More Fun

We went to eat at My Place BBQ last night and then went to Honor Heights Park to see the Garden of Lights. It is always so beautiful.

We then went to a new exhibit (for us) at the Castle in Muskogee. They had hundreds of inflatibles to drive around then they had more in the Castle. We had a great time

More Christmas!

Joshua and his friend Alex got together yesterday for their Annual Christmas exchange. We went to eat at Mazzios and then went to play at Playhouse for Kidz. They had a blast. It also gave time for Alex's mommy and me to chat for awhile, something we get little chance to do with our hectic schedules.

Photo For Friday

Merry Christmas from the Gottes Family

(when I turned the picture over, I saw that it was taken of Paul on the day that I was born!)

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Christmas Survey

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?? Hot chocolate! I tried egg nog as a kid and immediately threw up. Not excited to try it again.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps them with specific Santa paper.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? colored on tree, white on house when Paul puts them up (he didn't this year), He likes white lights, we like colored.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, although one year I collected some to sell to the neighbors.
5. When do you put your decorations up? After Thanksgiving. They come down Christmas Day. I hate an empty tree and I want it down before my B-day on the 29th.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Ham with delicious honey glaze.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Staying awake all night because I was so excited to get my presents.
8. When and how did you learn there was no Santa? I noticed that Santa had the same wrapping paper as us. Seemed weird. I continued to pretend for a couple of years in order not to hurt my mom's feelings.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? no.
10. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love it if I don't have anywhere to be.
11. Can you ice skate? No, I tried and thought the blades should at least be in the ice not on top, too scary and my ankles are too weak.
12. (this one was lost in copy/paste)
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My pink bike
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with family
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?Bar Cookies
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Hanging out with family opening presents Christmas morning and playing with the toys all day
17. What tops your tree? Glittery star
18. Which do you prefer: Giving or Receiving? Both. It is especially fun watching the kids open their gifts from us.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Mary, Did you Know? by Kenny Rodgers and Winona
20. Candy Canes- love em or leave em? leave them, I prefer chocolate.
21. Favorite Christmas movie? Charlie Brown Christmas Special

And there is contact.....

I am so excited. I received word this afternoon that Delaney's birthmother asked about her back in September 2003. She was basically told that Delaney was doing well and living in America.

Yesterday, Delaney's (birth) maternal grandmother has contacted the agency for an update. She was given the letters and pictures I have sent to Delaney's file in Korea.

I am waiting for the okay to write to her.

I would love to be able to give Delaney the opportunity to meet her birth family in the future if she so desires.

I would love to at least have a picture of her birthmother. I know she must be gorgeous.

I never felt that we would have any luck finding her birthparents since they both have VERY common last names in Korea.

Look Mommy!!

Delaney loves rainbows and is always excited when she spots one. Look at the beauty that she spotted tonight.

SEOUL SURVIVOR!

Survior was great this season. I think it is my second favorite season. It is going to be hard to top Australia Survivor.

This year started with controversy since the teams were divided into racial groups. They eventually merged.

Out of the top three, two were Asian Americans.

Yul was great. So was second place winner, Ozzie. I was really torn between which one I wanted to win. Ozzie is hispanic.

Yul pretty much was the mastermind, Ozzie the physical winner of the game.

Yul has said often that he hopes he provides a role model to other Asian Americans. He stated that he didn't have any role models growing up that looked like him.

He was born in NY but his family is Korean.

School Party

Yesterday was Joshua's last day of school for the year. He woke me up before the alarm went off complaining of an ear ache. He has been congested for about three weeks even with consistent doses of decongestants.

I gave him some Tylenol and sent him on his way. Less than an hour into the school day, I received a call from school. He was still hurting. He didn't care that there was a party, he wanted to come home. I figured it must be serious.

We went to the doctor and he was diagnosed with a sinus and ear infection. Hello antibiotics for 10 days.

He felt a little better in time for the party so we decided to attend it. The doctor had said it would be fine if he felt up to it.

He feels much better today.

Christmas at Papa's and Nana's house

Since my brother and his family are traveling this Christmas, we had our get together last night.

We had Pizza and then opened presents. The kids had blast. They were a bit over the top on their enthusiasm.

AWANAS

Here is my little Cubbie in her Cubbies group. Aren't they cute!

Quote of the week

If men are to respect each other for what they are, they must cease to respect each other for what they own. ---A.J.P. Taylor (1906-1990)

The Holiday!

I went out with a friend the other night and we went to eat at Fish Daddy's and then to see the movie The Holiday. It was a very cute movie. Very much a chick flick but a good movie none the less. I think guys might enjoy it just because of Cameron Diaz.

I have never thought of Jude Law as sexy much less a handsome man. Let me just say, the guy he played in the movie was Very sexy.

I wonder how many people actually swap homes as in the movie. It is a neat idea! Anyone up for the Heart of America area? House comes complete with two children and a dog as well. Just Kidding!!

Do I have an accent???

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland   "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The South
The West
The Inland North
The Northeast
Philadelphia
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Very Interesting! I studied drama as a teenager, and attempted to get rid of any accent I had.

I have been asked by many a patient at work, "Where are you from originally?". They say that I don't sound like I am from Oklahoma originally.

I grew up with a mom that says, "Warshing machine" or "warshrag". I have asked her several times,"Exactly, how is that spelled???"

Photo For Friday

Bye- Bye Ballerina

Delaney's last Ballet/ Tap class was yesterday. The parents were able to sit in and watch the lesson. It was cute to watch them perform little routines.

Delaney decided half way through the lessons that she wanted to do gymnastics instead. I tend to agree with her, she is more of a gymnastics gal.

I did gymnastics as a little girl so I am also more familiar with it than with dance.

In January, she will start gymastics once again. She had gotten pretty good at it before plus she has friends there.

Christmas Party

The Ladies on my shift at the hospital had a party last Saturday. Since we work 3-11, we had the party in the morning.

We went to IHOP for breakfast and then went to Purple Glaze.

It sounded like something the kids would enjoy so I took them along.

The kids had a blast at the Purple Glaze. Delaney chose to paint a horse, Joshua painted an elephant and I painted a cross. They also picked out what they wanted to do on our next visit. Delaney wants to have her birthday party there as well.

Happy Fourth Gotcha Day!

On December 13th, 2002, I flew home with my baby girl! What a dream come true!

It is so hard to believe that it has been 4 years already! What a blessing she has been to us.

Quote of the week

Use life to provide something that outlasts it.

B.C. Forbes- Founder of Forbes Magazine

Photo For Friday

My Angels!

Quote of the week

Somehow, not only for Christmas,  
But all the long year through, 
The joy that you give to others,  
Is the joy that comes back to you.  
And the more you spend in blessing,  
The poor and lonely and sad,  
The more of your heart's possessing,  
Returns to you glad. 
~John Greenleaf Whittier

One Word

One word.....

Found this on Maryland Mom's blog. Answer with one word. Let me know if you post your answers on your blog.

1. Yourself: Loyal

2. Your spouse: Loving

3. Your hair: Longer

4. Your mother: Compassionate

5. Your father: Golfer

6. Your favorite item: Books

7. Your dream last night: Strange

8. Your favorite drink: Water

9. Your dream car: Lamborghini

10. The room you are in: Office

11. Your ex: Cheapskate

12. Your fear: Snakes

13. What you want to be in 10 years: Healthy

14. Who you hung out with last night: Joshua

15. What you're not: Liar

16. Muffins: Cheesecake

17: One of your wish list items: Italy

18: Time: Bedtime
19. The last thing you did: Read

20. What you are wearing: Sweats

21. Your favorite weather: Fall

22. Your favorite book: Where the Red Fern Grows

23. The last thing you ate: Caramel corn

24. Your life: Busy

25. Your mood: Content

26. Your best friend: Caring

27. What you're thinking about right now: Bed

28. Your car: Odyssey

29. What you are doing at the moment (other than the quiz): Relaxing

30. Your summer: Humid

31. Your relationship status: Splendid

32. What is on your TV: News

33. What is the weather like: Freezing

34. When was the last time you laughed: Today

Snow Day

Today was our first "snow" day. We don't get many in Oklahoma. Basically when it is sleeting or snowing, the town shuts down. We just don't have the equipment or manpower to take care of icy roads.

The kids were excited to have a day off.

The problem is: we have ice not snow! It has been sleeting for the last 24 hours. We are suppose to get snow later today. We may get 4-8inches which is a lot for us. Areas of Oklahoma are actually having BLIZZARD warnings? Wow, that is basically unheard of.

The Christmas parade on Saturday has already been cancelled. Yeah, We are basically wimps here when it comes to cold weather.

The kids are so excited and have played outside a little but it doesn't make for good snowmen or snow angels. They so want to play in it but the pelting sleet makes for a very cold and somewhat painful play time.

We had friends from the neighborhood over earlier to get rid of some of the boredom.

As for me, I am enjoying a relaxing day inside without a place to go.

Trimming the Tree

One of the first purchases that Paul and I made as a couple was our first Christmas tree. We had the tree for 14 years. I noticed last Christmas that it had seen better days.

We bought a new tree for this year. When we saw it, we knew that it was the tree that we wanted. It has the larger bulbs on it, Joshua really liked it.

Last night we put it up and the kids decorated it. They were so excited and had a lot of fun.

I am not sure how many times, Delaney asked, "Is it Christmas?" and I explained that it wasn't yet.

This morning, Delaney ran in to my room saying, "Momma, you tricked me! We put up the tree and Santa didn't come."

She is so excited this year for Christmas, but she doesn't quite get the concept yet. Maybe she thought if we "Built it, they would come".

Quote of the week

Our pastor said these quotes in his sermon on Sunday. I thought it was excellent in defining friendship.

A friend is one that comes in when the whole world has gone out

He also quoted:

I went into the world to find a friend and found none, I went out into the world to be a friend and found many.

Photo For Friday

Pumpkin Bread

Here is Joshua making his Pumpkin Bread! We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Soccer Fall 2006

Fall soccer season is now over. The team made great improvements over the year.

I love the silly picture...too cute!

Thankful!

This time of year is obviously a good time to reflect on all the things we are greatful about. I can honestly say, this has been the best season of my life. I am very content and want for nothing. I am blessed with my family and friends.

Flash back two years ago, I went through the worst season of my life. I was literally close to an emotional breakdown. There was no specific situation causing the stress in my life, but I was enduring a season of turmoil both mentally and physically. After counseling, medication and choosing to work on myself and my coping/ spiritual skills, I begin to heal and find peace.

I am much healthier and happier which in turn makes my family healthier and happier.

I have two dear friends that are now going through their own worst seasons of life. I pray that the season passes quickly for them. Let there be peace and healing in their lives so they once again can be in a great season of their lives. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thursday Night Out

I met a few friends for dinner last night at Los Cabos. Great food and great conversation= Great night.

Paul took the kids out to McDonald's and then to see Flushed Away. Quality time with ones children = priceless!

Happy Feet

This looks like such a cute movie!!! I saw the previews and it looks like a must see!

BUSY LIFE

My blog posts have been pretty sporadic. You can usually tell when I have a relaxing morning off, usually Fridays.

I have been busy with life in general. Life tends to stretch one pretty thin if you allow it.

I am not only working at the hospital on the weekends, and Dillon work at home during the week but I am also learning to place PICC lines in patients. I am basically on call throughout the day to go in for training. I am only two PICC placements away from being certified to place them by myself.

These appear to be the wave of the future as far as IVs, especially in long term therapies.

In addition to work related business, we have after school activities, church activities and holiday activities. Of course there is also family and friend time.

I am not complaining as I know I am very blessed with family, friends and work. I do find it difficult sometimes to get in time to blog as well. Be patient, a post will appear but usually not daily.

MOPS

My friend, Brandi, had asked me to come to her MOPS group for some time. It was on Tuesdays and at the time I was working at the Dillon office on that day.

Once summer hit, I was no longer able to work in the office.
I no longer had an excuse not to attend. It really didn't interest me. Why would I want to go there when I was able to go home and get some things done without the kids around? I decided that I owed her to at least try it. If I didn't like it, then I could say, "I gave it a chance, it is not for me."

I went to the my first meeting, nothing ventured - nothing gained! Well, I loved it!!

We have a great breakfast, do fun crafts, have spiritual discussions and videos and get to fellowship! If you have a group in your area, I encourage you to try it out. You can check to see if there is one in your area by checking out MOPS

Thanks Brandi!

Grow Conference

I attend the Grow conference last Friday. It was a conference about how people grow spiritually. It was presented by Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend.

Cloud and Townsend are the authors of the book that has changed my life, "Boundaries" and other great books such as "Who's Pushing Your Buttons".

Our Life Support groups and Sunday school at my church Arrow Heights Baptist Church

These studies have truly changed my life and have made me a much happier and healthier person. I highly recommend their books.

Thanksgiving Feast

It was Thanksgiving feast day at Delaney's school. The 4 year olds sang 6 songs for us.

The day before Delaney made pumpkin bread for her teachers. We attached a photo with the bread wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving. My group leader at MOPS suggested the gifts for Thanksgiving to me. She had a point when she said that the teachers get bombarded at Christmas with gifts, but not Thanksgiving. We are very thankful for the great teachers our children have. Joshua will make his bread next week. Delaney is out for Thanksgiving break as of yesterday. Joshua's last day is next Tuesday.

Photo For Friday

Joshua's school has Donuts for Dad day every year. I love the pictures that I get from there of my two men.

Quote of the week

Nobody will believe in you unless you believe in yourself.- Liberace

Photo For Friday- a little late

What If?

I have a couple of friends that are non-believers. We have had many debates on creationism vs. evolution.

This song really made me think. I do believe and have much comfort and hope in "erroring" on the side of believing in God and heaven.

What If?- Nichole Nordeman
What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you're wrong?

Papa and Nana's New Puppy

Introducing Molly!! She is such a sweet puppy!

National Adoption Month

National Adoption Month Events in Tulsa/ Broken Arrow Area


----Sunday, November 5th at 9:15 and 10:30---------
Adoption Awareness Video at Arrow Heights Baptist Church
3201 S. Elm Place (near 101st street South and 161st E. Ave)


-----Monday, November 6th at 6:00-------------------
BA Mayor Richard Carter will present a proclamation declaring Nov. 18th to be Adoption Awareness Day in Broken Arrow.
City Council Meeting, Broken Arrow City Hall
One block east of Main between Dallas and Commercial streets


------Saturday, November 18th from 5pm-8pm-----------
National Adoption Day
Arrow Heights Baptist Church, 5pm-8pm
3201 South Elm Place, Broken Arrow
All Tulsa Area Adoptive Families Invited!
Entertainment! Free Prizes! Clowns! Jupiter Jump! Games!
Potluck Supper - Bring 1 or 2 of your Favorite Dishes!

-----Sunday, November 19th 2006 @6:00 pm-----------
CONCERT @ Arrow Heights Baptist Church
3201 South Elm Place, Broken Arrow
Featuring Becky Wright http://www.beckywrightsongs.com/
performing her award winning adoption song
"Child of My Heart"
and much more great music!

Photo For Friday- a little late

Quote of the week

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~Johann Schiller

Another reason not to buy Heinz Ketchup!

John Kerry told a college crowd Monday: "You know education, if you make the most of it, and you study hard, and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."


NICE!! I am so glad that the majority of America did not want John Kerry as the president. He needs to take his own advice and study a bit harder.

We have soldiers overseas fighting for others freedoms and losing their lives and he has the nerve to insult these honorable men!

As for John and Mrs. Heinz, we do not support you.

Photo For Friday

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Fall Break

We decided to take the opportunity of Fall break to get out of town for some quality family time.

We decided to rent a cabin on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. We enjoyed being away from the hustle and bustle of home life.

We went to Silver Dollar City the first day. It was 77 when we entered the park and probably in the 40s when we left....BRR! Poor Joshua had dressed in shorts.

We had a great time despite the weather. We took a picture in the famous rocking chair. I took the same picture with my mom and brother about 30 years ago. I will have to see if my mom can dig it up for us.

The kids rode some rides and we watched the craftsman make their wares.

The next morning we went fishing for about 20 minutes. Not what we had planned. But it only got up to 42 that day. Plus, with two kids stomping on the dock and yelling back and forth to each other, the fish were't biting. Not even Joshua's popcorn bait :)

We decided to go do some indoor activities. We went to the Titanic museum. We each got a boarding pass on admission (they had the name of an actual passenger). We all survived!!!

We also went to see the IMAX movie, "Mystery of the Nile". It was about an archeological teams trip all the way down the treacherous and dangerous (crocodiles!!) Nile River. It took them about 4 months. It was awesome! The Scenery was beautiful. I don't think Paul was too excited about it but it ended up being his favorite part of the trip.

We met up with my parents and my brother and his family that evening for dinner. My parents are frequent Branson visitors and had also planned a trip to there. My brother decided to join along when he found out we were all going to be there.

We decided to keep our extended family time only to dinner and one evening since we wanted some quality time with just the kids since it is a rare commodity around here. We knew that the focus of the kids would be on each other if we spent the whole time together. I pray every one else understood. With Paul working during the week and me working during the weekend, our family time is limited.

We ate dinner and went to an inside water park. The kids had a blast playing together.


Joshua said that his favorite part was Silver Dollar City, Delaney's was "swimming" and mine was just getting away!

Madonna Adoption

I have mixed thought on this... During my teenage years, I was a huge fan of hers. Some of the more controversial things she has done has made me question her morals and intentions.

I think that the fact that she is making a large donation to help orphaned children is awesome. I think the fact that she is making others know more about this area of the world and its orphans, is also awesome.

I don't like the fact that it appears, they side stepped some rules for her. I hate it when celebrities are excluded from the law (can you say O.J. Simpson??). Okay, this is not that extreme but still a law is a law and should apply to everyone.

Here is a letter from Madonna: If she indeed is following the law then I want to be one of the first to congratulate her on the adoption of her new son!

(CNN) -- The following is the text of the letter Madonna sent news agencies, titled "An Open Letter from Madonna":

My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi. I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter. After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family.

Nevertheless, we have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an l8 month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly.

I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa.

My heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes I have received and I hope the press will allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home.

Madonna Ritchie
October 17, 2006
London, England

Isn't she lovely!

Here are Delaney's pre-school pictures from this year.

Quote of the week

It is great wealth to a soul to live frugally with a contented mind.


A lady at my bible study class just came back from a mission trip from Ethiopia.
She was asked if she felt bad for the people there due to their living conditions.

Her answer was, "No, I feel bad for America." According to her, the people there have next to nothing yet are truly content, loving and full of joy. After God, family is of the utmost importance. Not material things, or wealth!

We could learn a lesson from them. America has lost its focus and for the most part are not content with our lives.

They should be role models for us.

My Lil Salesman....

This was Joshua's first year as a Cub Scout to sale popcorn. I dread fundraisers. I hate asking people to buy things but I know that is a part of life if you are involved in different organizations.

Joshua had his eye on the prize he wanted.. a telescope. He worked hard going door to door and he met his goal! He will be getting the telescope he wanted for all of his hard work.