use!

Thank you, Michelle for my red thread braclet ~ I will treasure it always (so glad I could finally upload this picture...from your blog...to "blog-thank you"!).

LID CELEBRATION!

We finally got to celebrate our log in date with our wonderful family! We chowed down on Chinese food, tried eating with chop sticks (way to go Anthony!), had a champagne toast; and even got presents for Mia! Wow! It was such a fun night and I am so very touched by everyones generosity, good wishes and enthusiasm! Mia will look back on these pictures someday and see how much she was wanted and loved...even before we knew her! We love you Mia!