Remembering...

This is the kids' early birthday gift....I had been watching the ads and over this weekend, it went on sale, so off I went to get it. We had intended to store it somewhere with a blanket over it till their birthday, but after purchasing it, the box didn't fit in the van. We (me and the salesman) ended up taking all the pieces out of the box to get it to fit. Because of that, we didn't have a choice--once the kids were in bed, we had to put it together. We were putting it together last night at 11pm, in the garage. We put it in the backyard when we were done, and this morning, we told Bug, that we had a surprise for her, made her close her eyes, and led her to the backyard. DH videotaped it...it was so cute. She was so excited...seeing your kids' excitement is better than getting any gift!

We spent the entire weekend working on the house, inside and out to get it ready to be put on the market. We are so glad that 95% of it is done...the rest should be done by Wednesday night when the realtor comes over to take pictures.

On Sunday after church, we took the kids to the park (right next to church). A little friend of Bug's , "K" and his Dad came too. There was a funny conversation I overheard from our two kiddos who were, at the time, on a teeter-totter:

K: Are we done with the ride yet?

Bug: NO

K: Ok....

(enjoying the ride, then about 30 seconds later...) K: Are we done yet?

Bug: NO...I want to ride more!

K: Ok....

Bug: (5 seconds later...) Ok, now we are done. (off they run)

Amazing...she already has him wrapped around his finger. Later, when it was time to go, Bug ran up to him to say goodbye.

(hugging each other)

K: Can I kiss you?

Bug: Ok.... (kiss) Egggghhhhh, YUCK!!! (wiping the kiss off..)

That's my girl....and it better stay like that for at least 15 years!! It was just too cute, though. After the park, it was home to do some more work on the house.

Today, we got up and headed downtown for the Memorial Day parade. It was nice, but Bug decided to cry through pretty much the entire thing, because..."I don't like the drums, Mama!!" She hated the loudness of the marching bands...which is no surprise, she hates loud noises.

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Bug enjoying her new playhouse

At the parade... A fly by... Bubby and Daddy When she was happy....before the parade started! Waiting for the parade to start

I can't help but remember those who gave their lives, so that we may live the life of freedom that we all do. They are all heroes in my eyes. To those we love, who have passed to a better place...We love you and will never forget you. My dear Grandma (2008), and her first husband, Leo (1962), picture taken on their wedding day in 1944. My dear Grandma (2008), and her second husband, my Grandpa George (1980). This picture was taken in April of 1980.

My husband's dear Grandfather--"Grandpap" (2006). This picture was taken in 2003.

We will never forget you....we love you all very much. Rest in Peace.

Going to the "house store"....

I last left off when we were going to take Bug to the hospital lab for a blood test. Well, on Friday May 8th, I took her up the street to the hospital for a blood draw. I wasn't so sure how that would go, but alas, my brave little girl did so well. She started to cry when they put the tourniquet on. When they actually took the blood, she had pretty much stopped crying by then. She was just so excited that she was going to get a Snoopy band-aid, and a Tinkerbell sticker. Good results too: Mono is negative, but her blood count was super low. Normal is between 8,000 and 10,000, and hers was 5,000. The doctor said also, that 71% of her cells were viral cells. Layman's terms: she has a nasty virus. As of today, her glands are STILL badly swollen. Not sure what is still going on with those...

Sunday brought Mother's Day. Every Mother's Day, we are greeters at church. DH got me a corsage, and of course made me a nice card. I thought for sure LM would tear the heck out of the corsage, but I only lost one petal on my rose, so not so bad. I always look forward to his handmade cards. Sunday night we had a yummy dinner at TGI Friday's.

Later in the week, we decided that we are going to buy a bigger house. Yes, just like that. Not "shall we go out for dinner tonight?", or "I think I need to buy a new pair of shoes..", but "I think we are going to buy a bigger house". We had actually been throwing around the idea, but nothing ever came of it. Well, we decided it made money sense, as the mortgage rates will probably be sky high next summer (when we originally had planned to move), so we might as well go for it, right?? We have met with two realtors, and have chosen one to work with. We have some things to do to the house (very minor), but our hope is to have it listed by the end of the month. So, on Saturday we decided to go "house shopping" and drive past some we had found that we liked. As we were getting ready to go, Bug asked where we were going, and I told her "house shopping". I proceeded to run around the house getting things ready, and I hear Bug yell..."Cmon Daddy, we are going to the house store!!!!" Too cute.

Next on the agenda was going to the pottery store to paint a plate for our Mom's for Mother's Day. We had an idea to hand print both of the kids on a heart shaped plate, then DH would take them home. It worked out ok...I was there for about four hours though--after DH left with the kids. I was exhausted by the end. Since I was there, I also painted a cake plate for LM for his first birthday. The plates turned out pretty good I thought.

LM didn't want to let go of the paint brush when his kind young lady helped us. She gave me a real cute idea for his cake plate too! Thanks kind lady!

Here is a cute picture of my curious LM....He realized that when he gets into the cereal cabinet, that tasty things are in there. He would eat some Lucky Charms, and then clap his hands.On Friday, we had some new friends over. They are a couple from our church who has also adopted transracially, a little girl. We had a great time chatting and letting the kids play. Holding their daughter, really made me want to adopt again. She was so precious. Saturday night, we headed to some friends' of ours, "Uncle" Dave and "Aunt" Jen. We had a yummy dinner, then just chatted and got caught up. It had been so long since we had seen them....I am pretty sure the longest span of time ever. I think it had been since February...we promised not to do that again!! We were there till about 11:30pm...and the kids didn't actually get into bed till after midnight. Bad parents... Cuddlin' with "Uncle" Dave"Aunt" Jen and Bug

Sunday brought me and the kiddos piling in the car and heading to DH's parent's house. We got to spend some time with the family, and my Mom actually came up for the day on Monday, so the kids got to see both of their Grandma's at the same time. We had a good time seeing everyone, and doing some relaxing. At home, DH was going to get some painting done in the house, and we thought it would just be much easier with no kids (and wife!). Not much ended up getting done in the house, as DH had to work alot more than expected. O-well...guess we will be getting it done this weekend. LM at the park...I kept saying his name to get him to look at the camera, but he refused. He was smilin' like crazy, but didn't want to look at me. Little stinker! My little Bug Aunt Kim and LM Swinging with Aunt Kim Snuggling with Aunt Tracy Bug being a goofball... My Mom, LM, DH's Mom and Bug, with the Mother's Day gifts. The plates read: "Grandma (Grammy) holds our hands for a short time, but our hearts forever". Both our Mom's loved them. Bug and her cousins at the park... My cute nephew....and I WILL be saving this picture for his first girlfriend!!

This morning, I took the kids and met with two other adoptive moms for a play date. We finally got to have our first Transracial Playgroup meeting. Yay! We had a great time, and was blessed with an awesome, hot day! It was so exciting to meet other Moms who have been down our road, to develop the support system, and of course to make new friendships too! We are planning on going to the zoo for our next outing. Tonight, I am off to a "preview" garage sale. This garage sale is a woman who has, literally, sales racks full of barely used or new kids clothes from Gymboree. Ummm, yeah, I will be taking some cash with me.

Have a good week!

Ummmm, YUCK!

Any guesses as to what this is??? Your guess is as good as mine! I was cleaning out an old diaper bag, and found this baggie tucked in a pocket. I am guessing at some time, it was some kind of food product. I actually tried to figure out what it was, but it was 100% mold. Lovely. For the record, that isn't a testament as to what the inside of our house looks like. Honestly.

Well, our little Bubby is so close to walking. While I was at bible study the other night, he took 6 or 7 steps. He is such a little tester lately too. He will go to something he knows is a "no-no" and looks back at me and smiles. I will tell him no, and he "yells" at me and clinches his fists, then laughs at me. What a stinker. When Bug was that age, and I told her "no", she would cry. I guess that is the difference between boys and girls. I think Bubby will be quite the talker too. He can say "Mama", "up", and I swear I heard him say "no" the other day. I guess that isn't too surprising, since that is about 97% of what he hears from my mouth daily! He also can clap his hands if you ask him (without actually clapping yourself!).

Bug is just loving the nice weather. Most everyday, we are outside playing (as long as it isn't raining). She loves riding her tricycle, blowing bubbles, sidewalk-chalking, and pushing her bubble lawn mower. Right now, though, she is dealing with another sickness. Last Friday, she mentioned to me that her throat hurt. I checked her throat, and it was red, with white spots on her tonsils. We went to the doctor that day, and did a strep test, which was negative. The doctor said though, that her glands we very swollen, so to call back on Tuesday if there was no change. Tuesday, there was no change, and I called the doctor. He gave her a prescription of antibiotics, and said if there is still no change in the size of her glands, to come in on Friday for a blood draw. So we will see. I am sure it is nothing, but swollen glands with no other symptoms bother me. She has had swollen glands many times before, but always when she was sick. Now, you wouldn't know she was even "sick". She is her normal self. THAT is what bothers me a bit...since you can look at her neck and see the size of her glands.

We have enjoyed relaxing and spending alot of time outside. Today, I ran an errand with the kids, and I didn't have to put jackets on. I was so excited!! I didn't even put socks and shoes on LM. Ahhhh, summer is almost here.

Well, I am scarily organized for the kids' birthday in June. I have all their gifts wrapped already, and am visiting the bakery tonight to plan the cakes. All the party favors and flatware are bought. I am thinking of getting a pinata too...

Here are a few pictures from our day outside this morning: Cute picture...Man, she needs her bangs cut!!

Bubby ALWAYS has this look on his face...What a goof!! See the face? I told ya... Grandma Polly gave this to her last year for her birthday...it has gotten so much use! I can't believe my baby will be one soon....time flies so fast!

That is all for now...looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home. Happy Mother's Day to both my Mom's!!

Warm weather....Finally!!

Well, I guess I am finally giving up on updating this blog more than once a week. The weeks fly by so fast. I am getting real bad at sitting down to do this. But, (wiping the sweat from my brow) I will continue, if only for my devoted readers...all five of them!!

The week started out with some warmer days (FINALLY), so we were able to get outside for a bit. The day these pictures were taken, LM was napping. Here you go:

This is getting way to small for her...good thing her birthday is coming up!

This is a whirly/wand/kite thingy I brought back for her from my last trip to my parents' houseGrammy and Grandpa got her this for an Easter gift....she loves it!

This was the day I found out she could write her name all by herself. We were sidewalk-chalking, and I wrote her name on the driveway. I asked her if she could write her name, of course not expecting it, and she did. I was so surprised. We hadn't really worked with her a ton on it--hardly at all, actually. I promptly marked that down in her baby book....I have yet to have her write it on paper to save, but will do that very soon.

Here is a random picture of Bubby--with his green eggs and ham. I made a ham for dinner, and DH remembered that we still had dyed eggs leftover from Easter. Of course, we had to get a picture--remember, nothing goes undocumented in this household!!!

On Friday, it was about 85 degrees here, so the kids and I met another friend and her daughter at the zoo for a day of fun. It was a great time, and everybody was done by 2:30. I actually couldn't believe that we made it till then...but we did. The kids fell asleep on the way home, but that was all for naps that day.

Too cute...My little snickerdoodle...

That night, after the zoo, we ate dinner and went outside for some more fun. This was the first time LM was in the grass. He wasn't so sure about it at first...but he liked it, after he got used to it. He tasted pretty much everything on the ground. Lovely. The three of us were so exhausted after being at the zoo all day, then being outside after dinner, that we bathed the kids, and got them into bed, sleeping peacefully by 7pm. I followed soon after...

My sweet girl...

My little Bubby...still not walking, but pretty darn close.

On Monday night we went to a baseball game....Bubby's first major league baseball game. We had a blast, and it really got us into the spring/summer/baseball mode. Can't wait to go back. Bubby was fine, and actually learned to clap his hands at the game. For so long, it seemed as though he couldn't quite coordinate his hands to come together, but they did on Monday. I think he saw so many people doing it, he just decided he was going to do it too! Bug, on the other hand, didn't care for the game so much. For the first 2-3 innings, she was scared of the heights ("I not gonna fall Mommy??), and the loudness (our seats were right in front of a speaker). Fireworks...not so much. We did alot of crying, but after a snack was offered, things started looking up. After a pouch of "Nemo" fruit snacks, she got to try shelled peanuts for the first time. It kept her busy, and she forgot about being scared, so my plan worked. We stayed till about the 8th inning, then headed home. We had just made it to our car, when it started to rain. Perfect--since we didn't take umbrellas with us.

Tuesday night, we had a play date with Bug's friend "L". It was a bit colder than we thought, so we headed back to our house and played inside for a bit.

Tonight, I am going to be packing for our trip this weekend. DH and the kids are going to his parents' house and I am going to my hometown to do more cleaning at my Grandma's house. Should be a fun weekend. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

A few days with more Grandparents....

Here is Bug cuddling with her Grandma. So, after Grammy and Grandpa left, my parents arrived about 3 hours later, on Sunday night. They too, were excited to see the kiddos and spend some time with all of us. Monday morning, we headed to a indoor kids play area. Monday night, we all went out to dinner at an "upscale" Chuck E. Cheese type restaurant. Here are a few pictures from that trip: Peek-a-Boo!!

Bubby loved to play in/around the Little Tykes house... Bubby was getting around quite well with this "walker" --it won't be long--days later, Bubby took about 4 steps towards his big sister!!Dinnertime: Grandma kept hitting the jackpot on a game, and every time it kicked out like 150 tickets... Grandma and Bug playing "Deal or No Deal" Daddy and Grandma playing "ice (skee)" ball... HoHo and Bubby... Bug and Bubby (getting a hand from HoHo) riding in a car... HoHo and Bug gettin' their groove on, on the dance machine... So, after all the tickets that Grandma won for us (Bug), she came home with three pieces of garbage toys (or they will be in about a week). This is one of the prizes she got.

Tuesday brought us to the local kids' museum in the morning, and then date night for me and DH, while the grandparents watched the kiddos. Here are some pictures from the kids museum: This was actually taken Monday night right before bedtime--HoHo and Bug are pushing a plastic egg across the table, and for some reason Bug thought it was the funniest thing ever. I had to videotape a snippet--she was laughing so hard, it made me laugh! At the museum now...I am surprised that HoHo made it thru this tunnel... Our future doctor--about 30 seconds after this picture was taken, Bug had "the look" that told me she was going to "Poo" in her pants, so off we rushed to the potty. She never goes poo in public, so (she didn't have an accident), we sat in the bathroom for about 15 minutes till she was ready to "get rid of it". I was refusing to let her go in her pants, so I was ready to stand in that stall as long as we needed too...battle of the wills. Bug conducting the orchestra Bubby playing with "the other boy" Bug with "Woodsy" the Owl (friend to "Smoky" the Bear) at the museum Bubby "rockin" with Grandpa Playin' in the sand....which is something I almost never let her do when we are here, because, without fail, we end up going home for a bath, due to all the sand in her hair. This day, we left with just a little bit of sand in her hair...not too bad. Bubby making some music... Bug driving HoHo around in the bus... Right before Grandma and HoHo left--one last picture.

My parents left on Wednesday afternoon. I left on Friday afternoon to head to their house to help my Mom do some work at Grandma's house. We made some real progress, but there is still so much work to be done. I am planning on going back in a few weeks for another cleaning weekend. We came across some interesting stuff while cleaning...I will talk about that in the next blog. I am off to nurse my sinus pain with a happy drug...and a comfy bed.