6 of us

Did I Mention We had a White Christmas???

2012-01-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well I wish I had posted this one before the last post, but since I didn't here this goes....

When I woke up on Christmas Morning I discovered on the way to make coffee that we had had snow. Not much at first, but as the day went we got more and more. This made Mike one happy man. He lives for snow. The kids enjoyed playing in it as I took photos. But this all happened after we opened up presents.

My morning was really pretty neat....
I stood in the dark thinking of making the coffee when all of the sudden I heard the back bedroom door open and shut. There were tippy toes coming into the family room where the fireplace is. I saw Wendy holding brothers hand and explaining to him in a whisper that Santa had eaten the cookies and left stuff in the stockings. She turned and tip toed toward our side of the house but before she could see me I ducked behind the counter. Very quietly she said lets go and wake momma and daddy up. We always try to see who can say "Christmas Gift" before the other (this is a long time family tradition on my families side). Along the way they kinda missed that Santa had left some pretty awesome presents out. I tried to trail behind but my boy has a keen since of presence so that didn't work out. hehehe

I beat them at saying "Christmas Gift" and then I told them to hurry and beat daddy. They did and you could hear the giggles.... so precious!

I proceeded to ring the jingle bells to get the big girls up and I beat them saying it. HAHA!! They in turn tried to beat dad and the little's. Fun morning!!!! Here are photos of our morning. It is a shame I didn't have the camcorder running for the little ones coming in on Christmas Morning.

The Holidays Come to an End

2012-01-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

We actually have had one of the best Christmas' in a long while. Everyone got along and if something did arise it was solved very quickly. :) It really seemed to fly by this time! Mike was on call and it was just absolutely wonderful to not get any phone calls on Christmas morning. The New Year was just a great. With an extra week off we had time to put things away, but are still not quite finished.
Funny for as much as I love Halloween.... I just don't have as much to put out in the decoration way. Christmas is one of those I love, but not as much as Halloween. The stress always seems to be way more during the Christmas Holiday. I had wanted to have guests in unfortunately that didn't work out since our house even though well endowed with decorations was always kept a mess with the two little's and two big's home. Dad was off more than he has been before; so we all let our hair down and enjoyed lots of home cooking. With that brought lots of dirty dishes to wash.... that was my chore. YUCK!!!
We went to see my mom and brother along with his wife and baby the first weekend of Dec. It was great getting to see them and play with baby Chelsea. We managed to see the REAL Santa Claus at North Park Mall.

Tomorrow is the first day back to school and Wendy is ready for it! My kids love being at school and love being back around their friends. Lucky for me they both behave better there too. LOL!
Dance begins tomorrow for both of them and Evan will go back to his school on Tuesday. It will feel absolutely weird around here, but imagine all I can get done. ha

I forgot to mention the weekend we headed to my moms Wendy had her allergy testing done. It wasn't fun for her since everything they exposed (pricked) her back to she turned red and itchy from. At least we know now what all she is allergic to....
Cats are the BIGGIE!!! Dust, Dust Mites, Bed Bugs, Pollen, Roach droppings are some of the biggest ones. Thank goodness that she isn't allergic to foods!!! They put her on Allegra and Nose spray and so far for 4 weeks she has been doing really well. Believe it or not I have a photo of her back! Mind you this photo was taken 5 seconds after they did the test and then left it on for 10 min.

3

Late Halloween Photos....

2011-11-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

ASTA needs help

2011-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Our daughter Holly has a request. Her little pup Asta has been diagnosed with patellar luxation. Her knees keep sleeping out of joint and is causing this little thing pain. Holly is a Grad Student and is low of funds. Please find it in your heart to help. No amount is too small, every penny helps.
Holly and I found Miss Asta at the Animal Shelter and rescued her. She was nothing but fur and bones that day. Poor little thing was only 5 months old and had been found dumped. I can't imagine no one not loving this precious pup. She knows no stranger.
Please click on the title above to go to the link. I know these are hard times, but like I said even the smallest of donations helps. Please feel free to share with your friends.

At the Request of a Friend....

2011-10-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm going to update. I'm so very sorry not to keep up with this. I guess life and fb have taken over....
For those of you who follow along, I'm truly sorry I'm so bad at blogging. I really need to do this more for my children's sake. I so want to turn this into a book, but haven't a clue how to go about it. I have looked into it, but as understanding exactly how to go about it just isn't there for me. I'll have to see if I can just sit down while Evan and Wendy are both in school for the day.

Our fall has been extremely busy, but what's new right? The week before Evan's 5th birthday our oldest daughter moved home. Finding jobs in Dallas wasn't working at all; so she is looking here and doing some deep thinking of maybe going back for her masters. Not sure, but at least she is here and has a roof over her head.

Evan turned 5 last month and we were going to have his party here at the house. Our theme was "Carnival". With Lacy moving in we had boxes everywhere; so it wasn't a good plan to have it at the house. We moved it to the park near our school. It just happened to be very hot that day unfortunately. Evan got sick from the heat and we had to bath him down with a cold towel. After sitting in the shade for a bit he started feeling better. I have never had one of mine get so sick on their party day... Of course we were worried about his little heart at that rate. We had a bounce house and several carnival games, but the favorites were the clown pinata and pin the tail on the donkey. Funny how the old games were the best loved. Can you believe that many of the children didn't know what pin the tail on the donkey was? It is a shame our children of today are so into electronics and not the good old fashioned play. Mine are guilty too, but when it comes to parties we go into our old party game mood. Lacy made his cake with a little help from Holly and me... I had found this idea in the Wilton Cake book of long ago... It was a car with clowns poking out of the windows and sunroof. It turned out to be one of the cutest cakes we've had. It also prompted Lacy into getting classes at Michaels for cake decorating. His actual birthday was on a Tuesday. I told him we would fix his favorite meal for his real day... He then said "You mean I turn 6". Oh my he just doesn't understand birthdays yet. :) I bet next year it will sink in. He even has trouble with going to friends parties thinking it is his birthday again. LOL

On Columbus weekend we went to Colorado to ride the Cumbres Toltec Train. It turned cool compared to here and we were lucky enough to pack warm things. The early morning Saturday we got to see heavy snow fall in Alamosa. It snowed in the mountains and we got to see the snow on the beautiful fall foliage on the Aspens. My word how beautiful the Aspens were!! We saw Prong Horn Deer, Elk, and a Coyote. I love riding the train, but not as much as Mike. Evan and Wendy enjoyed it so much, but NO ONE LOVES it more than MIKE!! I go along for the scenery! This was the first trip we have taken with just the 2 little ones in a long while.

Over this past weekend we went to the pumpkin farm. We had more fun than I expected. The kids again had fun just doing simple things... Like checking out the bunnies at bunnyville,riding a John Deere Trike around a cool track, Tractor wagon ride, a cool obstacle course with a glide wire,that both accomplished, and bouncing on an air pillow (which I really wish we had one), Ducky Derby racing... this is where they put the rubber duck on a metal track and pulled a hand crank water pump; the fast you pumped the water the fast the duck moved to the other end. Not an easy feat. Then they climbed a hay pyramid and a large hill with a slide. After this we went over to the Hayride out to the corn maze and then to the pumpkin patch. We had a hard time with the maze and decided to back track out. Next off to pick out our pumpkin; well we got more than one... We thought we were spending a lot, but our load only cost us 35.00's when anywhere else would be selling them for much more. We got many different sizes. Lacy had a wonderful time and so did Mike and I, but the two little ones really had a good time. I do believe we will be having Evan's 6th birthday party here next year.

I've also added our pumpkin photos and one of Evan on his first school field trip.

School is going well for both kiddos. Dance has been busy and life is just a blur at times. Isn't life grand!

It's been a couple of months....

2011-08-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hey There!

I guess I took a vacation from blogging once more. lol We had a very good summer, but an extremely HOT one!
Wendy had drama camp, dance class, and dance camp. She had lots of fun doing all of these. Evan took dance this summer too. They loved it, but the one thing they seemed to love more were the swimming class they took at the end of July. They have come a long way since they ended. Wendy, while we were on vacation two weeks ago, jumped into each pool she could along our way and swam from one side of the pool to the other with her head under water! I'm so proud of her. Evan with the help of arm floaties swam where he wanted and put his face in the water often. He isn't as far along as Wendy, but he is younger. All in all Mr. did very well!!! We have two fish in the family for sure.

This summer vacation we took another road trip back to California. We took it slow and did a three day drive there. First day out we drove from here to Albuquerque for the first night. We ate at our favorite Noodle place there and then headed to bed. The next day we drove on to Flagstaff, and along the way we went to Meteor Crater State Park and saw the biggest hole in the earth. It really was something to see. Then we went on into Flagstaff after a few rest stops and once there we stayed at Little America Hotel. It was just fabulous!!!! We have decided to stay there again. The room was just wonderful. The kiddos loved their pool and so did I. It rained there and the smell of the pines was divine. From there we drove a longer day to Barstow Cal., due to going to the Grand Canyon along the way. The Grand Canyon was wonderful. Last time we went to the GC we had the two older girls only and went to the North Rim. It was more desert like on the south end. We were so tired by the time we got to Barstow, but the little ones just had to swim. ha Guess what was next door to the hotel?? Tanger Outlet Mall, yep we did a little shopping the next morning on our way out. Had to get the kids some school clothes since we were taking our vacation so close to the start date of school. It only took us 3 hours to get on in to Anaheim and we went to Seal Beach this time. Mike didn't hurt himself this time...we wouldn't allow it! LOL We had a very good time there. We enjoyed walking the beach and getting our feet wet. Wendy brought back some shells and so did Lacy. I do believe Holly, Evan and I also put some into our bucket. After we played and had our picnic we headed to our hotel. We stayed at Portofino Hotel this time. We had to have a room that accommodated all 6 of us. The room we got there had bunk beds and a pull out sofa bed along with our King bed. Very nice room, but not sure I would stay again due to the distance from there to the Disneyland park. The buses didn't come often enough as they do in DW; so we had to walk each and every time. Going isn't bad, but coming back in the evening was murder. We had the stroller with us, but boy that got rough!!!! Evan fought with Wendy over who had the shade and who's head could be where. Such a PAIN! We finally made the walk everywhere. That showed them!

Ok, it is now lunch time so I will post photos in a bit, but at lease you can read about our summer fun.

A Special Family Time.

2011-06-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

If you click on our photo it will take you to the Disney Photo Pass site for an E-card.

Has it been this long already?

2011-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Man we sure have been busy. Life just gets carried away with two busy children. Did I ever say how many activities they are both in???
Let me start with Wendy~ Monday she has school of course and then directly after picking her up I take Wendy, along with two of her little friends, to dance where she does Ballet, Tap, and Jazz for an hour and a half. Then home to do homework and eat. Then on Tuesday we use to have Daisy Girl Scout meetings; so now we just do homework, which is always a lot!!
Wednesday I pick Wendy up from school and then we come home and do homework so she can go to Prep for Point class at 5:30-6:20 (which she is soooo wanting her point shoes, but can't have until her little bones are ready) and then we pick up a salad for dinner.
Thursday is a relax and do homework unless it lands on Troop meeting night. Troop nights Wendy goes for an hour to be with the girls and work for badges on her tunic. We just finished Girl Scout Cookie Sales!!! We ended up buying the tail end of her boxes to finish selling....say 42 boxes at 3.50 a box!!! You do the math. Luckily Mike will take most of these off to work and then we have family that has requested a few boxes. Hopefully we won't be left with many. We really have done well not eating tons of them.
Fridays are pretty low key unless we remember it is Chinese Lessons which we haven't go to any this year yet due to being forgetful and just plain TIRED!
The weekend is for us to recoup or have some fun.

Evan~ Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday he goes off to Preschool, which he LOVES. He has came a long way in a year and 4 months! He has had a hard time with some of his alphabet, but hey what can you expect. He can now sing it all the way through though and that has been a accomplishment on its own. He is now practicing with scissors and not doing too bad at all. He recognizes his name in written form and has for the past 3 months. Now to get him to spell his name aloud. This has been hard since he keeps saying "E" is for Evan. Did I say he was about the most hard headed little boy I know of?!
Fridays at 1:30 to 2:20 he takes Ballet/Tap. This has helped immensely with his coordination. He truly loves dancing! He loves watching anything and everything to do with Dance also. His favorite movie is "Mama Mia"!! The latest was Billy Elliot since it was about a boy who dances ( I just wish they didn't have to have so many cuss words and smoking in it). He can't wait to do his Recital!!! He is the only little boy in his age group; so you can imagine how cute he is going to be. He helps all of the little girls with their Arabesque when they first come out on stage. He himself is the first on stage and he comes out on tip toes and then does his boy bow and then holds his hands and arms ready for the little girls. It is adorable.

Me~ well I've been talked into doing a Jazz class which I wasn't informed it was a jazz class until I handed them the money! LOL I can honestly say that I'm having the hardest time with my left and right when going fast. ha I come home energized and then the next day I'm soooo sore I can barely stand it.
I run the children to each and every thing that they are involved in. True since of the word "Moms Taxi Service".

Last weekend we went for a quick weekend trip to Red River NM. Holly wanted to ski and so did Mike. The kids did the childrens ski school while I sat and watched them. I took photos, but I bet they didn't turn out cause I was a distance away. I DON"T Ski!!!! I WON"T Ski!!!!!!!!!!!!! At 11:00 am we got the kids and put away the rentals and off to lunch we went. Holly was antsy to get back and to the tougher runs so we let her go on while we finished up and walked all the way back (quite a distance from the restaurant) Once we got back Mike took off and wanted to try again (mind you he had never skied before and the first two runs he did pretty good). Holly was about to put all the rentals up (I truly wish she had already!) when Mike came up and off they went one last time. Holly was telling Mike how to turn on his skis and as he started off he thought he was about to hit Holly and tripped over his skis and knocked his knee cap out of alignment. OH THE PAIN!!! They carried him down by stretcher and then into the car, front seat, how they did that I just don't know. Getting him out wasn't an easy task and neither was getting him up the stairs to our room. He went 28 hours before he actually got it re-situated. He and I spent 4 hours in the ER here and Holly went on to Texas Tech while our neighbor took care of the kiddos. They ended up knocking him out to relocate it. Can't wait to see that bill!!!!ARGH...

I think we have caught up pretty well considering.

Did I mention that Wendy was in "The Little Match Girl"? Well she was and she did so well that she wants to be in another play as soon as she can. I'll post photos of each event....except of Mike being carted down the slope. Hopefully this will all fit, if not I'll do a second post with photos.

Mike's 54th Birthday~

One Hundred Days of School Project
One Hundred Ballerinas~

Oh the things our Pets go through... Jasper playing Pretty Pretty Princess, Tallulah being dragged into the game~

Valentines Parties~

Aren't they sweet!

Evan and his Valentine!

Merry Christmas To All

2010-12-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

Create a free digital ecard

Photos from over the year....

Lots going on.... Gotcha Day Anniversary and more...

2010-11-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Now and Then....

First of all I missed speaking about Gotcha Day for Evan. It was the 25th of October and boy was that a day in a half!!! He sure has fit in with the our family. I will say one thing that holds true from day one; he is still strong willed and obstinate.... always determined it will be HIS way! Even if it is opening or closing a door especially if it is the car door! He and I go head to head on many a battle. I have a friend that tells me "now Lesa choose your battles". True, but there are so many with him.LOL
On the other hand he's adjusting really well and is such a loving little guy. He loves his new school and he LOVES Dance!!!! He brought home an antic that the teacher taught him for their dance. Well I had never seen him do this and figured it was something he picked up from school. You know when children put their fingers in their ears and then stick their tongue out like they are saying nana nana nana....? Well I asked him to pick up something and take it to his room and he did this and I looked him and said where on earth did you learn this??? He then said "Ms. Bluejeans"... I did a retake and asked what? LOL
When we went to dance I asked her about it and she said "yeah, he does this for our dance". I looked at her and said that is what he said, but did you know he used it on me when I asked him to do something for me at home? We both laughed under our breath and then she turned and said "Evan, we don't do this at home to mommy. (LOL!!!)

He and Wendy are beginning to play like pals. Yes, they still have their moments, but hey what sibling doesn't right. He loves his Holly and his Lacy. He and Daddy are huge pals. He and I have tons of fun here at home while playing outside or meeting with friends.

Holly celebrated her 23rd birthday on the 27th.

Wendy celebrated her 7th birthday on the 30th of October with a Mad Hatter Halloween Tea Party. I do believe that was the best party I've ever thrown and I've thrown many over the 27 year span! I have favorites but this one was just great. You know that feeling?

We had our first "official" Trick or Treating with Evan this year and he loved it so much. He knew exactly what to say at each house. It was so dang cute to watch how excited he was doing this. We did have a small celebration last year in China, but lets face it we only had one doorbell to ring and that was our own. Luckily I was prepared and brought some candy and 4 face masks (non scary type). We could tell then that he was going to enjoy our favorite holiday for sure.

Today marks the 1st year anniversary of our arriving home with Evan. It was some trip home and all of the planes we had to catch to finally be back in our house. The jet lag was horrible and still fresh in my mind.

Tonight at 12:30 a.m. marks the 1year anniversary of my dad passing from this earth. I miss him terribly and so does my family. I know that my mother really does. There have been many a phone call I've made to my sweet mother over this year. We have cried together and have reminisced about days with dad. We have talked to him when she has misplaced things that he actually put away himself. lol Do you know that dad actually seemed to help guide her to the camera that he had put in his clean clothes basket! I know you may not believe that but we do.
Dad, we all miss your wonderful laugh and your love. I have been calling my little ones darlin' like you always called me....it seems to help.
Love you with all my heart...until we meat again.

Our Boy turned 4!!!!!!

2010-10-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Evan had a wonderful birthday and party! Thanks to our friends here who attended. Evan had a Zoo Safari Party with Mickey and Friends Safari Cake. We got to hear the Lion Roar since we were right across from the Lions pen having our party. The kids got to do a Scavenger Hunt and we had a snake come visit the kids. Evan really liked that.

Slideshow made with Smilebox

I've become one of those bad bloggers!

2010-09-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

I really never thought this would happen, but hey I guess I'm only human. lol

Lots of things have been going on around here. Lets just start with today....
Evan began his first day of Preschool today. He did really well and even helped a new friend that was sad.
When I picked him up the first thing he said was he got hit in the head and the back. I was confused and asked if he fell at the playground...being careful not to accuse someone of doing it. He said no. Then when we got in the car I asked how the other little boy did. Evan replied "He hit me and he was rude". I have never heard him use the word rude before, but often ask him and Wendy not to be rude to each other. I asked if the teacher talked to the little boy and he said yes and he said he was sorry.
Mike and I were on the phone on the way home talking about Evan's day and he asked if the teacher said anything...in the background Evan said loudly so Mike could hear..."He said sorry daddy". I think it was handled okay.
Once home the teacher called me and told me what had happened and it seems like the little boy didn't mean to they were putting blocks away and he accidentally hit Evan with one.
One thing I've learned is that Evan will talk about things unlike my Wendy or Holly ever did!

I hope I can separate the photos.....

Secondly, over the summer we did another big "First" of Evan's...for that matter it was Wendy's "First" as well. We went to Disneyland via Car Trip!!! We went to the Petrified Forest on the way and really enjoyed it. Roadside Picnics and plenty of potty breaks. lol
When we arrived in California we crashed. Not really. We went to Down Town Disney to look around and ate supper. The next morning was a Monday so we since our tickets to Disneyland didn't begin until Tuesday we decided to go to Huntington Beach. We really had a good time, but one thing did go wrong! Mike was going for shells and turned to look at us and waved....as I snapped the photo a 7foot wave was coming up behind Mike's head! CRASH!!! It picked Mike up 6 feet in the air and then he came back down with his right arm trying to help break his fall. He lost his sunshades and tried to look for them. Once he came back up where we were he didn't look good. He thought he had a really bad sprain, but nooooooo 5 days later when we got back home we found out he had fractured it in three places! Can you imagine??? He got a arm brace at CVS to help it. It really swelled up horribly! Tuesday came and he was really in pain,but didn't go on about it so we could go on to the park. He road lots of fast rides and did many things with it he shouldn't have.
Once back home I insisted he go and get it x-rayed. Our doctor was out of the office on vacation, but got him in for one over the phone. Yes it was fractured and not sprang, but it was in line. Over that weekend he decided to mow. When he went in for a cast the next week he had maneuvered the fracture out of whack. He really needed pins in it, but opted for just a cast....so tomorrow he will find out if he can have it off or not. My bet is not! He just can't keep it still long enough to do any good.
Luckily we did manage a wonderful trip in spite of all of this, and Evan got to see the MOUSE!

These photos are of the beach. Check the one out of Mike waving to us and the "Wave" coming up behind him.

I'll do a new post with the Disneyland photos....

2010-08-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

This photo album made with Smilebox

Evan's first time to stay somewhere without us.

2010-07-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

The kids were invited to a Rockstar Birthday Party over the weekend. We had fun dressing them up. They won't probably ever wear this again, but it was really cute for what they were attending.
Evan did wonderful! It was the first time I was able to leave him at a Party or really anywhere on his own with out one of us adults. Wendy was with him and that helped. Baby steps....
Next fall he will start Preschool and have to go to class on his own. I am also having him go to dance one day a week and he will be going by himself for this as well. Ms. Bluejeans and I think he is about ready. He is being weaned this summer some with dance class. I take one class with him and he is finally doing some of the stuff by himself. Then he goes on Friday and I am not there, but Holly is helping with that class. Again Baby steps. He is really doing well since we have had him 9 months this coming Sunday.

Toas Biking Adventure

2010-07-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

So sorry I've been so long on posting an update. I can't believe it has been this long since I've posted on my blog.

Last weekend we traveled to Taos New Mexico for a quick weekend of fun. Holly got us into biking, and believe me I haven't ridden in around 15 years!! I'm not exaggerating:) lol
Holly bought a Mountain Bike and had this under her skin to go on her own to Taos, but then she got an idea for us all to go with her. Mike got a new bike from Walmart...nothing expensive at all. I used my cruiser that I have had for oh...15 years. lol Then we got Wendy a trailing bike to go back of Mikes, and I was to carry Evan in a kid seat between me and my handlebars. It was rough on me trying to just ride on my own at first let alone putting an extra person in front of me on my bike. I started off like Wendy learning without training wheels. I didn't think I would ever get myself use to my bike again.
After training myself for two days we were off for Taos. Oh my gosh....what was I in for!? Luckily we found a simple trail....well sort of. Lots of huge rocks in various places on the trail. Remember I didn't have a Mountain Bike! Cruiser with no speeds!!! I think all considering I did very well. We ended up riding along the Rio Grand Gorge for 8 miles. Once back we cooled off some and had our picnic. As much as I dreaded it I had tons of fun.

Here are several shots of our trip.

Nothing but the TOOTH!

2010-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

My word..... After all of her wishing and wiggling, twisting pushing and prodding the darn thing finally came out!!! Wendy has been hoping for this day to come since September 09'! We tugged since the weekend and it still refused to budge. The new one is coming in right behind it and pushing at the baby one too. Finally we took dental floss and tugged. It chose to bleed and it freaked her out. She wanted me to untie the string, but there was no way it was going to come untied; so I said let me see it and she gave me the string I gave it a swift yank and it popped out attached to the dental floss.
Man!!! I have never seen a root like that on a baby tooth!!!!!!! No wonder it has taken so many months to come out. That thing had to be pulled by someone for sure.

Leigh and Katey, thank you so much for her Tooth Fairy Doll. The tooth is snug in its little purse.

Before....

This evening.....(after)

Wendy's summer haircut.

2010-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Before.....

It has been a battle to keep long hair on Wendy for the past 4 months. I have told her that she had to at least wait until Ballet Recital was finished; because there is no way you can put short hair into a bun. She wanted it short to the neck but I had her compromise and go just below the shoulder line. I can at least still keep it in a low ponytail. Let me tell you from all the crying she does from me just trying to brush it I will love not hearing that for a while. lol
While my hair was cooking she had hers cut. The whole time she was smiling and so excited about having it done.
We got home and Holly liked it and then our neighbors liked it. Daddy came home and she walked by him and said hi dad, he did a double take. Mike tried to pay her money not to cut it. I love her hair long, but thought it would be okay for her to cut it since hair does grow back and it should be grown back by this fall at least.
While at the supper table she was looking down and Mike asked her what was wrong all of the sudden she started crying and ran to me and said "I miss my long hair" whaaaaa....... She couldn't stop crying.

Who doesn't love long hair?? It will grow back, but for now it is cute for the summer.

Evan and his haircut that has grown out a tad.
He was so happy to look just like Daddy!

Mike's Father's Day Gift.

2010-06-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well, on Saturday we were heading off to Baker Brothers for salads to bring home and on the way we saw a sign saying puppies for sale.I looked at Holly and said read that sign what kind of puppies? We're a family that loves dogs and we especially love looking at them. Holly said it said German Short Hair Pointer Pups, and they are AKC.On the way home with our lunch I decided to take a side trip by where they had the puppies. You see Mike has wanted this kind of dog since we lived in Dallas 22 years ago. He has recently said he still would like one so he can go hunting with him. Holly and I had a pact that we would not buy one unless it was a really good bargain. They have a tendency to ask a lot for this type of dog and with them being AKC registered we knew there wouldn't be any way. From a short distance we could see them milling around in this pen they had set up. I spotted one I liked right off and it just so happens that this one decided he would run right to us. He had to be the most gorgeous pup I have ever seen!!!! We asked all the important questions as are they good with children, do they shed, do they get along with other animals....etc. Finally the question had to come "how much?". When they said we looked at each other and said we wanted the one that came right up to us. At first she wanted cash, but who has so much on them, even though the amount wasn't horrible. Her dad came up and we looked at him and asked if he would accept a check and he said yes. Yea!!!
Once we got all of his papers and heart guard we came home with this new puppy.
Now to hope and pray that Mike really meant what he said about wanting one!
We came in and I said that lunch was home and then told Holly to go on in to the living room where Mike was. Holly walked the puppy up to him at the couch and put him on Mike's tummy. We then both said "Happy Father's Day"! His mouth opened up in shock, but not bad shock. It was love at first sight. Mike has played with this pup and every evening we have been down at our park to exercise him.
Okay, okay..... here are the photos of "Jasper".

Dance Recital for May 2010

2010-06-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wendy and I had a wonderful experience. Tuesday June 1st was Dress Rehearsal and Wendy did so very well. The only problem was that Mike and Holly had a hard time capturing both dances on video. They managed getting the tap dance that night and then on Thursday the 3rd Mike got both from way at the back of the auditorium. You can barely see Wendy from these, but she is second from the left on both dances.
Thursday night Holly opted to stay home cause she had caught a virus that she caught from me. It really has been an awful bug that starts with a sore throat, then you get this gosh awful cough, and it takes more than a week to get over! Anyway..... Mike had to watch Evan, who likes to do his own thing, and try to video the dance recital all at the same time. So, it is really shaky. I plan on buying the professional video from ALT.

I'll upload the videos anyway so you get an idea.

I myself enjoyed being backstage mom both nights. It is lots of fun getting to know the girls. Luckily in Wendy's group there are only "5" children!!!!! Totally unheard of, but this class is a two day class. Hopefully the class will remain very small. They get more one on one with the teacher and learn so much more of the Art of Ballet this way!

Wendy will be taking Ballet/Tap on Mondays and Thursdays she will be taking Tap/Bebop. Evan will be taking on Monday morning with me in Mommy and Me class then on Friday with Preschool age. Holly will be taking Ballet on Friday morning before Evan's class and then "helping" Ms. Bluejeans with Evan's class. The plan is to help get Evan use to being away from me some. We have accomplished one good thing and that is Evan is finally very bonded to me. For those of you who have followed from Evan's Gotcha moment on Evan refused me pretty much and really didn't want anyone, but preferred Mike and especially Holly to me. He still "highly" adores Holly.

A very good note: I was able to get Evan into a good Preschool Program for the fall! He got the last morning slot for the 3 year olds. I don't want to push him in with the four year olds for now and luckily they don't allow him to enter the 4 yr. old class unless he is 4 on or before Sept. 1st just like the school district. Plus this is a half day program which will be better since he hasn't ever been away from me or family in general, and this will help with him being able to go to dance on his own eventually.

Lots going on and many things keeping us busy, but luckily there is some down time for now. I've managed to start up my hobby of sewing back up! Yea!!!! I made Wendy a little sun dress and am working on cutting out shorts for both her and Evan for our vacation.

Now for the Ballet photos and Video.....

Kindergarten Graduation

2010-05-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Bright and early Friday morning Wendy was dressed in her pretty black and white dress with a ballerina skirt. Daddy took her to school by 8:00 and Holly, Evan and I came behind them for her graduation at 8:30 a.m.
Just a little after 8:30 they began and here came the cutest little procession ever!!! They were all in blue cap and gowns.....absolutely A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!!!!!
After the graduation they got to keep their gold tassels with 2010 on it. It will be a wonderful keepsake for her.

My baby is now a First Grader!!!! Where did the time go??? I guess some things just go by too fast. Not our wait for Evan....LOL, and he too is now growing like a little weed!
One thing for sure she will always be smaller than her piers. I'll see if I can also get the photos off of Mike's disc, but in the mean time here are some from my camera.

Enjoy.....

A Night at the Drive-in

2010-05-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

We had one of those ideas Friday night.... Humm.... let's see what's playing at the Drive-in. Just in luck the new Shrek Movie was out and the double feature was Iron Man II. Holly and I had already seen Iron Man II with the little kids not long ago.We went and the kids had a wonderful time. Mind you this was Evan's first time ever at our Drive-in. This one has been in our area for some time. The playground was very nostalgic with old play equipment.....very cool, but one must really watch their children on the merry-go-round. I really don't like my kids getting on them since we all how dangerous they really are, but before I could do anything about it Mike said "sure go get on". Thank you lord above for keeping them safe. This is truly play at your own risk. lol

Evan and Wendy will never ever forget these moments! The smiles were huge on these two. They both stayed awake for the whole Shrek movie! The one treat we indulged in was the coke float. Yum!

Wendy's Very First Piano Recital

2010-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

She was so darn cute. We arrived early like she was suppose to,5:30 pm, to warm up some. She played for the 3 of us and Nanna Pam (our neighbor)to warm up. Right before it was to start she looked at me and said I thought I just played. LOL She practiced beautifully. She was introduced by her teacher, Mrs, Sharron, and Wendy did fine the first song, but then on the second piece she had to start over at the top of the piece. That is normal since she has never played in front of a crowd before. The third piece she got nervous once she saw that I had the camera on and recording. Oops.

Our friends arrived late so Mrs. Sharron noticed it and once the other kids had played she let Wendy play her last piece again and she did much better. Just for her friend, Anna.

Wendy really did well considering. See what you think.

Meet Franceska.

2010-05-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our agency posted that the Stork Landed today. I have a friend that has waited 4 years logged in date for China adoption. If you include all of the paper work they did before they got their LID (log in date)they have waited right at 5 years!!!
I have known Kristy through Blog Land for 3 years and when I realized that the Stork had landed at Great Wall agency my heart leaped with joy.
Mike and I know all to well how hard this wait is and we jumped off the long line once we found our son Evan waiting for us.
If you want to see more photos of such a beautiful little baby girl go to her blog and take a look, and leave her your well wishes.
http://franceskasjourneyhome.blogspot.com/

I couldn't be any happier than if it were my own. Happy Referral Day, Kristy!!! Totally worth the wait right?

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

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If it weren't for my mom I wouldn't be here to be a mom myself. I truly love her! She is my mother, and my best friend. She comforts me when I'm down. She is there to share my joys and my sorrows with. There isn't a day that goes by I don't wish she were living near me....days like this.

Mom, when you read this know that I love you!!! Mike, Lacy, Holly, Wendy, Evan and I don't miss a day of thinking of you.

Ganny, I know that Lane shows you the blog on weekends and I want you to know that You are loved so much too. I am so glad you got your pictures as well. I hope your Mother's Day was a very pleasant one.

My Day:

My children woke up and raring and ready to make me breakfast. It was so cute... Wendy cracked the eggs and scrambled me some eggs along with making toast. Evan brought me my tray, and he didn't even drop it! He was so very proud of himself...so was I!
Then they all had a present for me; as if that wasn't gift enough. Mike got me a nice arrangement of Hens and Chicks in a planter. He also brought me a lovely Orchid! I've never gotten one and have always admired them. I sure hope I don't kill it.
Wendy tried to win me a stuffed animal at the Walmart arcade; so Holly took her to Hastings our Bookstore and she chose a stuffed Smurf doll and a webbed footed frog for Evan to give me. lol Well, we all know how the gift giving went once I said cool. huh? Evan lugged the frog around and Wendy lugged the smurf doll around. LOL!!
Holly got me "it's Complicated". I can't wait to see this!
My Lacy called me on the phone at lunch to wish me a good day. I sure did enjoy hearing from her.
Everyone here took me to eat at Ruby Tequila's. We had never eaten there before and it was so good. It won't be our last time. The children were so cute during lunch. Evan decided to wear his Super "E" Cape that a dear friend "Auntie" gave him. Mike forgot the camera or I would have photos to post.

I must tell you, this is such a wonderful Mother's Day for me since I finally have my last chick added to the brood. As I said on Facebook...if I had been told last year on Mother's Day that I would not have another daughter but a "SON" I would have laughed and said no way. I couldn't be happier to have my little boy Evan. What a blessing he is to our family. My cup truly runneth over. I love all of my chickies.

ABQ Zoo and the Botanical Gardens

2010-04-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went to Albuquerque to visit the Zoo and their Gardens along with Old Town. We needed a weekend of fun. Mike didn't get to go with us to Ft. Worth for Spring Break; so we decided to go and see the sights of ABQ.
We left right after picking Wendy up from school on Friday and arrived around 6:00 pm. We dropped the doggies off at our motel and then off to the Noodle Bar we found last summer. All I can say is YUM!
The next morning we woke up grabbed some breakfast and then asked "Lola", our GPS, the way to the Zoo. Off we went and stayed out all day having fun. It was suppose to rain that day so we had an alternate plan for an indoor museum if it did. Luckily we had a beautiful day to go after all.
There are some first on this trip... Evan got to swim in the pool for the first time and he loved it, but hung close. Sorry no photos of this, and his first cotton candy! Those are the first two photos. Evan had never fed Lorikeet's either and neither had any of the rest of us....I'm sure you can tell by all of the photos. lol His first time to see a Polar Bear and his first time to Sea Lions. Again where was the camera for that? Gee whiz! I will tell you he had the time of his life that day. We all had a wonderful time!!!

Dance Watch Day

2010-04-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

It is nearing Recital time and we got to go in and watch. Wendy got her costumes and we tried them on the girls so they could get an idea of what it would feel like with them on.
Evan really wanted to be a part of this as his friend Yuna did.(lol) The last video shows him with Wendy's bun wrap....well just a cute peek. ha If you wonder what I'm laughing about in the last clip....well keep an eye out on Wendy. She had to scratch an itch from the new costume that happened to be on her tiny hiny.

Let me just say that Wendy is really looking more and more like a Ballerina as is her friend Anna. I can never get enough of watching them dance!

FOR MEEEEE?!!!!!!!!

2010-04-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend! Lacy came home Thursday evening late and then on Friday we went up to Wendy's school and hid eggs for the kindergarten group. It was lots of fun. Evan was totally in the dark of why they were running for these colored plastic eggs. Wendy shared with him once we got home with her loot.
Once home we found Holly was here! The kids really were so excited that their big sisters were both home!
Did I mention that on Thursday Evan went to the dentist and we found out he has 12 cavities!? What timing right? Now to plan on getting them fixed. We knew he had cavities, but not this many!
On our way out they let us look at what they had in their back room...baby chicks and baby ducks! We took two home free. They are so dang cute. One is Green, and that is Evan's, his/her name is Chess. The other is Blue, that one is Wendy's, his/her name is Blue Belle. Mike couldn't believe I had allowed ducks, but hey that is me I've always allowed my kids to dabble with different animals. Luckily if they get to be a problem we have 3 parks with ponds we can take them to, but so far that isn't going to happen. The way I look at it they will be wonderful for the garden. lol

Easter....well this is Evan's first one to ever enjoy. He was really confused by it all, but it didn't take long for him to get it.
Here are some photos of our weekend.

Happy Half A Birthday!!

2010-03-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

We have a VERY happy boy now. For the past few months Evan has seen several children have their birthday parties. First, there was his sister's belated celebration for her friends since we were in China when her 6th birthday occurred. He had fun with that and afterward would ask "Happy Birthday, Me?". Then he and Wendy were invited to two more birthdays since hers, and he would then ask again, "Happy Birthday, Me??" Well, last week he just couldn't stop asking, and I had a hard time explaining that he still had 6 months to wait until his 4th birthday. He had his 3rd birthday right before we traveled to get him, so he had no memory of one with us, and our parties have presents... His in China did too, but when we got him his Pooh Bear that we had sent for his birthday wasn't with him. I later learned that when he left New Hope Foundation, he had Pooh and several other things to bring home with him. Well, when the Director of the SWI in Shangrao, brought him to us from his Province, she didn't bring his Pooh Bear but brought his photo book and his camera with photos taken at New Hope. I was told that this often happens to the children. Poor Evan had asked where his Pooh Bear was while we were looking at our photos and one of them had the care package we had sent to him for his birthday along with Pooh. Sad that they kept it.

Well, when we heard that the SWI had "kept" his Pooh and with all the begging for a party, I had a thought... His Half Birthday was coming up on the 27th of March and of course he would be 3 1/2. Perfect time to celebrate. Now if he had of had a Toddler Shower when we got him home maybe this wouldn't have been an issue.lol But, with all that occurred once we arrived home with my dad passing and jet lag plus holidays, I can kinda see why this wasn't done. Nevertheless..... We had a small amount of our closest friends to help celebrate his Half-A-Birthday. He was so excited the whole week before this came about!!!! I'm telling you he planned out his cake, favors,balloons, plates, napkins and was so very excited about the whole thing!!
His cake had to have a "Two Train"(choo choo train) on it with Green since this is his favorite color. He wanted Handy Manny plates and napkins...well Mickey was his first choice, but we talked him out of that since we really want this for his 4th birthday themed party. It was all about hearing the Birthday Song sang for HIM!!! He sang too. You couldn't have seen a happier little boy that evening. Evan got some fun things to play with that were boy appropriate. lol Lets just say that we have a lot of pink toys in our house!

You see, planning all these years for another little girl all we had were pink things. We were given baby girl things right and left through all of my Secret Pal exchanges, and monogrammed items with Mylie on them. When we changed over to a boy....well needless to say, we had nothing for a boy. So this party brought Evan a few boy items and that they were his. He has one that he just doesn't want to share much with Wendy yet - His Handy Manny ball!!!(thank you Holly). He will share his Cowboy and Indian set (thank you Anna, and Yuna), and loves to share his T-ball set with his sisters and anyone who will play (thank you Joely and Camry), and we got him some Handy Manny tools and cars. His stand in grandparents (our neighbors Pam and Melvin, along with Angie,Cheyenne, and Court) gave Evan a "Green" Buzz Light Year short set.
Thank you all for helping him feel so special! It meant the world to him!

Many have said well, this will only make him still want another party. LOL
I see why they thought this, and I won't say that it didn't cross my mind. But, Evan hasn't said another word about a party except for reliving the one we threw for him!

Lesa

Have you ever been this embarrassed ??

2010-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Try taking your children to the mall play area and see if one of them pull their pants down!!
Yep, you read that correctly. I was sitting while watching Wendy and Evan play on all of the neat things they have there. One moment I lost sight of Evan and asked Wendy where he was and she said he was over by the car. Okay, I saw him...all was fine. Then I was watching Wendy and all of the sudden she came running and saying "Momma momma, Evan just pulled his pants down and I got my stuff and ran over to where he was. Sure enough he was standing there butt naked!!! Firstly I pulled his pants up really quick, but seeing all of the parents laughing/chuckling I said that is a cultural difference, and tried to laugh it off. Talk about embarrassment. I gathered both children up and got their shoes on. A mom said many have been in my shoes, and then told me the closest bathroom was in Sears. TOO LATE!! After pulling his pants up he peed. He was sitting on my leg so I could get his shoes on so guess who else got wet? With kids, and purchase in hand I got us out to the car as quick as I could.

Honestly, Evan has pulled his pants down here while outside a couple of times cause he had to go pretty bad. I would have never dreamed he would do that at a public place. Gee Whiz!!! He was not split pants trained. Evan was in a diaper for the whole 2 years he was at New Hope. For the 4 days he was with Shangrao SWI he must have been in split pants cause that is how they brought him to us. He has been potty training and is now 98% there. This was something else.

Luckily I think I can laugh at it tomorrow. LOL

Guang Hay Fat Choy!!!

2010-02-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

A couple of days late.... This year Chinese New Year landed on Valentines Day. We ended up celebrating Valentines Day on the 13th and then enjoyed CNY on the 14th with some of our International Group here. We had fun, but it was so noisy in the Restaurant. Hopefully next year we can get it planned a little bit earlier so we can have a private place to where the kiddos can play and socialize.
It was so much fun seeing our friends and watching how Evan interacted with the other children. By the way... Evan ate quite his fill and made the Buffet suffer.LOL I have a couple of photos, but there are more on a new disk Mike started while there.

Any way.... I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays.

Lesa

Well we wanted SNOW....

2010-01-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

but not this much. lol We have been totally snowed in yesterday and today. The kids are so bored and I have been trying so hard to keep them entertained. We have played blocks, Airport, Bristle Blocks, Dress Up, Nintendo Mario Kart, and a movie....oh, and some art work.
Evan even helped sweep and do laundry. Wendy chose to help with the dishes two days in a row. She is pretty good at it to.
The dogs haven't been able to go out to do their jobs at all. We have a huge drift of snow right at our back door and if they even got up on it they would likely sink in. Imagine two Chihuahua's and one Dachshund sinking down in three feet of snow. The drift that was the tallest on the back porch was near and over the BBQ grill and that was 4 1/2 feet.
Mike barely made it home after work yesterday. He was driving my Camry and had to be pushed some of the way. Once he got home he parked on the street curb. This morning he got a coworker to come by and pick him up in their in his four wheel drive truck.

I will post some of the snow photos tomorrow since I have two sleeping children to get off to bed.

Free 8X10 on Canvas !!!

2010-01-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Here is what you do. Click on the link and download a photo of your choice. The 8X10 is free!!!
If you are like us though you will go for a larger one for a small cost due to the fact that you just can't beat it.
I am having one of us in China done. I thought that many of you could benefit from this since many of you have small children like us.
Here it is once more or click on the title above.... http://www.canvaspeople.com/freegift

Today would have been.....

2010-01-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

My dad's 79th birthday. I know my mom is missing him today as she is everyday and especially on Sundays. She has told me it is so very hard for her on the weekends but especially on Sundays.

Happy Birthday Dad in Heaven. We sure miss you.

Today is my half a birthday and my dad and I always had a cake together. As I got older and married we celebrated my mom's birthday (Jan.5) and then Mike's (Jan. 22) and my dad's (Jan. 24). We miss doing this, but we have the wonderful memories of it.

Happy Birthday Sweetie....

2010-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Mike's 53 years young today! Man, where has the time gone??? He and I had a pact that we would never get old. lol Thus, we have adopted to stay young. hehe....
Poor thing woke up very sick today and has caught exactly what Wendy and Evan have had...a really bad viral cold with terrible cough. Thank you kids from school!!
I'm sure that is one present Mike would rather not have. lol

Anyway.... I love you, Mike!!!! Happy, Happy Birthday to you.

While I write this Evan is watching "Cars" and dancing along with the starting music. He is so dang cute!!!!! Gotta love him, and we do.

Photo Catch up upon request

2010-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

Evan and Wendy on Christmas Morning...... Holly's new puppy Gertie or also know as
Gertrude Eloise the little white terrier/King Charles spaniel mix.

Santa brought Evan a Lionel Super Chief!!!

Audrey Louise,
Lacy's puppy, wasn't thrilled with the little red hat. LOL

These were the presents that my dad chose for Evan before he passed away; a set of cars and Tigger. He purchased them the day we talked to him on Skype while we were in China. You could just tell my dad was so excited to have a new Grandson! We missed him this holiday season. I do know my dad was looking down and enjoying Evan getting his presents.

Hi Everyone...

2010-01-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

I am so behind.... I really am trying.
Let me first tell everyone that I'm changing the way you can leave a message. Don't be discouraged to comment on the posts. I have made it to where I can check them first and you have a word verification to add your message.
You see I have had a spammer put some Viagra adds and now one about Online Poker!!! I managed to erase the Viagra adds, but the Poker add I can't trash cause somehow they breached the system and the trashcan isn't below the add to where I can get rid of it!! Any advice on how to get it off? The only way I know to keep them from doing this is to protect my blog the only way I can without making it private.
If it comes down to me making it private I will let you know by putting a message on here. I need to change the address to it since the old one is still the Journey to Mylie Camille. Again that may take away some of my people since they are like family members and long distant friends who may not find out the new address.
If any of you have had this problem in the past please let me know what you did to get it fixed.

Momma it Kuh-nowed!!!

2009-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

We woke up to the wind howling and the snow blowing. It was pretty frigid outside. Now grant you the snow isn't that deep, but Mike still had to work with the shovel this morning. The windshield was heavy with snow.

Before he actually headed out Evan woke up and said "Momma it Kuh-nowed"!! We laughed so hard. Wendy came in and he told her the same thing, but Wendy told him the correct way to say it. Evan then said "Snu-owed". LOL God love him.... he sure is trying. The one thing he can say plain as day is Santa Claus.

Holly's Graduation from Tech!

2009-12-23T12:03:00.001-08:00

This is what we have been gearing up for this month. The nineteenth was Holly's Graduation from Texas Tech. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, and top GPA in her college. I only got a few snippets of video. Holly was the star of graduation. Quite cool to be first to enter the arena as Banner Barer for her College and first named for your diploma and not only this she was listed first for her GPA and then her whole name was said correctly all the way through....."Holly Leigh Erica L" Pretty cool!! We are so very proud of her.
I know that her Papaw was there watching over her. He said the day she was born that she was marked for GREAT Things!! He was so very right. We missed my mom being there cause she was home sick with a cold. Three family members were able to come....so happy that Lacy, Ganny and Uncle Lane could come.

Sorry the video clips are shaky. I had to hold Evan and he kept trying to take the camera from me. lol

2009-12-04T08:06:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

New Title....And other news....

2009-12-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

Well our journeys have ended, and both children are home from China it is time to start a new chapter in our lives. I have been playing with the thought of changing the title of our blog. I know there are many titles for a family of 6. My favorite is "With Six You Get Egg Roll", but I'm pretty sure that is taken. This was a Doris Day and Brian Kieth movie and I really love it as well, but in our case it really fits being that the tail end of our family is from China. LOL
So I have named it "The Six Of Us". I think it says it all. What do you guys think?

I will try to add new updated photos of the kiddos today. Evan is eating all the time.....you would think he would be gaining lots of weight with how he is going at it. He isn't a meat eater, but he loves Broccoli. Noodles are a true favorite....even for breakfast.LOL As far as what we love well.... we love Italian food a great deal, but the only thing Evan will eat is Pizza. I guess that is fine for now, but Mike makes a mean Spaghetti. lol Hamburgers are out cause he isn't a meat eater. I have found that he loves turkey sausage when grilled! His English is coming right along. He is picking up new phrases everyday. The concept of "What's your name" isn't there yet. Nor is "How old are you". I contacted ECI here, but they won't help since he is three years old now. I need to see if we have a private Speech Therapist here.

Evan is very strong willed and will fight you on what ever it is he wants or doesn't want to do. ha
We have gone head to head on many things lately. The big one is not hitting Wendy. Luckily the biting issue is gone for now. One thing he does that drives me nuts is when I tell him "NO" he points at me and gives me this cute look and says "Nooo". I know we will be butting heads for some time.

On the bright side he is a very sweet boy actually. When not being obstinate he gives sweet kisses and wonderful hugs not to mention that wonderful smile. He loves the dogs! His favorite is Tallulah, and he also loves our ferret Bear. This is one thing that took a while for Wendy when she came home.

Things will smooth out one day I know. Luckily I have friends who have adopted toddlers and I have seen that it took them some time to adjust but they are now doing fine. Since Mr. Evan has many good qualities about him he will do great once things settle in and his English starts to come more and more.

Wendy on the other hand has gone back a few steps from 6 years old to about 3 herself. Ha You see when a Princess has felt like she has been dethroned it is a catastrophe. LOL!!! She loves him deep down, but fights for all the attention she can get these days. If she sees Evan hugging our leg she gets the other leg and holds tight. This is fine, but can have its problems when you try to move around. Sharing has been hard since she has never had to do it long term before. Sure when friends come over she does, but now that Evan is here full time it is another story. LOL The one thing he wants more than anything is a Barbie Magnadoodle like Wendy's. "Very Big LOL!!! They both love to draw, but Wendy has had that since her 4th birthday; so now we all need to be on a mission. ha

As you can see there are many adjustments going on including my own. I am finally trying to figure out how to keep him content while doing house work and so on. So any of our local friends who are wondering.....this is why we haven't had a play date yet. If I can get the big sum of things done I'm going to get a house keeper in every other week. I think I deserve that don't you?

As for me, I'm still having a rough time after losing my dad. I do fine for a long while and then there is something that reminds me of him like when we went Xmas shopping for example. I find my self crying. The week after the funeral I decided to go through the phone messages from while we were in China. My dads voice came on and I listened and cried. Needless to say I'm not ever erasing that message!!! The message after that was my mom saying they were at the hospital and it was bad; now that one I erased. This was very hard on me. My mother is handleing it really well. She will cry on occasion, but not just let loose. She wanted to hear my dad's message over Thanksgiving while she was here. She did well on that as well.
Our Thanksgiving was one of remembering and holding tight to each other.

On a fantastic note: Holly is about finished with school and will graduate on December 19th!!!! She has been offered acceptance into the PHD Program (Doctoral Program) for Human Development and Family Studies without having her masters degree in it!!!! We are beyond ecstatic for her!!! So, she will be attending Texas Tech this spring semester!

I know this is a LONG post, but I have been so behind on updating this blog.

5 years ago and 5 weeks ago as well....

2009-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

This is our 5th Gotcha Day Anniversary with Wendy. I can't believe we have had her for 5 whole years today!!! The time has flown and yet it seems just like yesterday that she was placed in my arms. Her Gotcha Day was so different back then. So much of a treasure to remember.
Wendy, we love you and are so proud of the little lady you have become. I can't wait to see what happens in the years to come!

This is also our 5th week Gotcha Day Anniversary with Evan. It is also hard to believe that we got this precious 3 year old 5 weeks ago. In this short time many things have happened in his little life. Losses and Gains have been many for this little guy. Luckily the gains have far out weighed the losses. I can't wait to see what is in store for you as you grow.

Finally an Update..... a bit long sorry

2009-11-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

WOW!!!!! In one word let me describe how things have been "Whirlwind". I would have never thought or dreamed that something could go so crazy once we arrived home.

We arrived on US soil on the 6th of November at LAX in California. The air was so much more clear there than in China even. LOL We got all of our luggage and headed toward our gate to recheck them on to Amarillo. We hugged our dear friends and travel mates,Rich, Jen, and Mia, goodbye and vowed to stay in touch. Wendy really loved Jen! They had a connection right off.

After our goodbyes we lugged our carry-ons to our gate and found an On the Boarder and practically ran for it! LOL Margarita here we came and Tex Mex!! They didn't have Mexican Food in China!!! We found Italian, and German food, and Subway on Shamian Island, but no Mexican food. Can you imagine the business that they could get if they had one on the Island?

We called my Mom and Dad and Mikes Mother and Lacy while sitting and enjoying our meal. Lacy was so happy she was talking to Evan for the first time and he was truly interacting with her. Then Evan stayed on the phone with my parents for a very long time. My dad thoroughly enjoyed talking to him and Evan was saying Mamaw and Papaw constantly.

Our flight was leaving at midnight so we had plenty of time to talk and walk around. We were on a high being back in the USA, HOME!!! Hearing our loved ones voices was oh so comforting.

We arrived in Dallas at 5:58 am and grabbed a bite at McDonalds and a Cereal Bar there. We headed on to our next gate and I sat in a message chair. That was so nice. We all brushed our teeth and changed clothes for the kids. When we came back out Mike ran into his boss who was coming in from Washington and was about to catch the same flight as we were. Mike introduced him to Mr. Welch and Evan gave him a kiss on the cheek. What a sweet boy.
We then got on a propeller plane and we were asked to set back of the wings so the plane would be ballast. LOL Arrived home and landed very smoothly at 9:00 am. We were met by two of our dear families here. Boy was that a nice feeling seeing familiar faces. Thank you to David, and his family along with the Ng family.

We were so tired, but pumped just the same. We got home and there was Mike's mother and Lacy waiting for us to come on in. Oh how wonderful to be home. Evan explored the whole thing in a matter of minutes.

All of us were trying so hard to stay busy so we wouldn't fall asleep standing up. You know it is just a awful feeling. We would be in mid sentence to Mike's mother and we would slur and kinda doze off. I hate Jet Lag!!!!! I hate it with a purple passion!!!! I was so unable to do anything that day. I had wanted to call my parents and tell them we actually arrived in Amahome and just couldn't muster up the energy to do so.
We tried so hard to stay awake..... We pulled out the couch bed so we could lay both kids down since they had passed out on the floor. ha

That night late we received a phone call..... Mind you we couldn't hear it cause we had passed out. My MIL came to our bedroom and said that my brother was on the phone and needed to talk to us. Mike took the phone call, and I so tried to block it out and remain asleep. You see, calls at 2:00 am in the morning usually is bad news. Sure enough my brother told Mike that My Dad had passed away at 12:30 am November 8th 2009 with a heart attack. Mike turned to me while sitting in the bed and asked if I was awake. I set up and said yes...... Mike said that my dad had died. I just whaled, and cried and cried for such a long time and so hard and so loud. Wendy slept through it and so did Evan. Holly came in to our room and we held tight and cried more together.

I calmed down enough to talk to my mom and we just consoled each other over the phone.

Once off of the phone I went to tell Lacy out in the playhouse; she had just gotten to sleep and then here I come with this news. We cried together and ended up staying up until 6:00 am November 8th.
Lacy and Mike's mother were suppose to leave early that morning to head back to Ft. Worth, but because of the lack of sleep they didn't leave until 4:00 pm that evening.

My head was spinning, literally, I started having vertigo and felt sick to my stomach. Before they left I finally had to throw up. Once I did the room slowed down. Too much stress.... Sorry if it is TMI.

The funeral was set for Thursday the 12 of November. We left on Wednesday and drove for several... hours.... say 7 hours.
It was so good to see my mom and to give her love and hugs in person.
The visitation was that evening and we had only been there an hour. We got dressed ate and off we went again. It was so hard seeing my dad lay there like that. I could hear his laugh and his voice in my head. He had the best ole laugh ever!! It is something we all will miss.
The funeral was the next day at 2:00 pm. Evan and Wendy were dressed up very nice and debonair in their black velvet outfits. Evan has new Scooby Crocs and wouldnt' wear his dress shoes to the luncheon. Finally on the way to the funeral I asked him to "please" wear his dress shoes for Papaw. His reply was "Suxin's Papaw all gone". My mom and I looked at each other and were so stunned how well he was understanding things. He did finally allow Holly to put on his new shoes.

The funeral was so beautiful and meaningful. My girls were wonderful. They told of their memories of their Papaw and Holly mentioned how hard it will be on Wendy and that it is so sad that Evan would never know such a wonderful Papaw. While Holly was giving her message Evan followed her up there and stood by her being his usual cute self. It lightened the mood some and we were told at the start to let that young man do what he wants. He was new to the US and really didn't understand and if he ran circles around the coffin to let him do so. Well he wasn't that bad, but he did get up in front of everyone. lol It was so nice to have a little humor added.

I will add photos to show he is doing really well considering all that has gone on.

A HUGE Thank You to all of your well wishes and condolences through all of this. It has meant the world to me. God Bless You All!!

photos...

2009-11-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wendy's 6 Today!!!

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

I truly can not believe that my baby is now 6 years old!!!! Hopefully we can get a Cake for her today. The cakes here in Guangzhou aren't as elaborate as they are in Nanchang. We will be eating Dim Sum tonight at a Cantonese place here on the island.

We went to the Pearl Market yesterday and for us it was a disappointment. We were told that the pearls were cheaper here for the good quality, but Mike and I found that when we were in Beijing they were much cheaper! Our last trip was much more successful on the pearl side.

Lacy, I'm sorry, but they didn't have anything like you were wanting. Your dad and Holly actually went down the hall to look for more pearls and found very nice strands of white pearls for so much less than what they were asking for at the place our guide took everyone. They bought 5 good quality pearl strands there. I hate being ripped off!!!!!!!!!

We also went to another shop that sold Lapis! Everyone who knows me knows how much I love the color blue!! We got a Lapis bangle for me and something for each of us girls there. Dad got him and Evan a Lapis turtle. VERY reasonable there!!

Before the market we went to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Five years ago Wendy got a blessing from a monk there and this time Evan and Wendy got a blessing along with all of us as a group. Not to mention photos.....

Red Couch photos today also....

Lesa

TB test results

2009-11-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

You can post that they TB test was Negative!! We are very happy about that.

Holly, has pink eye. lol She had to see the doctor as well yesterday. She is on the mend though. None of us can figure out how she got pink eye! At least it is being attended to.

We are going to the Pearl Market today and will also be going to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This is where Wendy and several others received a prayer blessing from one of the Buddhist Monks. Yes, we will allow the same for Evan. I will down load more photos soon... I promise.

Yesterday we went to the Botanical Gardens. Afterward we went to a Dumpling Restaurant. It was VERY good!! This is the best Evan has eaten, and the boy loves to eat. ha

While waiting on the bus everyone got a kiss from him all but Wendy. Veronica worked her magic and Wendy was able to give him a kiss and him in return. We have photos through one of the other families. I'll see if they can send those to me.

This morning the two of them woke up and were smiling at each other side by side in bed. So very cute to see.

We have been trying to do the bonding thing as a family so that is why we haven't been able to write as often as I would really like to.

Again as soon as I get some photos on the computer I'll get them off.

Lesa

Guangzhou!!!

2009-10-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

We are on the island and had the medical checkup yesterday and his TB test. Evan was the best kiddo in the whole clinic!! He never cried was totally attentive to their questions and watched as they put the needle in for the TB test. Not one tear!!!! I won't say that he enjoyed the TB test. lol, but he never cried or threw a fit over it.

We went swimming afterward. Holly had taken Wendy all over the island looking at the shops and then took her swimming. We met them down there. Evan absolutely loved the water and splashing all of us. Mike tried to take a nap while we were at the pool.

We at at Lucy's last night. Food was really good. It feels wonderful to finally be at the WS!! Air quality is so much better!!!

Halloween evening at the White Swan was made fun since we brought some candy, masks, and some window clings!!
I truly think Evan will be one of us with the Halloween issue!! For those of you who know us we really love Halloween. Everyone dresses up and we decorate the house up. This year was just mild fun for us, but fun all the same.

Photos to come.....

Today is Chen Family Temple and Pearl/Jade market. I will be getting something for me here!!

Lesa

More photos

2009-10-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

Photos.....

2009-10-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is Veronica our Guide. Oh so sweet and very caring person.

The Pagoda in the background across the water is so blocked by the bad air you can barely see it.

Lesa

Some Answers to Questions...

2009-10-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

In the photo of Holly and Wendy with the cake. Wendy was crying a little. She was trying to sleep when Holly got up to blow her candles out. We really didn't want here to drift off since it was only 8:00 pm. Bedtime wasn't quite time then.....ha

We will leave here tonight from Nanchang. The people here are warm and curious about our babies. Especially Evan being that he is a Boy, and that he looks so healthy. Lots of thumbs up.....)

Today it is Friday morning here to your Thursday evening there. We board the plane at 9:00 pm and get there around 11:00 pm in Guangzhou. Something like that. Mike and Wendy went to the countryside today while Holly, Evan, and Momma pack up. Amazing that it is time to almost be at the White Swan!! I keep telling Holly that the White Swan is so incredible!! So much more to do there that is near by. Oh, and let's not forget "LUCY'S". I can't wait to taste to American style cooking. Every meal Chinese is a bit much even for those who love it. LOL!

Wendy and Evan have had two good evenings now without him biting. YAY!!!!
Things will be looking up, but it will take time.

For my friends with Children this age from China..... How long before they can speak English sentences? Our communication is really lacking. I have a few phrases from our friend Kelsey M., but there are still those moments when a string of words keep flowing out.....) Veronica said he is happy from asking him. He loves his family; so this is great news.

Tomorrow morning after not getting much sleep we have to be at the clinic for Evan's TB test. YIKES! This won't be fun for him. At least we found out that he won't have to get 7 shots tomorrow, and that is WONDERFUL NEWS!! Let's just take care of things at home thank you very much.

One family flies tonight from another province same agency group and we meet up at the White Swan.

Lesa

Holly's Birthday cake...plus

2009-10-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful Cake!!! Wonderful Birthday. One of the guys in our group shares the same day with Holly.

Plus, photos of us after lunch with Evan and Wendy holding hands and sharing his stroller.

Sorry I'm behind....

2009-10-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

One reason I don't think I should really say since things may be monitored.....

I will say continue to pray for Wendy and Evan's bonding and good health for the remainder of our trip for us all......

Evan and I are in the room for today.... Bonding. He has been saying for Holly "Jei Jei Momma". Poor Holly, hehe.... He also calls her Balko, or Marko. LOL Not sure what this is even our guide Veronica isn't sure. Hum....

He does say Michael from hearing Veronica talking to Mike. LOL

His vocabulary consists of Okay, No, Yes, Wendy, Holly, Daddy, Momma, Counting 1-10, For the number 7 he says Sebon. so cute. Hello, Good Morning(Zhou), He sings his abc's in Chinese.... We caught him doing this yesterday. Now we need to teach him in English. He knows so much more in Chinese than we would have ever imagined. I think I have a challenge for sure.

Many locals just come and stand by us and talk to each other about Evan. Some put their Thumbs up and say USA. They then smile.... This you get mainly from the older men and women. The younger ones just look.

The other day there were 4 Chinese Families adopting babies. So, they are really adopting here. I do believe this is a huge reason for the delay.....)

Yesterday we went to the Elephant Park here. It was very lovely. We heard music and chanting and realized they were having a Religious Ceremony there. They were Dao worshipers. Dao is the original Chinese religion. Evan loved the music.
We have him a stroller and he really likes pushing it as much as sitting in it. LOL

I'll post photos to Sherry. I've been only able to send out two at a time so I promise I will send several her way in a row......

Thank you for all who comment. It sure is nice hearing from our friends while in a foreign land.

WalMart & New pjs

2009-10-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

We went to the Walmart today and lost Mike first thing. hehe He bent over to tie his shoe and then he was lost. LOL
Evan thought is was neat dressing up to shop, but once there all of the language really got him. He did like strolling in the shopping cart, and having Daddy buy him a ball! Our biggest purchase was his stroller today. We went off and forgot one I bought at a garage sale. oops..... This one has Mickey Mouse on it. Evan seems to enjoy riding in it so far. Easier on the back for sure. ha
Evan has an attachment item of a pair of black crocs that were Wendy's when she was younger.
Sibling rivalry has begun!!! Evan is apparently a biter - he has bitten Wendy 3 times already. The only times he tries to bite her is when they are fighting over a toy...or Holly...lol
And....to top things off, today is Holly's 22nd birthday! We're going to eat with the group and have cake together tonight.
Well, that's about all for now...more adventures to come :)

Lesa

Gotcha Day pictures!!!!

2009-10-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Things are going smooth now. Evan is starting to be sweet to Wendy now. We had some close calls with him biting her twice on each arm. Today at the Civil Affairs Office he was playing with the backpack we gave him and the dinos also....Wendy was going to play with him and he grabbed all of the dinos and yelled at her then with his mouth opened attempted to bite again. Oh my word!! Holly and I caught it before he did anything. That is all we needed at the CAO! Veronica helped talk with him and this evening he is beginning to say Wendy's name more and share cookies. YAY!! We went to the local market tonight and had fun buying little things. First family outing together. Tangerines are delicious here. The City of Nanchang is okay. It is a poorer area than we have been before. The people are very friendly. They are very curious about us and our boy! Lots of looks and talking behind our backs....well in front of us, but in Chinese. lolI'll try to send maybe one or two photos at a time and see if that helps.

Lesa

Fying out in the morning!

2009-10-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

It is really here; the time has come to go and get our son. We have to get up at 4:30 am and have all luggage at the door ready to go. We leave at 5:00 am to catch our flight around 7:00 am and arrive there 9:00 am and get Evan with the group like the old days at 3:30 pm!!!
We have 12 families all together. Nine are getting baby girls and have waited the 5 years!
There are two other SN's families and one getting a "healthy" 2 year old girl.
Wendy has found a new friend with one of the families little girl who is Wendy's age! They had so much fun being goofy and giving all of the on lookers looks back. LOL
Actually it hasn't really bothered Wendy too much except when they start talking to her in Chinese and think she will just start talking back in Chinese. ha

Well off to bed; I'm actually about to fall asleep at the computer.

Will post tomorrow with photos of Evan!!!!

Until tomorrow....)

Lesa

We made it!!!!

2009-10-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ni hao Sherry!! And to everyone that is watching here.

We made it in yesterday on the 23rd, which is a day ahead of you guys, at 7 am their time. Our luggage miraculously appeared on the carousel, and we proceeded to transfer them on to Beijing. We waited just a bit and met another family from GW who were heading home. Off we finally got on the dang plane for the 4th time and then waited another 45 minutes!!! In amongst many Chinese "HAPPY" older people on a tour. ha They were terribly loud on the plane and if we could have moved we would have. hehe. We happened to have coughers all around us!
When we landed we were whisked away to New Hope Foundation!! Mind you with a driver that spoke no English accept for hello,thank you, and good bye. ha We finally got to the Foster Home and it really didn't take the hour that they had said. What a lovely place and a super warm greeting. Super Clean!!! Oh, how loving they are to the children!! I wanted to bring them all home. Dang they were cute! If I could have I would have brought home one of Evans little friends that smiles like Wendy's friend Camry!! He really teared up buy still had that smile on his face as we were about to leave. M&M's worked like a charm!! Needless to say I cried.....)

They said our Evan was just precious and gave us his medicine extra from what they sent for him along with his files and photos they hadn't removed yet. Mona said that he waived by to everyone and said cheerfully "I'm going to get my Momma, and Baba, BYE" and then waived big with a smile ready for the car to take off. Of course all of the Nannies and staff cried, they all loved him (LOVE HIM)!!!

Today is our tour with all of our families and then tomorrow morning we are fling out for Nanchang and to get our SON!!!! Until then.

Sherry, I will try to attach photos later this evening!! Good night to everyone from Beijing.

Lacy, we miss you!!!

Lesa

Note from Sherry -- When I add the pictures I'll add them in a separate post and change the time so that they are below the post. This makes the loading and aligning so much faster. That way you all get the update quicker.

2009-10-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

2009-10-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing yet from China

2009-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm checking my email at least every 30 minutes from 8am - 1am and still haven't got an email from Lesa. It's almost 1am on Saturday in China so I doubt I'll be getting an email for a while.

Just wanted everyone to know what's going on -- or not going on.

:)

About to pack the computer up....

2009-10-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go..... I'm leaving on a jet plane!!!!

I just wanted to say goodbye from home and will be saying hello from China on the 23rd!

Stay tuned..... Sherry will be adding things for us once we get to China.

Pray for us and our travels. Pray that our Evan will take to his new family without any problems, and pray that we stay well on our trip.

Love you all!!!!!

My Beautiful Ballerina

2009-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ballerina dance for me. Wendy has found her love with dance. This year Wendy has really blossomed. Since May Wendy has hoped for dance to begin again. She just loves the art, but she also loves and adores her teacher, Ms. Bluejeans.

I put Wendy in a two day a week dance class this year and she has blossomed so much. When we watched our daughter, yesterday for parent observation day, I just couldn't get over how far she has come from that little girl last year. She is the tiniest one in her class. I guess that will just be the way it will be all her life. ha Sweet and Petite!!

Enjoy these videos of our girl.

I can't believe it! 6 more days!!!!!!

2009-10-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

Oh My Stars.....

We are having insomnia in our house. I couldn't sleep past 3:00 am and then Wendy called for me several times. I went to check on her and then I really couldn't sleep. Mike said he only got 4 hours of sleep. Funny I heard snoring going on. ha I do believe he can't sleep any better than me.

Wendy woke up doing the count down to when Ganny comes to watch the house and the puppies. She will be here on Saturday. Hopefully we can get the rest of our things done with her playing with Wendy.

You see, Evan has lived in such a sterile atmosphere than we keep ours and we really need to clean before we leave. The floors in his foster home are so shiny and spotless. Poor thing he really won't know what to think around here. ha Especially with all the toys that Wendy love to leave laying around like all kids do.

Let the count down begin!! Bags are practically packed. Last minutes are being made. Maybe one last post before we go..... or two. hehe

Oh, we are in contact now with several of our travel mates. It will be good getting to know new friends.

One thing I will terribly miss is being able to be with my China Sisters as we had hoped and planned for years. Many of us have jumped the line, but we still have 3 of us that are still waiting. I will be thinking of all of you this trip. My June 06' China Sisters, I LOVE you ALL!!

Two Weeks From Today!!

2009-10-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

One of the families that is getting their little girl tomorrow took a trip to New Hope Foundation yesterday. She asked if she could see two of the boys that will be getting their families soon. Guess What!! One of these were Evan!! I am so grateful to Kristie and her husband for doing this for us.
We will be going there just like them and seeing the facilities, but minus Evan. He will not be there when we go. He will be waiting for us in Nanchang. Oh how my heart aches for him. This will be such a transition for this little boy and I have a feeling this won't be like Wendy's adoption (smooth and so easy). I have a feeling that he will be so lost and wanting his nanny back.

These photos are so new....they were taken just yesterday!!! This is how our son will look when we get him.

He does have a touch of silliness to him as you can see by the photos. He will fit in so perfectly in this family! Oh what fun he will be.

We will be traveling to Beijing on the 21st and then we will arrive on the 23rd, on this same day we will be driving on up two hours away from Beijing to New Hope Foundation. We will be so exhausted from all of the flying, but this will be so worth it. Then we will be heading back to Beijing to meet up with our travel mates, and then on the 24th we will tour the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square, and the Forbidden City. On the 25th we will fly to Nanchang not long after we put our stuff in our rooms we will receive our Evan at 3:30 pm!! A day earlier than we were going to. I'm so very excited about this!!

Above is the map to Jiangxi Province where we will be going to get Evan. We will be in Nanchang which is the capital of Jiangxi and way to the far right you can see Shangrao, this is where Evan was originally found.

Oh, I keep forgetting to say that our guide will be Veronica. If anyone from our agency has had her please let me know.

Evan On His Third Birthday!

2009-10-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Baby!!!!! We love you so much we can't stinking stand it. We will be there soon!!!!!

I received these yesterday, but didn't see them until right before we went to bed. What a treat to dream by!
Thank you Angela and Kelly!!!!!

For Everyone who uses Ladybugs N Love ....

2009-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

and mentions us we will be able to get 5% for a fundraiser. Now it might not be enough to help us this late a date, but hey it is worth trying. They have been so helpful with keeping us updated with when things were sent to Evan. I can't wait to get some new info.

So, if you are wanting to send your little one a love package just click on the link to the side and mention us.

Thank you to all who participate in this.

Lesa

Happy Birthday 3rd Birthday Evan!!

2009-09-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet boy we sang to you today and celebrated at a favorite eatery of ours. I hope you got your lovely cake today, and I sure hope you got the package we sent to you.
All we could do today was think of how fun it will be to have you with us. We are packing our bags and getting ready to come and bring you home. It won't be long, Evan. It is the last birthday you will spend without a mama, baba, and jie jie's.

We love you our son, and will be with you soon.

Happy Birthday, little Evan!!!!!!!!!

Mama, Baba, Wendy, Holly, and Lacy

Here is a photo of what we sent to Evan for his big day.

The message began "Congratulations!"

2009-09-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

We got our Travel Dates now!!!! Now we are in a hurry to get all of the final papers in for or Currier to take to the Consulate office for our visas. Holly is driving up tomorrow to get her photos to us in time to get them to our Currier by Friday! The Consulates office closes down on October 1st for the Chinese Holiday for two weeks; so we are in a mad rush to make a deadline for our visas.

I am torn on only one day to tour in Beijing. Last time we traveled we left a day before everyone else did to have one day extra to tour the Summer Palace and the Zoo. Now the Zoo isn't what I wish we could go to this time, but the girls need to see the Summer Palace. There is another reason to leave a day early. I sure would love to tour the facilities that our son has been in since 2007. I have seen so many photos now of where he has been taken so good care of and would love to meet the staff there that has loved our son so much for this length of time. It would be so wonderful to say thank you (Xie Xie) to these wonderful people.

What gets me is we are taking gifts to the nannies in Shangrao, and they aren't the ones who deserve these thank you gifts in my opinion. The staff at New Hope Foundation/Heartbridge are the ones who deserve the love and respect returned. I think since we may not get to tour this place we will go to their site and send in a donation in Evans name.

Maybe I can send a letter of appreciation to the foundation so they know how much we appreciate them.

Anyway, below are the dates of our Itinerary along with a couple of surprise photos of our cutie we got from volunteers from New Hope.

10/22 - Depart U.S.

10/23 - Arrive in Beijing (if you are going here first)

10/24 - Beijing Tour

10/25 - Fly to your province

10/26 – Gotcha Day!

10/31- Fly to Guangzhou on the morning

11/4- AC appointment

11/5 - Oath-taking ceremony

11/6 Family goes to AC to pick up passport with visa

11/7 – Earliest you can depart from China

I will be having my dear China Sister Sherry help me with my posts. I don't want to risk not being able to posts from China; so Sherry has agreed to help me with this. Thank you Sherry!

Now these photos show how much the nannies and volunteers love the children; well at least how much attention Mr. Evan gets. lol

We have our TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe it!!!! Nancy our Travel Adviser called me on my cell and I was like hum, then I asked do you have some good news? She and I had been emailing each other today. I had this feeling that a date was about to come about. She told me that if it came in by Tuesday we could look at October 23rd for our departure date. My last email back to her was I have a feeling about the date and TA about to come. She had said she was routing for me. When she called me she told me that they had brought the TA's to her office and she asked what they were cause she wasn't expecting any today. She said no way and called me. What was this, E.S.P.????? I think so....

Well for right now we are traveling October 22nd to Beijing, Our Gotcha Day is set for October 26th the day before Holly's birthday, November 3rd is set for our Consulate appointment and we fly back home November 6th!!!! Nancy will be calling me to confirm on Monday, but as for right now these are the dates, and I just can't believe it! I know have that total cloud nine feeling.

I just can't get over it. I just knew something was brewing. I just had to share with my friends and family!

Come on TA!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm getting just a little bit stir crazy here. I hear that if we can possibly get our TA by Tuesday they will be pulling for me to get to China sometime towards the end of October. Come on TA!!!

Everyone reading this please send out good vibes and lots of prayers for our TA to get here soon and that we can be on our way to Evan in October. I have several photos to keep me happy, but they are nothing like the real thing in my arms.

Wendy is so excited about going and hugging her little brother. She and I made her a t-shirt that says "I'm the Big Sister" with his photo down below it. I even put a tiny photo of Evan in a small locket for her and she wore it to dance the other day to show him off. She has been so cute about it.

I'm going to continue working on our Garage Sale items for next weekend. We are hoping this will bring some money in so it can help with the costs of the visas.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Evan on You Tube

2009-09-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

Check this link out and see if you can connect to LWB Heartbridge Unit on You Tube.
Evan is on this one near the end in a gray striped shirt looking up at the camera held by a nanny above. He is between little girls on the video.

I hope you can get on. You may have to copy and paste it to be able to get on.

Leave a comment if you were able to get on so I will know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vrr889r_80&feature=channel

Look What I Found!!

2009-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

I found another photo of my baby. It is of him when he was 6 months old. He was such a beautiful baby boy. Yes, I mean "Beautiful" baby boy!

I also found him on You Tube, but can't down load it. It is just a quick photo of him, but he sure was darling and I know it was him.

Care Package Ordered!

2009-09-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

Well I took care of something very important last night. I ordered Evan his Birthday Care Package. I can't wait to see the photos of what Angela in China comes up with for him. He will be getting such a beautiful birthday cake! I also ordered him a Winnie the Pooh Train since Daddy loves trains so. I ordered an album and sent them 10 photos for him to see who we are. One of each of us: Daddy, Momma, Lacy, Holly, and Wendy. Not to mention the pups,one of the play equipment out back, the front of the house, Grandparents, a family shot and a couple of added ones of Wendy. I also ordered a camera so they could take photos of his party and any left over they can use of him and friends. I think he will have lots of fun getting his present and cake for sure.

I did something a little different this time. All of my friends have used the Red Thread with Ann for sending things, but it was suggested to me to try Ladybugs N Love. So I compared costs and so on.... Well Ladybugs N Love won out. You can go to their site and see photos of packages they have put together. The link is www. ladybugsnlove. com.

Once I sent my order in Kelly who is here in the states wrote me back. She confirmed getting the order and said her daughter was from the same SWI!! Then she evidently checked out our blog and wrote me back. She said she had hugged my son this past June!!!!!!!!!!!!! How cool is that? This is what Kelly wrote, "I have hugged your son-- I recognize his sweet face and his adorable personality that shines from him!!!". It gave me chills that someone I have contact with has hugged my baby!

I can't wait to be able to hug my boy and bring him home!!

Lesa

Just found out....

2009-08-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

they think he weighs 12 kilograms which converts to 26.4 lbs.

A Small Update, but BIG to me.

2009-08-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have found out that Evan is 91 cm tall (in US 36 inches tall), and his foot length is 14 cm (in US is 5.5 inches long). I've been having fun trying to figure it out. ha His feet seem to calculate out to around a size 6 1/2, 7, but by the time we get him his foot could be 7 1/2 to 8 in shoe size. I hope he doesn't grow that much more due to the fact that we happen to have some shoes that are size 7 now. He will be maybe in some 2T's but it would be good to say 3T's at this rate. Better a little big than small. Unfortunately, Holly has had fun and bought 18 months, 24 months, 2T's, and very few 3T's. LOL Now I need to go and exchange many we have if I can. Not sure where all of the receipts are, but at least we kept the tags on them.

This is our 200th post and I was actually waiting for the TA for this post, but one can't wait when they have news. lol

Come on TA! Momma wants her boy soon!!!

Lesa

First Day Of School (Yesterday)

2009-08-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a day late. Mike's camera didn't work yesterday. Once we got home the photos didn't come out at all. Well, just a few at home. Made me so upset! Here are some retakes from today though. Even the teacher was willing to pose once more.
Wendy had a good day and when she got home she fell right to sleep for an hour, then we took her to eat Japanese. It was so good.

She told us very little of her day, but she got to enjoy music class and P.E. yesterday.

I hope today went as well. I'm off to get her now.

Enjoy the photos....