Craft Day

This winter weather and being cooped up in the house is hard for us all. So we dug out the craft box of goodies.




They found birdhouses and markers. We also found kits to make puppets.





Ta Da! Here they are. Aren't they beautiful. The girls are sure the birds will love them.

They couldn't wait for daddy to fill them and hang them outside.

Here birdie, birdie!!

Fun With Mirrors

Lindy had a follow up visit to the doctor today. We had some fun while waiting for her.

Lovely Lindy. By the way, she got a good report. We need to continue breathing treatments for another week and finish her antibiotic. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Molly getting in on the action.

Here is a shot of the girls and their new boots sent to them from Uncle Johnny & Aunt Pam. They are so cute. Molly's looks like cows and Lindy's a dinosaur. Each came with a matching backpack too. Very cute!

Thankful Thursday

Ezekiel 34:11

Thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

There are many trustworthy shepherds. For all of us they may be parents, grandparents, teachers, ministers, counselors or doctors. These shepherds guide us along the path of our days on earth. In this verse He assures us that He too will also look after us. All He asks is for you to have faith. He will never abandon us.

1. I am thankful for the beauty God provides in the four seasons of nature. Although winter is not my favorite season, there are many beautiful things to admire.

2. I am thankful for great toys that challenge my children to learn new things.

3. I am thankful for Dr Lopez, our pediatrician, who provides good care for our girls.

4. I am thankful for my dear husband, who works hard (and sometimes long hours) to provide for us. We love you Daddy!

5. Molly says she is thankful for her kitty cat she got for her birthday.

Ice & Snow Days

I tried to post this yesterday, but I couldn't get the photos to upload, so her it is today. On Monday (the 26th) the weatherman predicted a wintry mix of wet stuff. It started around bedtime and by Tuesday morning we had a few inches of snow. Rita needed me to work at her shop on Tuesday. (Rita owns The Attic Baby & Consignment Shop uptown) Everyone that works there needed to attend a funeral. So I went up there to open up. It was pretty slick but I made it fine. I opened and shoveled the walk out front, then it began to sleek hard. There were only a few customers, so after I got what work need done I closed up at noon. I had told Rita that my sitter was unable to come due to the weather, so I had to go home at noon so Dave could get some sleep. It was lots worse at noon. Very slick and everything was covered with ice. It sleeted ALL day and evening. I was worried that the power would go out. Thankfully it did not, but just south of here there are thousands without still. We were lucky. The sleet turned back to snow and my Wednesday morning we had another 9" of snow on top of the 2" of ice! And this is what I saw in the back yard when I woke up!

Yep, it was a double carport. It folded up like an accordion! Thank goodness the vehicles were not under there! David was at work. There is a couple of lawn mowers that may be junk now (they were anyway)

The girls were begging to go outside. I was worried about them being a little sick still but agreed to a short trip out. So we bundled up with lots of layers and went outside. They had a great time.

They finally got to make snow angels. The snow was deep enough that they fell allot, but was laughing and kicking the snow around. They wanted to make a snowman, but the snow would not pack well enough. We stayed out about 45 minutes, then came inside for hot cocoa.

After resting we decided to make snow ice cream! The girls thought this was so neat. They helped me mix up the ingredients.

YUMMY! Thanks to Carrie for the recipe.

Snow Ice Cream

1 gallon snow

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 cup sugar

Happy 4th Birthday Molly

Our little lady bug turned four years old today. She woke this morning all smiles and excited that it was her birthday. Although she is feeling better she still has a cough and runny nose so she stayed home from school. We decided to take Lindy to see the doctor. She is worse and I thought her breathing is labored. She temp also spikes at times and she still isn't eating well. So we all got baths and loaded in the car for a trip to Evansville.

We were in the office for nearly two hours. Not a great way for Molly to spend her birthday. Lindy was tested for RSV and it came back positive. So we spent a good amount of the day getting set up with breathing treatments and medications for Lindy.

After we got home we ordered pizza while I finished Molly's giant cookie. After supper we sang the birthday song to her and she made another wish. All weeks she has been coming up to me and saying "I wish my mom would give me a kiss". Of course I jumped right on to that. Then she would grin and say "my wish came true!" Now isn't that the sweetest thing ever!!

She & I spent the evening getting my supplies ready for this weekends bridal fair here in town. This will be the fourth year I have participated. I set up a small table at one of the stores here in town and give out samples of cake and mints.

It is now way past her bedtime! I am yawning myself. My sleep this week has been very broken up because I'm checking on the girls often throughout the night. And tonight look like more of the same.

Happy Birthday Molly Nichol! We love you!

Thankful Thursday

Matthew 24:42

Stay awake!

For you do not know on which

day you Lord will come.

This verse is straight to the point. And it is so true! If you found yourself standing at Heavens Gate today, would you get in? I sure hope we do. I sometimes wonder if I'm following the path as I am suppose to. You know, days when you feel maybe you haven't been the best person you can be. Maybe you've gotten angry for some reason or acted out in one way or another. Yeah, those kind of days when nothing is going right, no time or no sleep.... the list can be endless. When I feel this way I pray for help. When your heart softens and calmness comes over your body, you can feel it.... the peacefulness of Jesus is there! So, stay awake people! Always remember that the Lord could come today! Are you ready?

What am I thankful for this week? It has been a full week here at our house. So many things, big and small. Let's see.....

1. I am thankful for birthdays. Our girls turned four this week. We were able to celebrate with a party on Saturday.

2. I am thankful for cold medicines and thermometers. Without them our we would suffer through the cold and flu season felling miserable. (the kids have been sick all week, even missing school)

3. I am thankful that I can be at home when the girls are sick. Being able to hold them when they don't feel good is priceless to me. Not so much fun to clean up flu messes!

4. I am thankful for telephones and computers. When you are stuck in the house for days on end they help you remember there is life out there!

5. And I am thankful to witness the inauguration of the 44th President of the USA. It was truly a historic day. It is my hope the President Obama will do good things for this country.

Inaugural Day 2009

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Inaugural Day 2009

Today we witnessed a historic time in American history. The inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama. Our nations first African American President ever. I told the girls today that they will one day read about this time in the History books. (they didn't care, they wanted to watch cartoons!)

I am not suppose to judge others but I have NEVER understood those who are racist in any way. I have always been proud of my belief that we are ALL red on the inside!! And now with a "mixed" family I REALLY frown when I hear unkind remarks. I am very sensitive to the subject now and will defend my children and any one else for that matter. I hope the events of today will pave a better road for our kids in the future. For we are all created as equals, whether they are black or white, African or Asian, or man or woman. I believe this is the way God would like for us to live our lives.......

.......one nation, under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all.

Lindy's Birthday

Happy 4th Birthday Lindy Ann!!

Today is our little Lindy's 4th birthday. Because the girls have colds they did not go to school. So, Lindy did not get to take her snacks today, hopefully tomorrow. She could have probably went, but she does not like to go without Molly. And I'm not pushing the issue, yet.

We stayed in again today, the 3rd day in a row. We are beginning to gt a little stir crazy, but managed alright. They played Go Fish and dress up. They did not get the TV all day as we were watching the Inauguration of President Obama. I did manage to get them to take a nap this afternoon then gave them a bath. They were anxious to try the new tub toys their Aunt Donna gave them. Mamaw called her to wish her a Happy Birthday.

I made home made pizza for supper. I think pizza is one of our families favorites. Then for dessert I had made a giant cookie for Lindy. She thought it was pretty cool. We sang Happy Birthday to her and she blew out the #4 candle with a big smile. But all day she would say she was 5 years old today, but hold up 4 fingers. We are working on this one!

She thought I needed a gift on her birthday though. After putting them to bed she started coughing allot. She gave me back the pizza and cookie!! YUCK!! I even had to give her another bath.... the worst from her yet!! It took me 45 minutes to clean up the mess. Poor thing, she'll be hungry for breakfast for sure.

"Me Too. Me Too!"

This girl just cracks us up! Her favorite words are "me too". She wants to do everything Molly does, even if it's NOT a good thing. She also had a tiny bit of a jealous streak in her. Not in a mean way, but she like the attention. Like this....

My parents baby sat for me for a few hours last Friday so I could get things done for their party on Saturday. When they are around my dad they run and jump and play like there's no tomorrow. We are constantly reminding him that he is no spring chicken!! Anyway, Molly "forgot" to go potty and peed in her pants. Too busy to go! Of course my dad started teasing and playing with her about it. Lindy is watching papaw play with Molly. Well, you can guess what happened next. Yep! Lindy quietly goes to the bathroom, then comes out wet to the socks! When mamaw gets her wet pants off, she per seeds to run around bare bottomed (like Molly was) wanting papaw to chase her too! I guess my parents laughed until they cried!

This is not the first time Lindy has pulled a stunt like this. And I'm sure hope it's not the last. We love you Lindy, just like you are!

Birthday Bash

Yesterday the girls had their big birthday bash. They were very excited all morning and drove me bonkers with questions.... "is it time for the party yet?".... "is Hallie coming to our party?".... "who is coming to our party? When they got through a series of questions, they'd start over with them again. "is it time yet?" Bless their hearts, they couldn't wait. While they were in the tub, I decorated the table with their party supplies. They loved the Hello Kitty cakes and balloons. Soon everyone was here, even Hallie. But the girls were so overwhelmed with all the people here they would hardly play. There was 17 people here and our house was pretty full! So let the party begin!!!

Here the girls are sitting all pretty with their cakes.

Here they are as we sang "Happy Birthday", they were singing too! (All morning Lindy had been singing "happy birthday to US") They were so cute here, grinning from ear to ear.

Blowing out their #4 candles!


Chocolate cake for Molly. White cake for Lindy and Hallie. They all got ice cream too. Yum-Yum!


Everyone enjoying cake and ice cream.

Waiting for the loot!

Rock star Lindy giving a free concert!

Mamaw & Papaw checking out the presents.

Sleeping bags!!! Lindy had to take hers to bed with her that night! Love em, Aunt Donna!

Papaw & Mamaw saved the best for last! A new "see-saw"! They really liked this. (so does momma) It even twirls round and round. Thanks Mamaw & Papaw!

They also received McD's cards and lots of cash. It was a great party. One I'm sure the girls will talk about for a long time. The long day ended with supper at Tequilas (Aunt Donna & the boys went too) and more play before hitting the sack way past their bed time. Thanks everyone! It was fun fun fun!

Thankful Thursday

Psalm 86:15

But you, O Lord,

are a God merciful and gracious,

slow to anger,

abounding in kindness and fidelity.

My goal this week is to be a better person! To be kinder to others and enjoy life more. Slow down and soak up the wonders of God's blessings. To not fret over situations that I can not change and accept that I have done my best in others. Wouldn't life be more fun that way?

1.Today, I am thanful for inventions that make my kife a little easier. like this bowl with a straw

attached!

2.I am thankful for my children, who always loves me, no matter what. We recieve notes like
this daily. I cheries them.

3. I am thankful for double seated shopping carts! They really make the experience easier. I feel

more like a mother instead of a referee when out shopping.


4. On this bitter cold morning (it was 0* today) I am very thankful for hot water! I cannot

imagine life without hot showers!

5. This week, I am thankful for friends at our bank, who is "fixing" our checking account. The

utility co double charged us on our bill (the biggest ever) this month and really messed it up.

Thank You friends!

RRRGGGHHH!!!

Okay, you know how I complained the other day about our utility bill being so high (more that a weeks pay high)? Keep reading, this get good!! Well, I decided to balance the checkbook today (online) and you know what I found?!? You guessed it.... the utility co. has deducted our bill TWICE!! Yes, you read it right. And the worst part is.... there was NOT enough money in there for that! They had done the transaction today, so off I sent DH with a copy in hand to the bank and utility office. Probably a good thing I sent him!! They may have kicked me out of there and discontinued our service (can you tell I was a little upset). Anyway, before DH even got home, the lady was calling here to say it was going to be corrected hopefully today. And, get this, they'd pay any charges we might have from their mistake! (yeah, I know you will) This is kinda unsettling to me because I've not ever over drafted before. Not to say I haven't came close more than a few times! But it happened and it's done (I hope). Good thing I didn't have to use the debit card today huh!

Pray For Linn

I have been following Linn blog for sometime now. They have just recently returned home from Africa with TWO little angels and are expecting another angel from China this year. They are a delightful family. Early this morning their home was virtually destroyed by a fire. Everyone is safe, thank the Lord. Please pray as this family is struggling to pick up the pieces.

Sisters

The girls got a makeup vanity for Christmas. It only came with a small stool made for one. I knew this would not due. So I found a friend who was making benches. She made us a kid sized one for two. It turned out really cute. I told her to do whatever....

She painted it pink & purple, painted "sisters"

on one side &

"friends" on the other.
And names on the ends.

She did a great job. The girls use their bench all the time.
And there's no fighting over who sits where! It's all good!

Giggling Girl

It's a COLD rainy Saturday here in our neck of the woods. I am cooped up with two little girls who are pretty restless. We are playing and watching cartoons. Lindy has watched Rudolf once already! I'm afraid we are going to have to watch Christmas videos all year long. We are doing alot of joking, laughing and snuggling today. It is really cold so the blankets are out, piled on the floor. I'm thinking we will make a tent/fort later. That should make them happy for a while.

It is hard to believe that January is already a third over. Time is racing by. Sometimes I wish I could freeze the moments while these girls are little. My DH & I were discussing the need (or not) of me returning to a part time job sooner than we thought. We need a little more income, but the girls need me as well. So, for now, we are going to buckle down even more and try it longer. Like my DH said, "you can't get this time with them back". Oh, how true it is. So I am trusting that God will lead us down the right path ....... FAITH! (read yesterday's post)

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Yesterday the girls and I met a group of friends in Evansville. It's a bunch (whoever can make it that day) of mom's with adopted kids. We usually meet at a kid friendly place, it's called "playgroup". Yesterday, right after school, we met them at Pizza Hut. They have a huge indoor play land. The kids had a ball, I forced them to go after being there 2-1/2 hours. We also went to the party store. The girls got to pick out party "stuff" for their upcoming birthday party. They both choose Hello Kitty. They can't wait until then. It's a cake & ice cream party next Saturday with family here at home. Molly is x'ing off the days! I guess that means I should be cleaning the house. But with TWO soon to be four year olds it's impossible for it to stay clean! Oh well *sigh*!

Thankful Thursday

Some of my blogger friends have added a twist to their journals. I think it's a great idea, so I'm jumping on board. Every Thursday you list five things you are thankful for. I have decided to also add a short bible verse too. Hope you like it as much as I do, so here goes...

Matthew 8:25-26

They came and woke him, saying,

"Lord, save us! We are perishing!"

He said to them, "Why are you terrified,

O you of little faith?"

I don't think I could make it without my faith. I have to remind myself often to put more trust and faith in the Lord. And when I do, goodness come my way. Weather it be small or big things, I am at the mercy of God. When I look into the big brown eyes of my children, I am reminded of my good fortune. And all things suddenly become small, as they are the biggest blessing of all.

1. I am thankful that my children will eat all sorts of foods. They really enjoy peeling their own clementines.

2. I am thankful that my girls are content with the small things. Give them markers and paper and they are happy.

3. I am thankful to be able to stay home with Molly & Lindy, hopefully until they go to kindergarten.

4. I am thankful for my loving husband, our two daughters, and for our friends and family. I cannot imagine my life without any of these people! I am so blessed.

5. I am thankful, on this cold day, for my warm clothes, house shoes and blankets!

Now, take a few moments and think of those five things you are thankful for.

I'm Hungry

We're hungry Mom!!

Okay, you can have snow for lunch!!

Close To My Heart

This is my Christmas present given to me by my parents. Isn't it pretty? What more could a mom want? My two beautiful daughter's images on a mother of pearl heart shaped pendant.

I love it!

Thank You Mom & Dad

One Hundred Good Wishes Quilt

Back in June I started collecting fabric squared from friends and family to complete Molly & Lindy a quilt. It is called a 100 Good Wishes Quilt. Below I have explained it in more detail. I am going to continue collecting fabric until the end of January. I'm anxious to get them started. I want to invite anyone who is reading to join in. If you have questions or need our mailing address just click on the "email me" at on the side bar.

these are samples of a OHGWQ

One Hundred Good Wishes
For Molly & Lindy

Dear Friends & Family.
I have started a new project and need your help! I want to make Molly & Lindy each a “100 Good Wishes Quilt”. The idea came from a tradition they have in China. And I am always trying to find ways to bring Chinese customs into our family. So I’ll explain….

ABOUT THE QUILT--To welcome and celebrate a new baby, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth and a wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all of the people who contribute. Along with the fabric, a matching swatch is attached to a card with a blessing, wish, poem, or thought for the child. (don’t forget to sign you name) These are collected into a memory book. The fabric pieces are then stitched together to form a quilt that the child can pass down from generation to generation.

We would be honored if you would take the time to send TWO 8 x 8 inch squares of 100% cotton fabric of your choice. Along with them, attach a small swatch of the fabric to a card with your thoughts, prayer, blessing or wish. One for Molly and one for Lindy. I will need two squares for I am making each one their own quilt. The squares can be different or the same, doesn't matter. But they will each need a wish for their own memory book.
My mom said that the idea sounds much like what Americans call a Friendship quilt. So, my goal is to collect at least 100 “wishes” for each daughter.

For those who want to contribute but don’t have fabric on hand, may I make a few suggestions…. Maybe you have a blouse your not wearing or hankie. Perhaps a bandanna or pillowcase. Some Wal-Mart stores have a fabric section. You can find small cuts of fabric rolled up, ready to buy.

I hope you can help us with our project. If you have any questions, please call or email. Thank you in advance.

David, Sherry,
Molly & Lindy