Happy 3rd Birthday, Vinny!

A happy Mom on Mother's Day!

Little updates...

She's 15 months old.

She has some special needs.

She is beautiful!

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Mimi and George were upstairs with their Daddy making stuff for Mother's Day. When I asked George later what he had been up to, he said, "Nothing. I wasn't doing anything. I was NOT writing!" A minute later, he came back and said, "I made something for someone for a day called Mother's Day. Her name is Araminta."

Then, I asked Mimi what she had been up to...school, perhaps? She said, yes, she had done school with Daddy.

She confessed about 30 minutes later to Jason that she had told a lie right to my face--and was that OK?

Natan came home yesterday and told me, "I have a secret--it's something for you. For Mother's Day. A frame I made. But I am not going to tell you because it's a secret!"

We will celebrate Mother's Day tomorrow because of our Sunday jobs. Our tradition is breakfast in bed for me! Mimi is doing the cooking tomorrow and I can't wait!

This followed by soccer and a long dress rehearsal for our program this Wednesday.

And...can't forget about our visitors coming in on Sunday!

Well!

Our friends Bob and Beth were VERY kind and treated us to a wonderful evening last night--elegant dinner at their gorgeous home followed by probably the best live performance we have seen in a while! We saw "Chanticleer" and if you ever have the opportunity to see them, do! Here is a link to their website:

Chanticleer

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Oh yeah, and 4 more weeks!!

Woot!

Number 5 is official!

Not allowed to post pictures until after our Embassy appointment which will be months from now.

Now the next waiting begins...could be a long time to get her home! Let's hope they expedite since she has been waiting a very long time...

But at least we have a face!

Ahhh...

I remember being at summer camp and waking up EARLY to walk up the hill to the Camp Director's house with my cabin to watch the nuptials of Charles and Di. Our family were big Royals fans--we read "Majesty" magazine when Diana came on the scene, and followed her (and her fashion!) religiously! I even dressed as Princess Di for Halloween (since I had the "Diana" haircut)! Hey--it's a Canuck thing!

Today however, when given the choice between the Royal Wedding and Tom and Jerry...my kids chose the latter! I will enjoy it later in one of the many recaps.

There is still that part of me that gets excited when a Royal Wedding happens. That we still have princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, lords and ladies, is a thing of fairy tales.

Just tell me they sang "Jerusalem" so I can hear it later! It's not about the words, it's about the music...enjoy!

Jerusalem

Phew!

What a night!

Mimi sick.

Moved everyone to the basement around 12:30/1:00 due to tornado warnings--Jason never does that, so I knew he meant business!

Glad to report my B'Ham friends are safe and sound--we were VERY worried!

Now a beautiful, clear sunny day!

And Mimi is already slowly on the mend!

So...

George recovered nicely after only 36 hours. It was way too quiet here for that time! He's back to is normal, loud self!

However, we arrived home tonight from choir and Game Night and I hear, "Mama...I barfed." I am proud to say though, that Mimi runs for the toilet every time and there is never the gross, messy aftermath! She is sleeping right now with occasional vomiting. I am camping out with her tonight and expect another marathon cartoon day tomorrow. The one perk of being truly ill: non-educational TV!

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Anonymous: My post did not refer to you!! We will need all the support we can find if this referral becomes official. I was referring to a recurring condescending person who just does not get it.

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Happy to report that both my choirs (church and community) are sounding great! Church choir program on May 11th will be wonderful and the Tussahaw Young Singers are going to shine on June 12th--can't wait for both!

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And...what's up with this storm? I am not afraid of a storm, but Jason and I have dodged a couple of tornadoes when those around us were hit. Hope our luck holds...I am still not used to this Georgia spring weather--and it's been 18 years!

So...

Vinny: "Mommy, could you help me with my shoes? Please?"

Me: "Sure, Vinny."

Vinny: "I will give you a dollar..."

Oh, how they learn!

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George is on Day Two of heaving and fever. Poor guy. Mimi is at loose ends without her other half to hang with! Lucky so far no one else has it--let's keep it that way!!

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Almost have a referral! It is pending based on what the orphanage decides--they have final say--everyone at our agency thinks it will happen! Yay!

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Quick vent: I dislike beyond words people who are condescending. You know, I am not an entirely stupid person. Ahh...5 more weeks. "Nuff said!

Getting even closer!!!!!

Getting closer...

Watch out for a blog giveaway in May from this Atlanta-based store!

They have a promo code offer: Tweet01

The link is: http://cioprints.etsy.com/

Saw the male peacock today again with his feathers out. I explained that he was likely trying to attract the female. Thus ensued THIS conversation:

Mimi: "What happens when the girl peacock comes by him?"

Me: "She will fall in love with him."

Mimi: "Then what?"

Me: "They'll have little baby peacocks."

Mimi: "How will they do that?"

Me: "Well...by putting his feathers out."

(I thought that if I kept it short and simple, it would suffice.)

Mimi: "Do they get married? You know, not with a ring or a man standing in front of them...but like peacocks..."

Me: (phew!): "Yes, Mimi, I suppose in their own peacock way, they get married!"

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We have a pretty awesome week with Natan home for Spring Break--school on as usual for the older two, with no pressure because of the bus schedule! We have covered so much and it feels great! We have had nowhere to go which is also a first for us! No soccer, no baseball, no tennis, no choir...just hanging our and playing!

Spent three hours at the outdoor Burger King today (as a treat for Natan who NEVER gets to go, according to him!). And got me a QT on the way home which pretty much makes for a perfect day!!!!

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Met someone at BK today. At first, she reminded me of my friend, Mary Liz. I thought, "OK...maybe someone I could add to my phone list." However, after three hours of her talking, it became clear that she is just another self-centered, lunatic, nut case. She ended her inane conversation by telling me that they do not celebrate ANYTHING--not Christmas, not Halloween (???!!!), not birthdays...because of their religion. WHAT??!!

The other odd thing was that she rambled on about not letting her kids watch TV, play video games, or watch any PG-13 movies. But, her kids kept telling my kids they were going to "slap you in the face if you don't shut your mouth." OK.

And, she tells her own kids, "Shut your mouth before I kill you!"

What the hell kind of religion is she part of????

Freak Show.

I can't believe my freak-o-meter didn't go off earlier than the three agonizing hours, but there it is.

She is no Mary Liz...

Hair by Reggie!

First Game

The view five minutes from our house--all these years and this is the first time we've seen the feathers out! It was a cool moment!

OMG. Deep fried mac and cheese--the kids LOVED their "Mini Balls!"

Eating "Mini-Weiners" at our new fave spot: The Cheesecake Factory--a Montague first!

"Painting" with sidewalk chalk and water--garbage can art!

My Pink Dogwood--one of the few things that grows and I can't kill!

Hiking at our favorite park, Panola!

The red mark on the tree that was supposed to lead us to treasure...sadly, it did not!!!!

So...went to the Emory Voice Clinic on Friday. This doctor (who is from Nova Scotia!!)did the scope through my mouth rather than the nose. Very cool to see my vocal folds displayed on a huge screen! The first thing I noticed and then he pointed out: a very tiny bump on one, and an indent on the other. He calls this a "Fibroma Lesion" and said if not treated, it will become a nodule. Cause: vocal stress. And he said the stress would have been caused by something that had caused me stress which in turned put stress on my vocal folds and the muscles surrounding them. It makes sense: you injure yourself and then other areas overcompensate to try to correct the injury. There is no medicinal cure and surgery is not an option at this point. I have an appointment with a vocal coach/speech therapist in May who will be working with me to try to fix the problem. The doctor said there are three outcomes:

1) I never get better.

2) I get somewhat better and learn to use my semi-improved voice.

3) I get better!

I am opting for choice #3, even if it means I'm going to have work very hard to alter the way I use my voice. The kids think it is hilarious that I have to go to Speech "just like Natan!"

I now have a whistle for the kids. Instead of raising my voice to get their attention, I blow the whistle--they love it and it will help keep strain from my voice.

*****

Conversation about Sara's rooster pecking one of her chickens to death:

Mimi: "What will happen to the chicken?"

Me: "Uncle Dwayne will take care of her."

Mimi: (after a pause): "I don't think I'm liking how this story ends."

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George to one of his SS teachers yesterday when they were talking about wine:

"I can't have wine because of my heart."

The teacher wondered to him that it was also because he is ONLY 6 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!

I simply told him to write his name!! he did it without any help!

The rainbow was his idea...he wanted to give it to his one true love, Miss Wachael!

We needed an Ingram fix and we got it!!

The only problem...they had to leave again!

And this is how it's done...that's my girl!!!!! 6 goals--first game!!

OK.

We need some positive thought sent our way.

There is a baby girl waiting on medical tests--if the tests come out in our favor, she is our's.

If they do not, she will go to someone else.

Start sending...

Pool's Open!! 63 degrees!

Well, the School Psychologist finished the Autism Assessment on Natan and guess what? She said he has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Umm...

a) We already knew that.

b) He was diagnosed last year by an MD.

c) I live with him. I knew this long before any doctor ever mentioned it.

I remember mentioning that I thought something was "up" with Natan about six months after he had arrived home. I was told by MANY people that he was just adjusting. I'm his Mama. I knew that wasn't it. And a few people were awful to him because of his behavior. I always felt so terrible, knowing that there was a reason but not having anything to say in his defense.

So, this diagnosis last Spring was a relief. Finally, I had something to say to the idiots who have treated him unfairly. It's not an excuse, but it is a pretty good reason.

My biggest pet peeve? People announcing to us, "Oh, he's not Autistic--he's fine" or "Well, he'll grow out of it." FYI--denial is not supportive.

In fact, we've had to step away from people who just can't accept his diagnosis and repeatedly tell us the doctor is wrong. In fact, one person marched into my kitchen and stated, "I don't care what that doctor says--he's fine. He's not Autistic."

The thing is, we have always been OK with this. We can't change it. We think he's fine too, just the way he is. Unfortunately some people can't handle him or love him with his new diagnosis. Our kids are too important to us for that kind of attitude.

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On a very exciting note, we are heading to see the Harlem Globetrotters tonight--I found a great discount online after some major searching! The kids are super excited! We have a dinner packed (saving money by not eating out!), and they are under orders to take a nap this afternoon--no grumps at the Arena!!

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George says he is more than ready for the upcoming Talent Show" at the church. He will be performing his "Singing Robots" routine. He picked a sequined costume that used to be Jason's...nothing more to say!!!!

Our Jolly Holiday in Review

First Stop: Lunch at the Varsity! Some Naked Dogs, please!

Loving' the hotel room!

Loved our dinner at Mimi's Cafe!

Fernbank--LOVED it!

Received this email this morning. Cookie and popcorn sales are an integral part of Scouting. Mimi has certainly gained confidence from her first selling experience, and I can see where this will be an excellent teaching tool as the girls get older. At our next meeting, all my girls will be signing their names to a letter to send to our Representative--so glad I'm an American...I can actually do something now!

Here is a condensed version of the email:

Proposed Georgia legislation would require a sales tax on all nonprofit fundraisers in Georgia including GIRL SCOUT COOKIE and BOY SCOUT POPCORN SALES. This significant financial impact would take money away from Girl Scout programs, camp support, financial aid and proceeds from the sale that support troop activities and community service projects.

House Bill 385 is a part of the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform eliminating various nonprofit sales and use tax exemptions and specifically calls out the cookie and popcorn fundraisers by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

The consequences of this legislation:

• Requiring our Scouts to collect sales tax is not fair and not feasible.
• A portion of the funds earned by our Scouts for their many leadership, camping and community service programs would be diverted to pay sales tax.
• Hundreds of children especially in rural or financially distressed areas will not be able to participate in Scouting due to a reduction of services resulting from these sales taxes.
• Camps are likely to be stressed due to reduced funding.
• The administrative burden placed on councils to remit payment of sales taxes to taxing authorities would divert limited financial resources away from program support.

"I don't need a nap!!!!"

"At this rate, we'll never get where we're going..."

We've had a great week at Chez Montague! School is progressing, much to anti-home schoolers chagrin! Natan is still doing well and we have an IEP meeting coming up to discuss his options for next year.

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We have two more sleeps until our Jolly Holiday! SO EXCITED!!! Jason is officially on Spring Break and we all couldn't be happier! I will be sure to post pictures upon return!

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We celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday all week--read lots of great books--the kids can read some all by themselves. Made lots of crafty things, and had a birthday party tonight with Jason.

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Mimi started Soccer last night--I loved watching her out there on her own, making new friends, and having fun! And, she's a pretty good player! George is still enjoying baseball, and we are still trying to get Natan in the Sunshine League for kids with special needs.

Green Eggs and Ham with a side of cake--Vinny was asleep in the sun room--poor kid can't make it past 4:00 without a nap these days!

Me: "Oh, look--the Flinstones!"

George: "How do you know about the Flinstones?"

Me: "I used to watch it when I was a kid."

Mimi: "Ohhh...that's why it looks so old."

So, our friend Angie filled in for her son who was going to hang with George at baseball practice tonight. Jason had musical rehearsal and I had Tussahaw rehearsal. All at the same time. She claims to have had a blast being talked to incessantly by Mimi and reading to her! Angie is a teacher by day, so this was likely not the down time she had planned!

My favorite quote of the night from Angie:

Angie: George--Good job! You have a good arm!

Mimi: He's had it for a long time. Since he was born.

Our other friend, Lorna, had Natan and Vinny. We now owe to amazing women--will have to be sneaky if we can accomplish payback!

Thank you, ladies. We needed your help and are eternally grateful for it!

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fyi...the Tussahaw Young Singers is starting to get there and sound good! What a nice group of young people! Now on to my next project...

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Now if I could just find the 2 missing bathing suits all would be good. I think I am only working with 10% at best of brain power!

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Finally--who needs more Girl Scout cookies? You know you want them! lemons! Mints! Trefoils! Dosidos! I got 'em!

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!

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We are gearing up for our little Jolly Holiday this weekend--just an overnight thing, but we are super excited just the same!

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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...

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Still no referral. Beyond frustrated at the wait. It just plain sucks.

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!!!!

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!

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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!

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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...

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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!

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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!

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.

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!

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.