HAPPY SPRING ALL !!

Yes, I'm showing snow pictures on the 1st Day of Spring! A lot of the snow has melted here, but you can still see the "white stuff"!


Anthony has always loved to help out around the house, but now that he is getting older he runs off with his friends the first chance he gets. Here he is shoveling a path for Penny by the back door.















Here is Eddie earlier in the day playing in the snow with Penny. They both had such a great time together. Penny is a great playmate, she loves to jump around and bite snowballs ~ I was laughing so hard just watching them :)

*Hopefully this will be the very last snowfall of the year. It's expected to warm up by the end of the week in NY ~ yeah!!

THE DAYS GO BY . . .

5 Months LID Today !!!

This past month flew by ~ I cannot believe we've been logged in for 5 months already!

I had a dream last night and I think it was about Mia. Someone gave me a baby and she needed a bath. I remember in the dream I kept looking at the baby and thinking, "does she look Chinese?"
After the bath I was drying her off and I got distracted by something and when I looked back at the baby she was eating my foam ear plugs (I've been sleeping with one ear plug for years, since living in the noisy city!). I was panicked and I kept swiping the ear plugs out of her mouth! This baby had a ton of those ear plugs in there and I thought I would never get to them all!!! I ended up waking up; but I wrote this dream in Mia's journal ~ this date may have some significance and I wanted to record it! Only time will tell ~

FORGOT TO SHARE A RECIPE!!

Hi, Sunday came and went and I've been trying to share a recipe once a week with you! Now, maybe you didn't miss it on Sunday, maybe you didn't like the recipe's I've shared so far...but, it's my blog and, "I'll share, if I want to!" :)

I just finished making a double batch of these muffins...hope you enjoy them as much as my family does:

BEST BANANA-CHIP MUFFINS
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 mashed bananas
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups flour
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees
1. Cream together sugar, oil and egg.
2. Add the next 6 ingredients and stir well.
*3. I usually sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the muffins before they go into the oven.
4. Cook 20-30 minutes and enjoy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXA !

Our niece, Alexa is 10 years old today!!
Have a wonderful birthday honey ~
we love you so much!!

PROUD!

ANTHONY WON A 1st PLACE TROPHY
IN CHESS!

I am busting with pride! Friday night was the last Chess class for the winter season, and Anthony was tied for 1st place with another boy: each Friday night Anthony attended a class and then played 2 games where his score was recorded. He & Taylor were tied!

They had a ceremony in the auditorium; where we found out that Anthony would have to play for the 1st place trophy! Talk about pressure!! They even took out the Chess clock and had 5 minutes to make each move - then they would have to hit the clock after each move - I was biting my nails!

Anthony handled the pressure well and afterwards when I asked if he was nervous he said, "I wouldn't really say I had butterflies in my stomach, but I think they were chess pieces in my stomach".


It's a tie for 1st place!

I love the way he has his hand over
his heart ~ such concentration!







"Is "Nan" done yet?"











After winning, Anthony plays
a game with his teacher! Of, course
the teacher won this game...







Anthony calls his Uncle Johnny (his first
chess teacher) when we get home to tell
him the good news!









"Did you win one for me too?"










Congratulations Honey! We are so proud of you!

Angel Boy ~

March 10,2005: I will never forget you.

So many months I carried you and couldn't wait to see
What a wonderful little person you would turn out to be.

I had many dreams of how it would be just to watch you grow,
But now those dreams are faded because I shall never know.

For God in His great wisdom, looked down from his throne above,
and saw how beautiful you were, so carried you away with His love.

Now the rocking chair sits silent, and the lullabies won't be voiced.
But in Heaven there's celebrations, as all the Angels rejoice.

My tears they won't be quiet, they flow like a river roars.
And I know life is changed forever, to be the same no more.

I must be a special mother, because I have been set apart.

Some mothers carry their children in their arms,

But I carry you in my heart.

By Beverly Tinney

*To my blogging friends: So sorry to have such a sad post today; however, I must honor my angel boy. We never did meet him, but we will never forget him ~

MEAGHAN GRACE MIN !

HERE SHE IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!

SHE IS PRECIOUS!!!!!!

See Meaghan Grace's blog ~ (on the sidebar) for all her stats!

We are so very thrilled for Meaghan and her family ~
Congratulations!!!

A JOYOUS PHONE CALL!

I just received a phone call from "Meaghan Grace's" mom ~ she was contacted by her agency; and was told she will get her
REFERRAL TODAY!
Referrals for Oct 19 & 24th 2005 are here! We still have another year, as we are logged in on 10/16/06; but I almost feel like I am going through the "labor pains" with Meaghan's mommy!! I am so excited and on edge~ I will keep you posted!

Another Yummy Recipe!!!

Here is one of my favorite recipes ~ it is yummy and SO easy to make! I hope you like it:

Slow Roasted Garlic and Lemon Chicken
1 chicken (31/2 to 4 lb.) cut into 10 pieces
1 head garlic, separated into unpeeled cloves
2 lemons, cut into chunky eighths
3 Tbsp. olive oil
10 Tbsp. white wine
Black pepper
Small handful thyme

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Put chicken pieces into roasting pan, add garlic cloves, lemon chunks & thyme.
3. Add oil and, using your hands, mix everything together - make sure chicken pieces are skin-side up.
4. Sprinkle white wine over and grind on some pepper, then cover tightly with foil & put in oven, at flavor intensifying low heat, for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and turn up oven to 400 degrees. Cook the uncovered chicken for another 30 -45 minutes, by which time the skin on the meat will have turned golden brown and the lemons will have begun to scorch and caramelize at the edges.
6. Serve right from the roasting pan (I serve it will rice!)

*I love that you don't have to peel the garlic and the lemon is cut into large chunks! Enjoy!

BIRTHDAY WISHES!

Happy 7th Birthday to my Godson/Nephew!
Brandon, have a great day ~ we love you honey!

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY ! (Happy New Year)

It was a success, my Asian Orange Chicken (w/broccoli) came out really yummy ~ it was unanimous (all they boys agreed...and that's a rarity). Our Chinese New Year dinner was postponed a day (we were invited out to dinner with my brother, sister-in-law and nephews - who could refuse!?) ~ we skipped making dinner for having dinner made for us by Applebee's; which was a lot of fun!

Anyhow, we started off with appetizer's (egg rolls & spring rolls) and then moved on to our orange chicken over white rice(which I added broccoli too - the boys just love their broccoli) ~ it was a little involved; but I would make it again!

Anthony was in the spirit and ate his entire meal with chop sticks...have to give him credit because he even picked up the white rice with his chop sticks!












Eddie on the other hand, had better use for his chop sticks and played the drums...

*I am so proud of all my boys for getting into the spirit and trying something new... it means so very much to me. I feel like the luckiest mommy (and wife) around!! By the time Mia joins the family we will be pro's!!

4 Months Since LID !

4- MONTHS SINCE WE'VE BEEN LOGGED IN!

In a way I feel like, "wow, we have 4 months behind us and we are that much closer to Mia!". But, then I also feel like, "it's o-n-l-y been 4 months, it feels longer"...

I wonder (all the time) how much longer it will be...when will she be born...will she be taken good care of... So many questions, and only time will tell the answers ~



Here is Eddie modeling with his crafts from our Chinese New Year class. He made a paper lantern (which he put under the table and pretended it was a "light up lantern" and he was camping... in the class!!), and also a noise maker which he decorated. It was a cute class; however, there were NO little Chinese girls in attendance! I was really hoping to meet someone home from China with their daughter.

I look forward to attending these classes in the future with Mia's China Sisters (to-be)!


By the way, CONGRATULATIONS to Paige's family on their LID ~ We are so excited for you!!

WHAT A COUPLE...of cuties!

This is Eddie's buddy, Hailey ~ just had to post this adorable picture. Don't they look like they're dating!!? Who knows, maybe the prom? Wedding? Grandchildren? O.k. , I'll calm down.

They met when they were just a few months old and really have a great time together. Eddie loves to make her laugh! Our play dates with Hailey, Josh(little bro) and their mommy are always filled with fun, food and craziness!

What a blessing Hailey's mommy is to me!

*We're off to another play date ~ have a great day!

NI HAO, KAI-LAN !

Looky what I found! A new show that will air on Nick Jr. in the Spring! It's a show for preschoolers about a Chinese-American girl and her family; and it "celebrates Chinese culture"! Sounds interesting ~

The little guy and I will be going to a Chinese New Year class at the library on Friday ~ I cannot wait. Yes, I think I am more excited than he is! I am also planning on(trying) making a Chinese dinner for the 18th ~ Oh boy, wish me luck!

HAPPY PANDA DANCE !

Yeah! I'm posting again (as you can see), but it wasn't easy! I had to sign up for "Mozilla Firefox" and switch ALL of my info over there! I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their help and suggestions ~ I really appreciate it!

I know I'm being "blocked" out, but I can't seem to figure out how this happened (all of a sudden) or how to reverse it. I haven't given up yet ~ I know I'll figure it out eventually. I'm just so relieved that I can access my own blog again :)

We've had a quiet week ~ having some spackling done. As you can see from the pictures below, my little guy has to "help out" too!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

The boys really had fun at the Super bowl /Birthday party we attended. There was great food and lots of neighbors and friends! I'm not sure what teams were playing (not a big football fan), but I know the Giants weren't involved even though the boys wore their jerseys (die-hard fans!).
Hope everyone enjoyed their Super Bowl Sunday!

THE CHESS-MASTER & THE PLUG-MASTER

Ahhhh, my boys. I love them both dearly and they each have their own unique personalities and interests. Anthony, our first born, loves baseball and any sport you can think of - this winter he joined a chess club. He is just SO good and so far he is unbeatable! So, that is why I call him the "Chess-master"! Go Ant!!!

Then, their is Eddie, our second born, he loves appliances, lights, tools; do you see a pattern here? But, his favorite thing ever.... is the plug! Where ever we go, whatever we do; if there is a plug in sight, well, as you can see he will point it out. He not only wants to point them out, but he wants to have a plug discussion, count the plugs he sees and just plain admire them! That is why I call him the "Plug-master"! Go Eddie!!!

*You probably think my blogging troubles are over since I am posting. Sorry to say I still have not solved the problem. The only way I am able to get into my blog is if I create a new blog! So far I have 4 new blogs! This is crazy ~ this new version of blogger STINKS! I am so frustrated!

WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY, THE MOUSE WILL PLAY!

I know I shouldn't encourage him, but he looks so cute listening to his big brothers "ipot", as he calls it. It also gives me a couple of minutes of uninterrupted time to get something done or make a phone call.

Since I'm on the subject of how cute "little brother" is; the other day we were shopping (Poppy came along for the ride) and Eddie saw a globe and asked Poppy, "where China?" ~ brainwashed or just inquisitive? Just too darn cute!!!

TRADITIONS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR!

The Chinese New Year is a time of great excitement and celebration for all Chinese around the world. On New Year’s Eve, family members gather for a huge luxurious feast. Many of the foods served have a symbolic meaning.

Each dish has a prosperous meaning, and the shapes and colors of the foods symbolize health, happiness, and good fortune. The New Year is ushered in joyfully with the thunderous roar of exploding firecrackers to frighten away evil spirits.

The dragon dance is a vital part of this celebration. The dance was originally performed to please the dragon, the god of water, and to ask for rain during periods of drought. The dragon is a symbol of strength, dignity, and success.

During the Chinese New Year, people greet each other with the phrase, "Gung Hay Fat Choy" to wish each other best wishes and prosperity This phrase means " Happy New Year."Families will visit relatives and friends to wish them a Happy New Year.

The younger members visit their elders. The elders give "lucky money" to their younger visitors. "Lucky money"; is money that is placed into specially designed red envelopes. Married couples give "lucky money" to their children and to the unmarried children of relatives and friends.

New Year gifts (oranges, tangerines, and New Year candy) are exchange between relatives and friends.

WHAT A GREAT HOLIDAY! I CANNOT WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH MIA!

A Year Ago Today ~ January 12, 2006

Unborn Baby

I knew your spirit,
when she came to me,
Tiny,
Sweet,
Unborn baby.

Knew the color of your hair ~
and your eyes,
Knew your traits, your personality,
There was no disguise.

But I had a lesson, I needed to grow,
Although it caused my tears to flow,
God decided to take you home ~
His gain,
My pain,
I would never feel the same.

I still miss you everday,
Still cry sometimes ~
But it is the only way,
I needed to heal and be strong,
I know God's will can't be wrong.

I know you'll never be alone,
Surrounded by angels in your spiritual home,
We'll be together again someday,
In heavens garden for eternity and a day.

~ Written by Sharon Platts

IS IT REALLY WINTER?

You know it's getting cold out when the dog and kids hang out by the heating vent (in the floor)! Eddie and Penny camped out by the "warm spot" as Eddie put it. It really is about time it dipped below 50 degrees in N.Y!

Although Anthony is having a hard time accepting that he has to wear his winter jacket from now on - he thinks he's too cool and looks better in a sweatshirt ~ what will go on when he's a teenager?

Looking forward to our next FCC meeting with the girls (Meaghan and Paige's mommy's) ~ it's Friday night ~

CHRISTMAS CLEAN-UP!

Wow, what a gorgeous weekend in N.Y.! The boys have spent most of their time outside; which is nice. This mommy has been cleaning up after packing away all of our Christmas decorations, and to have the boys outside really helps a lot! The house looks so bare now!

I feel better that I left a "negative" comment for CNN following their disgusting show Friday night on China adoption. They call themselves a "news shows" - that wasn't news, it was... ignorance and stupidity rolled into 15 minutes! If you had the pleasure of missing this show, you can read about it here: http://transcripts.cnn.com/transcripts/0701/05/pzn.01.html and scroll down, I believe it was the 3rd show aired. I am really just saddened that they would air a show where no one seems to have done their homework on the subject. You will find they ask questions such as, "What's the big deal with Chinese children?" and "Why the infatuation?"

I'm sure this topic will come up for discussion at FCC's MOM'S NIGHT OUT on Friday ~ which I am SO looking forward to!

PROUD OF WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED IN 2006!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am so excited to see what 2007 will bring to my family~ a daughter would be nice (hint, hint); but realistically that doesn't seem possible at this point. But, who ever said I was a realist??

I was just reflecting, as is common to do on New Years Day, and I just wanted to share all that was accomplished in 2006 ~ I'm pretty proud of myself!

FEBRUARY 4TH: Attend adoption seminar (where a newly adopted baby put her darling hands on mine and looked up into my eyes- this is meant to be!)

MARCH 22ND: Sent our application to GWCA (Anthony saw the paperwork and was thrilled to be getting a sister from China - love my Ant.)

MARCH 30TH: We're accepted! (So excited, but soooo nervous-kind of like finding out you are pregnant!)

APRIL 6TH: Sent in our first agency fee

MAY 11TH: Ed & I have our physicals

JUNE 5TH: Our 1st and 2nd Home Study ( I should have gotten a medal for getting thru this!)

JUNE 15TH: 3RD Home Study

JULY 14TH: 4th and last Home Study

JULY 17TH: Our completed Home Study is approved by our agency!!

JULY 22ND: Mailed out the I600A

AUGUST 4TH: Received fingerprint date

AUGUST 15TH: Fingerprinted (and found out I don't have "much" fingerprints left!?)

AUGUST 31ST: Received I171H!

SEPTEMBER 11TH: Sent Dossier to our agency! (I just remember kissing the package good-bye... a lot of love and work went into this!)

SEPTEMBER 15TH: We are DTC! (I was so happy our agency sends out dossiers weekly!)

OCTOBER 16TH: We are LID! (The wait begins, but it feels so good to have a DATE!)

What a Timeline...I know others did this all much quicker than we did. But, this is OUR timeline and a lot went on inbetween these lines (or dates, should I say). There were a lot of "signs", if you believe in that sort of thing. I will have to go into that someday ~ some amazing signs ~ I know now that all the very "sad things" that happened, had to happen in order for us to be right where we are right now.

COME ON 2007 ~ SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE GOT!!!

Bring on the New Year!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish my friends & family a wonderful, safe New Years celebration!

I wish for us all... PEACE...MUCH LOVE...HEALTH...HAPPINESS!

I hope it will be the year we meet our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend ~ Mia you are so much to so many people!

Mia, we are trying to wait patiently for you, little girl, but it is hard. I just know I love you already ~ kisses, Mommy!

HALF A WORLD AWAY
Half a world away, sometimes it seems we're so far apart.
But, half a world away, is not too far a journey of the heart.

My little one, my precious joy, I'm waiting for you.
My precious daughter, my little girl, I know you're waiting too.

A half a world away, a child waits for a family of her own.
While, a half a world away, a family waits to come bring her home.

My little one, my precious joy, I'm whispering a prayer.
My precious daugher, my little girl, I hope soon to be there.

A half a world away, so many months of waiting are past.
A half a world away, so many miles to bring you home at last.

My little one, my precious joy, you're finally home to stay.
My precious daughter, my little girl, we celebrate this day.

Knowing we will no longer be a half a world away...

*Just thinking about Mia, when we will get to meet, when the wait will be over ~ please, please let's see some referrals...

MY VERY FIRST INTERVIEW! PART II

We did, indeed, make the newspaper on Christmas Eve! There was a picture of a family already home with their little girl; and there were about 3 other families included in the article. I wasn't totatlly impressed - there were some "misprints" and comments I wasn't thrilled with ~ but it had a possitive feel to it.

Ed really didn't understand why I wanted to be interviewed - what good would it do, "why would I want to do this", he asked me. It took "a little" convincing and he never actually spoke to the reporter. I told him I was hoping it would touch someone to adopt from China or ... anywhere!

What I was hoping would come out of this article...actually did happen!!!! When Ed went back to work on Tuesday he was approached by someone who had read the article. He and his wife had been interested in adopting from China and wanted to know about our agency and some other info. I had Ed give him our email address, if they had any other questions. I just about cried when Ed told me - it feels soooo good to help in this way ! I'm happy we got involved and I actually think Ed is too :)

*Just spoke to Ed from work and he said yet another person approached him about the article. He and his wife have 2 sons and had been talking about adopting too. How... interesting :)

CHRISTMAS DAY!

Our morning started off with Eddie sleeping-in (he'd been up during the night with a croup cough!) and we let Anthony start on his gifts ~

Eddie woke up happy and joined in with Anthony opening all the gifts Santa brought! They were thrilled and in awe of all that Santa brought them!

Penny was hesitant to lay on her gift ~ she's still not sure of her bed, but the boys seem to like it (they lay on it more than she does!).

Grandma & Poppy came over to look at the gifts, eat and we all watched "Elf", one of my favorite movies. It was a nice relaxing day ~ hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS EVE ~

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