Bad Blogger and Quick Update

I was told today that I have been a bad blogger!!! YIKES!!! Sorry!!!

Like everyone else, we have been busy, busy, busy!! Since I last posted, Emma has started Pre-K, we have taken our first trip to Disney with 3 other adoptive families, Emma has started Gymnastics, I've visited Massachusetts and hosted Thanksgiving Dinner for 16 friends and family.

Coming up on the agenda is the big FIVE for Emma. My little princess has picked not the theme of Tinkerbell, Barbies or Princesses but Spongebob. Gotta love Spongy as he is referred to in our home. We also are looking forward to Christmas and all the fun celebrations that go along with it.

To end, here is Emma's School picture for this year. Since it was taken, we have cut her hair to her shoulder. She wanted it above her ears but I didn't want it that short.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

The One Forgotten

We planted a garden this year for the first time in a long time. We have three different types of tomato plants, peppers, string beans and what we thought were cucumbers.

The cucumber plant turned out to be a zuchini plant which is fine because we love zuchini. We probably got about 20 and then it got infected with some type of disease. From what Kevin says, it's a common disease for zuchini plants. Anyways, a couple weeks later Kevin was taking the zuchini plant from the garden and came across this:

Have you ever seen a zuchini that big?? It probably weighed 8 pounds!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday and Flashback Friday??

Flashback Friday and Guess...

...where we are going Saturday?

First Catch of the Season

We went to The Lake yesterday and enjoyed some fun times with friends and family. Thanks Uncle Chris and Aunt Nae!! Emma also went on her first boat ride and loved it. I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy holding Emma while we sped along the lake. Emma kept telling Uncle Chris she wanted to go faster. She loved it when he went in circles and hit our own wave and the water splashed her. She also did some fishing off the dock with the homemade fishing pole Daddy made her with bamboo. She caught two Sunnies. She has no fear holding them either, even though they are very slippery and a little prickly.

My Silly Girl

Last weekend Emma played in the pool while I sat and relaxed and caught up on her blog a bit. She then came out of the pool and wanted me to take her picture. This is what she came up with for different faces. She is such a silly girl.

Blueberry Picking 2009

You may remember this post a while back Blueberry Picking 2008 . I think it may have been my first post. Well, here are some pictures from this year's Blueberry excursion. We went out pretty early on Sunday, June 28. It was they're first weekend open for the season. Emma loves to pick blueberries. We are only out for about an hour and in that hour, we picked 16 pounds. It would have been 17 if you counted what Kevin and Emma ate as they picked. They both LOVE blueberries and coming straight off the tree with the warmth of the sun, they are delicious. We freeze them to use throughout the year for our blueberry pancakes.

Well there is more to this story. We were all having a craving for fresh blueberries that we went for the second trip this past weekend and picked an additional 15 pounds. 31 pounds total. That's a whole lotta pancakes. I'll have to get the cookbook out to try out some other recipes. Here are some pictures from our second trip. This was a little more exciting for Emma because we were able to take the tractor out to the field. Emma's favorite parts are the tractor, the old fashion pump for the water and eating the blueberries. We also figured out this weekend that Emma will be a fourth generation blueberry picker. This all started when Kevin was a little boy when his grandparents used to take him out. Hopefully we can continue this tradition.

July 4th Weekend

I was one of the lucky ones that was able to be off of work on Friday, July 3rd to have a 3 day weekend. Boy did we pack alot in that weekend. The weekend started Thursday night with our monthly Mother's Night Out aka MNO. If you've read my blog in the past, you know that we have a GREAT group of families that all have something in common, we're adoptive parents. The Moms try to get together every month for dinner. Whoever can make it makes it and it's always a good time. This month we went to On The Border. We had great food, good drinks and adult conversation. Here are a couple of pictures. Gina, Jen, Kathy, me and I don't know what happened but the picture with Deb in it got deleted. I'm sorry Deb.

On Friday, Emma & I went to Sesame right when they opened at 10:00 and stayed until 5:00. This is the 4th year that we've had tickets and the first time that we were there for 7 hours. I couldn't believe it. Emma also said that as soon as we got there, she was going on the Vapor Trail. Super Grover's roller coaster. She has told me this every time we have gone but never did. So, as soon as we waited to get through the gate, we went right to the Vapor Trail waited in line and then she said she changed her mind. No big deal, when she's ready, she'll let me know. I myself didn't care because I'm not crazy about coasters or rides that have a big plunge.

For it being Friday of July 4th weekend, the crowds weren't so bad. She went on the Merry-go-round, the bouncy thingy, the pit where the blocks are and the climbing wall. We then had lunch and for those that have never been, I brought a soft cooler that was probably 15x15 with sandwiches, water, juice boxes grapes, blueberries and ice paks and the Sesame staff didn't have a problem with it. My problem is that Sesame never has enough staff working any of the cafe'. There food isn't half bad but you could honestly stand in line for an hour before getting waited on but anyways. We then went to the water part of the park and went in the wading pools and Ernies water works. Sesame has a new area based on Count Dracula but Emma didn't want to go in. At 4:30 we decided to leave. I had Emma in her stroller at this point, we went through the gate and on our way to the parking lot and Emma says, "I want to go on the Roller coaster". I could tell that she was serious so, we went back into the park (we have season passes so it wasn't a big deal). Got in line and went on. She LOVED it so much that we went on a second time. I was so proud of her. Of course, I have no pictures because it was just the two of us. But, what a great day.

On Saturday, we all went to Ventnor City, NJ and stayed at Hannah's Hotel. Gunner, Kim and Hannah are another adoptive couple that moved from PA to VA to NJ and we are so happy that they have moved closer to us. They invited us down for the night and we had a blast. We went to the beach and the girls played and played and played for about five hours. The water, the sand, the company and the weather was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better day. We went back to the house and had Kim's famous secret recipe hamburgers and macaroni salad. It was delicious. We were gonna head down to Ocean City to the boardwalk and fireworks but we were all exhausted. We saw the fireworks from their balcony and it was great, no traffic and no crowds. Kim made a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast Sunday morning and then we headed back home to catch up on laundry and rest before we started the work week. Thank you Gunner, Kim and Hannah, we had a great time.

43 Years in the Making

June 18, 1966

June 18, 1966 my parents wed and 43 years later they are as happy as they were that day, I think. At least that's what I think. They have instilled in us the values of friendship, supporting one another, patience, goodness and most importantly love and affection. There is never a conversation that doesn't end in "I love you or I love you too".

Mom & Dad, Thank you for everything you have done for me. My hope is to have as much a successfull marriage as you two have had. Here's to 43 more years

Here are a couple pictures through the years:

Wordless Wednesday Courtesy of Lisa

Thank You Lisa

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Class of 1985.

Is it possible that it was 24 years ago???

Muffins with Mommy

I was so excited when I got the invitation in Emma's folder from school to attend "Muffins with Mommy". Emma's teacher had muffins, coffee, orange juice, iced tea and cookies for all her students and their Mommies. We also received a home made card, a hat that was painted with flowers glued to it and a balloon. I have to admit, this was one of my proudest moments as a Mom. A moment that for a time I never thought I would experience until Emma was put in our arms but anyways...... here are some pictures from the day.

Proud Mommy and her girl

Emma & Mrs. Kuhl

Can You Tell Me How To Get; Get to....

A little bit of Flashback Friday and a surprise for Emma today.

Can you guess what opens? (sorry, no prizes for correct answers)

2006

2006

2007

2008

You guessed it!!! I can't wait to see the look on her face when we pull into the parking lot. I can't believe that this is the fourth year that we have bought season passes for Sesame. The years are flying by way too fast.

I just hope the rain holds up. We are supposed to get some thunder boomers later today.

13 Years....

....and still kicking!!! Can't wait to enjoy the next 13 years.

Just hope they don't go by as fast as the last 13 years did!!

Happy Easter

Before the weekend gets started and there is no time to blog, I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Easter weekend. Take plenty of pictures, eat lots of candy, color a ton of eggs but more than anything enjoy the time with your family!!! Happy Easter!!

Donuts with Daddy

Emma was so excited to come home a few weeks ago with an invitation for Daddy to have donuts with her and her classmates and their Daddys at school. When Kevin saw the invitation, I think he was just as excited. About two weeks leading up to the date, Emma would secretly sing to me the song that her teacher was teaching for their special day. It's the same tune as B I N G O but instead the children say D A D D Y!! Kevin took the camera with him and took some pictures of the special event. Here are some pictures of the day. Enjoy!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Pictures Pictures Pictures

I must have SUCKER written across my face everytime Emma's school has "picture day". I can't help myself but order the package that they send. Thought I'd share with you the latest package that I bought. Have a great Wednesday!!

OH WHERE OH WHERE HAS MY....

..blogginess gone?? Somewhere between, work, colds, school, sewing class & Facebook addiction!! There has been so much going on that I've fallen behind in posting for a couple weeks.

Valentine's Day ... We celebrated Valentine's day with heart shaped fried eggs and lots of hugs and kisses. We also went to one of our favorite restaurants in Lavalette NJ called The Crab's Claw. They make the best Buffalo Calamari. The calamari has the buffalo sauce on it with crumbled blue cheese, celery and red onion. It is to die for. Emma always has Seafood Chowder, Kevin usually has the Firecracker Shrimp and I had the Valentine's special of Heart-shaped Lobster Ravioli in a vodka sauce....YUMMY!!!

After dinner we went to the Boardwalk at Seaside Heights. The last time we were there, it was in the summer and there was no parking to be found, tons of tourists, bells & whistles going off from the games and the roar of the roller coaster in the distance with the riders screaming in fear of losing their stomach. So, needless to say, Emma thought it would be the same as the summer. It definitely was the complete opposite. No rides, no games, no cotton candy, no bells and whistles. Complete quietness. What we did find though was the arcade. We played a little Skee-ball and claw type games. In the same building, they have a Carousel. Emma enjoyed the ride about 4 times before she was ready to call it quits.

We ended the night with a quick stop at Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone. I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's day than with my two sweeties.

Flashback Friday for my "Baby" Sisters

I usually post Flashback Friday pictures of Emma but this week I thought I would change it up a bit. I've been thinking of my two sisters quite often this week, not sure if it's because the three of us are new to Facebook and we are finding friends old and new and reliving memories; but I went through some of my "old" pictures and found this one.

This picture was probably taken in 1973. My youngest sister, Kim, was probably about 6 months old which would make the middle sister, Lisa, about 4 and I was probably about 6.

Over the next few weeks, I hope to be looking through my old pictures and posting them. If you've known me for a long time, keep checking back. You just never know when you'll be up next.

Have a great weekend!

CUTE SAYINGS WITHOUT PICTURES

Some of the things that Emma says just cracks me up and I thought I would share them with you too.

Just tonight I was putting her to bed. I asked her for a kiss and hug and then an Eskimo kiss and then she wanted a butterfly kiss. (Something we do almost every night after reading a book, saying our prayers, snuggling and talking about our day) Tonight after I gave her the butterfly kiss she said "Mom, your ash lights are long" I thought this was the cutest thing and started laughing and she laughed too and then realized what she said. Then it took her about 5 times before she could say eye lashes whiling laughing the whole time.

One morning last week when I woke Emma to get ready for school, she was rubbing her eyes and said "I have crumbs in my eyes".

Is it just me or is this funny.

Disney on Ice

A couple of weeks ago, we took Emma to her first Disney on Ice adventure (The Incredibles). This was an early "Gotcha Day" present. We didn't tell Emma that we were taking her, we kept it a surprise.

She was very patient as we drove to the Arena. Not once did she say "Are we there yet?" I thought for sure in our 20 minute ride she would have said it about 50 times. We went to the Sovereign Arena in Trenton, NJ. It's a smaller arena where every seat is a "good" seat. No nose-bleeding sections.

We parked the car and joined the crowds entering the arena. Once inside, Emma saw all the Disney souvenirs and started getting excited (so I thought). I bent down to her and asked her if she knew where we were and she said real loud NO. I then got all excited and said "Emma, we're gonna see Disney on Ice, aren't you excited, their gonna skate all around and you'll see all the characters". She looked at me all sad and said "I want to go home".

Well, it took some coaxing but after buying a big bucket of popcorn and a twirly Cinderella light up thingy, we were good to go. In the end, she LOVED the show and can't wait for them to come to town again.

The pictures didn't come out great at all but I'll post a few for you to see. On second thought, I won't be posting pictures, I can't find my cord to download them. So, in the meantime, here are a couple pictures of Emma and her cousins from August 2007. Can you tell where they spent the day. We bought season tickets again this year and can't wait to go.

Dim Sum and Then Some...

We couldn't have asked for a better day than Sunny skies and 63 degree February weather to celebrate the Chinese New Year with our local adoptive families (Jen, Kate, Kellyann, Deb, Ivy, Jennifer, Kim, Kathy, Gina and Karen, along with all the hubbies) We had a fun filled day of Dim Sum and a Lion Dance parade. We had never had Dim Sum and found it very interesting. The Lion Dance was awesome too.

The store front owners had firecrackers strung outside their stores and whenever the Lion Dancers came upon them, they would dance and then light off the fireworks. They were very loud. Most of the girls would cover their ears as hard as they could.

We then went to a store called Shanghai Express (I think). I felt like I was back in China when we went into this store although the prices were much higher.

We always look forward to spending time with these friends. The girls and Prince Jace too, always have a wonderful time together. We are very fortunate to have them all living close to us. Here are a few pictures from today. ENJOY!!

Family Day Celebration

We celebrated Emma's Family Day with Chinese food at a local restaurant. Emma's Aunt Nae and Uncle Chris, Aunt Amy and Uncle Keith, Pop and her cousins helped us celebrate. Thank goodness all the kids love Chinese food. Emma always has a fun time with her cousins. I still can't believe our dream of having a child has come true. Emma is the most fun-loving child I have every met. Every day is a new beginning and I am so exited to watch her grow through the years. Here are some pictures from our celebration and some pictures we had taken today.

Tomorrow we are meeting some local families to celebrate the Chinese New Year with Dim Sum and the Lion Dance. We always have a fantastic time with these families and consider them part of our own family. Happy Saturday and I'll talk to you soon.