A Special Thank You To

Isn't this beyond beautiful????
Look at the cute buttons!!
This will definitely be used according to packaged directions!

My friend Andrea. I was assigned to be Andrea's secret pal for the first round in my Oct. Tea Monkey group. I really enjoyed spoiling her and getting to know her. After we revealed who we were she sent me a post card from Maine. It is on my fridge and I think of her every time I look at it.

Today I come home to find a package on my kitchen table. Andrea's address is the return address. When I opened it I saw the cutest hand knit sweater I have ever saw! It is gorgeous! She says that she decided that Diana had to have this sweater. I can't wait to see what Diana will look like in it. I will forever cherish it. Trust me this sweater will be worn with love.

She also sent me an emergency chocolate bar. I am sure at some point in this wait it will come in handy. Thank you soooo much for being such a great friend and thinking of Diana and I. I am so lucky to have met you!

6 Months Down

Wow! Even typing those words look amazing. I know there are many more months to go but if i try to think positively its 6 months closer to Diana. The wait is so full of ups and downs and there are times I just want to say I quit. Other times I know that the wait will be well worth it. There have been recent discussions on many boards I am on about the wait. All I can say is hang in there. If you need to take time off to focus on the here and now do it. If you need more comfort and support from us ask for it. We are all going to have our ups and downs and will need others in the adoption community who truly understand what we are going through.

A year ago I believed that we would have Diana in a year from our LID. That would mean I would be half way through our wait at this point. The reality is I still have no control over when I will get Diana but I am sure I will wait well past a year.

It is hard to focus on it but it is hard to put it aside as well. Diana is so much a part of our lives already. We talk about her as a family. We make plans that include her. We buy things for her. Sometimes I feel it would have been easier if we had not told our family and friends about the adoption. It can be hard to hear over and over "What's going on with the adoption?" I know they mean well but when you can't give them a better explanation other than "I don't know" or "We're still waiting" it hurts.

What is even harder though is knowing how much our boys already love their sister and just want to have her home. They stress about when Mommy and Daddy go to China and who will stay with them. They worry about what will happen when they miss us. They are excited about meeting Mommy, Daddy and Diana at the airport and finally getting to hug their little sister who they have loved for so long. So many things to think about when you are six.

Would I change my mind about adopting from China if I knew then what I know now? Probably not! I think I would have just kept my mouth shut about it to our family and friends and maybe even to the boys. At the same time if I had done that Diana would only be a thought in mine and Dave's heart and we wouldn't have been able to share it and have so many people love her already. Like I said this journey is a roller coaster like no other.

So to honor the six months of waiting for Diana I will tell you 6 positive things about this journey.

1. The friends that I have met. Some of them I have never met in person others I have. I have made so many friends who I believe will be my lifetime friends. The two that I feel most closest to need to be recognized. The one who I have actually met in person and is truly now one of my best friends is Kelly. We have been through so much on this journey and knowing she is there has made this so much more bearable. The other friend I have never met in person but we have had many phone calls and lots of support is Jessica. Some day we will meet my friend. Until then know that without you I don't know if I would be the same person that I have become.

2. The new community that I have become a part. The adoption community is so supportive. Whether it is a yahoo group or a more local group we have been enveloped in such a good support system.

3. The love we have seen of our family and friends for a little girl that will not be of our biology but will be our daughter none the less. It amazes us to feel your love!

4. The cyber shower gifts/the secret pal gifts that we have given and also received. This is a great way to make our wait more bearable and a lot of fun.

5. The quilt squares and wishes that we have received for Diana.

6. Our faith that has continued to become more and more a part of our lives. We still haven't started to attend church on a regular basis but I know that it is going to happen soon. Without our love for God and our faith in Him I don't think any of this would be possible.

My crazy life

Bailey getting an award for responsibility in school a few weeks back.

Me and the boys before going out to brunch on Easter Dave and the boys on Easter before going out for brunch
The boys with the Easter Bunny at Brunch
Our family on Easter
The igloo kit from my friend Janet

For those of you who know us personally this will not come as a shock. We truly have a crazy life! Since my last post a lot has happened. Most of it is not good. Anyway on to the story.

Our dishwasher has started not to completely wash our dishes and leave a milky residue on everything as well. We called and set up an appointment to have it looked at but was told that if it wasn't under warranty the guy would charge us $150 just to walk in the door! Ouch! Well we find the receipt and as our luck would have it we bought the dishwasher 14 months ago!!!! We have a much cheaper guy coming to look at it on Tuesday. My hands can't handle too much more washing by hand!

Last Saturday I tried to get on line and couldn't. I had tons to do so I didn't really worry about it. After returning from errands I try again. Still not working. I start unplugging things and plugging them back in. My modem won't turn on! I was on the phone with AT&T/SBC for 35 minutes! The negatives: My modem is dead and of course that warranty is up too! I had to buy a new modem and they said it would be over a week before I would get it! The positives: I was able to get a month credit for my Internet service. She tells me my modem will be there by Wednesday. As you can tell I have my modem and life on that front is good again.

While I was without Internet service I find out that there were only 2 days worth of referrals this month. Supposedly these are big batches but it still hurts. The positive is that I didn't have Internet service so I didn't read post after post about it and it didn't drag me down as much as I was last month.

Tuesday I get a big smile on my mail as I get my mail. There is a package from my friend Janet from Canada! I met Janet on my LBRTB group. She is so much fun and I have loved getting to know her. Well one day she had posted inviting any of us out to visit her with the promise of lots of chocolate. I told her the only way I will come is if she teaches me how to make an igloo. Well on Tuesday I open the funniest present I have ever gotten. You guessed it an igloo making kit. The boys and I will have a blast with this. Unfortunately with the kit came snow the next day! We didn't get much, about a half an inch but I don't like SNOW IN APRIL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then on Wednesday Dave goes to get air in his tires and sees a nail with bubbles around it. He brings it in to get it patched to find out its in there too deep so he needed a new tire. I'm telling you we have spent way too much money this week.

On a positive note our half bath is almost completely put together from our diy remodel. I still need to find mirror and get some more accessories but we have definitely made progress. Dave did a good job painting and installing the light fixture. I will give myself kudos for getting all the wall paper down. Oh well, lets hope things start to pick up for the better in our neck of the woods.....

PS. I did each paragraph in a different color in honor of my friend Janet....If you want fun reading check out her blog

A Year Ago....

I can hardly believe that it was a year ago that we started on this crazy adoption journey. On March 30, 2006 we submitted our application to CCAI. On April 1, 2006 we submitted our application to Glenkirk (our home study agency). I thought I would post our time-line to show what we have gone through so far in getting Diana.

03-30-06 Sent in application to CCAI
04-01-06 Sent in application to Glenkirk
04-13-06 Had first home study meeting
04-15-06 CCAI approval
04-17-06 Sent CCAI first payment
04-20-06 2ND home study meeting
05-06-06 2rd home study meeting
05-16-06 Final home study meeting
07-15-06 Finger prints taken for I-171H
08-31-06 I-171H finally arrives
09-06-06 Dossier sent to CCAI
09-13-06 Dossier out of critical review
09-19-06 Dossier to China (DTC)
10-17-06 Dossier logged in by the CCAA (LID)
11-12-06 Lisa's first vivid dream about Diana
01-30-06 Dave has a dream about a baby girl being abandoned and we adopt her

I know we still have a long wait ahead of us but so far its been good for the most part. I have met so many people in person and on line in the adoption community who I know will be lifelong friends. This journey is definitely worth it!

Thank You Rebecca

Our CCAI Oct Tea Monkey group has had secret pals for the past 3 months. I have had so much fun spoiling a new friend Andrea W. and getting to know her. I am sure we will continue to stay in touch during the rest of our wait and also after we bring our children home.

During this time I have also been spoiled. My secret pal has finally revealed herself and it is Rebecca! Rebecca and I also "know" each other from our LBRTB group. She has been so inspiring to me during my wait. She has showered me with e-cards, encouragement and of course the gifts.

This month the final installment was as wonderful as the previous. She is always sweet to remember my boys as well. They say "Thank you for the Pop Rocks! They are AWESOME!" I will tell you thank you from myself and of course Diana. For me she got the cutest key chain. It has polka dots, my name and a ladybug! It is already on my keys and I smile every time I see it and think of you!!! Oh yeah make sure to check out the cute chocolate bugs. So far I have indulged in one and all I can say is YUMMMMMM!

For our sweet Diana she got the cutest flower garden toy! The flowers light up and play music. It is sooo sweet! I can already picture the boys playing with it with Diana. I can't wait! Also she got her a Chinese lullaby CD. I can't wait to rock Diana to sleep while it is playing in the background!

Rebecca-Thank you soooo much for all you have done these past three months for me. I have enjoyed getting to know you better and feel we have formed a lifelong friendship! You truly have been the best secret pal there is!

March Cyber Shower

Our ladybug group had another cyber shower this month. Pam had me and boy did she spoil me and my family. Anyway on to the gifts. For my boys she got them each a Spider Man tablet with pencils and a tootsie roll. They say thank you and haven't stopped using them since they opened them up an hour ago. For me she got me a journal, a bookmark, a magnet and the cutest pair of ladybug socks. (My sister is the queen of fun socks so she will be jealous.) Also there was a beautiful smelling sachet and a small box filled with chocolates for me and hubby. She got Diana the sweetest ladybug pajamas and "Baby's First Book of Prayers" book. As Pam knows my faith is very important to me and will of course be passed on to Diana. I can't wait until Diana is here to wear those pj's and read her the prayers! Thank you soooooo much Pam! Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated!

My Thoughtful Husband

I know I am married to the best guy there is! I compare my husband to some of my other friend's husbands and I have to say I win hands down. Anyway he was away this past week for business. This was the first time in ten years we have been away from each other for that long. It really was a long week. The boys really missed their Daddy. I missed him too!

Anyway I will share what he did for me. Like I just mentioned we have been together for 10 years. The Wednesday he was gone was the 1oth anniversary of our very first date. This is a special date that we always celebrate so it was sad that we wouldn't be together. My wonderful husband sent me a beautiful arrangement of pink roses! The card was even better though! It read "Happy Anniversary! The World and Then Some! Love, Dave" What makes that so special is that is what he said all the time in the beginning of our relationship. Its been a long time since I've read that or heard that. Really made me smile.

Also while he was gone he got the boys gifts and some stuff for me. The best thing though was that he thought of Diana. He told me one night that he got something for Diana's room. He doesn't usually talk about her or he will roll his eyes when I buy things for her. This was truly him thinking of her. You will see its her name in Chinese and in English. We will have it framed and it will go in her room. He really is the best. Here's to another ten years!

Last Weekend

Sorry I have been really bad about updating my blog. Here is a scrapbook of last weekend when my sister and I took the kids to the Shedd Aquarium. We had a blast! Enjoy!

PS Click on "Click to play" to go to the site to see the pictures.

Make your own | Click to play

Happy Chinese New Year

I hope you will enjoy some facts about Chinese New Year. Click on the link to see where I copied the information from. You can also learn more about the Chinese New Year there as well.

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.

The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.

The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations
Taboos and Superstitions of Chinese New Year

House Cleaning
The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

Bringing In the New Year and Expelling the Old

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

New Year Activities Set Precendent

All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.
If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

Personal Appearance and Cleanliness

On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.

More New Year Superstitions

For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

LBRTB Cyber Shower

On Thursday I finally got to open my gift from our most recent cyber shower. Our theme was bath time. I got a duckie mesh bath toy holder that suctions onto the side of the tub. A set of letters and numbers that stick to the tub and a set of ladybug bath toys. All of these things were for Diana.

For me my friend got me White Tea Ginger bath salts, a bath tea bag, and a scrub sponge. I also got truffle kisses and almonds! Believe it or not I haven't indulged in any of it yet. I think my bath tub is calling my name though.

By the way friend if you read my blog please reveal yourself so I can personally thank you. I love it all and can't wait for Diana to play with all her cute things....as for the chocolates and the almonds they will be gone long before we bring Diana home.

How Do I Explain....

The feelings in my heart for a baby girl I have yet to meet? The contentment in knowing that eventually she will be in my arms even though I have no idea when? The way my ears perk up when I hear anything mentioned about China? The way my heart races when I see a family that reminds me what my family will eventually look like? How I LOVE my family exactly the way it is now but KNOW that my daughter is waiting for me half way around the world? That this journey is taking longer than I thought it would and for the most part I am fine with that? The yearning in my heart to get to China to soak up the culture but also to bring her to the United States to be with her family? So many questions but the biggest bestest answer is LOVE!

I LOVE Diana already although I have no idea about who she is....if she is born, if she has been conceived, if she is in an orphanage, if she is in foster care, if she is happy, if she is hungry, if she KNOWS in her heart that there are so many people who truly love her already.

Patiently(most of the time) I wait for the answers about Diana but in my heart the most important question has been answered. She IS my daughter and nothing could make me happier!

How Does She Know???

I have joined in on the secert pal fun of my CCAI Oct LID group. I have gotten several e-cards and e-mails of encouragement from my pal so far. About 2 weeks ago I was having a really bad day and my secret pal sent me an e-card that totally brightened my day. Today was a doozy at work. I got yelled at by 3 patients and then actually fell on a toy (at work). I went into the waiting room to ask a patient some more info and when I got up to go back to the reception area I stepped on a toy (a wagon at that) and me and it went into motion and then I fell. I had a bruise on the side of my leg almost instantly. I am still sore after advil and it being a few hours ago.

Anyway, I get home today and there on my kitchen table is a cute box with my name on it. I open it up to find the softest, warmest blanket for Diana. Also there were warm socks for Diana and even a pair for me! I really appriciate the thoughtfulness of my secret pal and also her ability to know exactly when I need a pick me up (literally)! I will cherish the blanket and the socks forever. When I cuddle up with Diana with this blanket I will think of my secret pal and smile!

Go Chicago Bears!!!!

Go BEARS Go!!
Bears are number 1!!!!
Bears Rule!!!

Wow what an exciting game today! Our Bears are going to the Super Bowl! I can't believe that its been 21 years since they played their last Super Bowl game. When the announcers mentioned that it was 21 years ago I almost had a heart attack. I remember the Super Bowl Shuffle like it was just a year ago and also remember watching the game. Look out Colts the Bears will eat you alive!!

The day was not just about the Bears though. The boys had their second swimming lesson and are progressing wonderfully. Their instructor this week was great! The boys really liked her and were very comfortable with her. Can you believe they actually touched the bottom of the pool? Amazing huh? Hopefully by this summer they will be extremely comfortable in the pool. Who knows I may actually get a pool pass if they do well......

In celebration of the Bears winning the division championship we had make your own pizza night. Bailey had pepperoni, a few mushrooms and cheese on his. Matthew had pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and cheese. Dave was boring and had just cheese. I had mushrooms, black olives, and hot giardiniera....YUMMMMMMM (oh yeah and of course cheese). My mom was here and had the same as me except she had pepperoni as well.

The Super Bowl party this year should be Awesome!! Go BEARS go!!

Happy 3 Month Lidaversary!

My friend Janet always calls the anniversary of her LID her Lidaversary....I told her a long time ago that I was going to have to borrow it...Finally on the third month I am doing what I said!

Today actually was a very laid back day in our world. The kids had school, I ran errands and Dave worked. I did volunteer in Bailey's class today. I have no idea why they think its a good science project to give kindergarteners real hammers and nails to see what happens.....HELLO these are 5 and 6 year olds!!!!! The horror story of it all is that I did the same project yesterday in Matthew's class. Usually their teachers look at one another's volunteer schedule and have me come in different weeks. I give one Tuesday a month to Matthew's class and one Wednesday a month in Bailey's. Of course the week there are hammers involved I get both classes in the same week. Thanks....I will send the bill for the hearing aid to their teachers...lol. I enjoy getting to spend time in their classes and they love to show their mommy off so its a win-win situation.....

Back to the day... I was actually home tonight for the first night in three. Monday night one of my adoption groups had a book club so I went there after dinner. Yesterday my home study agency had a waiting moms meeting. I love these things because all of the people in the room know exactly how I am feeling it and why! Tonight though I made a huge pot of soup and we actually had dinner as a family. I then got to watch American Idol as I cut my fabric for the quilt swap I am participating in from my agency dtc/lid group. Now I just have to get the wishes done. I am TRYING to be better about posting my wishes on my other blog but have been really bad about it lately. Hopefully this weekend I will get it up to date.

As you can see our lidaversary was nothing special. Although it does mean that we are three months closer to bringing her home.....I just wish I could count down how many more I have to go. Oh well! Meanwhile we continue to think about Diana and pray that she is safe and warm until we can get there.....

Making wishes on the stars

Well the stars were really out tonight. Dave went to take care of garbage detail and told me there were a ton of stars out tonight. I went out with the camera but I just couldn't get a good picture. They were beautiful and I just stood there in the cold for a few minutes gazing at them.

The little girl in me couldn't resist the urge to make a wish. Actually I made a few:

1. I wished that my boys would continue to be healthy and the loves of my life.
2. I wished that Diana was safe no matter where she is either in utereo or being left somewhere for someone to find her or in an orphanage/foster care.
3. I wished that she could feel my love and know in her heart how many people already love and care about her.
4. I wished China would speed up their referrals so we could go get Diana.

These are all the same things that I pray for before I go to sleep every night. It just seemed right to wish for them under that big bright sky full stars tonight. I just hope all of my wishes come true.......

Our Holiday Celebrations

Well it is now the day after Christmas and the house looks like a tornado hit it and that is a good thing! We had a very wonderful celebration. On Christmas Eve, my mom and I started to get a heads up on Christmas dinner and make some of the sides a bit early. The boys, Dave and I got ready to go to my in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner. On Christmas Eve we have an elaborate sit down dinner that is full of delicious food. We start with Shrimp Cocktail, a polish mushroom soup and salad. Dinner consisted of periogis, vegetables, two different kinds of fish and scallops. In a word YUM! Thanks Bob and Kathi for another wonderful Christmas eve dinner.

My sister, niece and mother all spent the night so we all woke up at 7am with the kids to see if Santa had come. The three kids were so excited they were besides their selves. Santa came and got them tons of stuff. If Santa forgot anything Grandma and Auntie Debbie made up for it. Later on my aunt, uncle, cousin and his family came over for Christmas dinner. We had a great time! At the end of the night everyone was exhausted but had so much fun.

The weekend before that was Bailey and Matthews' sixth birthday. Where has the time gone? We had a great kids party at a pizza place where the kids were able to make their own pizzas. Later on my dad, his wife and my baby sister came over before the family party began. It was good to see them for a little bit before everyone got there. The family party was very casual with just cake, cookies and coffee. The boys had a blast and loved everything the got. I will try to post pictures of all the celebrations soon. I have been really lazy about uploading my pictures lately.

We are now two months into our wait for baby Diana. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder about her. I wonder if she has been born yet. I wonder if she is missing her birthmom. I wonder if she feels peace that one day I will be there to get her. So many emotions.....tonight as always I will say a prayer for my sweet baby girl. I will pray that she is safe and that she can feel my love. Diana...Mommy will be there as soon as I can. I love you and miss you!

Bailey's Tooth

Before school this morning...all his teeth are there!
After school: hey there's a tooth missing!

Bailey with a missing tooth, his sticker and treasure chest!

Ok, I get the mommy-of-the-year award for a split second this morning again! The boys are eating breakfast and I'm perched at my computer. I hear Bailey say "Ouch! I bit my tooth!" I tell him to continue eating and stop messing around. He says that he thinks he may have made his tooth loose. I tell him no and to continue eating. He says "Mommy, I really think my tooth is wobbly!" So I get up to prove him wrong and instead it is me who is proved wrong! His tooth is definitely loose.

He proceeds to tell me that he doesn't want his tooth to fall out at home. If you lose your tooth at school you get a treasure chest for it. I tell him that he won't lose it today. I tell him its too soon. Well yet again today Mommy was proven wrong. Dave calls me from home to tell me that Bailey indeed lost his tooth at school today. He got to go to the nurses office where he got to get his treasure chest for his tooth. He also got a sticker that said he lost his tooth. My baby is growing up! He lost his first tooth just in time for his birthday. I just hope that Matthew loses a tooth soon so he can catch up with his brother. Lets see what the Tooth Fairy leaves...With inflation in the past 20 some years...yikes!!! I'll keep you posted!

Secret Santa

All my wonderful gifts!!

Gifts for Diana!

Gifts for me!

I have participated in a Secret Santa Exchange in my Ladybug Red Thread Believers group. We filled out a wish list of gifts we would like and then we chose numbers to determine who we would get. We open the gifts as we receive them, post about them and then guess who it was from. I sent my gift out last week....Can't say who it was or what I got them because they have to guess and we won't reveal until everyone has their gifts.

I got my AWESOME gift today!!!! My Santa sure knows how to spoil a person! I got a set of three candles. One was Orange/clove, one was grapefruit/ginger and the last was olive/sage. They smell wonderful! I got the most beautiful cookbook ever! Its from William Sonoma and its titled "Savoring China". The recipes sound yummy and the photography is incredible. If this was not enough my Santa even thought of Diana! She got Diana the cutest jeans and a matching top. She also got peeka-boo blocks and the littlest barrettes I have ever seen. Also there was a picture frame Christmas ornament. I have already decided I will put Diana's referral picture in it to remind me of my wonderful Santa.

Secret Santa, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your thoughtfulness has truly warmed my heart. I can't wait to continue on this fabulous journey with you! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!!

Holiday questionnaire

My friend Leslie asked that I do this. It really is a fun one. For those fellow bloggers out there consider yourself tagged. Leave me a comment that you did it so I will check out your answers. Merry Christmas~

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap them.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White on the trees in the house, colored outside.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? I start the day after Thanksgiving and usually have it finished within a week or two.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Sweet potato casserole
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Me and my sister waking up at 2am to see if Santa had come or not and looking in our stockings at all the stuff.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Santa IS real.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open gifts from in-laws on Christmas Eve
10 How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Tree in family room has all sorts of decorations. Tree in living room is red and silver and clear ornaments.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it so long as I don't have to drive in it before the plows have gotten there.
12. Can you ice skate? Haven't tried in years....
13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing the magic of Christmas on my boys' faces.
14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My mom's pumpkin pie
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Having Christmas day at my house.
16. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving.
17. What's your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night
18. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUMMMMMMY

Winter Fun

Well it was 60 degrees on Tuesday and Thursday night it started sleeting. Sometime in the middle of the night it started to snow. I got a phone call from the boys' school at 7am stating there was no school. I still needed to get to work so I took the boys to the sitter's. I got stuck in the snow twice before getting to work. The commute which takes me typically 10-15 minutes took me 40 minutes! I was at work for about 4 hours. When I got to the sitter's to pick up the boys she said they lasted in the snow for 9 minutes. It was very cold and windy. Upon getting home Dave was shoveling the driveway. It took him 2.5 hours.

Saturday was much nicer and the boys played in the snow for about an hour. They made snow angels, threw snowballs and climbed mountains of snow that everyone created to shovel out their driveways. We came back inside for yummy hot chocolate.

Sunday we went to my brother and sister in law's house to borrow their hill. It is the perfect size for almost six year olds. They had a great time going down the hill on their sleds for almost a half hour. It was pretty cold again so I knew they wouldn't last too long. They were much braver this year with going down on their tummies and even on their knees. After they were done sledding it was time for more hot chocolate.

Needless to say it was the perfect weekend for little boys! Enjoy the pictures!