tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280106192024-03-07T14:48:49.056-08:00Finding our FutureWe may not have given you the gift of life
But god gave us the gift of youKarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-72151010259420542272012-08-30T07:10:00.001-07:002012-08-30T07:10:24.068-07:00Stationery Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZm0ZNGjko&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0Abt2TZm0ZNGgA/0Abt2TZm0ZNGgOSg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1346335414000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Shower Love Blue Baby Shower Invitation</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>For hundreds of shower invitation designs, <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/invitations/bridal-shower-invitations" style="color: #6666cc;">click here</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-55255421251708244312009-09-29T20:12:00.000-07:002009-09-29T20:44:32.171-07:00OY VEYThat is what comes to mind with I realize that I do not post on here. Life goes by so fast that I seem to wonder where a month went when I blink. I am loving it but cant share just how much.<br />So in the last two months we have enjoyed summer, beach trips, park slides, museums, the zoo and best of all being together with all our kids.<br />School was a major hurdle and we finally make the big decision and Myles started kindergarten in a charter school. Nervous we were but what a fantastic decision and a great group of parents. A new school that has parents lined up to help in the class room is such a relief. I loved working with the kids at the end of the color week. After a week of working on colors they all got assigned a color and brought a food related to it. We had red so we made red cupcakes. Some of the foods were red strawberry, brown chocolate dipped strawberry, blue jelly bean, green pea (ok not a favorite), orange carrot, green grape, black olive. It truly was fun watching the kids change tables. I even got some great pictures. <br />We moved right into the Jewish new year and each year we talk about the services and say how it is the best. They seem to really impact you more and more as the years go on. If only my kids would appreciate it now as much as they will when they get older. Then came the day that seems to impact me the most. Yom Kippur our day to reflect. I sat there listening and the Rabbi said to take a moment to pray for someone close to you that may be ill or having hard times. I started crying as I thought of the tough times we have been having the last few months and then it hit me. I am sitting next to a man who has been a part of my life from the beginning. A dear friend of my parents. I felt guilt for being wrapped up in my self and that this was a day to put prayers and energy outside myself. This man is losing his wife. They wanted to send her home just days earlier on hospice. She is fighting the battle but the hurdles are huge. I realized though my hurdles seem so big some days they are always withing reach. Appreciate more of what you have. <br />And the speaker this year was the president of Bulgaria. He came to share with us why they were the only country to not follow orders and instead of filling box cars with thousands of jew and send them to their death they as a country stood fast and refused. Why we asked did you country refuse when all the rest gathered them and sent them to their death. He replied " Why not they were our neighbors, friends, class mates". It is told that 40,000 jews were saved because one country refused to follow the orders and sent empty box car after empty box car.<br />Today I am thankful for those who stood up to the evil and did not sacrifice their morals give up their friends and neighbors and saved so many lives. Thankful that I have such a wonderful family to begin another new year with. And thankful to have the mind to grow and make more of this year than I did in the past.<br />Happy New year and may yours also be full of rich growth, happy days and good health.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-58550355406456626642009-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:002009-08-03T08:51:40.735-07:00Expensive lesson learnedIt started with the first call at work that the dog was having a heart attack. I asked for a description and said it sounds like seizures get him the the hospital. Why does it never happen on a week day.<br />The puppy is 7 months old and having one seizure after another and we have no clue why but two scared little ones. Of course they hit you with $500 for shots and to stop the seizures. Then the questions trying to figure out what is going on.<br />Turns out the medication they put my son on for 9 months (which we have not gotten down him yet) ended up on the floor. My husband thought he picked it up but guess what the side affect is if the dog gets it. Massive onset of seizures and death. So I ask over and over did you pick it up? Are you sure you put it in the sink?<br />Did you know there is a poison control for animals? <br />I am on the phone in the emergency pet clinic and told to call. It says if your pet is having seizures hang up and go to and emergency clinic. Umm I am at one and they are telling me to call? <br />The estimates went up to almost $2000. Of course they put anything and everything they could think of on that list. <br />The antidote was not even at the clinic. I went to the hospital at 9:30 at night and told the emergency room that I needed to pharmacy. The possible cure was at the hospital and they were kind enough to help.<br />So said puppy is now home scared to death. Very tired from the seizures and the drugs used to stop them. Where is the medicine we are suppose to give my son? In the cabinet until I convince myself to try again...Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-82156120234518710042009-07-28T23:23:00.000-07:002009-07-28T23:51:01.825-07:00Warm Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgFtOtqPZG_MxahZRlC1OHWgyL_QTrR-S7Tl_oE_Iki4duLik63ijuXY19eV4jZfqEwRd15SB0SQow2T0qvRepVKDwZS-Jqw_dwCxM0ZpELv-TcqqTrnMdkX3oPM432kU1GMLeA/s1600-h/DSCN1508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgFtOtqPZG_MxahZRlC1OHWgyL_QTrR-S7Tl_oE_Iki4duLik63ijuXY19eV4jZfqEwRd15SB0SQow2T0qvRepVKDwZS-Jqw_dwCxM0ZpELv-TcqqTrnMdkX3oPM432kU1GMLeA/s200/DSCN1508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363770852599953202" /></a><br />This so far has proven to be an amazing summer with my family. We make the most of our days and more of our nights. How fun life can be when you make the most of it with your children.<br />So what have we been up to? Down right fun.. and so much of it that we are exhausted daily. From working in the garden, trips to the park and of course the wonderful beach..<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcu-CGRFQZHlEYL1TLkBKlN6upzDWhapGi5bFi6tlX6kFEJMCatlG4CYUgy6ZumtPVIjextWRP_WAbftuK7-6cuxjkXyxWGQyCByQNZHgVFknvqIDEq7tbAjdS-6_bWFT7Silg/s1600-h/100_2057.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcu-CGRFQZHlEYL1TLkBKlN6upzDWhapGi5bFi6tlX6kFEJMCatlG4CYUgy6ZumtPVIjextWRP_WAbftuK7-6cuxjkXyxWGQyCByQNZHgVFknvqIDEq7tbAjdS-6_bWFT7Silg/s320/100_2057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363764909522152434" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BbjlRqeEbbTnE7qeVWcsDyyB4ztbAWwhyphenhyphenuxTLMYhj9bXkR9ObE0xKQ1P9-ZJdxk55VoD6fsc16Pi09UUMf90KNV5V5iPxZTtovRjfC5HEwFA71Q40NNfBUe7zlby9SB7L6_aPA/s1600-h/100_2076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BbjlRqeEbbTnE7qeVWcsDyyB4ztbAWwhyphenhyphenuxTLMYhj9bXkR9ObE0xKQ1P9-ZJdxk55VoD6fsc16Pi09UUMf90KNV5V5iPxZTtovRjfC5HEwFA71Q40NNfBUe7zlby9SB7L6_aPA/s320/100_2076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363765314854201618" /></a><br />We have gone to the movies and visited friends..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1drBHzq9I_faoTvL7Nua4zfOpgdYBf5c-8rpqbdnJc_cPwKExUHWpV9CNdvGKIsIZHdIMA0065BZAExsTHtknjxAFsFiIj3ciSeWqyZG8iJwIZ5dKGbKNU3e0WjS5oFnNaKVdg/s1600-h/100_2029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1drBHzq9I_faoTvL7Nua4zfOpgdYBf5c-8rpqbdnJc_cPwKExUHWpV9CNdvGKIsIZHdIMA0065BZAExsTHtknjxAFsFiIj3ciSeWqyZG8iJwIZ5dKGbKNU3e0WjS5oFnNaKVdg/s320/100_2029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363767337460637218" /></a><br />Yes school starts in less then a month and I will have one entering 12th grade and one entering Kindergarten. <br /><br />How life will change yet again so for now we just enjoy...Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-5666708506284702092009-07-01T23:17:00.000-07:002009-07-01T23:22:09.672-07:00Tooth FairyYes my forgotten job has returned. So I broke out the best of the best and my 21 yr old wanted to know why no dust was left for her. Fairy dust that is and it is not easy to photograph. This may be because only those who have lost the tooth are able to see it? So here is what the tooth fairy has left<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AOK-foaOpklcqDE8dwpFwoL0BEG2v-tiuuDf8Ucd3HDT3Z1r8L3dGNcFTZ1dwYjClDwG2ddXilVEvoBttL8PPQhoaqU83J3ndBBTv95ZmZXr98nsQ4JnddGylWZJe2BAYMgfjA/s1600-h/DSCN1420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AOK-foaOpklcqDE8dwpFwoL0BEG2v-tiuuDf8Ucd3HDT3Z1r8L3dGNcFTZ1dwYjClDwG2ddXilVEvoBttL8PPQhoaqU83J3ndBBTv95ZmZXr98nsQ4JnddGylWZJe2BAYMgfjA/s200/DSCN1420.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353743920572604226" /></a><br /><br />Said tooth has earned my little man $1.00 and a trip to the toy store for a tooth well taken care of and in good condition.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-85056273127389046472009-07-01T15:51:00.001-07:002009-07-01T20:40:46.229-07:00Mom I am not a kid anymore...Today it seems is when my son thinks he is no longer a kid. Hey I am a grown up look.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DJavXF9ZRJFE2t05h1m63LHTx-sMvhaKNoqufRrthwL3vMk_nDqULc62e0YPKsycOuXUbcFeSbRSx95jF39_MWNi1IbnSqFS62Si6lCNUZPjCb_00xMfm8562eDzs7q_CWJUpA/s1600-h/DSCN1409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DJavXF9ZRJFE2t05h1m63LHTx-sMvhaKNoqufRrthwL3vMk_nDqULc62e0YPKsycOuXUbcFeSbRSx95jF39_MWNi1IbnSqFS62Si6lCNUZPjCb_00xMfm8562eDzs7q_CWJUpA/s320/DSCN1409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353629887921394802" /></a><br /><br />This is while he tells me to also take him to the doctor so he can get one more shot(the same kid who was terrified of shots) so he can start kindergarten. Boy they grow up to fast.<br /><br />Summer has been great so far with a lot of pool time<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq8tAlP761v_iBtdb5vX_AE8jMmLVGZ72ILgoxsIkwjeVBhNFocLGA_oHOsey11y-sZbCU6fr0uH8NU0eQBzqgAFeY_-LKYwOgzYO3_zIYslXDS_AXqWX_2f6ponD_gbdd2_UiQ/s1600-h/DSCN1360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq8tAlP761v_iBtdb5vX_AE8jMmLVGZ72ILgoxsIkwjeVBhNFocLGA_oHOsey11y-sZbCU6fr0uH8NU0eQBzqgAFeY_-LKYwOgzYO3_zIYslXDS_AXqWX_2f6ponD_gbdd2_UiQ/s320/DSCN1360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353629526060459874" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAIbjUQbIluv6LI5Vf1SBrdd9qt53MLOpUnS75SQkJX1NJfYgTLnLsLFecuA9zZ2rT_cphzl_z5DKKXSQcZIYimlYrm8XBKjIWxdmAPTojCv1N7Pm0MgjOGF1xa3ZJgk66FZk6w/s1600-h/DSCN1378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAIbjUQbIluv6LI5Vf1SBrdd9qt53MLOpUnS75SQkJX1NJfYgTLnLsLFecuA9zZ2rT_cphzl_z5DKKXSQcZIYimlYrm8XBKjIWxdmAPTojCv1N7Pm0MgjOGF1xa3ZJgk66FZk6w/s200/DSCN1378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353700614854970050" /></a><br /><br />We are growing our own veggies and loving it. So far we have zucchini and egg plant. The corn is growing as well as the tomatoes. Watermelon seeds have leaves and the cucumbers are sprouting. This has been so fun for us all.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfCodkdMfpJ0NaaOIBhD8wzntfCSf62hRhR7ChmMhPHPaz12QOTo90JS-yVllu_FtrdDuNYNU2ZsCwNhjQpfLRNlAc_zExerlGbD7UFGXESj-kvJdDDEb_yBOnlLzmq4XSxu2Zg/s1600-h/DSCN1400.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfCodkdMfpJ0NaaOIBhD8wzntfCSf62hRhR7ChmMhPHPaz12QOTo90JS-yVllu_FtrdDuNYNU2ZsCwNhjQpfLRNlAc_zExerlGbD7UFGXESj-kvJdDDEb_yBOnlLzmq4XSxu2Zg/s200/DSCN1400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353696015003322466" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF85UESHlcWAjHGswzP4mMvorjBsll9mwn8sla-SE_YXyBKdTFos36uxPyQ-t5dG6cpsz11V1JRWxYsSThH_7sLEoy75LmrK2pXmNqdXs5k_AgVqe91Sx6sQBk0SCzerSZIrJ8g/s1600-h/DSCN1401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF85UESHlcWAjHGswzP4mMvorjBsll9mwn8sla-SE_YXyBKdTFos36uxPyQ-t5dG6cpsz11V1JRWxYsSThH_7sLEoy75LmrK2pXmNqdXs5k_AgVqe91Sx6sQBk0SCzerSZIrJ8g/s200/DSCN1401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353696235330240274" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrvQxCC7-93ENceND5fAbuo8wJi9KAmNWvHC3g5hwgW1SGrmUHM12SsyeYEeYZcxGZzxreYuGjwdD0-_nVzaV3O9RnEFnXFDbyMb-2tbRv_3Eaw3dZtKz9lpXuCRpACCV__trAA/s1600-h/DSCN1402.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrvQxCC7-93ENceND5fAbuo8wJi9KAmNWvHC3g5hwgW1SGrmUHM12SsyeYEeYZcxGZzxreYuGjwdD0-_nVzaV3O9RnEFnXFDbyMb-2tbRv_3Eaw3dZtKz9lpXuCRpACCV__trAA/s200/DSCN1402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353696541407620178" /></a><br /><BR><BR><BR><BR></BR><br />And a new addition to the family. She is a osicat and as sweet as can be..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNKXA4u9Kv9seD27UBowDiLOZeJRuH2TvnIN8Ez8U0Ep-QFpQXH9ZfPW8bmrpRs0RgVK3q7h3LDZTgzucYny_y5QN4803_ITEpi78laQgA7QqhxuINfSL2wDDNng_lxuKnuVEgg/s1600-h/DSCN1405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNKXA4u9Kv9seD27UBowDiLOZeJRuH2TvnIN8Ez8U0Ep-QFpQXH9ZfPW8bmrpRs0RgVK3q7h3LDZTgzucYny_y5QN4803_ITEpi78laQgA7QqhxuINfSL2wDDNng_lxuKnuVEgg/s200/DSCN1405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353701484456545986" /></a>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-73112795845619529892009-06-19T22:32:00.001-07:002009-06-19T22:41:49.541-07:00PatienceThat is what it seems Sierra needs when Myles is not done reading, looking or eating what his sister wants. <br />So today we stood in line to buy their cousins birthday gift. Myles found a book and wanted to share with me how the kitten meows. This is when Sierra gained interest and screamed for the book as it was hers. Myles looks up at me and say mom Sierra needs more patience. I wanted to ask if they sold it in the store as I had run so short of it today. <br />Reason one of being exhausted. A beautiful dog who gets me up at 5:30 each day as the neighbor fires up his new motorcycle. Yes she flips and I was sure was on her way out the bedroom window. This window is 3 stories up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdarcyNGIZd3rHIgxCstkrJpGBC_2MbnaaPer_KjhzY9s8Wcc03naZwkMpfk6v4Cw1Vbut6txBYbs7ckOiGTnCa0JrsfJsDVpVixMr_oohnX6dVgfR0i1h8Tn7DmWkn83nsZxBA/s1600-h/DSCN1236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdarcyNGIZd3rHIgxCstkrJpGBC_2MbnaaPer_KjhzY9s8Wcc03naZwkMpfk6v4Cw1Vbut6txBYbs7ckOiGTnCa0JrsfJsDVpVixMr_oohnX6dVgfR0i1h8Tn7DmWkn83nsZxBA/s320/DSCN1236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349280112858722642" /></a><br />Another good reason I do not sleep is lack of room in my king size bed.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tArib3B0dQk/Sjx2S2qof0I/AAAAAAAAZU/0tt28BK4niM/s1600-h/DSCN1245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNcXt1zBX8GM1uUTAekc6eflYL2q8_6CyefY6lFTMoDMRQlttfNRkNBxvqMz_JScnKHAvUBHk9Q6B51qDuLf1FlkNT5gcyZ1voijZyKxBrkLfeplqZHOKpEjco0uCGpmp5KGhaQ/s320/DSCN1245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349280523693358914" /></a>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-61026618617719513602009-06-16T19:16:00.000-07:002009-06-16T19:30:29.020-07:00Postive.. Yes a big fat positiveWhat a week. My daughter would tell you that this only happens in my house. <br /><br />I have taken a full time job for now to get benifits. So that means I am now getting benifits for doing the hours I have been doing. This is a good thing. So a positive right?<br /><br />And my sons t.b test a big fat positive. Yep they require the test to enter kindergarden and his is positive. So x-ray done and he is fine it is not active and my never have been. Now comes the fun part. We all had to get tested and 24 hours later we are happy to report nothing on anyone (ok it takes 3 days I know). Did you know the health department is called? My delema is they want him to take a pill once a day for 9 months. Are they kidding I forget vitamins argh.<br /><br />So a bit stressed and I get a call today from my older daughter telling me to call Myles and see what is new. My baby is losing a tooth. He was getting his last teeth in when he was brought in that room 4 years ago and now he is starting to lose teeth. Slow this train down.<br /><br />Oh and thanks to a dear friend for updating her blog. I loved it so much I jumped on the wagon and did a bit of tweaking.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-46155977881056236662009-06-07T20:05:00.001-07:002009-06-07T20:50:53.190-07:00Way to long....Life has been crazy but fun. I forget to write and for my kids I am sorry..<br />Happenings in our lives<br /><br />Old friends reunited<br />New puppy<br />New kitten<br />Painted rooms<br />cookies <br />graduating preschool<br />visiting friends<br /><br />We have been having so much fun and not writing a thing about it. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-L1_7Itm_mkp0koN4Y73rYsNLdTppCoA4MhGunTe0h7t3umwV_MxGHiPExn_fjDRYtLlwZo-9OQGtwJIiZ4FNEYBCQPy9YAcACVdEsG5c-Gwp5AS3sRuVh73WvUVdWsi4UW0ZQ/s1600-h/DSCN1229.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-L1_7Itm_mkp0koN4Y73rYsNLdTppCoA4MhGunTe0h7t3umwV_MxGHiPExn_fjDRYtLlwZo-9OQGtwJIiZ4FNEYBCQPy9YAcACVdEsG5c-Gwp5AS3sRuVh73WvUVdWsi4UW0ZQ/s200/DSCN1229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344789489633375634" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmLpMAsAwzLqdRbKe5cFnkajp4nI9tqMncjB8YLz7VIkUu4tNOtfy-MNUiXNAFRIsTwRSvByrb1c4iFYfcWZajOaIGAzChKKJ_4JldNSw6jL2w3fIsG-Rh9zjIa15eI1PWtzS-w/s1600-h/DSCN1215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmLpMAsAwzLqdRbKe5cFnkajp4nI9tqMncjB8YLz7VIkUu4tNOtfy-MNUiXNAFRIsTwRSvByrb1c4iFYfcWZajOaIGAzChKKJ_4JldNSw6jL2w3fIsG-Rh9zjIa15eI1PWtzS-w/s200/DSCN1215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344790303340095010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvcmgjLvkG4Usj-ajS7m5Y4mFYOqaHful42yggf1YmX17mjHeoGRw_5clU0lJDCyuMDLW4vHhaImXYmgu0rwv4AYCGjcmRmG4yiHf0aNaf3vOHJltMXY-c6hYnSSYEsWMnvOc4w/s1600-h/DSCN1205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvcmgjLvkG4Usj-ajS7m5Y4mFYOqaHful42yggf1YmX17mjHeoGRw_5clU0lJDCyuMDLW4vHhaImXYmgu0rwv4AYCGjcmRmG4yiHf0aNaf3vOHJltMXY-c6hYnSSYEsWMnvOc4w/s200/DSCN1205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344792472349678434" /></a><br /><br />Blueberry picking was so much fun. The kids loved picking and mom loved eating.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC94_JZLsjPv7ODamW50QG_nwtkIJTkE1HJoqioXx5PrxsPhkUItjccnQSxqT8J9XD_iSQN9LMSLnIHf34VT-dUkMK7qWSBU8JbuNjZWburUsTkMvI-6MUYKCSHK5Y7Ve7OTXlg/s1600-h/DSCN1194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC94_JZLsjPv7ODamW50QG_nwtkIJTkE1HJoqioXx5PrxsPhkUItjccnQSxqT8J9XD_iSQN9LMSLnIHf34VT-dUkMK7qWSBU8JbuNjZWburUsTkMvI-6MUYKCSHK5Y7Ve7OTXlg/s200/DSCN1194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344792997287897762" /></a><br />... Mom can I bring him home???<br /><br><br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaK8a29OFEirWIyKIcQIXiQPjkRkZvHpJ_xHsJSIG2iaLkohnvExL3XybUQkvoCJEuLXWqgBmpro0Vk4KYFLx8WJqs0pUYt5y5AJHlxyOA2t7kCXYJMmZvIA74SsZ1cacQmBHcw/s1600-h/DSCN1169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaK8a29OFEirWIyKIcQIXiQPjkRkZvHpJ_xHsJSIG2iaLkohnvExL3XybUQkvoCJEuLXWqgBmpro0Vk4KYFLx8WJqs0pUYt5y5AJHlxyOA2t7kCXYJMmZvIA74SsZ1cacQmBHcw/s200/DSCN1169.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344793572091780162" /></a>Painted<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDmEqHb5vZhzeTM0y4c2cSBiunPCHH-P0oSXVqdCDmrPxCR4QBilaa9RDLu8lO0tBXg78VBf0ImwquZfzBwQGxGY30qOO6eux4T-jCFKAWzzpWqqriqj_phS48I_haJjGuGZAug/s1600-h/DSCN0900.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDmEqHb5vZhzeTM0y4c2cSBiunPCHH-P0oSXVqdCDmrPxCR4QBilaa9RDLu8lO0tBXg78VBf0ImwquZfzBwQGxGY30qOO6eux4T-jCFKAWzzpWqqriqj_phS48I_haJjGuGZAug/s320/DSCN0900.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344794280132508610" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5N3PhisQQL2uoHYb6l-nvguyZQfp-rr5Cwb2xPd-zf8p-KGHIv1lwjecTNnYAsYVie6n-6eGb3G1NT8W-ZFAaozkAJFzE32lZlDYQcwCukMwb7MHQ2d49PIoiIx2TulbO7-zWg/s1600-h/DSCN0903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5N3PhisQQL2uoHYb6l-nvguyZQfp-rr5Cwb2xPd-zf8p-KGHIv1lwjecTNnYAsYVie6n-6eGb3G1NT8W-ZFAaozkAJFzE32lZlDYQcwCukMwb7MHQ2d49PIoiIx2TulbO7-zWg/s320/DSCN0903.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344794669043595362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JZCCRBHhzM4_jdUMNajnkZ9CcRN_FrfaoaTKYC05fEbLozhESv5TanMlnvm327TTTY_XE7J96k03KWZokcFg3Q3ppIoUoI4XTWI1bNK00e0ocjnYdb-26O7aJ1_BddEPx8BYLA/s1600-h/DSCN0925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JZCCRBHhzM4_jdUMNajnkZ9CcRN_FrfaoaTKYC05fEbLozhESv5TanMlnvm327TTTY_XE7J96k03KWZokcFg3Q3ppIoUoI4XTWI1bNK00e0ocjnYdb-26O7aJ1_BddEPx8BYLA/s320/DSCN0925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344796715182467106" /></a><br /> swine? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiICbrdQDKPrrjwtuluWMsfq2eSASPWLouCqbEjZsmCM93vEThYGr1780WBIY-HG1K9o5TZ7LyL6KxU8SANQiJLdetVjsiMVBZg77onnMRY3ynbgRX1JayP6COxt7bQplvhq3mMg/s1600-h/DSCN1010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiICbrdQDKPrrjwtuluWMsfq2eSASPWLouCqbEjZsmCM93vEThYGr1780WBIY-HG1K9o5TZ7LyL6KxU8SANQiJLdetVjsiMVBZg77onnMRY3ynbgRX1JayP6COxt7bQplvhq3mMg/s320/DSCN1010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344798260396494338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfc5ZUI2A9tlsOct1Qg_VU1volFl-0M1dZXjC35Tv7cjw7USry4s9TTsbw9_-JSsSTJgkS4_KBD9YIohMjfrGl-yysy2_Rs2BqOTcwGrMpbGhFjPQtf73YAUcyuSZTFb_f6QS0g/s1600-h/DSCN1065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfc5ZUI2A9tlsOct1Qg_VU1volFl-0M1dZXjC35Tv7cjw7USry4s9TTsbw9_-JSsSTJgkS4_KBD9YIohMjfrGl-yysy2_Rs2BqOTcwGrMpbGhFjPQtf73YAUcyuSZTFb_f6QS0g/s320/DSCN1065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344798871289446338" /></a>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-67612309751122583832009-04-06T17:06:00.000-07:002009-04-06T17:14:51.423-07:00Another use for peanut butter..So passover is upon us and my kitchen is a mess. Mix this with a hungry kid who wants peanut butter and jelly and you get...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivprqPmfJ_ZSYt0oTLkstATL6wPbLGISKh9TRd0F4UYQmp_L5Rzoysqf4b-Y3j4vHhwSGRTz6FypkWQN5m9wwvlftDvmb47NeXASAKj-7_2MoloVlMHFYzj2S5ITD4qW7X7f4FdQ/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivprqPmfJ_ZSYt0oTLkstATL6wPbLGISKh9TRd0F4UYQmp_L5Rzoysqf4b-Y3j4vHhwSGRTz6FypkWQN5m9wwvlftDvmb47NeXASAKj-7_2MoloVlMHFYzj2S5ITD4qW7X7f4FdQ/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321734990155926706" /></a><br />So I went to make the asked for sandwich and open the container, turn to the island and woosh. Peanut butter all over his head. Now mind you through my laughs the same wonderful little boy had to wait while mom finds the camera. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7YVlhCcI_C1ZJILT7mxDkAY8HBv0tgW0XchQ8YkRnMJhzRxu4wfXgeS0VBI2IkRJQK7-cvPNu7-yH4VFHEAoNG2hkbO_r8MPrz9PeD7HsMTDrV852uT685OTVxL4OsF-BtqtzA/s1600-h/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7YVlhCcI_C1ZJILT7mxDkAY8HBv0tgW0XchQ8YkRnMJhzRxu4wfXgeS0VBI2IkRJQK7-cvPNu7-yH4VFHEAoNG2hkbO_r8MPrz9PeD7HsMTDrV852uT685OTVxL4OsF-BtqtzA/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321736008448746018" /></a> <br /><br />They call it creamy...Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-62449984458651255762009-03-21T21:53:00.000-07:002009-03-21T22:00:34.554-07:00Where did it go?Time that is and its going by way to fast. Is here a pause button or just a slow down mode? I cannot believe its two years today that I stood in Vietnam and a stranger handed me my daughter. Where has it gone? We have mastered crawling, walking, jumping, singing. I am amazed at this little wonder. How thankful I will be for ever. Better was spending the day with friends who celebrated their little girls two year birthday. She entered the orphanage just 4 days after my daughter came out. Did they sleep in the same bed?<br />So at this ripe old age of 2 what can we do..<br />Sing and I mean sing songs...<br />Count to 20<br />Sing the ABC's <br />Sing A is for apple all the way to Z is for zoo.<br />Best of all her smile, hugs and love for her whole family. <br />What will the next two year bring? More attitude I am sure.<br />We love you SierraKarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-6874669791587868952009-03-12T12:06:00.001-07:002009-03-12T12:55:27.655-07:00The Pit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs_hiHEJ10ClLPDMDGUP5I3RMi-nQg_qF0DZFqtFxS3Jr3b7zGkA3rwoWRWszTeIcE8co_G3KkOW0Pj7ed94WnIbpuMOiXD05zn0LD3mUuG8qocr1dJ4ahw7jsdv5-7FTHLkQPA/s1600-h/DSC_0392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs_hiHEJ10ClLPDMDGUP5I3RMi-nQg_qF0DZFqtFxS3Jr3b7zGkA3rwoWRWszTeIcE8co_G3KkOW0Pj7ed94WnIbpuMOiXD05zn0LD3mUuG8qocr1dJ4ahw7jsdv5-7FTHLkQPA/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312380254376513666" /></a><br /><br />That would be La Brea Tar pits. Yes sticky and gooey but what fun. We ventured off to see dinosaurs but learned they have none. They do have Fluffy though. That is the talk in my house. Fluffy is the Saber Tooth Tiger they found and are now cleaning the bones of. She (assuming sex by name) is the first one to be found with her mouth closed. How exciting to watch the paleontologist clean he bones of black gook. <br /><br />What was even more fun was being with the kids and taking some of the best pictures yet. I am working on getting better but with a broken camera and lens it is hard :(.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSb-bn3QlB5aQxwQ8Jqi4hyphenhyphenAA5-ZgcwIW_DKiftehvgwWQPkKsPMY1yDQUE6QmrWK22q4U2KHFbyVsC96HgW40Dxhe4SffvtE94WT2ASScsqaPTllA-AXqOc3Q_VBqjeskxGKhA/s1600-h/DSC_0334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSb-bn3QlB5aQxwQ8Jqi4hyphenhyphenAA5-ZgcwIW_DKiftehvgwWQPkKsPMY1yDQUE6QmrWK22q4U2KHFbyVsC96HgW40Dxhe4SffvtE94WT2ASScsqaPTllA-AXqOc3Q_VBqjeskxGKhA/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312383500646768258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0uTZE5kb6IcLNvI6hz5NH_oBwLfTffu2O6TVrvYjsSZn6WiVRGeXoFv-qXvsKj2kCAC5fvQaWlaC6t5-h68CyYWqnWAQWFM70MCQNYP4_wuZXZCoD5EGOQRJIBkJyPskfzdRMQ/s1600-h/DSC_0372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0uTZE5kb6IcLNvI6hz5NH_oBwLfTffu2O6TVrvYjsSZn6WiVRGeXoFv-qXvsKj2kCAC5fvQaWlaC6t5-h68CyYWqnWAQWFM70MCQNYP4_wuZXZCoD5EGOQRJIBkJyPskfzdRMQ/s320/DSC_0372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312390847054997794" /></a><br /><br />And this would be fluffy. Arent they the cutest bones you have ever seen?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaPmP2ODA3yVxOtkqIXpXB_WdIfzCtf-43qKz0NVL06Rv2NU1pcVlxBerMLJjGwecS6YKLhYCNVGkIhxAwdNWg-Q0GdlAlzA2ct4s14rBivf-RSycMuEPEMNfHEr9kOoCUqlDWA/s1600-h/DSC_0324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaPmP2ODA3yVxOtkqIXpXB_WdIfzCtf-43qKz0NVL06Rv2NU1pcVlxBerMLJjGwecS6YKLhYCNVGkIhxAwdNWg-Q0GdlAlzA2ct4s14rBivf-RSycMuEPEMNfHEr9kOoCUqlDWA/s320/DSC_0324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312391826748885826" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqBw5lHX1vi7jfqPqhNmmE_n3Nt_Yk5lpAUeDaIr0u_si_68r1JmcOn2KFwosK-dHuG3eLLFN64112iYjdbGl7blj3nRGKC6uqTMlIMbzG7MnFjxeUoOR-NfZiyVZmBPEaFv5lA/s1600-h/DSC_0328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqBw5lHX1vi7jfqPqhNmmE_n3Nt_Yk5lpAUeDaIr0u_si_68r1JmcOn2KFwosK-dHuG3eLLFN64112iYjdbGl7blj3nRGKC6uqTMlIMbzG7MnFjxeUoOR-NfZiyVZmBPEaFv5lA/s320/DSC_0328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312392186894231666" /></a>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-27648421170556838442009-03-10T00:30:00.001-07:002009-03-10T00:36:00.737-07:00Why I love life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAZPv0gLw-Tyq5UHPj84-vWQMp7lkek8ie15_bR4SD1FjuXmAu8bUnsU5WIXnbRrduwf6m9CO3IjE9JIdL3sRZccQ6_B8-kBtpnwutR8OW89XBzDTmoWRT3QBGwtGYGimXRT-eg/s1600-h/kids2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAZPv0gLw-Tyq5UHPj84-vWQMp7lkek8ie15_bR4SD1FjuXmAu8bUnsU5WIXnbRrduwf6m9CO3IjE9JIdL3sRZccQ6_B8-kBtpnwutR8OW89XBzDTmoWRT3QBGwtGYGimXRT-eg/s400/kids2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311459270238206786" /></a>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-10045795833761764552008-12-26T07:57:00.000-08:002008-12-30T19:06:21.424-08:00And you?Things I have done are in bold type:<br /><br /><em><strong>1. Started your own blog</strong><br /><strong>2. Slept under the stars</strong></em><br /><strong><em>3. Played in a band</em></strong><br />4. Visited Hawaii<br />5. Watched a meteor shower<br /><em><strong>6. Given more than you can afford to charity</strong></em><br /><em><strong>7. Been to Disneyland </strong></em><br /><em><strong>8. Climbed a mountain</strong></em><br /><em><strong>9. Held a praying mantis</strong></em><br /><strong><em>10. Sang a sol(to my kids only)</em></strong><br />11. Bungee jumped<br />12. Visited Paris<br />13. Watched a lightning storm at sea<br /><em><strong>14. Taught yourself an art from scratch<br />15. Adopted a child (The best thing I've ever done!)</strong></em><br />16. Had food poisoning<br /><em><strong>17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty</strong></em><br /><em><strong>18. Grown your own vegetables</strong></em><br />19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France<br />20. Slept on an overnight train<br /><em><strong>21. Had a pillow fight</strong></em><br /><em><strong>22. Hitch hiked</strong></em><br /><em><strong>23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill</strong></em><br />24. Built a snow fort<br />25. Held a lamb<br />26. Gone skinny dipping <br />27. Run a Marathon<br /><em><strong>28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice</strong></em><br /><em><strong>29. Seen a total eclipse </strong></em><br /><em><strong>30. Watched a sunrise or sunset</strong></em><br />31. Hit a home run<br /><em><strong>32. Been on a cruise</strong></em><br /><em><strong>33. Seen Niagara Falls in person</strong></em><br />34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors <br />35. Seen an Amish community<br /><em><strong>36. Taught yourself a new language</strong></em><br /><em><strong>37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied</strong></em><br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br />39. Gone rock climbing<br />40. Seen Michelangelo's David<br />41. Sung karaoke<br />42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt<br /><em><strong><strong>43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant</strong></strong></em> <br />44. Visited Africa<br /><em><strong>45. Walked on a beach by moonlight</strong></em><br /><em><strong>46. Been transported in an ambulance</strong></em>><br />47. Had your portrait painted<br />48. Gone deep sea fishing<br />49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person <br />50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br /><em><strong>51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling</strong></em><br />52. Kissed in the rain<br /><em><strong>53. Played in the mud</strong></em><br /><em><strong>54. Gone to a drive-in theater</strong></em><br />55. Been in a movie<br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br />57. Started a business<br /><em><strong>58. Taken a martial arts class</strong></em><br /><em><strong>59. Visited Russia</strong></em><br />60. Served at a soup kitchen<br /><em><strong>61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies</strong></em><br />62. Gone whale watching<br /><em><strong>63. Got flowers for no reason</strong></em><br />64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma<br />65. Gone sky diving<br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br /><em><strong>67. Bounced a check</strong> (not my fault)</em><br /><em><strong>68. Flown in a helicopter</strong></em><br />69. Saved a favorite childhood toy<br /><em><strong>70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial</strong></em><br />71. Eaten Caviar<br /><em><strong>72. Pieced a quilt</strong></em><br /><em><strong>73. Stood in Times Square</strong></em><br />74. Toured the Everglades<br /><em><strong>75. Been fired from a job</strong></em><br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br /><em><strong>77. Broken a bone</strong></em><br />78. Been on a speeding motorcycle<br />79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person<br /><em><strong>80. Published a book</strong> (my adoption book)</em><br />81. Visited the Vatican<br /><strong><strong>82. Bought a brand new car</strong></strong><br /><em><strong>83. Walked in Jerusalem</strong></em><br />84. Had your picture in the newspaper<br />85. Read the entire Bible<br /><em><strong>86. Visited the White House</strong></em><br />87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating<br /><em><strong>88. Had chickenpox</strong></em><br />89. Saved someone’s life<br /><em><strong>90. Sat on a jury </strong><br /><strong>91. Met someone famous</strong></em><br />92. Joined a book club<br />93. Lost a loved one<br /><em><strong>94. Had a baby</strong></em><br />95. Seen the Alamo in person<br />96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake<br />97. Been involved in a law suit<br /><em><strong>98. Owned a cell phone<br />99. Been stung by a bee<br />100. Read an entire book in one day. </strong></em><br /><br />Who's next?<strong></strong>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-82404707671586488582008-11-05T22:50:00.000-08:002008-11-05T22:59:38.068-08:00Change is goodAs we all know it happened. This is the first election that I can remember where they showed so many people in the streets, so many tears of joy, so much hope. This one person has restored hope without even being sworn in. We have come out of our hole and elected a fine man who happens to have dark skin. I liked him before he won but more after he spoke last night. I cannot wait to see what he brings us in the next 4 years.<br />Sad also in all this is the prop 8 campaign. The hatred that came out of so many shocked me. They did not want their kids taught about gay marraige in school but they took them out of school to stand on a street corner to wave a sign saying yes on eight. On my way to preschool election day I saw so many kids on the corner yelling YES on 8. What are they being taught?<br /><br />Now for my family. It is yellow today. Yes yellow as in mustard yellow. I have a son who is loved by all but right now he is on santas naughty list. He found the mustard and managed while I put the baby down for a nap to put it all over the place. I got to go to work and had to clean up a little. Poor daddy had to clean up a lot more.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-25499525998322737822008-10-27T08:05:00.001-07:002008-10-27T23:04:16.376-07:00Are they yours?I have always thought that my kids looking so different then my husband and I that it would be normal to have people ask if they are adopted. The one question I hate is are they brother and sister. I asked my daughter what people say to her when she is out with them and dont you think they ask " are they brother and sister?". This lead to a great discussion on what to say in front of the kids. I thought a good reply would be, they are my brother and sister as well. <br />So dont you think today we the kids and I stay in the car while dad runs into Baja Fresh for a quick buritto. He has only two hands and little coordination so he had to make more then one trip. I see this man making faces with Sierra whom he took with him on trip two and though odd. She is not feeling well and wanted nothing to do with him. Turns out it was the mans way of saying something to my husband to open the conversation which went like this.<br />stranger- Wow she is cute (her head us buried in dads shoulder)<br />Dad- Thank you<br />stranger- how old is she? is she adopted we adopted two boys from Korea<br />Dad-yes she is<br />Stranger- how old was she when you got her? We wanted to adopt again but we are to old. <br />Now this is right in front of my car and my son is asking who daddy is talking to. Wanting my lunch I replied without thought " I am sure it is someone who wants to know if your sister is adopted". <br />And my son says mommy go out and tell him I am too. I felt so much better. He got what I keep telling him. Be proud of where you come from but know that you are still very much a part of your father and I. Adoption is a process but his country is his heritage and I want him to be proud of where he is from.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-51254958640475332032008-10-25T23:22:00.000-07:002008-10-27T08:04:00.805-07:00Terrible or NotHaa... I sit here trying to type a post about my soon to be two year old. The little girl who was so quiet when I met her and now has spunk and a set of lungs.<br />Even with the battle of croup that has made from not only long nights but days..<br />So I took a moment to read a friends blog and she puts my name down and tags me. Seven things wow...<br /><br />1. I have not eaten meat in 31 years. Do not miss a hamburger and have no memory of eating one. In the old days before chicken or fish at mc Donald's I ordered a Big Mac without the meat. The guy behind the counter would yell "Big Mac hold the cow".<br /><br />2. I am a boob specialist. Gee wont be telling my kids that anytime soon. Working at Victoria Secret and run the front desk. Not my calling boobs are.<br /><br />3. My house is a wreck. Trying to organize things has lead to a major mess. You inspire me Nicole. I have enough fabric for dozens of quilts. Time to put one together.<br /><br />4. I love to bake hate to cook. Will attach my pumpkin bread recipe at the bottom. Make pumpkin pancakes at preschool that the kids love.<br /><br />5. We are done expanding our family. Tough words but so right for our family. Sierra is meant to be the baby.<br /><br />6. My dream has always been to live out in the country. A farm with animals.<br /><br />7. I have 5 wonderful (ok they can be brats) kids and 2 step kids. My step kids have children the same ages of my kids. <br /><br />Pumpkin Bread <br />Pumpkin Bread<br /><br />3 cups suggar<br />3 ½ cups flour<br />2 tsp baking soda<br />½ tsp salt<br />1 tsp nutmeg<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1 cup oil<br />2/3 cup water<br />4 eggs<br />2 c canned pumpkin<br />½ cup chopped dates<br />½ cup chopped nuts<br />Chocolate chips<br />Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well and place remaining ingredients into the well. Mix and place in well greased pans. Bake at 350 degree preheated oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Makes 3 small or 2 large loaves. 12 juice can.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-23776616512549419422008-09-09T22:22:00.001-07:002008-09-09T22:34:16.202-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBKETM9435UfzvQenJ-Y4XfEpdxWkMusybkNklMfZyigFkwRVO39fEle8uFbIoBCyyW8eU-Q_Zdb97Sc3Of6qbYbMcU7HU5ni-OSqhgMqDisbhN0jjlsjwJcIucOzvN0OlUlxeA/s1600-h/DSC_0078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244259074557638802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBKETM9435UfzvQenJ-Y4XfEpdxWkMusybkNklMfZyigFkwRVO39fEle8uFbIoBCyyW8eU-Q_Zdb97Sc3Of6qbYbMcU7HU5ni-OSqhgMqDisbhN0jjlsjwJcIucOzvN0OlUlxeA/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" border="0" /></a> What a sad week. It actually started over a month ago when our obnoxious neighbor called animal control. See we are abusing our dog the one we love. Let loose in the house and whom the baby think is a big stuff animal. His weight loss came fast and with kids under tow and teenagers I noticed it but did not find the time to run to the Vet. We did take him in and spent $500 to learn little. He had lost weight (since we told them first do they charge less?) and they took blood that did not look awful at all. We went home and spoiled him. Hot dogs, puppy food, love and care and more weight loss. I panicked and asked Chuck to take him in. See he can manage the kids and do and any news much better so why not? Back to the v<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FpKPvIRyqRny5RyhXb469tB3Wdjf60UkbceaHaj3plYeZOaqrFynIPTQ-__QTBEKoQB7cnbtSrvevjINlmYPU2KZ-RFPxoy94eLE5FOuA4gCzb3XwXE57yrGyfyNchxPNXfP4A/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244259721745219906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FpKPvIRyqRny5RyhXb469tB3Wdjf60UkbceaHaj3plYeZOaqrFynIPTQ-__QTBEKoQB7cnbtSrvevjINlmYPU2KZ-RFPxoy94eLE5FOuA4gCzb3XwXE57yrGyfyNchxPNXfP4A/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" border="0" /></a>et and $500 more and still nothing. They tried to x-ray him but he got to excited so they asked us to bring him in early and let him relax before they tried the next day.<br />I took him in Friday morning and she wanted to just take an x-ray. I said no he needs to relax first as the doctor ordered so please don't stress him out. I am thankful I did as when the call came I was with my kids and able to fall apart in company. They said the cancer was everywhere. I was asking about worms in his stools and if that could be it how could it be cancer and we were losing him. How long? and it only gets worse. It was time now. We asked if we could take him home and say our goodbyes ( this is with huge tears as I type this) and we did. We a family of loving children held, cried, fed and just enjoyed our last hours. Our sweet baby is gone. At peace but gone... He passed 16 years to the day that I lost my sister. What a tough day...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB_4aDN-m8zwHVApSWq31uRk28CMOvx6bVEIZZS4UrFbxuHZHx_vakcksKlTAFApxby2285HDm_huKykHEF3F0XpYW0BzB8aTLFwYdSlnWDHIDaEw69oAAtSZM7yotjh7elAL/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhwNCufJSlH6TYE_ZTgfaU5_uXXj_0DO-Y0WHgcSNlRFH1y5NcBaGmttfV22jgGeaHDVPI0Ua3cr3tjQ1eZZ5dfEwOwDzhT-lFMVoGBwo2ze_l1n3XBcRbSXSaaFKdC315AY6/s1600-h/DSC_0083.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0S4oN-T2Ubzar8E59qY_QW75AYAGu2t-H3tg5B_c-g9v4CbmNh8cTMzR3dAtZZf7yNpWxNHC8sgwwZ4GQcY3pT1NlC25U8ccQ9ypOulLMmRJpvZplL2IsVxafirsLJK-t2CHOA/s1600-h/DSC_0091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244260627744694978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0S4oN-T2Ubzar8E59qY_QW75AYAGu2t-H3tg5B_c-g9v4CbmNh8cTMzR3dAtZZf7yNpWxNHC8sgwwZ4GQcY3pT1NlC25U8ccQ9ypOulLMmRJpvZplL2IsVxafirsLJK-t2CHOA/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-OeLZ6iNr6u-i67QWerOlhxnnZhtHXRYXNSz84l6xLQfh6yfctMeHy3AvkCHmu4bZNbwg-Ug4qrDe841DRcMO5xqMIIpUhrAM1wAtLhMbwP3C_kUqyQ3STu8BRqnTQDnSP6nGg/s1600-h/DSC_0083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244259425794003634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-OeLZ6iNr6u-i67QWerOlhxnnZhtHXRYXNSz84l6xLQfh6yfctMeHy3AvkCHmu4bZNbwg-Ug4qrDe841DRcMO5xqMIIpUhrAM1wAtLhMbwP3C_kUqyQ3STu8BRqnTQDnSP6nGg/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB_4aDN-m8zwHVApSWq31uRk28CMOvx6bVEIZZS4UrFbxuHZHx_vakcksKlTAFApxby2285HDm_huKykHEF3F0XpYW0BzB8aTLFwYdSlnWDHIDaEw69oAAtSZM7yotjh7elAL/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Do children know? She is wiping his eyes did he know? We bid you goodbye for now but we will one day be together again... </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sH1hyphenhyphenqYoNDePEBwdoe_kgfE3iVJ7zV4Lhn578P43LHla839nrse5Hc8wz9Ba44_iqzruXfrKDuojsdjIvjMFIBbnJr0AXjTcSAEehuyrEwldXnuem_qa2WO6kmRZP6HQwvsPfw/s1600-h/DSC_0103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244261561570470338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sH1hyphenhyphenqYoNDePEBwdoe_kgfE3iVJ7zV4Lhn578P43LHla839nrse5Hc8wz9Ba44_iqzruXfrKDuojsdjIvjMFIBbnJr0AXjTcSAEehuyrEwldXnuem_qa2WO6kmRZP6HQwvsPfw/s320/DSC_0103.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-85819241506937844512008-05-21T17:08:00.000-07:002008-05-21T17:09:56.394-07:00A Childs Rights CampaignDo you even think this came from our agency? Not at all...<br /><br />May 21, 2008<br />Dear Families and Friends, Simply put, the orphaned and vulnerable children of Vietnam need your help. Please join us on June 2nd by contacting Members of Congress and urging them to join the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Co-Chairs and sign their letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice in support of the recommendations found in A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam."<br />A Pending Crisis<br />The U.S. Department of State has expressed concerns related to corruptive practices associated with intercountry adoption between the U.S. and Vietnam. In response to their concerns, the Department of State will allow the functional closure of adoptions on September 1, 2008 and thereby end one of the most basic of human rights: the right to a safe, permanent and loving family.<br />Not only will those orphans eligible for adoption continue to suffer the detriments of orphanage life, so will thousands of other orphans and vulnerable children. This is because the service providers engaged in finding U.S. families for Vietnamese orphans also provide a myriad of services to the most vulnerable of children.<br />As a result, the end of intercountry adoption with Vietnam also brings the end of social services such as family preservation and counseling. It also marks the end of humanitarian services such as educational sponsorships, clean water programs and many health related initiatives.<br />End Corruption, Not a Child’s Right to a Family<br />While Joint Council shares in many of the Department of State’s concerns, we believe the solution is not the termination of adoption and elimination of a child’s right to a family. Joint Council, its Member Organizations, NGO’s including Ethica—a leading voice for ethical adoption, the Vietnamese government and Members of the United States Congress firmly believe that the solution is a rational child-centered approach designed to strengthen services, regulate providers and prosecute violators.<br />A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam<br />In response to the looming crisis facing the children of Vietnam, Joint Council today--May 21, 2008—initiates A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam. A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam proposes a series of rational recommendations that<br />address the issues of abuse, protect the integrity of Vietnamese families and ensure the right of every child to a permanent, safe and loving family. The overriding goal of this campaign is very simple: to end corruption, but not a child’s right to a family.<br />As part of this campaign Joint Council delivered a letter to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) Co-Chairs: Senator Mary Landrieu; Senator Norm Coleman; Congressman James Oberstar and Congresswoman Ginny Brown- Waite requesting their immediate assistance. We have asked the CCA and all Members of Congress to support the recommendations found within A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam and to work with the Governments of the United States and Vietnam to ensure that an MOA is in place on September 1, 2008.<br />The Department of State has expressed intent to negotiate and implement a new MOA with the Government of Vietnam. Joint Council applauds the long-term goals of the Department of State, yet finds the short-term path unacceptable. It is clear that the intent is also to allow the current MOA to expire while seeking a new agreement sometime in the future. By all estimates, the Department of State’s current path would result in the functional elimination of services, including adoption, for two years or more!<br />Finding such a scenario intolerable, we ask for your immediate support of this Campaign. The following page details how you can help us avoid this pending crisis. Only with your active participation will the children of Vietnam have a right to join a permanent, safe and loving family through ethical, professional and legal adoption.<br />On behalf of the orphaned and vulnerable children of Vietnam, those of us who work to serve their needs and the Joint Council on International Children’s Services, we extend our sincere appreciation for your coming efforts.<br />Sincerely,<br />Thomas DiFilipo<br />President / CEOKarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-80235870187070822352007-11-13T13:03:00.000-08:002007-11-14T22:28:14.680-08:00A new pathWe have celebrated two big birthdays in our house and made some big decisions. First to my 4 yr old son who is the light of our lives. From the day that we met you as a quiet shy little boy in the orphanage with temperatures below zero outside, to this wonderful little boy I can say you have helped me grow so much. You have taught me how to love beyond the borders, play at all hours and enjoy it, and most of all you have brought a special bond in our family. You walked the day we met you but you now run with a smile from ear to ear. Your life is lived on the glass is full there is no 1/2 in your days. If only we could post an ad that says your ok and thank you for such a wonderful son.<br />And baby Sierra who is now 1. Your smile never seems to fade. Even when you are getting new teeth (8 so far) you seem to smile. Now if we can get you to play with your toys not your brothers. You manage to find anything your brother does as funny including taking your toys away from you.<br />Yes we are blessed and with this we decided to pull our current dossier and look at some choices we have made. Focus on what we have and enjoy. Our children all of them are the light of our lives and tough journeys have taken us to them but we need our next journey to be easier. That said we have chosen for many reasons NOT to work with the agency that we did to bring Sierra home. Many things have come to light that make us and many others question the integrity of our agency. Are they really out for the best interest of the children? Many say no and this has made us read, talk and listen. With this we have chosen to not risk an ethical adoption to have another child in our family.<br />We are hoping the two wrong decisions we made in choosing and agency for Vietnam will lead us to the one right as we purse one more child. Our wait will surly be longer but well worth the wait when we will know that the agency we have chosen is ETHICAL.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-27693103038262525822007-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:002007-10-08T21:19:27.890-07:00Did you know?My mother always says if she cannot find me she can call one of two stores and have me paged and I will answer. Since having an infant home one of those stores is less visited and I am sure they miss me but the 24 hours in my day seems to have shorten lately. Sorry Home Depot but the kids come first. Now my second store is Costco. See they opened so many that its not something you do once a month and spend hundreds of dollars in one trip. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span> so it seems I still do not get out under what I call the $100 club but I can go in for a few items now. So while killing time waiting for the pharmacy who did not understand crabby kids or even crabby mommy I found something....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119183781057706066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMpF-pGv0Re_nzPQD4fDhsHKLNxMDMoSyWq0hfjFBL3DoCKwG9KY7lFZ948Me0a4TLUGyZmX-eQtGtVXUfjmVkfH9e57Mi0r0fwi1F_I1ATyV-2YAR7_s2EsDZgpr28AN93KMLw/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Saigon Cinnamon and by the picture can you tell I bought it :). So two trips to Vietnam and one which I spent 3 weeks in Saigon and I had no clue. Do you agree though that Ground Saigon Cinnamon sounds so much better then Ground Ho Chi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Minh</span> cinnamon? Now the history lesson.. The bottle reads Ground Saigon Cinnamon with a map of Vietnam on it with Ho Chi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Minh</span> City and below it says... Cinnamon trees are nurtured for 20 years prior to harvest in the tropical highlands of Vietnam, our Ground Saigon Cinnamon rewards cooks with a sweet-hot flavor unmatched by any other cinnamon. So why did I not see this delicacy in Vietnam?<br /><br />On the adoption front.. well we told our agency months ago we wanted a new referral or our money back. We were told a new referral would come and it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn't</span>. Not only that but families who have not paid the fee's we have have gotten referrals. So we ask the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DIA</span> to move our dossier to another agency and this is what they are told.. We are informed by Faith International that they are activating our old case. So does this mean the same thing to you? I took it as they took ALL our money and then blew us off. They even wrote that they would give our money back and NOTHING. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Don't</span> be shocked we are not. I have called a few agencies who have said stay clear do not go forward with that child if they are going to send her file to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DIA</span> for them to fix it. <br /><br />So nothing new we wait as they collect more money from families, refuse to give us a referral or our money back and we keep letting the U.S Embassy know where we stand with them.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-90465220257373460412007-09-26T16:47:00.000-07:002007-09-26T23:28:24.302-07:00Do you have a glass I will pourA drink is needed for this discussion. Even for those of us who do not drink it is required. A seat should also be comfortable and padded. My husband gave no warning to any of this just said are you ready? Ready for what? He proceeds your not going to believe this.. Ok so I have both little ones and two teens with me so that is clear, I even have two of the 3 cars, am at home a quick brain check and I am thinking what fired? Do tell is this on purpose the pause and the continued you wont believe this while I have checked off all my worst case scenario's and have them all in order.... He called Faith International Adoption you know the agency who gave us a referral June 12, 2006. No your eyes did not blur at all it says 2006 because that is how long ago they gave us a soft referral. We got the get your Visa call June 2007 and nothing more. They took our money and promised us in July a very quick referral in the north when it fell apart again. Nothing and more ignored calls. August arrives and all of a sudden they are working again on our referral from last year. We took their earlier advice and asked for the money back. Thousands upon thousands they have. The DIA is going to fix it the mother wont sign. So caught up??? Now why I need a drink and you can join me .. Dear Husband calls and said "you offered our money back and wrote two letters asking for it in writing but you have not sent the money... When should we expect it back?..... Her papers have cleared the DIA do you still want her?. Right the same place you told me it cleared what 3 months ago and never went to file a G and R? Smart hubby says great but if her mom did not sign how will the U.S approve her? Oh but we will not know if she will be approved till your there and apply for the I 600. Are they kidding or is this a continuing nightmare? I am not traveling half way around the world to receive this child and be told by the U.S it is unethical. We went and saw her in December and had her for 3 weeks. Spent 3 days back and forth at the SOS clinic with 104.5 fever and then had to return her to the orphanage. Only to be accused of possibly doing something to her by the person running the program to another family. They abruptly took her from the women and said "we need to check her out to see if she is ok". Ok? Yes we walked for 3 straight days while she could not breath spent hundreds of dollars at the SOS she is ok thanks to us.<br />So in 9 months we have gotten no updates on her and 1 picture. This sweet little girl remains in a orphanage 1 yr longer then she should have been and missed so much. Our hearts try to heal, we try to fill the void but they just continue to dig at us.....<br />So where we are<br />472 days from referral<br />1 yr 3 months and 15 days<br />679,680 minutes<br />11,328 hours<br /><br />BUT WHO THE HECK IS COUNTING ANYWAY.. NOT THEM THEY ACT LIKE ITS BEEN A DAY OR TWOKarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-64147403434105775542007-09-18T21:21:00.000-07:002007-09-18T21:40:05.195-07:00In search of bigger wingsTime has flown and our patience went with the time. Yes we have been left with NO alternative but to ask for our money back. Large amounts at that and hopefully since we feel they have not kept to their word so far this may be different. Why would we think so you ask? Trust which we have instilled in them for the better part of 18 months. We trusted that you sign with an agency pay your fee's and wait that you will get what they promise. A referral... a child. That did not happen and for the last 18 months we have been on a ride that the twilight zone could not have written. A referral of a precious baby girl that never cleared. Told to prepare for travel then sorry they found her mother 15 months later. New referrals promised and never given. We sit here 18 months later no closer,and more heart broken that an agency is allowed to work in adoption when they do this. Did they forget to tell us that more then 19 months into this they can just decide not to let us adopt with NO reason. Request that you pay your fee's only to give you nothing?<br />We have worked with another agency and brought our little girl home and they will tell you that we are honest, ethical, caring people. They enjoyed working with us enough that they in their own words look forward to us adopting from them again. So as you see it is not US. Yes we have not always had patience. We have had questions but no different than anyone else. So it is with the saddest of hearts that we move forward with another agency. See our little girl is and always be in our hearts. The referral they promised us did not happen and we see no end. If she should ever become available we have informed the U.S Embassy and we are also informing the DIA that we are approved and still want her. <br />We do look forward to returning to Vietnam and working with our agency once again. Our experience both in Vietnam and in he U.S was excellent.<br />Please say a prayer for the little girl stuck in an orphanage. She deserves more....Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-16416302199393238832007-08-20T08:03:00.000-07:002007-08-20T08:27:02.093-07:00Ethical?We search the definition of Ethical and ask the U.S <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Consulate</span> what they define as ethical and it seems to not fall into our current situation. Now this is of course our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">interpretation</span> of our current situation and what was heard on the last phone call.<br />Our sweet child who we called our daughter resides in an area of Vietnam the you do not find relinquished babies. Yes some regions allow it some do not. Our daughter was abandoned and the information on her abandonment was told to us on our trip. She was left in the hospital by her birth mother with a fake name and address. So why 14 months later have we still not gotten her we do not know. We do know another agency in the region is having NO trouble so we question if it really is the region but.... six months into it we are told they have gone to the address twice and its an empty lot no one knows who the person is they are looking for. You think she does not want to be found? Then we hear nothing for months no updates nothing. Finally in June we are told get your Visa its finally done but yes the saga goes on. It really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn't</span> done after all and weeks go by no date. We are told they have to get to the region to file but then learn they found the mother. The needle in the hay stack. <br />With a broken heart we ask for a new referral and wait more. We tell the agency that we are moving forward and since we have paid ALL our fee's its time. Based on the U.S requirements of abandonment she is not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eligible</span> for adoption. We are almost 2 months from requesting a new referral and still nothing. Dragging their feet? We think so, as they issue new referrals to families and agreed to replace our referral two months ago nothing. Now we are told that the mother of this little girl we called our daughter cannot, will not for reasons of her own sign. She has a right and we do not judge her. We do judge our agency who has no accepted this and says they are sending her file to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DIA</span> to have them release her. Why not months ago why now when you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">have a</span> mother refusing to sign? <br />The U.S Embassy will not issue her a Visa she cannot be adopted under the conditions we are told so we sit more. We have asked for ALL our money back as they have collected interest and we have 17 months later paid and gotten nowhere. <br />So Ethical I ask? They know that if the facts they give are true she is not adoptable yet they 2 months later have given our new referrals and tell us to wait. Wait for what?Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010619.post-42649588731027143122007-08-07T10:03:00.000-07:002007-08-07T10:15:04.788-07:00Up and DownOver a month ago we were told that our referral of 13 months was stuck. We talked to the agency and had many discussions at home and agreed to accept a new referral as long as we can have a guarantee that if her papers ever clear we can adopt her. Sounded clear but then followed a few weeks of you will get an immediate referral and still nothing. In this time we got 1 yes one updated photo in 7 months time of our little girl. You mean they fixed her papers? No such luck. Then we got a copy of her birth certificate. I had asked for this before but never got it so now what? You mean hope? No they have no clue why it was sent to us. Still no change and no new referral. We heard they gave out 2 referrals in this time but we wait. Then we get a letter as if we just decided to do this and they have to see if they can transfer our dossier. I cannot imagine doing another dossier if she never becomes available can you? So nothing new and still waiting with many others who seem no less frustrated.<br />Now to our wonderful weather. How can anyone complain when you live in California? We have been lazy this summer and so enjoying it. The baby is now crawling everywhere and wants to stand up. We hope to make it to the County fair this week and we just bought tickets for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skirball</span> museum. They have Noah's Arc and it looks fantastic.<br />My big joy seems to be shopping at Costco though and there we found a cell phone that works in Vietnam. We do need to buy a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sim</span> card but this will give us a local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vietnam</span> number which saves you from sitting in hotel rooms waiting for phone calls. <br /> Hope your all having a great summer.Karriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202006202416408881noreply@blogger.com1