Sorry. A little late...

We had so much fun over the long weekend. Parties, picnics, gardens and a birthday.

Friday:

Friend's house. Brynn played with 2 cuties that were adopted from Russia. They are amazingly well mannered kids and Brynn loves to be with them. Plus, their mom had some fireworks and sparklers. Every kid's dream.

Saturday:

Planting in the garden. After 6 hours, it was finally done. We planted beans (enough for the entire state), peas, lettuce (4 kinds), strawberries, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons, zucchini, and pumpkins. I thing that's it. We already had our potatoes, onion, peppers and tomatoes in the ground. We were exhausted.

Believe me, if all of this grows, I will be offering all of the extra to anyone that comes near me.

Sunday:

Picnic with lots of kids. Brynn had a ball. She fell in love with one little boy there and asked where he was from. She just didn't get "from his mommy". She meant what country--China, Russia, Guatemala. Hmmm. Birth Mommy talk time again.

Monday:

Went to the local auction for the flea market. Bought some daylilies (my fave) and had breakfast at an ice cream shop acrossed the street. Had the best apple turnover in my life. Can still taste it. Went home and mulched 1/2 of our flower bed and celebrated my birthday with Brynn giving me the only thing that I asked for--A Potato Masher. Sad isn't when you get excited about kitchen tools? I got other things too (like a sore back from shoveling mulch for 2 hours) but am so excited about the potato masher. My life is so basic.

Static anyone?

Three years ago today...

Today is the third anniversary of a day that changed our lives forever. Today, 3 years ago, I noticed that our agency had posted that referrals had arrived. And, though I wasn’t positive, I thought this could be our day—The day we finally became a family of 3.

I told everyone in the office that if a phone call came from our agency, no matter what, put it through to me. I remember picking up the phone and hearing, “You have a daughter.” I couldn’t believe it. Finally. After the years of waiting, the medicine, the shots, the blood work, the tests, the ultrasounds. Finally, I was a mommy.

We have been so blessed by this child that God has allowed us to raise. She is the joy in my heart. She is my sunshine.

Brynn, this day may not mean anything to you right now, but please know that it is very special to us. It is the day that we first saw your picture, the day we knew what our child looked like, the day we became a family of 3. We love you, baby girl.

Last Day of School

I can not believe the school year is over. Where did the time go?

She got to pick out whatever outfit she wanted to wear. Surely, she would choose a cute, little outfit, something maybe a little pastel, something to show that it is spring. Nope. This is her choice:



"John Deere Girl" Daddy is so happy.

And just in case you thougth she always posed beautifully for the camera:

This is her on her first day of preschool. I can not believe how much she has grown up in just 9 months.

It has got to stop...

I mean the rain. It seems like it has rained everyday for at least 2 weeks. And I don't mean just sprinkling. Kevin is so annoyed. We haven't been able to plant most of our garden because the dirt is pretty much just hard mud. The only good thing is this:




Brynn loved looking at the rainbow and we loved that she asked all types of questions about them. She has been asking more questions about everything. And we truly love it. We love that she is so eager to learn. Of course, I've had to whip out the thesaurus a couple of times because there are just some words that I just can't explain no matter how I wrack my brain!!

The good thing about cooking with Grammy...

Applause for Ford!!!

Half the Sky announced that Ford is matching funds that are donated through Global Giving, so if you wish to donate to HTS’s earthquake fund then please use this link to do so:http://www.globalgiving.com/pr/2100/proj2086a.html

Help if you can...

I know that most have heard of the earthquake that hit Sichuan Province, China. Two organizations that Kevin and I love have set up funds to help with the disaster relief. If you feel moved to help, please click on the following links:

Half the Sky Foundation

Your donations to the fund will be used to provide emergency and long-term relief to children affected by the disaster.

Love Without Boundaries

They are starting an Earthquake Relief Fund to be able to provide immediate assistance.

I know that most aren't directly affected by this tragedy. But Kevin and I will always be connected to this amazing country and our hearts are very sad for all of those that have been hurt by this disaster.

Is this really any better?

Teleflora sent me a response to my email to them regarding the "Non-Mom" category.

Thank you for contacting Teleflora to share your thoughts about the"Teleflora presents America's Favorite Mom" program.

In response to your concerns, Teleflora is immediately changing thename of our "Non-Mom" category to "Adopting Moms." After closerexamination, we can see how this may have been offensive to moms whohave adopted children -- moms who are indeed real moms to theirchildren in every sense of the word. In fact, many of us atTeleflora are "adopting" parents ourselves, including our presidentand owner. The essence of this category still focuses on agrandparent, neighbor, step mom, or mom to adopted or fosterchildren, each one raising and loving a child.

This show of insensitivity on our part was in no way intended and wedeeply apologize for any concern or distress we may have caused. Itwas always our intent to salute and celebrate all moms.

In closing, all of us at Teleflora would like to offer our sincerest best wishes to all the many women throughout the world who have worked so hard and given so much to earn the name "Mom."

Sincerely,
The America's Favorite Mom Team

Why do I as an adoptive mom need to be singled out? Why can't I just be mom?

This is something that has always bothered me. Why is it when someone mentions a celebrity's children, they always point out the kids that were adopted? Rosie O'Donnell and her adopted kids, Meg Ryan and her adopted daughter, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman with their 2 adopted kids. It is so wrong. They are just their kids.

Neither of my parent's obituaries mentioned that my brother and sister were adopted. They just named their kids. Not "Their adopted son, Eric, their adopted daughter, Luanne, and their biological daughter, Julie". It just listed us as their children.

This is the way it should be. My daughter and future child may be adopted. I openly accept that. But, they are my children. Not my adopted children. Period.

I'm a "Non-Mom" Mom

The Today Show is running a contest right now for Mother's Day. Normally, I would think that was wonderful. But, not this time.

The category that was voted on yesterday was call "The non-mom Mom". NBC's description is below.

The non-mom mom

Grandparent, stepmom, or mom to adopted children, each one raising and loving a child. A priceless gift for everybody.

Yep, that's me. A Non-Mom. Can you believe this? Kevin and I worked harder at becoming parents than many biological parents. We had to wait years to finally become parents and are still waiting to have a second child. And NBC has the audacity to call me a non-mom.

I am so angered by this probably because many people think of adoptive parents as second rate parents. We didn't give birth, so we couldn't possibly love our children like biological parents. Well, believe me, I can become a Mama Bear just like someone who gave birth to the child.

It makes no difference. I am a mom. No, I am Mama. And I am so happy about it. I can't imagine building my family any other way. And don't you dare call my child a non-child because I will show you what a "non mom" can do.