Our Family Story: February 2008

Feb 26, 2008

I've been Tagged!

My friend Laurie has tagged my blog - my first time! She does such a great job blogging - I wish I could keep up with things the way that she does! See her blog here

Here are the rules:

List 7 random things people might not know about you. The rules are to link the person who sent this to you and leave a comment on their blog so their readers can visit yours. Post the rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my random facts:

1) I love to read. I have (and I really mean HAVE) to spend some time each day with a book. I just don't relax without some reading. I used to read much more - hundreds of pages a day. That was back before having three children to run around after. Now I am lucky to get a few chapters in each day. I believe it is not only important to your children to read to them, but also that they see you reading for enjoyment. My biggest fear with the girls is that they won't develop this love of reading. Faith, because she can't sit still long enough to be read to, and Molly because her comprehension needs to catch up with her. We are working on developing this - and I feel very fortunate to have saved tons of Nathan's books from when he was little, plus we have such a great library system in Columbus. I can't wait to read some of my favorites to them.

2) I hate to clean. Now, I love to have the house picked up and organized, but hate to actually clean it. My sister and I shared a bedroom for much of our life. I was the pick up and put away person, while she was the "cleaner". Boy, do I wish that I could afford a "cleaner" now. If I ever have an excess of money (now remember those 3 children - don't think we'll be seeing this!) - I would love to hire a cleaning service. Well, a girl can dream . . .

3) My most favorite of all foods is . . . bologna. Yes, I truly love it, and we always have it in the house. In our family it is definitely a girl thing - Mike and Nathan hate it! We visit an outdoor craft show most years in the fall (the Backwoods Fest), and they cook all sorts of wonderful food outside. I just love getting their fried bologna sandwiches - a nice, big slab of bologna fried on a grill - heaven. I know, guilty pleasure.

4) I am most afraid of the dark. I have never been able to sleep in a totally dark room. I will lie there awake, hearing all sorts of things that go bump in the night, imagining people sneaking in the room - my heart beating loudly in my ears. We have night lights all over the house - one in almost every room. I know that it is an irrational fear - but one that I just can't get rid of. I need to be able to see what is in my room at any given moment of the night, without having to turn a light on. When Mike used to have to travel, I would lie there awake at home alone, with the lights off, or I would have to turn the light on to be able to go to sleep. And to tell you the truth - I still have to do it today when he is away. I hate being the one to turn the lights off before going upstairs - I feel like I have to run up the stairs so the dark won't "catch me". I'll tell you, God and I have had plenty of conversations about this - and the resolution is still in the works!

5) I collect mice. No, not the little live ones (thank goodness), but little mice figurines. They are called Wee Forest Folk, and you can see pictures of them here. I have not been collecting the more recent ones, but I have over a hundred of the little darlings and most have a special memory attached. My very first little one was given to me on my first wedding anniversary by my wonderful husband (we've been married for 20 years now!) It was, of course, the wedding couple.

6) My secret vice is my love for bakery cake. I remember being pregnant with Nathan and having Mike running out at odd times of the night for cake from the bakery. I can pass up almost any dessert, but not a slice of cake. My very favorite cake (at least right now) is the white almond cake from Giant Eagle. It is delicious - so moist and their icing is just to die for. So I'll pass on the chocolate - just bring me cake!

7) Well, I can't believe that I actually made it to seven! My last fact that many people don't know about (and unfortunately my husband does!) is my addiction to scrapbooking. I love to find neat embellishments and paper and have about 50 projects going in my head. Well, here is the unfortunate part. Although I have tons (yes, containers and files and organizers galore), I have only put together one small scrapbook. While waiting for Molly, we sent her a small 8x8 scrapbook with pictures of us, our home, our family, etc, so that she would be comfortable with us when we met her. It is one of her most cherished possessions. So, if I ever find the time, I have those 50 projects to get out of my head and onto scrapbook pages. (Then maybe it will be OK to purchase more fun stuff!!)

I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of me! I decided that I didn't have enough to continue the tag - but sure loved participating.

Feb 13, 2008

Gotcha Day / Adoption Day Anniversary

Faith today (holding her referral picture):

Gotcha moment two years ago:

Feb 2, 2008

January 2008

The new year started with a beautiful, overwhelming gift from our friend Mindy. She asked long ago if she could give this piano (hers from childhood) to Faith. We have not been able to move it until Christmas break this year. Isn't it beautiful! We are so grateful, and the whole family has taken a turn on it. Faith is still a bit too young, but we plan to start piano lessons soon for Molly, once I try to teach her a few things and see if she catches on. Thanks again Mindy - we will cherish this!

The rest of the month passed quickly, as most do. Nathan had a band concert at school that went well. We were very pleased that both girls were able to sit through the entire concert (it helped that Faith fell asleep about half way through and woke up in time to hear Nathan play). We also enjoyed some quiet time at home after the holidays. Both girls were a bit overwhelmed and it was nice to get back into a normal routine.

Two loving sisters

Molly lost the rest of her loose teeth! 4 out since Christmas eve! The toothfairy certainly knows the way to our house. Molly is so sweet. We read a book about the toothfairy named Twinkle, that picks up the teeth for her job. Molly remarked to me, as her bottom teeth started coming in, that Twinkle had come back to visit her and given back her teeth. And they were growing! She was so excited. She loves all the stories and traditions - and asks plenty of questions. She then tells her dolls and Faith, and anyone else who will listen. I think that everyone at school knows about her teeth! My mom used to call me "Jabber Jaws" because I talked too much. I think that Molly is soon to be called "Jabber Jaws 2". She is always talking. But I love that she is so excited about life and I think she wants everyone to know it!

Molly was dedicated at church this month. She was so sweet about it - and so excited. Our pastor had called people up to pray for us. When we got back to our chairs, she turned to me, and in an awestruck voice, asked me if everyone was praying to Jesus for her. When I told her yes, she just beamed. It moved me to tears. It was such a precious moment for her - I knew she could tell she was loved.

The Rest of the Story

Unfortunately, I was not able to get the rest of December up earlier than this. Please enjoy the pictures and the brief explanations. We had a wonderful December and enjoyed introducing Molly to Christmas and traditions. She was thrilled (and overwhelmed) with everything. Faith continued to be her little self - happy and confident. She certainly knows what she wants!

CHRISTMAS EVE

Faith doing a little taste testing as she decorates.

Hard at work on Santa's cookies!

No, that isn't a halo - whatever
the picture might lead you to believe!

Molly showing off her cookie!

Putting out the food for the reindeer!

Molly's first lost tooth here at home. She put it in her little toothfairy pouch under her pillow. Imagine, your first visit from the toothfairy and first visit from Santa - all on the same night!

CHRISTMAS DAY