Last Call!!

Still one missing!


I'm almost ready to send out cards. Well they are sitting on my kitchen counter. That's pretty good for me. Anyway, if you haven't sent me your address and would like to receive a card from this crazy family, please send it to me. Here is my e-mail ,

Rarefindings@verizon.net

Andrew's party is tomorrow, I will post pictures of it, tomorrow night... hopefully.
Here is a preview,

Emmie and Santa

Miss Emilia sure had a fun night on Wednesday. While the rest of us were at our school for the H1N1 flu clinic, Miss E was out on the town. Her Godmother took her on a special delivery. The students at St. Peter School and other local schools (maybe even yours) all wrote letters to Santa. The reason? It's called the Believe Campaign, Macy's Department Store will donate one dollar for every letter written to the Make A Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children.


Emilia tagged along with her Godmother to present the letters to Santa, and of course get in a few words of her own with the big guy!

I wonder what they're talking about?


She was out later than us! And came home happy and full of stories about her night out! Thanks, Auntie Melinda!

Rejoice! Jubilee is coming Home!

Here is some good news!!!! Some of you may remember back in August I sent out a prayer request for a very special family. They were adopting a little girl . Things were not going very smoothly, and they had just received word that the country they were adopting from had basically called it off! You can read about it here.
I remember a comment from that post that suggested they just continue on like they never got that news. Just file all the remaining paperwork. Well that's just what they did and the other day they got the call they have been waiting over 600 days for! Jubilee Promise is coming home!!!!!!

This is a miracle for sure and a sweet Christmas miracle at that. You have just got to jump over to A place called Simplicity and meet this wonderful family. I am just beyond happy for these guys! They never gave up , not for one minute. They just knew that Jubilee was their little girl.

A MUST SEE!!!!!!

Tracy a fellow blogger is having an auction!!!!! why you may ask? Well for no other wonderful reason than to raise money to give a Princess her forever home!!!!!!
Please take a look at the beautiful items she has in her auction and support her efforts. A lot of you will recognize the princess she is giving a forever home to.

So please run over and do some Christmas shopping and help Tracy and her family bring home their sweet!

DSSRI Christmas Party/ Thankful Sunday

Today the DSSRI had their Christmas party.What a really nice day it was. So many cuties and goodies, crafts, music and of course Santa and Mrs. Clause.

So today I am thankful for this great party. A day to just enjoy the company of families who are all so happy and thankful for their own little miracles.

I'm thankful for a woman who we meet on the Buddy Walk and recognized Emilia, she told me there is a photo of her on the DSSRI website. I have to go check it out, I had no idea.

I'm super thankful Aniela will be here for Christmas! I can't wait to see here. We all miss her so much. Any one who doesn't know, Aniela is my beautiful step- daughter who moved to California last year.

I'm thankful for cameras that allow us to capture memories. One of my most favorite things to do is sit and look through all my photo albums.

I'm thankful the Christmas season is upon us. I'm thankful I was raised by a mother and family that taught me the true meaning of Christmas. It's a blessing to understand and embrace the true meaning. I think all to often and all to many people allow the season to come and go and never even think what it is all about. Does the name Jesus even cross their minds as they rush around like crazy nuts looking for another video game, or ipod, or whatever else their child is expecting?

So I am thankful for my faith. Where in the world would I be without it! Especially in these tough times. Faith is what gets me through each day. The constant thought that everything and anything is possible , as long as you have faith.

And by the way I just went to the dssri website and there are three photos of Emmie in her stroller!

Tis' The Season

It is officially declared the Christmas season in our home. It starts Thanksgiving night, with the watching of It's a Wonderful Life. We leave the turkey and fixings on the stove and munch through out the movie. I can seriously watch this movie every day whether it's Christmas or not. When I got married and moved out my mom said the only thing she was not going to miss was being forced to watch that movie a hundred times during Christmas!
I can recite every line. It drives Bella crazy and she asked me NOT to do that anymore. Go figure!




Friday we got our tree from the Christmas tree farm. We always manage to find one the exact height and size to fit in our sun room. It's always perfect.


almost finished

This is also when we attempt our Christmas card picture.I have long since abandoned the thought of getting the perfect picture with the perfect outfit. Not with this bunch. Now it's a success if everyone is kind of smiling and looking in the right direction.


oops, someone is missing!




The kids are also allowed to watch TV more, as long as it's a Christmas show, or of course, It's a Wonderful Life.
We have so much in common with poor George and Mary this year. Last night I told Peter to go stand on a bridge like he was going to jump... maybe we would get a Clarance too.
I was only kidding!!!

Happy Fourty What?

Today is Peter's birthday!!!!! Happy birthday to the guy who puts up with me! Why I will never know. You're everything I'm not! Patient, optimistic, spontaneous.

You really are a super hubby! This guy will never get upset if the house is a mess. Peter has never once ever complained about anything I have served for dinner. In the early years, there was a lot to complain about! He even loves leftovers!


Peter will take the kids to the park or on bike rides just because he wants to. I know fathers who would never venture out alone with there kids. He changes diapers and makes bottles and will rearrange his whole day to give the girls a ride to ballet or gymnastics... and think nothing of it.

I love you !!! We all do!!! And I know at times it seems that we all take your easy going nature for granted... trust me , we don't!

Enjoy your day!!!!

Give Thanks for...

Give thanks today for the little things. For friends and family. For the grace God so generously pours down on us.
Give thanks for the path you are on in life. It is the path hand picked by God, just for you.
Give thanks for the trials in life , they will only make you stronger.
Give thanks for the days filled with peace and joy, it is only because of the hard days that you have learned to appreciate them.

Wishing you all a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving, from our home to yours!

Look No Hands!

OK, her back is up against the chair but she thinks she's standing all by herself. This was worth taking a break from Thanksgiving cooking, and definitely warranted a quick post.
Well, back to the kitchen for me!

This Cannot Wait!

I had another post in mind for today but it can wait. What cannot wait is the Orphan! Two of my dearest bloggy buddies are speaking up on a serious new development. Linny has posted about a new practice in Canada that is rejecting any Visas from children being adopted from Africa! There are actually families stranded in Africa because they cannot bring their newly adopted child back home! This is outrageous!
My friend Carol is also speaking up and praying hard for a resolution to this unbelievable act.
Please read Linny's post and say a prayer, or a few prayers that Canada removes this ridiculous law, and also that no other countries follow.

The government and the cost of adoption is a big enough hurdle to try to overcome, but possible. Not being able to obtain a visa for your child will make adoption impossible.

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

OH the day has finally arrived, my sweet little man is six years old! Six years of adjusting to having a little boy. The one and only boy among five girls.
Wow are you different than the girls! You play differently. No dolls for you! Unless you are running them over with your trains. You eat differently. You never stop, your always looking for something, you always have a "grumbling in your tummy" Andrew you are a delight. You make us laugh, you drive your sisters crazy, and you are a constant protector to Emilia. What more could we ask for from our only son.
You make Mama so happy when you ask to be snuggled, and when you just randomly tell me you love me and that I am the best mama you "never" had. I can't correct that I think it's too cute.

You get insanely excited over the simplest things, you would rather go to school on the week ends, you get completely lost while playing with your trains. One of my most favorite things to do is listen to you playing when you are by yourself. You make the cutest voices for all your trains . When you sing the song ( when you think no one is around) " Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down... you bring tears to my eyes.

Tonight we will have Andrew's birthday dinner, whatever he wants. Cake and presents. His birthday with his friends is still in the making.


Andrew, have a wonderful birthday. You're the best son I "never" had!
Love you more, Mommy

May I Have This Dance...

.... for the rest of my life..

New Updates and Other Things

OK, here are a few updates.
Remember like in may or June I posted about a room switch. At the time I thought it would be a fun Summer project. Was I crazy? It never happened. Well now I'm actually in the process of starting the big switch! Yeah, a week before Thanksgiving. Why not we don't eat in the bedrooms.


We can't even walk in this one. What a flippin' nightmare!!!! But look at how pretty the walls look. Not the Sunshine yellow, that's going! The celery green is staying. This is going to be our room (me and Peter) and Emilia. All this stuff in the middle , well I can tell you where I'd like to put it (lol) the girls will have to sort out what they can't live without, and the rest is outta here. That horse is going.
it's a slow and painful process but at least it's begun.

Emilia had her appointment with Dr. Pueschel, her specialist. He was blown away. Not an easy feat mind you. Dr. P has been around a long time and seen a lot! He asked me if she was pulling to stand, and before I could answer he said, "she's not doing that yet, is she"? I was so excited that I was able to answer yes! He was so impressed with her strength. And she is cruising!!! He was so surprised at that. It was a great visit as always. Dr. P is just wonderful. I love how he always refers to children with Ds as "our children". He is such a blessing.

And after 13 months we finally joined the DSSRI. And just in the nick of time. On Nov 29th they are having their Christmas party! YIPPEE! Now hopefully I can meet other families and Emmie can make friends too. And I really want to be a part of it all. They must need volunteers for something.

And on Saturday my very, very good and dear friend and Godmother to Bella, KAREN is having her 50th BIRTHDAY party! She's cheating though, she won't be 50 until December. I am really looking forward to that. Lots of fun! Feel free to leave a comment... you lurker! Love you!

And couldn't forget the boy! Andrew is turning 6 on Sunday!!! And for all of you who left some really great suggestions, I think I figured out how to have a party in my house, my very small house, without the use of my yard due to cold November temps. Since I probably won't have his party until December because our weekends are all booked up, I thought I would have a Polar Express Pajama Party. We'll watch the movie have hot chocolate and do a Christmas craft. I'd like to find a bell like the one in the movie as a favor. Andrew has one and I don't know where it came from. Get this, my friend has one from no other than Chris Van Allsberg himself. He lives in RI and his daughter used to dance at Festival Ballet where my girls go and somehow my friend got one(bell). She is a teacher there, so maybe that has something to do with it. Very cool! She showed it to me last Christmas Eve, and yes I could hear it!!!

I feel like I'm babbling out of control so I'll end it here. There are some children that need tending to.

Wordless Wednesday

. . Now what do I do



The girl went nuts on this orange. She was very cautious at first, just touching it with her tongue. But once she figured out if she bit a little the juice would squirt in her mouth she was having a ball!

A Christmas Poem

I'm getting into the mood!!!
My good friend e-mailed this to me. I thought I would share. Makes you think if nothing else. And that's not a bad thing!



Twas the month before Christmas*
>
>
>
> *When all through our land,*
>
>
>
> *Not a Christian was praying*
>
>
>
> *Nor taking a stand.*
>
>
>
> *See the PC Police had taken away,*
>
>
>
> *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
>
>
>
> *The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
>
>
>
> *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
>
>
>
> *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
>
>
>
> * December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
>
>
>
> *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
>
>
>
> *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
>
>
>
> *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
>
>
>
> *Something was changing, something quite odd! *
>
>
>
> *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
>
>
>
> *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
>
>
>
> *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
>
>
>
> * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
>
>
>
> *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
>
>
>
> *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
>
>
>
> *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
>
>
>
> *Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
>
>
>
> *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
>
>
>
> *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
>
>
>
> *At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
>
>
>
> *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
>
>
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> *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
>
>
>
> * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
>
>
>
> *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
>
>
>
> *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
>
>
>
> *So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
>
>
>
> *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
>
>
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> *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
>
>
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> *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
>
>
>
> not Happy Holiday !*
>
>
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> Please, all Christians join together and
>
>
>
> wish everyone you meet during the
>
>
>
> holidays a
>
>
>
> MERRY CHRISTMAS!
>
>
>
> 
>
>

I Think This Dad's Got It

Jennifer over at Three's a Charm posted an article today that really hit me. In a good way.
It's an article written by a dad who has a 36 year old daughter with Ds. His name is Rick Dills. I love his way of thinking and attitude. I've been stressing over what school will be like for Em, where will she go. Will she go to a "regular school" or a special one. Will she be happy. I mean everything is so easy with her now. But as she gets older I do realize that will change. Her needs will change and I know people who Ooh and Ahhh over her now might shun her in a few years. How will I handle that? Probably like a wild bear but that's another post. Anyway here's a bit of the article...


My observation is that satisfactory adult outcomes do not correlate with how hard you have pushed your child, but rather on how you have taught them to be proud of who they are. Setting the bar too high prepares both parents and the child for failure.

Now go read the whole thing at Jenn's

Thankful Sunday

OK, as of last night I swore I wasn't posting today. I'm in a slump to put it plainly. If I sound whiny ... sorry. We're all entitled to our moments and this is mine! That said, I realized that I'm still thankful for things in my life. They don't have to be giant things all the time. Hey, I had a friend thankful for rubber bands the other day! And ya know, seriously they are a great convenience!

I'm thankful for friends both far and near. Friends I see face to face and friends I've never laid my eyes on, but love dearly. Friends who just "get it". Thank you, you know who you are!

I'm thankful for the ability to apologize. I owe Olivia one, when she gets up. Dropped the ball on any and all mothering skills I have last night. I love you Livy and I'm so sorry last night went the way it did.

I'm thankful Bella and Sophia made it through their first gymnastics meet of the season. They did great, Bella qualified for States with a 33 , and Sophia blew me away with her skills and beauty. She was so close to qualifying, she'll get it next time for sure. She is in a higher level this year, and it's tough!! Scores needed to qualify are a 32, they just add up your score on all events. Floor, bars , beam and vault. Sophia had a 31.5 I think. So close!

And in a way, and this may sound contradictory, but in a way I am thankful for our struggles. Because of them I am a stronger person. I'm more compassionate , I can adapt to situations easily. I can live without a lot and not miss it. I don't miss out on the little things. I take nothing for granted. I judge no one by their appearance or state in life. Of course enough money to pay the bills and have something left over would be delightful, but our struggles are not in vain. There have been lessons learned.

Have a happy and blessed Sunday!

Kristens Button!!

Notice my new button! Kristen has a beautiful new button, compliments of Feisty Kaelyn's Daddy! What a guy. Head on over to Kristen's to grab yours!
With all of our prayers, we can help her win this battle for a fourth and FINAL time.

Some Words This Wednesday

This is what I mean when I say Emmie is a little fickle when it comes to toys. She would much rather just toss the toys ....



..and chew on the basket. In fact wicker has now become her new obsession.



HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to all who have served our great country. Thank you for protecting us. God Bless You!!!

My Dolly!

I dug this doll out of the toy chest. Emmie is very fickle about toys. It's hard to find something that she is interested in. I figured all little girls love to play with dolls....HMMMMMM



Well, Miss Em is showing some of her care taking abilities. Notice how she is ever so gently holding the dolls hand.



And here she has one hand behind the dolls head and is actually caressing her hand. What a good mommy.


And last but not least, a gentle kiss to the dolls head. Sounds good, but I think Emmie was just trying to figure out how to take a good bite out of this poor dolls head. we'll just have to keep practicing.... "do nice".