1 year

What happened one year ago today?? Anyone?


Paisley arrived:)  Yep, all smiles, late at night, we met our first daughter via a re homing situation, so it was a first for us.

We didn't know what to expect. I thought she would be taller, less happy, less friendly,  less willing to be open to us/our home.

Instead she came smiling, she came willing to give us a chance, just a tiny thing she is. 

In the year she has been here we have walked a different road with her as well. First health issues, getting them under control was first up. Because although she was our 5th special need adoption she was the first who wasn't completely healthy. 

Yes indeed, our others were all older or really non-issue special needs children, something many people don't realize these kids would even BE labeled "special needs" by anyone.



But back to our Paisley-- we got the health issues taken care of, another blessing that I am a nurse and able to use my know-how to get her stable and in the best place health wise that she has ever been in. Another reason God made a perfect match:)

We then started to have some adjustment issues. And we took care of those, typical things we have seen with all the kids. How to handle someone touching "her stuff."  How to ask for things politely, not grunt at mother. How to call mom and dad MOM AND DAD.  

Lately we have walked a tougher road with her. Peeling away the layers of pain, orphanage care, issues she has to work on to go forward.  At times it's been-------

Honest
Annoying
Real
Deep

She said this week---"I want another family with less kids."  And I knew why she said it. She gets away with nothing here, too many people "keeping an eye" on her.  And I told her I knew that's why she said it and she could "Forget it, she wasn't going anywhere AND we would not give up on her."

She sobbed. She needed reassured we are forever but couldn't/wouldn't ask for it. And I knew that. Even with the pain of her saying such a thing. It's not about getting caught up on the hurting words she said. It's about what was behind the words.

It was never a question once God showed us this child was ours, what would we do.  She was accepted and loved on just the same as all the others. 

She has been a blessing, even with adjustments-- we expected the adjustments so it's often a prayer goes up asking for help to handle them "right," the best way for her.  Because we are her forever. 

For her to get as far as she can with, to grow with, to hold on to, to learn to trust, to have FOREVER. It's just how it is.

Because she is a teen treasure. Even as we had lunch out and the waitress brought her a baby cup-- then another regular cup when I told her she was 15 1/2 years old. Yep, it's hard to tell, but she is. With all the emotions and stubbornness, and attitudes of a teen.

She was very tickled to get a small cake with a candle to celebrate (at the restaurant) and a body pillow and some nail polish from us, gifts she likes, to show her this day has great meaning to us:)  She is very loved.

She is our first one to go the "other way or stay the same" with her measurements. The height remains 4 ft 5.  She lost weight, she is at 63-64 lbs which is actually good because her joints can't handle extra strain of higher weight and she is right where her rheumatologist wants her weight to be.  She grew out her hair, and bangs, then cut her hair, not the bangs.  She still wears size 13 toddler shoes, tiny, tiny feet.


Guess who was jealous of Paisley's big day?  Phoebe. She didn't understand why it wasn't Paisley's birthday and yet cake, presents? How dare we? 

 Trying to make her understand didn't quite do it. Hopefully by the  next Gotcha Day it will be Kat's  in October and  by then we can get her to understand.


Who else is Phoebe jealous of? That baby girl. That cute and sweet little baby.  Phoebe doesn't like her at all. She doesn't like the fact that the baby pulls hair when she gets close to any. Oops.

Now how could you not love this adorable girl?  Baby girl has her second tooth coming up, she started saying Dadadada, which certainly becomes embarrassing when a man stands behind you in the store check out line and she starts that--- that's what I found out this week. OIY.  

She's also grabbing walls, standing up and often letting go and just standing- till she realizes she has a hold on nothing.  She's gonna take off soon,that's for sure. She is 9 months old now:)

She keeps me hoppin' I can't seem to get back in my groove of 2 times a week posting, I'm trying hard though. (MOM)  We'll have to see how I do this week, huh?

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day was busy.  At church I got 2 flowers since Phoebe and Kat both HAD to bring me one. No one complained though, since I do have double (or is that triple) the "usual" amount of kiddos?  

I didn't get one of the bigger plants they gave as prizes for certain moms, I'm still waiting for the "most kids" win-- they did most recent haircut, most recent appliance bought, most letters in mom's name, and who came the longest distance to get to   church:)

Not sure what they got against the mom of the most- ha ha. 

After church it was off to work for me.Yep, had to work. Princess Phoebe was less than thrilled about this. No, actually, she was downright MAD.

She kept saying - "It's Mom's Day-- you no work! "  And I kept saying, "Yes, it's Mom's Day and I  have to work."  Baby has to go to school. (She understands I take a child to the Blind school)

And yes, it was yesterday and we had to go.

Now, here's the thing. A little over a year ago I found out I would be making this twice weekly trip and I was,well, less-than-thrilled. Every Sunday afternoon? Euwwwhhhh.

I was so worried about how crappy this type of schedule would be, yet had to do it. In the meantime someone else who I never met was also fretting these Sunday runs. 

Yes, indeed she was---- the bus driver. Because she didn't know me, she was worrying I would be offended that she played Christian music to try to settle one of the children on the bus. About spending hours upon hours with someone difficult.


It that funny or what? Did you think of God chuckling here? Because I do when I think of this. Because this dreaded Sunday "run" has become a favorite time of mine.

 I not only am NOT offended by the Christian music, I have found sooooo many things in common and ENJOY my time on the bus with my friend I now call "SISTER of my heart" because Anita and I, we hit it off. We both love, love LOVE our Lord.

We are just soooo much alike. We often share our faith, our lives, our joys, our fears, our concerns as women of faith. 


This time together has become a treasure to me. It's just amazing to me. I really needed her. And I am so thankful for her and for the time we have together. 

We have learned so much from each other, as well as about the kiddos riding the bus. I've learned that one child wants to be included, talked to, asked things. It settles him down.

  I've learned another one gets hungry about 20 minutes or so before we get there and we start "hearing" from her:) 

 Another one has taught me my name in sign language and I am pretty sure he thinks I am the mother of the child I take care of. Or at least that's what he signs:)

He also has the funniest laugh and will bang on the seat before we get to each turn we need to make:) as if Anita will "forget" week after week?  

Last night, in honor of our Mother's Day (Sis only has 2 kids, yep, I told her to "get on the ball, she's got lots of catchin' up to do")  we went to dinner (off the clock, of course) and had a lovely time. 

A great finish to Mother's Day 2013.

It's been a rainy last few days, thus dad has struggled to keep up with the mowing. But he did manage to finish one evening last week and I decided to do an impromptu photo shoot. 

A wicker chair off the porch and a few kids who were outside anyway and shoot away.

Lots of giggles, brother silliness, grumpy ones finally coming out of the house and momma got herself some nice pics. I had to pull Camden away from his basketball shooting. Chloe, Paisley, Kat and Phoebe from the orange lizard they were fascinated by.

I don't recall what Chance was up to, probably trying to find himself some poison- ha ha. Just joking. He's stayed out of danger so far.  

Chase had to be hauled coaxed out of the house. His smile almost looks painful, but that's him, so there you go. 

Little Miss Sunshine Baby girl was just happy to among the kids,  she finds anything they do exciting and fun and wants to be right in the middle of it all. 

Although she didn't much like the feel of the grass- she kept trying to lift her feet up while sitting which didn't work so well but she just didn't know what to make of that green tickling stuff.

I was able to get a great shot of her, she's soooo photogenic and that first little tooth is about halfway up which is just tooo cute. It shows when she smiles which is often around us. 

I ordered it up 5x7 and framed it for her mom for Mother's Day. She was really tickled with it.

The one thing I didn't do? Or should I say two things---

A picture of all the kids together (what was I thinking??) and one of just the boys--- couldn't get Chase to stay out long enough and it was getting too dark. Guess that will have to be a goal for another day?  

'Cause the kids love me taking pictures, don't ya know?  Or maybe not.

After we were done with the pictures and before it was totally dark, we sat on the porch swing and enjoyed being outside.  Phoebe, being the funny girl she is, told me this--- "Momma, you have one English foot and one Chinese foot."

 I asked her "Why?"  Well, it seems my tattoo adorned foot, with a flower for each child, as well as the Chinese names of all my adopted children on it is a "Chinese foot." And that plain ol' bare foot is English.

Bet ya never knew that did ya?  I've been told I must be Chinese inside because I don't look Chinese but I love me some Chinese babies and teens, that's for sure. But my Chinese foot, well, that's a new one to me:)


I can't help but just chuckle at that Phoebe girl, she's certainly entertaining. As she left downstairs snack time at church yesterday to go to her class with Kat she exclaimed--

"Happy Mother's Day EVERYBODY! And Goodbye."  Then off she went. Leaving quite a few smiles in her wake.

She insisted that the gigantic card she made with a magnifier at school be not just for me but for dad as well. She would-not-let-him out, even though she understood it was Mom's Day.  Guess I can figure Dad's day will be shared with me, that's just how it's gonna be. No one left out of the love:)

Phoebe did make me a bit sad, although she had no clue--- she called Grandma in China this past weekend. And it's begun.  She's mixing in English words. Meaning she's slowly losing her Shanganese.  Which makes me terribly sad. 


Because no one but HER speaks this Shanganese, it's a dialect of Shanghai she spoke with Grandma only. She also speaks Mandarin, as does all the teens. 

But we've had NO LUCK at all letting her speak Mandarin with the teens, as soon as they speak to her she will immediately bombard them with questions, annoy them, and worst of all, completely refuse to listen/respond to me or dad. 

So we banned Mandarin for a time, we have tried to add it back in a number of times, but until her English is strong enough we have to stay banned:((( I kinda miss the Chinese chatter.  Although it does, indeed make the English grow by leaps and bounds.


Speaking of English, I found out at least two of our angels, not naming any names here Chance or Paisley, think they are super smart. Here's why---- I kept saying "You need to listen to me and dad, we are trying to teach you."  And here's what I realized they were doing---

Okay, I listen to mom. Mom said "Don't do that." I HEARD her.  Then they would go do what they wanted. Yep. SMART.  As in SMART-Y-PANTS my cute children.  

I have now revised my words so there is NO WAY for them to play--- You must DO AS I SAY."

Always gotta be one step ahead of these jokers:)

The Mothers

You gave birth.

I was called by God.

You had to give them up.

I was chosen for them.

You sent up a prayer for their lives to be spared.

I prayed to bring them to our family.

You gave them life.

I nurture their lives.

You made them strong to survive.

I teach them to stay strong in life.

You are lost to them forever.

I am theirs forever.

You wonder where they are.

I wonder where you are.

You are a distant memory.

I will not let them forget you.

You were their first mother.

I am their last mother.

You would thank me if you met me.

I would thank you if I could meet you.

You gave me the ultimate gift of your child/ren.

I will cherish them forever.

Together, 5 mothers.
We  have 6 of the most beautiful and amazing children.

Well POOP

Well, lookie lookie. It's Monday and I'm posting. Making my momma happy and proud all at once- ha ha.

Let's just talk about the blog title. Oh dear. We woke up Sat and wasn't up long till we heard some annoying buzzing sound. When we ruled out all the baby toys, thinking one had dying batteries or had gone berserk-- we figured out it was the alarm to the septic  pump.  

Yep, sure was. We quickly realized it would have been much better if it had been a dying toy.  Because no one had showered, dishes were piling up, 9 people needed to pee, wash needed done. And we weren't even sure who to call. We started with our contractor, then a septic pumping place, then a pump guy. (I almost mis spelled this and put PIMP guy, good grief MOM would be calling in record time)

So after leaving numerous messages to numerous people, as it was a Saturday, after all, we started to get a few return calls. And the pump guy said he would come out at 2:30 pm.  And he was prompt, always good when you learn you're gonna pay extra for a Saturday call:(

Well, or should I say SEWER, we learned quickly that the pump that takes the yucky stuff and pumps it to the tank was dead. A goner. Toast. Burned up. So up it came and a new (pricey) pump went in. The children were all so interested, it was like a family outing, they all gathered round and watched this guy replace the pump, total fascination I tell ya. (Who needs Disney W*rld?) 

I thought one of them surely would say "WOW, that's cool, I want to do that when I grow up." Thus giving us hope we would never deal with this again with no clue who to call.  But no, all I heard was "gross, euuhhhhh, that stinks, poo poo Momma?"

I didn't even get a picture, I mean, who really wants to see that anyway?

But, now we are pumping clear, (that's pumping not pimping MOM) and the pump guy said that as long as the new pump had to run to "catch up" we were very lucky it did not back up in to the house. Phewwww, thank GOD for that one. Pump guy said most people ignore their pump warning when that alarm goes off?  Really? I mean, why would you risk THAT?

So, we now have a new pump that we are told should last 10 years. And we were looking at each other thinking-- how many more things that were "left over" from when we bought and basically rebuilt nearly ALL of this place are left? Not too many now:(  One good thing-- our contractor caught that there was no alarm on the pump, which was not cool or legal, and one was added when we built the house.

On to how the children are today?  Hummm, well, probably mad. Maybe a bit sorry, obviously steering clear of ME.  Because I cooked a nice, BIG ham today, then made potpie ('round here that's flour mixed with water, rolled out and cooked in the ham broth) which all the kids LOVE. But 5 of them got peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead. WHY? Well, a maid I am not, and when I was struggling to get the ham out of the oven, almost dropped it.

Called out for help, no one came. When I spilled the broth and burned myself twice, I called for "someone" to help. And no one came. When I forgot to get the rolling pin out before I was covered in flour and I called for help, no one came. 

So as the little girls were busy helping entertain the baby so I could roll out the potpie, I was stewing MAD by this time with the older bunch. And when they came to that sweet smelling supper, they got a rude shock. The ones who sat around waiting for their supper to be served got PB & J.  And the little girls who helped got the yummy ham and potpie.

It's pretty bad when Phoebe said "Me help mom, me good girl, mom happy because me good girl, good girls help mom."  Yep, their 9 year old new sister has it down, so this momma is pretty sure they got the HINT.   I'm pretty sure having now lived as Chicken Little that CL had red feathers and CL wasn't as nice about getting no help making bread as that book let on.

Hey, By the way---Did you notice anything?  It's little but BIG.  Phoebe. She's saying "ME" not Phoebe. Let me tell ya, it's cool. Because it was just getting weird to hear everything she was saying be in the third person "Phoebe eat? Phoebe go to bed, Phoebe go to school?"  We'll get to the "I" stuff, I'll take "me" for now:)

Baby girl got another new tooth.  The second tooth on the bottom has come on through. She is eating a few soft foods now, and happy about that. She was getting mad that we were eating stuff and she wasn't getting anything but baby food. A smart one, she is:)

Have I mentioned how much the baby dislikes socks? As in they don't last 2 minutes on her feet? And yes, they make just fine chew toys if needed.  Funny girl.

At least she made me smile today:)   Hopefully by the end of the week all the others will have straightened up, and I don't mean standing tall --Every time I say that Chance stands taller and says "I'm straight, is that what you mean?"  

OIY. That's all I'm gonna say for today.

Ouch

Humm. Seems to me I have said more than once "Stay out of the woods.  Don't be messin' with that wood. Get out of there." As well as-- "Do not pick at that, do not scratch that, go wash your hands."  Yep, I'm sure I did.

So I was a little less than thrilled when I got up Monday and Chance says immediately-- I think I need to go to the hospital. 

Now, this is not a good choice of words to me. I was too tired to think straight to know that he means the doctor. Not a hospital.  Because going to the  hospital to me is a world away from needing to see the doctor. 

ANYWAY-- I have now saved Chance's life. Seriously. That's what he says. Because SOMEBODY had another severe reaction to poison, I'm not allowed to discuss where on him (2+2=4) and the doctor said it was the worst case he had seen in all his 30 years. Yep, we do nothing small here.

He's was back in school in 2 days and the swelling of his face is greatly reduced, seeing how he could walk normally I guess it's gone down in other unmentionable places as well. He's done chores without being asked, he says he owes me his life. At least for now- ha ha.

Since this outdoor lovin' son is severely allergic to poison I think he's going to have to rethink some of his favorite activities, traipsing around in the woods is going to have to stop.We can't be doin' this all summer.

Tomorrow is the boys' Gotcha  Day Anniversary, 3 years they have been our sons. Doesn't time fly? Yep, in many ways they have made it quite well, yet in others they continue to choose to not work at things. I guess they are pretty typical teens if I think about it, sometimes doing things to spite themselves because they think  we know nothing, just as I thought when I was  17-18. Yep, just like their momma.

I do  know the miracle of them coming will never get old, will never diminish, God showed us clearly His work in bringing both the boys home and for that we are so thankful. No matter the tough path their adjustment has been at times. 

Because we knew from the time we learned Chloe HAD brothers sitting at the orphanage being left behind that this was not right. They needed to grow up together no matter what  that meant.

And God showed us the path, made the miracles happen to have that be our family. Both her brothers home with her. Growing up together, never lost to one another as  they would have been. 

Still gives me chills to know how close it came to them being lost to each other. Listed as single children, but none chosen till our Chloe was shown to us by God to be our daughter. And there was no mistake made there. 

So 3 years, lots of growth, some tears, lots of laughter, joy, fun. Much more English, of course. 

Pretty much anything they need they can communicate, although Chase's accent is still very heavy and he is hard to understand for most people.  

He has been seen and heard practicing reading to the baby, which does help his skills. It's cute to see her stare at him like "Who are you talking to?"  

Baby girl has been sleeping all night all this week. She's decided chasing the dogs, the dog water,  my plants, everything is more fun to play with than her baby toys. As well, she likes to be with someone- mainly ME, but the kids will do if I am busy-- she's getting very spoiled:) 

The girls  took a fall today, for some reason Phoebe asked Kat to carry her on her back from the bus, Phoebe who is bigger than Kat? 


But ever helpful Kat TRIED and down they went. Phoebe has a banged up knee, scraps on her face and GLASSES-- ahhhh. Kat has banged up elbows. I'm really surprised it wasn't worse. 

Of course I wanted to get some pictures this weekend, not sure we can do that now. Phoebe is limping, even though she only has scrapes.  I did get a picture of Phoebe's first pig tails, her hair was just barely long enough to get it in:) 

 She was so happy, although the ESL teacher must not have been because she took them out because Phoebe's  hat wouldn't go on her head with them in:(  Phoebe was really mad about that.

We had a visitor who got to meet our 4 newest kiddos, hubby's sister came from Florida to visit and it's been so long she hadn't met the boys, Paisley or Phoebe. 

Phoebe was amazed dad had a "big sister" and that she had grey hair like dad. She was talking Aunt Nancy's ear off, Kat was a wee bit jealous so Aunt Nancy had to be shared:) 

 I had to tell Grandma I was gonna call her "Chase" if she didn't smile for my picture of them--- that got her smilin'.

Good lookin' bunch aren't they?  

That's our week, I seem to be only managing a weekly update, maybe I'll get better now that the baby is settling in. But for now, that's what you get. (sorry MOM) 

Friday Facts

Friday already? WOW. Where did this week go?  

My Friday started out with surprise, a certain cute baby girl slept all night for the first time:)

Then no surprise here, Kat was "In a mood" this morning and it wasn't a HAPPY one:( That would be BAD mood which seems to come nearly every Friday. It's the typical result of the end of week, culminating lack of sleep, and general grumpiness over clothes, she didn't like the clothing choice for her for the day.

Even though I changed her outfit for an acceptable one, she went on the bus in tears, which I swear she knows makes me feel terrible. I have called the teacher before when this has happened she said she  had no idea a thing was wrong when she saw Miss Kat so obviously the show is for mom alone:(  

Now Phoebe, she was deeply concerned that Kat was not happy, she wouldn't want "Her Kat" to be sad, even when it's HER(Phoebe) that will not be quiet at night and let the girls go to sleep. She doesn't get that it makes Kat grumpy to not get enough sleep.

Other Friday facts--- teachers who tell my children that if they cook and bring in 2 Chinese dishes for over 100 kids, providing napkins, forks,plates for all and leaving me with a kitchen covered in 2 inches deep of grease for a lousy 20 extra credit points should have to come to MY HOME and clean the mess up. 

I vote they use that Home Ec room at school and cook there, teach them all how to cook, since I already know how. Then clean up the mess THERE. Even teach THAT. How's that for an idea. 

Then maybe when the kids go off themselves in the world they can cook 2 dishes and clean up after themselves. Novel idea, huh? What are they learning today-- How to eat?  Trust me when I say mine have that down pat. No help needed.

My aunt stopped by and said "Good grief, whatever you feed these kids when you get them home, they sure do grow!" 

 Yes, Phoebe has clearly gotten taller, she's growing out of some of her size 8 pants, already. 

I haven't measured her but I'll have to. Her hair is growing fast too. I cut her bangs and Kat's again last night. 

More Friday facts--well, I've learned Baby girl's schedule, she's the funniest little thing. She sticks her tongue out when she is hungry.

 She hates socks, I have never seen a baby who could use her toes to remove one sock from the other foot. 

I put socks to her knees on today and pants and said to her "There, you won't get those off." And with 1/2 hr they went missing!  She's GOOD:)


Baby Girl is growing like crazy, she stood alone on Wednesday for the first time, then she looked at me like "Yikes, I'm not holding on to anything." 

 Then this morning when having her cereal and fruit, I noticed her bottom tooth has come through. Her very first tooth. Ahhhh. 

My aunt and uncle stopped in with some things for her, she had been cared for by them while baby mom was in school-- she was wiggling with excitement, it was so sweet. She was incredibly happy to see them. 

Other Friday facts of my world--going anywhere in solid colors has now ended with a baby in tow.

 Solid colors (shirts) not only do not entertain baby when she doesn't want to be in the car seat one more second and must be held- it also does not hid snot, slobber, puke, poo.

 Yes, solid shirts are not my friend. So my days of solid clothing is reserved for home where no one cares what I am wearing.

I gave Chance a haircut last night and he HUGGED me, in thanks. That was to get out of paying me (Chloe's input there)

 but I'll take it.

 I cut Paisley's hair earlier, she wanted to go shorter so we did, I think it looks great on her. Whatcha think? (I got a hug of payment from her too:))

Well, everybody just piled in the door, and I surely don't want to miss any of what they all gotta tell me about their day--- 

---so enjoy your Friday! 

Who is this?

We have been a little hugely busy--- we have a tiny visitor, you see. I am not sure how long she will be here.  I just know the kids are thrilled. A BABY--- yep, a little one is staying with us for now.

As cute as the dickens, she is entertaining, funny, busy, loves to pull hair (the doggies are less-than-thrilled-with-her for that.) See Teddy running from her in the pic?

But this has been a great insight to our own kiddos-- Chance doesn't have much patience with little ones. He ditches her on anyone as quick as he can. Although he watches out for her when asked.

Phoebe loves the baby's toys. Kat is pretty good with this little one, just a bit of a nervous Nellie about everything she does-- Chase  has asked to take care of her if she is still here when I work night shift again.


Chloe is great with her, very caring and patient with her. Camden likes to make her laugh. Paisley likes the baby, she just can't hold her well with her weakened wrists, not that she won't sit with her on the floor and play. 

It's different for us to have a little one, all the things she can do, get in to! The dog food, plants, she likes to pick up anything she sees on the floor and straight to her mouth it goes. 

Baby is learning she can't get away with ANYTHING-- nope, not with all these eyes watching her. We spoil her fun wayyyy too much.  

Don't worry though, she's having a blast, even a simple door brings squeals of joy, especially when Camden will go to the other side and make funny faces at her through the glass:)

  I don't recall (maybe it's been too long?) my babies pulling themselves up at a mere 8 months old either, adding to the paranoia that she will fall down. Wobbly but up, clinging to furniture, or windows, as you can see,  thinking she's ALL THAT.

As for the baby, things she likes-- books, the kids, fake coughing, clapping for her, belly kisses, her blankets at sleepy time. She's an easy going baby and we are enjoying her smiles and giggles. 

We are helping her mom, because she is a single teen mom who is struggling, so we have offered a safe place for the baby- which is what she needed. You see, I have been a teen mom and I have been a single mom (you all surprised?) 

I know, I have a ton of "history" and I've lived a LOT of life in these 40+ years o' mine. That's a WHOLE other story for another day----

But I do know how hard it can be.  Baby's momma was a former foster child, one of my "MOM's" (See where I get my big heart?) took in after she left  foster care and learned soon after she was expecting with no where to go.

 They have had some issues between them so we offered to help out. So here we are, enjoying this baby girl. She's gonna be spoiled for sure:) 

Not just spoiled either, think of all the things she can learn from all these kiddos--- 

Like how entertaining it can be to take a pair of brother's shoes (certainly not your own) and throw them in the trees.

Then see how many of them it takes to get them out?  Did I mention how much FUN we all are.  Cheap fun too, obviously.

And yes, Phoebe is wearing pink gloves with no hat or coat on. Has nothing to do with covering her skin, she's just as weird as the rest of us. Too hot for a coat but her hands were cold?  

Loving being outside, it's all I hear "Phoebe outside?  Can I go outside? Can I go out too????"  Yep, they are able to find things to do quite well.

It's been sunny and gorgeous here, we haven't done our family pics yet because it's too sunny, we need a cloudy day for Phoebe's sensitivity to the light.  But we are not complaining, no way--- because it's been wonderful to finally have it warm, not snowing, flowers coming up, saying it really is SPRING-- whooo hoooo.

So that's an update from our little corner of the world, how are all of you???

 I do have one request-- does anyone know where I can get one of those blankets with the silky tags all around it? Have one made or used, just needs to be inexpensive. Girlie love, love, loves her blankets and tags, such neat things they have come up with since I parented my babies:) Update--- Just wanted to thank Kim who offered to send sweet babe some taggie blankets. Bless you Kim, you are sooo appreciated!

Now I won't be whipping one up in my free time, Pheww, since I'm remembering I am lucky to get 5 minutes to shower with a baby in the house-- let alone accomplish sewing? OIY-- Wonder woman I am NOT-- yep, totally admitting it. (MOM)