Monday, February 28, 2011

Mimi and I had a little GNO tonight after Girl Scouts...QT and Walmart! On the way home she stated that she had too many boys to keep track of and was hoping for some girls in soccer this week! She then had to clarify that she did not include Daddy because "He is not a boy...he's just a Daddy."
*****
We are almost through Cookie season in GS--I will happy to see the end of it! If I eat another Samoa I will burst! More time on the treadmill!
*****
We are gearing up for our little Jolly Holiday this weekend--just an overnight thing, but we are super excited just the same!
*****
Back taking the Nexium for my vocal chords. I think it's helping, but I'm just not sure. I did some more research and it seems that a mere drop of acid on vocal folds can cause swelling. Mystery continues...
*****
Still no referral. Beyond frustrated at the wait. It just plain sucks.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

sweet somethings...

Mimi, while watching me get ready: "I don't think you need makeup, Mama. You're pretty without it." I'll take that.

George, this morning, came to me and said: "I did some laundry. I didn't want you to have to do everything by yourself." I must be ding something right!

And...on the hoarse voice front. I have done more research--wait--doesn't my ENT get a boat load of money to do what I am doing for myself?? Well, I'm back on Nexium. Screw the holistic route. I thought it was working, but now I'm thinking not.
I *heart* Western medicine.
No we wait and see...

Still no referral and it's driving me crazy. Adoption is just like being pregnant and giving birth. You wait and wait, and then you have this intense, emotional experience. For me, there is little difference. Anyone without kids, or anyone who has not adopted, may not get that. Oh well.

On that note...just to refresh...I consider our adopted children my flesh and blood. They are as much a part of Jason and I as the other two. There are those--and shamefully, those who know better--who do not see Mimi and Natan the same as George and Vinny. How sad for them. They just do not know what they miss out on. Someone even said to me when we had just adopted Ellen, "I wasn't sure if I could love Ellen like I love George." Someone then defended that person's comment when I repeated it. To those two people, I say, "You aren't really capable of real love then. Obviously. Don't say those things to me. They are not good things to say. And don't defend those who say them. Love my four-almost-five equally or not at all.

There, Tom. Is that better?????!!!!! P.S. George found a GA tech picture frame and asked me if he could have it when he goes there. Amen to that!!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

OK

I got nailed tonight for not posting--not naming names!!!!
So much happens in a day around here, and then when I get a minute to write it down...I can't remember ANYTHING!
***
Something funny happened after choir tonight--George was sitting on a chair waiting for me, and I NOTICED that he had not worn underwear today and was wearing shorts...OMG. Thank goodness he had been in the front row for rehearsal!
***
The Tussahaw Young Singers is off to a great start! Had good auditions and a good first rehearsal. Hardest part is choosing music! Trying to plan our first concert for early June...
***
School is still motoring along nicely. I love hearing them say, "I love ______!" A validation of sorts. They are really loving reading through a set of "How and Why" books that a very generous friend gave us. Learning about moon shadows, falling stars, clouds, etc. And they're eating it up!
***
We have "On Demand" again after years of having only basic cable. I have to admit...I am LOVING it! No more crappy shows while I run on the treadmill! My current favorite addiction: "The Big C" on Showtime. I can squeeze in two episodes for a really good run!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Mimi was looking at some money today and wanted to know why there was a picture of Beethoven on the money. I think she was disappointed when I told her it was actually Washington.

Saturday, February 05, 2011

Pics!

Some photo updates--the rest have been uploaded to Picasa.
Daddy/Daughter Girl Scout Dance--1980s theme! Jason wore his Band/Tuba jacket...'nuff said!
Our Girl Scout Daisies at Thinking Day!
GA Tech Womens' Basketball--LOVED it!
Natan lost his first tooth! The Tooth Fairy took it and now he wants it back!
Our wonderful day trip to Savannah--loved hangin' with my kids! The concert the end of the day was worth the trip!

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

happenings...

Lots going on...
1. Natan lost a tooth the day after we got home from Disney! He was VERY proud!
2. Had 20 kids show up for Tussahaw auditions tonight--I am SUPER excited to get this choir going!
3. Jason laid a new floor in the basement playroom last weekend.
4. Savannah day trip was great--I managed four kids along River street! They had a blast and can't wait to go back for longer and do a Trolley Tour!
5. Gearing up for our annual Chinese new Year party!
6. Signing up for soccer (Mimi) and baseball (George) this weekend.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Just stuff

Mimi: "OK, boys! I hid the treasure very goodly so you'll never find it!" (During a inventive very game of Treasure Hunt).

George is already planning another trip to Disney and tells me constantly how much he misses it. Well, so do I. Can't we just move there???

Mimi and George are doing very well in school--and I am once again grateful for this extra time together. I am fortunate to be the one seeing them take those first steps in reading, spelling, math concepts. Not to mention seeing their joy in learning about dinosaurs, the body, life cycles, communities, countries...so much!
If I could do a better job with Spanish, I'd feel 100%! C'est la vie! Oh wait, that's French...

Heading to Savannah with Jason tomorrow for the day. Looking forward to introducing the kids to some Southern history. And Pralines...yum!!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday, January 16, 2011

And we're off!

All our bags are packed, we're ready to go...
And you know the rest! We are packed and ready to hit the road tomorrow!! Kids still have no idea where our mystery trip is taking us! I am trying to convince them we're headed to "Barbie Land" and they are slightly worried, given their fear of and distaste for Barbie or any other kind of doll!
I think they'll be pleasantly surprised!
*****
Heard from our adoption coordinator. She said "hopefully in the near future." No idea what that means, so we're still just waiting! It'll happen...
It was suggested to me a few weeks ago that Jason and I not complete this adoption, since we "have a lot on our plates." It's funny, because I don't recall asking for advice or an opinion...
We like what's on our plate. We wouldn't change one thing. And we are just as excited for our new arrival as we have been for the other four. This is our family.

Mimi

The other morning I was snuggling with Mimi and, out of the blue, she said: "Thank you for choosing me..."


Thursday, January 13, 2011

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Surviving!

School closed today and then again tomorrow--just got word. What else can Jason and I paint?
We will still have our school--having fun with uninterrupted teaching! The curriculum has ramped up and is moving more quickly now--and M and G and are doing great with it! I remain amazed at what we are capable of in our little classroom!
And, very excited to get mail today after no delivery for two days!! There is something nice though, about being stuck somewhere, not because of poor health, but just because you can't drive on your driveway or road! I have to say I am feeling more relaxed than I have in years!!!!! Although...how many more times we can watch E.T. is beyond me! I forgot about some of language in it! The kids have learned some new and interesting words this week that they don't even hear from me!
*****
Getting ready for our week away starting Monday!
Trying to convince GAG to come down this weekend for our adventure...PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Baby, it's cold outside!

Day Two being iced in! Our street and driveway are frozen! Tried some laundry basket sledding yesterday--kids made it work! Video coming..
Another upside to homeschooling: NO SCHOOL CLOSING!!!!
*****
Tomorrow is Day Three of NO SCHOOL for Jason and Natan. Today we took advantage and painted our master bedroom--picked up 2 gallons of paint along with our 2 gallons of milk as the storm began Sunday evening (always thinking ahead!). And, with Jason home, we can go longer in school with no distractions from the younger set. So things are fine here!
Someone said that many of the grocery stores are without food...kind of eerie. We are well stocked between frozen leftovers and Mum's homemade bread and jam!

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy 2011!

I can just get it in!
Happy New Year!
My Top Ten Random Favorite Things From 2010:
1. My family
2. Hearing Natan yell,"I love you, Mommy!" from the bedroom with no prompting
3. Waffle House
4. The addition of Reggie to our pet menagerie
5. Homeschooling
6. Reading many good books
7. The movie, "Remember Me"
8. Surprising Jason on his 40th birthday
9. Reese's Mega Cups from Jason on my birthday
10. Visits to Georgia by Ontario Aunts & Uncles, D.C. cousins, and Nova Scotians

Monday, December 27, 2010

Phew! Part Deux!

We survived! Christmas was a blast and we even had a little snow on Christmas Day night! Had our usual gaggle of folks over who either do not have family around or who were just spending the day alone. Good food, good friends...complete with Jason's Flaming Figgy Pudding!
Spent Boxing Day with more good food (leftovers) and more good friends...
Now awaiting the arrival of Tanta and Papa on Thursday for more fun, food, and general merriment!
Some photo memories from the past few weeks...

The first pictures were taken at Panola State Park--they were done as gifts so I've resisted posting!








Rockin' Cupcakes!

Natan's friend at Waffle House who always treats us "real good!"

Natan's Rockin' Birthday Party!

Celeste reading "The Polar Express" to the kids--they LOVED it!

Jason's Tortiere...a favorite Christmas Eve tradition


Christmas Eve means new jammies!

Jason reading my Dad's book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before heading to bed.


Our little GA snow fall!

My favorite little munchkins...









Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Festivus!

Since I won't get around to it tomorrow with the activities and company coming, "Happy Holidays" to everyone! We are ready.
The 2 Tortieres have been made by Jason as always for Christmas Eve dinner.
Several casseroles ready to go in the oven tomorrow.
Figgy Pudding is steaming--Jason again.
Red Velvet Brownies ready to be cut and served for Xmas Day dessert.
Wine lined up ready for consumption.
Gifts wrapped.
Kids have managed to stay sane in their anxious wait for Santa.
The big question: Will it actually snow as they are predicting?? I dare not hope for too much!


Monday, December 20, 2010

Happy Day!

Five years ago, Natan was born! Happy Birthday, Rock Star!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Decade...

Ten years ago today Jason's parents, Bonnie and Bill, were killed in a car accident on their way through Tennessee Christmas shopping.
We were going to have my Children's Choir at the time perform "Star Journey" the next day but cancelled.
Last night, we performed it, ten years later.
Here is the talented group that I am privileged to direct: