tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215188763545587392024-03-14T02:32:34.309-07:00A Brother for Katie MeiA little boy in a far away land,
God has chosen for us
to hold his hand.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-6817675586600455582009-12-20T18:29:00.000-08:002009-12-20T18:45:19.692-08:00Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3XXRqfVQREcZLkpc_JYmW9zQDirZ2xsRCMHQn6XdBXWw1wUGCxZkWzRY5rJFGKN6ATSriJJuxy0hptfzQA9oob5gDy-Y8f3eUIdJGLI4zkzkDISISVgXCGMc-kefAZEWbgGycidCS0/s1600-h/snow+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417511615525549938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3XXRqfVQREcZLkpc_JYmW9zQDirZ2xsRCMHQn6XdBXWw1wUGCxZkWzRY5rJFGKN6ATSriJJuxy0hptfzQA9oob5gDy-Y8f3eUIdJGLI4zkzkDISISVgXCGMc-kefAZEWbgGycidCS0/s320/snow+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4gMv12mGsT-lI-EhG00j_0KGqzu5D-b3I7KPV3ot6MzyrBc7y2C0S_7iA9EH2Wh_xwjjrHSLVeXBcpi7XXgMpEDnWwBTvH5g-0TJjQm5c6pHYZVUyhDQZu3-wHvhBcQt0KwB7GVGYN4/s1600-h/snow+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417511605700315090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4gMv12mGsT-lI-EhG00j_0KGqzu5D-b3I7KPV3ot6MzyrBc7y2C0S_7iA9EH2Wh_xwjjrHSLVeXBcpi7XXgMpEDnWwBTvH5g-0TJjQm5c6pHYZVUyhDQZu3-wHvhBcQt0KwB7GVGYN4/s320/snow+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4x_vNIiGYwBDnVp5ZK5DFC7qjUw-trO6xWDDewMHbxmydSmDIS7abPxxqUrSgFPTUn9MKH3ehdEykKDVO2Z4kXGyiokNZE6OUJTyY8XSMZDnFLCAVh0cRGS1-dJOkAzidRnvNcRna-k/s1600-h/snow+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417511606973557698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4x_vNIiGYwBDnVp5ZK5DFC7qjUw-trO6xWDDewMHbxmydSmDIS7abPxxqUrSgFPTUn9MKH3ehdEykKDVO2Z4kXGyiokNZE6OUJTyY8XSMZDnFLCAVh0cRGS1-dJOkAzidRnvNcRna-k/s320/snow+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />22 inches of snow could only mean one thing in the eyes of children. FUN!<br /><div></div></div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-2435909418170929762009-12-15T09:19:00.000-08:002009-12-15T17:20:53.900-08:00Matthew Turns 4!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifopu41xLR53dhvBMaelxdhk3NiINI0uR4GsEuFZ9zyQzUZ1bzViqk53XM9KqmfsTT1lcN35RJMJaav8WcsIL7M3smPotla-ri31oFLmKTQa1ttNzhBa_JCc5Fe8A8AlenZkGQzUPUQ6o/s1600-h/HPIM6922.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415517996950778898" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifopu41xLR53dhvBMaelxdhk3NiINI0uR4GsEuFZ9zyQzUZ1bzViqk53XM9KqmfsTT1lcN35RJMJaav8WcsIL7M3smPotla-ri31oFLmKTQa1ttNzhBa_JCc5Fe8A8AlenZkGQzUPUQ6o/s320/HPIM6922.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On December 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, our little boy turned 4. I am not sure if his birthday was celebrated at the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">orphanage</span> in China or not, but his face is a clear indication that he was so very excited!!<br /><br />On each birthday of both my children, I can't help but wonder what their birth mothers could be feeling. Because Matthew and Katie were both abandoned babies and not found with a notes, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">their</span> birthdays are estimated by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">orphanage</span> to be approximately 2 months earlier than the dates they were found. I choose to believe that the weeks between birthday and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">abandonment</span> dates were nothing but pain and heartache for their birth mothers. The decision to give up thier children is often not a choice, but rather they are victim to China's strict children policies. My heart aches for thier birth mothers who will never know the joy they continually bring me. So on the birthdays of my children, I will always quitely think of these women who loved them enough to carry them for 9 months, hold them in their arms for 2 months and then painfully let them go. (Unthinkable!!) In my heart, I know they are grieving for the children I am joyfully celebrating with.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-25981137074710009512009-12-01T09:55:00.000-08:002009-12-15T10:20:53.941-08:00My Thanksgiving Turkeys!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw3oyY037EjXC9IFbvgmp1L2-t0qp116zllwlqgJod13l_GC66AX3kazGtEzMTvmJhpmmF5VoqJTJLfuE-c6TZ3FHHDjQtKFWdfzki-HhkxE4HGf6kY86mCv1tDNYiXlWQS18iZmCU4A/s1600-h/HPIM6886+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415529613370485538" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw3oyY037EjXC9IFbvgmp1L2-t0qp116zllwlqgJod13l_GC66AX3kazGtEzMTvmJhpmmF5VoqJTJLfuE-c6TZ3FHHDjQtKFWdfzki-HhkxE4HGf6kY86mCv1tDNYiXlWQS18iZmCU4A/s320/HPIM6886+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-76737979253838320652009-11-01T03:13:00.000-08:002009-11-02T05:20:21.860-08:00Follow the Yellow Brick Road!!Follow, Follow, Follow and you will see...Dorothy and the Scarecrow.<br /><br />The kids had fun Trick or Treating and you would think that Matthew had been doing this for years they way he was running from house to house in excitement. Their favorite candy was Lollipops and M & M's.<br /><br />For those who have been following my blog from the beginning, you will recall my post from China where I was referencing the ruby red shoes and clicking and wishing I was home, this was my inspiration for this years costumes.<br /><br />Click, click, click...there's no place like home.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-42336186101105083032009-11-01T03:00:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:38:37.009-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJbXxBoUBWFPW5WlphoAbByby9wG0k9nlLcv8jSfAx4Gwm0MRFsM3t7l3CACjbrLJaI60DRSSKvohJFbJv58-gexfTTthgSGX-iHuAucfHUust8M_vuD_bWP76K04XTX4FvCBxdGXxQ/s1600-h/halloween+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399090695475967234" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJbXxBoUBWFPW5WlphoAbByby9wG0k9nlLcv8jSfAx4Gwm0MRFsM3t7l3CACjbrLJaI60DRSSKvohJFbJv58-gexfTTthgSGX-iHuAucfHUust8M_vuD_bWP76K04XTX4FvCBxdGXxQ/s320/halloween+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mIrophdney-WNbJIvyMLNthsbHm4khcEyQLbZy7SSruOfwXoofxflh7Yr0ki0TIyrGmpkfK-4ZL10LQFgJoVxU52HEHy8OLfy4dXrgLlsylHIfulRRoI1SOhAx3___TCvVx7RjjwELY/s1600-h/halloween+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399090691539832146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mIrophdney-WNbJIvyMLNthsbHm4khcEyQLbZy7SSruOfwXoofxflh7Yr0ki0TIyrGmpkfK-4ZL10LQFgJoVxU52HEHy8OLfy4dXrgLlsylHIfulRRoI1SOhAx3___TCvVx7RjjwELY/s320/halloween+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAfVIbzWQwwj-ixGrc_GWRU4hk36Y0W215346eyXYhi20wiTXcR2XDpxuhQc8wirGLQ3VQ4YLgK2ozvpx-qOAKzEtVYYZYoIPZwkPKGdZACK3MrkD1Y4er7le_UUOCvBwg5LN8VNtWHA/s1600-h/halloween+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399090686007231090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAfVIbzWQwwj-ixGrc_GWRU4hk36Y0W215346eyXYhi20wiTXcR2XDpxuhQc8wirGLQ3VQ4YLgK2ozvpx-qOAKzEtVYYZYoIPZwkPKGdZACK3MrkD1Y4er7le_UUOCvBwg5LN8VNtWHA/s320/halloween+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFav7Mt9Vf5PKrqnzxfaTKQ4L_u1xe0Sap9p-mFyKLuMTCXdhumgw0vAiappiXKQiVMaSbuZW7Ch9n0ncTFM6-rYTCqYiMTZLz2Nn5mNyyMZSZpOMIQd7_Rh5_wxXJQV8WBIESBKDFqw/s1600-h/halloween+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399090680625909794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFav7Mt9Vf5PKrqnzxfaTKQ4L_u1xe0Sap9p-mFyKLuMTCXdhumgw0vAiappiXKQiVMaSbuZW7Ch9n0ncTFM6-rYTCqYiMTZLz2Nn5mNyyMZSZpOMIQd7_Rh5_wxXJQV8WBIESBKDFqw/s320/halloween+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-28998775410692311882009-10-20T18:08:00.000-07:002009-10-20T19:15:31.942-07:00Dentist Visit!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7V3m7JwyK_a6_YJyxaXl34drGZq6DsiMh6QykFgfzyy__m-itGzCz2M1m8QEn0JgZ7-Vk1x717DNxe4aFk1377QWTn9Rx68rvkMeiOEcpvKVRqBclCOO6KAqaepXl18J9W2lmjgPMvE/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394855134013575362" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7V3m7JwyK_a6_YJyxaXl34drGZq6DsiMh6QykFgfzyy__m-itGzCz2M1m8QEn0JgZ7-Vk1x717DNxe4aFk1377QWTn9Rx68rvkMeiOEcpvKVRqBclCOO6KAqaepXl18J9W2lmjgPMvE/s320/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_XitLwiK_yCvQmxfhYuEChUTDR3kduGSq1XjsVvHh-vq2CiVaRMbJdq_pynkjIdZ6aqLkET91bJS6m8Q770n4XMKf064WjPKLM61McXhe342_RpOAZ2RdG0eGKxj_olEjIrPuoOSSOY/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394855121893612754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_XitLwiK_yCvQmxfhYuEChUTDR3kduGSq1XjsVvHh-vq2CiVaRMbJdq_pynkjIdZ6aqLkET91bJS6m8Q770n4XMKf064WjPKLM61McXhe342_RpOAZ2RdG0eGKxj_olEjIrPuoOSSOY/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Big sister Katie showed Matthew what to expect for his very first Dentist visit. Afraid at first, but he sure was a brave little boy and allowed his teeth to be cleaned, but only from a sitting position. We will attempt to take x-rays at the next visit. There are obvious cavities (atleast 4) that will need attention soon. The overall health of his teeth and gums are good and shows that he had good nutrition in the years prior. Katie on the other hand, has previously had extensive work done including the replacement of her two front teeth, which was attributed to her nutrition as an infant. One cavity was also noted for Katie on this visit. </div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-68583314254259896422009-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:002009-10-19T17:07:01.486-07:0040 Something Birthday!!Yesterday, I turned 40 something. I demand a recount! Oh, what’s the sense? Numbers don’t lie and nor does the experience I have behind me. Would I go back to 30 something? No Way!! I went through alot to get here and besides my children were not part of my life at 30 something and after all, they complete me. I get to see everything through their young eyes, and THAT KEEPS ME YOUNG! So here’s to you....40 something!!<br /><br />Oh, by the way, I don’t look a day over 38. So, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> been told anyway. That's 8 years credit. I'll take it!! <br /><br />My sister made dinner ....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Filet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mignon</span> and Crab Cakes with all the fix-ins, homemade strawberry cake and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">banana</span> cheese pie. Oh, how you spoil me sissy la la.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-91802663717878310362009-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:002009-10-19T16:37:21.498-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEz81oK9VkzJixyS3JMEOoMcld05-BOxgl7qVYGypLtdEEUMHgafTLmeViJHFXzcPHjP4lVL6NWXEZ820tQP19sz3Q-tKZ8S1f0NO5SAHfdy5uzbGQHoJDYcDSMjuLley2YTDq2Z7PSE/s1600-h/birthday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394458199902722802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEz81oK9VkzJixyS3JMEOoMcld05-BOxgl7qVYGypLtdEEUMHgafTLmeViJHFXzcPHjP4lVL6NWXEZ820tQP19sz3Q-tKZ8S1f0NO5SAHfdy5uzbGQHoJDYcDSMjuLley2YTDq2Z7PSE/s320/birthday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-60337804478684177382009-10-09T08:55:00.000-07:002009-10-11T11:23:42.473-07:00Katie Update!!Katie is doing well in Kindergarten, she seems to be excited to share the details of her days with enthusiasm. This week for the first time, she had homework. It went like this….<br /><br />“I have homework tonight and I would appreciate some peace and quite” !!<br /><br />(Oh, Okay, excuse me!) (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LOL</span></span></span>!) She talks 100 miles an hour using hand motions and words like <em>appreciate, unacceptable</em> and <em>outrageous. S</em><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">uddenly</span></span></span> I realize I’m listening to myself…..she is me.<br /><br />Her adjustment to Matthew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">has no</span>t been as seamless as his adjustment. Sharing our time has not been easy, after all, she was top dog and center of our world for 4 ½ years. She tries really hard not to be jealous, but sometimes ….Well, it goes like this….<br /><br />Matthew: “<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ah chew</span>” (sneeze)<br />Me: “God Bless You Sweetie”<br />Katie: “Mommy, you know he is just sneezing to get attention"<br /><br />All in all though, she <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">enjoys</span> her new role as big sister.<br /><br /><br />Mommy words of wisdom to my Katie......<br /><br />My Dear Katie Mei, right now your little brother has come and suddenly invaded your happy little world, sharing and touching your "stuff" has not been easy for you and right now, you most enjoy telling on him (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LOL</span></span>), but as you get older, he will become someone to lean on and count on in your life. I am so thankful for you to have the gift of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sibling</span>. I nearly climbed a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mountain to bring him home</span> so that you will have each other long after I am gone. Trust me. Love Mommy.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-34496959735471330522009-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:38:27.941-07:00Update on Matthew!!Matthew's adjustment continues to be extraordinary. His integration into our family has been seamless. He continues to be a very happy little boy. His English is incredible and he is already speaking sentences. He rarely uses any Chinese words, except for a few words he knows we continue to understand. Seeing the "first time" things though his eyes is as fulfilling as if he were an infant doing things for the first time. He wakes up very cheery everyday and yells from his room, "Mommy, good molly" (morning)! He has adjusted well to his daycare and happily goes every morning. When I arrive to pick him up, he jumps up and yells to everyone "see you too-mol-low" (tomorrow). We have a deal (or should I say, I bribe him), that if he was a good boy, he gets a tootsie pop. (So far, this bribery is working well for me). Yes, we still have days when Matthew will be naughty, but mostly he is doing things a normal 3 year old boy is doing. Scott and I have created a structured environment and maintain routines and rules that seem to have been key with his adjustment. His constant bubbly personality and smiling face is evidence of his happiness.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-90366377269726535062009-10-04T19:30:00.000-07:002009-10-08T05:38:03.859-07:00Difficult finding time to Blog!!It's been very difficult to keep my blog up to date. Life has been very busy and since my days start at the wee hour of 5:45 am and don't end until my very active children are both back in bed at 9:00 pm. The next hour is laundry and last minute cleanup before my body refuses to go anymore. (It doesn't matter what my mind tells my body either, the body refuses) After all, I am on an average, 15 years older than most doing this with a 3 and 5 year old.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#3333ff;">"God doesn't call those who are equipped, he equips those who answer the call."</span></em> <em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#3333ff;">by Mother Teresa </span></em><br /><p><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;">Dear God, I answered the call, may I have a little more equipment please....thank you! Love Katie and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matthew's</span> mommy.</span></em></p><p>I'm working on updates, stay tuned................</p>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-6285408488611074142009-10-04T19:10:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:23:01.024-07:00Pumpkin Picking!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmc1ljPJKGvDPuFY8gzAnPW0v6JMLZ3oN0PEKhOJvjhrISwmoTR7Z2WPwUsbdj8JmTbyZZx-vGPEpfS8FwPJW_m4pmrHQ_uJsPyyUmWVupEbgjkdsax9c4tTmmNwtfhVkvdpEaqXx2Bg/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934899708628178" style="WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmc1ljPJKGvDPuFY8gzAnPW0v6JMLZ3oN0PEKhOJvjhrISwmoTR7Z2WPwUsbdj8JmTbyZZx-vGPEpfS8FwPJW_m4pmrHQ_uJsPyyUmWVupEbgjkdsax9c4tTmmNwtfhVkvdpEaqXx2Bg/s320/apple-pumpkin+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzXnM3sXb7elusgeokbS5oONP8Q_ECarfVxKYFyFmjluSxiKtCGu0Wo-dclEkYZQ9NZgV0mBVk-yK9zAG2Oq2YNPz-qz0fCJ8jwA76EIZf7SiTQaU_DARrsztq-G74OURfUpII1VQvrA/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934889164722258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzXnM3sXb7elusgeokbS5oONP8Q_ECarfVxKYFyFmjluSxiKtCGu0Wo-dclEkYZQ9NZgV0mBVk-yK9zAG2Oq2YNPz-qz0fCJ8jwA76EIZf7SiTQaU_DARrsztq-G74OURfUpII1VQvrA/s320/apple-pumpkin+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W7zGJke19HspPAt5o8Yv7p-cTPu-yR1BvSY3kqKeDruJkVP21t6llaBI7xpDLwjgTYrjuDXGYlnFzfVXRCo8KvZ5DRinkCIBZ5jfO02yD0VizYgVOBrPra2Pmqp23mpGnq0LmQPzm6I/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934169470896802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W7zGJke19HspPAt5o8Yv7p-cTPu-yR1BvSY3kqKeDruJkVP21t6llaBI7xpDLwjgTYrjuDXGYlnFzfVXRCo8KvZ5DRinkCIBZ5jfO02yD0VizYgVOBrPra2Pmqp23mpGnq0LmQPzm6I/s320/apple-pumpkin+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ci8MFXnXE7RhOePZTNAayFKEPeg5aUUmdAm_33xAv4gPdW-rpBywaXlFOS7SlIFykFZGsjdsVV1ck0LfmLdWfBrUnYbTaYheNnCeauz7CQJYyg71tkjdCaxgQzLSjFiCvjX65UZAcw/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin2+056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934166026406642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ci8MFXnXE7RhOePZTNAayFKEPeg5aUUmdAm_33xAv4gPdW-rpBywaXlFOS7SlIFykFZGsjdsVV1ck0LfmLdWfBrUnYbTaYheNnCeauz7CQJYyg71tkjdCaxgQzLSjFiCvjX65UZAcw/s320/apple-pumpkin2+056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTSu7JID0vOnp3rQXgZFa3x1t6A3uucEX_6GjbiHAtcPJqMpQfvMDj6VthbnervHiP2QupW2iFRR4vQPyyNY7uAWD8VJix2aD3wEiiTe7W2wPMQ-1dT0Agh6redB_uNKCZaAFsPjvVgg/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934159633104034" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTSu7JID0vOnp3rQXgZFa3x1t6A3uucEX_6GjbiHAtcPJqMpQfvMDj6VthbnervHiP2QupW2iFRR4vQPyyNY7uAWD8VJix2aD3wEiiTe7W2wPMQ-1dT0Agh6redB_uNKCZaAFsPjvVgg/s320/apple-pumpkin+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKvxRkcF-iXTu4wqwnM8zEHxENO7H8xhA86E-9SIAVGYyROMxrtRf00J3Vk64jgDXIqf3V3zjrl58onySf5czzKqkglOLMmQKllDEWX2iZ0ru2IEJ1wWY2JRlhuxvncmsQdsZX-POBAw/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934150322003458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKvxRkcF-iXTu4wqwnM8zEHxENO7H8xhA86E-9SIAVGYyROMxrtRf00J3Vk64jgDXIqf3V3zjrl58onySf5czzKqkglOLMmQKllDEWX2iZ0ru2IEJ1wWY2JRlhuxvncmsQdsZX-POBAw/s320/apple-pumpkin+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZBaCUlSS6fvi0-1XwzqQWIEMi8WClB-yoK8tTQ8HD2JHEghLfj7dXpvE04InhXBA0t-eXNanDv83Xq1G35YhNFyrvpyWTF56AEnzTxi7tvH3Fo9e41CTd0jaY5SDrL-KT7-Bdf5T7zI/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388934144908673602" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZBaCUlSS6fvi0-1XwzqQWIEMi8WClB-yoK8tTQ8HD2JHEghLfj7dXpvE04InhXBA0t-eXNanDv83Xq1G35YhNFyrvpyWTF56AEnzTxi7tvH3Fo9e41CTd0jaY5SDrL-KT7-Bdf5T7zI/s320/apple-pumpkin+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-31803561509987124572009-10-04T19:04:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:08:13.730-07:00Picking Apples!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw8ZjG48AmIh57iRQY0UbFlQ37IwmifbyOg5t12Cq2XVto7MT-b61Evf7M4y7LjIvNnDE3nwx4gQCyDzFwePQbU9VOwjKaYBcvjIiuooRJGjiE8TP9jR5Bv7o19honzF4uYMF7-2fKYg/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388931528835938978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw8ZjG48AmIh57iRQY0UbFlQ37IwmifbyOg5t12Cq2XVto7MT-b61Evf7M4y7LjIvNnDE3nwx4gQCyDzFwePQbU9VOwjKaYBcvjIiuooRJGjiE8TP9jR5Bv7o19honzF4uYMF7-2fKYg/s320/apple-pumpkin+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwdE93vCbYO3rUy6pV1mxRx7zH-aNn6bsCCtW8ff1Jmz5THG2hI3mJaRcNVIodTdqEbsYrxi32yL8KtnNifYtaDk_rmtnObP08_4PUc9pl9f29kqWYfkgR6hUlbXyUD5PrbRc4OuHxKk/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388931526195751010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwdE93vCbYO3rUy6pV1mxRx7zH-aNn6bsCCtW8ff1Jmz5THG2hI3mJaRcNVIodTdqEbsYrxi32yL8KtnNifYtaDk_rmtnObP08_4PUc9pl9f29kqWYfkgR6hUlbXyUD5PrbRc4OuHxKk/s320/apple-pumpkin+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE06SuqRp_xMELi9pWZuzhBHKxAa02Sx22xmHK9RUg9QmJ3-pLUE6vEHOEHNrNRGtFCVaCANUpk44vz-JNzV07yaGPSoGIvb0YpoV1Ro33iVzn7nHqr1bC25YL4XiZyUF4y3V4Uyoy3QY/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388931511689534306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE06SuqRp_xMELi9pWZuzhBHKxAa02Sx22xmHK9RUg9QmJ3-pLUE6vEHOEHNrNRGtFCVaCANUpk44vz-JNzV07yaGPSoGIvb0YpoV1Ro33iVzn7nHqr1bC25YL4XiZyUF4y3V4Uyoy3QY/s320/apple-pumpkin+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AKPSu3GH4DugtdG3bSoJjscLP7itgaL3mtfGIXI-kUnrZI6pN67ZpcUOYw3L_MKXkmqloVd2xPFsNNpcZu0kpt5hTocMqlYe3V7zBhkj5VuLdn3dQxRdHoiuzpUI75wNWf-JAdPGjAQ/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388931501328217986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AKPSu3GH4DugtdG3bSoJjscLP7itgaL3mtfGIXI-kUnrZI6pN67ZpcUOYw3L_MKXkmqloVd2xPFsNNpcZu0kpt5hTocMqlYe3V7zBhkj5VuLdn3dQxRdHoiuzpUI75wNWf-JAdPGjAQ/s320/apple-pumpkin+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v9vLz7upfgrFGyRG9VTQgWCh35WtPjnt0Vw6ctjZSgNkvWmheQAvMZwgqM69LhOgZSrp8Og_Npk0GhRq8OUZgEkR5ZY1zzg5mX2tkImkVccnbbjswWeoLLmlT7UupifH1llPO_op8tE/s1600-h/apple-pumpkin+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388931497942821058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v9vLz7upfgrFGyRG9VTQgWCh35WtPjnt0Vw6ctjZSgNkvWmheQAvMZwgqM69LhOgZSrp8Og_Npk0GhRq8OUZgEkR5ZY1zzg5mX2tkImkVccnbbjswWeoLLmlT7UupifH1llPO_op8tE/s320/apple-pumpkin+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-8967184978153542862009-09-17T18:51:00.001-07:002009-09-17T19:18:43.779-07:00My Little Girl Is Growing Up!!My Katie Mei started Kindergarten this week, she is growing up so fast. I am so proud of the little lady she has become. She is sweet, kind and polite and mostly I would have to agree with my Mom's one word of describing her, "elegant". I am so proud to be her mother.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3ZLfQkSzIF5GbBylAP0Cz3GThenRcw6OM4nOerEDi38qrQ-SWI2TLsw5_wG1tb_tLfplI6xL-FL4ptNRp-PyGPUAq2dEy6Gd-6AaV2zZ7RAwIWf-q9NHfstC5EociiMPeliivXwpUY4/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382620203342365890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3ZLfQkSzIF5GbBylAP0Cz3GThenRcw6OM4nOerEDi38qrQ-SWI2TLsw5_wG1tb_tLfplI6xL-FL4ptNRp-PyGPUAq2dEy6Gd-6AaV2zZ7RAwIWf-q9NHfstC5EociiMPeliivXwpUY4/s320/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN8oQNiUebQSNhP0j1Y4X5mG2FfqEACbyH0OtVxBF_d0wyzgv_2v9vKpZ-ufi_ao_dUvWDUiKfnI3rCxfTjeHTErZqR3oGW8REyJCuzy5FpXXW2IUcDWZQUuaPFcCXMmL4V7R6cMtc2c/s1600-h/school+916+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382620464151432818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN8oQNiUebQSNhP0j1Y4X5mG2FfqEACbyH0OtVxBF_d0wyzgv_2v9vKpZ-ufi_ao_dUvWDUiKfnI3rCxfTjeHTErZqR3oGW8REyJCuzy5FpXXW2IUcDWZQUuaPFcCXMmL4V7R6cMtc2c/s320/school+916+001.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-15822010714067851092009-09-13T20:17:00.000-07:002009-09-16T18:26:56.464-07:00Chongqing Girls Reunion!!A little over 4 years ago we had the pleasure of meeting a couple (Terri and Kevin) that would be traveling with us to China for the same reason we would be going, the adoption of our daughters. Since we were with the same Adoption Agency our babies (Katie and Allie) were referred from the same orphanage in Chongqing, China. That makes our daughters Chongqing orphanage sisters. Our friendship was an instant click and we are blessed to have them as friends. Since we live approximately 2 hours apart, we try to get together 2 times a year.<br /><br />First picture is Tia, Katie, Allie and Matthew. Bottom picture is Kevin crushing our Chongqing girls. Fun was had by all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiZUAQArMitFREB8AH3SlIf9tiwG9P_RCAsA2GY13jIFSRUOFKY0xErm3ecpqIR5EtICsal3J4PsYO5R9exQYgQ6Rr65TJ8og2v462AeYfSk3-ATumYNo_H_JLbN324LAa95I62Cyto/s1600-h/september+12+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382233159248898946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiZUAQArMitFREB8AH3SlIf9tiwG9P_RCAsA2GY13jIFSRUOFKY0xErm3ecpqIR5EtICsal3J4PsYO5R9exQYgQ6Rr65TJ8og2v462AeYfSk3-ATumYNo_H_JLbN324LAa95I62Cyto/s320/september+12+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg4DTr8Dntv1QZHX4FDDxODjdv8WIEOnKEl5YHWgT9REwcto7N1JsymC-bu-yMgjTr_SgNJV-ANMBRSbLTsun-sKwn33ukpi7TVPfwUDh__e0Q8fldF-nmWhfAmjxWcLvXAJ5VDLlTvw/s1600-h/september+12+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382235314812097858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg4DTr8Dntv1QZHX4FDDxODjdv8WIEOnKEl5YHWgT9REwcto7N1JsymC-bu-yMgjTr_SgNJV-ANMBRSbLTsun-sKwn33ukpi7TVPfwUDh__e0Q8fldF-nmWhfAmjxWcLvXAJ5VDLlTvw/s320/september+12+007.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-6311791953322699312009-09-10T20:10:00.000-07:002009-09-17T19:17:53.227-07:00Labor Day!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASPvwqY1C9CyP9GC9fzMAeXsdjNEYsZJmzW1Jo3dYxN2mPEaSuviFSCHQIA2WndaEH9WnF3ZY3kPAW32JSDVEIgMv_FeP-b77NPBH5jMcICUe-Eq5cOwp-3Gl8HHY8Q-3Om5R28xvrAU/s1600-h/Sept+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380047612258445858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASPvwqY1C9CyP9GC9fzMAeXsdjNEYsZJmzW1Jo3dYxN2mPEaSuviFSCHQIA2WndaEH9WnF3ZY3kPAW32JSDVEIgMv_FeP-b77NPBH5jMcICUe-Eq5cOwp-3Gl8HHY8Q-3Om5R28xvrAU/s320/Sept+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNULhUs24i5p3Ziz8YYG0wggeEaUt-ogw7cozjxgaEemZ6eGtYELJhceTN4Szc15CytqI1w5HmHvs-mdTwnnbiBFk7C-ZbwSMMXaZJfyIV9tnZcyOFWju8VOCIYiVJBeQ-CMJh7Fjo1o/s1600-h/Sept+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046764035113266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNULhUs24i5p3Ziz8YYG0wggeEaUt-ogw7cozjxgaEemZ6eGtYELJhceTN4Szc15CytqI1w5HmHvs-mdTwnnbiBFk7C-ZbwSMMXaZJfyIV9tnZcyOFWju8VOCIYiVJBeQ-CMJh7Fjo1o/s320/Sept+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>A Big Sigh!!!! I never looked forward to Labor Day, as it was always the unoffical end to summer. It's hard to believe that Fall is around the corner and my leave of absence from work has come to an end. Another Very Big Sigh!!!! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Unless a heat wave comes rolling in, I would say that these pics will be the last of the pool fun for the year. It's been a spectacular summer! </div><div></div><div>Pictures above are with cousins Andrew and Ryan. What a good time. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-309919493656148152009-09-07T19:37:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:33:22.664-07:00Fun with old friends!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiltd5aQ7EIYhuIjNsqTojNPO0GnYSNE6Y7YWwy49561-s0uYMipdjA4GWkT2gDloJWS3D6HzuXwBf6TC8gOvitVJxPlqZ7TAzNLtFmbdnXZeUz3dAlhkJPXOt-46UCO4SbCIcjlET-oA/s1600-h/girls+play+date.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378920363970936834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiltd5aQ7EIYhuIjNsqTojNPO0GnYSNE6Y7YWwy49561-s0uYMipdjA4GWkT2gDloJWS3D6HzuXwBf6TC8gOvitVJxPlqZ7TAzNLtFmbdnXZeUz3dAlhkJPXOt-46UCO4SbCIcjlET-oA/s320/girls+play+date.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sydney, Spencer & Katie having some Barbie doll fun.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-75187986065068790242009-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:34:16.901-07:00Fun with a new friend!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t9LRhMimDRbKdLXAVMxVFC-NYKl2OukIPkqlBCGK6CZ0sDy1NiFChqsxurj2pxkLK9goQ0J-aM_En-JER-QUq_e4U9awgHXeBS0qaiPoed5Wq-W8HHhZyu4zjokztr9N7_-fNpDRmNQ/s1600-h/Sept+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378919268637068754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t9LRhMimDRbKdLXAVMxVFC-NYKl2OukIPkqlBCGK6CZ0sDy1NiFChqsxurj2pxkLK9goQ0J-aM_En-JER-QUq_e4U9awgHXeBS0qaiPoed5Wq-W8HHhZyu4zjokztr9N7_-fNpDRmNQ/s320/Sept+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />New Friends, Matthew and Frankie getting to know each other.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-49935373586022076982009-08-31T16:51:00.001-07:002009-08-31T18:02:17.938-07:00Welcome!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD9RIcH1jj-ucW3FFPi6yB4Dq1IaQfQgesihMIc7y1ESesPeCeDX9lVi8xmfCpGgpaGmU8qgD2oTws_wrVEIUKxK6GCdVxZKQ0Utzvn7UB3un-pOlBt7sYEu3b7V5NQg10z7dFEsUJZs/s1600-h/pre-shool+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376289185645974754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD9RIcH1jj-ucW3FFPi6yB4Dq1IaQfQgesihMIc7y1ESesPeCeDX9lVi8xmfCpGgpaGmU8qgD2oTws_wrVEIUKxK6GCdVxZKQ0Utzvn7UB3un-pOlBt7sYEu3b7V5NQg10z7dFEsUJZs/s320/pre-shool+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Miss Bobbi and Miss Megan welcome Matthew to pre-school. They were both part of Katie's learning for years prior. Katie and Mommy adore them. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After I left, Matthew had a few tears but quickly recovered and joined in the festivities for the day. He had no problem with communication and I am not surprised because he is speaking quite a bit of English already. Katie enjoyed time with some old friends.</div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-56761079506772158052009-08-30T19:41:00.000-07:002009-08-30T19:55:40.532-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL1iijOc4wUzEyN4kkRSBSRAhnbQGURps-73DeBOM0wXKqx3AFFLCD-b1_pvadAfs35z0bAmLYpNB3f7vmGRmzHUEMzPsiXmxedVO-OJwJljJBEHwQ2dLzLtQtSjwqh80tbOkQeVXpmw/s1600-h/August+pics+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375952958853222034" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL1iijOc4wUzEyN4kkRSBSRAhnbQGURps-73DeBOM0wXKqx3AFFLCD-b1_pvadAfs35z0bAmLYpNB3f7vmGRmzHUEMzPsiXmxedVO-OJwJljJBEHwQ2dLzLtQtSjwqh80tbOkQeVXpmw/s320/August+pics+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Sharing a bench at the pond in our back yard. I promised two lollipops each if they would sit still and smile for more than 20 seconds. (Bribes are necessary and part of life! and for now they are cheap. )</div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-26548871800105054692009-08-30T17:05:00.001-07:002009-08-30T19:41:50.650-07:00It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!Okay, you know that Staples commercial that comes on at the beginning of the school year, and the parent is dancing and flying through the isles in complete joy that it back to school time and the song that's playing is "It's the most wonderful time of the year" well...let's just say it's a good commercial. I have completely enjoyed my time being home with Katie and Matthew , a bit a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sibling</span> rivalry going on however, so it will be good for them to start school. Tomorrow they will both start 1/2 days for two weeks at the daycare/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-school <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">that</span> Katie attended for a few years. She will get to spend some time with some old friends. After the two weeks, Matthew will continue to go there all day and Katie will start all day Kindergarten at a different school. I believe this next transition should be easy for Matthew since he is accustomed to being around many children. Having big sister Katie (a.k.a my little "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">minnie</span> me") there should also be a plus.Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-91202640895418681562009-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:002009-08-24T05:29:57.069-07:00A Peek Inside Shanghai Orphanage!!The following pics were taken with the camera that I sent with Matthew's care package back in June. The camera was returned to us the day we got Matthew. It is a brief peek inside the orphanage. There are also a few pics of the outside of the orphanage which I obtained from the Shanghai adoption group that I belong to. I will forever regret not being able to visit the place Matthew spent the first 3 years of his life. I have been told that Shanghai orphanage is the wealthiest orphanage in China. From the pictures of the outside, it certainly could be true.When I showed Matthew the pictures, he became very excited to see some of his buddies. There seems to be one child in particular that he is pointed out to me several times. I believe this may have been his best buddy. I feel sad for the friends he left behind and hope they are just waiting for their forever family. I will now attempt to make a post on the Shanghai Orphanage yahoo support group and see if he is possibly up for adoption in the US.<br /><br />All is good with Matthew. He continues to be a happy little boy. He is learning more English words every day. The cutest thing....... Last week was my brother in law's birthday, so when we called to sing Happy Birthday to him, Matthew started whaling out the entire "Happy Birthday" song in English. Word for word, clapping his hands and stomping his feet to the tune. This was absolutely something the children in the orphanage must have learned. Now we tell him everyday it's someones birthday just hear him sing it. (Pat, we didn't forget about your birthday, this is something you have to see in person.)<br /><br />I took Katie for a pedicure and manicure today so that we could have some Mommy and me time. She just loves doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">girly</span> things. We are scheduled for more girlfriend time this week.<br /><br />Life is good!Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-42256190254463018712009-08-23T20:51:00.001-07:002009-08-24T05:17:17.327-07:00Shanghai Orphanage pics<embed style="WIDTH: 326px; HEIGHT: 264px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3314649325772422342&site=widget-c6.slide.com"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3314649325772422342&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p1/3314649325772422342/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3314649325772422342&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p2/3314649325772422342/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3314649325772422342&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p4/3314649325772422342/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-38102567456712907272009-08-16T19:14:00.000-07:002009-08-23T20:54:36.042-07:00<embed style="WIDTH: 329px; HEIGHT: 253px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-d5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3458764513847521749&site=widget-d5.slide.com"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513847521749&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d5.slide.com/p1/3458764513847521749/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513847521749&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d5.slide.com/p2/3458764513847521749/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513847521749&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d5.slide.com/p4/3458764513847521749/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div>Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21518876354558739.post-44387094776233459242009-08-15T20:21:00.000-07:002009-08-17T10:27:22.657-07:00A Week Ago Today!One week ago today we arrived home with our new son. The feelings and emotions when the plane finally touched down on the runway was so overwhelming. We just survived the journey that seemed like an eternity. I recall thinking how relieved I was to finally be back in America, how excited I was to see my sweet princess, walking through the gate and hearing her scream Mommy would be one of the happiest moments of my life. Seeing our son and our daughter meet face to face was a moment I'd dreamed of for years. Finally, it was a reality.<br /><br />Matthew continues to bond with us more and more each day. He has showed no signs of looking back. He continues to be a happy little boy who is discovering new things everyday. His sleep schedule is basically good and he has adjusted almost completely to our time. (Can't say the same for me, I have a hard time staying up past 8:00 pm....Yawn Yawn (It's 9:45 pm)!! We did have to convert his daybed back into a crib, he seems to be more content with that at this time. The room he slept in had 21 children, so I was thinking having his own bedroom and sleep time would be an obstacle for us, but I am happy to say, after a few minutes of whining, he goes right to sleep.<br /><br />He continues to eat good, fruits, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">vegetables</span>, rice, noodles. I have introduced some American food, but he seems happiest eating food he has been accustomed to. He has very little interest in anything sweet. (Let's see how long that lasts).<br /><br />The testing of the water seems to have subsided almost entirely. He is no longer being naughty. I believe our biggest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">obstacle</span> is still the language. He has already learned several words and says them all day in an attempt to communicate with us. (Hi, Bye, How are ya, Hungry, Good boy, etc. etc.) He repeats <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everything</span> we say. He is like a sponge and will be talking English in no time. He absolutely loves his sister (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylia</span> he calls her). Katie on the other hand has had a little bit of a tough time sharing our attention. I will call some of her school friends and have a play date this upcoming week so she can have some "Katie time".<br /><br />Having two children has certainly been an adjustment for me...(Yawn again!) I think I may need to go back to work soon so I can get some rest. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">LOL</span>!) I still have not completely adjusted back to our time.<br /><br />I have pictures to share, will try to load them tomorrow!Lisa Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420636100316231453noreply@blogger.com0