AAAGGGHHHH!!!!

I don't know what has happened in the last hour, but I can no longer see ANY 'visual verifications' on ANY blogs...I have tried 11 times on the same blog and then gave up and then tried about the same number of times on 5 other blogs...AAAGGGHHH!!!

So, Tracey, Crystal, Connie and Stacy - I read, I wanted to comment, but it is a no-go...I will try again later!

Thank You Secret Buddy!!

A BIG THANK YOU TO MY SECRET BUDDY!!!

What a wonderful package I had waiting for me when I got home from work today! February's theme was: Happy hands and heads and feet!! Secret Buddy - you got it right on!

There was a great CNY card in a red envelope, a red hat with matching mitts, red slippers, pink socks and a bunch of hair clips!!

Thanks again - Pumpkin is one lucky little girl and I can't wait until next month!!

A bit of this and a bit of that

First off I would like to thank Rhonda and Kathy for the wonderful CNY cards. I am a little behind the 8 ball on that one – sorry... What a lovely gesture and it was very much appreciated! Thank you!!

Secondly – Last night we were at Hortense’s and we celebrated Mark’s birthday! We had a GREAT time as usual!! I made cupcakes and we had them in a ‘tree’. Very cool actually!

Thirdly– I have FINALLY updated my 100 Good Wishes Quilt site – you can see it by clicking here. We are at 37 SQUARES!! Only 63 more needed!!

Fourthly - I would like to address Blog Etiquette – if there is such a thing. Should one seek permission to put a link on your own blog to someone else’s blog? When I first started blogging I was doing this, but then I saw that I was on other people’s blogs and they hadn’t asked me (which I am o.k. with) so then I thought I was doing it wrong so I then just added who I “read” to my blog roll. Should one seek permission?

Fifthly - I would like to address that sometimes there is nothing to comment on. What I mean by that is that someone has made a post (generally a wonderful one) and I generally comment, but there are times when I either, don’t agree with what they have posted about, or I can’t think of anything to say to comment on. I sit here and rack my brain to think of something and either someone has already said it, or I just CAN’T think of anything prolific to say. So it is o.k. to read and NOT comment sometimes – though everyone LOVES comments!

Sixthly – about commenting – if there are a bunch of posts, it is o.k. to just comment on the most recent and not comment on all the previous ones – especially if you have been away and there are 165 new posts on your Bloglines account. I know it is o.k. as I can comment where and when I want, but I was just thinking about it out loud.

Seventhly – how do you get that little icon beside your blog in the address line? Like Rhonda has a little maple leaf, Kathy has a heart and C.J. has her little “picture” symbol??

Eighthly – It is always the question of how much to reveal on your blog. I know MANY others have also grappled with this dilemma as many of them have had some negative experiences. There are many things about myself that I don’t reveal on the blog and perhaps never will. But for now, I am happy with the blogging world and it keeps me in touch with SO MANY wonderful women and that (at this point in time) out weighs any negativity with blogging.

Ninthly – If you are not on my blog roll and you would like to be, please let me know as I am going to be doing some blog housekeeping in the near future.

The Adventures of the Golden Pig!

As you may or may not know, Sunday was the Chinese New Year and this year is to be the year of the GOLDEN pig!

Well Golden Pig (Piggy for short) decided it was high time that he had an adventure.

So Piggy packed up his bags and stowed away with us on our trip to Ottawa! He is a good travel companion. He is generally pretty quiet and keeps his room neat. Since Piggy was already there, we let him tag along a couple of times when we went out.

Please enjoy the ADVENTURES OF THE GOLDEN PIG as shown through these pictures!


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Ottawa!

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Well Mark and I are back in town. We left first thing Saturday morning and flew to Ottawa to celebrate mark’s 40th birthday weekend. What a great weekend we had!! We were picked up at the airport by Mark’s cousin Elizabeth and niece Ashley and went back to their home. We had time to drop our bags, grab a quick bite and then we were off. We headed downtown to go skating on the Rideau Canal. This is something that mark and I have always wanted to do. There were 6 of us – Mark and I, Elizabeth, Ashley, Shannon and Hannah. What a great atmosphere it was down there. There were lots of people, ice sculptures, activities, Beaver Tails, Hot chocolate etc. The sun was shining and we really enjoyed ourselves. HOWEVER – we did discover that skating is NOT our forte!! We did sit down and enjoy a Beaver Tail and a hot chocolate. A visit to Ottawa is just not complete without a Beaver Tail. After skating we went to see the ice sculptures. They were really amazing. I do wonder HOW someone would discover that that was where their talent was.

After our afternoon adventures we made it back to the house. We had time to get ready and the 3 of us headed out to dinner. Elizabeth’s husband Jeff was on a business trip. We really missed him over the weekend – except perhaps when we were skating as he would have made fun of us!

Dinner was at the horse race/casino. We had a wonderful buffet dinner and made our way to the slot machines. Mark and I decided that we were playing with $20 each. I picked the best machine ‘cause in about 10 minutes, my $20 had morphed into $70!! I cashed out!

Sunday was another great day – it was Mark’s birthday party day! We were having a big celebration dinner. Elizabeth and I went out in the morning to pick up some supplies and the day was a realizing one – Just what we needed. We decorated the dining room fit for a 40 year old party dinner and Elizabeth made a FANTASTIC dinner! There was lots of gabbing and laughing! A great party!

Monday was some shopping and Scrabble playing with the girls when they got home from school. I didn’t win:( Ashley was the winner! Another great family dinner followed.

After dinner everyone disbursed. Krystal decided that she wanted to practice the piano. I proceed to the living room to listen. What an INCREDIBLY talented woman she is!! WOW is all I can say. She was playing a BEAUTIFUL song and when she was finished I told her how much I enjoyed it. She told me that she wrote it herself. She then played it again and sung the words that she wrote. I was transported away while listening. I was transported away while listening. It was stunning!

Tuesday morning was HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK day and it was great and relaxing – in the morning.... We had to leave the house at 11:30 to catch our flight. Before we left the house, we checked to see that the flight was on time. Everything SEEMED fine and Elizabeth dropped us off at the airport. But wait…Our flight was CANCELLED! We told the check in lady that we just checked and it was on time – she said it was cancelled 5 minutes ago.

For those of you who don’t know, Ottawa is about a 5 hour drive / 1 hour flight from the Toronto area and there are basically flights every hour back and forth. We were too late for the hour before flight so we got on the hour later flight that was set to depart at 2:00. The flight was PACKED and was late getting away from the gate. Then there was ‘de icing’ and a line up for that and then we FINALLY made it to the runway and HOUR after we pulled back from the gate! We should have already been home by the time we took off. Did I mention it was Mark’s birthday? Not the way he would have chosen to spend it! We made it back to Toronto right smack dab in the middle of rush hour! AAAGGGHHHH!!!

We made it home at 4:55 and were out the door 15 minutes later to be at Mark’s parents for dinner for his birthday...can you say RUSHED!!

PHEW!! We are home safe and sound and now are trying to get ourselves back in order!

Please stay tuned for the Adventures of the Golden Pig – coming soon...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST HUSBAND EVER!!!!

Mark and I have just arrived home from an extended weekend...don't have much time to write right now, but I wanted to share with everyone that it was Mark's 40th birthday today!!

Much more to come about the weekend - including the Adventures of the Golden Pig!!!

They're Home!

Welcome home Olivia and Samara!!

Today after work, Mark & I and Dolores & Shawn met at the airport to see the families coming back from China. This is the second time that Mark and I have done this. You can read about the first time here. We do it to kinda rejuvenate us and remind us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

On the weekend at the Lunar Party, Dolores had mentioned that Shawn and her were interested in going to the airport to see the babies and since Mark and I were already going, we asked if they would like to join us.

So after a TWO hour delay and about 1 1/2 hours in customs and immigration, we had the opportunity to see Debbie, Kirk & Olivia and Karen, Mike & Samara. I had spoken to both Debbie and Karen before they left for China about seeing them at the airport. I didn't want to intrude on their homecomings. Both of them were so open to the idea of us welcoming them home at the airport, we decided to go.

I had a brief hello with Debbie and Karen - separately as when they came through the doors (at different times) they each went in a separate direction. I just had a quick hug with each of them, met their husbands, introduced Mark and of course saw the BEAUTIFUL babies!! What an honour to see them with their new families. The babies were so alert and looking around and did I mention how beautiful they were! I was getting teary...

Debbie, Kirk & Olivia and Karen, Mike & Samara - we wish you all the best with your newly expanded families and we are so happy for you!!

Happy Birthday Mom & Snowy Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! Enjoy your day in the WARM climate!! We wish we could be there with you!!

Well today we were greeted with about 15 cm of snow. It is still snowing and DRIFTING. This morning when I was trying to get in my car, the snow on the drivers side had drifted and was almost at my knees...my boots do NOT go to my knees...

I made it to work EARLY today. I got up early as I knew the snow was coming and made sure I left extra early as not to be late. There were not too many people around, but that is nice sometimes. They actually closed all the schools. I can't remember the last time they did that!! Since I started early, that means going home early too.

Today is one of the days that I am so happy to pay my condo fees – those fees cover shoveling / plowing and salting the snow all the way to my front door!!

When I got up this morning, Mark had already left for work and I went downstairs and there was a lovely card and a chocolate heart. It was very sweet! I am not a big Valentine's person – never have been. When growing up, February 14th was always Mom’s birthday and that was that.

I think Mark was kinda relieved when we met that it wasn’t something that was important to me. Sure a card is nice, but I don’t need all the fru-fru of the day.

As for this evening, I don’t know what is in store. I am thinking we might just order in dinner and watch the snow fall...

Sunday!

Today was a busy day – as are many days with Mark and I!

We were out of the house at 7:45am to drop by Kelly & Chip’s house to pick up some baby things that they are letting us borrow. They are finished with them and graciously asked us if we would like them. THANK YOU!

We were gone from their house by 8:45 and on our quest to find a place to wash the car. I just couldn’t take it anymore. All my pants, coats, gloves etc are COVERED with salt. Today was a sunny day, so everyone wants to wash their car when it is sunny so it wont (hopefully) freeze. We tried at 7:45 at THREE places and the line was too long. On the way to mom’s house from Kelly and Chip’s, we located one of those do it yourself places. Mark said – do you want me to do it? I said – No I am good thanks, you just stay in the car. Well by the time I had soaped up the car (NOT using the brush as it was frozen in it’s stand), my hands were just about to fall off from cold, my hair was frozen from the mist and my feet were soaked. Mark took over and rinsed while I tried to warm up! BUT we did get a clean car out of all of this. Then we were off to Mom and Phil’s place. They live in a bungalow and have an unfinished basement…with all that space I am sure that they won’t notice a bunch of baby things accumulating in one corner (unless of course they are reading this…).

From there we were at Dawn’s house by 9:30 and she made us a wonderful breakfast and we had a great visit – a little rushed as we had to get out and make it to our next stop.

We quickly stopped by home to change and get ready for our adoption agency’s Chinese New Year celebration party. We were already late. It started at noon and we didn’t get out of the house for the second time until noon.

We were they by 12:30.

We were meeting up with Dolores & Shawn, Rhonda & Josh, Nicole & Tim, Paula & Brett and Rebekah & John.

Paula and Rebekah were manning the registration table and Dolores and Shawn were in charge of the ‘pig mask’ craft table. The rest of us were just there for the festivities. However, since we were sitting at the craft table, we thought we should partake in the making of the masks - here are our creations! There were other craft tables too and Mark thought he would try his hand at Origami - here are the results...The reason there are three are because the first one he did to try. The second and third ones he did because kids sat down and asked him how to do them. The person who was in charge of that craft table (who was MIA) was not as dedicated as Dolores & Shawn were!!

While sitting at the craft table with Dolores to keep her company, a lady sat down with a plate of food, her coat on, NO name tag and a pile of books. We were looking at her curiously…we (Dolores, Rhonda and I) were thinking that she didn’t ‘belong’ there. Well when she asked “So what is this all about - is this a kid’s event?” our suspicions were confirmed. She focused in on Mark with these questions and being the gentleman that he is, he answered her array of questions. Since she was Russian, she kept inquiring whether she could adopt from Russia or not. Mark was trying to answer her questions on the Russian adoption process and then she just got up and left – an odd incident…

All in all, it was a nice celebration. While we were there, Mark recognized a man on the other side of the room. He went over to talk to him and low and behold, it was his former junior high school principal. Bill and his wife Julie, happened to be selling their wares there and they have a website - you can click here.

We left the party about 2:45 and headed to the Pacific Mall with Dolores and Shawn, Rhonda & Josh and Nicole & Tim. What an interesting experience that was. Just getting into the mall and finding a parking spot was an adventure. Mark and I had never been there before. We made a couple of purchases – 7 of them and only 4 were worth anything...wink wink!

From there the 8 of us left and headed to the restaurant for dinner. We were meeting up with Paula & Brett and Rebekah and John again for dinner. We were at the Mandarin and with 14 people, I really wish that they had round tables. You only seem to talk to the people beside you on either side and don’t really get a chance to converse with everyone together. Regardless, we still enjoyed it. We are just going to have to get together again with everyone in smaller groups to have a better conversation.

The Mandarin all but kicked us out as they had another group booked for the table. We all said our goodbyes and off we went.

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful day!

4000!! UPDATE!! AGAIN!!

4000 Visitors!

Well not quite yet - but some time this weekend I will hit that number - WOW!!!

I remember when I started blogging and seeing counters on other peoples site with high numbers (many much higher then my 4000) and thinking how did they ever get that high...

Now with the new Beta, I am ALWAYS logged on to Blogger so I can leave comments, it is much easier to make a post as I am already logged in.

Watch out readers - there will be posts coming out of the ying yang - o.k. maybe not!!

****UPDATE****- as of 11:56pm on Saturday night - I am at 3988...only 12 more visits!!

ANOTHER UPDATE!!!! It looks like KRISTA was the magic 4000!!!!

Thanks to everyone for reading and leaving comments! Next update on numbers when I think about it when I am close to a big one!

Blogger Got Me Too...

Blogger got me too when I tried to sign in today! I THINK the switch went o.k.

From what everyone has told me, I will have to be signed in to leave comments on other people's blog.

On another note, I FINALLY did some updating on Pumpkin's Quilt site...I have been lax...

On a good note, we are up to 23 squares!!

Congratulations Jenn!!

Congratulations to Jenn (Mark's Jenn) for getting a new job yesterday!!

Way to go!!

We are so proud of you!!

Good Luck - we have no doubt that you will do a FANTASTIC job!

2 Months Down...

Well today marks two months since our LID. I can’t really say that the time has gone fast as it has been 13 months since we started this journey. I know there are MANY more months to go – probably about 20. Accepting it is the hard part...

I know too that every month for a long time, I (along with everyone else) have been keeping my fingers crossed for a speed up. Every month I hope that, and every month, there is NO speed up. I am just going to have to resign myself to the fact that it is going to be another 2 years until our daughter is HERE. That is a very daunting thought.

However, in the mean time, we are CERTAINLY keeping busy. Sunday was Hortense’s birthday dinner. I forgot my camera so there are no pictures. We had a great time – as always – and Hortense got some nice gifts. We ordered in Swiss Chalet and I made a cake and a fruit tray.

Monday we had Dan over for dinner. He is Mark’s cousin’s son and we refer to him as our nephew. He is in College in Toronto. I popped by after work and picked him up and brought him back here for dinner. The weather was quite bad after work yesterday and it took us an hour to get home. This is a drive that would normally take about 20 minutes.

Regardless of the late start, we have a nice evening. Dan is very personable and good company. I didn’t crack out the camera. I didn’t even think of it until Mark was driving him home...Next time!

Tonight is AquaFit with Jenn (Mark’s Jenn). We have had no major ‘incidents’ since 'that time'. I now have a wonderful lock that works EVERYTIME I try it!!

Busy Weekend...

HOCKEY NIGHT IN WHITBY!!!
This is going to be another 3 event weekend here!! Not that this is an unusual occurrence here in our household!

Last night (Friday) we had the pleasure of watching our nephew play in one of his playoff games in hockey. He is AA level and he is 10...I don’t remember what that means...I know next year he will be peewee, but I can’t remember what he is this year. I couldn't get a great picture of him in action, but here are a couple of what I did get.
Since they are out in Oshawa, we met everyone at the rink before the game. Dawn and Melanie were also there along with Jennifer (my Jen) and Madison.

Unfortunately they lost the game in overtime – 2-3. But it was a great game all the same and Josh played well.

After the game we headed back to Jen’s house for the night. We were all staying overnight and had a great evening. Some much needed catching up that doesn’t seem to happen enough.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!! This morning, we were on the road about 11:00 to head home for our next event. Mark’s family was coming over for Paul’s (BIL) birthday dinner. So there was lots of cooking, baking, table setting etc to be done. Paul requested Chicken Parmesan for dinner. I have NEVER made it before. I was a bit nervous but everything turned our great – if I do say so myself. MOST YUMMY!!
This is a photo of Paul in disguise!! We had a great night with everyone and lost of laughs. Mark’s mother Mercy is Maltese and I learned a new Maltese word tonight – PeshPesh – which means ‘peepee’. Jenn (Mark’s Jenn) was asking Saige if she had PeshPesh. I had never heard such a phrase before and asked what is meant. Well apparently I was the only one who didn’t know and everyone was laughing at me. Then I told Mercy that I was going to write about PeshPesh in the blog – so here it is.

Tomorrow we are heading to Hortense’s for her birthday dinner.

Happy Weekend!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to all the families receiving their referrals today!! What an exciting day it is. You have waiting so long for today to come and it is here. I can't imagine the excitement that you must be feeling.

Congratulations also to the families who are out of the review room - this too is another step for you. Everyone up to March 22/06 has been reviewed and any questions asked and now they wait.

So what that means for us. Well this month, the "Agency" referred 16 days worth of files. The referrals are sent out monthly. SOOOO with 16 days a month being referred and many, many days still left until our date (418 days)- well I don't even want to do THAT math for our turn - but I did anyway and it is 26 months!! Wow that really SUCKS!!

HOWEVER - today is about the families that received their referrals AND got out of the review room!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!