Photo For Friday

This was taken at a friend's wedding about one year after we married. Wow, there is nothing like old pictures to make you realize how much you have changed. I guess age does that to you. It adds character, right? Isn't that what it is called?

Our Rest Stops

Here is the Friday edition of the House Challenge.....Bathrooms.

You can probably guess which bathroom is ours and which is the kids;)

Happy 14th Sweetie!

Thank you for the 14 greatest years of my life.
It is so hard to believe that we have known each other for 15 years!


Paul and I met each other back in 1991.

I was just out of nursing school and had moved into a duplex with two friends. I had told the rental lady that I only wanted to look at houses and not duplexes or apartments. I humored her and went and saw this place anyway. She was right, it was perfect!

Several months later after being robbed twice in his rental house, Paul moved in next door. He came over after a couple of days to ask when trash pick-up was. (He told me later that he already knew, he was just trying to meet us). My friend answered the door and I briefly peeked around the corner and introduced myself. I was NOT interested in dating as I had just broken it off with someone else.

The next week, Paul came over to ask if we wanted to come over and watch Total Recall. I declined for a number of reasons: 1) I was home alone and didn't want to go watch a movie with a stranger. 2) I don't like Arnold S. movies. 3) There was a movie on that I had been waiting all week to watch and 4)I had some ironing to do (I don't iron nowdays).

It was a warm and calm summer July evening.

All of a sudden, the electricity went out! I ran to the front door at the same time Paul did. "What did you do?" We started talking and sat there the rest of the evening on the front porch getting to know each other. He asked me to go out with him on July 4th. I actually already had a date but said yes anyway!

We believe it was fate! Paul had never planned to move but did due to the robberies. I never wanted to live in a duplex. We later found out that we both looked in the exact same areas prior to finding a place to live.

Why on Earth would the electricity go out on a calm July evening???

We became engaged 4 months later and married once we had known each other for one full year!

We played the song playing by Luther Vandross at our wedding.


(oops, our anniversary was July 18th, I really thought I had blogged about it! Kids will do that to you;)

Joshua's turn-

Joshua wanted to show off his room. You will have to wait and see the rest of the bedrooms on Sunday.

House Pictures Challenge

Maryland Mom Loving Seth, Longing for Mya has been challenged to show various rooms of her house throughout the week.

Last year, during a time when I was a little down, I decided to redecorate my house. I tore out all of the wallpaper and painted 5 rooms. I love my house now. It is so "mine" and I feel very cozy in it.

Here are pics of my living room and my kitchen. As you see the kids wanted to be a part of the pictures!

I don't get it!

We paid off the van last month, sweet relief!! It is so nice not having that car payment.

Since the van has been paid off, the following things have happened-

---I received a dent on the driver side back upper panel. (probably a handlebar did it at a friend's house).

---I received a nice scratch down the driver's side door.

---Tonight, I received a windshield crack from a rock.

Okay, I had a few incidents since I received it. We had a rock crack the windshield while following a snow plow in Flaggstaff, Arizona.
We also had an ice chest fly out of someone's truck and hit us causing plastic residue on the side of the van.

These were not at all close together. But ever since I have paid it off, everything has been happening. I just don't get it!!

Update on Joshua....

I forgot to post this earlier this summer. Joshua had updates for both his vision and his hearing this summer.

Great news in both areas. His glasses now have him seeing 20/20 in both eyes. There was a question on whether or not we would have to increase his Rx at some point.

Even better news, Joshua showed that he is actually hearing better in his right ear (worse ear) and about the same in his left. We are still not sure if his loss is progressive or not but we breathe easy with each year that comes back about the same and not further loss.

They also said that with his hearing aids he hears better than normal when it comes to normal conversation level.

He hasn't worn his aids too much this summer due to all the time in the water. He definitely needs them. I try not to get frustrated when I have to repeat myself 2-3 times but sometimes it is hard, esp. when he choses to sit in the back of the van and then tries to carry on a conversation with me. Patience and understanding, Lord. Give me patience and understanding...

Your Never Too Old....

to try something new!

The kids have been wanting to go to a water park that is about 40 minutes away. I talked them into going to our local pool. We have never been so I was not sure what to expect. I don't like crowded public pools for the obvious reasons. People can be so rude.

I called my mom since she says we never invite her to anything. I really didn't think she would go since it is hot outside. Have I mentioned it is hot here ;). I really didn't want to go but thought it would be a nice treat for the kids. To my surprise, she actually joined us.

Joshua wanted to go down the water slides so I went with him the first time. After that, Delaney wanted to go to the kiddie pool and I had put her off long enough.

I asked my mom to go by the water slide exit and watch Joshua.

Well, when I returned back to them, my 59 year old mom exclaimed,"That blue slide is really fun!" Excuse me?? I asked, "Did you go down it?". "Yes, I really enjoyed it." She said it was the first time she had ever gone down one. I guess grandchildren will make you do a lot of new things if you are game. We continued to go down the slides the rest of the time we were there with Delaney exclaiming, "Again, I want to do it again!"

A little outing that we both were hesitant to attend, we loved!

TOO HOT!!

Joshua was suppose to have soccer camp this week. It has been so hot (>100 F) that I was hesitant to send him even for the two hours that it was being held. Of course, it is from 10-12 so it is really hot during that part of the day.

On the first day, I told Joshua once again, "Now Joshua, drink plenty of water and be sure to tell a coach if you start feeling bad". His reply, "Mom, you have told me that like 20 times!" I said, "Well it is THAT important. It is very hot outside."

The coach reiterated the same thing at the beginning of camp the first day. He said, "If you feel dizzy or sick tell a coach and we will take you to the shade, bring you water and get you cooled off". Great, we are on the same page!

I came about 10 minutes early for pick up the first day. Joshua was out playing soccer but was going pretty slow. Pretty normal as his endurance isn't the greatest.

About 2 minutes after I get there, I see Joshua go and sit down in front of his two coaches. He has his head in his hands and is obviously not feeling well. What does the coach do??? He tells Joshua, "There is only 5 minutes left, you can make it, go back out there. If you are REALLY, REALLY dizzy then you shouldn't play" EXCUSE ME????

Joshua returns to the field only to go back over and say something to the coach about 1 minute later. The coach says, "Fine, go sit in the shade then."

I wait a few seconds to see if they get him water before I start searching for some myself. NO, they just both stand there and ignore him and never even check up on him. I am watching this while I am searching for his water.

Once I find it and start over towards him, they say that time is up. I walk towards Joshua and his coach is in hearing distance and say, "Hey, buddy did you get overheated out here??" Nothing from the coach.

Joshua whom was excited to go to soccer camp, now states,"I am not coming back! I was dizzy three times today".

I take him home and get him cooled off and then call the coach. No answer, so I leave a message. No return call yet. Paul called this am and left a message as well.

I told the leader of the camp that as a mother and a nurse, I am really concerned that they are not taking heat exhaustion seriously. Scary stuff esp. since we have had several heat related deaths in this state.

I guess I should have gone with my initial instinct and never sent him!!!

Quote of the week

Never look down on someone unless it is when you are helping them up.

Photo For Friday

Here are a couple of Family photos from our trip. One is a reflection in the "Chicago Bean". The other photo is from the top of the St. Louis Arch.

Zoo Time!

The kids and I traveled to Oklahoma City today to go to their zoo. We met up with a couple of families that also have adopted children from Korea.

OKC has such an awesome zoo. I have been meaning to take the kids back there for a visit as it has been a few years. Today was the perfect opportunity since their was a play group meeting there that was scheduled during the week.

It was HOT. I saw later that the temp. hit 101 there with a 106 heat index. No wonder we were sweating in the shade!

A Penny for Your Thoughts

I enjoy writing this blog as it gives me a chance to brag and show off my beautiful family. I would love to hear your thoughts on any entry that touches you in some way.

Please leave comments on anything that touches you. You can do so by clicking on the comments link under each post.

I know you are out there;), now I would like to hear from you!

HOME SWEET HOME!

We had a great time on vacation! Chicago was a lot of fun. We did a lot of sightseeing. We are officially exhausted.

We went to Field Museum (King Tut Exhibit), Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry (My favorite), Hancock Tower, Navy Pier, Ukrainian village, Water Tower Mall (Not impressed). We also went to the beach. The kids were so excited as it was their first visit to a "beach". Unfortunately, the water was "Closed" due to high levels of bacteria.

The taste of Chicago was also going on, that was cool.

President Bush met us there for a visit so he and Delaney could celebrate their birthdays together. Okay, we didn't meet him but he was there and they do share a birthday. So does Aunt Toby! Happy Birthday!

Delaney was officially initiated to Chicago by being "Christened" by a pigeon. We talked to a native and he said in all his years there, that had only happened twice to him. I guess Delaney is just lucky????

We returned to St. Louis for a day so we could see the Arch and Paul's sister.

It was fun but you really appreciate home when you are gone for awhile!

Quote of the Week

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. Arthur Rubinstien , musician

Photo For Friday

Well, I was going to put a photo of the kids doing their King Tut stance since we saw the King Tut exhibit today, but Paul didn't have it on his computer.

The Exhibit was cool because it is fascinating to think that the items were that old. It was a little disappointing in that some of the most important items from the Boy King's tomb were absent. Josh loved it!!!!

We are having a great time!

Quote of the week

The opportunity for brotherhood presents itself every time you meet a human being. Jane Wyman - Actress

Photo for Friday

In celebration of the Fourth of July, here is Joshua in his flag shirt.

Swim Lessons

The kids have had swimming lessons the last two weeks. Today was the last day and the parents were able to watch.

Delaney was so cute, she kept saying- "I am going to go underwater all by myself, it will be a surprise for you!"

Yes, she did go underwater. She did really well considering it was her first time at swimming lessons.

Joshua has really improved. He actually looks like a little swimmer now. He can do the American Crawl with the best of them. He loves to be in the deep end. During free time all the other kids went to the shallow end and he stayed in the deep end (10 Feet) and swam his heart out. He even dived (~belly flopped) in and swam to the side.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Delaney doesn't officially have her birthday until the 6th but we had her party tonight.
She has asked me several times how old she is now that she has had her party :). She is so excited that she is 4!
We had a party at home and let the kids swim in our kiddie swimming pool. Everyone seemed to have a great time!

Girlfriends are the best!

What's so poignant about this picture? - it shows a line of little girls holding hands facing the immensity of ocean waves.
Alone they might be washed away, but together they stand strong.
Thank you each for holding my hand somewhere along the way when I was facing a wave of my own. I hope you will reach for my hand when your own wave threatens.


All of us girls..

Old and young...

Near and far...

Hold special memories of good times we've
shared.

We've had our share of hard times when our
friends were there to make us feel better.

We've shared...
our hearts
our time
our secrets
our fears
our hopes
and our dreams.
Let us never break the chain of friends!

How does my garden grow??

My garden has changed quite a bit since the beginning of summer. I think it is looking pretty good.

As my husband says,"There is no question what you favorite color is!"

Party Postponed

Delaney will be turning 4 on July 6th. We decided to have a kid's birthday party for her so her friends could join us. Prior to this year we would just have a party for her during our July 4th get together.

We were suppose to have a party tonight. Delaney came home yesterday and beginning getting sick to her stomach and running a fever.

Today brought a new day and she was back to her normal self. We will have the party tomorrow instead.


She initially wanted a Dragon Tales movie but since there are no decorations for it to be found, she decided a Care Bear party would be just fine!

Quote of the week

True friends are those who really know you but love you anyway.
Edna Buchanan-writer

Photo For Friday

Chores revisited!

Remember how excited the kids were to start chores??

Joshua spent three hours crying and complaining about his chores tonight. He feels that it is unfair that Delaney's are so much easier than his.

First of all, he made up his own chore list.
Second, he is 7, she is 3.

He was informed of the loss of priviledges he would face if he didn't do his chores. He finally did them, exclaiming that it wasn't that hard after all.

Three hours!!!

My mother laughs at the idea that both of my kids are actually more stubborn than I was as a child. Not an easy thing to be as I was always called,"Hard Head!"

Swim Lessons

The kids have swim lessons for the next two weeks. This is Delaney's first year to go. She had at least a hundred questions on the way to the first lesson.

When she was waiting in line to go in, there were several kids crying. I just knew she was going to jump out of line and refuse to go in.

She did go in and reported having a good time.

Today, I asked her if she was going to go underwater. She said she would not. I told her that if the swim instructor said she needed to then she would have to.

Delaney replied, "She is not my boss. You are the boss!"

I explained that I gave the instructor permission to be her boss during lessons.

She didn't seem too convinced.

I asked the instructor how it went. She said that Delaney had done well. I informed her that Delaney had a mind of her own.

"I am WELL aware of that! she said. She commented on how different my two kids were. No kidding!!!

Quote for the Week

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Make those beats count!

Updated Ukraine Video

Videos by vMix Member:
Curleycru

As many of you know, Ukraine has shut down adoptions to Americans. They did this due to the fact that parents are not sending in their required post-placement reports for their children.

Here is a video of kids adopted from Ukraine. It is being sent to the Embassy in order to show them how loved the children really are here in the USA.

Happy Father's Day!!

Via: VideoSift

Photo For Friday

Since I recently posted a young picture of Paul, I thought I would post mine as well. What happened to my blonde hair?? I was 4 years old in this picture.

Boy Scout Camp

Joshua was in Boy Scout Day camp all week. He is having such a great time. They are able to Hike, Fish, Shoot BBs, Archery, play Games, work with tools and make crafts.

He is learning so much and making new friends.

I have been busy this week as I volunteered two days. Being out in 90+ weather and walking from 8am to 3:30pm is very fun but very tiring. It is amazing how much more energy those boys have!! Definitely makes me feel my age.

Joshua had never shot a BB gun before, he missed the target completely the first day. Yesterday, he hit a bullseye!! He was so proud!

He has caught 2 fish so far!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

I am late posting this. Paul's birthday was June 14th! He is now 39. Wow, how time flies. Hunny, you make my life complete!

ABC'S

I got this from Maryland Mom'sblog. Here are my answers to the ABC'S

Accent: I have been told that I do not have an accent. People are amazed when I tell them that I am originally from Oklahoma. So, at least I don't have a southern accent.
Bible book that I like: Wow, that is a hard one. There are so many stories of great people. I like to read about David, Moses, Paul. Too many to chose from.

Chore I don't care for: I don't like cleaning bathrooms and I hate to pull weeds.

Dog or cat: Dogs! We have a very gentle Lab named Sam.
Essential electronics: TV with cable. I am addicted to my reality shows! I also enjoy the computer!

Favorite cologne: It changes but for now-- Echo

Gold or silver: Definitely Gold!

Handbag I carry most often: I usually take great care in picking one out and carry it forever! I am not one to switch out purses and make them match my clothes. My husband despises purse shopping :)

Insomnia: Occassionally, but usually I have no problem sleeping at anytime.
Job title: Wife, Momma, Nurse, Dossier Coordinator
Kids: Joshua (7) & Delaney (almost 4)

Living arrangement: My sweetheart, my prince and my lil princess. One dog, one fish.

Most admirable trait: Loyalty
Naughtiest childhood behavior: I had a very precocious boy friend that taught me how to play doctor. I never understood why his sister was the nurse and I was always the patient. My poor mother! I was so naive

Overnight hospital stays: Tonsils out, Ureter dilation.

Phobias: Snakes. Poor Joshua has to go look at them by himself at the zoo. The give me instant chills.
Quote: Judge not lest thee be judged.

Religion: Christian. Raised non-denominational, currently Baptist.

Siblings: Older brother (Mike)

Time I wake up: When the kids wake me up, usually 7-7:30.
Unusual talent or skill: I am pretty good at starting IVs on patients.
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Turnip Greens, Slimy Spinach

Worst habits: Being a little too honest and too sarcastic with people. Some people may get hurt if they are sensitive.

X-rays: Chest- Rule out TB due to being a nurse, Bladder/Kidney- frequent UTIs in past.
Yummy stuff I cook: I don't care for cooking. Paul did say I make a great lasagna, now if I could only find that recipe again!

Zoo animal I like most: Okapi- I have to go to Oklahoma City to see one though. This animal is related to the Giraffe not Zebra. very Cool!

Quote of the week

While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die-- whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness. Gilda Radner, comedian.

Photo For Friday

Here is Joshua at the zoo. He is holding his Elephant named "Kelley". I hope we never lose his baby as he would be lost without it.

Do you speak Korean?

I took the kids to the library today. I was on one isle with Joshua and Delaney was on the other side.

I heard a child's voice ask, "Do you speak Korean?" from the other side of the isle.

Delaney replied, "No".

The voice then asked,"What do you speak?"

At that point I interjected, "She speaks the same language as you do....English". I figured I was speaking with some intrusive little child.

I peered through an open area in the shelving and spotted the cutest little Asian boy.

He said, "Oh, she looks Korean. I thought she was Korean like me."

I said, "She is Korean. She doesn't speak Korean though, do you?"

He said that he did and I asked him to say "Hi" in Korean which he proceeded to do.

I said "Thank You" in Korean and he appeared shocked.

"You speak Korean???"

I explained that I had learned a few words before I went to pick Delaney up in Korea.

"oh, was she adopted?"

I told him that she was. We proceeded to talk about Korea, his family, Kimchee, etc.

He was only 6 years old and had been born in America. He said that he had never been to Korea but had heard that it was a neat and popular place.

He was absolutely adorable!!!

They are back!

Paul brought the kids up to see me at work last night once they returned home.
I was so excited to see them. One week is such a long time! I never thought that it would be over. A couple of days away, I might enjoy but a week seems too long to be without my kiddos.

Quote for the Week

Help others get ahead. You will always stand taller with someone else on your shoulders. Bob Moawad- business leader

Photo For Friday

Joshua loves to show his love to his family by giving a lot of hugs and kisses. Delaney is not always a willing recepient of such affection from her big brother.

They are still at their grandparents. Joshua was complaining on the phone last night that Delaney is not wanting him to kiss and hug her. Poor guy :). When he gets home he can give us all the hugs and kisses he wants!

Missing my kids

The kids are at their grandparents this week. They will be back on Sunday. It is amazing how silent the house is without them. It is a little too much silence for me.

We talk to them every night but I love to hear their chatter throughout the day.

I think they are having a good time but are about ready to come home themselves.

They are so blessed to have the chance to spend some quality time with their grandparents!

Dixie Chicks Come Back

After much controversy, it looks like America is accepting the Dixie Chicks back.
Their new album hit number 1 on its debut week on the Billboard top 200.

I guess we are ready to "forgive".

As stated before, I love their music but was a little put out about Natalie Maines comments in London.

Their new song, "Not ready to make nice" did cause me to really rethink my thoughts on them.

I am proud to say that I will be the owner of their last two albums as soon as I receive them in the mail. I plan on enjoying their music as I did before and realize that what they say is only their opinions. Everyone has a right to one!

BTW- Amazon has a great deal if you buy the last two Dixie Chicks album at the same time :)