More Christmas Eve Pictures!

We couldn't ask for more.
Our almost complete Bouquet of Blessings.
Leaving milk and cookies for Santa!


Preparing & cooking the traditional pig roast.

Celebrating the upcoming birth of our Lord with friends and family!

The visit from Santa!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I will post about our wonderful Christmas day, the kids' reactions to the avalanche of gifts that they were showered with (not by us!) and how we spent our first Christmas without traveling to Miami to see the rest of the family.

Five of my six babies....

I'll start off with pictures of 5 of my sweethearts on Christmas Eve; more to come later!!

Adam, the big brother who adores his siblings!
She is so beautiful!! That smile lights up a room!Oh, oh! Here comes trouble! I love this baby so much!
Amanda takes my breath away sometimes. She's growing up so fast!

Doesn't she look cute with her new haircut? And of course, my funny and loving little man!

They truly are such lights in my life!

To our oldest guy:

Tito, we missed you so much this Christmas! We all can't wait to see you next week.

Christmas Eve

I am totally exhausted but so filled with joy in seeing our little ones (and big ones) enjoying every second of the holiday. We reminded them often of the 'reaon for the season' and even sang a last "Happy Birthday to You" to Jesus after prayers last night. Kai asked if Jesus' birthday was coming again tomorrow, unfortunately I had to break the news that he had to wait until next year.

I have much to share and as always not a lot of time. I truly apologize for not having posted pictures and sharing about the very special Christmas miracle we received, but even if it's Valentine's day, I will get to it.

Right now I will leave you with a bit of our Christmas Eve and the traditional Noche Buena at my Mom's house. We had an awesome time. The dinner was absolutely scrumptious and we were all filled to the brim. She invited new neighbors over to share in the tradition, which they seemed to have really enjoyed. One of the neighbors plays guitar and we spent about an hour singing Christmas carols and even a few praise and worship songs.

The little ones went to bed right after dinner, but were awoken at midnight by the sounds of sleigh bells and Santa coming up the stairs carrying a huge black bag full of goodies for them. Their eyes appeared like saucers and none of them were able to gather the courage to get closer, until Anna Grace decided that she wanted presents and if going up to Santa would do it, then she was going for it! Well, it didn't take long for the rest of the crew to follow. My cousins little ones, Emily, was with us to join in the fun and even Baby Seth awoke at midnight to get a picture with the big guy. We laughed as much as Santa did with his Ho-Ho-Ho's. There's nothing in the world like seeing Christmas through a child's eyes.

The kids really cleaned up and were overly spoiled with goodies from their favorite Ayi & Shu-Shu and of course, their Po-Po. Oh!! Anna Grace's dress and the boy's vests were made by Po-Po for them. We went to the Christmas vigil mass and everyone had to stop to tell us how adorable they looked. THANK YOU PO-PO!!!

Pictures will follow later tonight. (Really, this time...so please check back!)

Finally Catching Up!

I know I've been pretty lame about blogging....really blogging. So sorry. It's just been crazy. So, now that Scott is sitting in the little room surrounded by 10,000 small plastic pieces that belong to Anna Grace's new kitchen (he already assembled Kai's tricycle), I decided I would take the time to catch up.

Sheesh, where do I start? A few weeks ago, I took the kids to visit Santa. Kai and Anna Grace couldn't get on his lap fast enough. Thank goodness that there wasn't anyone in line before us. Anna Grace wasted no time in telling her new bearded buddy that she wanted a "kitchen to cook in and a dolly". Kai, my sweet little man who is always thinking of his siblings, made sure to tell Santa that he wanted a "red car, AJ wanted a truck and Anna Grace a dolly". He also made sure to tell Santa that they had all been good. Umm....ok. Yeah, they've been good.

I'm not sure if Anna Grace had been exposed to Santa or not in China, but she wasted no time in realizing that this chubby old man is a good thing and he will come when she's "sheeping" (sleeping) and bring lots of "poisants" (presents). Too cute! She's doing so much better. She's cute as can be and she and Kai have an infectious giggle that just makes you laugh listening to them.

AJ is just adorable and all boy. He HATED Santa up close but talks about him all day long. He can't go by a Christmas tree or any decoration without bursting into a "Mama!!! Shanta!!! (Santa)" My baby boy is growing up so darn fast. I wish I could slow him down. He is also talking up a storm....all of them are.

Kai is into the "why?" stage. At first, I thought it was just soooo cute how he'd ask "Whyyyyyyyyyyy?" about everything. But, I must admit, it's getting tiring. Especially when I'm trying to get him to hurry up and do something and there's always a "why?" response! UGH! My answer is always "because I said so" and his response is always, "Oh!" He seems satisfied with that, for now at least.

I've had a few of you ask me how Amanda is doing. She is doing great! She started the 8th grade at a new school this year and her grades have been excellent. She still has those teenage girl hormones that flare up once in a while, but overall she's a great kid and we are so very blessed to call her ours. If I could just get her to keep her room clean on a daily basis, life would be good!

Speaking of Amanda, I have been so darn excited about her "big" gift for Christmas. For months now she's been driving me crazy to go see Hawk Nelson, a Christian teen band. Well, I finally gave in and looked up the info on their tour. God is so good. They are playing in Orlando (about 3 hours away). But what is so amazing is that they are playing at the Revolve Tour.

I attended the Women of Faith conference two years ago and it was amazing! Well, since then, they've decided to offer the same type of conference for teenage girls, ages 13-18, and Hawk Nelson is one of the bands playing. So, not only will she be going to listen to the band, she'll be spending two days with girls her age listening to God's word and topics that will hopefully continue to keep her focused on Christ. I was so excited. I bought 3 tickets, one for her, one for me and one for her to take a friend. Well, the little sneak saw my Christmas list on my desk and next to her name it said "revolve". She, of course, started snooping and found out that I got tickets as a Christmas gift. I could smack her. She doesn't know I know, so I should now have it backfire and not give her the tickets for Christmas and just wait till right before the concert in February. I'm thinking about it.

That's about it with the kids. This is the first year that we will not be driving to Miami to see the rest of the family on Christmas day, and I'm pretty sad about that, but I think it's more important for the kids to wake up on Christmas morning and enjoy their first real Christmas day without having to spend the day driving. Tito will be up next weekend to see us, and Christmas Eve will be spent with my Mom, my aunt and cousins and my sister and her family celebrating the traditional Cuban Noche Buena. We have the traditional pig roasted in the backyard that has been sitting in a garlicky homemade marinade called mojo. The late night feast includes white rice, black beans, salad, yuca with lots of mojo and cuban bread . Yummy!!!

We also have made it a tradition over the years to have a cake in which we all sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. I speak daily to the little ones about the "reason for the season" and I think they clearly understand that it's Jesus' birthday we are celebrating, and that somehow we get the gifts for him. That Jesus is a pretty awesome guy, huh?

After the cake, we then at midnight open gifts from each other. We will be back home probably around 3 a.m., sleep a few hours, or until the kids wake up, and then see what Santa brought while them while they were sleeping. It's a long day and night, but one that we build so many memories that we wouldn't trade it for the world. Christmas Day for us is something of an afterthought, gastronomically speaking, as that's when you eat the Noche Buena leftovers.

I have lots of pictures to upload before Christmas and I also want to share about a few Christmas miracles that the Lord has blessed us with, so please check back soon. I promise to post again before Christmas.

Blessings,

Ohilda

PS. I wanted to comment on some of the good news some of you have shared with me in the past week or so. I am beyond excited that these beautiful babies are making their way into their Mama's arms! 2008 is going to be an awesome year!

Tina....wooohoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Dec. 4 LID means that you're almost down a month already. Teddi will be in your arms before you know it. I am so happy for you.

Dianne....it's just weeks now before the world gets to see beautiful Baby M. I know it's been an agonizing wait, but I promise you, it will be so worth the wait once you have her in your arms.

Peg.....a little girl?!!!!! Praise God! I absolutely love the name, I had a feeling that J. would choose that. Congratulations, Grandma. God is so good!!!

Monica.....first, Lily Mei is so darn cute, how could you stand it?

I wanted to respond that yes, I changed the blog. The header I changed by making it in Foto Fusion and then just adding the picture on the template. The background I changed by getting the html code for the picture and pasting it on the same spot where the previous one was. I did all this while praying that my entire blog wouldn't disappear. I guess God knew that would be more than I could handle a few days before Christmas.

YEAH, BABY!

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about Churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute.' Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is , in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God. The man thanked the pastor and continued on hisway.

As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas , St. Louis , Chicago , Milwaukee , and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each> pastor. Finally, he arrived in Massachusetts . Upon entering a church in Boston, MA.

Behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. "Why?" The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in Boston , Massachusetts now, home of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Celts. You're in God's Country, It's a local call.

14 - 0

You know you're a Mom when....

Okay! I thought this would be fun and I just know you guys have lots of these to share! Here are some of mine. Please take a minute and leave your own "I know" moments in the comments section!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A MOM WHEN....

......going to the grocery store, the post office, or Walmart consitutes "going out" and is something to be excited about.

......your daughter applauds when you go pee (and you feel a little proud about it)

......you have an overwhelming urge to say "look there's a firetruck!" and there are no children in the car!!

......the thought of eating mushed up, saliva and dirt stained toast brings tears to your eyes--because she's learning how to share!

......your 21 month old son spent yesterday looking supercool with spiked hair - not because I styled it - just maple syrup from breakfast.

.....you decide on what restaurant you are going to according to the children's menu.

....you are leaving the house and as everyone is walking out you ask hubby if he needs to go pee-pee! (Yes, it's happened!)

...."me time" means going to the bathroom with the door closed.

.....you negotiate who gets to sleep in on the weekends.

.....you eat cooikies in the bathroom in order to hide from little wide-open mouths standing before you going "Aaaahhhh".

Blogger's Blur

Yes, folks. That's what I have, besides this miserable cold that Scott so kindly decided to share with now 4 of the 6 humans living in this house. Amanda is the only one saved from it. I guess if I had to choose one of us not to get sick, it would be her. Drama-mania combined with teen hormones is bad enough, but add a cold on top of that and it would be way more than I could handle right now.

Every day for the past 4 days I have sat down to recount all of the going-ons here. But, then the thought of having to think and lift my hands to type is more energy than I could muster. Slowly, the infamous "I'll do it tomorrow" thought creeps in and drags me back to the comfort zone of just clicking the mouse to continue surfing.

A few days ago, I tried so hard to beat this bug. I went on a Lysol rampage, which was induced by one of AJ's famous take-off-his-diaper and smear routines. I sprayed everything, everywhere. So, how did we all end up sick? I will share a quick moment I had with the 3 amigos the other morning.

When you run out of tissues and are curled up under a throw blanket on the couch, watching toys quickly cover every square inch of the floor, you'd think that one of the little persons here would be able to go to the bathroom and get some tissue so that I don't keep sneezing into my shirt (yes, gross...I know!). But, ahhh, yes. They can't. Why? Because I have gated them all in to my sleeping space. I do this for safety measures to be assured that I won't wake up to a house explosion or some other catastrophical disaster.

Hence, I finally drift off into a foggy sleep while I hear in the background AJ's loud and boisterious chanting begin. "Juice! Juice! Mama, Juice!" I reposition myself and cover my head hoping that the word "Mama" is not directed at me.

Then, the choir chimes in. "Mama! Mama! Mama, Juice! Juice! Juice!" The final, "Juuuuuiiiiiiiiiicccccccccceeeeeeeeeee!!!!!" could only be compared to sharp fingernails scraping across a chalkboard. I find strength from places I didn't know existed and open my eyes to peek thru the weaving of the throw blanket. There they are. The 3 of them. Just inches from my face in perfect harmony, screeching, "Juice!!!!!!!!!!, Juice, pleeeeaaaseeee!!!!!" I finally get up and make my way through the valley of toys. Stepping on dolls, cars and legos on my way to the kitchen, followed by the Fantastic Four (dog included). Everyone shoving and pushing their way to the front in order to be the first to be handed their sippy cup. Gosh, you'd think they'd learn by now that the one at the back of the line is the one I hand it to first, usually it's Anna Grace. Although, I must admit she has learned some pretty impressive elbow moves to get in there.

They each are handed their juice. The dog gets a Milk-Bone and I again, navigate my way through the sea of toys back to the couch. I find that sweet spot which is no longer warm, curl up, cover myself in order for them not to be able to even see me and try to drift off again. I have tried hiding in different places throughout the house in order to accomplish this, but all they need to do is follow the sound of the hacking cough. I digress.

Just when I get to that point where I start floating away into what I may think is sleep, I almost crawl out of my skin as I hear shrieked into my left ear, "Mama! Mama, Dora! Dora! Dora! Doooooooorrrrrraaaaaaaaaaa!!!" followed by little fists pounding on my back in efforts to try and wake the sleeping giant. Then, what seems like hundreds of little fingers tugging and pulling at my shield, I mean my blanket, all the while hitting notes that would leave Beverly Sills in awe of their abilities as they synchronize their chant of "DOOOOORRRAAAA!!!!!!!!" over and over and over again.

I finally give up and resign myself to the fact that it ain't gonna happen! I grab the remote, turn on the Tivo and start watching Dora and Santa's present, for the 25th time that day. Only to find myself just minutes later, being the only one watching Dora because the 3 of them (and the dog) have all fallen asleep, filled juice cup in hands.

Smiles for the heart....

While at dinner with some friends the other night, Kai sat next to a little 3 year old girl. This was their, although short, but very cute conversation.

LITTLE GIRL: I have a Mommy. Her name is Lisa.

KAI: Kai has Mama. My Mama's name is Mama!

Little girl shrugged and Kai went back to his ice cream.

Christmas Fun!

It's been CRAZY busy here! We're sick with colds and I've done zilch of Christmas shopping. If one more person reminds me of the countdown till Christmas, I'm gonna scream. But, even with all the chaos, stuffy noses and sneezing, my sweeties still make me smile. Enjoy!
(PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE BACKGROUND MUSIC.)

God Bless Our Troops!!

GROSS!!!!!!!!!!

(REMEMBER TO TURN OFF BACKGROUND MUSIC)

Thanksgiving Memories

The Word Became Flesh

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house,

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap,

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear?

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!!!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus!!

Returning just like He said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,

When He said, "It's not here" my head hung in shame

The people whose names had been written with love,

He gathered to take to His father above.

With those who were ready

He rose without a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of site;

Oh, if only we had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear,

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

You've come a long way, baby!

I have so much to catch up on, including Thanksgiving pictures, our visit to Santa and the kids' reactions to the avalanche of Christmas decorations that just wouldn't stop coming out of the attic.

But, today, I am dedicating this post to our beautiful, baby girl. In a couple of weeks it will be 6 months that we first held Anna Grace Fengqin. I spent some time the other night going back to the those first days and weeks and reading my journal entries. It's hard to remember those days that were so dark at times, for both of us. These days, especially in the past month, have been filled with laughter and joy, so much so that at times I am overwhelmed with love for this little one.

The little girl I had envisioned and dreamed about who only used to allow me to take peeks of her, is now out in full view. In the mornings she is the first to run to me for hugs and kisses. She sometimes waits, almost to see if it's ok. I still wish I knew what she was thinking and I do know there are moments of insecurity and her trust is not 100% there. She hesitates during those unsure moments. Yet, with a little nugding, she allows herself to follow through, then thoroughly revels in the love that we share, as do I.

A lot of this may sound like rambling because I'm trying to gather thoughts of special moments as we type, and there have been so many. I will start off with her real personality.

She is definitely a little drama queen who is daring and spirited. She loves being praised and is so very proud of herself when she accomplishes a task that is noticed and rewarded. We try to do this often. She loves her siblings and they love her. She has a special relationship with each one of them. but she still remains closest to Kai. She can be an instigator and she is sometimes the victim when it comes to trouble. She definitely knows what doesn't make Mama happy and usually bolts from the scene of the crime if she was involved. She does this with such slyness that it sometimes makes me laugh.

Anna Grace also has a very sweet side. She loves being hugged and kissed and although her attachment issues still rears its ugly head on ocassion, it has gotten so much better. She has improved so much, especially when she's with me, about kissing and asking strangers to pick her up. She now waits to see if they are a "stranger" or if Mama gives her the "it's ok" look. She's very much a girly-girl and loves big, ruffly dresses, bows, ribbons and pretty dress shoes. She is fortunate that her beloved Po-Po is an amazing seamstress and has showered her with gorgeous dresses. She relishes in being told how beautiful she is and how much we love her.

She is funny and repeats EVERYTHING we say. Sometimes while I am scolding one of the other little ones she is right behind me echoing every word. AJ is the town terror lately and the other day I caught him turning the TV set on and off, on and off, repeatedly. So, I pick him up, plop him on the couch and start with the ritualistic, "You do not touch the TV. That is not yours. That is Mama's." I hear muttering going on behind me so I quickly turn around and there is Anna Grace, hands on hips, leaning forward saying, "You do not touch the TV. That is not yours. That is Mama's." Just too funny.

Holding time is something I haven't had to do in a few weeks. There have been moments when I put her to bed that I hold off on tucking her in so that I could spend a few extra minutes with her, after the boys are down. It's still a little tough during those moments because I could sense her little body tightening as I pull her close and we have long periods of eye-to-eye contact, but she cooperates and at the end, we end up with fits of giggles and kisses. I then ask her to relax, close her eyes and I will sing her a song while rocking her. While I am singing, I hold her close to my chest and lightly stroke her cheek.

Well, a couple of nights ago, with eyes closed and listening to me singing, she raised her little hand and started stroking my cheek and hair. Neither one of us said a word, but the love being felt by both of us was a striking power that moved me to tears.

As I read the journal entries, I relived the days where I thought, when she was so blantantly mean trying to protect her little heart from being hurt by me, would never end. I had resigned myself to the fact that this was the card that I was dealt and whether she loved me or not, she was my daughter and I had to love her unconditionally although it was hard at times, very hard. I was assured during those periods, by many, that her love would eventually surface and it would be sweeter than ever because we had worked so hard to get there. Thank you all for the encouragement. Every tear, every moment of holding time where I was kicked, spit on, and slapped was so very worth it.

I am so very thankful that God gave me the wisdom and guidance to continue with the attachment therapy and the holding time, especially during moments when I wanted to give up and just accept the fact that she hated me. She didn't. She never hated me. She was scared, and at times, still is, but it's ok. We're working through it. I love her so very much that sometimes it makes my chest hurt.

Anna Grace,

You've made me a better person. You've reminded me consistently to love unconditionally, as our Father loves us. You've taught me that patience and hard work reaps priceless rewards. You've again reminded me that I did not have to give birth to my child to love them as if it were my blood running through their veins.

We've had 6 months of the scariest, most-thrilling, roller coaster ride I have ever been on. There were moments that I yelled "Stop! I want to get off! And other times when the glee of time blowing by gave me that "tickle" that you feel in your belly, but love, as the roller coaster is zooming so fast that you can hardly catch your breath. In the end, I am elated to say, it's been the type of ride that when you get off you breathe deep and say, "Wow! That was awesome!"

You are absolutely stunning on the outside, as I am told repeatedly by many when we go out, but I wish that everyone that meets you could see how even more beautiful you are on the inside. God has blessed you with so very much, but he has blessed us with even more by allowing you to be our daughter.

I am so proud of your brave and courageous little heart. The wall that you built when we first met you is slowly, brick by brick, falling apart. Now, I don't even have to stand on my tippy-toes to look over the other side. I am so thankful that you allowed yourself the opportunity to love and to allow that love that I so desperately wanted you to feel, to penetrate your heart. You are my ray of sunshine and now, I cannot imagine my life without my little girl in it.

I will always be here for you. I will always love you unconditionally with every fiber of my being. You are my daughter, my gift from God and you complete me. Baby girl, you've come a long way. We still have much more to travel on this path, but I now know that we are doing it together and nothing is sweeter. Adoption is truly a miracle and you, my loving baby girl, are nothing less than that.....a miracle!

I love you as much as the whole wide world.....and back again.

Mama

Air Jammin' with the old folks!

Back in the 70's while I was doing the hustle and trying to figure out what Donna Summer meant by "leaving a cake out in the rain", my wonderful husband was being totally absorbed by the pyschodelic sounds and sights of Pink Floyd.

This is Scott's favorite all-time band and many a nights I hear him with his Bose headphones on just lost in the songs as he plays his computer games.

Although I know a couple of songs, and I can't even say I know them, (I recognize them is a more accurate description), I had the opportunity to give Scott a gift that I knew he would love.

The real Pink Floyd no longer tours but as I was surfing the web a few weeks ago looking for PF laser shows, I came across a Floyd concert tour. I called Scott over and he immediately knew what I was talking about. He said that there's this great PF tribute band that had amazing reviews and their show was just like PF's show. The band, Aussie Floyd, received the highest honor possible by being the only band to ever be asked to play for a band member. They were hired to play for David Gilmour's 50th birthday bash!

So, we searched their tour locations and noticed that they would be coming to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, which is on the east coast. Although it was feasible, it would be tough because it would mean driving there and back (2 hours each way) and having to ask my sister or Mom to stay with the kids overnight, since we wouldn't be back till 2 am. We left it at, "Let's see what happens."

Well, a couple of weeks ago, somehow the conversation came up with Amanda and I about Pink Floyd. She asked if we were going to the concert, since Scott had mentioned to her that he'd like her to see their show. I said I didn't think so, mostly because of the distance and all that was involved. She then said, in her teenage way, "Mom! Why? Fifteen minutes is too far to drive?" I said, "Huh?" She then proceeded to tell me that Aussie Floyd is playing at the Barbara Mann Theater here in town!

Of course, being that we had checked the tour schedule and they weren't coming to SW Florida, I knew she was wrong. Well, that's what 13 year olds, I-know-it-all children are for. She promptly went to the computer, pulled up the BM Theater and lo and behold, there they were! I was so happy to see it that not only did I tell her I was sorry for saying she was wrong, but I got her a ticket, too! That was Scott's 10th anniversary gift from me.

Last night, we went to the show. Although it was not what I expected, it was a good show if you're a PF fan. Scott would become a groupie and follow their tour worldwide if he ever could.

I felt incredibly young when we arrived. I'm not sure if it's because we live in the retirement capital of the world, or because the demographics of the original PF band were an older crowd, but I swear that more than 80% of the people there were over 65. Scott was a bit bummed because of this. He knew that it would be a sit-down concert and he loves partaking in concerts as if he were up on stage, especially when he loves the band. In this case, he not only knew every song but sang every word of each song at the top of his lungs.

He's had me listening to PF cd's all week so that I could become familiar with the music. After a while, sorry to the PF fans out there, it was all sounding like the same white noise. But, I love making my husband happy so I showed much enthusiasm and told him I was so excited to go to the concert.

The band was great and if you closed your eyes, you really could not tell the difference between the real PK and the Aussie tribute band. The light and laser show was really good, too. But, I have to say that my favorite part of the concert was when they were playing the last song, Comfortably Numb, and my husband just could not contain himself anymore. Scott was sitting between Amanda and me. All of a sudden, he leaped up out of his seat and began air jamming (yes, with head bobbing included) along with the bass player. The group of 70 year olds sitting around us who had been lightly tapping their toes to the beat, stared in amazement. Even the usher/security guard, also in his 70's, by the stage (we had great seats!!) just watched in disbelief.

I was so proud of my husband for not allowing his surroundings to deter him from having a good time, but I must admit that I sheepishly slid lower and lower in my seat until I was almost in a horizontal position. I glanced over at Amanda who was just as surprised as her elderly neighbors at Scott's zest for Pink Floyd music. We both looked at each other and just giggled.

The whole moment was very cute because it certainly was very uncharacteristic of Scott to do. I'm sure had it been in another city, at another venue, the entire place would have been standing, but you gotta do what you gotta do, and air jammin' with the old folks was definitely the thing to do last night.

Baby Love

AJ lovin' on his favorite baby, Seth.

Seth, at 3.5 months is almost AJ's size.
I LOVE this picture!
Seth's smile is priceless.
The "pinky" hold.
I just love both these sweet babies.

What was I thinking????

I went to kiss Amanda goodbye as she headed to school with Scott yesterday and I noticed that her right eye was weepy and beet red. I asked her what happened. Her response, "Nothing, Mom." Typical 13 year old...ugh! So, I tell Scott to wait and I drag Amanda in the bathroom, make her take off her contacts and put on her glasses. She was livid at the thought that she had to go to school with glasses on. Heaven forbid! I think she'd rather have plucked her eye out with a spoon. So, after telling her that I was in charge, she pouted out the door, glasses on her face.

When I picked her up in the afternoon, the weepy eye was almost closed shut, red and just plain gross. This morning I happened to have an appointment for the little ones to go to the doctor, so I called the doctor's office and asked if Amanda could be seen at the same time. Of course, it was no problem, since I think we have purchased the doctor's BMW from all our visits.

Bright and early today, I trot into the doctors office with my brood following. The appointment was scheduled right at naptime, so I knew it wouldn't be a fun one. After finding seats for everyone, I sat pondering whether I should give the little ones a heads up that it was a "shot" day. Two for the boys, and four for Anna Grace, since she is still catching up. I figured I wouldn't since the crying would start then and there.

About 20 minutes later, we are called in. We take up the entire hallway where everyone is weighed, measured, and temps taken. (By the way, they ALL weigh 27 lbs and are within an inch of each other.)

The nurse then herds us into an examining room. This particular room had, of course, only 1 toy in it. Sharing is still a learning process, especially for AJ. I brought toys and some other stuff to entertain them all, but as expected, they all wanted the new toy. Some may call my next move cruel, but it stopped the screaming. In the midst of their arguing over who touches which button, I stopped them and told them that I had something to important to say. The 3 little faces froze and looked at me. Kai immediately said, "Shot?" Well, at that point, I couldn't lie. So, I said, "Yes, everyone is getting a shot today. BUT....it will be fast! A REAL fast one!" Then, the crying began. It stared with Kai, then Anna Grace followed, and AJ had really no idea why everyone was crying, but once one does it, they all do. So, he joined in.

Fortunately, the nurse came in. I sat Kai on my lap and told the two younger ones to watch what a big boy Kai was. Ummm.....wrong! He wailed and screamed bloody murder. Next was AJ. I gotta say. This little guy is so darn tough. No crying. The needle went in as I held him against me and told him, "We're almost done." He said, "Done?" By the time I answered. It was over. He hardly whimpered.

Anna Grace, and righteously so, screamed till I thought the veins in her neck would explode. She got two shots in each arm. It broke my heart because she kept saying over and over, "Mama! Mama! Mama!" Poor baby.

Finally it was over. The doctor came in and agreed with my motherly diagnosis that Amanda had pink eye. We got our prescription and we were off to the pharmacy for more Motrin (note to self: buy stock!) and Amanda's eye drops.

So, now I sit here with a teenager whining that her eye itches and me reminding her every few minutes not to touch it and to go wash her hands again. And with 3 little ones with fevers ranging from 100.5 to 102, and all of them cranky, whiney and crying. Ahhhh yes, the joys of motherhood.

What was I thinking when I scheduled all 3 of them for vaccinations on the same day?

Praising God....

and thanking everyone that lifted up our little Kai to the heavens. We just got back from the doctor and he told me that Kai's palate is 100% intact!! So, no corrective surgeries needed! I am ever so grateful for everyone's prayers and of course, to our Lord, for watching over my baby boy. I know it's because of your prayers that his palate is intact.

His diet has now been expanded a little bit to softer foods, instead of full liquid. So, he will be able to now have pancakes (soaked in syrup), shredded cheese, soft rice and a few other yummy items that he has not been able to eat, but loves.

We return to the doctor on the 10th and hopefully then he will be allowed to begin eating normal foods and soon thereafter, return to school. We have a "playdate" for an hour at school this Thursday, with his classmates.

Today marks ten bliss-filled, wonderful years that Scott and I have been together. For those of you that do not know how Scott and I met, we met on internet. I was going through some tough times ending a marriage and my oldest son had recently suffered a life threatening accident. As much as I wanted, and needed the Lord in my life, he wasn't front and center at the time.

Late one night, in a chat room using Comic Chat (I laugh even thinking about it now), I met this man. He lived in Connecticut, was divorced and had a 9 year old daughter. He was dating someone at the time and just seemed so genuinely nice. I remember time slipping away so quickly that night. I headed to bed and when I glanced at the clock it was 4 a.m! I couldn't believe it. I remember thinking to myself, "what a nice man!". He remembers me saying, "I don't cook"...heh! The rest is history. Nine months after that night, he left everything behind and followed his heart....to Florida. Then, two years later, on his parent's anniversary, in the center of Quincey Market in Boston he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. It was a moment when time stood still. It was December 16, 2000. The snow was falling outside and the sun was just rising. Shop keepers were opening up their stores and it all just seemed like a fairy tale. I felt like Cinderella when the glass slipper fit her foot. It's been that way for 10 amazing years.

I am no stranger to marriage and if I had not met Scott, would probably be giving Elizabeth Taylor a run for her money. But this man stopped me in my tracks. One of our first conversations was about the bible and God, and at the time, he didn't even go to church. But his knowledge so impressed me. He is everything I had ever envisioned a husband, and father, should be. He is smart, kind, loving, gentle, supportive, a hard worker and wonderful provider. (I will leave the more personal stuff out, but let me just add that the thought puts a smile on my face!)

The Lord used Scott to lead me back on that narrow path, that I had been missing for so long. After my Lord and Savior, Scott is the one that is my rock and my strength. When times are tough, he lifts me up and when there are moments of rejoicing, he magnifies those moments so that they appear 10,000 times better than they are. He is my prince charming who carried me away to a life that I could only have dreamed of. He took everything from me that has ever caused pain in my life and had sheltered, protected and loved me to no end. I am indeed the luckiest woman in the world.

Honey,

I tell you often, but I want to remind you again that you are the biggest blessing the Lord has ever given me. You make everything so much sweeter than it is. I love how you love our children and what a fantastic father and husband you are.

The dictionary says that a father is a man who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider and the definition of husband is a master of his house. Well, your picture should appear next to both those definitions, with neon lights flashing all around you. Your children adore you because you have earned that love and respect. My family loves you and you know that I cannot fathom a day without you. Jesus has graced you with the cement that binds us together as a family. Without you, our home would only be a house. Thank you for ten incredible years. I love you more than words could ever say.

Forever your wife,

Ohilda