To Vietnam, China and Back.

5.19.11

2011-05-19T06:27:00.000-04:00

This is it! I love this blog dearly, but it is time to move on. I hope you will join me over at my new blog. Click HERE to take you there! I want to thank each and every one of you for following our journey, but it doesn't end here. It will continue. I hope to see you there!

XOXO--

5.18.11

2011-05-18T04:41:00.001-04:00

Running actions-

I often have trouble finding an action that works well with Linhsey. I think it's her skin tone. I have all of the Florabella collection and Eye Candy actions, yet I hardly ever get to use them since I am always taking pics of L. There are only 2 or 3 that seem to work with her.

I snuck this quick shot of my niece over the weekend while her daddy was putting her shoes on. She had been jumping on the trampoline.

Here it is SOOC.

Here it is with Florabella's Swoon at 53%.

And here is it again with Florabella's B&W Film. I have been so anxious to use this one and it does NOT work on Linhsey at all.

So what do you think? What actions do you use and what works best with your children?

Lightroom Presets? That's a whole other post!

XOXO--

5.17.11

2011-05-17T04:27:00.000-04:00

More from Sunday.

We walked through our woods to the Peace Garden at the church.

Marissa had a child cut her hair at her school while she was away. We had to get it fixed. It's short.

I would have straightened this image but then the Peace Garden sign would have been cropped out.

Some things never change.

Gotta love it when the littles decide they can't walk any longer.

I have a new blog in the making. Soon I will be posting a link on this one to the new one. I definitely think it is time to move on from this one. The new one will still combine our lives and my photography.

It's exciting!

XOXO--

5.16.11

2011-05-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

She's home!

Linhsey was so excited to go to the airport to pick up her sister on Saturday. Only problem is TSA changed their rules and would only let Mike through security to wait at the gate for Marissa.
L and I waited at the food court.

And then finally they arrived.

And then she laid eyes on me. Look at the sweet look L has while looking at M.

She lost some teeth.

And then it was a weekend of children playing.

Sisters and cousins.

And today it is back to work for Mike and back to school for the kids.

I needed a little time to recover!

XOXO--

5.12.11

2011-05-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

Is that shirt just darling? Love the camera and strap. What I love even more is that she spotted it first and asked for it! It's from CrewCuts (J Crew Kids). She picked out a necklace too. *Gasp* How girly of her! It's a bicycle. So perfect. So L.

XOXO--

5.11.11

2011-05-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

XOXO--

5.9.11

2011-05-09T10:29:00.000-04:00

It's that time of the year again! Mother's Day weekend is the opening weekend for our local farmer's market. I think we have been counting down to this moment just about all winter long. In fact, this may be the one thing that got us through the winter, knowing that fresh organic fruit, veggies, and vegan treats were in the future again.

I upgraded to LR3 half way through editing these picture and now I am having trouble with the size of them.

Watching the train go by is always a highlight for L.

Guess what begins next weekend?

Racetrack season!

Bring on the horse races!

How did you spend your weekend?

XOXO--

5.6.11

2011-05-06T16:35:00.000-04:00

What are your Mother's Day plans this weekend? We hope to get some planting done for starters.

XOXO--

5.4.11

2011-05-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

Love to all!

XOXO--

5.3.11

2011-05-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

What? Don't you have lollipops with your tea?

This little girl has no idea that her sister is about to come home.

In 11 more days they will be reunited. That's if everything goes as planned. We are ready on our end.

Ready as we can be.

To be honest, her current location has not been ideal. It has not been what they have claimed to be. It appears they are doing the opposite of what they said they would do.

Marissa's school here in NJ is ready.

They are supportive.

Her 504 Plan is back in place.

The thing I hope for the most....

is that Marissa will be a sister to Linhsey.

I can deal with whatever else comes our way out of this. But that?

That's important to me.

XOXO--

4.30.11

2011-04-30T04:28:00.001-04:00

Well why don't you just go ahead and take my breath away?

Oh wait, you did that already.

Well how about you steal my heart?

That's already been done too.

I did it! 30 posts in 30 days! Go Salsa Spring Fling!

XOXO--

4.29.11

2011-04-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

What do you do when it's in the 70's and beautiful outside?

Today I took Linhsey to the beach after I picked her up from school.

It was gorgeous out. No humidity, waves, surfers to watch, salty air.

She thoroughly enjoyed herself digging, shells, eating, slides and swings.

What have you all been doing to enjoy this spring weather?

Post 29 in the Salsa Spring Fling!

XOXO--

4.28.11

2011-04-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

4.27.11

2011-04-27T04:27:00.005-04:00

Her beginnings.

Linhsey has been talking about adoption, Vietnam, and babies in tummies daily now.

She's trying to make sense of it all.

She brings it up when it is least expected.

This morning I tried reading her bits and pieces of the book When You Were Born in Vietnam. She kept thinking the book was only about her. She kept looking for herself in the pictures and even me and Mike. She was happy to listen to it though. She was interested.

This is something we will definitely be getting deeper into over the upcoming summer months.

Post 27 in the Salsa Spring Fling.

XOXO--

4.26.11

2011-04-26T03:14:00.001-04:00

This is how we got our drinking water in Tennessee.

Is this cool?!

The rainwater runs down the mountain, and the rocks filter it.

Can you tell how excited Mike was to be able to do this?

In fact we all thought it was pretty exciting.

Nana held Linhsey's hand so she didn't fall in from sheer excitement.

Even Gene couldn't resist.

It tasted great!

XOXO--

4.25.11

2011-04-25T06:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we gathered up some littles and had an egg hunt. The weather was BEAUTIFUL. Mid-upper 80's.

See the bare hill in this image? Mike raked it yesterday, and Linhsey and I planted wildflower seeds all over it. I can't wait to see what comes up!

Can I dress Gene like this again?

Linhsey's skin got extremely dark from being out in the sun yesterday. It's so beautiful.

Of course there were wardrobe changes once the hose came out.

See that stick on the ground near her? That's her Power Ranger something or other thingy ma-bob. Whatever it is, it's important.

It was a very relaxing, enjoyable day with part of our family. Nana and Linhsey started the seeds for our garden.

Can't wait!

What did you do for Easter?

Post # 25 Spring Fling

XOXO--

4.24.11

2011-04-24T19:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

Post # 24 in the Salsa Twins Spring Fling!

XOXO--

4.23.11

2011-04-23T12:52:00.001-04:00

My muse.

Clearly it's not hard to guess that sweet L is my muse. If not for her I don't think I would have the inspiration to fuel this photography journey I am on.

If you have never been to Nancy's blog, which I'm sure you have because who hasn't?! she's awesome, please check her out. If I had a picture of Nancy I might even post her as my muse because she's that awesome. This is my entry (my late entry) in her first contest she is holding.

XOXO--

4.22.11

2011-04-22T18:48:00.000-04:00

Home sweet home.

Although we don't have this in Jersey.

My moody teen became a boy again in Tennessee.

He did things other than video games. He got fresh air!

He.....

SMILED.

We all did.

XOXO--

4.21.11

2011-04-21T04:21:00.001-04:00

# 21 Spring Fling

This sweet girl is looking for her Nana here. Nana was out of her sight and she worried.

We've been away in Tennessee since last Saturday. I made all of my recent posts the night before we left so that I could still participate in the Salsa Twin's Spring Fling. My posts should be back to normal tomorrow, and hopefully with some interesting photos! I can't wait to see what I captured!

XOXO--

4.20.11

2011-04-20T04:17:00.001-04:00

# 20 for the Spring Fling

The Egg Hunt

XOXO--

4.19.11

2011-04-19T04:10:00.001-04:00

# 19 in the Spring Fling

I think I'm missing Gene being a little boy lately.

Linhsey's egg hunt at school was also pajama day. Do you have any idea how much she was looking forward to this? Not because she has a favorite pair of PJ's. Oh no. It was because she remembers that the year before last Marissa had pajama day at school. She thought it was the coolest thing ever that M got to do this. Last year when L finally had her very own pajama day...she was SICK and couldn't make it. She still talks about it. She was so thrilled to be able to participate this year. Gene was always too shy to participate in any PJ day or spirit week at school.

Do your kids love it or shy away from it?

XOXO--

4.18.11

2011-04-18T04:06:00.001-04:00

# 18 in the Spring Fling

I should be embarrassed to post this image, but L thinks her Daddy is cool....heh.

XOXO--

4.17.11

2011-04-17T04:02:00.001-04:00

# 17 in the Spring Fling

The love of L's life (aside from JB).

L- Mama? Do you know why I love Chase and he's my boyfriend?
Me- No Linhs, tell me.
L- Because the very first time I saw him I wanted to be his friend.

Love at first sight?

XOXO--

4.16.11

2011-04-16T04:58:00.001-04:00

# 16 in the Spring Fling

XOXO--

4.15.11

2011-04-15T19:56:00.001-04:00

Post 15 in the Salsa Spring Fling

My L appeared to be nervous up so high.

L loves the rides. She likes the thrill. Gene? Not so much. But even L appeared a little nervous up so high on the sky ride!

Do your kids like rides?

XOXO--

XOXO--

4.14.11

2011-04-14T04:09:00.003-04:00

Linhsey had a class trip this week to the aquarium on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant. This was her adorable partner for the trip.

I forgot how amazingly adorable little boys can be. I just have a moody 13 yr old now. But he used to be adorable like this.

Notice she is sitting with only the boys?

This little girl isn't confused about a thing. She knows exactly what she wants to be.

The Red Power Ranger.

The end.

But seriously, she has the whole opening to the Power Rangers memorized. When it comes on she gets her golf club (AKA sword) from Gator Golf, her rain boots (AKA Red Ranger boots) and her hamper (AKA something she needs to battle. It's a bad guy, I guess.) and she acts out the whole scene. Every. Time.

Love that girl!

What shows are your kids into?

XOXO--

4.13.11

2011-04-13T05:57:00.000-04:00

Black & White Wednesday

Linhsey had a really rough afternoon yesterday. She accidentally broke a piggy bank of hers (she has several) and her little heart broke right along with it.

We had a duplicate of it and I immediately cleaned up the mess and replaced it, but it didn't mend her heart. She also has a carved, wooden piggy bank from Vietnam. I explained to her how special it was, and that I thought it was safe for her to hold because it was wood. She began to cry again and said, " What if you have a fire in the fireplace and I am holding it near it and I drop it in by accident? Wood burns in the fire!!!!!!" I quickly told her that if I happened to see her near the fireplace while it was lit, and while she was holding the bank, I would remind her not to get too close.

The whole evening continued like this with her being upset over every, single, thing. I pondered what underlying issue there could be. I know she misses Marissa. We are also leaving for TN soon. She did sneeze a bunch yesterday. I'm just not sure.

I hope today is a better day for her when she wakes up.

These images were taken in the past month or two and had been forgotten. I have a horrible habit of not organizing my images. I really need to work on this!
Post 13 in the Salsa Spring Fling!

The Long Road to China's Black & White Wednesday .

XOXO--

4.12.11

2011-04-12T04:30:00.003-04:00

All it takes is a box.

She played with the box for hours today.

When we went into the basement to workout, the box came. When we went outside to play, the box came. She asked if she could sleep in the box tonight. She even asked if she could bring the box in for show-and-tell at school.

It's a good thing I ordered 3 pairs of boots! Poor L would have been so bored otherwise.

Post 12 in Salsa Twins Spring Fling !

Linking up with Communal Global .

XOXO--

4.11.11

2011-04-11T09:36:00.000-04:00

Is this normal?

Love the expressions on their faces! This is what happens when you put peanut butter on the roof of your car, BTW.

They probably shouldn't have left that bag in their trunk.

Safaris are awesome!

Post # 11 in the Salsa Spring Fling.

XOXO--

4.10.11

2011-04-10T06:53:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday, and today we are going to Great Adventure!
Yesterday we hung out around the house and did some yard work.

She was digging in our garden bed here, but looked so beautiful I had to capture it.

Yard work turns into walking to the Peace Garden, checking on the fish in the pond there, and climbing trees.

On the way back through the woods Mike decided to grab some stuff that may help out in lighting the firepit. Linhsey was excited until.....

She heard her Daddy yell, " OWWW!".

Just a splinter! Walking through the woods back home then led to baseball. This girl can hit a ball!

Do you think the boys will mind if she's on their team?

This was post number 10 in the Spring Fling by Do They Have Salsa in China?

XOXO--

4.9.11

2011-04-09T17:15:00.000-04:00

L's Hip Hop

XOXO--

4.8.11

2011-04-08T04:32:00.003-04:00

Eggs.

Right now it's all about the Easter eggs in our house. There are numerous hunts occurring each day.

Some hunts are inside. Some are outside.

Have you all heard of the beautiful and extremely talented Sheye Rosemeyer? I have the honor of taking her Evolve workshop this month!
I am so excited! Sheye is the creator of Eye Candy Actions. I sure hope to be getting my hands on some after this class. If you haven't checked out Sheye's photo blog, then what are you waiting for?!

Now go ahead sweet girl. Make a wish with that tiny pink flower in your hand.

I hope it comes true!

P.S. All wishes came true in the above post. Sweet L wished for an egg hunt outside, and an egg hunt outside she received!

Until tomorrow!

XOXO--

4.7.11

2011-04-07T04:15:00.003-04:00

ISO 640 , 1.8 , 1/100
Processed in LR with a hint of blueberry

I've been taking a lot of shots of L at our dining room table lately.

It's raining out. It's gloomy. We play a lot of board games each day at the table.

Her beauty is too hard to resist for me. I had to bribe her with this lollipop so I could capture her!

I'm number 264 on the i Heart Faces Best Face contest. Please vote if you love L's face! Thank you!

XOXO--

4.6.11

2011-04-06T04:00:00.001-04:00

Black & White Wednesday

Sometimes I take a picture of Linhsey and it NEEDS to be in B&W. There is just no other way. It was meant for it. There have been pictures that I was ready to trash, and then last minute converted them to B&W, and fell in love. This time, I love this series in color. Tomorrow is the color post, and OH MY.

Here's my sweetie going to town on the lollipop I bribed her with.

Love those sticky, drooly, lips.

XOXO--

4.5.11

2011-04-05T04:19:00.000-04:00

She's been a coloring machine the past couple of days. She picked coloring over playing her DS this past weekend. On Sunday I told her she was a genius. She said, " I'm NOT a genius! I just know everything!" She calls me a "Photography". " Mama? Why do you want to be a photography AND a piano teacher?" She told us she misses the sound of her big sister's voice and can't remember what it sounds like. That broke my heart. I emailed Marissa's school and asked the director if he could work with Marissa on the important role of being a big sister. 6 more weeks and she comes home.

Linhsey is an old soul at heart.

XOXO--

4.4.11

2011-04-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

I'm signing up with the Salsa Twins and M3 and doing Spring Fling this month. A post each day for 30 days!

Today cousin A came over and the girls got to play outside in the beautiful 75 degree weather!

Poor Linhs has a sore waist from all of the hooping, which now turned into double hooping, and a blister on her hand from hardcore drumming!

Gene's drumset got upgraded at Christmas, and Linhsey has now inherited his original set. She is beyond anxious to take lessons. She also informed me yesterday that she wants a pet bunny rabbit that she will name "Rock-n-Roll".

Maybe my dad and Mike can build Rock-n-Roll a nice rabbit hutch????

XOXO--

4.4.11

2011-04-04T10:16:00.000-04:00

It's the People's Choice over at i Heart Faces this week. For your image to qualify it needs to have been taken in March. This is one of my favorites of Linhsey in March!

XOXO--

4.3.11

2011-04-03T06:27:00.000-04:00

Linhsey had her hip hop class yesterday. She really enjoys it. They are practicing for a recital.

See that boy in the background? That's Jack, but Linhsey thinks he looks like Justin B. Jack is helping out the dance teacher for a few weeks because she had surgery. Linhsey said: I just can't keep my eyes off of him!

Jack knows how to shake it. That boy can DANCE. Linhsey grins the whole time when he's in the room.

When the teacher asked Linhsey and the other little girl in the class what artist they wanted to dance to for the recital, they both replied with Justin B. When JB got turned down, Linhsey's next answer was "Chase". Ummm, Chase doesn't sing. He's 4 and in her regular school class!

The other day Linhsey asked me if she could borrow my wedding dress and if Chase could borrow Mike's suit. They're getting married.

I guess she does have a smidgen of girliness in her after all!

XOXO--

4.2.11

2011-04-02T03:47:00.003-04:00

So far I am really enjoying my new 5D Mark II. I haven't really had an opportunity to take it outdoors. It's been cold again. It's been raining, even a little snow here and there. But I have been able to take some decent indoor shots.

I've only been doing very minor tweaks to my images in LR since using the 5D Mark II. For these images my exposure was 1/80 (I normally don't go that low), aperture was 1.6, and ISO was 500. I used my 50mm 1.4 lens. There was hardly any light coming in because it is raining and gloomy today. It would have been difficult for me to get an image like this with my Rebel. I would have taken some, and then decided not to post them due to their poor quality. I'm really looking forward to taking my baby outside this spring! We are visiting my Granny and Uncle in Tennessee this month, and I hope I can capture a lot of new stuff. Road trip!

We are expecting it to be in the 50's on Sunday. Woot! Mike and I hope to build our second raised garden bed. We built our first one last spring using the Pioneer Woman's directions. When we return from TN my mom and Linhsey will start the seeds. I'm SO excited!

What do you grow in your garden?

XOXO--

4.1.11

2011-04-01T03:34:00.003-04:00

This post was brought to you by the letters A, M, and T.

Those stand for Attitude, Miserable, and Teenager.

I'm not talking about this attitude.

I'm talking about THIS one.

See that look of misery on his face. It's there ALL. THE. TIME. If I could capture his tone of voice in a picture I would too! Why did he have to turn 13? Why? His teenage hormones make him mean, not fun to be around, and just plain yucky most of the time. There's still a little boy inside of him though. There are these passing moments where he will still grab my hand out in public, lean his head on my shoulder, and dare I say....smile. It's like there is some unwritten teenage law for him where if you start to crack a smile, you must quickly stop it and replace it with the misery look.

And if he knew I used these pictures (which were darn near TORTURE to get)for my blog, I'm not sure what he would do!

This is where she told me Gene had a much better attitude when he was 7. Too bad she didn't even know him then!

Any advice?

I wish I could type " April Fools!" at the end here.

XOXO--

3.31.11

2011-03-31T02:29:00.015-04:00

Linhsey and I love to go to the bookstore.

This one has a stage, and when no one is looking, she will put on a show for me.

She's getting more and more shy about it as she gets older.

I love when I can grab a few books for myself, sit down at the kids table, and L can take in the sights of all of the books around her. Of course I always read her a few while we are there.

She always tries out the toys too.

Does this girl know how to have fun, or what?

XOXO--

3.30.11

2011-03-30T04:15:00.002-04:00

She is changing so much.

Do you remember she used to have curls? It's true! She did. Her hair has been straight all winter. I know the upcoming summer humidity will curl it some, but not like it used to.

And finally her hair is growing! I have been waiting years for her hair to grow.

Anything changing on your growing children?

XOXO--

3.29.11

2011-03-29T07:11:00.001-04:00

So the i Heart Faces theme, A Slice of Life, got me thinking this week. I thought I would show you some of the every days shots I get around here.

This was L and her pals over the weekend.

Here's the tent we set up for when L's cousins A & M came over.

And here's a series from yesterday when L and I went for a walk in the woods. We found 2 daffodils and decided to pick them for our house.

This is where I told her it was okay to pick them.

Here she was realizing it wasn't easy.

And here is where she told me her muscles weren't big enough to pick those daffodils.

And do you know what this is?

That was the school bus that she makes frequently with our dining room chairs, only this time she has a hula-hoop for the steering wheel. I went on many rides yesterday in this bus!

So go on! Share a slice of your life!

XOXO--

3.28.11

2011-03-28T13:54:00.000-04:00

A "Slice of Life" is the theme at i Heart Faces this week.

I had such a difficult time choosing a photo for this. There were so many that I wish I could have used. I chose this one because this was taken at the Peace Garden in the church parking lot through our backyard woods. The Peace Garden is such a big part of our lives since we moved to this house. This was after a summer thunderstorm, and well, walking through a puddle barefoot in the summer seemed like a perfect "slice of life" to me.

XOXO--

3.25.11

2011-03-25T09:44:00.000-04:00

This post today is to document that this little girl

is now the hula hoop master!

Or as L put it, she has "mad hula hooping skills".

One more cute conversation. When my camera was being delivered it required a signature. While pondering how I would run my errands that day, Gene chimed in and ever so graciously offered to stay home from school, and sign for my package so I can do all of the things I needed to do. Funny. So I thanked him for being so kind and considerate. Linhsey heard all of this and came to me crying. " Gene in NOT all of those things! All he does is sit and play Xbox all day!" I tried to tell her I was just joking with Gene, well because she was right. That seems to be all he does. She was so jealous!

I suppose his Xbox playing is still okay for now. Report cards came out yesterday and my 7th grader got all A's and A+'s , even in his advanced classes.

So proud.

L hula hooped so much that her waist is sore! What new things are your kids mastering these days?

XOXO--

3.23.11

2011-03-23T13:12:00.000-04:00

* It snowed while I slept last night

* I didn't really sleep last night.

* Linhsey kicked me all night, and socked me in the eye one time.

* Marissa is coming home May 14th.

* Things haven't really worked out with her school, and we need to prepare ourselves for what the outcome of this may be.

* I ordered my Canon 5D Mark II !

* I'm waiting for it to arrive right now.

* Linhsey slept at my parent's house Monday night. She got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. It got quiet. My mom went in there to check on her. She was sleeping on the toilet. My mom called her name and asked if she was okay. Linhsey said, " I'm waiting for Spongebob to wipe me!" Then she went back to sleep. On the toilet. Once they were walking back to the bedroom Linhsey got teary eyed and said, " Nana, don't give away my clothes that don't fit me. Save them for my baby." What baby L? " My baby I'm having soon!"

* Apparently I'm going to be a Nana myself soon.

* It came!

* Now what? How do I use it?

* It was in the 70's last week.

* I made falafel for the first time today. I'm bringing it to my friend's house tonight. It's yummy.

I'm out!

XOXO--

3.16.11

2011-03-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

Black & White Wednesday.

Today as she shut the bathroom door she told me she just needed some privacy. Well okay then. Not much I can say to that.

The other day she informed me she was watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid. That's strange, I thought to myself. As I walked into the room I realized she was doing exactly what she told me she was, but there was one problem.

It was in Spanish!

And now it is her new favorite movie.

The English version.

XOXO--

3.15.11

2011-03-15T14:08:00.001-04:00

Kindergarten.

Today I registered my baby for Kindergarten.

How did this happen?

Either way, it's settled.

We both agreed that on September 1rst we will not be celebrating her 5th birthday.

She agreed to stay little. She said we can celebrate her 3rd or 2nd birthday.

That's a much better plan. Who needs Kindergarten anyway?

XOXO--

3.12.11

2011-03-12T15:06:00.001-05:00

We have some school/Marissa stuff going on right now. I haven't felt up to posting. I appreciate all of your support and kind comments you left in my last post about Marissa. I haven't brought my camera out for over a week. I can't believe I missed this past B&W Wednesday!

The sun is shining today. It's 60 degrees. Today I am feeling a sense of peace and acceptance as to where we are and where we may be going.

XOXO--

3.02.11

2011-03-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

Click HERE to view other B&W's from all around the world!

XOXO--

2.28.11

2011-02-28T07:07:00.000-05:00

i{heart}faces .

Theme- Anything but a face .

I took this image in Central Park, NYC in the fall. It was during a stressful time in our lives, and Mike and I were given the perfect day to just be and explore Central Park. We still talk about this day. We think back to it often, and remind ourselves of it when times are tough. It was our first time going to the city without a plan. We are normally so rushed when we go there so that we can make it to all of the places on our list. This day was different. This day it seemed as though time did not exist.
We saw so many unique sights in Central Park that day. This was a bride running up the steps. At first glance I thought she was the one with the balloons, but if you look closely you will see they do not belong to her. I just think everything fell into place on this impromptu shot on that perfect day.
This image makes me happy.

There are many images that will make you happy, so go on over to i{heart}faces and check them out!

XOXO--

Marissa 2.26.11

2011-02-26T06:49:00.000-05:00

A blog I follow, Storing Up Treasures, posted the following post. I don't think she could have written it any better. It is not that I have come to this decision, but yes, we have discussed many different "what ifs?" , scenarios, call them what you like, since Marissa went to her school in November.

A blog I follow, Storing Up Treasures,
It is so easy to look at someone else's life and judge. It is much harder to walk in their shoes and continue on judging.

I have had to learn many, many times that until I am living it, I cannot and never will be able to understand someone else's journey. And even if I have a similar life experience as someone else, I still may not understand. I am not living their story, walking their journey.

You may look at someone who is disrupting an adoption with all kinds of judgement. You may not understand it. You may wonder how someone could do it. And having been on both sides of that fence, I can tell you that disruption is so complex. It is far more difficult to understand if you are not living it.

I have often heard people use statements such as "If it were your biological child would you disrupt?"

Biological children are given up or placed elsewhere all of the time. For many reasons. After all if biological children were NOT given up, adoption would NOT exist. However, I also need to add that comparing a healthy biological child to a traumatized adopted child is not fair. Most of us parent our biological children from the moment they are born in such a way that they are safe, secure, and nurtured. We spend an exuberant amount of time and energy ensuring they have all of their needs met. We cuddle, rock, soothe. We provide nourishment and every level of care for their health and well being.

When we adopt a child at any age, more often than not, we are taking a child that has been subjected to the complete opposite. We take on a child and a mess that we did not create. We take on behavioral issues that resulted from the neglect and abuse at someone else's hands. We did not cause this child to suffer. We did not cause this child to have the many issues they now have. Instead we are faced to pick up the pieces and attempt to put back together what has been badly broken.

It is not a job for the faint of heart.

Most if not all of us go into adoption with the best of intentions. We love children. We want to help. We feel led, called or we just want to share our love. We feel motivated by our faith. We see that there are millions of children who need someone. Someone brave. Someone strong and committed. And so we step forward.

Which is beautiful.

But, even the best of intentions is not always enough.

What about commitment?

Sometimes even commitment is not enough.

I can tell you without a doubt that parents who disrupt did not flippantly make the choice to do so. They did not give up. They did not quit. Nor did they back away from a commitment. They grappled and wrestled. They struggled through more difficulties than you can even begin to imagine. They didn't stop loving or fighting or trying. They are not quitters or weak.

It is not a lack of love that drives them. It is not some easy way out. You cannot begin to fathom the pain that comes with disruption. The heartache, the strife, the loneliness.

And the judgements.

The rampant, harsh judgements.

Would you judge someone for leaving a marriage that was harmful? Would you have the same feelings towards someone who divorces because they or their children were being abused? Would you be so quick to question someone who left a spouse they KNEW needed help they could not themselves provide?

In the same way that when we marry, we take on our spouses pasts, their baggage, and their flaws, adoption is no different. We commit to a child and we take everything they bring with them. Sometimes marriages end because one spouse is too broken to stay. Sometimes marriages end because they are harmful, toxic, and cause the healthy spouse to be in a put in danger. Adoption isn't any different.

Yes, adoption is beautiful. And yes, many children will do well in their adoptive families. Just like many marriages will succeed. Yes, there are children that can be helped and will heal and thrive. And families will stay intact and it will be amazing and good.

And then there will be those that simply cannot survive. There will be those that are faced with trials that you or I cannot even begin to fathom. Lives will be turned upside down. Innocent children will be harmed at the hands of a sick child. Marriages will be torn apart. Families will be financially drained just trying to help the sick one. Every avenue will be explored.

And one day they will make the gut wrenching decision to let a child go. A child that they loved deeply. A child that they had every intention of being committed to forever. Just like any other child on the face of earth, these parents had HOPES and DREAMS for them. They had visions of health and healing.

No parent goes into adoption with the idea of disruption. EVER.

Let me tell you, just to adopt the child took more than most of us have in us. The MOUNDS of paperwork. The MONEY. The TRAVEL. The endless, endless wait. It is more daunting than I care to even explain. No one in their right mind would go through all of that to have it end in disruption.

No one WANTS to disrupt.

So, I am asking you from the bottom of my heart, please, please don't judge someone who is walking this path. Until you have lived it, you will never, ever begin to know the scope of what they are going through.

And just like I said before.... be careful how you judge. It will come back around to you. You may look upon disruption with judgement in your heart now, and then one day find yourself in those very same shoes.
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To be honest, Marissa is doing well because she is thriving in a school where she doesn't have to worry about loving anyone. She feels safe there. That's what RAD is after all. She doesn't call. She doesn't write. We talked to her 2-3 weeks ago, (the first times since Christmas Eve) , and we discussed how she felt about coming home. She wanted to know if it were her choice. She made a little game out of it (as she normally does) when I put the control in her hands (clearly I wasn't thinking), and asked her what her decision would be if it were her choice. Every mother would want to hear, " I want to come home Mommy!" but alas, that is not what she said. It was a painful conversation. I talked to the head person who is working directly with her after this conversation with M. He told us that she shows no preference as to where she is. She is fine with being there. She is trying her best to control and manipulate every single thing during her stay there. Nothing is changing. At all. He also felt that this is who she is. It is engrained in her since she was a baby, and there is no changing it. He said she's the toughest RAD case to crack that he has ever worked with. He didn't even know that she has a China sister, Ruby. A month+ back I was given pictures of Marissa and Ruby in China from when they were younger. Marissa looks to be about 3 in some of these pictures. What a treasure to have. This is something I thought we would never have, after all, she came to us when she turned 8 years old. I was told to send them to Marissa, to try to stir up some type of emotion, anything at all. I did. No reaction.
Her therapist here described Marissa as a feral cat. She told me to leave the kitty under the bed, and go about my life. If the kitty wants to come out, it will. She told me to enjoy and love on the two kitties that DO want my love. How does one do that without thinking of that poor cat under the bed? It's hard. Real hard.
There aren't really hopes of Marissa being able to love us anymore. There aren't really hopes of us being a family. I did have hopes of us being able to function as a family, the best we can, given the circumstances. The problem with that is the way it affects Linhsey. She loves her big sister and can't understand what the problem is. Why is everyone so down on Marissa? Marissa is great! How do you love 2 children, and just let the 3rd one be? How do you spend quality time with 2 children, and just let the 3rd one tag-a-long? Or better yet try to sabotage all of your happiness? How do you remain emotionless and neutral at all times? How do you get other people in your life to understand that she is not what they would consider a "normal child" and to try to treat her that way is an injustice to her?
Yes, I never thought I would make a post like this on my blog. So for those of you that wonder about Marissa, she is doing well at her school and she enjoys it. We need to come to a decision about what our next step is by the end of March.

XOXO--

2.25.11

2011-02-25T14:28:00.000-05:00

Well I suppose my pictures of Linhsey are deceiving, because tall, long, lanky, she is not! I just measured her with a tape measure against the wall and she was about 40 1/2 inches. She weighs around 37 lbs. The jeans she has on in the swing picture are a size 5T, but they are very, very long and need to be cuffed. I mainly buy her 5T because of her weight, definitely not for height.

Linhsey may be only 4 years old, but I swear this little girl has an old soul. Sometimes she seems wise beyond her years. And her emotions? Oh my goodness.

Recently while walking L up to school I noticed she was walking strangely past the basement windows of this old house (her school). I asked her what was the matter. She told me she didn't like to see her reflection in the basement windows. It scared her. I've always known that she doesn't like to look at herself in the mirror. She always seems weird about it. Well this morning I was fixing her hair before school and she backed up into me each time I tried to move her forward. She then burst into tears. It was the traumatic cry that she cannot control. It's the cry that she can't talk about what happened afterward because she will begin to cry each time she tries to speak. Finally, and I do mean finally, she was able to tell me that she didn't want to see her reflection in the mirror. She was scared.
I wish I really knew what this meant.

My Mac plays a slideshow of my pictures everyday once it has been sitting long enough. Last night Linhsey caught eye of a picture of Marissa. She said, " I miss my big sister Marissa. She has skin the color of sand and hair the same color as me." I didn't even know she was aware of skin color or hair color. It always pains me to hear Linhsey talk about Marissa. She loves that girl so much. I only wish the feelings could be returned to her.

XOXO--

2.23.11

2011-02-23T14:36:00.000-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

Linhsey and Gene have been sick on and off for 2 weeks. Last night my parents had L sleep over their house so that Mike and I could sleep, and potentially function today. I think it worked. Thanks Mom!

A couple of cute things I noted in the last week.

L: I wanna be a big kid. You know, I'm bigger than babies. I don't feel like being a baby. It's boring to do all that crawly stuff.

L: My throat is dusty. Someone needs to dust it. {Note to self. If L says her throat is "dusty", she may be getting sick.}

This is her Pirate Wink. It's winking while saying, " Arrrgh, me matey! "

Can I have lips like these? And while we're at it, hair and skin like her too.

And eyes...definitely gotta get me some eyes like these.

If you feel like being inspired, click HERE and check out more B & W entries for today.

Happy Wednesday!

XOXO--

2.17.11

2011-02-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

It's warm today!

L & I jumped on the trampoline.

We went on the swings.

We walked in the woods.

We turned on the waterfall in the backyard and threw rocks in it.

L rode her bike.

She wiggled on her Wiggle Racer.

She skateboarded.

But the best part of the day happened in the first 5 minutes of being outside on the trampoline. As L was jumping she shouted " Best ! Day ! EVER ! " {just like in the movie Tangled} and she meant it!

So Winter we just have one thing to say to you.

STOP right there!

It can't always be your time to shine Winter. Move on over and let Spring in!

Tomorrow it is supposed to be even warmer, and then, well I don't want to talk about the next few days after that. I choose not to believe what I'm hearing. {Fingers in ears} La La La. I can't hear you!

XOXO--

2.16.11

2011-02-16T00:42:00.002-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

* The days are getting longer.

* It's light outside {finally} when Gene is waiting for the bus in the morning.

* It's almost light still when Mike gets home from work {darn commute}.

* I see some grass {bye bye snow}.

* Linhsey had her first stomach virus Saturday night, and just to make sure she wasn't left out she left her mark on our bed like Gene used to. {Why do all children vomit on our bed?!}

* Yes, you read that right. Linhsey has never thrown up for us until this past Saturday.

* Yes, I know I am lucky.

* My parents took L to see the JB movie while we took Gene and his friend to see the Coral Reef Imax movie. Poor L actually thought JB would be there...at the movie...for her.

* My parents gave L the newest Kid's B*p CD and I walked into her room today to find her standing on her bed {back turned to me} dancing and singing into her microphone to Katy P*rry.

*The sun light in my house has changed the past few days. It's different. I like it. It's sunny.

Check out the other B&W Wednesday participants. There are some really talented photographers and bloggers out there. I have a few new favorites. Did you ever visit a blog that you instantly fell in love with and wonder why they hardly have any comments because you think they are terrific?

I have.

XOXO--

2.15.11

2011-02-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

i{heart}faces Red

This week the photo challenge is in support of Go Red for Women.

It encourages the awareness of the issue with women and heart disease.

Click HERE to go to i{heart}faces.

XOXO--

2.14.11

2011-02-14T20:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

Linhsey informed me she has three boyfriends. Three. Chase, Garrett, and Justin B.

Gene just hugged me and told me I was his Valentine. : )

I hope you all had a great day!

XOXO--

2.11.11

2011-02-11T18:06:00.000-05:00

While sleeping over Nana and Poppa's house the other night, L casually explained to my mom how one day my mom would watch L's children while she went out to dinner with her husband.

Did I mention she told Nana she was going to have eight children?

She quickly went on to inform my mom that some of the children would have to sleep in my parents bed too!

And has anyone seen Justin B. on the cover of Vanity F*ir? Linhsey has her own copy of it. She was rather upset about the lipstick kisses all over him though. She told me that they weren't from her, but that she could just pretend to wipe them off and put her own there. She is quite anxious to go see his movie.

Eight children and Justin B..... She's growing up...but at the same time I was holding her today and she said, " Okay, I'll stay little and won't grow any more. "

Thank you L !

XOXO--

2.09.11

2011-02-09T05:44:00.000-05:00

Some of the things L says are just too cute to correct. She has watched the Toy Story movies so many times, and she calls the pig, " Evil Dr. Pork-chox. " When I used the correct name of pork-CHOP she quickly corrected me. " Not CHOP,it's pork-chox...like box but chox." Ooops, my bad! In the beginning she would say " Evil Dr. Porkchuck."

I have small pieces of paper in the kitchen and on my desk that I quickly jot down some of the cute things I want to remember. For example, when she came home from Nana's house the other morning after a sleepover, I asked her if she had breakfast. She answered, " All I had was a big, junky, old waffle." And even though Nana gave her a big-junky-old waffle for breakfast, L made sure to watch Nana pull away that morning, and as she did she said with a smile, " Nana is full of love."

Click HERE to view more Black & White Wednesday posts.

XOXO--

2.08.11

2011-02-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

Joy of Love day 6 is "The ones they love" and Linhsey sure does love these two.

XOXO--

2.08.11

2011-02-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

i{heart}faces . Hearts.

Little L's heart is bursting in love for Woody & Jesse and she has the shirt to prove it.

I have never seen so many spectacular entries at i{heart}faces in one theme before. There are SO many that deserve to win this one. Go check them out and be ready to be wowed!

i{heart}faces.

XOXO--

2.06.11

2011-02-06T18:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday Snapshot .

We had a "wintry Mix" this year for CNY/TET in Atlantic City, NJ. That didn't stop us though. We were armed with umbrellas, but soon learned everything would be held indoors at the Caesar's Casino.

Does anyone know where I can get beautiful lanterns like these?

And a dragon?

Uncle B came over today with Aunt D and twin cousins A & M. He helped fix the electric in our bedroom....Finally we have power again in there!

This is what happened when I tried to get my twin nieces and L to do a photo shoot....in the snow....in L's clothes....with only a lollipop to look forward to.

Is anyone else thinking they are going to be trouble when they grow up?

Should I be scared?

Be sure to check out the other participants on Ni Hao Ya'll's Sunday Snapshot !

XOXO--

2.04.11

2011-02-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

{this moment}

A single photo. No Words. Capturing a moment from the week. Inspired by Soule Mama.

XOXO--

2.04.11

2011-02-04T05:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year and TET!

Today, Day 4, the Joy of Love assignment is to photograph "What they wear" . I found it fitting to take some images of Linhsey in her Ao Dai. I don't know how many more will fit her. Do you think Mike will take us back to Vietnam so I can shop and take pictures?

Can you see her big Kung Fu warrior muscles?

You can check out more at Willette Photography.

XOXO--

Ariella, the answer to your question/comment is in a post I made on Dec. 15. Feel free to go back and read it.

2.03.11

2011-02-03T09:10:00.003-05:00

The Joy Of Love.

Then and Now.

Then: Soc Trang, Vietnam

Now: NJ, USA

She held the world in her eyes back then too.

Willette Photography is having a February Photo class titled the JOY of LOVE, and today's theme was then and now. Join in if you want, or at the very least go check out some great blogs that are participating!

XOXO--

2.02.11

2011-02-02T06:48:00.000-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

Old Man Winter decided to spice it up some for us. He gave us an ice storm today. Currently my hubby who barely made it out of our driveway at 4am this morning is now stuck on his train.

Currently Gene has a 2 hour delay and is trying to con me into letting him stay home all day.

Currently we have no power in half of our bedroom and the kids' bathroom, and Gene is showering in the dark, and it's not a circuit breaker.

Last night we had our first parent/teacher conference for Linhsey and she received her first report card ever. She's doing great, even as a Red Power Ranger. We are proud! Supposedly our out going girl is a little shy and reserved at school. Who knew?!

There are more B&W posts to check out over at The Long Road to China.

XOXO--

2.01.11

2011-02-01T03:58:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to experiment some with my ISO at a higher number. This was at 800. What was she laughing at you ask? My butt. Yup. I was sitting in a weird position and apparently my butt was hysterical.

And this one right here?
This one she was telling me about how she played Power Rangers at school today and she was the red ranger. That's my little girl!

Nothing behind this one other than a carefree twirl.

Linhsey asked to play Dance Wii recently because she wanted to dance to James Brown, I Feel Good. Do you know what she called it? Just keep in mind the lyrics, " I feel nice. Like sugar and spice."

L- " I want to dance to I feel Nice, children don't spy. Please???"

How could I say no to that?

And right now my sensitive red ranger is watching Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.... the very movie that made her burst into tears while at Nana and Poppa's house this weekend.

Oh L, it will all be okay!

XOXO--

1.31.11

2011-01-31T05:50:00.001-05:00

i{heart}faces People's Choice, best face in January.

This week at i{Heart}faces it's the people's choice again. Everyone is entering their best face shot in January.

It's tough to choose when it comes to an image of Linhsey!

I'm certain there will be tons of gorgeous entries, so be sure to check them out and vote for some! Linhsey is number 42. The voting begins Tuesday and end on Thursday!

XOXO--

1.30.11

2011-01-30T20:59:00.001-05:00

Sunday Snapshot.

Chinese New Year performance.

We went to a local performing arts center today to see this CNY performance. I always find the culture and people so beautiful.

These were taken in a dark room with no flash. I started with flash and they were so yucky! I have a Speedlite, but really have no idea of what I am doing with it!

These girls were just...beautiful!

Check out Ni Hao Yall for some really great blogs!

XOXO--

1.29.11

2011-01-29T16:40:00.000-05:00

I Love Rock-N-Roll!

Poor L got off to a bad start this morning. She has a cold. When we got to her hip hop class someone separated her from her Nana and I. It scared her. She cried...a sad, sad cry. She couldn't recover from it and join her class. We had to leave, and even while driving home she couldn't speak about it because if she did, she cried. Once home she cried again and said she was feeling sad today.

Will this help little L?

Ahhh, I think it's working! You are finding your inner rock star!

It's a good thing I had this guitar stashed away for a special occasion.

Oh yeah!

Does she have a future in this or what?!

Love this girl!

Check back often for the dates to her upcoming shows... The tickets sell out FAST!

XOXO--

1.26.11

2011-01-26T05:26:00.001-05:00

Black & White Wednesday is here again!

L is just scrumptious in black & white.

If ever there was a child made to be photographed in B&W, it's L.

She takes my breath away each and every time I convert a picture to B & W.

For more scrumptious B&W's, head on over to The Long Road to China.

1.25.11

2011-01-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

It's still Winter.

We're still wearing hats, gloves, scarves, snow boots.

We're still expecting more snow.

I've lit so many fires that I had to send Mike out in the 17 degree weather to cut up more wood.

Thank you Mike.

The previous years I hid from the cold weather and snow. My camera was depressed. Neglected. At least I can say I've ventured outside some this winter all for the love of photography.

Old Man Winter, are you listening?

I've learned enough for this season.

Thanks.

XOXO--

1.21.11

2011-01-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! So Chinese New Year and TET are approaching us soon. Last year we took the kids to Atlantic City for a TET/CNY parade which rocked. We always decorate the house, read any books that we own about the holidays, and eat Asian cuisine during the 2 week period. But it always feels as if it is lacking something. I talked to L's teacher this morning about sharing some of her books and culture with the class, and she liked the idea.

I would love it if you all could share what you do for CNY/TET, or if you could point me in the right direction.

M3, the fab mom to the awesome Salsa twins has recently written a great post on Lifebooks. She even has a link on her blog to bring you to other posts she has made on the subject. This is something I'm ashamed to admit, but I have yet to begin this important project. She has inspired me to get going! Have all of you done this, or are in the process? Any advice?

Lately I've been spending my time getting deep into photography blogs and books.

And of course there has been plenty of Dance 2 on the Wii with L, numerous games of Hi-Ho Cherry-O and Chutes and Ladders.

Here's to a great snow-free weekend! Once can wish, right?

XOXO--

1.19.11

2011-01-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

Lisa's son, Nick, is 13 now ! Go on over to The Long Road to China and read about what an awesome teen he is, and be sure to check out all of the fab photography too!

XOXO--

1.18.11

2011-01-18T05:36:00.001-05:00

Winter Wonderland is the theme at i{heart}faces.

It's a good thing we have so much snow. Yeah, I'll go with that.

Check out all of the entries HERE .

XOXO--

1.17.11

2011-01-17T12:22:00.001-05:00

Sunday Snapshot. Click HERE to visit Ni Hao Y'all for more!

Winter boredom.

Winter blues.

Lack of Vitamin D (even though we supplement with the best).

Call it what you like.

We have it.

The other night Mike and I were so bored. We had a fire going in one of the fireplaces and I had an idea. I told Mike we should each get a handful of popcorn and through it in and see if it pops. I never saw him run so fast! We each threw in a fistful and waited. And waited. And we got 2 pops and that was it!
It sounded like a good idea at least.

We went to see ice sculptures at Pier Village in Long Branch where our beach restaurant is. It was COLD!

Who goes to the beach to see ice anyway?!

This morning we took Gene and Linhsey sledding. They had a blast! I watched from the car. It's 25 degrees out.

Now what can we do??????

What are you doing? Can we come over?

XOXO--

1.14.11

2011-01-14T03:41:00.003-05:00

Linhsey gave up baths a year and 7 months ago when we moved into our new home. I think it was the removable shower head that did her in. She thought it was pretty neat that she could hold it, and well, my back thanks her!

She still enjoys taking a bath at Nana's house though. Sorry Mom!

So I switched to the newer editor on Blogger and I'm having some issues with posting my pics. I'm really not that computer savvy. I like to post my images large, which I still am, but in a different way. All of the images I use on the blog I get from Flickr. I used to copy the HTML code for the large version right off of Flickr and then just paste it right into my post. It doesn't let me do that now. Now I click on the large version and grab the link for it and use the actual "insert image" button on Blogger to get the image in. The only problem now is that you used to be able to click my images and get taken to my Flickr account. Now when you click the image it doesn't do that. Am I doing this the really difficult way or what? Can anyone help me?

Here's to a squeaky clean day!

XOXO--

1.13.11

2011-01-13T04:40:00.003-05:00

If You Find The Buddha .....

That's one of the photography books I just ordered. Great reviews on the sites I checked. Basically it's images of Buddhas around the world in various, sometimes odd places.

Do you have a Buddha?

We do. We keep him by our fireplace.

And speaking of Buddha...

We used to call L "Buddha Belly". It wasn't just us that said it. It was even people in Vietnam and China that encountered her as well. They would rub her belly and say " Buddha Belly!"

Well this Buddha Belly is turning into quite the beautiful young girl. Not that she wasn't beautiful before. It's just that she was a baby before, and now she is a young girl.

We woke up to another abundance of snow yesterday. Not as much as the first storm, but enough for school to be canceled.

Linhsey is watching the movie Casper right now. Anyone else see it? Well the scene at the end where Casper gets to be a boy and have a dance with Kat.... He whispers in her ear, " Can I keep you?" and with that I cry and sob like a baby. This is something Linhsey does often with movies and songs. The other night we had Billy Joel on. New York State of Mind. She says, " The grand finale is coming up. I'm in a New York....State of Mind.... The grand finale in songs always make my heart cry."

This girl is wise beyond her 4 years.

XOXO--

1.12.11

2011-01-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

Because I can never just chose one......

The Long Road to China .... Click HERE to see more beautiful B&W's.

XOXO--

1.10.11

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

You've got a friend in me......

Linhsey woke up the other morning and walking into the kitchen with tear filled eyes.

Did you have a bad dream again Li Li ?

Yes

What is it sweetie? You can tell me. I can help you feel better.

I dreamt that we were at the toy store on line waiting to pay for something. I was holding Woody and I dropped him! The lady in front of us picked him up and bought him!!!!!!!!!

All of that being said through uncontrollable sobbing.

The nightmares of a 4 yr old......

XOXO--

1.4.11

2011-01-04T15:56:00.002-05:00

Voting has begun @ i{heart}faces for the best face photo of 2010 ! So far I have...

drumroll please..........

1 vote Linhsey. Hehehehe

Would you mind helping me out? I'm entry number 401.

I think L's beautiful face is worthy of a few votes, don't you?

You can vote HERE .

Meet the new loves of Linhsey's life.

She loves her brother too.

And her Daddy.

And I love her!

(Look Mom, I know it looks like the room is a mess, but L is on the bed, the cat, the remote, Woody, and a couple of things I was trying on! )

Voting ends Friday.

Thanks everyone!

XOXO--

1.3.11

2011-01-03T15:32:00.002-05:00

i{heart}faces is holding the Best Face of 2010 contest this week. It's been so long since I have entered anything, but this precious face has stolen my heart and the heart of so many others....maybe, just maybe....

Click on the button above if you enjoy seeing amazing photos of faces! I'm on my way over there now to check out some entries.

Happy New Year!

XOXO--

December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T06:25:00.003-05:00

Snowed in.

I just couldn't bring myself to edit out the little bit of candy cane on her mouth. It was too precious.

But before we get to that, Merry Christmas! I loved hearing about how you spend the night before Christmas.

Christmas day was very nice. It was comforting to spend it with family.

Linhsey has a new karaoke machine that she has been enjoying.

And Gene? Well not many things make this teenager this thankful anymore....but Poppa sure did!

This is why.

I had to throw in the scrunchy face. It's too cute to resist.

But now let's get to what happened the day after Christmas.

Copious amounts of snow.

I'm talking ridiculous amounts of the white stuff. So much that it takes the husband 6 hours to snow blow a part of the driveway. Did you notice I said just a part of it? And it's not the snowblowers fault. Or the husband's for that matter. It's the 4ft snow drifts' fault.

I've been stuck in my house since Sunday morning. It's Wednesday people! I've played all I can play! I've played Dance 2 Wii until my back muscles were sore, I Spy card game, Bop It Bounce, Donkey Kong Jenga. I've had at least 25 Melissa & Doug ice cream cone sales, and donut sales, I've walked Go Go the walking pup, packed away Christmas decorations, cleaned and cleaned some more, and then cleaned even more because that's what happens people keep tracking snow and wet clothes in your house several times a day.

And you don't even want to know what time we went to bed on Monday night. I don't even know if I can tell you.

7:30pm.

I'm talking asleep by 7:30pm.

There's a song to make the rain go away. What about the snow?

XOXO--

December 24, 2010

2010-12-24T12:28:00.002-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas....

I'm happy to know I'm not the only one with a "special" tree. Thanks for sharing all about your ornaments!

Tonight we will find ourselves at my parents house having a delicious home cooked meal. The kids will each open up a present that their Great Grandmother and Uncle in Tennessee sent them.

Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. We will come home and begin to prepare.

Linhsey and I baked Gingerbread Man cookies for Santa. I'm more of a chocolate chip girl myself ; )

The cookies will be placed out with a glass of soy milk. Sorry Santa, we don't do cow.

Once Linhsey is in bed, Gene will help with getting her presents in order. Then it's off to bed for us. Gene doesn't mess around on Christmas morning. We had to make a rule that he can't wake us before 5:30am.

How excited are they?

THIS much!

How do you spend your Christmas Eve?

XOXO--

December 21, 2010

2010-12-21T14:11:00.003-05:00

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree.....

Our tree has no theme. I wanted to change that this year. But then I realized it has history....the ornaments at least.

Many were handmade with love by my Grandmother.

Aren't these two just darling?

Some were handmade by my children at different times throughout the years.

This one was made in Vietnam.

And of course there is usually a new one to throw into the mix...something that I just couldn't resist.

But in the end, what I remembered was the ornaments I had as a child growing up. The nostalgic feeling that the memory of them brings to me. They were perfect in their very own imperfect way. So to heck with going for the magazine tree look! I'm going for the memories that will be created in my kids' minds of our perfectly imperfect, mismatched, tree bling. I like the excitement of knowing which ornaments they cherish and will pick out each year to put up. They know which ones they are. They search for their favorites.

I want to thank all of you for all of the supportive comments I received on my last post. What an awesome group of bloggy friends you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

What kind of tree bling do you have?

XOXO--

December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T15:31:00.003-05:00

Time to heal.....

Last month, with the help of our therapist, our family came to a difficult but much needed decision. Marissa has gone away to hopefully get the help she needs and deserves. As of now, the plan is for her to return home by April.

To be honest, this break, this time away, has given us some time to heal here. I don't even think I realized the full extent of pain we had until we had some time to breath.

During the past couple of weeks Gene celebrated his 13th birthday.

And we also started a new tradition of hunting for our Christmas tree and cutting it down.

But mostly, we have just taken the time to be a family again. We were literally falling apart...person by person.

Please know that Marissa is in good hands and doing very well. She wants this as much as we do. We are all okay and we are all moving forward.

I will not be accepting any negative comments on this blog. If you don't have anything nice to say, please don't say anything at all. Keep in mind this is only a small fragment of our lives posted on this blog.

Thank you--

XOXO--

December 13, 2010

2010-12-13T07:13:00.003-05:00

I might regret this one day, but here is a video of my honey and his sister battling on the Wii with Dance 2 ! Before you watch it, Linhsey and her cousin A have a small argument in the beginning. Try to look past that and see the humor of Mike : )

This next one is Linhsey and our cousin Erica.

Enjoy!!!!!!

XOXO--

December 2, 2010

2010-12-02T15:15:00.002-05:00

This little sweetie got an organic candy cane for allowing me to photograph her for about 60 seconds.

Sounds like a deal to me!

XOXO--

November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T15:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe Gene is in 7th grade, and about to turn 13. Didn't I just give birth to him (all natural!) just last year?

Now he's taller than me, weighs more than me, is moodier than me (is that possible?), and his voice is deeper than mine.

And this little pixie...Can I just carry this picture everywhere I go? The cuteness factor is over the top.

We're gearing up for the holiday and winter season over here. The hats and gloves are out. The leaves are just about done falling.

The Christmas decorations are starting to make their presence in the house. I'm wanting to go and get our tree. The only problem with that is can I keep it alive until Christmas?

And have I told you how many times Linhsey has watched the movie ELF? I might be too embarrassed to share it with you. Let's just say she has scenes memorized and acts them out throughout the day. Let's just say she whispered into my ear the other day , " You don't smell like the real Santa, you smell like beef and cheese."

As I look into my crystal ball I see Medieval Times , The Nutcracker, a Birthday party or 2 or 3, and tree decorating in our futures. Add to that lots of fires in the fireplace, warm sweaters, and Uggs.

Oh baby it's cold outside !

XOXO--

November 24, 2010

2010-11-24T15:00:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

XOXO--

November 13, 2010

2010-11-13T19:23:00.003-05:00

We happened upon this red, chippy, cracked door....

And well......

I want one!

And yes, I realize "chippy" isn't the best of words...if it is a word even....but I like it : )

XOXO--

November 10, 2010

2010-11-10T05:26:00.000-05:00

XOXO--

November 9, 2010

2010-11-09T16:48:00.002-05:00

A learning lesson.

1. Taking photos at 2 something in the afternoon = harsh shadows.

These could have been so cute!

But hey, at least I know what harsh shadows look like now and I can spot them.

2. Taking photos in this light while using a black guitar as a prop? Bad idea. Just look at those smudges!

3. Prepping the child way too far in advance and offering bribes do not equal cooperation. Especially if you take her to the toy store and get something hours before the photo shoot.

4. Going back out around 4pm in this location proved to be on the dark side.

5. 20 bucks , 5 regular M&M's and 5 Peanut M&M's later, it was all worth it because her dress is just so dang cute!

Does it come in my size?

XOXO--

November 7, 2010

2010-11-07T06:49:00.002-05:00

Back to the Big Apple.

This time it was to start off the pre-celebration of Gene's upcoming 13th Birthday.

And where does a boy who will be 13 in under 5 weeks want to go?

Here.

And here.

And things were all fine and dandy in the almost teen boy's life....

Until on the walk back to Times Square when....

His Mama spotted THIS......

But let me explain!
It was my first ever Naked Cowboy sighting, and with that, it suddenly felt like it turned into MY 13th Birthday!

So I snapped away, and as I did... my boy became more and more like an angry teen...

And mortified that his Mama could do such a thing with him present.

It was only in the car on the way home when I looked said cowboy up on my Blackber*y , and informed the boy that said cowboy is running for president in 2012, that he slowly began to forgive me and the night was salvaged.

*Note to self* - Teen boy's hormones -vs- mother's hormones = DISASTER!

P.S. - Did you know the Naked Cowboy can marry you in Times Square for only 499.00 ? Is that a deal or what?!

XOXO--

October 31 , 2010

2010-10-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween !

My handsome boy.

Even with his mask he still has his fingers in his mouth. What gives with this kid?

The new cat and puppy seemed to get along just fine.

Hope your Halloween was spooktacular !

XOXO--

October 30, 2010

2010-10-30T01:47:00.000-04:00

Linhsey's Halloween Parade

XOXO--

October 29, 2010

2010-10-29T04:54:00.001-04:00

Linhsey and I carved her pumpkin yesterday outside in the beautiful Fall weather.

She really had no problem going to town with those pumpkin guts.

1 down and 2 more kids to go...well make that 3 because Gene's friend is coming over tonight to join in.

L has a Halloween school parade today, soccer at 4pm and a Halloween party at 6pm which wraps up with a sleepover at Nana and Poppa's. M has therapy at 4:30pm and Gene has pumpkin carving- horror movie fest- sleepover here with his friend J tonight.

Is it bedtime yet?

XOXO--

October 28, 2010

2010-10-28T12:31:00.002-04:00

We got a new puppy!!!

She's awesome. She can put her paw out to shake.

She gives great, sloppy, wet kisses.

She does all of her doggy business outside like a good girl.

She chases her tail and can even catch it!

She gets along great with our other dog Summer.

And when she poses for pictures like this -

And this-

I give her a treat!

I wonder what she'll think of the cat that will be here on Halloween?

XOXO--