Chinese New Year Pics

Erin loved getting dressed up to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Oh! What's in the goody bag!?



S Florida's incomparable Marc & Lori.

Erin & her mama.

(Thanks for snapping this Shannon.)

Erin was hiding under a table outside during the Lion Dance.

It kills me that at times like this, Erin doesn't know in her heart & soul that I'll always do my best to protect her.

Erin & her buddy Ethan.

He's her standard for a brother.

Erin really enjoyed herself at CNY 2008.

Here they are. A few of the gazillion pics I took at the CNY 2008 party. Everyone had a total blast!

Chinese New Year 2008 Party

Wow! What a fabulous day!

My friend Susan busts her buns over this party each year.  And each year she worries about how it will go.  Will everyone have a good time?  How will we raise enough money to send back to China for all the Waiting Children?  Should she sit down & eat or should she socialize.  I'm glad to say that this year Susan sat down & ate.  Yes.  She still worried about everything, but at least she wasn't passing out from hunger by the time we got home last night.  All the girls were exhausted but fighting sleep.  Somehow we managed to stay up & watch Perry Mason.  Man! That movie was old!

My friends from S FL were at the party too.  All of the children had fun running around, screaming & playing.  They looked great in their Chinese finery.  There was an arts & crafts table where the children got to make Chinese lanterns.  There were vendors selling their wares.  And, yes, I purchased.  Oh boy did I spend money!  I can't wait to show everything to David.  You know that he's going to look at me like I'm nuts.  But the money all goes to a good cause.

Since I'm away on vacation right now, I can't upload pics but I promise to upload some soon.

Yay! Vacation Here we are!

We're here! We're here! Yes.  Our trip to Spring Hill has finally happened.  Erin & I finally got on the plane this morning.  No sooner than we buckled up, than Erin asked me where Uncle Art & Aunt Susan were.  She d h to know why they weren't waiting for her on the plane.  I could have died laughing!

At the Tampa airport there is a shuttle that takes you from where the plane lands to the actual baggage claim area.  Again Erin wanted to know where Aunt Susan was.  Before I could answero her, Isabella came running up to us with the other girls following behind.  As soon as we said our hellos, Susan & I headed over to Starbucks.  Yummy!!

The rest of the day has been spent getting ready for the Chinese New Year luncheon.  Shopping for material so we could have red couch photos.  Making name tags for everyone attending.  Seating arrangements.  And so much more.

It's been a great day this first day of my vacation!

Valentine's Day

This morning I realized that David & I have been living together 20 years. I moved in with him 6 months before we got married & haven't looked back since. David is definitely not your typical romantic guy. No flowers or jewelery for me. That's fine since I don't really want or need jewelery although I'll admit I'd like flowers every once in a while. On the other hand, my life is filled with hugs, love, friendship & laughter.

Each year I struggle with what little sweet nothing to get him along with his box of chocolates. I always get him a few cards that he finds throughout the day. This morning he found his first card after getting out of the shower. He founds his 2nd card & sweet nothing when he got into his truck to leave for work. And of course I gave him his final card & a box of Dove chocolates when I got home.

The best part of the day was this morning when Erin climbed into her carseat & found a HUGE stuffed dachshund there. She started screaming "Thank you for my dog!" She didn't know what to do when I told her that I didn't give it to her. It actually took her a while to figure out that it came from David, but when she did, her grin was amazing. Then she named her new pet - Bulldozer. Go figure.

BTW, I did get my very own box of yummy chocolates - also tucked in my car so I could find them & think of my wonderful hubby throughout the day.

Birthday Celebration

Today is my dear friend Lisa's birthday. She is a heck of a friend, wife & mother, & I wanted to take the time to wish her the happiest of birthdays.

Lisa,

May G-d smile upon you & grant you all that you wish for.

I love you friend.

Stress? What stress?

I am so thankful. Most of the things stressing me out are either completed or on their way to completion.

The bank merger is complete. Now all we have to do is welcome our new clients & get them used to the new way of doing things. And let's face it. That in & of itself is stressful. People don't like change. I have a feeling that it won't be as hard this time as it was on the last go around.

My second job now worries me no more. My decision is done. Finished. Completed. At the end of the school year, I am out of there. I will miss it, but I will be saner. For the first time in over 20 years, I will have my Sunday mornings to myself - oh, & David too. I will get to be one of those mothers who drop their child off at school & go for coffee or work in the school as a volunteer. I've waited a lifetime for this, & next year is my turn. Yay!

Now if I could only start sleeping through the night. This blogging at 4:00 am is for the birds. I guess I still have some things on my mind. Like getting on a plane this coming Saturday for Erin & my vacation. I hate flying. Uh oh. I see I've found something else to stress about. Go figure. I can't have it easy, can I?

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

The other day at work I had some clients come in to my office. Many times people will stare at Erin's photo, look at me, look at her photo again, & then say nothing. This couple is Chinese & felt comfortable enough to mention that Erin looked Chinese. Of course I got into a total discussion with them about how yes Erin is Chinese & we were lucky enough to adopt her at 10 months in China. They were very excited to hear that there are local groups who try to keep the Chinese culture alive for these children.

Anyway, they came back in yesterday for an appointment with one of my partners. I popped in & wished them a Happy New Year & offered the hope for healthy, happy & prosperous Year of the Rat. When they finished their appointment, they waited for me. These sweet people came to offer a lucky money envelope for Erin. I thanked them for their thoughtfulness & generosity & again wished them a Happy New Year.

And when they left, what do you think I did? Yes. You've got it right. I cried.

February = Bronchitis? Since when?

That's right. Don't bother looking for your Puff's Plus Lotion tissues. It seems that we're going to be buying out the stores. Erin's cough has gotten so bad that I had David bring her to the doctor today. I love Dr. Liang. She is absolutely wonderful - even as she gives you news that you don't necessarily want to hear.

It's February, & Erin & I are days away from leaving for Spring Hill. That said, she has to come down with bronchitis. This is a normal thing for us. One year her bronchitis gave way to pneumonia. I think we caught it in time. Erin's been coughing up a storm but has been feeling fine. She hasn't run a fever since last Wednesday when she ran 102.8 for an hour. The week before that, she was out of school for a few days.

Nope. Not gonna let a little ole bronchitis keep me from my vacation. She'll be fine. I absolutely insist upon it.

AARRGGHHHH!!!

I'm at my wits end. Frustration has taken a firm grip of me. There is almost nothing left. I am waiting for February 16th with such anticipation. Why? Erin & I go to Spring Hill for our annual visit with our friends for Chinese New Year.

This week is going to be a tough one. This is the week of the bank merger. I volunteered to be on the merger readiness team for our buddy branch. Those women are going to do really well. They're just waiting for it to finally be done so they can actually put into use everything they've been practicing for the last 6 months. I was so nervous last night. All I wanted was for them to feel comfortable. I remember how nervous I was during the merger where I had to learn tons of new stuff. And now I have to learn new things too that just don't make sense to me. I'm a logical person (okay, so I try to be one) & what I need to learn isn't sinking in. I only have till Friday morning to absorb it all. Can it be done? Yes. Not without me losing some hair though.

Then I'm having problems at my 2nd job. I don't even know where to begin on this one. Enough said that I won't be going back. My love for teaching & my love for the children can't overcome the extreme BS that I have to deal with. I truly feel that I'll be losing a part of my soul, but I can't keep going back & feeling like I'm losing "me."

My local FCC group is having our annual Chinese New Year event. We go down to Miami Beach to this wonderful restaurant. The food is yummy, & there's a lion dance. Why aren't we going? Well, this is a crazy week for us. And the lion dancers terrify Erin. I really hate to miss out on it, & the promise of seeing her friends isn't even working. I hate seeing Erin so afraid. Yup. That's more hair coming out.

My upcoming trip to Spring Hill is twofold. I get to spend time with my dear friends Susan & Art while Erin gets to spend time with their daughters who treat her like another sister. Susan & I will relax & sit around drinking our chai lattes or coffees, Art will go to work, the girls will play. That's all after the big Chinese New Year luncheon where I will have to miss yet another lion dance. Erin is so terrified that she actually begged me to leave her here with David. Well, that just isn't happening. She will go with me, & we will miss the dance. AARRGGGHHH!!!!

When is February 16th? I can't wait to get on that plane. Maybe then I can stop pulling out my hair.

That Darn Cat!

I have finally figured it out! I've been having a terrible time this last month getting any sleep. As it is, I've never really slept through the night, but this is just downright crazy.

I have fibromyalgia pretty badly but tend to ignore it as much as possible. Unfortunately, I'm having cluster problems on the right side now. I haven't been able to do much with my right arm - lifting it hurts, the arm & hand are swollen, etc. My medication is taking forever to work. Okay! So I'm supposed to take it every day & don't, but I've never pretended to be good with medication. (Even my doctors know I never take anything unless I'm forced to.)

Well, last night I passed out by 7:15. I remember hearing Erin tell David that I needed to go sleep in my bed. They dragged me in, & I was sound asleep till about 3:00 am. I woke up & couldn't fall back asleep so off to my computer I went. When I finally went back to bed, Troi came with me. As I lay down, Troi proceeded to follow suit & lay down also. As I lay on my tummy, she settled right onto my right shoulder & purr.

Yup. That darn cat. She's a sweet kitten but I'm definitely losing sleep. And, no, I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Say Yes

Which Candy Heart Are You?

My Result: Say Yes

Is it that surprising your candy heart implores you to "Say Yes"? Well it shouldn't if it's just mimicking what your true heart wants to say. Whether you're with your soul mate or still trying to find them, you're beyond flitting from date to date. You're ready for it all, the commitment of a lifetime, the white picket fence and the matching "his" and "hers" slippers.

Well, maybe not the slippers. But surprise you with a getaway trip to Paris, Ireland, the Southwest, and your partner can lock you in for good. And if you're still looking, remember this: The best ones are always in the least likely places.

Watch out, the chemistry between you two might start a chain reaction that could result in a far more serious question asked of you. But you know what to say...

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/rd/50651/tests/candyheart/index.jsp?testname=candyheartogt&resultid=D

And which candy heart are you???

Not Giving Them One More Penny!

My friend Sandra & I have never met in person, but through the journey of adoption, we have become very close. Over the last 5 (almost 6) years, we have kept in touch & discovered that we share many things in common.

Each day I look forward to coming home from work, spending time with Erin & David & after Erin's bedtime, reading my favorite blogs. Sandra's is one of the first blogs I read. I have to get my daily dose. After all, Jazzie & Erin are both Waiting Hearts children, & Tahlia is from the same SWI that Erin is from. (Lots of red threads pulling us closer.)

As usual, I woke up very early this morning & just had to get my fix since I haven't been online in a few days. Sandra is involved in the deaf community because Jazzie is deaf. BTW, have I mentioned that you need to go read her blog? She's an amazing advocate for the CI (cochlear implant). One of Sandra's who is deaf had a horrible experience at a Steak & Shake. You can read all about Karen's experience on her own blog.

All I can say is that Steak & Shake won't have me adding to their coffers any longer. I am horrified by how Karen was treated.

Mama Can I . . .

. . . please take a shower!?

Are you picturing me falling down in utter shock? You should. Something seems to have clicked for Erin in the last 2 weeks. This child who looks at a bathtub with fear in her eyes & screams when it comes to putting her head in the water, has become a shower loving person.

Last week, Erin asked me if she could take a shower. I thought about it & said sure. After all, she'd never asked for any contact with water before so why not give it a try. I turned the water on, & she walked into the shower like nothing had ever happened before. My little girl sang to herself & danced all around the shower while scrubbing herself. She shampooed & conditioned her hair with no assistance, turned the water off, got out & toweled off on her own.

Erin has been asking to take showers every day twice a day now. Does that mean her terror of water is over? Or is it only with showers? Who knows? Who cares? My little girl is happy. Yay!

My Daily Dose

Dawn, thank you so much for this awesome award! Who knew back when I started blogging that someone would feel a desire to check in on me & see what's going on in Erin & my life. You are definitely on my Daily Dose list too!

My dear friend Viv left in May to go up to the Great White North. Oh wait. I meant Canada. Even though we speak on the phone almost every day & chat online enough that our spouses are starting to wonder, I still need to read her blog & find out what's going on with Kerri.

I-Con is amazing. This is a blog that I absolutely must peek at daily. She has been waiting a very long time to bring home her daughter. While I-Con waits, she amuses me with stories of her daily life with wit, sarcasm & plain ole in your face honesty. She went away for a while & is back.

Kim is a local friend who recently started blogging. I always enjoy chatting with Kim at our monthly FCC get togethers. Her 3 under 6 crowd each make me smile. How does she do it!? Where does she find the time? I don't know, but I can tell you that while Kim is new to blogging, I expect to be reading her blog - on a daily basis.

Sandra & her girls are way too far away from me IMHO. I have been a faithful fan of Sandra's since we "met" almost years ago. (Wow! Has it really been that long!?) This ultra busy, SAHM amazes me. She is a wonderful wife, mother, friend & advocate for Cochlear Implants. I can't imagine how she finds the time to blog on a daily life & still have the cleanest kitchen I have EVER seen.

As to the rest of you on my blogroll, I hereby nominate you also! What would I do if I didn't take the time to check you out? My desktop crashed last week, & the thought of me whining about it, pushed David into overdrive to get my new desktop up & running. He's hoping that I'll give him some time on his laptop. Too bad Honey, I need my Daily Dose!

Back in school. Hooray!!

Today was the first day back to school for Erin. I don't know who was more excited about that little fact! Erin really enjoys going to Kindergarten & the whole learning process. She's a very enthusiastic student thankfully.

Of course it helped that today was also her KidoKinetics class in the afternoon. I don't really know what they do other than exercises & running around, but she loves it so I keep writing that monthly check. At least with karate class I know what she's doing. After all, she loves to be out in the backyard practicing her roundhouse kicks & her punches. Her karate teacher even lets Erin be class leader many days. That said, her gi is washed & hanging up all ready for her Wednesday class.

I got to pick Erin up from school this afternoon which is never any fun. She hates having her routine changed & knows that David is supposed to pick her up. On with the tears, the screaming, the whole tantrum thing. You get it. Don't you? Thankfully she stopped screaming before I left the parking lot. Have you ever asked a 5 year old what they did in school? "I don't know." is the usual answer. Today Erin told me that they did some reading, some playing, some "take aways" (read math here), some playing, ate lunch, talked about vacation. Sounds like a busy day to me.

Rambling

Well it's 6:10 am, & I've been up for at least an hour. I don't know how I did it, but the cat & the dog have left me alone, Erin hasn't woken up to come for cuddles & David is in the shower. Apparently this is what I have to do to get some peace & quiet. The only problem is that I'm going to need some sleep by about 11:00 am. Oh well. There IS a coffee pot at the office, & they all know not to touch it till I've made the first pot. I don't drink anyone else's coffee since they all make coffee that is just brown water. I know that Sandra gets this since we both share an obsession with Starbucks coffee.

Ah yes. Here comes Erin. It seems that woke up in a great mood. Yay for me! Actually she even woke up in a good mood.

Guess I better go now. Life starts early in my household. Thank G-d for that!

And you are. . .?

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - incorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Out With the Old & In With the New!!

Today begins the New Year, & there is so much to look forward to. I don't believe in making resolutions. I did that in earlier years & was always disappointed when I failed. Rather than set myself up to fail, I prefer to set myself up to succeed. Someone asked me how I can succeed if I don't set up goals. Easy. I take life one day at a time as much as possible considering I'm a totally stressed out person.

I woke up this morning - the 1st day of the new year pretty early. As usual, I logged on to my computer (actually the laptop since my computer crashed this past weekend & I'm waiting for my new computer to arrive) to see what happened in the world with my friends & family. It was a quiet time for me - until 7:30 when Erin wandered out of her bedroom that is.

Once David woke up we had a nice quiet family breakfast & spent the morning relaxing. Later in the morning we went out shopping & then to lunch. Once we came home, I decided that more relaxation was in order. David & Erin went off to play with her Hot Wheels & the new track we bought for her. Afterwards, Erin & I sat down to do some scrapping. This was the first time that Erin actually put one together. Of course, being 5 years old, scrapping didn't hold her attention for too long. After all, what is scrapping compared to Hot Wheels!?

Now we're just sitting around relaxing before the real world comes crashing down around our heads tomorrow.

It's Gone

In 2002, a co-worker that I adored was diagnosed with brain cancer. The day I was told about Mike's diagnosis, I was totally devastated. Mike had a heck of a sense of humor & the kindest of hearts. He was someone who would have a problem with being bald from all the chemo treatments & get depressed. I decided at that moment, that since I was blessed with a full head of thick, healthy hair that would always grow back, I would help someone who wasn't able to keep their hair. Someone had told me about Locks of Love, & I decided that this was the perfect way for me to help.

Mike passed away a few weeks after David & I came home from China with Erin. There was no way for me to go to his funeral with a 10 month old baby. I decided that this would be the day for me to donate my hair. I went to a local hair salon & donated 11 inches in Mike's memory. I was crying as my hair was being cut off, the hair stylist asked me if I was sure that I wanted to donate my hair. Yes. I was definitely sure.

Here we are at the end of 2007, & I was able to donate another 12 inches yesterday. David hates it when I cut off my hair. His consolation is that my hair grows quickly. He also knows how important donating my hair is & encourages me to do this.

My computer WHAT????

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Friday night it happened. Did you hear me? No? I was screaming bloody murder all night long. My poor guy. He really has to put up with a lot from me - especially when it comes to computers.

All I can say is thank G-d for laptops! It's been my saving grace connecting me to my Blogging Friends & Family. Not to mention being my avenue to email.

Last night while I was out scrapping with my friends, David took care of my problem. Feeling icky & dealing with the whiny 5 year old, he managed to put together a computer system for me. By next weekend, I should have total access to everything - my pictures & my music & being able to sync my Blackjack. Thanks Honey!

Introducing "Troi"

On Monday Erin went into work with David since he only had a half day. After work they went over to a cat adoption place by his office. We'd all been miserable since losing Kira on Saturday. Both sides of our family aren't known for doing well without pets to complete our families so it was no surprise that we needed to start healing ASAP. They took pictures of a number of cats so I could make a choice since the cat would be mine. (BTW, the husband, the child, the dog, the cat, the fish - they're all mine. They just don't admit to it.) Looking at the pics of all the cats & kittens, I was totally drawn to this one kitten that reminded me of Kira. Her markings are very similar except that Kira was orange where this one is black. Her ears & eyes are huge too. I told David that I wanted to see this kitten so we went over yesterday. After much determination, my instincts drew me to this same kitten that I'd seen pics of. She came right over to me, lay in my arms & started purring. YES! We have a taker!

When we got home with the newly named "Deanna Troi" to be known as "Troi," our dog Star went wonky. She'd been missing her kitty too. Star knew that this was a different cat but didn't care & wanted to play almost immediately. We introduced Troy to Star very carefully not knowing what the reaction would be. About 5 minutes later, Troy took off as if she'd been in our home forever.

Maybe she has. It seems like she's channeling Kira. She slept in bed with us for most of last night although I'm happy to report that she slept by my feet rather than my head. She sits on my lap, lays across the laptop purring & wants my attention 100% of the time. Much like Kira used to. Who knows?

Goodbye Sweet Kira. We Will Miss You.

Kira Narice (July 1998 - December 2007)

Today we had to put our sweet kitty cat to sleep. Kira had been off her game for about 2-3 weeks lately, & we thought it was just old age. This week I noticed that she really hadn't eaten anything. The cat that normally invaded our every waking moment was nowhere to be seen. Kira used to sleep in bed with us - either by my feet or more likely on my head, but lately she was a nighttime no show. She'd come sit on my lap while we were watching tv. In the last few weeks she didn't do anything like that.

David & Erin took her to the vet for a checkup. (I had to go to work today.) After all, you know when your pet (who is really another family member) isn't right. Even the vet said that Kira didn't appear to be herself. David left Kira at the vet so they could run some tests. I got a phone call that Kira wasn't doing well so I called David.

He picked me up from work & we drove down to see Kira & say our final goodbyes as we had a sense that she wasn't going to turn around. David had spoken with Erin about Kira being sick & that she was going to Heaven. He did an awesome job with explaining this to Erin. After all was said & done, we each said our goodbyes with heavy hearts & tears.

I know that my sweet kitty is "up there" playing with my dad's dog Henry & our first dog Sari. It gives me comfort to know that Kira is in no pain & certainly more comfortable than she was in the last day or so.

Erin keeps saying "I miss my kitty. I'm thinking about her."

Mommy & Daddy are too.

When are you going to bed?

For some reason Erin asks this question night after night after night. In fact, she has been asking this since she has been old enough to know that things happen after she goes to bed.

My usual answers have been:

• When I'm tired.
• Later.
• In a while.
• I'm not.
• In an hour.

Last night I tried a different approach. After being called into her room for what felt like the millionth time, I changed my answer: "When you go to sleep. After all, if you keep calling me, I can't go to bed." 10 minutes later Erin was snoring lightly in her bed.

David put her to bed about an hour ago. She asked me when I was going to bed right before going in. I told her that she needed to be asleep in order for me to go to bed. We haven't heard a peep from her.

Do you think I stand chance?

Sick. So Sick.

Ugh. I've had a cold since this past Monday. Friday I came home from work & prayed that we had tissues. I've gone through 2 boxes in 2 days. And had to send David out for more. Of course, he isn't much better. Tomorrow I'm calling the doctor to make sure I don't have bronchitis. Of course, it wouldn't be December if I didn't get it. Ugh. At this point I look like a close relative of Rudolph.

School Pic - Fall 2007

Do you know what I had to do to get Erin to wear a skirt!? BRIBE her! For a week before her school pictures were taken, I told Erin every day that she would have to wear a skirt for the pictures. That morning she thought she'd outsmart me & got out her normal shorts. Ha! Momma still has some tricks up her sleeve though. I told her she could wear the shorts, but then she wouldn't get a special dessert that night - a chocolate sundae. Erin will do anything (except eat veggies) for a chocolate sundae. Mind you she's never finished more than half of her serving, but still the chocolate runs through this child's veins.

Chanukah - Night 7, The Night for Building

Erin is a pro at unwrapping presents by now.

She loves to build things with David.

It seems that the old-fashioned Legos (read, those of my childhood) have been replaced by K'Nex. Erin is not a typical girly girl who plays only with her kitchen stuff, coloring books & dolls. She is also amazingly inquisitve & loves to learn how things work. Ever since she was a baby, she enjoyed building things. These K'Nex allow her to use her imagination in ways I would never have considered at the age of 5. I was too busy playing dolls.

Chanukah - Night 5 by Cousin Deena & Her Family

Baby & Erin Bear have to say the blessings too.

Cool! Another Leapster game, & it's more princesses!

Hello Kitty boombox. You think Erin's going to have fun with this?

She flipped when she saw the guitar.

My niece Deena & her family insist upon spoiling Erin. As a child, Deena only wanted David & me to give her tons of cousins to play with. She takes great pleasure in spoiling her little cousin as much as possible. Thanks Deena, Brad, Noah & Riley!

On the Fourth Night of Chanukah You . . .

Light the Chanukah menorah & chant the blessings

Smile about the REALLY BIG present


Unwrap said present with gusto

Grin crazily cause you've been begging for this for months

Have Daddy put your new Terrainiac together

And, finally attempt to break everything in the house by remote control

You Tricked Me!

Erin has been asking for a high chair & crib for her baby dolls for ages now. David & I kept telling her that she had enough stuff for her dolls & didn't need more. When we went shopping for Chanukah gifts, she was told that this stuff was for her cousin Riley. When she opened her gifts tonight, the first thing she said was "Hey! You tricked me! This was for Riley!" Needless to say, her smile made the whole trick worth it for us.

Allergic to December 4th?

It's been an exciting Chanukah holiday so far. Tuesday was the first night & went beautifully. That is until about 2:00 a.m. when Erin woke up. She was screaming for me that she needed to go potty so I went & brought her in. (Still can't figure out why she won't come in on her own.) When she'd finished up, she decided to climb into our bed. That lasted maybe 5 minutes. Then she jumped up & vomited all over the bed. GROSS!!!! David never moved so quickly in his life. He has now mastered changing bed linens & putting up a wash while totally asleep in under 5 minutes.

Needless to say, I kept Erin home yesterday & called her pediatrician. When the nurse called back 10 minutes later, she told me this was going around & would last 48 hours. Thankfully, the whole thing was over by 6:00 last night - no fevers, no vomitting. I kept her home again today because she ate nothing at all yesterday. Today it took her forever just to eat a mini bagel; however, she ate it willingly.

When I talked to my dad & stepmother last night, I mentioned that this was the exact date she got sick last year. My stepmother has decided that Erin is allergic to December 4th. Hmmmm. . . She may be right.

Hopefully, she'll be fine for tonight since she didn't enjoy unwrapping her presents last night. Of course, she's been wearing her Hello Kitty slippers all day & hasn't put her Hello Kitty magnet board away yet. I wonder what she's going to open tonight?

Chanukah - The First Night

Erin made the menorah we're using in school this year.

Not quite awake yet. She wasn't really ready for candle lighting & presents. It didn't take long though!


Scissors!? To open a present!? Huh??

She's awake now & loves tonight's present.

Erin's been begging to get aquadots since they came out. She's well aware of the rules she has to follow if she wants to keep using this. It was so worth her smile to give her this present tonight.

I've always wanted to have something like a Christmas village. I finally found Chanukah House! Ebay is my friend. :-)