Weekend in Review

Maggie Rose smiles after licking icing off her cupcake.

We had a fun, busy weekend. The two oldest went to the store with me to pick out the design for Liam's birthday cake on Saturday. It's hard to believe my little man is going to be two next month. Where does the time go? While we were at the store, we just had to pick up cupcakes even though I had told the boys we were not buying anything.

Yum - someone else liked the icing more than the cake.

 Matthew is getting so big. He even has dimples in his knuckles...awe...

On Sunday, we visited our friends at the retirement center. The visit was doomed from the beginning. I had planned on bringing Maggie but then Liam decided to go, then Jack cried because it wasn't fair if he didn't go too. The boys don't do very well in small spaces so the visit was short.

Later that morning, I visited a wonderful high school friend I hadn't seen for several years. I don't know why it has taken us so long to get together. We had so much fun. Our boys had a lot of fun too so I hope we see each other again in the near future.

My friend's mom made this quilt, nicely modeled by Jack, for Maggie Rose when we began our international adoption journey. I had no idea so it was a very nice surprise when Gayla gave that to us.

That afternoon, the three oldest and I went to the local symphony society's presentation of Peter and the Wolf. Well, we lasted about 30 to 40 minutes. We missed Ronald McDonald's appearance but at least the kids were exposed a little to the instruments and beautiful music.

Needless to say, we were exhausted after our long weekend. This weekend should be fun with an early Fourth of July celebration!

All Jokin' Aside

So, the other day Jack said he had a joke for me. I couldn't wait to hear what would come out of his mouth. So, here goes.

Jack: "What did the cow say to the pig?"
Me: "I don't know."
Jack: "Oink, oink."

Get it? It's been more than 48 hours and I still don't get it. Yesterday, Jack insisted that I tell him some jokes on our way home. So, here goes...

Me: "What did the lightbulb say to the ghost?"
Jack: "What?"
Me: "You scared the living daylights out of me."

Me: "What did the one tree say to the other tree dressed in polka dots?"
Jack: : "What?"
Me: "Your bark is just a little too loud for me."

I'm ready for standup.

Where's My Queso?

The box claimed that this frozen pizza is made with a special Italian recipe - so, what's so special about it? The lack of cheese? Despite its dairy deficiency, it didn't taste all that bad.

The Mole

Mr. Innocent

Liam attacked me twice last night trying to remove a mole from my arm. Ouch! He's got quite a grip. It's a good thing he's so cute. Maybe he has a future in dermatology.

Scenes from this past weekend

 Rocking chair

 Rocking baby

 Matthew

 Grandpa treated us to a ride in his cool old car. Maggie, Jack, Liam and I joined him in the front seat. It was a little crowded. It cracks me up that Doug is on his cell phone since we're in such an old car. What would people from that time think of us now?

 Maggie loves cool whip!

But doesn't like to smile for the camera.

Saying Goodbye

It's amazing where I find myself after 12 months. Looking back, there have been highs and lows filled with intense sadness and incredible joy. In 12 months, we received Maggie's referral and brought her back home. I discovered I was pregnant and gave birth to an adorable little boy. It has also been a year since an uncle drowned leaving behind my grandmother's old home and several acres. I had hoped that my mother and her siblings would find a way to keep it in the family. It was one of the last "living" things that I felt connected all of us to my grandmother Rose. In March, my mother and her siblings decided to sell the homestead and I had an afternoon to say goodbye. It was tough.

Jack and Liam

The old barn. Grandpa and Grandma had dairy cows.

I once interviewed Grandma about the depression and asked her how they survived the hard times. She answered that they didn't know they were living through a depression. They always relied on the farm for their living. They ate what they grew. If times were considered tough, well, they were used to it.

A side porch.

Grandpa eventually built grandma a home just a ways up the road from their old house. I used to sneak down to the old place and play with the farm kitties on those porch steps.

My aunt Arline, mom, Matthew and the two oldest.

Looking out an old window with Liam. Lovin' the old wall paper.

Climbing the stairs to the two bedrooms. The boys' bedroom was open but the girls' bedroom had a door.

If this tie could talk.

I loved the woodwork in the home. I love old homes. They're my favorite things to see when I go on vacation. I've always said that if I built a home with hardwood floors I would find a way to make them creak.

One lap, two babies.

Grandma with her big babies.

Happy Father's Day!

...to all fathers - adoptive and birth fathers.

Liam spent some special time talking to his birth father today. We hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends.

Barbecue!

Barbecue tastes good on chicken nuggets, fries and apple slices. Found out last night you can even drink it!

Fun in the Sun

Quality Control

Inspector 001 and Inspector 002

Maggie's hair bows have passed inspection.

Luck Be a Lady

1-800-ALL BETS OFF

In The Hot Seat

My past has finally caught up with me.

Checking out the new vehicles for the local police department.

Golden Day

Red neck baby bottle holder.

 An uncle and aunt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Saturday. It was a beautiful day.

 Me and my girl.

 A 50 year old wedding dress - gorgeous. It has stood the test of time much like my uncle and aunt's marriage.

 Liam - pretending to be a monster.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Betty

 Too bad the camera didn't focus but I still love this photo of Liam.

 We were dancing fools. I even got the DJ to play "Dancing Queen," my fav.

 Jack was popular with the ladies.

 Mom and dad

 Go away cougar!

Jack didn't seem to mind this.

Hitting the Trail

Thank God I Shaved Today

Showdown at the local airport.

2012 International and Domestic Adoption Picnic

We are members of the local FCC (Families with Children from China) group and have been since we entered the China adoption program. Every year, local families also get together for a combined picnic with people who have adopted from the states. This year's picnic was on Saturday, May 12. It was a smaller more intimate group this year and we had a blast.

 God's beautiful children from all over the world.

 Maggie and friend.

Liam LOVES cozy coupes. It will be neat to see what he looks like in 15 years. :) He probably won't be driving anything near as nice as this cool car.