Happy Holidays!

I didn't get around to posting before Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed spending time with our family. We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house. It was a great evening, we ate great food and opened our gifts. My parent's friends even stopped by with a surprise...Santa! My niece and nephew were beyond amazed Santa made a stop at Grammy/Grandpa's house. Christmas Day we spent the afternoon at my Sister and Brother-in-law's house enjoying more great food. Hope you enjoyed this joyous season!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for:

A wonderful time attending my niece's Christmas program...two-year-olds singing Christmas songs is just too precious.

Lunch today with one of my college girlfriends...so much fun to catch up.

Our dog's health, yesterday a certain chocolate Lab thought it was okay to lick the powdered Tide detergent while I was loading the washer. * No worries dog lovers she is fine and healthy....and now clean inside and out.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Just thought I'd share a few holiday gift ideas that are both inexpensive and yet thoughtful. My husband is very big on celebrating the holiday and not making it a material/commercial holiday. It's taken a few years, but I am now to the point that it's not about the perfect gift but about the wonderful moments with family and friends celebrating this special holiday season. Below are just a few of our holiday gift ideas.

Donations to Charity- this is such a wonderful gift idea and with the economy many charities are struggling. This year we are donating money in our parent's name to their favorite charities. Jeff and I are also doing the same for each other, he did this last year for me and it was by far my most treasured gift.

Holiday CD's - go on to iTunes and create your own play list of Christmas music, burn to CD's and you've got a great gift. I plan to make some for my co-workers.

Baked goodies - this is always a great gift, no matter if it's cookies, fudge or mixed nuts.

Homemade ornaments- I've never done this, however, have been on the receiving end and they make a wonderful gift.

Happy Holidays!




*photo from Better Homes and Garden

Thankful Thrusday

It's been a long time since I've done a "Thankful Thursday" so I figured no time like the present.

There is so much I have to be thankful for:

My hubby who has such a good heart.

My family -especially my niece and nephew they are too sweet for words.

My job - in these tough economic times I feel so thankful to still have a good job.

The holiday season, this is such a special time of year.




*Love this photo of our sweet boy, even at eight he's so full life and fun.

Happy Thanksgiving- Late

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We stayed in town this year and celebrated Thanksgiving and my birthday with my parents. It was a great, low-key day filled with lots of good food and conversation. I've been busy lately so this past week I enjoyed some much needed downtime. Hope everyone had a blessed holiday.

Hopefully, I'll be back to regular posting here soon.

Heading to the Windy City!

This weekend my Sister and I are heading to Chicago. I'm looking forward to a great weekend filled with shopping and lots of laughter!

Business Trip

Heading to Vegas for a business trip. Have a great week!

LID Anniversary!

One year ago today we received the news that we were officially logged into the Chinese adoption system. We spent months paperchasing and I remember thinking how long it would take for us to get our LID. Once we had our LID I thought it would be such a long time before we got to the one year mark, however, the time has passed quickly. The journey to our daughter is long one, but it's truly a journey of a lifetime and one we wouldn't trade for the world. We know will each passing month we are closer to our little girl.

Fall Is Here

I haven't posted in a while, once again been a blog slacker. We are enjoying the changing of the seasons, by far fall is my favorite season. Hope everyone is enjoying their week...even with dropping market.

Here are a few of my fall favorites:

Crisp mornings
Hot apple cider
Sweaters
Fall foliage
Soups/stew
Football

Remembering and Praying

LID Anniversary!

Yesterday was our 11 month LID anniversary! I can't believe next month it will be 1 year! This is a long road, however, with each passing month we're one step closer to our daughter.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for:

Spending lots of time this weekend with my niece and nephew.

Lots of showings on our house- although not fun, I'm thankful for the interest.

My job.

Good veterinarians. Our sweet dog has strained her ACL -- we're hoping it heals without the need for surgery.

Thank you!

Thank you Danielle for nominating for the Diamond Blogger Award. Many of the blogs I read have already posted this award, so I'll skip my list and say many thanks!

Happy Anniversary!

Tomorrow we celebrate our 7th anniversary! On August 25, 2001 we were married at 2:30 pm at ... Catholic Church. We celebrated this beautiful day with all of our family and friends. After the ceremony we headed to our reception site. Our reception was truly a great time, there are so many fond memories of the evening. A few days later we left for our honeymoon in Belize. We were so lucky to vacation in such a beautiful place and at a breathtaking resort...it was the perfect honeymoon destination. Thank you Jeff for seven wonderful years...I look forward to celebrating many more!

*I scanned in the photos so they are not the best quality.

Weekend Fun

We've been busy lately, but I wanted to post a few photos from the horse show we attended recently. My in-laws were in town and we had a great time at the show.

*This is not the most flattering photo of me, however, the horse is just too pretty not to show.

Blog Makeover

Are you looking for a blog makeover? If so, then be sure to stop over at Blogs by Danielle. This month only she's offering a discount in celebration of her anniversary. Part of the proceeds from Blogs by Danielle are donated to charity...does it get any better?!

2008 Olympics!

We watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics and I have to say they were truly amazing. The amount of work the Chinese did for this year's Olympics really showed.This weekend we've enjoying watching the games and cheering on Team USA! We have also enjoyed seeing the President attend the events, whether you like him or not, it's great to see our President supporting the athletes.

LID Anniversary

Documentary- China's Stolen Children *Update

Last night we watched the documentary China's Stolen Children which aired on HBO. It's difficult to even put into words what this film will make you feel, it's both incredibly real and so very heartbreaking. For anyone who has a HBO I would recommend watching, especially if you have adopted or are in the process of adopting from China. I do caution this film is very hard to watch.

*Update: I did find this website where you can purchase the DVD.

LID Anniversary

Has it really been 9 months?! I have to say the past nine months have passed very quickly, let's hope the next (several) nine pass just as fast.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you all a safe and Happy July 4th!

NYC- Part III

Here are some more photos from NYC. I did meet a few celebrities, Chris Cuomo (Good Morning America), Adam Sandler (actor), and Dylan Ratigan (FastMoney -CNBC...yes I'm a dork and watch this show).

Happy Father's Day!- a day late

Happy Father's Day Dad! I'm just getting to posting this as yesterday we spent Father's day at my parent's house swimming and cooking out. Also a Happy Father's day to my Father-in-laws and our Brother-in-law!

*Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of our fun, was too busy playing in the pool with my niece and nephew who have endless amounts of energy. :)

New York - Part II

We had a great time in NYC, some of the highlights were going to the Late Show with David Letterman (I got to sit in the front row...what an experience) and a sunset cruise around Manhattan. We took in sights in from 5th Avenue to Greenwich Village it was a so much fun...and got to meet a few famous people along the way! More photos later this weekend.


Grand Central Terminal










NYC Public Library






St. Patrick's Cathedral

New York City- Part I

We just returned on Sunday from NYC, I absolutely adore this city. Below are photos from my first night in NYC, I flew in late and met hubby. I had to see some of the city before bed so these were taken at midnight...yes it's that busy at midnight. More photos to come this week.

LID Anniversary!

Today we've been logged in for eight months!

New York, New York

We just returned home late last night from a wonderful trip to NYC. I'll post more photos this week!

Movie Review

Last night my sister and I saw SATC...awesome! It was so good we plan to see again. And can I tell you how cute Charlotte's daughter Lily is....simply adorable! Hope everyone is have a fabulous weekend!!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for:

My family and our health. It is so easy to get caught up in the small things and then I remember how wonderfully blessed I am.

An upcoming trip to NYC with my Hubby...it's been a while since we've been away.

Dinner and a movie on Friday with my Sister. We're going to see SATC...so excited!

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing all of the women and men who have served and are serving in our armed forces a blessed Memorial Day! Thank you for your service. And I'd like to send a special Hoorah to my Dad who so bravely served...Happy Memorial Day we love you!

There have been several recent tragedies that are just heartbreaking. The cyclone in Myanmar, the earthquake in China and the recent death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter. It is most certainly a time to hold those you love a little closer and to keep those suffering a loss in your thoughts and prayers.

To learn how you can give to these disasters or to send a condolence message to the Chapman family please use the links provided.

Happy Birthday and LID!

Happy Birthday Mom!! Hope you had a wonderful day! We love you!

Also today we celebrate our 7-month LID anniversary!!

Thankful Thursday

I haven't been very good at posting. Things have been busy around here lately.

I am thankful for:

A loving Husband and Family.

Seeing my niece and nephew two weekends in a row, I love spending time with them.

An upcoming vacation for Hubby and I. (Okay, so Hubby will be in a seminar during the days, but I will free all day to explore NYC).

Weekend Wrap Up

I know I haven't posted in a while, been keeping busy with work and trying to sell our house. We had a great weekend, on Saturday we went to our nephew's t-ball game. It was so much fun, watching 5-year-olds play t-ball is just too cute! On Sunday, it was my hubby's birthday so he chose the day's activity...golf. I have to say it was fun once I finally hit the ball. Hope everyone is doing well. Below is a photo of the flowers I have on our kitchen table...I just love spring!

Another Meme

I know another meme...what can I say I'm riveting these days, haha!

I've been tagged by Danielle to list six unimportant facts about myself.

RULES
1) you link back to the person who tagged you.
2) post these rules on your blog.
3) share six unimportant things about yourself.
4) tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

Six unimportant things about myself:

1: I am obsessed with cleaning and germs. I use hand sanitizer like water and only use white towels so I can bleach them (I know this is strange). I even wipe the dogs feet with wet cloths when they come in from being outdoors.

2. I love, love, love big cities. I think in another life I must have lived in NYC.

3. One of my favorite pastimes is reading...and with a cup of tea is a perfect.

4. I can't stand to eat meat on a bone...something about seeing the bones completely grosses me out.

5. I'm a girly girl, I love getting my hair done, wearing makeup,ect...

6. I always eat breakfast and have coffee in the morning.

I tag anyone else who hasn't done this meme yet!

Picture Meme

I borrowed this from Libby.

1. Go to Photobucket (don't sign in) (I used flickr.com)

2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box

3. Use only the first page

4. Copy the html and paste for the answer. Here goes...

1. First name?



2. Favorite color?



3. Celebrity crush?





4. Band you're listening to now?



5. Favorite movie?



6. Favorite Disney princess?



7. Favorite alcoholic beverage?



8. Dream vacation?



9. Favorite dessert?



10. What do you want to be when you grow up?