4th Birthday pictures

Julia, you are the light of my life. We love you so much. I am so glad you loved your Birthday Bowing party.

ramblings of a nearly 4 year old (very touching)

Today, Julia said she missed pawpaw(my dad or hubby's?!). I said I missed him too (mine passed in 1995 and hubbies in 2001). She then asked if they were in heaven. I said they sure were! She proceeded to ask me "Mommy, what is Heaven". I simply explained to her that it is the place that some people go. She asked me if it was because they were old. I said, sometimes they do, but sometimes they go to heaven because they were sick or hurt. She then said "or killed". How does a nearly 4 year old know the meaning of killed in relation to dying and going to heaven.

Ok, I just found out that she had asked daddy today about what the word Killed means. He was playing "Julia" by John Lennon and she heard the words and asked him what it means. The memory on a child this young impresses me so much. She so comprehends what it means already. That is complicated in and of itself, let alone to associate it with pawpaw being in heaven.

I love our daughter so! She is so smart and makes me laugh out loud so much.

a weekend full of camping and river fun

This past weeekend, we camped at Onondaga State Park and had a blast. The B.U.L.L radio station float trip was this weekend from the ozark outdoor (or whatever it is called) camp site just down and across the river from Onondaga. Several of us campers bring awnings and set up our river chairs and sit on the river all day Saturday of the float and watch the crazy people (drunk and whateverelse they are) float past us. We stood in a line in the current and told them they had 18 miles to go until take out and then splashed them with our hands and water cannons. FUN. Julia played on the banks with her friend Emily and they both befriended a little terrier named Penny. They had so much fun. We made sure we applied the sun block and stayed hydrated. We even cooked hotdogs on a friends gas grill. Fun. Veggie trays, a yummy chicken salad a friend made (with grapes in it, YUMMY! gotta get her recipe) and then I did have a few adult drinks. So much fun.

I am so glad I get to instill in Julia the fun to have while in the outdoors. Next time I promise to bring my bike because all she wanted to do in her free time at the camp site was to ride her bike around. I did walk with her a few times while she rode, but I want to make it a point to get up on the bike and do it myself too. Much needed exercise.

Julia asks when she can go camping again. I love that. I spent so much time growing up camping and doing outdoor activities that I am so glad she is soaking it up now too. I need to make it a point to take more pictures when we camp. I often forget to do that. I will say I did have my camera with us this weekend, but the battery died as the main group of floaters (average of 3200 floaters for that b.u.l.l float trip).

Visits with her birthfamily

Ahhhhh, what a great time we had last night. Scenario ...we had been texting all week long with J's birthfamily and the subject of meeting up in person came up and they asked us to meet them Saturday night for dinner. We set a date night at CiCi's pizza and when we arrived, we found all of them standing out in front of the store. Oh my gosh. Tummy Mommy H was there and she had her hair up in a dual cornrow(like a outward french braid) and so did J's birthsister, B! They looked like twins. B has grown so so much since we saw her in person the last time. Heck, she is growing into a near teenager now and her height is soaring up there. J's Birthgrandma M is just as beautiful as ever with her long flowing brown hair and smile. Then there is Little man A, he is not so little anymore. He was just over 4 when J was born and we have only seen him a handful of times up until J's 2nd Bday. So to see them all standing there, in great health (tall and skinny!) was such a blessing.

They all gave us huge hugs and especially J! She gave them hugs right back as if she had just seen them yesterday.

We proceeded inside and enjoyed nearly 3 hours of dinner and chatting time and we gave the kids some change to play the game machines. While at the table we were able to catch up and see how life is treating everyone. H is a cook at a local diner .. She had told us she always wanted to go to culinary school, but she said she was blessed to have gotten this job and LOVES LOVES cooking the breakfast and lunch crowds. M is cleaning apartments still, she wishes she can find something else, but it works really well with the fact that the B & A get off the bus right there at the house and M can just walk out the door to bring them inside.

I wanted so badly (and plan on in the future) asking them if we could bring B & A into the City and have a huge play date with J. I just didn't ask today. I didn't want to put any pressure on our enjoyable evening. I wanted to enjoy looking at their beautiful faces and be so thankful we got to see them in person. It had been nearly 2 years since we saw them in person and only had text messaging as our means of contact sporadically through these last 2 years. I don't want to push any buttons and cause further distance between contact. I did ask B if she needs more paper, envelopes and stamps so she can send J more letters, pictures, drawings etc and she said YES. So this week I will do that and send a box of goodies down to them.

I had missed them so much, but having talked to J's birthmother M, we knew we needed to let them contact flow with H's comfort. And thanks to our agency's Social Worker, we learned it is best to back off and not put so much pressure on the birthmother/family to have numerous visits. I think the visits we have, although far between, make us appreciate the situation and love we have with them even more. It personifies the LOVE we have for each other and respect too.

We gave H a photo book and more pictures. I told her we will for sure send more at her birthday and along with a letter or two. I want to let them see how big she is and how smart she is and how she is growing up to be such a beautiful "Diva" , love of our lives.

When we left, we stood around in the parking lot giving hugs and more hugs. I loved it. We did get some pictures. I'll have to get them printed.

Thank you Lord above for letting us have contact with her birthfamily. What a love to share and what a blessing to have in our lives.

Oh, I did ask her birthmother for a family tree history so maybe we can see that come our way in the next few snail mail mailings.

whatchu looking at. fool

yes, this is my blog that has been severely neglected. Busy is a term I use to describe my life now. Raising a nearly 4 year old child, looking for a full time job, wanting to get back into school, it all keeps me very busy. I hope to put our daughter in pre-school part time again this fall. I hope to find a part time or full time job (maybe babysitting again). I'd like the flexible schedule to help keep up with her school schedule, but we will have to see about that.

Watching her grow up is something i have always longed for. She gets bigger and bigger each day, smarter by the moment and wiser with each step forward. This was my hope and dreams to see her fulfill my wishes of this dream, it is all coming true. I love it. Motherhood is a challenge, but bring it on.

I sent a text msg today to her birthfamily to see if they would want to meet up this wekeend. I am sad to say they have not seen her in person since her 2nd Birthday... Is that right? nearly 2 years? let me check that again. I could be wrong, but it seems ot have been that long. I did print off some photos recently and plan on adding a letter to them in September and seding them off to her birthfamily. I know they appreciate them, but I wish we could also see them and take some pictures with them.

I love being able to share her with her birthfamily and taking lots of pictures is the way I do that. I also send text msgs every once in a whle with a silly picture of her when we are out and about. I want them to see how she is thriving and growing up to be a little girl, not just a baby anymore. I want them to know she is so smart, crafty and sassy! hehehe. Yes, sassy is a light word for some times of the day/week. LOL she tends to show her emotions well and even has an arm folding sneer and umph she makes when she is mad or protesting against something. I love that, but then again as her mother I can say it is frustrating sometimes to not be able to get her to do the things I want her to do and to learn. Patience is what I lack in that department as her mentor and mother.

So since her birthday is late September, she has to go to school for another 2 years.. Preschool that is. I wish her birthday was a few months earlier, since I feel she is skilled and at a level she might fit well in kindergarten. I know I need to let her be her age and grow into school. I won't push her.

Her likes these days in music is cracking me up. I tend to have y98 on the radio often .. lady gaga, katy perry, bruno mars.. she sings them all. She especially likes lady gaga and katy perry. When we are inside, I put on YouTube for her often and let her watch videos as long as they are not too "adult" for her. She will dance for us and sing. Singing in the car is one of her favorite activities.

Speaking of dancing, she is starting Tap/Dance and Gymnastics this fall. She did gymnastics at Litt.le Gy.m this last year, but we decided to change it up a bit and try tap and dance (ballet?, not sure). I can't wait to see her follow instructions for tap. I took tap as s kid and loved it. Getting her to put her hair up for these classes will be a challange. I can see it now that she won't like to let me put it up, but maybe once she sees her classmates, she will then let me put it up in a pony tail. I tried to do a french braid the other day, but it was very loose. I'll keep trying because I love how they look in her hair.

Fun. I'll keep updating. I need to do this from now on so I can keep the updates for her yearly letters and pictures to her birthfamily.

I love our daughter.

my adoption tattoo

It is the adoption symbol and I added in the celtic forever knot in design. It took roughly 1:15 to do and it hurt, but after having put countless needles in me for nearly 9 years of trying to have a baby, that was NO problem or pain compared to then. hehehe

I am planning my next one

help with freezer cooking links

http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2010/10/freezer-meals-tips-for-dummies.html

The love of a daughter and getting inked

Today, I wake up a bit nervous. I am prepping my nerves for the pain of getting inked for the first time. yes, inked, tattooed. I am having the adoption symbol of the triangle and heart entwined on my calf. In the design, I asked Jamie Toon to add in a celtic knot design. I am excited! I trust he will do a great job. I know and have been told that once I get inked it will be a new addiction to wanting to get inked again and again. I can't say I would do full out sleeve work on arms and legs, but I do admire a friend for having hers done and more. Next, a nose stud and some more earring piercings. And them maybe some more ink and them more piercings. LOL Yes, more.

This morning, while catching up on emails and such, my beautiful daughter woke up (after 11 hours of sleep), walked into the room and just smiled at me. I love a happy face on her in the morning. Great night sleep does that for her usually! She then asked me where her cousin, megan was. I told her that they were at home and we would see her later today (see, I watch my two nieces and nephew this summer so she thinks they should be here 24/7. haha). Later today is a trip we will be making to the local private schools annual picnic. They have fun kiddie rides and I so want to take Julia up there. It will bring back so many memories of when I was a kid and went to carnivals. I promise pictures to come!

For now, here are a few pics from this Spring, Summer 2011.

oh dyson dc35, come over here!

is secretly wanting the new Dyson DC35! I even went to a blog to sign up for the chance to win one! Oh hummmana Hummmmana hummmmana!

with 2 very hairy shedding DOGS and 2 Cats with the same problem, Oh and factor in a 3.5 year old kiddo? hElz yes... I want one!

http://dealseekingmom.com/behind-the-scenes-with-the-dyson-dc35/comment-page-1/#comment-473729

things to do this summer for kids

Free movies: http://www.wehrenberg.com/presenting.aspx?pId=238

St. Louis Zoo
playgrounds (water parks included) (tower grove, desperes park, kirkwood park, tillis,

fishing (desperes park, wilmore, carondelet, suson,

Wolf sanctuary
Wild Bird sanctuary / Lone Elk Park
Powder Valleyhttp://www.circusflora.org/show/ticket_information/

Grants Farm (get parking Pass $ 40.00 for the season)

Magic House (we have membership, well worth it!)

Cliff cave park?

circus flora
http://www.circusflora.org/show/ticket_information/

whittle train company in valley park
http://www.woodentrain.com/

MOVIES:
May 21 - Tower Grove Movie Nights
Sept. 17 Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and
bring the children for a fun movie in
Tower Grove Park.
Whitaker Theater at the Pool Pavilion
Starts at dusk – around 8:30 PM
FREE and open to all ages
5/21 – “A Field of Dreams”
6/18 – “Yogi Bear”
7/16 – “Forrest Gump”
8/20 – “Toy Story 3”
9/17 – “Beauty and the Beast”


CRAFTS: http://blog.amyatlas.com/2011/04/paint-chip-easter-garland-easter-giveawaypantone-egg-contest/ THIS IS A PAINT CHIP GARLAND
AND

just 'cuz

Happy Forever Family Day to our daughter

life

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

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13
14
15

5-10 of 365 for 2011

6 - This is a picture of the two dolls Julia has gotten from (1) her Birthday (2) Christmas. The funny thing is that she has 4 sets of twins as friends in real life so she must think this is just normal to have two that are very similar in pairs.

7 - Yes, she loves the playland there in Kirkwood

8 - First day of Preschool 2011! WHOOOHOOOO, my baby is growing up

9 My little gymnast.


10 - SO MUCH FUN. Look at her go


11 Daddy and Julia on the night of her Litte Gym routine we took Mema Judy too.

Free movies at Wehrenberg on Wednesdays...

Family Winter Series 2011
From January 26th to March 2nd at noon
enjoy a free movie every Wednesday

http://www.wehrenberg.com/presenting.aspx?pId=225

A memory as a kid.... did your parents/relatives do this to you?

even with having boots as a kid for playing in the snow, my mom and dad AND my grandma Dwyer made me wear a pair of socks, A PLASTIC BREAD BAG on each foot and then another layer of socks!!! Is that messed up or what? Snow storms always trigger that memory as a kid.

A quote to live by....

Rick.y Martin (replay) on Op-rah said this about his sons on the topic of what he will tell them when they are old enough to understand the reason they came into his life...

"I wanted you in my life so bad that with t he help of God, everything lined up for you to be part of my life. I love you, you love me and that is what is important"

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!

"Not every family is the same" and I love that too!

I do feel as though everything in our lives and Julia's birthmother's life lined up for us to beoome her mom and dad! AMEN!

Thanks to LFCA #679

Yes, I celebrate another birthday this week. Thanks again to LFCA for the mention. Although we are no longer TTC or trying to adopt again, I still read the updates on that site. I have become so attached to so many of the blogs on there and I love to give my support where needed for those that are still trying to building their families either through Fertility treatments or adoption, losses or even decided to live child free.

After so many miscarriages, heartaches and then blessings with our successful adoption of our daughter, Julia, through Domestic Adoption, I still have my shoulder here and ears to lend to those that might need a moment to just get it all out.

2011 baby mania resale events, consignment sales, etc..

2011 baby mania resale events, children's c
lothes and toy consignment sales list

MOMMIES, Ladies, Daddies, EVERYONE... here is your 2011 list of resale/consignment sales I have compiled for the local St. Louis and surrounding areas. Please post a comment or email me if you know of a sale I can add to my list!

I'll keep posting new updated 2011 baby/children's resale list here on my blog.

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http://storklady.net/Index.html
The Stork Lady's Kids' Consignment Sale!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Thursday, July 14th: 9am-7pm
Friday, July 15th: 9am-6pm
Saturday, July 16th: 10am-2pm
(Saturday only: 50% off most items)

LOCATION:
Former MACY'S Dept. Store
Crestwood Court Mall

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>Nurses for Newborns
Community Wide Garage Sale sponsored by the NFNF Junior Board!
Has your New Year's resolution to be more organized and get rid of all that clutter? Nurses for Newborns Foundation can help!!!

It is our 1st Annual Community Wide GARAGE SALE! Sponsored by our NEW Junior Board and located at Ladue High School, the Garage Sale promises to be an exciting event. The Garage Sale will be on March 12th start at 8am.

Saturday, March 12 · 8:00am - 12:00pm
Ladue High School
1201 S. Warson Road

For more information about the Garage Sale or to volunteer, please contact Elisa Reeves @ 314-544-3433 x317 or elisa.reeves@nfnf.org.

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Kidmania Sale
Saturday, March 5, 2011
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Edwardsville High School
3.00 entry fee (but well worth it!)

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Just Between Friends
Kids Consignment Sales Events
Serving you in Kirkwood/Arnold, Missouri
Spring 2011 Event Now Scheduled!
March 18th & 19th
Concordia Lutheran Church
505 S. Kirkwood Rd
Kirkwood, MO 63122

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The Just Between Friends' St Charles County Spring/Summer 2011 Community Children's Consignment Sales
is scheduled for Thursday, March 24th (9am-6pm), Friday March 25th (10am-6pm) also our 25% Off Sale, and Saturday, March 26th (8am-1pm) also our 50% Off Sale, at the Harvester Nazarene Gym, located at 3115 McClay Road, St Peters 63376.
(FOLLOW THAT LINK AND PRINT THE PDF FLYER TO GET FREE ADMISSION!!)

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Mehlville Baby Mania Spring 2011 Sales

http://www.mehlville-moms-club.org/component/option,com_gcalendar/Itemid,25/view,google/
May 14, 2011
Mehlville High School parking lot.
This Event is held rain or shine from 8:00am until 12:00pm.
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SALE INFORMATION
Recycled Treasures Kids consignment sale
LOCATION: John F. Kennedy Catholic High School 500 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, MO 63011
(approximately 10 minutes from Gateway seconds from highway 40 and 270)

CONSIGNOR/VOLUNTEER DEADLINE: THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH AT 8PM

PUBLIC SALE HOURS: SATURDAY, AUGUST 6TH 10AM-5PM (OPENING DAY/VENDORS ALSO PRESENT)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7TH 10AM-1PM (MANY ITEMS 50% OFF THIS DATE)

MONDAY, AUGUST 8TH DOLLAR DASH SALE - 10AM-12PM
(PROCEEDS DONATED TO MISSOURI SPECIAL OLYMPICS)
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St. John Lutheran MOPS consignment sale
April 2, 2011

more details to come. (I believe this is the one in Ellisville MO)

random

today's FB status: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.. Good = St. Louis Hills Bread Co drive thru now open! Yum and helpful for the salad craving and soup. BAD = Julia's double ear infection=amoxicillin (sp?) for the next 10 days. UGLY = my hair, it is in desperate need of a cut and color. Oh Laura, when are you avail?

Double ear infection, yet she has not complained one iota.

3 of 365
Cousins, they love each other and love to have more fun at The Magic House in Kirkwood.

4 of 365
Tea Party, anyone?

5 of 365
Sisterly Love! our black lab mix, Sadie, decided to take a break and snuggle with our cat, Ethel, tonight.

6 of 365
Our cat, Lucy, decided to m o lest Julia's barbie dolls. LOL

2 of 365 for 2011

evidence of very rough houseplay with daddio. Her eye almost sports a hugh of black now as the scratch heals. First Black Eye? maybe!

Welcome 2011

I failed at keeping this blog going in 2010, but I made a promise to myself to start a new journey in 2011. I'll keep it here for now until I can create a new blog, but for now, here it goes.


I like some ideas like taking a picture once a day and posting it. 365 in 365, but I just can't promise I'll post one EVERYDAY. Like one of the other bloggers I read, she might take a picture everyday, but only post those once a week. That more suits my style. I like tracking how big Julia is getting so this should be fun.

This past week, we confirmed that Julia will be going to Preschool 3 half days a week starting January 5th. So I will begin our picture taking that day. Oh shoot, why not today, well, none of us have showered. Ok, wait, maybe that would be a great way to start out the New Year, ... hold on. Here she is.