New Friend

I made a new friend a few weeks ago. We have so much in common and we clicked immediately. I first saw her at Little Gym with the Mac Daddy of Nikons around her neck and I was immediately drawn to her. We found out that we have lived in the same places, our kids go to the same school, we love to shop at the same stores and on and on. My new friend loves photography and she is really talented. I could learn a lot from her. So, the other day we took our little girls (who are the same age--within weeks) for a photo shoot. Here are some of the shots. The first two (which are also the BEST two) were taken by my new friend. The rest were taken by me. I have not asked her if I can post the ones of her daughter yet...so these are just Kate.

In this last one Kate is running to her sippy cup of water on the path!

I really love these photos.

I need to learn how to do cool things to them in Photoshop. (The dress is from GAP.)

Still working...

UPDATED: Thank you for the sweet messages of concern. Luckily, we were not hit by those tornadoes! The adorable bathing suit is by Kate Mack and it is sold many places on-line. You can google "Kate Mack tutu swimsuit." Chasing Fireflies has it but it is slightly back ordered.


I have been very productive thus far but I still have a lot to do! I am getting the porch and deck ready for summer, planning our summer vacations, sending out Mother's Day cards to Moms, Grandmoms and Godmothers, sending out quilt squares, deciding on summer camps for the boys, interviewing babysitters, cleaning closets and giving away toys and clothes the boys have outgrown, etc. PHEW!

I have made a lot of progress in planning Kate Emerson's 2nd birthday party. She will have be having a simple splash party in the backyard with a wading pool, ladybug sprinkler (Target), sand and water play table, bubbles and cupcakes!

Here is a sneak peek at the invitations, bathing suit and cupcakes. I am sure I will change my mind on the cupcakes a few times but the bathing suit and the invitations have already been ordered:)

PLEASE keep Kate Emerson (and her slightly worried Mommy) in your prayers this week. Her EEG is Thursday morning. Thank you.

If I owe you a quilt square or you would like one from me, e-mail me (through the profile) and I will send one out this week.

I am so sorry.

I washed and ironed and photographed all of the clothes to sell on E-bay but I could not bring myself to list them. I had a pit in my stomach. As I looked at the sweet outfits to write descriptions, memories of the first few months at home with Kate came flooding back. I am not ready to part with them. I feel awful because I told you all that I would sell them but I just cannot do it. I will be sending a few things to friends and giving some to our good friend who is about to travel to China to bring her daughter Becky home. But I plan to tuck away the rest for something special down the road. I apologize from the very bottom of my heart if I disappointed anyone. I really do.

Kim

Spring Cleaning and Project Break

I have several Spring projects I would like to accomplish in the next few weeks, so I will be taking a break from blogging and reading blogs too:) I will be back in a week or two. I will let you know where to find me on E-bay when I get everything listed (this is just one of the many projects).

Oh and Happy Birthday to my sweet and very special friend, Diana! You mean so much to me.

Bubbles in the Rain

Sunday morning I got up early with Kate while the hubby slept in a bit. She wanted to go outside to blow bubbles. I explained that it was raining but she wanted to go anyway. So, we donned our raincoats over our pajamas (me too) and put a pair of Harry's old boots on and went outside.

I am getting ready to list some of Kate's clothes on E-bay. I have never sold on E-bay before and I am kind of nervous about it. I plan to list the summer clothes from last year. If there is something anyone is specifically interested in, please e-mail me and let me know.

This is my final answer...and the winner is...

Well, a few more questions trickled in. I promise this is the last of them.

Maggie asked how I keep my weight where I want it since I did not mention any exercise in my routine. Well, Maggie...you might not like my answer....but I am just lucky. I have exercised a lot in the past (pilates and aerobics) but not in a long time. So, I am not toned at all. But luckily, I don't really gain weight. I never weigh myself (houseboy doesn't like us to have a scale in the house so we've never had one). Let's just say there was a time when I was a bit obsessed with exercise when we were dating. Oh, how things change! Please don't hate me...I am flabby. I am just small and flabby. I know I ought to exercise just for the health benefits but right now I don't. I am always moving though.

A few people asked me what I am reading. I just finished Sophie Kinsella's new book "Remember me?" (very light chick lit) and all three Emily Giffen books. I just began Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth. One of my favorite recent reads was The Glass Castle. I have several books on my nightstand. I vacillate between mindless, easy reads and tougher more intellectual reads. There is always an assortment of prayer books and devotionals (just got Jesus Calling), my Bible, health books, parenting books, decorating and parenting magazines, and novels next to my bed. Then there is another pile in a basket and another on the floor under my nightstand. I love to read.

Then a few people asked about our diet (gluten-free), recipes and homeopathy. I plan to post on each of those things within the next few weeks to a month. I want to have links and information handy when I write them and I am simply not prepared right now. I will tell you though that changing the way we eat has dramatically changed our lives and health.

Lauren asked
Have you come up with any creative ways to store/keep Kate's toys handy for her to pull out and play with but easy for you to put up if company is coming over? I have tons of baskets but wondered if you had any recommended methods? This particular basket is great because it has a lid that is connected (and Kate can open it). So you don't see all of the toys sticking out. I got it at World Market. When we built this house, we had a large toy closet built in the terrace where the boys playroom is. It has floor to ceiling shelves and everything has a place (lots of labeled bins). The boys used to be really good about putting everything in its place when they were in Montessori school (they really focus on that) but they are not so good at doing so now. In fact, we spent most of this rainy Sunday cleaning out their toy closet as a family. It was AWFUL! 1,000,000 lego, playmobil and imaginext pieces all mixed up. I cried. They are all back where they belong...for now.

Here is the basket.

It is pretty big and it looks even nicer with Kate's play mat on top of it.

Amy B asked

1) If you had an afternoon of free time (without kids and houseboy) what would you do to relax? This is tough...so much to do so little time. I would likely read magazines, have a hot bath (with bath salts) and maybe get a pedicure. Shopping and meeting a friend for lunch woud be really fun too but probably not as relaxing.
The truth is though I could not relax unless my house was clean. Isn't that sad?

2) Are you obsessive about ironing all the laundry before it is put away? Amy B. you are scaring me! Do you know me? Or is this the houseboy playing a trick on me? Just this morning Dave took all three peanuts to the Farmer's Market and I ironed all of the laundry so that it could be put away. How did you know? Am I that predictable? YIKES! I even iron all the pillowcases each week and sometimes the sheets. I have been known on occasion to iron my pajamas but don't tell people that. They might think I am weird.

Kristi asked

1. Do you miss working at all? Do you think you'll ever go back to work at some point? Yes, I do miss working sometimes. I really miss doing the marriage counseling/coaching. I loved that! I think I will work again at some point. As I said a few weeks ago, I would love to write a column or a book or host a radio show on relationships and parenting. Anyone out there have any connections for me?

2. Are there things you do that are just "yours" and don't have anything to do with your kids? Hmm.... not as much as I ought to have. "Pre-Kate" I was so much better about that. I volunteered and was in a book club and went to Bunko. I am slowly easing back into that stuff. I go to a "Stamping up" workshop once a month to make cards and I am taking a photography seminar in a few weeks. I also try to go out to dinner with some girlfriends about once a month. Thanks for reminding me Kristi that I need to focus on that a bit more. I really feel as though I am a better Mom if I am well rounded. Also, I won't know what to do with myself once the kiddies grow up:)

3. Do you ever have a babysitter or do you have family near by who help you? Most unfortunately, we do not have family near by that can help us. We also do not have a sitter. I am interviewing someone this week. For the first 12 years of our marriage we had a date night EVERY week. I am ashamed that we do not have a sitter now. I know that we did what we needed to do for Kate's adjustment to our family but it is time to get a sitter and start dating my husband again!

4. Did you ever find great a great skin care line? (I need one!) I'll tell you what I did get was one of these and it is great. I also tried various product lines (and will still try more) but what is working really well for me is a simple drug store cleanser called Clean and Clear. It is not fancy but my skin is ...well clean and clear! I use it with my clarisonic twice a day. It does sting if it gets in your eyes so be careful. I also use some fancy schmancy wrinkle creams that one of my BFF gives me. Her husband is a fancy schmancy skin doctor. And if you happen to be reading this BFF---I could use some more of whatever is the latest and greatest! I'll pay ya!

5. Want to go to downtown Chicago and have lunch and "run errands?" :) Kristi, I would LOVE to do this! So, if I am ever heading there to see my imaginary BFF,Oprah, I will certainly call you and would LOVE to "run errands" and have lunch! From what I can tell, you are very good at running errands.



I was starting to feel uncomfortable with all of the kind compliments about how organized I seem. I am organized but let me tell you that sometimes our house TRULY is a mess. We are normal people here. People (including my closest friends) do not seem to believe this (the mess part). So, I did something that is very difficult for me to post. I took photos of my kitchen Saturday morning before I cleaned it. Take a look...

If you look closely (don't really look--just pretend), you will notice kid's school papers strewn about, dishes by and in the sink, my purse on the floor, a stray sandal in the middle of the floor. See, this is what having 3 kids has done to me. The photos below are of my kitchen "Pre-Kate."

Ahhh just looking at these old photos make me feel better!


And the winner of the subscription to Cottage Living magazine is......... Annette!

I had random.org chose a random number between 1-64. That was much easier than writing down everyone's names! Congratulations Annette! E-mail me with your full name and address (through my profile) and I'll send in the subscription.

I Scream, You Scream

We all srceam for ice cream!

Most of these are out of focus (not sure why this keeps happening?) but we rarely eat ice cream so this was a very special and spontaneous treat. It was Kate's 1st ice cream cone (of her own) and she LOVED it!

Claire, Kate's dress is from the Baby Gap. I got it a few months ago but it is this season. I hope you can find one:) Also, Janie and Jack has a pink and green patchwork dress that I hope to buy soon. You might like it too.

Answers (part II)

We went to the local "Dogwood Festival' last night. Kate rode some rides for the first time ever! She even went on a few by herself. She is not really smiling but she loved each ride and kept asking to go again and again! Here she is on her first carousel ride.

A girl and her Daddy

I have really enjoyed answering the questions. Thank you for all of the kind comments and responses. Y'all are good for a gal's self esteem.

Anonymous and Hanna asked if we were planning to adopt again?
I seriously doubt it. Although I would love to give more children a loving home, I think that we are at our capacity. In my answer on parenting I stated that I try to really connect with each of my children every single day. That is a challenge for me with 3 children. I know that many people do it with many more but I think I would be too overwhelmed. I don't have a huge tolerance for chaos. And even if I did...my husband says not only no.... but #@*! NO ! And that is a direct quote.

Lisa W. asked
What is your typical week day like? Give us your schedule and include when you clean! Your house always looks so great and YOU always look so great and put together. How do you do it Kim?

Thank you! First of all, people do tell me that I always look put together but that is not really how I perceive myself at all. So, I am still surprised when peple say it. In fact, my MOPS friends challenged me to see if I owned "lounge wear" and I wore it to one of our meetings to show them I did. I like clothes and I think from living in Houston all of those years, I just got used to getting dressed each day. I feel better and more energetic when I have something cute on. I am not vain but I am definitely more comfortable with my hair done and a little make-up on. I think this is how I was raised too. My Mom always had us dressed up. Remember this post? My sisters are the same way. I have gotten a lot more "casual" though. In fact, my new anti-aging secret is to not look in the mirror. Then I don't notice any changes! I fully realize that it is all about what is on the inside and that is the beauty I see in others.

Our schedule....

Alarm goes off at 6:30 AM. I gently kick my hubby and remind him to hit snooze. Then 10 minutes later we drag ourselves out of bed. He makes coffee and I wake each of the boys. I go into their rooms and rub their backs and tell them to get dressed, make their beds and come down for breakfast. They usually growl at me.

We eat breakfast (boys), drink coffee (parents), let Scout out and give her a pet, brush teeth and shuffle (sometimes there is whining (them) and yelling (me) here) them off to school. Dave makes their lunches the night before and he drives morning carpool. What a guy!

Miss Kate wakes up sometimes when this is all going on and it is a scramble to get her warm goat milk (another post) and a fresh diaper. Sometimes, she sleeps until after the boys leave (around 7:15). I notice that Kate has a much better day if she wakes up after the boys leave. That way, I sit and feed her milk from a sippycup but as though it were a bottle. I hold her like a baby and look into her eyes and stroke her face while she drinks. It is a special time. I think that connection sets her day off the best but it is not always possible if I am making the boys breakfast. When Kate first came home I fed her like that EVERY morning but as she gets older, it is more challenging.

After the boys leave, Kate and I get dressed. While I shower, Kate watches whatever is on PBS in my room and then she watches me dry my hair and get dressed. She imitates me and pretends to blow dry her hair or put on lip gloss. Yesterday, she put powder on my face for me. It was so sweet.

After that, Kate eats breakfast and we are usually off to Little Gym or MOPS or the park or to run errands. This morning we will are heading to a special birthday party. Many times we stay home and play but if we are going out it is always in the morning around 9-ish.

We come home around 11-11:30 , eat lunch, read a few books and go down for nap. (this is when I clean or blog or try to return phone calls). Kate usually naps from 12-2 or 2:30 and this time is very sacred.

After nap we either play, go outside or go pick up the boys from school if it is our day to pick-up.

When the boys get home (3:30-ish) everyone has a snack and does homework right away. I try to cook dinner while this is going on if I am cooking that day. If it is a Judo night or soccer night, we eat really early and this is a very rushed time in our house.

If it is not a Judo or soccer night, Dad comes home and immediately either cooks dinner OR takes over the kid duty. He is so good! We eat together as a family every single night. That is SO important to me.

After dinner, it is usually bath time (7:00). The boys shower and get themselves ready and Dave bathes Kate. I usually fold laundry or clean up dishes or catch up on stuff. Sometimes, I just hang out while he bathes Kate. We read to the kids. I usually read to Harry and Dave usually reads with Kate and Will but sometimes it changes. One of us starts a chapter book with a child and we read it to the end. Since Dave and Will are doing Harry Potter (they are on the last one), Harry and I are doing the Fudge series.

By 8:00 all 3 peanuts are tucked in bed. We snuggle, pray, chat with the boys individually before they go to sleep most nights. If we are running later that usual because of an activity the bedtime routine is very abbreviated. We think it is essential that they get to sleep.

Then, Dave and I race down to watch American Idol! I often have my laptop and answer e-mails, edit photos, look at blogs during commercials (unless Dave and I are talking). I am trying to really limit reading blogs to one night a week so I am sorry if I don't comment as much but my honey needs my time. I like to read at night too.

As far as cleaning...I am always doing it...I throw in loads of laundry at the start of the day or as Kate is going down for a nap. I clean the kitchen while Kate is eating in her high chair. I do not have one day or time that I clean. It is constant.

What activities do you do with Kate at home while "the boys" are at school? I am a big believer in "floor time". I have done it with each of my kids. I will say it was MUCH easier with Will though. I get on the floor with Kate and take her lead. Usually, she wants music and instruments. I find that if I spend 30 minutes on the floor with her and give her my undivided attention, she is much more willing to be cooperative as I get my other stuff done. If I drag her around on my errands and chores all day, it is not fun. So we sing and do LOTS of fingerplays. We have tea parties, build blocks, feed the babies, do puzzles. We go outside and blow bubbles, pick up rocks and leaves, sit in the rocking chairs, use sidewalk chalk. I am not very creative and sometimes it gets boring but I know that it is what we need to be doing...exploring together. I think if all parents did floor time, the world would be a better place. I will admit that it is not what I always want to do and there is not always time for it if we have an activity in the morning and it is my carpool day. But it makes a HUGE difference, trust me. I welcome any ideas/suggestions for more activities.

In Houston, we lived very close to the children's, art and science museums and the zoo. I lived at those places with Will and Harry. My kids knew what an oil painting and a sculpture were by 2 years old. Will could have given tours of the museums at that age too. I loved having all of that right there and for birthdays, we bought memberships. I really wish I had stuff like that here to do with Kate but I don't. So, if you live in a city---go soak up all of that great stuff! Sometimes you don't know what you have until it is gone!


Kathy Z asked about the pearls (see last post) and Is that a monogram in the middle of the strand on the silver piece? Yes, it is and I have had it about 10 years. I love it!

Leslie asked--- Ok, that is my question to you, how do you keep your closet organized? I am constantly rearranging mine and the kiddos! I know you actually asked for a photo of my closet and I almost took one but I can barely get into it for all of the luggage and shoes on the floor. Plus, I figured you could see it when you come visit! Also, I am not far enough along in my 12 step perfectionist recovery program to actually show you what it looks like in its current state:) But how I prefer to keep it organized is....(this seems so boring --are you sure you want to know?). I change over the closets twice a year. I put summer shoes up into clear plastic labeled boxes (or labeled shoe boxes) and bring out winter shoes to the bottom. I move skirts/sweaters/blazers etc to the more accessible parts of the closet. I keep all like items together and in color order. So, all of my shirts hang from light to dark. Within the color they are arranged by sleeveless, short sleeve and then long sleeve. All sweaters are folded and arranged by color on shelves. I attempt this with the kids closets too and they stay that way for a little while. I have done Dave's closets this way as a surprise for him (one year for Valentine's day) but he barely noticed. I really like this sense or order and organization and I will get back to it when Kate is in pre-school.
Another question, what is your favorite recipe? Oh, this is tough. I have so many. I will post one in a few weeks that is easy and I like to bring to people who have had babies. Remind me if I forget. I really will.

Oh Mommy asked...What is the one thing you love most about each individual kid?
This is hard too because I could write volumes on each one. But here is my attempt...

Will~ Will has incredible social grace. I almost cannot believe I just typed that because he was not always that way. But, he will ask how my day was or ask my Mom how she is doing. He feels bad when he does something wrong and really sincerely apologizes. He has impeccable manners and always rises to the occasion in public. He is good with little kids. Those are just some examples of his social graces;)

Harry~this is so hard because this kid is truly good at everything and he is so darned cute! I think I love his heart and his love for Jesus the most. He is our prayer warrior and he loves his Bible. Harry is a generous soul.

Kate~Kate is joyful and she brings a smile to most people. She is extremely gentle and affectionate with little ones.

My kids are so totally normal though and they throw tantrums (Kate) and speak disrespectfully (Harry) and get sulky (Will).


These are all from Adele:
How many times a week do you cook and eat out? We generally eat out once a week. It is hard because we try to eat gluten free and very little dairy. So, we have to cook most nights. I have gotten lazy lately and we have had a few lame dinners but I think overall my husband and I do well in this area. We do eat together every night and people told me we would not be able to do that as the boys got older but Will is almost 11 and we still do.

What is your family's favorite dinner? The boys love tacos. We make our own seasoning because of allergies but they are an easy staple in our house. Will loves chili and gluten free lasagna. Harry loves meatballs and gluten free pasta. Kate love Chinese food and beans. Dave and I love all food!

Do you have a fast and easy recipe that you use frequently? We make tacos a lot and black bean soup and tortilla soup. I also make a pasta and grilled chicken dish that I will share in an upcoming post.

What kind of snack and drinks do you keep on hand for the peanuts? My kids drink water. We don't have soda and they have OJ with breakfast. They like water. We have a HUGE bowl of fruit on the island and they snack on it all day long. Most "snack" foods don't agree with their diets (allergies) so we do have some gluten free snack bars and things.

How do you break up the house work? When do you get it done? I pretty much do housework every single day. There is always something to be done and I try to keep things picked up and in order so that it doesn't get out of control. I am just stealing Adele's answer here:)

Do you have any tips for getting it done faster/easier? Not really. I try the "Only touch it once" philosophy but some days I am just so darned tired.

Do you guys have a bedtime routine? Oh YES! We begin a routine THE day our kids come home from the hospital (or the airport). Dave thought it was so silly to read to Will when he was 2 days old but let me tell you...that kid was turning the pages to books at the appropriate time when he was 5 months old. I wrote about our routine above.

What is a typical day like for you all? I mean a break down time wise.

I answered this above too.

What kind of staples do you keep stocked in your kitchen? Fruit, OJ, coffee, gluten free bread, rice milk (for the boys) and goat milk (for Kate) and organic half and half (for me). We always have a very full pantry. We run out of fresh fruit constantly and we are always refilling the fruit bowl. I really do not eat much fruit though and need to get better at that.

How often do you go to the grocery store? Oh my goodness. We have to shop at 3 different stores for our unique dietary needs. So we seem to be at one of them almost everyday!

Do you have a special day for running errands or is it just when you need to? No, I try not to run errands;) It usually means that I spend too much money! LOL. In our house "errands" is a code word for "shopping."

Do you and Dave share any of the household responsibilities? Dave helps with almost everything. I don't do the yard work or take out the trash. I do most of the laundry but he does help out. He is a great cook (better than me--although I am not too shabby).

What's your best organization tip? Oh no! I am feeling a relapse into my old perfectionist days... I really cannot give any advice here because people in glass houses should not throw stones and all. I used to be so organized and I LOVE being organized but there are only so many hours in a day and I am spending less of them being organized!

What is your favorite cleaner(s)? I love the daily granite by Method for marble and granite. I actually really like all of the Method products and Old English wipes and Murphy's oil soap!

How far in advance do you start planning birthday parties and events.? I am not really sure. I have begun thinking about the June birthdays (Kate and Will). But nothing is completely planned or set in stone yet. I used to be better about this but time is a precious commodity these days and I have become more of a last minute gal!

Where do you find inspiration for all the fabulous things you do? Not sure I do anything very fabulously...but I like pretty things and I like to be surrounded by beauty. That inspires me to have a pretty house and to keep it clean. I love fresh flowers and I usually have them in my house. My faith inspires me to try to be a good person, wife, Mom and friend to others but I am sure I fall short a lot of the time.

How do you keep track of all of your events/to do? Big board list, fridge list, family calender? Ect? I have the Mom Agenda. It is GREAT. My friend Elissa introduced me to it a few years ago. Now, I just need to remember to look at it everyday!

Amy asked

1. You have beautiful fresh flower arrangements in many pictures...do you create your own or do you use a florist? Thank you. I do not use a florist and I used to do much more elaborate arrangements. I read a book about becoming healthier several years ago and the author recommended keeping fresh flowers in your house(among other things). At the time, we lived very close to a wholesale floral district in Houston. So, I bought fresh flowers for very little money every week. Now, I still try to buy them often and I love arranging them. I cannot be very creative here because the selection is VERY limited where we live.

2. How do you make a collage with your pictures? I either make them in Picassa or FD's flicker toys. Both are super easy and self explanatory but if you need help, e-mail me and I will walk you through it.

3. Do you digital scrapbook? If so, what products do you recommend? Yes, but I am not very good at it and I don't make time for it so I have not posted any of my pages. I have lumapix photofusion and it is super easy! I also have Adobe but it is hard and time consuming and I have not had time to really learn it well.

4. What does your husband do for a living?
Oh, good question...I am not really sure but I know he is a Geologist. Over the years, he has worked in the oil business, he has taught college and he now does something with minerals.

OK, houseboy here to give a legitimate answer....there are a couple answers depending on what you're really getting at or curious about. First, I am a geologist - worked for an oil company in TX for a while, then got into 3-dimensional modeling software for mapping underground rock formations. At our current location, I've done a couple years of groundwater work and now am back into economic geology - minerals and rocks that are worth mining or quarrying. BUT, my real purpose is as a life-support system for Kim and Kate. I am the evening parent, the judo shuttle driver, the lawnboy, school lunch maker (every day), and overall servant to the girls and occasionally to the boys. Lastly, I am the recycler and pet owner. That's about it, though I am looking for more chores around the house to do in my spare time.

Lisa and Tate asked what I plan to do the the clothes Kate has outgrown...This is tough too becasue the houseboy really wants me to sell them on E-bay so that there is more money to buy new clothes for Kate. But I keep giving them away to people! I am a lousy business person. Even when I worked, I always did a lot of pro bono work. There was a time when I was helping a lot of friends decorate and people wanted to pay me but I could never let them. The houseboy did not like that at all. He would really like me to start earning my keep around here. I do plan to sell some of Kate's clothes though. I have a bunch of summer things from last year. I'll let you know when I list anything on E-bay.

I think I answered them all but if I missed yours, please just remind me:) And don't forget to go back and comment on the last post for your chance to win the giveaway.

Thank you's, Answers (part I) and a Giveaway!

Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.

~Alfred Painter

This is a very long post (even for me) so I apologize in advance.

Thank you Michele for giving me the idea to add a memorable quote to my Thankful Thursdays.

Thank you to Lisa! Lisa is a Mom in Colorado who used to have a blog (and I was lucky enough to find her way back then). She adopted her daughter from China about 2 months before we adopted Kate. Kate and Lily are from the same town so I followed their journey very closely. Lily has a big brother, Jack who is about Harry's age. Lisa and I have struck up a wonderful e-mail friendship and I simply adore her! Lisa sent us a beautiful quilt square (which I have not had time to photograph yet). She also sent this adorable Corolle doll that looks like Kate. Lisa remembered the boys too and sent them a very cool popping gadget that they LOVE. Thank you friend! Someday we will meet!

(Doesn't this little doll look like Kate?)


Melanie, is Leslie's sister and she sent me an amazing quilt square and wish too. She also sent me the most beautiful and creative photo album in a decorated tin. I cannot describe it and the photos do not do it justice but it is BEAUTIFUL. Melanie is a gifted and creative woman. Thank you so much.

Now onto the queations people have asked... I will answer some now and some in the next few days...
Anonymous asked:
Where do you buy most of Kate's clothes?
I am an eclectic shopper. I buy her clothes in small boutiques, Nordstrom's, at-home trunk shows (Just Ducky, Orient Expressed and Matilda Jane are my favorites), on-line (Etsy is a great source but can be very addicting), Janie and Jack, the Gap, Strasburg, Old Navy, and Target. Last summer, I found some great things at TJ Maxx and Marshall's but I have not found anything cute there this year. I try not to buy anything unless I love it! I figure I only have a few years to dress her the way I want.

We live in a very small town, so I buy a lot on-line. Here are some cute clothing sites I have bought from
Dilly Bop Designs (Great clothes, well made and the owner is delightfully easy to work with--Tell her I sent you)

Evy Bleu Designs (and Etsy shop--adorable skirts)

Robin's Egg Pink (another Etsy shop)

Lollipops and Gumdrops (great monogrammed dresses)

Bows and Bugs (monogrammed clothes too)

Dimples and Dandelions

Everything but the Princess

Hugs and Hissyfits

Luna Belle Boutique (adorable)

Forget me not Kids

Abbe Designs

Princess Linens

Spoil the Baby

Adorables

Julianne Originals (CUTE custom bibs and other clothes and gifts--she is great to work with)

Best Dressed Child

Hamptons Child (love this site)

Lynn said:

Okay, I want to know about the doll! The adorable doll is Lili from the Poupette Collection of Corolle dolls. As I mentioned above, it was a very generous gift. I think she the most authentic looking Asian doll I have seen (even more than the other Corolle dolls we have).
Anonymous also asked this:
And, from what I can tell, you have excellent taste in interior design. Is that natural for you? Aww, thank you. I am blushing. If you can believe it...my Dad was actually in the business growing up. So, we always had beautiful custom window treatments and bedding etc. when I was a child. However, our styles were completely different. I was never interested in my Dad's business at all but once I had a home of my own, I fell in love with decorating. My husband and I love art and antiques and we used to enjoy shopping for them (before kids). I really enjoyed designing our house and decorating it but there is still a lot I would like to do.



Claire asked:
~Will you share a list of where you get Kate's clothing? I am "next" and can't wait to start shopping! Congratulations on being "next." That is very exciting!! See above.

~What led you to adopt? Oh this is a good one. There is a long story and a short one, I'll give the medium version. I was told that I had MS when my oldest son was 2. Then, I had Harry and had a bad episode of MS symptoms right after he was born so I was advised not to have any more children. We accepted that for a little while but then I suddenly had a very strong desire to have a third child. We looked into many options (including simply ignoring the doctor's advice) but I was completely led to adoption. I always knew I would adopt...always. I just had to convince my husband. God planted the seed for adoption in my heart. There is no doubt about that. Oh, and I do not have MS!

~What kind of car do you drive (I want good "mommy car" suggestions!)
We traded in my SUV for a white Honda Odyssey mini-van right before Kate came home. I did NOT want a mini-van but I LOVE it! My last 3 cars have been white (Acura MDX, Mercedes SUV). I love a white car. Oh and my Odyssey has a cute little monogram on the back window.

Karen asked:
As a mother of three what advice to you have for first-time parents. I certainly am not a perfect Mom but I try so diligently to be a good one. I feel as though it is the most important thing I will do here on earth. My advice is "Start as you mean to go!" For example, we have never cooked our kids "kiddie" food for dinner, so they eat all kinds of food. If you don't want children sleeping in your bed, never let them in (although I do think lil adopted sweeties are an exception until they attach). I have taught my kids please and thank you from day one. We are very consistent and always follow through with our rewards and punishments --ALWAYS. And while our children are not perfect, they are very well behaved and those who know us would vouch for this! But the biggest thing I try to do every single day is connect with each one of my children individually.

I think that children NEED routine and discipline and consistency and I think that is is easier to not have those things in a house in the short run. Sometimes, I want to ignore rude behavior instead of put Kate in time out or remove a privlege from the boys but I know that they will learn that the behavior is acceptable and it will be worse down the road. I plan to post about my favorite parenting books very soon here.

You might think we are mean but once when Will was really young (I was pregnant with Harry), we told him that we were going out for ice cream after dinner but he had to eat his dinner or he would not get any. He was 3 and he refused to eat dinner, so we went to Haggen Daaz and Dave and I got our ice cream (I needed it--I was pregnant;) and Will sat there watching. He did not cry or fuss or complain. He learned that we will always follow through. He learned that he can make choices about his own behavior.

One of the best things I learned when I was training in family counseling is "children behave badly when they feel badly." I think it is our job as parents to figure out what is not feeling quite right when our kids are misbehaving. So when my kids are not behaving well (as one is right now), I ask myself....Does he feel well physically? Is he tired, sick, hungry? Is he okay emotionally? Is he scared? lonely? embarrassed? feeling left out? Is he okay spiritually? I think many parents miss this and to me it is KEY!

The WORST that any of my children has ever behaved is when one of them was very, very sick and we did not know it.

Do you have a decorator or does it come naturally? I have never used a decorator. I love shelter magazines and decorating. We did hire an ASID designer when we built this house to oversee our builder but she did not design or decorate anything. We were building long distance (very long distance) so we hired her to make sure that everything we chose was actually what was done. She caught several near mistakes but I chose and designed everything. In fact, she raised her eyebrows at some of my choices along the way but when our house was completed, she told me that she was very impressed with my choices and asked for many of my sources.

Jodee asked:
My question is -- where did you find Kate's bracelet? Kate has several bracelets. I got a favorite one

here. E-mail me if there is a specific one you were curious about. I recently got her an adorable one at TJ Maxx.

Daleea asked:
How do you get your photos so vivid? I cannot take credit for this. I am shooting in Aperture Priority and I am constantly fiddling with the f stop and ISO. Many,many of my photos are out of focus these days and it is bumming me out. I have a very shaky hand. I think the Nikon's are vivid. I do very little editing these days because I don't have time (a little Picassa cropping and lightening). Sometimes I will hit saturate color if it looks very washed out. But it can make people look orange so be careful.

What speed do you have your camera on? I never keep it set on anything for very long unless I am taking photos of quilt squares--then it is on Auto! I have been doing some on-line photography tutorials and I will look for the links to send to you!

When are you coming to see me???????? Soon, my friend, soon!

Steffie asked:

How on earth do you find the time to do all of this? Play group, shop, blog, have a give a way....what's your secret? ;)
Oh Steffie! You know I don't have time for it all. I have no clue. I seem to always be falling way behind on my "to do" list. I will admit that although I clean a lot myself, we do have a once a week housekeeper to do the heavy cleaning (changing sheets, scrubbing bathrooms etc). And that helps a lot. Also, my husband (who I affectionately refer to here as "houseboy") is extremely hands on. He cooks, he folds laundry, he puts the kids to bed every night and bathes Kate. We are truly partners in parenting. I am very lucky.

Erin asked
Where DID you get those pearls??? The pearls (the big ones with the silver monogrammed clip that I wear a lot) came from a shop in Houston and they do not sell them anymore. BUT because SO many people ask me, I found a place that sells the silver clip and they are making a blog reader pearls like mine for her sterling clip. You can contact Wanda Webb Designs for something very similar. Also, I did recently see the pendant in the Room Service Home catalog.

There are many more questions and I will answer more tomorrow....

Now, for the giveaway (if you're still reading this). I noticed this week that my hit counter has surpassed the 200,000 mark and in light of all of the incredible blessings I have received from this blog, I wanted to give something away. I wish it were more interesting and exciting but I have decided to give a subscription to Cottage Living magazine. I love it and I hope you will too. Leave a comment and I'll enter you in the drawing. I will have one of the peanuts draw a winner Sunday night. So, enter by 5 p.m. Sunday. Best wishes!

Meeting Lily

I am supposed to be cleaning my closet (and unpacking my bag from this weekend). I promised I would do that during Kate's nap today. But Lily and her Mommy just left and I needed a sneak peek at the photos from our first play date. I need help. I might have to go to Blogger's anonymous. I actually heard you can go here for an Internet addiction. I wonder if they have a "spa-like" rehab for blog addiction where you cannot bring your camera or your laptop?

Anyway, my closet can wait...here are some pictures of the sweet and adorable Lily. We all had a great time together. Kate had to go to time out twice for throwing her toys (is this a terrible two thing?) but other than that she could not have been sweeter to her new friend, Lily!

Okay and in other miscellanous news---here is a photo of Harry's prayer table. My dearest friend from college wanted to see a photo. We found it in the GREATEST antique shop on the way home from "Yetisburg." I also got a fabulous antique French desk (although I am still sitting on the couch typing this) but that is for another post!

Sweet Harrison decorated it all by himself. He wants to add a Paschal candle (which even though I am a cradle Catholic--I had to "Google") Doesn't it look great? I must say that his teacher this year, "Ms. C" has had the most lovely spiritual influence on his heart. We are a religious family but she has nourished his soul at school in an unbelievable way.


Finally, I have recived a lot of really kind e-mails lately. People are always very complimentary and friendly. Many people e-mail asking about Kate's clothes or attachment issues or my camera (most often asked question) or my pearls (2nd most often asked)...so I have decied to invite people to ask away. I have seen a few women I admire (her and her--FYI--you will become addicted to these 2 blogs) do this and thought I would do it too. Leave a question in the comments (you can be anonymous) and I will answer it (within reason) on the blog.

Also, check back tomorrow for my first ever "giveaway." Okay, now I am stalling. I really don't want to clean that closet!

Adoption Reunion

I am so behind in things I want to post about but we have been very busy here.

Denise and Maggie are home! It was so wonderful and emotional at the airport. I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of such a special life moment. I did, however, learn that I get too caught up in the emotion to concentrate on my photography in situations like that. I made them a little video slide show of the event. If you want to see it, click here.

We feel so fortunate that two new families are home from China and Kate will have two new friends in Lily and Maggie!

We had a great time at our travel group get together in Gettysburg this past weekend. My boys called it "Yetisburg" (as a joke) and they were looking for a Yeti! After the reunion, we visited some of the battlegrounds too. I'll post those photos soon.

I made this slide show for our travel group but thought I'd share it here too. I wish there were more photos of all the kiddos but as I was chasing Kate, I got many more of her. Also, my camera was on the wrong setting and about a third of my photos were out of focus. I'll do better next year !

Someone asked if our travel group was all from the same area. No, in fact we are from opposite ends of PA and another state further south. We chose a middle point and all traveled there.

Cute little things about Kate..

Kate can now put her own sock and shoes on (and she usually gets the right feet). Mary Janes aren't so hard but I am surprised that she can put her own socks on correctly. I don't think the boys did at this age . One day, I came out of the shower to find Kate in a pair of Dave's thick wool socks pulled up over her PJ bottoms. It was so cute!

Kate has begun saying Amen at our mealtime prayer. The other day when we finished a book and I said, "the end." Kate responded be saying, "Amen." Not sure if she was glad the book was over or just thought we were praying.

Kate despises the camera (okay this isn't really cute). She flat out refuses to look anywhere in my direction when I have it. She even pushes it away (Sean Penn style) as though I am the paparazzi and she is an angry celebrity. How am I going to get better at my hobby with such a reluctant subject? I need to practice!

Truly Thankful

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."

Margaret Cousins

It has been a busy week and I am once again thankful for many things.....

~beautiful quilt squares that arrived from all over the country last week. I think I have collected just over 60 but I still need many more. I am hoping to have a queen size quilt made because that is how big Kate's bed is.

~along those lines....I found two beautiful old white chenille bedspreads in a consignment shop this week for $15! I plan to use them in Kate's quilt somehow. I feel so lucky to have found them. They are truly beautiful.

~Harry asked for a prayer table in his room. He wants a small table to put his Bible, rosaries, holy cards, prayer books etc. on. I think it is so sweet that he wants this special space in his room and I have been looking at consignment shops for just the right thing. I am thankful for his faith and spirit. He truly amazes us.

~Denise and Maggie come home from China tomorrow night. I will have the honor of being at the airport when they arrive and I even get to take photos of the event. I cannot even tell you how excited I am!

~ Rachel, Jeff and Lily came home last night. I am thankful that they are at home with their boys and their soft beds. I look forward to meeting Lily and I know Kate will love having a new friend in the neighborhood.

~This weekend we have our adoption travel group one year reunion. I am really excited to meet some of the girls and parents that were on this journey with us. I have met many of the parents before but since I did not go to China, I have not met all of the girls. I know we will have a blast. I get to see this darling family there too!


~ I am incredibly thankful to Leslie and Diana. These women are so loving and kind and inspiring. I have become such dear friends with them and they both sent sweet little packages to us this week to celebrate Kate's first year home. I am so busy getting ready for our trip this weekend (and charging my camera battery for the airport tomorrow) that I have not had time to take photos...but Diana sent a darling swimsuit and bow. And Leslie sent polka dot sidewalk chalk, a sweet smelling sachet, a great photo ribbon tote bag, and a fabulous magazine that I had been looking for in every store but had not found. It is called Life Beautiful. Another very sweet blogger who wishes to remain anonymous sent a very thoughtful gift as well. Thank you!

~I am thankful that Kate's EEG is finally scheduled (May 1st).

~ I am thankful that for the first time in well over a month, everyone in our family seems to be healthy.

~ I am thankful for the sweet people that checked in on me this week when I had not blogged for a few days. And to the people that have been praying for our health.

There are days that I seriously consider stopping blogging. It just seems like I could utilize the time better. But then, I am reminded of the incredible kindness and support I have received from many of you.

We did end up having a little fanily celebration this weekend. A few kind people e-mailed and said they wanted to see the old and haggard and grumpy, runny nosed photos anyway. So..here they are unedited.

We took these outside last weekend.

We took Kate to our favorite local Chinese restaurant and then we had cake at home.

Some family fun...Dave is holding all three peanuts, Kate's little pearl earrings that we gave her for her first forever family day (pearl is her birthstone), we each blew out a candle to represent our whole family, this last "haggard" one is for you Dale:)

A letter to my daughter

Kate had just been home about 10 days in this photo. It is one of my favorites. We were taking her to church for the first time. I tried to get a good one this weekend as we celebrated our forever family day but Kate was runny nosed and grumpy and I was old and haggard looking so this is as good as it gets. I sure have aged this year!


My dearest Kate,


One year ago I had the privilege of holding you for the first time. I will never forget how you looked up at me that first time. You gently looked into my eyes and something miraculous passed between us. You knew that I was your Mommy. You did not cry or look scared or resist me. Just as you knew, I also knew the moment I held you that we would have an unbelievable bond.


This first year with you has flown by. It has been a tough year in some ways. You were blessed to have lived with a foster family in China and I think you missed them very much in the beginning. Every night when we tried to sleep, you cried out. I know you were scared so I did everything I could to comfort you. I have rarely left your side this whole year. Eventually, you learned to trust me, but it took a while to get to where we are now.

I am so thankful to your first two Mama's! Your birth mother in China must be a very brave woman. She obviously could not keep you and we will never exactly know what the circumstances were but we do know that she loved you so much that she wanted you to be found and loved by another family. It is illegal to leave a child in China and the puinshments are severe. Your birth mother risked a lot to gently place you on the hospital steps, a place that she knew you would be easily found. That is a selfless act of love and we will be forever grateful to her. She did not leave you Kate; she made sure you would find a home. I hope she knows the joy that she has given us. I hope she knows that you are deeply loved by your Mommy, Daddy and your brothers.


I am also immensely grateful to your foster Mom. I do not know her name but I have pictures of her. You were found when you were just one day old. You were taken to the orphanage for a physical but then you immediately went home with your foster Mom. You never spent one night in the orphanage. In fact, the orphanage director knew nothing about you because you were never there. It was immediately obvious to us and everyone who met you that you had been SO loved. You immediately knew how to love. You kissed us and hugged us from the very beginning. You knew I was your Mama and you called me that just days after you came home. Your heart is so big and you are so affectionate and I truly believe it is because of the love shown to you by your foster Mom. I promise you that we will go visit her one day and thank her in person for caring for you for the first 10 months of your life.


Kate, this year has been incredible. I have seen your first steps and your first English words. We have celebrated your first birthday, your Baptism and all of your first holidays with us. The joy I see in your eyes fills my heart. You are everything I dreamed you would be and more. I will never, ever forget the first time you looked at me and said I love you. Will and Harry were born loving me. They trusted me from day one. I had to earn your trust and earn your love. It was hard work but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Love that is earned is very special.


There are so many things I love about you. Each morning as I get ready, you sit at my vanity and play with my make-up brushes and imitate me. You love music (you call it oooh-ahhh) and you love when we sit and sing and do finger plays. Whenever I finish a song, you say "more?" in your sweet little voice. You adore your brothers (you call them "the boys") and you look for them around the house when they are at school. And oh how you love your Daddy. You run to him with a HUGE smile when he comes home from work shouting "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" You also love our doggie, Scout. You get very upset when we put her in her kennel and you often let her out when we aren't looking:)


You do not really play with toys. Instead, you follow me around the house trying to do whatever I am doing. This is very different than how your brothers were and I am still getting used to it. We do have lots of tea parties though. You love tea parties! You also love to be outside and that is something else I am getting used to as I am not a real outdoorsy person. You also love to eat and you will eat almost anything. You love fruit (strawberries, grapes, apples, pears and bananas). You also love fish, Chinese food and Mexican food. There is little that you won't eat. You even love your omega fish oil supplements!


Kate if I had to describe you in one word it would be sweet. You are incredibly sweet. You are kind and you are gentle and you are the sweetest little girl I have ever known. I look forward to a lifetime of love and laughter with you.

With so much love,

Mom

This is Kate and her foster Mom less than a week before Dave got her. They gave Dave this photo seconds after they handed Kate to him. I think her foster Mom really wanted to be sure we got it. She also dressed Kate (under the huge orange puffy clothes) in a hand-knit sweater and booties. I think they were made for her and they seem very special. If anyone who has adopted from Nanfeng knows who this woman is, please let me know. I plan to also post it on their Yahoo site.

Kate's Homecoming Video

I wish I had words but I don't. I was telling the boys that the best four days in my life have been the day I married their father, the day each of them was born and I got to hold them, and the day Kate came home. That is why this day is so special. It is a birthday of sorts. Words cannot describe the gift that Kate has been to our family. I am writing Kate a letter today and I will write one every year on this day. Our plans to celebrate this incredibly special day have been postponed due to Kate's illness but tomorrow (hopefully) we will share a special meal, cake and a special gift for Kate.

This video has been such a labor of love. I have been working on it for almost a year and have lost is due to computer crashes and freezes at least three or four times (one was last night). Now that it is complete, I am so glad I kept starting over.



I just noticed that I put the wrong year of our wedding in this video---we were married in 1995! I guess that is what you get when you do this so many times and are totally sleep deprived. It took forever to upload so I am not fixing it now!

I originally included Kate's first year home in this video but Dave advised me to split them up. It is a good thing he did because I could not have uploaded it otherwise. Thanks honey! I will post the other one in a few days.

We received VERY joyous news today! Dave's best friend from high school, Karen and her husband, Doug received their referral today for their daughter from China. They are very private so I cannot share their blog but we are absolutely thrilled for them. Congratulations--we love you and we cannot wait to see you next month! We will always share a very special day----your referral and our forever family day!

Tomorrow marks one year of one of the best days of my entire life. April 4th 2007 was the day I met my daughter. It was the day I dreamed about for years. It is our Forever Family Day. I have a special post to her planned but Kate is really sick again and wants to just lay in my arms all day. Holding a very heavy and limp baby all day leaves little time for anything else. (Luckily she is sleeping now). I still need to add the music to her homecoming video. So, I may not be able to do it for a few more days. For those of you new to the blog who want to see our joyous homecoming, you can read about it and see photos here or here (my letter to her).


To Kate Emerson's birth Mom wherever she is...



Thanks to Sharon and her family who are in China now with their beautiful new son, Hudson, for sharing this video and the interview with the artist too. Blessings!

Fifi, Ruby and Lulu

Ruby, Fifi and Lulu (don't know what happened to her pants:)

I love Kate's little hand reaching in there. She does not like her girls to wear their headbands but she does comb their hair a lot.


Kate does not really like stuffed animals at all. In fact, she throws them. She also does not really play with toys much. However, all of a sudden, she is liking these three gals. She has even named them. The little one is Fifi. She started calling her "frou frou" and I laughed so hard but her name has evolved into Fifi now. The other two are Lulu and Ruby but as you can see...I am not sure which one is which. I honestly have NO clue where she got these names but I do think they are rather chic choices! (Maybe Ruby is from here or here). All I can say is that I love Kate's new friends because they keep her busy for a little while. And by little while, I mean five minutes at a time. She rocks them and feeds them and puts them in time out. Poor Fifi spent all of Sunday in time out! I am not sure what she did but it must have been awful. Yesterday, Kate put them in her crib for nap and was in such a rush to sleep with them that she opted to skip her nap time books with Mama. Then she went right to sleep! Well I thought she was sleeping.... but I later learned that she was just playing very quietly and taking Lulu's clothes off. Ahhh..... Fifi, Lulu and Ruby, I love you!

I think Ruby needs a snack!


Thank you for all of your encouraging and kind comments to my last post. I wanted to let you all know that I do know what is important and how quickly this wonderful phase of little blessings passes. That is why my house is a mess. I try to spend the time with my kiddos. I let the laundry pile up so we can read together or go to the park or blow bubbles or just hang out. Sometimes though, I get overwhelmed by the chaos and the work of it all. Even if I know in my heart what is important, having a mess or feeling disorganized and not getting much accomplished is unsettling for me. It is something I struggle with and it is comforting to know that I am not alone. I think we all have days when we wonder if we are doing this Mommy thing well enough!