LOTS O' KIDZ

Gung Hei Fat Choy!!!

2012-01-25T17:50:00.001-08:00

Gung Hei Fat Choy...from our family to yours!!!

COOK IT UP MONDAY!!!!

2012-01-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

Cold Peanut Soba Noodles With Chicken

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

Recipe categories: Pasta, Noodles, Poultry, Chicken,
more

Recipe
Ratings & Reviews(8)

Photo: Cold Peanut Soba Noodles With Chicken Recipe

Rated 4 stars out of 5

Total Time:: 25 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min

Yield:: 4 servings

Level:: Easy

Ingredients

12 ounces soba (buckwheat) noodles
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce (such as Sriracha or sambal oelek)
Kosher salt
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup chopped scallions

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and edamame and cook as the noodle label directs. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the noodles and edamame and run under cold water until cool.

Whisk the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and chili sauce in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water and whisk until smooth. Add the noodles and edamame, season with salt and toss to combine (add more cooking water to loosen, if needed). Divide among shallow bowls and top with the chicken, cucumber and scallions.

Per serving: Calories 652; Fat 25 g (Saturated 5 g); Cholesterol 57 mg; Sodium 1,446 mg; Carbohydrate 78 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 38 g

The whole truth and nothin' but the truth.....

2012-01-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ok--so my ambitions were BIG in writing on the blog this week.....and then LIFE happened! Birthdays, and pneumonia (for Charlie), schoolwork, and practices swallowed me up.

And guess what I did? I felt guilty about not doing what I had said I would. Felt like I kinda set myself up for failure..and that everyone would judge me.

I recently passed on a link on FB that was so powerful, I now see it being spread amongst many of my mom friends. It's called "Don't Carpe Diem" and it is such an insightful article..and SO NEEDED!!

Read it HERE...and then come back!

I have a tendency to look on the bright side of things...remain somewhat unruffled by kid stuff...and to keep things cheery...at least to the outside. I cannot TELL you how many times I have been told while out with the kids...minding my own business...

"oh you must enjoy having all those kids around"

"So many reasons to be happy"

"What a blessing they are..enjoy them now..it goes fast."

"What an incredible person you are"

"You are a saint!" (at this I literally laugh out loud...)

And I ALWAYS give the answer that they want to hear....

"Yes...our house is SO much fun!"

"Oh they make me smile everyday!"

"I am SO enjoying every minute..I'll be sad when they're gone!!"

as for the accolades about me being a great person and all....well I always respond...."these children have blessed me waaayyy more than I them."

And I actually do mean everyone of those responses..I truly do.

Just not EVERY day.

And why is it that we can't, as human beings... just tell the truth?

Why, instead of giving wanted answers...can we really say how we feel? Maybe not to the cashier at Target...or the well-meaning grandma...but how about to our friends?

What is it...Fear of being judged?

Fear that you might come across as...I don't know...normal???

Fear of breaking the perfection illusion that you have created?

Or in us adoptive parents..fear that people will think you regret your adoption? Or that you have gotten yourself in way too far over your head?

Because, as I posted that link...I got thank you's from my niece who is caring for her first infant...and feeling guilty when she just wants to scream from her baby screaming. But she's afraid to say it because she should be grateful she has a beautiful healthy infant .

Or the private message from a friend that has many kids that feels like she's drowning some days...and won't fess up because she got herself into it in the first place.

The email from my friend who is navigating her way as a single mom..and doesn't want to give off the impression that she's struggling.

WHY?? Why can't we share??

I know that when a mom tells me of any kind of trouble with her kid, personal life..whatever...I am so happy to hear that I am not alone!

When someone lets you in...you feel closer to them..and it can have a great impact on the quality of your friendship. I know that I LOVE real people. The kind I can dish with over coffee...and that I can tell about the craziness at my house..and all of the sudden be laughing so hard I can't stop!

I think it is WAY healthier than keeping it all bottled up inside...so on that note...I will share. I will give you (in bulletpoints) an honest look at the past few weeks.

I will promise you that all of the following statements are fleeting feelings...that we all have...and I DO LOVE MY KIDS....really I do......

Here are some things that I could have answered to the above statements....

*Well-meaning samaritan:

"Oh you must enjoy having all those kids around!"

My "real" response:

"You think? Yes I really enjoyed waking up to 4 kids, two dogs, and 10 matchbox cars in my bed this morning. In addition, I enjoyed discovering that my 4 year old wet the bed..again..and I have to wash all his sheets....again. I also enjoy seeing that as I go downstairs in my hazy fog..I discover that someone has drawn smiley faces on my white spindles..in red....with a sharpie. I also enjoy the mad scramble of feeding 7 kids..5 of whom are always running late for the bus..and all of whom argue about everything that I prepare.

Now THAT, my friend...sure is enjoyable...especially before 7:30 am!!

Yes..having all these kids is a daily joy-fest. Have a nice day...."

*Kind..usually elderly person: *"What a blessing they are...enjoy them now, time goes fast"

(this would be the carpe diem comment)

My "real" response:

"How fast does it really go? Because right now my dreams consist of being able to have one nano-second to myself..like for the luxury of peeing in peace. Yes---please tell me it goes fast..I would like to go into the pantry for a pretzel, and eat it without hiding in fear... of the "seagulls/kids" that will swarm me if they see me having a morsel of food.

Yes, dear kind person...I would like to watch something besides the Disney Channel..and I do NOT want to know all the words to every Justin Bieber song. I would like to watch movies without 3D glasses, and go to restaurants that don't have a kiddie menu. Fast, you say? Yes, fast will get me through the day...thank you very much!"

And the best...of them all..as I tote around my adorable Chinese children..from all kinds of people:

"you are an incredible person, saint, Mother Theresa..whatever.."

My "real" response:

Well, thank you kindly...but I seriously doubt that saints, or the dearly departed Mother looked forward to a beer at 5:00 pm to get them through to bedtime.

I also don't think those of a saintly status had times where they lied to their kids and told them it was 8 pm...time to brush their teeth..when in actuality it was 6:30.

Or I am quite certain that saints don't second guess themselves...thinking that if we had only had two...we would be doing this, that and the other....(usually quite frivolous things..like trips, and the like...)

I also know that the Holy do not throw temper tantrums worse than a two year old at times when their kids don't listen. So ....thanks for the compliment...but.....

The saintly would also be quite calm and patient when kids do things like....

hide mom's car keys..so well that the car has to be towed to the dealer for a new set

stuff 12 juice boxes down the toilet...mixed with applesauce..for fun..

take food from the pantry..and when they have eaten half of it..just stuff the remaining half in the couch..to be found..quite awhile later...

carve their name in the kitchen table...

YES..these things would NEVER ruffle a person with "holy" describing them.

So, that' the REAL truth...and nothin' but the truth...so help me God!

And at the end of the day, I would never, ever, trade this life for anything. No life of leisure could compare to the love that I feel for every single one of my kids. No amount of money could replace the amazing experience of having this family. And quiet, perfect, houses make me a tad nervous.

I'm just saying'....it aint perfect ALL the time. And it's ok to let it all out. Tell a friend, sibling, partner, your dog...anyone....how you REALLY feel at times. It gives such a sense of freedom.

And to be honest.....I think it helps you to appreciate your life on a whole new level, because when you REEAALLLY picture your life without all "this"(whatever "this" entails to you")........it just seems empty.

SO vent away my friends....take a load off your shoulders and your heart...and your tomorrows will take on a whole new meaning.

COOK IT UP MONDAY!!!

2012-01-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the first entry in COOK IT UP MONDAY!! It's easy, kid friendly, and can be prepared with "light" ingredients, and a few variations for taste!

I will be cooking it up tomorrow...so I will let you know how the kids liked it!! Please leave me your favorite recipe....I would love to build a database big enough to have a special button on the blog for them! Help a mother out please??

Have a great Monday!!! Tomorrow I will post on the birthdays we are celebrating today and tomorrow! FUN times!!

Photo: Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Rated 5 stars out of 5

Total Time:: 30 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min

Yield:: 4 servings

Level:: --

In just 30 minutes, you can serve this delectable dish, with a rich, satiny Alfredo sauce that coats chicken, broccoli and pasta.

Ingredients

1/2 of a 16 ounce package linguine
1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
2 tablespoons butter
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or Healthy Request®)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare the linguine according to the package directions in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the broccoli during the last 4 minutes of the cooking time. Drain the linguine mixture well in a colander.

Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's well browned, stirring often.

Stir the soup, milk, cheese, black pepper and linguine mixture in the skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo: Substitute grilled chicken breasts for the skinless, boneless chicken.

Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo: Substitute 1 pound fresh extra large shrimp, shelled and deveined for the chicken. Cook as directed for the chicken above, until the shrimp are cooked through.

Serving Suggestion: Serve wth a mixed green salad topped with orange sections, walnut pieces and raspberry vinaigrette. For dessert serve almond biscotti.

You can substitute spaghetti or fettuccine for the linguine in this recipe.

Cost per recipe: $7.86

HOPE YOU ENJOYED!!

I'm Baaaackkk!

2012-01-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Tap tap tap ...is anyone still following?? I hope so!

I am so excited to be back to regular blogging..and to share some exciting new things that I hope to have on the horizon for 2012!!

I am going to detail the plans for this year here...by number since that's the easiest way to organize my brain! :-)

Firstly...if you followed our travel blog, I want to thank you! We are still adjusting beautifully to the new addition in our family....he is, in a word ..AWESOME! And he leads me to my first order of business in the new year...

1)getting the word out about orphans that wait that are over 3 years....dubbed "older" and "harder to place". I will be sharing on my blog once a week, profiles of children that are "older" that need homes, as I cannot share enough what an enormous blessing it has been for our family!

I will also looking or families that have adopted older children to share their stories with me so that I can feature them on my blog...

if you have a story to share...please email me @

dinello04@comcast.net

2) Featuring a family recipe of the week. Every Monday I will share a recipe, and encourage you to share one in my comments section. I am ALL ears when it comes to getting recipes to feed this huge brood of mine, and my predictable recipes are getting quite stale....So PLEASE help this mama feed her family, and help other readers freshen up their pantry too!

3) Design a home...I will be doing a blog redo...and have a section on home decorating...on a budget! In my other life..before kids....I LOVED decorating, and still do...but need to reign in the expense of it, so I will share some of my finds, and tips for decorating on a budget..and will be showing pics of some of my treasures that haven't broken the bank. I am also looking for any blog readers pics too...again email your pics and a brief description to my email:

dinello04@comcast.net

4)Lastly...and MOST IMPORTANTLY...I am embarking on very unfamiliar territory, but this has been on my heart for awhile....I am going to start my own non-profit. Details to follow....but the idea of it is to mobilize schools, churches, neighborhoods, into having the KIDS give to kids that are in need. I will be establishing a template that can be used in all of the above, to help children fundraise for orphans. I will be selecting a few non-profit organizations that the kids can choose from to help. My goal in this is to create empathy, understanding, and awareness in this next generation. I have been seeing in so many kids today (my own included!) that the "me, me, me, take, take, take, have, have, have" attitude is permeating their childhood...and the ignorance of what really being in need feels like escapes most kids.

I am hoping that by creating awareness, I can help children be more aware of their "brothers and sisters" around the world. Having that awareness, and the ability to make a tangible difference in others lives could be such an important life lesson for them.

Again...I am in the baby stage of this project..so I will update as I get further along!

So stay tuned....2012 is sure to be another important year in our family...we are so excited to have you join us!!

Travel Blog!!

2011-11-20T05:23:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know that we have started a travel blog that will follow our journey to Shawn! Please sign the guestbook...and include your email if you want to be notified of our updates!!

6 DAYS until we leave...I cannot even stand it I am so excited!!!

Here is the link...

http://www.babyjellybeans.com/web/do/site?ID=32682

Hope you will join us!!!!

xoxoxo

Amy

WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!!!!!

2011-11-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

THAT's RIGHT!!!!! WE GOT OUR TRAVEL APPROVAL!!

We will hear back Monday as to the exact travel dates, but we are hoping to leave on 11/25, and meet our son on 11/28!!!!

WoooHooooo!!!!

Hang on sweet boy...you are in for the ride of your life with this crazy family!!!! Cannot wait for you to join us!!!

New Pictures!

2011-11-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

We were so fortunate to get new pictures, taken on 10/30/11! An Agency rep was visiting Shawn's orphanage and took these pictures for us......how lucky we are! Here is what she wrote about Shawn...

Hi- Shawn is amazing!!!!! He is so cute, active and smart. His best friend is Olivia, this little girl playing ball with him. They were just running down the halls together for a while… I got lots of video too but you will have to wait til I get back as my connection is so slow.

CONGRATS

NOW...we just wait for our travel approval! We are 13 days into what is supposed to be a 2-3 week wait...and I am officially losing it a bit! I LIKE a plan, I don't like not knowing and guesstimating every day when I think that we will go.....it is really, really hard!

I just want to get there and bring our dear boy home!!! Praying that we will be able to leave the day after Thanksgiving......God willing!

If you could say a prayer for us...We would appreciate it! We are so anxious to go!!!

CHRISTMAS CARDS...and A GREAT CAUSE!!!

2011-10-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

Ok--BIG NEWS!!!

My favorite photographer....that has done the most incredible images of my kids...(see pic on the sidebar with kids on red truck!) has generously offered to do a Christmas Card event---shooting all day on NOVEMBER 5th...with the most incredible background....an old vintage sleigh, or her beautiful farm....

and she will be donating approximately $200 of the $295 fee to LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES!!

What an amazing opportunity for you to get your BEST Christmas card ever....and help orphans in China that so desperately need you!! It's a WIN-WIN!!!

She is located in Dillsburg, PA...a very close drive from Maryland, PA, DC area...and SO worth it to travel further!!! PLEASE support Love Without Boundaries...and Heidi! She is an incredible woman who besides being an incredible photographer...is also a 5 YEAR Breast Cancer survivor, and awesome mom to her great kids!!

BOOK now...so that you can feel EXTRA good about your holiday cards this year...and save yourself the extra stress!!! AND get a great memory!!!

CALL 717-648-3652 to schedule your time slot!!

Thanks!!!!!!

Amy Dinello

About A Boy.....

2011-10-17T09:35:00.001-07:00

Since I have our newest son, Shawn on the brain, and I haven't shared all the great bits about him yet....I thought I would let you all get to know him!!

I first saw his face when he was part of a camp that was held at his orphanage. An American agency visited, met him, made videos, asked questions, and gave an amazing assessment of who our sweet boy is....

Here are some things that were said about him by the agency rep that met him.....

"Shawn is absolutely precious! I got to meet him when we did our camp there:-)

He is an orphanage favorite! The nannies all talked about him so lovingly.

They would take him home at night, so he has some experience in family type settings:-)

He seemed very responsive during the interviews--he was able to point to all of his body parts and he knew his colors. He was often caught snuggling with one of the nannies during the camp. He performed a cute little tiger dance all by himself for the camp.

I worked so hard to try to find him a family, so I hope so much his family finally will find him!

Do you know about his orphanage? If you don't, you should go to our blog and look at the posts about Bao an. It is truly a very special place. They have a tremendous amount of resources there,including the Sunshine Academy (which you can look up online), which teaches the kids English. Miss Heidi is the American English teacher and she is great with the kids.

They take all sorts of outings, like to the market or the zoo to help the kids experience life! They do a lot of performances at Bao'an, because I guess they have officials visit pretty often. It's really quite an amazing place. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can answer any other questions for you."

This was written also during the camp....

"Let's take Shawn: he has a special need that may never effect him in his life, or it could--it's hard to say. Up until now, he has been a healthy, intelligent, scrumptious little boy! Everyone loves him. ."

And this.....

"Shawn is an orphanage favorite. All of the nannies enjoy taking him home and giving him lots of attention! His special need doesn't affect his daily life and he is adorable and well loved. He is one of the youngest in our group of kids this time. I had no idea he was any different than any other 3 year old! He's quite responsive and knows his body parts and colors and can follow directions. He had a good time with the beach ball!"

And this too......

"Shawn is definitely loved, and the nannies fight over him! He is smart, agile, and has such a sweet personality! The family that gets to call him theirs, will be very blessed!"

So there you have it!! It seems that our dear boy is being very well loved while he is waiting for his family. This is WONDERFUL, as it gives me such peace of mind. However--it also is one of my greatest fears.

He will be missing these loving nannies terribly. They have been his "Mama" for almost 5 years. He loves them. He know nothing outside of his orphanage. He doesn't realize that having a family is better than living in an institution. He WILL come to realize this, but in the beginning it will be so rough for him, I'm sure.

Our 5 and 7 year olds are coming with us to China, and I have prepared them, as excited as THEY are to meet Shawn....he might not feel the same way in the beginning.

If you are a praying person---please pray for his little heart--as we are preparing to meet him. Pray that God holds his little hand as he meets us, and that he is as prepared as he can be!

I truly cannot wait to have this blessing of a boy home....even the challenges, I welcome them--he is so worth it!

And at the end of this week, we will be officially waiting for our travel approval! Anticipating travel hopefully in about 5ish weeks!! Holy Cow--we are in the homestretch!!!

Amy xoxoox

The Juggler

2011-10-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

Lately, I feel like I have taken on a new occupation...one for which I was not trained, nor, ever thought I was capable.

I have become a Juggler. Yes--every single day--I juggle.

Breakfast

laundry

football

cheering

dance

gymnastics

homework

marriage

hurts

celebrations

tears

cuddles

discipline

baths

bedtime

adoption related stuff

and on and on and on

Every day--I have all the proverbial balls in the air--trying to make everyone happy...maintain some sense of control, and normalcy.

Guess what happens every day?

One of the balls is bound to drop.

There is just no way that I can do it all, and do it all perfectly. Some days are pretty great...we sail through, all goes pretty well.

But some days--I feel as if all the balls are just lying on the floor taunting me...and I just want to run screaming. Or possibly, just take a nap.

Do you know what I have learned?

It is OK to not be perfect.

It is OK to drop the ball once and awhile.

If my kids see me as infallible, then they will get a false sense that they too must be perfect. That they can't have an off day.

And that's just setting them up for failure.

So I am learning to embrace the days that dinner gets burnt, there are missing socks, one kid is in a timeout, while another is dumping rice all over the kitchen floor.

It's LIFE. And to be honest, in this house....there are more balls dropped then kept in the air most days.

And guess what?

My kids forgive me. My kids love me. Most times they don't notice when things aren't just so. And life continues with the promise of a better tomorrow.

And, my family gets a lesson in all of it.

Perfection is over-rated .

And if I wanted to be a juggler---I would have just joined the darn circus.

Wait a minute......I think I already have!!! :-)

Shawn...

2011-09-27T05:37:00.001-07:00

I cannot even tell you the stress that I have been feeling at the lack of pics since April...

I truly felt like there had to be something wrong...he was hurt, sick, something...(I know, it's irrational...I mean it's not like they are busy or anything!!:)

And then, after checking my emails one last time before bed...here they are!!! My beautiful, beautiful boy!! Is it possible that he is even cuter???? Oh my word!! And he is so big...it makes me want to seriously cry!!

As Caroline said.."Oh, no Mom...it took too long to get him, and now he got big!!"

We love him to pieces...seriously...madly in love with his face!! And we could be holding him in just 2 months!! (If all goes well!) ...

Without anymore rambling...here are pics of him, taken Saturday...which just happens to be my birthday!! What a GIFT!!

At the end of the photos I made a slideshow with my new bday present..Macbook! I am having so much fun with it!! Click on the arrow to watch the slideshow!!

Isn't he AWESOME!!!???? I am so in love!!!

Here's the slideshow!

ABOUT A BOY.....

2011-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Since I have our newest son, Shawn on the brain, and I haven't shared all the great bits about him yet....I thought I would let you all get to know him!!

Here are some things that were said about him by the agency rep that met him.....

"Shawn is absolutely precious! I got to meet him when we did our camp there:-)

He is an orphanage favorite! The nannies all talked about him so lovingly.

They would take him home at night, so he has some experience in family type settings:-)

I worked so hard to try to find him a family, so I hope so much his family finally will find him!

This was written also during the camp....

And this.....

And this too......

"Shawn is definitely loved, and the nannies fight over him! He is smart, agile, and has such a sweet personality! The family that gets to call him theirs, will be very blessed!"

Our 5 and 7 year olds are coming with us to China, and I have prepared them, as excited as THEY are to meet Shawn....he might not feel the same way in the beginning.

If you are a praying person---please pray for his little heart--as we are preparing to meet him. Pray that God holds his little hand as he meets us, and that he is as prepared as he can be!

I truly cannot wait to have this blessing of a boy home....even the challenges, I welcome them--he is so worth it!

And at the end of this week, we will be officially waiting for our travel approval! Anticipating travel hopefully in about 5ish weeks!! Holy Cow--we are in the homestretch!!!

Amy xoxoox

THIS JUST IN..........

2011-09-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

Celebrating here today! We got our Letter of Approval from China to adopt Shawn! This is the biggest step in the process, and it means that in China's eyes, we are approved officially as his family! :-)

We now wait on our travel approval, which is broken up into several small steps that take about 8 weeks. We anticipate late November/early December travel! I am so excited that it looks like our sweet boy will be home for Christmas!! (unless we meet with a delay of some sort---praying for none!!)

I feel like now I can start organizing things for travel, and really getting things ready for Shawn! I get superstitious before this point to really do too much. I am just so excited---I cannot WAIT to wrap my arms around my darling boy!!

In my excitement, I sent Shawn another care package! I also will be mailing him a few things from us--through our care package lady--Ann, at Red Thread China--she's great!

The Autumn Moon festival is coming up in a few days, and the moon is incredibly important in the Chinese culture. I am sending Shawn and his buddies some Moon Cakes to celebrate--and some Lollipops, since I know he likes them! I am also sending more pics..with all his siblings English names, so hopefully he will be somewhat familiar with them! :-)

Funny thing is, when I uploaded a picture of Shawn to send--the label Sam was on the pic--without me realizing it. His name when he was listed at our agency was "Sam"-which is also the name of my youngest!
(ironic huh?)

Anyhoo--when Ann got my pics--she kept the Sam label on. By the time I realized it--the package had already been sent! So--the orphanage just might start calling him Sam! Yikes!

Hopefully she can e-mail them and tell them my mistake! Can't have two Sams in the house......haha!

Here's the pics of the kids....(and Shawn labeled as Sam!)

Here are the treats we sent--I hope he likes them!

I'm so excited to be at this point--but now I just want to go and get him home!! Can you all pray that the process goes smoothly--and quickly---from this point on?? Any delay could mean Christmas travel--and we would have to wait till after! ugh!!

Can you also keep people in PA in your prayers--we have had MASSIVE flooding, and even been off school for two days. It is heart wrenching to see all the damage done by water.

Thanks! And I hope you all have a great Friday!

xoxox

Amy

Don't tell them

2011-09-01T06:40:00.001-07:00

This post was initially going to be a back to school post---focusing on Hope and Charlie--since they started their first day of Kindergarten today! (sniff sniff!)

But as I was going through some old photos of them, it evolved into something more. Something that I haven't ever been quite able to explain in words....since seeing it in pictures is much more eloquent than I could ever be........

It's the story of a brother and sister.........

not born of the same mother.....

no similar blood running through them......

yet......
they love each other........just the same as if it were so.

They watch out for each other.......

get in loads of trouble together.....

have the most fun together....

they are REAL siblings in every sense of the word REAL....

In fact....their names run together even in my mind...as in "HopeandCharlie.....get in here!!"

Their personalities are very different...yet they have the same sense of humor--and can find something silly in everything!

They have each others backs at all times....and often get very

upset when the other gets in trouble.....

If that is not the definition of being brothers and sisters....I don't know what is....

They share a home, they share a huge space in their Mama's heart.......

even if they didn't BOTH grow in my belly....

the term "blood is thicker than water" does not apply here......

They are siblings....almost "twins" at just four months apart......

And to think that I was so worried before we adopted Hope that having them so close in age might be a bad idea. I didn't realize that God had it all planned out...just as it was meant to be. HOPEandCHARLIE......

together as far back as they have memories.....

best friends.....

brother and sister......

starting Kindergarten today...together...watching out for each other, having the security in each other that only a sibling could bring.

Don't tell them they aren't "real" brother and "sister". They are the real deal...in every single way that matters.

Though my mama heart is breaking today at them being gone all day...I have such peace because they are together......just as they should be, just as it was meant to be.

amy xoxo

Shawn update!!

2011-08-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

****(before you read this...I will just let you know this is the fourth post I have done tonight....so if you want to see more of our summer...and you have some time on your hands....read the few posts below this!)

I know, I know...I have been bad about updating about where things stand with our son waiting in China...our sweet Shawn!

We received an update on Shawn...which was so wonderful! I asked some questions...and asked for pictures, and we got answers (yay!)...but no pictures (boo!). We also sent him this album!

But I also got lucky enough to get the newspaper ad that was filed when he was first found (called an abandonment ad). This is put in the local paper, and is necessary to run before adoption paperwork can be processed.

I have to admit...it is quite hard to see. In it, is possibly the earliest photo I will ever have of our dear boy. He is one and a half months...and the precious angel is smiling....be still my heart! His whole world just got turned upside down...and yet, he smiles. It makes me want to just cry! And it is also hard to see the rows of babies lined up with him...every one so darling...

I wonder about each one....do they have families? They are all about 4 or 5 now....how many still wait? It could really haunt you and consume you if you really think about it. SO many....too many......yet not enough are going to grow up with the love of a parent......

Without further adieu....

here is our smiley guy! Then....and now.......

Here are the questions that were answered.......

Dear Amy :
First Bao Sha He got your package ,then below are information about bao sha he :
1.Bao Sha He know dad ,mom and siblings .
2.Bao sha he loves little monkey and dog toys .
3.bao sha he `s favorite color is purple .
4.sha he likes dogs .
5.bao sha he `s favorite food are fish ,banana and suckers .
6.bao sha he has started to learn English,sha he can count in English,sha he also can recognize letters .
7.bao sha he is very happy to be adopted .
8.Please bring dog or puppy toy for bao sha he ...

So, what do you think I did the next day? Well I got the darling some dogs and monkeys!! mini pillow pets, Pj's, little blankies.....I'm a woman out of control!! A care package is going to be sent this week....and yes, there will be a HUGE bag of lollipops (suckers!) and stickers for all the kids!!

And where we stand.....we are almost 5 weeks into waiting four our LOA

(Letter of Approval) ---judging by recent time lines, we should be getting it in the next couple of weeks.

After that...there are a bunch or little steps...that move quickly (thank heavens!) and we should receive our Travel Approval in about 8ish weeks after our LOA. Then it's time to get packing! So I am hoping, praying that we get it soon...and I anticipate late November...or early Dec. travel. BUT....that can all change like the wind...so the above could be wishful thinking!

I am praying everyday that we will have our son in our arms as soon as humanely possible....he is very loved ......and so missed!!!!

If you could keep us in your thoughts and prayers I would so appreciate it!!

xoxoxo

AMY

My baby boy is NINE!!

2011-08-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Joseph celebrated his b-day this month!! What a FUN day he had....from morning till night! It seriously made me wish that I had the energy of a nine year old boy!!

Joseph is such an amazing gift to us!! He is sensitive, sweet, yet all boy...and loves sports, and his buddies with a passion!! He also loves his family tons!

Although...he can be a typical brother sometimes....I mean nobody's perfect right?

We had a blast celebrating his ninth year...started with family..then laser tags with friends!

We love you darling boy!!!

Horsin' Around!

2011-08-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite trips to make each summer is to the Land of the Little Horses in Gettysburg!

Sam....taken the easy way out....being pulled by none other than muscle woman herself.....

HOPE!!

It's a great day...filled with fun...and not a TV, computer, or video game in sight!

Just fun with family and our great friends....

And some really cute little horses!!

Until...the kids got into some really big trouble......

Just kiddin!

And hopefully, not a sign of things to come!

Yes....that's underwear on his head......sometimes I can't really offer an explanation.....this is one of those times!!

A happy time was had by all!! See ya next summer tiny horseys!

Amazing Day!

2011-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

At the end of July, we were so incredibly blessed to spend an amazing day with families that traveled with our agency with Hope. Many of them had children that were from the same orphanage as Hope, and some of the families we traveled with!

We also met new friends, and visited with old friends! All of us, sharing the common bond of having incredible children from China!

Many of you know Teresa! We are so fortunate to have become friends with her Mama--and were delighted that we got to share the day with her family!!

The thought that kept going thorugh my head, as I watched all of these kids running, laughing,

being silly and mischeivous.......

and relishing in the beauty of a day with new friends.....

was that every, single, one of these kids was adopted with a special need.

Some repaired, some not, some visible, some not......

BUT...one thing I can assure you is this.....EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. was SPECIAL!

They truly NEEDED one thing.......

Mama's and Daddy's to love them......a FAMILY!

My how these children made my day!

Especially seeing best buddies made within minutes.....regardless of where they came from! The cuties above (My Charlie, and Elaine's Ren) had a discussion about where they came from...went something like this....

Ren: So Charlie, are you adopted from China too?

Charlie: No---I don't think so......but my sister and brother are...and I have a brother still there--he's waited for some papers so we can get him.

Ren: Oh cool!

Charlie: want to go shoot someone with the waterguns?

Ren: YEAH!!!

The beauty in seeing all these kids---some bio, some adopted, all amazing children...all LOVED and HAPPY.....made my heart swell!!

I can't wait to do it again!!!

BEACH!!!

2011-07-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

Not alot of words....just alot of pictures!!

These are the formal ones.....which the kids despise!

But they turned out pretty good! I know there are a ton....but I am using this as a scrapbook too! Later I'm gonna share the fun beach ones! Lucky you!!!!

Best of times, one of our favorite vacations....and favorite places!!!

SUMMER, surgery, slidin' and steppin'

2011-06-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Pre-school graduation last week.....lots of tears from me, as Hope and Charlie will be off to all day kindergarten next year.....sniff..snifff!!

Charlie's best buddies.....he is so sad to leave them!!

Hope with her diploma....all business!!!

Some of Hope's gang!!

Sam had surgery last week, to repair a bit of scar tissue on his foot.....went well, but we are looking at a summer of casts, as they want to "train" his foot to stay straight (it wants to go out to the right). Good times.......ugh!

Sam's adorable toes!!

And a note from his big sissy Caroline...who never left his side!!

Next up...we stole an idea from a bloggy friend...thanks Amy!! Vinyl sheeting from Home Depo*

plus one sprinkler......

plus a bottle of dish soap and some blow up thingys......

and some bagel bites on the patio......

equals an AWESOME summer day!!!!!

And lastly...Hannah had her ballet recital this past saturday...and did so awesome! She tapped and hip hopped her way across the stage and we really saw her 9 years of dance pay off!!! Isn't she a beauty?? (she really is...inside and out!!)

SO there you have it......a week in our lives....!!! Next up...swim team season, finishing up baseball, and Hope and Caroline's ballet recital!! And then the beach.......ahhhhh...cannot wait!

Hope you have an amazing beginning to your summer!!

xoxox

Amy

2 Years of my sweetness....

2011-05-26T05:07:00.002-07:00

Two years of this amazing little man.....

He has blossomed from a frail, quiet, baby....to a vibrant,

FUNNY,

cherished....

AMAZINGLY STRONG...

AND AMAZINGLY HANDSOME......

THREE YEAR OLD.

HE IS BRAVE......

AND HAS COMPLETED OUR FAMILY IN WAYS WE COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN THEN.....

BUT are so aware of now.......

WE ADORE YOU SAMMY BOY!!! AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE TO BE YOUR FAMILY!!!!

THOUGH WE ARE QUITE SURE THAT THERE WAS NO "CHANCE" INVOLVED!!

GOD BLESS YOU SWEET BOY!!! HAPPY TWO YEAR FAMILY DAY!!!!

GOD BLESS JOSEPH!

2011-05-10T05:22:00.001-07:00

Joseph made his Holy Communion this Saturday.....

what an amazing day it was!!!

The cousins!!

The whole family....minus one!

Handsome boys....friends since they were born!!

Beautiful girls...BFF's!

Jousting pit...loads of fun for all ages!!

Our version of family therapy!!

Who is having more fun....kids or adults????

There was LOTS O Hopping!

Uncle Jeff getting ready for the derby!!

and what's a Holy Communion without some Redskins facepaint?

What an amazing day....spent with family and close friends...we are so blessed to have so many incredible people in our lives to share occasions like this! Joseph was celebrated...and as always...we sure have fun thorwing a party!!

Mother's Day was a repeat...since the jousting pit was here till Sunday night! The kids were outside by 7 AM!! What a great weekend.....so lucky to be a mom....these are the best of times...

Amy xoxoxoox

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!

2011-04-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

We have had MANY egg hunts!!

Charlie and his buds!

Hope and her girls!

Hannah helping her baby brother!

Charlie trying out a new smile! (?)

Those cheeks, those lips........oh my goodness am I in love with this boy!!!!

Dad and the whole gang!! (minus 1!!)

Caroline lost a front tooth!

BASEBALL season has begun!

These boys......

have my heart!!

Joseph in action!!!

Charlie's first hit!

Another fun egg hunt with friends!!!

Beautiful Ashley!

Dying of the eggs with friends!

The bunny did not forget our sweetie waiting for us!

The bunny left some tracks!

Looking purty for church!

Trading candy!

Joe and his cousins!

And we had VISITORS!

cAHRLIE IS ABOUT TO BLAST THE BUNNY WITH HIS WATER GUN!

Bye bye bunny...and Mr. Carrot! Happy Easter...Happy Spring...from our house to yours!!

A BALM TO MY SOUL.....

2011-04-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

NEW PICTURES OF SHAWN!!!!!! HE COULD NOT GET CUTER!!!! BUT HE IS GETTING SOOOO BIG!!

WHICH MAKES ME SO SAD.......... TO QUOTE MY 8 YEAR OLD JOSEPH......

"LET"S JUST GET ON A PLANE THIS MORNING AND GO GET HIM!!! ENOUGH WAITING!!"

I couldn't agree more, sweet boy! We are going as fast as we can!! We also got an update of his measurements...and he IS big!

40 pounds

41 inches!!! WOW! He is just a tad shorter (10 months younger) than my Charlie--who is big for his age! Go Shawn!!

Looks like even though Hope is a year older--she will still be his "little" sister! :-)

Feeling so happy....and anxious this morning!! Say a prayer for fast paperwork!!

xoxoxo

Amy

Sunday Snapshot!

2011-04-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

It was a very peaceful Sunday at our house...

sun was shining, sidewalk chalk was inspiring..

Until...Dad came out to play.....

and decided to try out the flying turtle going down our veeerrry steep driveway...

see that speck at the end...yeah..that's him....as the kids look on in shock.....

and he decides the street would be fun too.....

Hope isn't fazed--she is still admiring her artwork....

and Joseph his....

but Caroline...my sweet, quiet, Caroline, was ALL over it!!

Look at that line-up...(I was seeing the ER in our near future at this point....)

and awayyyyy they go...

Now everyone is ready for the challenge.....

yes, they are smiling here......but bandaids are in Charlie's very near future....

the dogs are in agreement....we live in a nut-house!

on to Basketball....

and a quick stop at the drive-through.....

and some hula hooping, b-ball and drive through all at the same time.....

and to top things off....some baseball practice......

and who ever said that there are only SIX kids living in my house???

Gotta love that little boy inside that hubby of mine!!

There you have it---a snapshot of our Sunday....a bit crazy for most...but a perfect day for us!!

Hope you all had a great day!!

3 years of Hope

2011-03-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY THREE YEAR FAMILY DAY HOPE!!! You've come a long way baby........and we love you more than we thought could be possible--you are a dream come true!!

The WHY'S of Shawn....

2011-03-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

Baby Shawn......awwww!!! (you may want to grab a cup of Joe, this might be a long one...I'm feeling wordy....!)

It has taken me a while to compose this post in my head, and therefore, there has been a delay in writing it!

I guess, originally, I felt that I was to explain the WHY? of Shawn.

Why again?

Why soooo many?

Why can't enough be enough?

Why would we?

How can we?

All of these comments I expected...but didn't hear....

We did hear negative comments that were unexpected, in the form of being concerned for us...which really was a polite way of saying this person thought we were in over our heads.

Uhhh...didn't that happen like 4 kids ago???

Amazingly, as more and more people found out about us adding to our family, I realized that explanations were not really necessary.

Those that know us, and love us best...knew that there may be more! They also know and accept that we don't want the norm, we want to follow the path less travelled.

They love our big, crazy, loud family...that can be heard coming from a mile away...and can be spotted by our 12 seater van at any location in our town!

Going off the beaten path before has been nothing but blessing after blessing for us.

We are thrilled to begin this amazing journey once again, and wait with joyful anticipation of what lies ahead as we prepare to meet our fourth son! But how it happened is nothing short of miraculous.

Really....a miracle.

(ok..ask me why??)

I'll tell you.

I never asked my husband to adopt Shawn.

Never said a word.

Nope, Nada...

Now you must understand, over the course of the past two years, I asked about plenty of kids that I thought we could parent. Little lost faces that I fell for. Endless begging at times, sometimes tears.

Always met with a big fat.."No---I really do not want to adopt again. IF I ever do, I'll know, but I don't think I will."

So, after I saw Shawn's face on our agency's list, our coordinator sent me his file. American agencies often assign American names to kids they are trying to place--his happened to be "SAM"--(the name of our youngest).

I had no anticipation, only hoping to help find him a family.

Then..I opened the file.

Then, I watched the video.

AND, I fell hard.

So hard I was petrified to even ask Darrin about him, for I knew (or thought I knew) what his answer would be.

So--because the video of him is soooo darn cute, I showed the kids.

And that was the beginning of something amazing.

See, they fell hard, too.

They laughed at his dance moves, were amazed by his Bball skills, and to quote my 8 year old son,

"we just need him...he would fit in with us so perfectly--he's just like us!"

So one night, the kids had my Ipad, and said "Dad, you have to see the video of this little kid--he is so awesome!"

(I was washing dishes with my heart in my throat, as I pretended not to watch my husband watching Shawn)

He watched, and watched again, and asked about him..what was his need? I saw the spark of interest in him. And I answered his questions, but said no more.

So a few days pass, and the kids do not let up.

"Why can't we be his family?"

" I'll share my room with him!--No I will, No-I will!!"

They asked to watch the video over and over and over...

So we went to church, and then lunch on Sunday the 13th--and after lunch Hannah called us all to the family room... She said we needed to have a family meeting. She got out the Ipad.... and this was what was on it.....

Now, there were no tally marks yet..that came later. Hannah started by saying that all the kids felt that this child was meant to be in our family. She gave their reasons...

1)He plays basketball like Joseph

2)He can dance like Charlie

3)He is sweet like Caroline

4) He is smart like Hope

5) He is cuddly like Sam

6)He has a good personality like Hannah

"He has the perfect mixture of all of us!"

As you can imagine, by this point the waterworks have begun for me.....I have never in my life felt like God was more present with our little family. All of us, spread on the couch and floor...discussing the life of one of His children. It was so incredibly spiritual, it is hard to put into words.

Then the kids each said why they would want him. They all said sweet things, but when we got to Joseph....his big eyes filled up and he wouldn't talk. Finally he said...

"because he doesn't have anyone, and he needs us..." through choked up sobs...

then Caroline started crying,

then Hope..and when Hope started it was if a tiny snippet of her beginnings bubbled up. She sobbed and sobbed. I know she identified with Shawn...she WAS Shawn three short years ago. She couldn't explain it...she just cried.

So the voting began...we all made our marks, (they even voted for the dogs!)

except Daddy.

He (being the logical one in our group) needed to think about it...but said it was the most serious he felt about a child since Sam...

then I prayed...and prayed....and prayed some more...

and then 3 short days later....it was Darrin who called the meeting.

He called us together to tell us that we were going to get Shawn!! We jumped up and down, and cried, and celebrated!!!

And on St. Patrick's Day (which has special significance for me!) we sent in out Letter of Intent to adopt him.

And on my Daddy's birthday (who passed away when I was 19) we received our Pre-approval to be his family.

And now...we wait and celebrate the 7th child in our family.

The child whose siblings faught so hard for.

The child who is so loved by so many already.

The child who is wanted and will be cherished.

So if anyone had any question in their minds of why we would do this again.....put your hearts and minds at rest....

you have your answer...

Shawn is our son, and without him our family is not complete....the answer is not why, it's why wouldn't we??

"And whoever welcomes a little child such as this, in My name, welcomes Me"

2011-03-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Photo album customized with Smilebox

2011-03-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi every one this Hannah Dinello I am very very very very very very very very very excited for my new brother Shawn to come home so i made a story about him. If you like the story alot you can do one just like it but first you have to download Smilebox

Shawn Dinello!!! In action...

2011-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok--since I am beyond exhausted I am saving my big post till tomorrow...BUT I am going to share something better.... (besides these ridiculously cute pics!!)...

our son, Shawn (yes that's his name!) in action!!

LIVE video!! (well not really live, but you know what I mean!!)

The boy can handle a ball like nobody's business....and boy can he MOVE!!!

CLick on the link below....and you too will fall in love...its the best 2 minutes and twenty seconds evah!!

I guarantee it!! Click right there on the words...with the line under them...

(this is for my sisters....LOL)

SHAWN IN ACTION

Right??? What did I tell you???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Oh....I am so smitten!!! Actually--we ALL are!!

xoxoxo

Amy .....more tomorrow....(hopefully!!)

7

2011-03-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

YES! We are adopting again!!

Meet the newest Dinello.....

(more details to follow......!!!!!!!)

Luck O' the Irish to ye!

2011-03-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

May the road rise to meet you...

May the wind be always at your back.....

(leprechan droppings......hee hee)

May the Sun shine warm upon your face.....

And the rain fall soft upon your fields....

(Hope keeping her eyes open for the picture! )

And until we meet again...

May God hold you.....

In the hollow of His hand.....

Hope you have a LUCKY day!!!

Grafted In.........

2011-03-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be featured as a guest blogger today on the blog We Are Grafted In...

It is an amazing place for adoptive families, and families in general that gives such insight, and I am proud to be a part of it!!

If you want to check it out go here!

Met an angel today.....

2011-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today we met the MOST amazing little girl!

I have read her mommy's blog for some time, and knew that this darling one was not feeling her best...so after appointments with Hope and Sam at John's Hopkin's, her mommy allowed us to visit to bring Teresa some treats--and some for her big sisters!

If you don't know Teresa's story--please go to their family blog---and PLEASE pray for this sweet girl!
www.ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com

We also met darling Gemma---what a cutie pie!

What amazed me most, was that I was expecting a frail, dispirited little girl---which is the EXACT opposite of what we met today! Teresa is very sick inside her little heart--but her outside is glowing and happy and vibrant! She is joyful, and so very much a princess!

She NEEDS to get better--because this world needs more Teresas....

more people that look adversity in the face and laugh...

more people who don't feel sorry for their lot in life....

more people to live in the moment!!!

I tell you--this darling girl--in the short time I met her, captured my heart, and I will pray EVERY single day for a miracle to save her precious heart. Won't you come along with me?

Commit to a Teresa prayer chain? That is what she has right now--prayer and prayer alone. The doctors are saying that there's not much more they can do.

BUT she doesn't know that....and let me tell you....Teresa is NOT ready to give up. Pray that God leaves this beautiful angel right here for awhile!

If you want to post a prayer for Teresa in the comments section...we can start the chain right now! AND spread the word about this darling girl!!

xoxox

Amy D.

Uncomfortable....

2011-01-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

I realize something lately. I have been getting waaay too comfortable. See it's been almost 3 years since we adopted Hope, and over a year and a half since we brought home Sam, and things are settling down (relatively speaking).

When first home from China, the thought of your child having lived in an orphanage, having gone hungry, or having suffered, is so heavy that it sometimes it seems hard to breathe.

The enormity of it is overwhelming.

You look into the eyes of your scared and fragile child, and they are still so haunted by what has just transpired. They are scarred by what they have gone through, and most times will never form the words to tell you just how bad it was.

You are confronted with it like a smack in the face every single day.

Every single time they look at you.

The gut-wrenching fear when you leave the room.

The eating hoards of food as if there will never be more.

Or in Sam's case...the not being able to eat since you were never given the chance and you just don't know how to swallow.

The scared, distant look, or silent cries with puddles of tears...that go on for weeks, months, sometimes longer.

It is easy after you have a year or more under your belt to see your now 33 pound toddler--laughing, playing and loving......

to forget.

It is easy when your now 5 year old gets a glowing report from pre-school at how "advanced" she is, and how she is a leader amongst her friends, and doing so well that she is sure she will excel next year in Kindergarten.....

to forget.

To forget that your toddler was skin and bones, and couldn't walk, talk, or eat. That he was hosed off in dirty water and slept in a snowsuit because of the cold--and no heat at his orphanage. To forget that most pictures sent to you he had blue lips, despite their best efforts to keep him warm.

To forget that your daughter was once so petrified when she was handed to you that she actually caused other parents to cry at the pain she felt at being separated from all she has ever known. To forget that she had to be pried away from her caregivers at the orphanage--and that she screamed until she passed out. That she came home hyper to the point of where she couldn't sit still for more than three seconds at a time.

It is easy to get comfortable. It IS easier to push all that unpleasantness far away in your brain, and live in the now. Relish in how they are doing now....forget what they went through. It is easy and comfortable to do that.

But it is so important NOT to do that.

You see, when you "forget" or "move on"--you forget that there are millions of kids out there--millions of "Hope" and Sams". You are ignoring the fact that just because your kid is ok now...that his brothers and sisters in the orphan world are continuing on in that existence that we try and push to the far recesses of our brain.

So I will choose to forever be uncomfortable.

When my babies are sick, and I am holding back their hair while they are vomiting, and nursing them with ginger ale and crackers, and running them a hot bath, cuddling them into clean, cozy jammies....

I will remember the baby I saw in pictures from Sam's orphanage--face burning with fever, tied to his/her crib in an upright position, probably sick with a cough of some sort. I will look at that picture and the sadness in that baby's eyes...

see the baby in the back?

and I will feel uncomfortable.

While we are out to eat as a family, ordering appetizers, meals for each kid, and dessert--and most food doesn't get finished.....

I will think of the children that hoard their food, saving for the next pang of hunger to strike. Or think of the babies with prominent ribs, malnourished and waiting for any morsel...

and I will feel uncomfortable.

When we have a birthday party, inviting friends, family, spending money on cake, food, decorations...and most likely a blowup thing of some sort....

I will think of the children that never have their birthday marked with any special recognition. I will think of the fact that two of my children had birthday's "assigned" to them, since there is no real record of their birth. I will think of the pain of that day for their birth parents....

and I will feel uncomfortable.

When my 6 kids are digging for sandcastles on the beach, frolicking in the waves, and screaming with joy as they do on vacation...getting ready for their 5th night of ice cream....

I will remember the children that have never, ever, left the four walls of the orphanage. Never rode in a car--except when they were brought there. Maybe they will get some time to play outside once and again...but their days, nights, holidays, are all spent within the confines of those walls.....some of them aren't babies...some are 11, 12, 13 years old...and have never left their orphanage. I will remember them...and yes...

I will feel uncomfortable.

When I snuggle in front of the fire on a bitterly cold day...I will think of them.

When I fill readily available prescriptions,

when I sign kids up for sports,

when I browse the aisles in the grocery store filling my two carts with food,

when I tuck my kids into bed, kissing their sweet smelling heads goodnight,

and when I greet their sleepy eyed, bed-headed selves in the morning.....

I will think of all the beautiful children waking to no greeting, no morning kisses, cuddles, and hot breakfast.....

and yet again, I will feel uncomfortable.

When I stop those feelings, is when I am forgetting. Forgetting means orphans do not exist.

To be comfortable is to be ignorant.

And in this case.....ignorance is not bliss.

Ignorance hurts children and their chances for a better life. For even one person like myself, sitting and staring at my computer screen in my slippers, can make a difference to them. If only by caring and remembering they are there.

On this very day I urge you....

FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.

REMEMBER THEM.

DO SOMETHING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THINK OF THEM EVERY SINGLE DAY.......

They just might change your life. They sure did mine.......

Amy

xoxo

ask me how you can help today!!!!!

Fund Raising Coordinator-Orphanage Assistance
Love Without Boundaries
www.lovewithoutboundaries.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!

2010-12-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is a picture heavy post---so be prepared!!

Lots of wonderful things going on this holiday season......begining with taking the three oldest to NYC right before Christmas--as we do every year!

Here's some great pics, of Hannah, Caroline, Joseph, and The King of Pop!

(hahaha! Just kidding---that's not really Hannah--but I do believe MJ is alive and well and performing on the sidewalk outside of Toys R Us---and I will let you make your own jokes about that!! :-)

Hannah and Caroline on the Ferris Wheel...

The kids at the Lego store--Joseph's Mecca!!!

At Dylan's Candy Bar....

And brunch at The American Girl Place....

(Joe was a great sport and even let the girls pick him a baby boy to sit with! :-)

And the girls celebrated their upcoming birthdays!

And of course we visited the big tree!! And did a Horse and buggy through Central Park!

We also attended a wonderful performance by Hope and Charlie at their Pre-school, and saw Caroline (the cow) and Joseph (the shepard) do a smashing job in their nativity scene at school!

Christmas Eve began with Hannah's 12th Birthday!!

And tracking Santa on the computer--and do you know when I checked it randomly one time...Santa was in Chongqing China--Sam's birthplace??? And then the next time I checked he was on his way to Guangzhou--where we spend the second week in our adoptions---how crazy is that?

Then it was time to make Santa's cookies--our tradition every Christmas Eve Morning......Sam got really into it--haha!

Then it was time for church...I love everyone dressed up and looking gorgeous!! :-)

And then the big man himself took the time to visit us--and we had our neighbors and good friends over to share in the magic of the night!!

Caroline's face is priceless!!! (above left!)

And as is often the case when you have 10 kids together on Christmas Eve--excitement was high, and so where the sugar levels---so the kids decided Santa might be up for some wrestling.....

Let's just say---Santa put up a good fight....

But at the end of the day...Kids: 1 Santa: 0

None of this was captured on video--sadly--for I KNOW we might win the grand prize on America's Funniest Home Videos for this one!!

Kids got in their jammies, fed the reindeer, left Santa his cookies..and before you know it....

After the sugarplums danced in their heads....

SANTA CAME!!!!

And in one of the presents was born a MAJOR, FIERCE competitor--in Hope! She dons her bandana and schools everyone who tries to beat her in air hockey!

At the end of the holiday, we remain so grateful and blessed that we have so much in the love of our family. We always remember especially during this time, those that are without--and I would love if you are reading this, if you could take pause and say a prayer for those that are without in this season....

Happy Holidays---Happy New Year --may you all be having a wonderful time!!

xoxoxo

Amy