Yes, so soon!!! I am trying:)))
Our littlest pumpkins "helping" at the hardware store! Home projects can be fun with Helpers like these!!!! Xo
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Another update?
Yes, so soon!!! I am trying:)))
Our littlest pumpkins "helping" at the hardware store! Home projects can be fun with Helpers like these!!!! Xo
Thursday, June 2, 2011
About time for a proper hello!
Oh where does the time go? I feel rather negligent when it comes to regular blog updating. And always have the best intentions to find the time to sit and write. It seems that when our little girls are settled, this give me some quiet time with Kev and I hate to lose a minute of this! So, my blogging is delayed!
Since writing last, we are all healing with time. Unfortunately I still have tissue remaining which hopefully will pass on its own. If not, when I go for another ultrasound and if it still confirms that then I will have a D&C. I so wish that they would have just done this procedure in the beginning and save all of this extra... Anyway, such is life...
On a happier note, we continued with our plan to host Easter at our home. It was so nice to have both sides of our family here to celebrate with us! Hannah understood so much more about the meaning of Easter and also about The Easter Bunny! She was so excited and happily participated in the Easter Egg Hunt. We also did a hunt (outside) for our girls and nieces and nephews which was so wonderful to watch! Such fun!
The arrival of Spring was much anticipated and having the Lama's, sheep, goats etc. across from us, some with new babies, is a delight. And the cows have returned to their summer home!
Another fantastic bit of excitement around here is that Kevin finished putting together the "Jungle Gym/Park". Sadly, we had a very large unexpected wind storm which uprooted many trees nearby. Unfortunately it blew over the gym set after two days of use, and before we could put the final anchors on.... The fall broke some of the boards which Kevin has replaced. Until then, and since that episode all is great! Our girls ADORE their park!!!! Thank you Daddy for all of the hours you put in to make this possible!
Victoria participated in an exchange at school. She dedicated many hours towards this project and much fundraising for local charities. We hosted some students from a reserve in Saskatchewan for a week and Victoria went there too for a week! It was a wonderful experience and she has a new love for a small reserve she knew nothing of before this exchange! She has met some new friends and has many cherished memories to look back upon (Quading ?sp? , True Beaver tails, watching a friend catch a fish with no rod, gutting fish, Bannock, soapstone carving etc...). I am happy that she participated in this, despite a last minute toe infection that had us make a midnight trip to the ER, crutches and antibiotics,a few days before her departure! Oh the memories!
Victoria also got her first official job! She works at a local movie cinema. Some of her closest girlfriends also work there, so it is work, yet enjoyable! :))
Mother's day was a little difficult this year. Our loss and also our first without our Beloved Gran here to share in this special day. We love and miss you Gran and know you are in a better place and watching over us all. It is so strange to think that it will soon be 8months since we have seen Gran. I am so thankful that she was so involved in our lives.
Thursday night is now SOCCER NIGHT! Yes, Mara-Grace has been signed up for soccer! Oh my! I am a proud Mama, but really she shows great promise! She is fantastically coordinated! She also just finished up her year of dancing and we are looking forward to her recital next weekend!
Hannah Faith continues to be a sweetheart but she is in the squealing/screaming/pulling toys away stage. EEK! For 98% of the time, our girls play so well together. But 2% yikes! Hannah can stand her ground:) She is also very much into asserting her independence (buttons, shoes, seat belts, booster belt etc... Hmmmmmm aside from if there is a time crunch, this works out ok:)) She is so funny and and has the most infection giggle! She is a tender heart in a such a large way. She is so compassionate and sometimes cries if Mara is crying. She also tries her best to comfort Mara too. She will rub her back, kiss her face and tell her, "Is ok Mawa" Too cute!
Speaking of shoes, Mara-Grace has mastered tying her own!!!! Way to go sweetheart! I ordered a book through Scholastic on the subject and after reading this, it just clicked for her! I am so proud of her!!!!
Also, Mara got her ears pierced! We have had no problems and have cleaned them twice a day for 6 weeks! They came out yesterday and I put in new earrings. Today she wanted the other pair in so I took them out, let her go to soccer without any (the lady at the piercing store told us that they could come out for a few hours after the 6 weeks but not to sleep without them).... Well..... Tonight I couldn't get them back in. Good Lord! What a panic! And pain! Finally we got one in properly and the other we could only get in with the backing at the front. At least we got it in. It is as though the holes closed. What a horrific event. Poor Mara.... So now we aren't sure what to do! Do we take that one backwards one out, or leave it like that for a few days to let things settled down? And then take it out and put it in properly?! We were desperate tonight and relieved that we got it in at all. Very traumatic! I was so proud of how well they were doing! I just hope all is ok still.... We won't take them out and leave them out for a few hours again for at least another 6 weeks.
Hannah also has something new and exciting to wear, I will post about this seperately in a few days!
I do promise to write a little every few days. Even a little is better than nothing:) I hope that this note finds you all well! xoxoxo Here are some pics over the last little while. xoxo
Since writing last, we are all healing with time. Unfortunately I still have tissue remaining which hopefully will pass on its own. If not, when I go for another ultrasound and if it still confirms that then I will have a D&C. I so wish that they would have just done this procedure in the beginning and save all of this extra... Anyway, such is life...
On a happier note, we continued with our plan to host Easter at our home. It was so nice to have both sides of our family here to celebrate with us! Hannah understood so much more about the meaning of Easter and also about The Easter Bunny! She was so excited and happily participated in the Easter Egg Hunt. We also did a hunt (outside) for our girls and nieces and nephews which was so wonderful to watch! Such fun!
The arrival of Spring was much anticipated and having the Lama's, sheep, goats etc. across from us, some with new babies, is a delight. And the cows have returned to their summer home!
Another fantastic bit of excitement around here is that Kevin finished putting together the "Jungle Gym/Park". Sadly, we had a very large unexpected wind storm which uprooted many trees nearby. Unfortunately it blew over the gym set after two days of use, and before we could put the final anchors on.... The fall broke some of the boards which Kevin has replaced. Until then, and since that episode all is great! Our girls ADORE their park!!!! Thank you Daddy for all of the hours you put in to make this possible!
Victoria participated in an exchange at school. She dedicated many hours towards this project and much fundraising for local charities. We hosted some students from a reserve in Saskatchewan for a week and Victoria went there too for a week! It was a wonderful experience and she has a new love for a small reserve she knew nothing of before this exchange! She has met some new friends and has many cherished memories to look back upon (Quading ?sp? , True Beaver tails, watching a friend catch a fish with no rod, gutting fish, Bannock, soapstone carving etc...). I am happy that she participated in this, despite a last minute toe infection that had us make a midnight trip to the ER, crutches and antibiotics,a few days before her departure! Oh the memories!
Victoria also got her first official job! She works at a local movie cinema. Some of her closest girlfriends also work there, so it is work, yet enjoyable! :))
Mother's day was a little difficult this year. Our loss and also our first without our Beloved Gran here to share in this special day. We love and miss you Gran and know you are in a better place and watching over us all. It is so strange to think that it will soon be 8months since we have seen Gran. I am so thankful that she was so involved in our lives.
Thursday night is now SOCCER NIGHT! Yes, Mara-Grace has been signed up for soccer! Oh my! I am a proud Mama, but really she shows great promise! She is fantastically coordinated! She also just finished up her year of dancing and we are looking forward to her recital next weekend!
Hannah Faith continues to be a sweetheart but she is in the squealing/screaming/pulling toys away stage. EEK! For 98% of the time, our girls play so well together. But 2% yikes! Hannah can stand her ground:) She is also very much into asserting her independence (buttons, shoes, seat belts, booster belt etc... Hmmmmmm aside from if there is a time crunch, this works out ok:)) She is so funny and and has the most infection giggle! She is a tender heart in a such a large way. She is so compassionate and sometimes cries if Mara is crying. She also tries her best to comfort Mara too. She will rub her back, kiss her face and tell her, "Is ok Mawa" Too cute!
Speaking of shoes, Mara-Grace has mastered tying her own!!!! Way to go sweetheart! I ordered a book through Scholastic on the subject and after reading this, it just clicked for her! I am so proud of her!!!!
Also, Mara got her ears pierced! We have had no problems and have cleaned them twice a day for 6 weeks! They came out yesterday and I put in new earrings. Today she wanted the other pair in so I took them out, let her go to soccer without any (the lady at the piercing store told us that they could come out for a few hours after the 6 weeks but not to sleep without them).... Well..... Tonight I couldn't get them back in. Good Lord! What a panic! And pain! Finally we got one in properly and the other we could only get in with the backing at the front. At least we got it in. It is as though the holes closed. What a horrific event. Poor Mara.... So now we aren't sure what to do! Do we take that one backwards one out, or leave it like that for a few days to let things settled down? And then take it out and put it in properly?! We were desperate tonight and relieved that we got it in at all. Very traumatic! I was so proud of how well they were doing! I just hope all is ok still.... We won't take them out and leave them out for a few hours again for at least another 6 weeks.
Hannah also has something new and exciting to wear, I will post about this seperately in a few days!
I do promise to write a little every few days. Even a little is better than nothing:) I hope that this note finds you all well! xoxoxo Here are some pics over the last little while. xoxo
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Mara's thoughts
"Mommy before I snap my seatbelt, do you like babies who are like this? ( for car rides). ".
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A very precious gift
For weeks I have been harboring something that I couldn't wait to share... I have been waiting until this past Tuesday and then planned to shout it!!!!
Things are now a little different. At first I thought that I wouldn't journal this, and then I looked at things differently. I do not want to erase this from our minds and lives, this is part of who we are. This is a tribute of sorts.
A few weeks before our trip to Florida, Kevin and I were given news that would change our lives. A beautiful miracle. I found out that I was a few weeks pregnant. What a gift this news was to us. A most unexpected gift after so many years of infertility and struggles.
Tuesday was our first scheduled ultrasound. A day of such excitement and yet in my heart I was scared that our baby wouldn't have a heartbeat.... Perhaps this worry in my mind was a way of preparing me... Right before the ultrasound, I said to the technician how relieved I will be to see a heartbeat and to please tell us right away! Well, tragically, the technician remained silent. I knew at that moment that my worst fear was coming true... I began to cry.... During the procedure she remained silent.... This made me cry far more.... I was told to use the washroom and they would do a different ultrasound and that perhaps the fetus (our baby) was just very tiny. I knew.... I knew in my heart.... I came back and the next ultrasound was performed and again, silence.... I sobbed.... Kevin was with me and he was so strong. I shall never forget that day..... We were told to wait in the waiting room until our doctor (who was in the hospital) came to talk with us.... I went back to a waiting room full of pregnant women, whom I truly didn't want to scare with my crying.... I stood sobbing quietly in the hall until we were told we could wait in the ultrasound room. I felt true heartbreak.... And a love so strong... We waited and our doctor confirmed our worst fears.... Although I was 12.5 weeks pregnant, our baby hadn't developed past 6.5 weeks.... I had no signs of anything wrong, just my own fear.
I had to see my doctor again and he suggested that I take something (all at home) to bring upon this miscarriage. Without too many details, with great fear and sadness, I began this process which I think is now complete.
Our hearts are definitely broken in many ways. And yet, despite this deep sadness, we are doing quite well. Victoria has been wonderful throughout this process despite her great disappointment. She was so excited.... Mara-Grace and Hannah talked to our baby every day and drew some precious pictures of me sporting a lovely baby in my tummy. Our girls and families were beyond excited. So much joy and hope has been such a tremendous part of these weeks.
There was not a day that passed that I didn't thank God for this precious gift... I am very sad, and at the same time, I have a true sense of peace about all of this. I will not question why this has happened. This miracle has given us all hope and excitement and sheer joy. I am so thankful for this precious gift, a gift I never thought I would have again in my life....
I love you our baby angel and pray for you.... I am the luckiest Mommy for having the privilege of carrying you for the time we had... I thank God for you, our precious gift. xoxo
Things are now a little different. At first I thought that I wouldn't journal this, and then I looked at things differently. I do not want to erase this from our minds and lives, this is part of who we are. This is a tribute of sorts.
A few weeks before our trip to Florida, Kevin and I were given news that would change our lives. A beautiful miracle. I found out that I was a few weeks pregnant. What a gift this news was to us. A most unexpected gift after so many years of infertility and struggles.
Tuesday was our first scheduled ultrasound. A day of such excitement and yet in my heart I was scared that our baby wouldn't have a heartbeat.... Perhaps this worry in my mind was a way of preparing me... Right before the ultrasound, I said to the technician how relieved I will be to see a heartbeat and to please tell us right away! Well, tragically, the technician remained silent. I knew at that moment that my worst fear was coming true... I began to cry.... During the procedure she remained silent.... This made me cry far more.... I was told to use the washroom and they would do a different ultrasound and that perhaps the fetus (our baby) was just very tiny. I knew.... I knew in my heart.... I came back and the next ultrasound was performed and again, silence.... I sobbed.... Kevin was with me and he was so strong. I shall never forget that day..... We were told to wait in the waiting room until our doctor (who was in the hospital) came to talk with us.... I went back to a waiting room full of pregnant women, whom I truly didn't want to scare with my crying.... I stood sobbing quietly in the hall until we were told we could wait in the ultrasound room. I felt true heartbreak.... And a love so strong... We waited and our doctor confirmed our worst fears.... Although I was 12.5 weeks pregnant, our baby hadn't developed past 6.5 weeks.... I had no signs of anything wrong, just my own fear.
I had to see my doctor again and he suggested that I take something (all at home) to bring upon this miscarriage. Without too many details, with great fear and sadness, I began this process which I think is now complete.
Our hearts are definitely broken in many ways. And yet, despite this deep sadness, we are doing quite well. Victoria has been wonderful throughout this process despite her great disappointment. She was so excited.... Mara-Grace and Hannah talked to our baby every day and drew some precious pictures of me sporting a lovely baby in my tummy. Our girls and families were beyond excited. So much joy and hope has been such a tremendous part of these weeks.
There was not a day that passed that I didn't thank God for this precious gift... I am very sad, and at the same time, I have a true sense of peace about all of this. I will not question why this has happened. This miracle has given us all hope and excitement and sheer joy. I am so thankful for this precious gift, a gift I never thought I would have again in my life....
I love you our baby angel and pray for you.... I am the luckiest Mommy for having the privilege of carrying you for the time we had... I thank God for you, our precious gift. xoxo
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Love
Our Little Miss Winnie is such a darling. She is always patient and gentle with everyone around her. She adores being held like a baby and cuddled. She is a very willing and happy little playmate. She is truly a special little soul. Honestly, our Beloved Daisy was so special and I really didn't think there would ever be another as sweet. I now know our darling Winnie is also a very precious gift to our family. She is everything lovable and couldn't be more loved or treasured. Xo
Thursday, March 24, 2011
FLORIDA!!!!!
What a fantastic time we had in Florida! We went during Victoria's Spring Break and spent the week in a home in Kissimmee. It was wonderful! We had the extra space and invited my brother Sean, his wife and our two beautiful nieces to come and stay/play! I am so happy that they were able to come and share the week with us. Although we all did our own thing, it was so nice to have a little extra time with them at the house.
We drove to Florida instead of flying and the trip took about 21 hours from our home. We spent one night in Georgia and then drove the few hours left to Florida the following day! We left our home in the middle of the night and ran into a snow storm. Thankfully all went well and we soon drove through the different states and welcomed the warmer temperatures!
Our home and the weather were incredible during our stay. We had one rainy morning in which we relaxed a little and did some shopping.
Most days were spent at Disney and one at Sea World!!!!
It was absolutely magical to watch our three girls taking this all in. Victoria at 16 was loving the thrill rides and Daddy went on those with her. Actually Miss Mara surprised us all by LOVING the rollercoasters and many 'big' rides. Hannah and Mama enjoyed watching and as a family we loved the 'little' rides.
It was incredble to see how Hannah, shy at first, began loving meeting the different characters. Mara-Grace and Hannah happily collected many autographs! They quickly got into the routine!
We had made reservations at The Rainforest Cafe and loved the atmosphere! I thought Hannah may be a little intimidated during the rainfall etc. but nope!!!! She LOVED it!!!!
We also had reservations at the Crystal Palace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom where we dined with Winnie, Tigger, Eyeore and Piglet!!! It was definitely a toss up between myself and our little girls to see who enjoyed this more! I am a BIG big fan!!!!
Although our week was made up of many wonderful moments, I shall never forget our time there together.... Watching our girls revel in the magic and their time together was breathtaking. Watching Hannah's face come alive and hug and thank her Daddy while she watched the fireworks was beyond magic to me.... And a very special moment was when our girls met Snow White... She formed an immediate bond with our little ladies. So much so that they chose to spend their souvenir money on Snow White outfits.
I am so thankful for our time together as a family. What a gift this was... xoxoxo
We drove to Florida instead of flying and the trip took about 21 hours from our home. We spent one night in Georgia and then drove the few hours left to Florida the following day! We left our home in the middle of the night and ran into a snow storm. Thankfully all went well and we soon drove through the different states and welcomed the warmer temperatures!
Our home and the weather were incredible during our stay. We had one rainy morning in which we relaxed a little and did some shopping.
Most days were spent at Disney and one at Sea World!!!!
It was absolutely magical to watch our three girls taking this all in. Victoria at 16 was loving the thrill rides and Daddy went on those with her. Actually Miss Mara surprised us all by LOVING the rollercoasters and many 'big' rides. Hannah and Mama enjoyed watching and as a family we loved the 'little' rides.
It was incredble to see how Hannah, shy at first, began loving meeting the different characters. Mara-Grace and Hannah happily collected many autographs! They quickly got into the routine!
We had made reservations at The Rainforest Cafe and loved the atmosphere! I thought Hannah may be a little intimidated during the rainfall etc. but nope!!!! She LOVED it!!!!
We also had reservations at the Crystal Palace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom where we dined with Winnie, Tigger, Eyeore and Piglet!!! It was definitely a toss up between myself and our little girls to see who enjoyed this more! I am a BIG big fan!!!!
Although our week was made up of many wonderful moments, I shall never forget our time there together.... Watching our girls revel in the magic and their time together was breathtaking. Watching Hannah's face come alive and hug and thank her Daddy while she watched the fireworks was beyond magic to me.... And a very special moment was when our girls met Snow White... She formed an immediate bond with our little ladies. So much so that they chose to spend their souvenir money on Snow White outfits.
I am so thankful for our time together as a family. What a gift this was... xoxoxo
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's day!!!
More green pics to follow.... Note Mara's idea to turn their hands and feet into "clippity cloppity horse hooves !". (play plates wrapped in socks!)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Cutest doctor's I know!
Making supper and in walk the cutest doc's I know! Tori in her scrubs , and Hannah in my old scrub top and Mara has on one of my old nurse's tops! I am one lucky mama!
Xo
Friday, February 18, 2011
A big week!!!!
We celebrated some milestones here this week!!!!
Victoria has been taking her driver's ed and wrote the exam to allow her her temporary driving permit (must drive with another person with a valid license). She passed!!!! So, Miss Victoria has been driving each evening this week! Dad has been taking her on country roads. She is doing really well! Especially driving straight (no swerving etc.). We are so proud of you Victoria!!!! What does this mean? She will now have almost a year of more driver's ed classes, more driving with us, and driving with the instructor. She is on her way!!!!
Another event this week was Kindergarten Registration (Fall 2011). A few short months ago Mara-Grace still wanted to hear nothing about the thought of leaving Mama to attend school. Sniff:) We have slowly done our best to prepare her for the inevitable! It was definitely bittersweet to register her this week. Of course we celebrated only the sweet!!!!!
Valentine's Day was sweet too (sorry!) :) We decorated and our girls were each given a few little Heart Day surprises. I didn't get any pics! WHAT?! The day flew by and I realise now I didn't get them in their heart shirts etc. I know, I believe that would be a fail:) Oh the guilt.
Well, the weekend is upon us. LOVE this!!!!!
xo
Victoria has been taking her driver's ed and wrote the exam to allow her her temporary driving permit (must drive with another person with a valid license). She passed!!!! So, Miss Victoria has been driving each evening this week! Dad has been taking her on country roads. She is doing really well! Especially driving straight (no swerving etc.). We are so proud of you Victoria!!!! What does this mean? She will now have almost a year of more driver's ed classes, more driving with us, and driving with the instructor. She is on her way!!!!
Another event this week was Kindergarten Registration (Fall 2011). A few short months ago Mara-Grace still wanted to hear nothing about the thought of leaving Mama to attend school. Sniff:) We have slowly done our best to prepare her for the inevitable! It was definitely bittersweet to register her this week. Of course we celebrated only the sweet!!!!!
Valentine's Day was sweet too (sorry!) :) We decorated and our girls were each given a few little Heart Day surprises. I didn't get any pics! WHAT?! The day flew by and I realise now I didn't get them in their heart shirts etc. I know, I believe that would be a fail:) Oh the guilt.
Well, the weekend is upon us. LOVE this!!!!!
xo
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Feeling very behind in my updates!
I have been hoping to sit down and write a proper note for quite some time.... I never seem able to as I am far too tired once the day is 'done'! I blog really as a way to journal and then I hope to print yearly (another thing I am a little late on, but have great intentions!). At the same time, it is a nice way to stay in touch with friends and family who peak in every now and then and take the time to send off a little note.
As much as I hate to say I am going to have to update in a point form/bullet format , I think this may be the only way to catch up!
-Christmas (yes, it goes as far back as Christmas!) was very special in our 'new' home. Since I grew up in this home, it didn't feel foreign really, just different to now be the adult living here! At first I would feel it necessary to ask permission for things, and now, not so much!!!! :) Back to Christmas.... Unfortunately, Kev began feeling ill after Christmas Eve mass (right after taking some family pics) and remained fevered, coughing etc. for most of the holiday. Poor Kev. Eventually he went to a walk in clinic and was told he had Bronchitis. Thankfully, he responded quite well to the meds, but he was out of commission, apart from small spells, all through Christmas and New Year. Not fun for him and we missed him immensely at anything we went to! Poor little Mara was fevered for about 2 days which resulted in her missing out on family parties.
-Victoria celebrated her Sweet Sixteen (posted about this already!)
- FINALLY we mailed off our package to Mara-Grace's orphanage for our Mitten Mission! (hats, socks, mitts all made with great love and donated for our mission from Angel Glenda!!!!) I can never thank her enough. Usually I mail the package in November, and thanks to Glenda, it was ready and waiting. Just took me some time to actually mail it off. Yikes! I am seeing a pattern here! Mara-Grace was so proud to be mailing it. My intentions were to mail half to Hannah's and half to M-G's orphanages, but there are no children at Hannah's, so the tradition continues to send to just Mara-Grace's.
-I have to share that we had a very quiet, sweet Christmas. With Kev being ill etc. we mainly stayed in. On Christmas morning, our girls opened their presents and then after, were each given a little box with a Mickey Mouse Candy ornament to unwrap. We said they were all the same and to unwrap them together. We said that it was a little souvenir to celebrate our first Christmas here. Our girls opened them all together and then Victoria turned her ornament over to see a paper stuck to the back. It basically said, "Pack your bags, we are driving to Kissimmee Florida where we have rented a 5 bedroom home for a week!" Victoria's reaction at 1 week shy of 16 years old was to scream, and continue doing so, while jumping and reading/shouting the note out loud. Then Mara-Grace and Hannah (who I don't think understood what the heck was happening, but knew it must be wonderful) were jumping and screaming and hugging Victoria to pieces! What an incredible moment! We will happily share our holiday news when we return. Cannot wait!
-We received a beautiful gift before Christmas. It truly deserves it's own post (but I am afraid I will never get it written). When we went to bring our daughter Hannah home from China, we did our utmost to arrange to go to her hometown and see the orphanage and meet her foster mother (whose name we knew). Despite our many requests etc. we were denied that privilege. It has always bothered me since. I have tried in a few different ways to obtain a mailing address for Hannah's Foster Mother, but they have all fallen through. I then found out about someone who was going to the area and was going to try to get as many answers as possible on our behalf. Very long story short, we were finally successful! We have some new pictures of Hannah's Foster Mother and a video of her apartment and her talking briefly in the background etc. We were also given a picture of the man who found our Hannah and a book about her hometown. What I most hoped for was an address for her foster mother, and we received this. What a truly remarkable gift. I am so thankful. We have already sent some pictures and a letter to her. We were fortunate to have been given the disposable camera which we sent to China before bringing home our Hannah. When we developed the pictures, we have many of Hannah's Foster Mom with Hannah. We have one of these pictures framed and in Hannah's room. Hannah always has a nice reaction to this picture. We feel very confident that Hannah was shown great care and love and I am so very thankful to this beautiful woman.
-We received an email from our guide from our trip to Mara-Grace. She is well and I am thankful that for Mara's sake, we have this tie to China. We have not had any luck contacting her foster family etc. And we have never heard back from her orphanage after the gifts, cards etc... We will continue sending though, as we honor them very much for the care they gave to Mara-Grace. We are so fortunate to keep in touch with Louise, our guide and friend...
-We celebrated Mara-Grace's 4th year Family day on January 29th. We spent the day going to her favorite Dinosaur museum, wandering around Chinatown and having Chinese food for supper! I cannot believe where the time has gone. And at the same time, I look at our Mara and see so many changes... One of our three miracles, so special and so loved by all... (The penguin sliding pics are from this special day!)
-Last week we celebrated Chinese New Year! Welcome year of the Rabbit!!!! I spent the week preparing/cooking. I made homemade Won Ton soup, Hunan Dumplings with Peanut Sauce, rice, Chinese Vegetable Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken and Orange Ginger Beef and Broccoli. Of course there were Fortune and Almond Cookies for dessert! Yummy! It was extra special to be close enough to invite Granya and Poppy to our special dinner.
-Around Christmas, Hannah would request her favorite story, "Here Comes Santa Claus".... Well, all of the other Christmas books have been put away, but we needed, and I do mean needed to spring that one back out of our library. Hannah adores it and I think we may still be reading it at Easter!
-Hannah is now at the table in a booster seat.... I cannot truly describe how hard saying goodbye to our highchair was for, ME! And, we have also said goodbye to her tiny bedtime bottle. We now maintain the same routine, but have a little cup of milk with story.... Another hard goodbye....
- Funny tidbit, each day we feed the birds one level scoop (a flower pot) of fresh birdseed. The other day Mara-Grace was playing outside and asked me if she could give her 'bird friends' another little bit. I said no problem.... OK, I was busy cooking (did I mention Chinese New Year?!!!!) and in she came smiling ear to ear, she says to me from the doorway, "Oh Mommy, the birds were so thankful and so happy". I look out to see a mound under the feeder, in the cedar where we always sprinkle extra, and everywhere. I mean shovel fulls! So much food... Seriously, probably 20 scoops... OH My!!!!! Yes, they were happy!!!! I think we are now referred to in the Bird Community as Disney! :) Let's see them flock!!!!! xo
Much love xo
P.S. On a silly side note... I love changing the blog backgrounds to suit the seasons etc. Little did I know that the due to a mix up, one background was staying stuck (one that I had changed AGES ago) and mixing with any new backgrounds. For whatever reason, this didn't show on my main laptop. It was only when I showed the blog on a different computer that I discovered this. YIKES!!!! So, I think I have fixed the problem, and am hoping you are all seeing some Happy Valentine's!!!!!! If not, let me know:)))
As much as I hate to say I am going to have to update in a point form/bullet format , I think this may be the only way to catch up!
-Christmas (yes, it goes as far back as Christmas!) was very special in our 'new' home. Since I grew up in this home, it didn't feel foreign really, just different to now be the adult living here! At first I would feel it necessary to ask permission for things, and now, not so much!!!! :) Back to Christmas.... Unfortunately, Kev began feeling ill after Christmas Eve mass (right after taking some family pics) and remained fevered, coughing etc. for most of the holiday. Poor Kev. Eventually he went to a walk in clinic and was told he had Bronchitis. Thankfully, he responded quite well to the meds, but he was out of commission, apart from small spells, all through Christmas and New Year. Not fun for him and we missed him immensely at anything we went to! Poor little Mara was fevered for about 2 days which resulted in her missing out on family parties.
-Victoria celebrated her Sweet Sixteen (posted about this already!)
- FINALLY we mailed off our package to Mara-Grace's orphanage for our Mitten Mission! (hats, socks, mitts all made with great love and donated for our mission from Angel Glenda!!!!) I can never thank her enough. Usually I mail the package in November, and thanks to Glenda, it was ready and waiting. Just took me some time to actually mail it off. Yikes! I am seeing a pattern here! Mara-Grace was so proud to be mailing it. My intentions were to mail half to Hannah's and half to M-G's orphanages, but there are no children at Hannah's, so the tradition continues to send to just Mara-Grace's.
-I have to share that we had a very quiet, sweet Christmas. With Kev being ill etc. we mainly stayed in. On Christmas morning, our girls opened their presents and then after, were each given a little box with a Mickey Mouse Candy ornament to unwrap. We said they were all the same and to unwrap them together. We said that it was a little souvenir to celebrate our first Christmas here. Our girls opened them all together and then Victoria turned her ornament over to see a paper stuck to the back. It basically said, "Pack your bags, we are driving to Kissimmee Florida where we have rented a 5 bedroom home for a week!" Victoria's reaction at 1 week shy of 16 years old was to scream, and continue doing so, while jumping and reading/shouting the note out loud. Then Mara-Grace and Hannah (who I don't think understood what the heck was happening, but knew it must be wonderful) were jumping and screaming and hugging Victoria to pieces! What an incredible moment! We will happily share our holiday news when we return. Cannot wait!
-We received a beautiful gift before Christmas. It truly deserves it's own post (but I am afraid I will never get it written). When we went to bring our daughter Hannah home from China, we did our utmost to arrange to go to her hometown and see the orphanage and meet her foster mother (whose name we knew). Despite our many requests etc. we were denied that privilege. It has always bothered me since. I have tried in a few different ways to obtain a mailing address for Hannah's Foster Mother, but they have all fallen through. I then found out about someone who was going to the area and was going to try to get as many answers as possible on our behalf. Very long story short, we were finally successful! We have some new pictures of Hannah's Foster Mother and a video of her apartment and her talking briefly in the background etc. We were also given a picture of the man who found our Hannah and a book about her hometown. What I most hoped for was an address for her foster mother, and we received this. What a truly remarkable gift. I am so thankful. We have already sent some pictures and a letter to her. We were fortunate to have been given the disposable camera which we sent to China before bringing home our Hannah. When we developed the pictures, we have many of Hannah's Foster Mom with Hannah. We have one of these pictures framed and in Hannah's room. Hannah always has a nice reaction to this picture. We feel very confident that Hannah was shown great care and love and I am so very thankful to this beautiful woman.
-We received an email from our guide from our trip to Mara-Grace. She is well and I am thankful that for Mara's sake, we have this tie to China. We have not had any luck contacting her foster family etc. And we have never heard back from her orphanage after the gifts, cards etc... We will continue sending though, as we honor them very much for the care they gave to Mara-Grace. We are so fortunate to keep in touch with Louise, our guide and friend...
-We celebrated Mara-Grace's 4th year Family day on January 29th. We spent the day going to her favorite Dinosaur museum, wandering around Chinatown and having Chinese food for supper! I cannot believe where the time has gone. And at the same time, I look at our Mara and see so many changes... One of our three miracles, so special and so loved by all... (The penguin sliding pics are from this special day!)
-Last week we celebrated Chinese New Year! Welcome year of the Rabbit!!!! I spent the week preparing/cooking. I made homemade Won Ton soup, Hunan Dumplings with Peanut Sauce, rice, Chinese Vegetable Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken and Orange Ginger Beef and Broccoli. Of course there were Fortune and Almond Cookies for dessert! Yummy! It was extra special to be close enough to invite Granya and Poppy to our special dinner.
-Around Christmas, Hannah would request her favorite story, "Here Comes Santa Claus".... Well, all of the other Christmas books have been put away, but we needed, and I do mean needed to spring that one back out of our library. Hannah adores it and I think we may still be reading it at Easter!
-Hannah is now at the table in a booster seat.... I cannot truly describe how hard saying goodbye to our highchair was for, ME! And, we have also said goodbye to her tiny bedtime bottle. We now maintain the same routine, but have a little cup of milk with story.... Another hard goodbye....
- Funny tidbit, each day we feed the birds one level scoop (a flower pot) of fresh birdseed. The other day Mara-Grace was playing outside and asked me if she could give her 'bird friends' another little bit. I said no problem.... OK, I was busy cooking (did I mention Chinese New Year?!!!!) and in she came smiling ear to ear, she says to me from the doorway, "Oh Mommy, the birds were so thankful and so happy". I look out to see a mound under the feeder, in the cedar where we always sprinkle extra, and everywhere. I mean shovel fulls! So much food... Seriously, probably 20 scoops... OH My!!!!! Yes, they were happy!!!! I think we are now referred to in the Bird Community as Disney! :) Let's see them flock!!!!! xo
Much love xo
P.S. On a silly side note... I love changing the blog backgrounds to suit the seasons etc. Little did I know that the due to a mix up, one background was staying stuck (one that I had changed AGES ago) and mixing with any new backgrounds. For whatever reason, this didn't show on my main laptop. It was only when I showed the blog on a different computer that I discovered this. YIKES!!!! So, I think I have fixed the problem, and am hoping you are all seeing some Happy Valentine's!!!!!! If not, let me know:)))
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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