What! Me? A Spammer?

Apparently Blogger is having problems deciding who is & who isn't a spammer. I went to post about Erin's birthday & found that I was blocked. What the heck!? It seems that if you link to too many places, you must be doing something wrong. I guess I can't be friendly with other bloggers or lead anyone off to a website that may be of interest. I wish I knew how to transfer my stuff over to Typepad because I'd leave fairly quickly for all this BS!!

My Girl Turns 5!!!

This past Sunday we celebrated Erin's 5th birthday with our family & friends at a local park. We had a bounce house, sno cones & cotton candy along with pizza & cake (& other munchies of course). As always I worried & stressed about almost every detail. (What can I say? I'm a born worrier.) All I wanted was for my little girl to have a blast on her special day.

As my friend Lisa took a family snapshot, all I could think of was how special a gift our big girl is. I'm so proud of Erin & how far she has come from that 10 month old baby that couldn't sit up or hold a bottle. And now Erin will join in on any fun she can find.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! Momma & Daddy love you "always & forever a whole big bunch no matter what!"

Favorite TV Shows

Recently we had some new members join our FCC family. Shari & Myke are really quite nice, & I've gotten to know Shari especially from her great blog & conversations at the FCC dinners. It turns out that she & I have very similar taste in television shows along with other areas of interest. I have found that we enjoy many of the same shows.

That said, I wanted to list a few of my favorite shows. Maybe you'll find something here you like also!

One Life to Live

General Hospital

The Dresden Files

Stargate SG1

Bones

Law and Order

30 Minute Meals

The Barefoot Contessa
Good Eats

Paula's Home Cooking

Semi Home Made

Dirty Jobs

MythBusters

Now for those of you who know the reality of parenthood, you can't forget the children! Here are some of Erin's favorites.

Hannah Montana

Kim Possible

Pucca

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Yes, Erin will be 5 this coming Monday, but she has her own taste. Along with what I've listed, she loves to watch many of the same shows that David & I are into. Obviously, we're not going to let her watch something like The Dresden Files, but what's wrong with Dirty Jobs? I know there are people out there in BlogLand who dislike tv for young children. That's your choice. David & I choose to allow Erin to watch a wide variety of shows. They can be relaxing and often just plain ole foolish; however, many are educational just in the end lesson of the show.

Ramblings

Wow! When David showed me this picture I nearly flipped. It's been a very long time since I liked a picture that anyone took of me. Let's face it. My nose is always red & my hair has gotten white. On the other hand, I'm a lot older than I was in the last picture I liked which by the way was taken at my wedding. Oh. That was 19 years ago next month.

I never knew that I could become comfortable in my own skin, but I have. I've accepted myself (for the most part) for who I am. I'll never be the woman with the amazing figure & the pearly white smile. However, I've realized that I'm a long way from the kid who moved to Florida at 16 & hated it.

Who am I now? Let's see.

I am a person with a career that I really enjoy even with the trouble that's involved. During the week I get to speak with adults & help people get where they want to or need to be. On Sundays, I teach 1st grade. That's for my soul since I've wanted to be a teacher since I was 5 years old. I love that I can get children to enjoy learning about being Jewish & having fun at the same time.

I am a person who loves an incredible man & is loved back by the same man. It's been a long, hard haul & worth every minute. I have to say with everything we've been through, I'd do all over again. Gladly.

I am a person who has been lucky enough to become a parent. I am totally in love with my daughter. I've always wanted 6 children but am happily settling for the 1 that David was willing to deal with. It's a good thing too because Erin challenges me every day. I look in on her each night before going to sleep & thank G-d for smiling down on us.

I am a person with a wide range of friends. The adoption community has brought me to people I would never have had the occasion to meet before. Parenthood led me to other mothers who've been there done that & understand everything I'm feeling - love, frustration, sadness, anger - the whole range of emotions.

I guess I'm pretty happy with who I've become. Yup.

Who do you blog for?

I blog for myself.

I know that people out there that stop by & take a peek to see what's going on in Erin's life & by default my life too. It's a great way for my parents to keep up with Erin. I have friends who want to know what's up also. However, as nice as that all is, I do it for ME! Some days are great so I want to write it down. Some days are horrible so I need to write it down & get the frustration out of my system.

I'm basically a "call it as I see it" kind of person. That isn't always the best way to be, but I don't know any other way to be. That said, I certainly don't want to offend anyone, but, again, I blog for me!

So. Who do you blog for? Do you really want to watch what you say or would you prefer having the freedom to say what you want, when want to?

Erin Loves This Book!!

This book has quickly become Erin's favorite! I've been reading it to her each night for 3 weeks now. She really enjoys hearing the story about Ming & the lesson he learns about giving thanks. Right after I read her the story, Erin "reads" it out loud to me. I love how she asks me - each & every time - what kind of tree is it, what's the boy's name. She may not remember the small things, but she truly gets the bigger picture.

Happy 4th of July to you!

How did you celebrate the 4th? We took an early morning excursion to Erin's favorite place - Butterfly World. This time we each had our own cameras with us for pics. We woke up early (as usual) & looked to see what the weather was going to be like. After all, in sunny S FL this is our rainy season, & we've been having quite a bit of rain each day. We really lucked out because there wasn't a drop of rain in the sky in the early part of the day. On the other hand, it was steaming hot down here. Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves!

Erin loves to see butterflies so off we went! This time I can honestly say I saw some butterflies that were just gorgeous. The colors were amazing - bright lime green, beautiful sky blue, pearly white, monarchs! David got some amazing shots with his new toy. I never knew he was such a good photographer before which is saying a lot since this summer we'll be celebrating 19 years of marriage! Of course he'll tell you that it's because he always wants me to have a camera I can use easily. What a man!

After spending the morning walking around Butterfly World, we did a bit of shopping so Erin could have a blue shirt for camp the next day. Who knew my daughter didn't have a blue shirt!? Well, she does now along with a ton of other shirts. Her closet is overflowing & yet not a blue shirt in sight till that little expedition.

Once the shopping was done, we headed home for lunch & a nap. When I woke up, it was thundering so hard that my bed was moving! Honestly!

David made dinner - our usual July 4th BBQ of dogs & beans. Yum! We really do love the simple foods. Besides, we knew Erin would eat a hot dog. It's the only red meat she puts in her body. After dinner, we went into our backyard to set off fireworks. This was the first year that Erin wanted to have anything to do with them. Thanks to my friend Lisa's son Joey, Erin has gotten to appreciate them. Of course that doesn't mean that Erin didn't have a hard time but at least she watched them for a while. When we were done with ours, we went up front to enjoy our neighbors' show.

All in all, it was a great day!

5 Things! I've Been Tagged!

Well, I've been tagged by my good friend Sandra. I am making this first attempt so bear with me!

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:

1. Have you read the description of my blog? I don't remember life before Erin!

5 Snacks I Enjoy:

1. 1. Fresh Fruit
2. 2. Ice Cream
3. 3. Doritos
4. 4. Cheese
5. 5. Cake

5 Songs I Know All the Lyrics To:

1. 1. Any Wiggles song
2. 2. Your Song by Elton John (our wedding song)
3. 3. How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith
4. 4. We Don't Need No Education by Pink Floyd
5. 5. She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney

5 Things I Would Do If I Were a Millionaire:

1. 1. Pay off all the bills for my entire family
2. 2. Travel
3. 3. Build a home to my specifications
4. 4. Start a charity related to adoption needs
5. 5. Volunteer at Erin's school since I wouldn't be working

5 Bad Habits:

1. 1. Impatience
2. 2. Overeating
3. 3. Lack of exercise
4. 4. Quick temper
5. 5. Taking on other people's problems when there's nothing I can do

5 Things I Like to Do

1. 1. Play with Erin
2. 2. Sit down with a good cup of coffee - whenever
3. 3. Read
4. 4. Watch soap operas (One Life to Live & General Hospital)
5. 5. Blog

5 Things I Would Never Wear Again

1. 1. Bikinis
2. 2. Large-frame glasses
3. 3. Mini Skirts
4. 4. Shoulder pads
5. 5. Short Shorts

5 Favorite Toys

1. 1. My laptop
2. 2. My Canon SD Elph 1000
3. 3. My SonyEricsson Phone
4. 4. My Senseo coffee pot
5. 5. My Mia Bella soy candles

5 Bloggers I Tag:

1. 1. Lori
2. 2. Shari
3. 3. Vivian
4. 4. Magi
5. 5. CJ

How do you know you're in love with your child?

When your heart dances because your child calls out for you & only you?
When you can't wait to have your child wake up & stumble into your bedroom looking for hugs & kisses?
When you can't wait to get home & hear your child scream in joy when you walk through the door?
When only you can bring comfort to your child with hugs & kisses?
When you drop your child off at school or camp & she can't bear to have you leave without just one more hug & a "have a good day mama?"
When your child tells you that you make the best French toast? Even though it's only microwaved French toast.

I could go on & on but there isn't enough time in my life. I'd rather enjoy spending my time with Erin seeing the light in her eyes & hearing the laughter in her voice. I just absolutely love being Erin's mother.

Mama, where is "E" from?

Today Erin had a birthday party to attend in the afternoon. We ran into "E's" parents at the party store when we were looking for things for Erin's party. "E's" parents are just so nice & warm. They always have a smile for the children & something sweet to say.

When we left Party City, Erin asked me "Mama, where is "E" from? HUH!? So I asked Erin what she meant. She repeated her question in exactly the same way. At the same time, David & I both said "Florida." So Erin said "NO! Where is she from before Florida?"

AH HAH!!

I realized what Erin was asking. I said to her "Erin, do you think "E" is adopted because she looks like you?" And, of course, she said yes. (A little background - "E's" mother is Philipinno & is married to a caucasian man.) I then explained to Erin that even though "E" looks like her, she isn't adopted. I reminded Erin that "E's" mommy also looks like her. Then I explained that "E" came from her mommy's tummy & isn't adopted.

Oh! Mama, can I listen to music now please?

Qualifying for the Yellow Belt

Erin started taking karate at school just under 3 months ago. I wasn't sure we should that we should attend the ceremony but in the end David & I decided that it would be okay. Mr. Richard, the instructor, told us that although Erin had only started a few short months ago, he was amazed by how much she really wanted this & how focused she is. Huh!? Who is he talking about? Surely not my daughter! Boy was I wrong. Erin made us so proud today when she qualified for & received her yellow belt.

Erin Graduates Pre-K at Temple Beth Am

Last night my beautiful girl graduated Pre-K! We had to be there with the children by 6:00pm. The program was supposed to start at 6:30 but didn't get going till 6:45. While we were outside wondering where Erin was supposed to be, her teacher the marvelous Miss Ethel came & took Erin with her to get ready. I cannot sing Miss Ethel's & Miss Monica's praises loud enough. They are 2 amazing women who are totally dedicated to teaching young children - not just their ABCs & 123s but also how to be good people.

As we waited outside, I got to talking with the mother of a girl who will be in Erin's camp bunk this summer & Kindergarten class come August. Michelle & I met last week at my office & got to talking. Anyway, it was nice to have someone to chat with while we waited since if it was only David & myself, a box of tissues wouldn't have been enough.

As we were seated in the sanctuary, I thought back to the day we received Erin's referral. That picture showed me a glimpse of the child who I had been waiting for all of my life - Erin. As I thought back, I realized that Erin was like a blank slate, a blackboard with no writing. Then I remembered the day we were joined as a family. Erin still didn't have a clue what was in store for her - a loving, supportive family & many friends.

Each year that Erin has been with us, I am always amazed by her. She is a beautiful, caring, loving child. If there is a baby around, she zeroes in on that baby. Her only concern is that the baby isn't lonely or doesn't need anything. In school, if a classmate needs assistance, I am told by Miss Ethel & Miss Monica that Erin is the first one up to help out.

David & I are so proud of Erin's accomplishments. The baby who couldn't sit up when we adopted her, now is on her way to flying through life.

Mazal Tov Chuchie! Mama & Dada love you - a whole big bunch, always & forever, no matter what!

Impromptu Girls Afternoon

This weekend David is hard at work painting Erin's room into a princess paradise. We went to Home Depot and picked up Behr's Disney Ultra White for the moldings, Pretty in Pink for 3 walls & Pretty as a Princess for 1 wall. By the time David finished the walls this afternoon, Erin was a happy little girl. David & I are in agreement that Pepto Bismol pink would have been easier on the eyes. Tomorrow David gets to do the finishing touches & the furniture will go back in later in the day.

Erin has been out of sorts over the fact that she can't spend any time in her room now. Trust me the fumes are overwhelming! We needed to go out shopping for some lunch, so I went over to a new shopping center. I decided to check out the brand new Color Me Mine store. Erin took one look & asked if she could paint something. She has been so good this weekend between having Kerri move to Canada & not being able to play in her room, that I sat down & we had some fun painting.

Farewell Breakfast

Yesterday morning, we said goodbye to the Masson family. David, Erin & I joined Vivian, Corey & Kerri at their last breakfast in S FL. This was actually the first time that Corey & David met. The guys were really sweet & allowed Viv & me to indulge ourselves with the female chitchat although I'm sure that they did some talking themselves. You just never know with guys. Erin & Kerri had a nice breakfast also. They got to eat whatever they wanted! Picture it now - lox with cereal & milk. The cereal didn't go over so well, but the lox was a big hit.

Farewell to Vivian & Kerri

Last Saturday, the ScrapSkanks had a farewell party for Vivian & her daughter Kerri. It was a beautiful day!

Build a Bear for LOOK

This past Saturday my friend Vivian & I took our girls to Build a Bear. Erin & Kerri got to stuff a bear for LOOK. The bears are being donated to older children in Chinese orphanages who haven't been united with their forever families.

Thanks for letting us know about this Lori!

A Hard Week . . .

. . . was had by all. David took a class up in West Palm Beach this week which threw us all of our regular schedule. Even though he had to be in class by 8:30, he still had to leave early but not early enough that he didn't screw up my basic morning schedule. Since I am in no way a morning person, I don't deal well with change. His class ended at 5:00, & traffic was such that I needed to pick Erin up each day. Need I tell you what the tantrums were like? Even preparing her for the disruption to her routine didn't help. She would be fine when I went in to pick her up but the minute the car was turned on, the screaming began. For the entire 15 minute drive. By the time I pulled into the driveway each afternoon, I was practically in tears myself.

This past Thursday was a horrible day. I work at a bank & having done so for 20 years have been lucky that I've been involved in only 1 robbery so far. Many of my co-workers can't say the same. Thursday afternoon, one of our clients was robbed at gunpoint outside the bank. I can't say any more since the robbers have been caught and are now awaiting trial. However, it was a very stressful day with many tears & emotions running high in our office. I have to say that the police who showed up, were wonderful. They were more than kind to the victim & her grandson along with the bank staff. I have so much respect for these people who each day put their lives on the line for us - total strangers. People make so many jokes about the police that are really unkind. Trust me. (We owned a Dunkin' Donuts years ago, & yes, the police did take their breaks at our counter. However, there many days when they barely got a sip of coffee that they had to run out.) That night I had to attend a workshop for my other job (1st grade teacher at a local synagogue). I wanted the facilitator to know that if I got up & left it had nothing to do with him. That's when I finally heard that the local schools were locked down in the afternoon. Needless to say, I was able to enjoy the workshop & spent 2 hours not thinking of the day's happenings.

This afternoon, we get to have a change in attitude. My dear friend Viv is leaving S FL. She & her family will be leaving this week to move to Canada. Viv is one of my scrapping pals & someone I met through the adoption of our daughters from China. This afternoon, we are having a ScrapSkank party to send her & her family off with our good wishes. And, yes, this is also hard & stinks for me. On the other hand, it is best for her family. Ugh!

Mother's Day in School

Yesterday Erin's class celebrated Mother's Day with a morning tea. Erin couldn't wait to tell me that the students had made the muffins (chocolate & blueberry for inquiring minds) themselves. She was just so happy when the time came for all the mommies to come in. It was such a treat to see my smiling daughter's face in the morning when I should have been at the office.

The children made Mother's Day cards, portraits of their mothers (wait till you see me!) & a book about what they do with their mothers. I think that I will be keeping these forever!

I've Changed My Mind

I have been so grumpy the last few days because of this beautiful child of mine. That's what I've changed my mind about. I'm not really grumpy because of her. I'm grumpy because I've handed over the reins to her. How?

Let's see how I did that.

In the mornings, Erin used to get dressed by herself. Now she's going through a lazy stage crying & screaming that she wants me to dress her for the day.

I weaned Erin off of naps at school since there are no naps in Kindergarten. (And just who decided that at 4 & 5 our children don't still need naps!?) When she gets home, Erin is just plain ole bitchy & whiny. That's my job!

Bedtime has always been a problem for us. I'm so envious of my friends whose children go to sleep with no whining, screaming, crying, tantrums, etc. I'm tired of hearing "When are you going to bed momma?" and "I NOT tired." I'm tired of having a child who falls asleep in the car when we're only going down the street to go shopping & then has a full out tantrum because I've woken her up. Why does she do this? Because she's too damn tired!

Eating. Erin is not a spectacular eater by any means. Veggies is a 4-letter word to her. I can just get her to eat corn although she will wolf down an entire sweet potato. She eats raw carrots & string beans at my friend Debbie's house. At our house, she screams. I even tried buying carrots where Debbie buys them. Then Erin tells me that if Jonathon isn't here to help her eat them, she won't eat them. Argh!!

Routine is important to my girl. I drop her off in the mornings, & David picks her up in the afternoons. Heaven forbid there's any change to that routine. The rest of the day is gone to heck & a handbasket. Yesterday, David got hurt at work by a co-worker whose got the brain cell function of cabbage. (I could have sworn we were all out of high school & no longer hand the need to hit someone to show we like them.) I told him to go home, & that I'd pick her up. Yes. He warned me. No I didn't listen. BTW, I'll never pick her up again. I may leave her at school just to avoid what I went through yesterday afternoon. (I'm joking. Of course, I'll pick her up. I'll also have earplugs with me.)

Now I have to figure out how to change all this. Without another tantrum.

Birthday Scrap Night

This past weekend my scrapping buddies got together to celebrate my birthday. Normally we do it as close as possible to our birthday, but Lisa's son Joe came down to visit her. It was a great night.

Some of the children came to join in on the fun also! Viv helped them make their own art projects. I got some wonderful gifts from my pals! Lisa knows how much I love the candles she sells (Mia Bella soy BTW) & she gave me a goody bag filled with the yummiest scents ever! Ibis gave me a little basket filled with all kinds of scrap embellishments & Starburst chews. Viv gave me a gorgeous tote which I'm going to use to carry around more of my scrapping odds & ends. And Jamey made a wonderful cheesecake. She found out that's my favorite & asked if she could make one for me since it's her specialty. She also went to the trouble of finding out how to say Happy Birthday in Hebrew & then read it out loud to me.

As I blew out my birthday candles, I made this wish. (Yes, I know that we're not supposed to tell, but really my wish has already come true.) I wished that I would always have friends like these in my life.

Thanks Ladies!