Another Project

About a month ago, our local group of waiting moms got together for lunch and a tag blanket project. I just finished mine yesterday. Yep, still all about the ladybugs...

Rumorland

looks a bit like this right now. The storm is brewing but it just won't rain. NOTHING going on. I'm going to get my butt off the computer today and get something done. Our agency isn't expecting anything until next week so I'm not going torture myself and wear out my refresh button looking for something that's not going to be there. I'll check back in on Monday...

Ready when you are, CCAA.

With my luck, I'll either be speeding down the freeway or buck n*ked in the shower when the call finally comes. Hopefully, I'll be home and have my head (and clothes!) on somewhat straight when the big moment arrives. I've got everything I think I need ready to go.

Our agency sent out a 'Referral Update' email today that didn't say a darn thing. The news is that there is no news even though we are starting to hear whispers that matching has begun in the RQ forum. It's probably safe to say that we won't see any referrals arriving this week. Let's hope it's earlier rather than later next week that we start to see something happening. I'm still not expecting to be in this batch but I have to acknowledge that it is within the realm of possibility. If this ends up being a 'dress rehearsal', hopefully it will be the last! We're ready, CCAA. Bring it on!!!

Tub Swimming

A few nights ago, the kids worked up a sweat running around the house playing hide-and-seek. I wouldn't normally tolerate it but it was nice to see them feeling well enough to get off the couch. They asked if they could put on their swimsuits and sit in a cold bath. Crazy kids.

Easy Project Idea-Hooded Bath Towel

I love the soft little hooded baby towels that you can buy at the store but once your baby is more than a couple of months old, they aren't long enough to keep their feet from sticking out during the after-bath cuddle time and cold feet=unhappy baby. This one will last well into toddlerhood!

Seriously. If I can do this, anyone can. All you need is a bath towel and a coordinating wash cloth. I picked these up from a going out of business sale a while back so not only was this easy, it was also cheap!

First, you take the washcloth and fold it in half. Sew along one of the short sides.


Turn it right side out and you have a hood!


Place your hood right sides to right sides (and your towel may or may not have a wrong side) centered on the long end of the towel like so:


Pin it and sew it:

And there you go! See, told ya' it was easy!

Thanks for modeling, Audrey!

Spring Break 2009

Looks pretty wild, eh? Unfortunately, this is what Casa Bouton looked like for most of the break. Xander started us off with the stomach bug to end all stomach bugs, then the rest followed suit with the flu-and not just the sniffles with a fever that some people call the flu. This was full out In-flu-en-za. I've determined that we will be first in line for flu shots next year!

By Thursday, I decided that my mental health was suffering more than the kids' physical health so we left the confines of home and went to an indoor inflatable play place in the morning and went to the roller rink in the afternoon. On Friday, we met friends at the park with a picnic lunch and had a wonderful time. On Friday night, Matt and I went to a dinner party at a friend's house and played the 'Newlywed Game.' It was a blast but there are certain social circles that I may not be able to show my face at any time soon...;o) We came home Friday night to find that poor Xander finally caught what the rest had. He's still fighting a fever and is losing his voice. I'm hoping the older kids will all be well enough to go to school tomorrow and that Xander can make it to preschool by Tuesday.

Adoption Nesting

Yep, it does exist and I'm convinced it's worse than the variety that preceeds birth because you are still in an able-bodied state.

My referral day prep is done and we've done as much baby/travel preparation as we can do without Meili's referral information. So, I've moved on to the housework section of the nesting list and it's a doozy. I can remember quite clearly how much a person can't get done once a new baby enters the scene so I'm trying to think of every feasible household chore that may have to be done in the next year or so and cramming it into the next two weeks.

I spent 4 hours on Saturday reorganizing and purging the master bathroom cabinets and drawers and another couple of hours raking rocks and trimming bushes in the front yard and sweeping gravel out of the street in front of our house. There is definitely some psychosis at work here. The good news, though, is that we'll be more than ready for home study #4 next month!

3 Years...

Here it is-the post I hoped I'd never have to write. Three years have passed since our file was logged in at the CCAA. I bet by now the file is dusty and the pages are crusty and starting to turn yellow.

I thought it would be a rough day but not so much. Between sick kids and a full calendar with Cub Scouts, Baseball practice, etc., I hardly had time to sit and feel sorry for myself.

We knew that today would be a busy one so to commemorate the occasion last night we went to a new (to us) Chinese restaurant. It was clean, the food was good and the owners speak Mandarin so we have declared it referral day celebration-worthy. Can't wait! Actually, after three years I think we've proven that we can...

Projections and Predictions...

Every month, shortly after referrals come out, RQ puts out a 'Projections' post. Based on several historical scenarios, she comes up with a chart like this one to give us a guesstimate about when our referral might arrive. (Things have been averaging out somewhere between the Spring 2008 Small and Winter 2008 (Horrid) scenarios, FYI) I remember the first time that our log in date actually appeared on the chart. It was monumental just to see it sneak into one of the 'now too good to be true' categories. I noticed on the most recent chart that now there is only one box in the chart that does NOT include us! In China adoption land, I guess we'll celebrate anything that looks like it might resemble progress...

I'm working on a poll to gather up some predictions about when our referral will arrive and Meili's age and province. I'll come up with some prizes , as well. My official guess is that we'll receive the call on Monday, May 4th, that Meili will be about 8 months old (would be really freaky if we find out that she was born on September 6th when I had a dream about her) and my agency seems to get a lot of referrals from Jiangxi province so I'll guess that she might be there...

Miscommunication

Last night, when I asked Taylor to start the dishwasher and use the 'orange dishwashing detergent' I meant this:

Not this:We got this:

I guess the difference between dishwashing detergent and dish soap is lost on the male species...

Hmmm...

I've been going to this site every now and again throughout our adoption process to see when 'they' think our referral may arrive. It's an online Magic 8 Ball of sorts and I honestly don't put much stock in it. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see this come up when I punched in our LID this morning:

Our prediction for LID 2006-03-10
China has 4 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 4.4 days of dossiers each month.
Our best guess: 2009-03-29

Weird to see the referral prediction come up for the month that we are currently in. That's definitely a first. I don't expect to get a referral in the next batch, but I certainly don't mind seeing it in print either.

Have You Read These?

If you are not familiar with the first book, the author is an American who lived in C. hina for four years and volunteered in an orphanage. The book is a journal of her experiences and observations while there. It's a thick book but an easy read. And by easy I mean that the print is large and the vocabulary is accessible. Everything else about it is excruciatingly difficult. Add to the equation that the plight of the children exposed in the book unfortunately is probably not too dissimilar from what your own daughter is experiencing at that very moment and it's almost too much to take.

While reading the book, I made two observations that I'm willing to share. I'm invoking the 'Thumper Clause' for the other ones that I shouldn't. 1) I'll admit that I have felt a bit guilty about requesting a non-special needs child even though we did request to be considered for a special needs child a while ago and it was made very clear to us that it's just not meant to be our path this time around. Reading this book brought some of those feelings back. 2) At the same time, if this book is an accurate representation of orphanage life in C. hina (and it probably is), I have to wonder if there really is such a thing as a non-special needs child?

Even though it's hard to read, I think it's important to know what our children's early life experience may have been like and why love might not be enough to help transition them to family life. Ultimately, reading this book has reignited my desire to read or re-read everything that I can get my hands on to prepare us to help Meili learn what it means to be a part of a family. I've read all of the standards and have been working as an adoption social worker for about three years but still feel that there is much more to learn. Doing that has become item #1 on my infamous 'list.'

My latest discovery is Book #2. It is dense and reads like a psych text book in parts but it is quite a resource. It was written by a therapist (and China mom!) who worked closely with international adoptees for almost a decade. I found her composite 'First Year Home Group' to be particularly insightful. It's fascinating what you can learn about a child by watching them play and I was glad to see that the book follows through beyond theory and offers several activities that parents can do at home with their children to help them progress from 'reactive behaviors' to 'family behaviors.' It's a book that I'm glad that I bought (and I'm cheap with a capital 'C') because I'm sure I'll go back to it. I'm about 3/4 through it and plan to re-read it several times and take some notes.

If you have read either of these, I'd like to know what you thought and if you have any others to recommend, please share. I'm a woman on a mission!

Light at the End of a Very Long Tunnel

As I type, the stork is landing with referrals for families logged in between March 3rd and March 6th. For us, that's 4 days down and just 4 more to go. I think there's a 50% chance that we'll be included in the next batch and a 75% chance that we'll be included in the batch after that. Crazy to think that with only 4 LIDs to go (!!!), we aren't even 100% sure that we are two batches away from a referral... Even crazier, this blog friend only has 2 LIDs to go and can't say she's next for sure either (but we're certainly keeping our fingers crossed!) The next LID (March 7th) is a record breaker and may just be it's own batch next month. The consolation is that lots of blog friends are logged in on that day and can finally say that they are NEXT!!! Can't wait to see all of the babies' faces in blogland next month!

Another Hike...

Sure, they're all smiles in this picture but this was only about a 1/4 of the way in to the 8 mile hike. There were tears and tantrums along most of the trail after this point. Audrey kept complaining that the place 'really needed an elevator' and at one point I tried to encourage her along by pointing out that there was a clearing ahead where there was probably going to be a great view. Her reply was, ' Of what?, the skeletons of the people who hiked the trail before us?!' She can be funny when she is tired and crabby.
The 'pee tree.' No further explanation needed.

Daddy's little hikers.

We hiked 8 miles to 'The Springs' that would be more appropriately named, 'The Puddles.'

These camelbacks were some of the best money ever spent.

Rodeo Break

In our state, the kiddos get a 4 day weekend when the rodeo is on. We have lived here for 5 years now and even though it isn't our 'thang', we decided that we needed to add the rodeo to our BTDT list. We started out bright and early on the parade route and then made our way over to the rodeo arena. It was one of those freaky, early in the year 90+ degree weather days so we had a hard time staying in our seats in the beating down sun. Thankfully, there were some diversions to be had behind the scenes.

The kids enjoyed feeding some cows.

And practicing their roping skills.

None of the children asked to do it again next year, so I think we're safe there. Yee Haw to that!

Getting Along

One of the nice things about having 4 kids is that if two of them are starting to get tired of one another, there are other options for both of them. Usually, play time in the house consists of different combinations of pairs and singletons as interests divide them along age and gender lines. It warmed my heart today to find all four of them including one another and playing a game together of their own free will and volition. Just love the whole lot of them!

35 Months LID

and I'd give my left b**b for a rumor right about now...

Buddies

Xander just loves his two preschool buddies, Evan and Bennett. The three moms take turns driving carpool and having an afterschool playgroup on one of the preschool days each week. Here's what I found on the couch during playgroup at our house when I realized that I needed to investigate the quiet. Such cuties-I'm guessing that they won't sit this close over a video game as teenagers...

A boy in love...

The kids were outside with sidewalk chalk today and this was Noah's creation. 'N.B.' is Noah. 'T.S.' is Taylor Swift. They are holding hands. He's 7-good grief! This must be cosmic payback for my early 80's Michael Jackson obsession.

Pizza Night

It's become a weekly tradition at our house and the kids have become involved in the prep. They love to get messy, choose their own toppings and help put it together. After some trial and error, the homemade crust tastes about as good as the delivered kind (and I've been sneaking in whole wheat!) The trick is dusting the pan with cornmeal before rolling out the dough.

The recipe I use can be found at my favorite site. Give it a try!

We all scream for ICE CREAM!!!

When I was very little, my grandfather had an ice cream truck. I can remember the 'deep freeze' he kept on his back patio and particularly the treasures that were hidden inside. We just don't see them around as much these days. In fact, we've been here for 5 years and this was the first time that I heard the magical tune come down our block.

Overpriced to be sure but it's the memories, people!

Just love 'em.

Not sure how he stays upright...

I stopped Taylor on his way out the door this morning to weigh his backpack. 38 pounds! He doesn't weigh much more than that himself! He is going to have scoliosis if he keeps carrying it. His school does not have lockers-and having been a teacher in a jr. high with lockers, I agree with the policy. He does have a set of books for home use so he does not have to carry them around but while at school if he finishes his work in one class, he likes to be able to work on homework for another. He usually does his math homework (Geometry in 8th grade!) on the bus ride home and comes home with little or no additional homework which is a great thing. I asked him if he would consider a backpack with wheels but apparently it would be open season on him if he did. Not sure what the solution is.

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

We had a very enjoyable and delicious Chinese New Year. The food was awesome. We cooked at home instead of ordering out with a little help from the frozen food section at C*stco. Next year, same menu but I'm going to make it from scratch.

After dinner, Noah wanted to burn his kitchen god that he colored at school.

So we did!

I hope he tells the Jade Emperor that we have been patiently awaiting a referral!!!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Happy Chinese New Year! I was born in 1974 which would make me a tiger based on the generic charts. But, since I was born on the 7th of the January, before Chinese New Year occured that year, I'm really an Ox along with the majority of folks born in 1973 including my dh. So, it looks like it is my year. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

This morning, I spent 2 hours in Noah's 2nd grade class sharing a bit about Chinese language and CNY. I taught them about the 4 tones in Mandarin, how to count to 10, read a counting story in Chinese and taught them to sing Shi Ge Xiao Peng You (10 Little Friends-to the tune of 10 Little Indians-from the same book.) Next, they colored a Kitchen God while I read a fable about him from Moonbeams, Dumplings and Dragon Boats then they ate marshmallows with chopsticks. (There is a peanut allergy in the room, or we would have eaten something more authentic.) Then, they made paper lanterns and we read The Dragon Dance.

It was an action-packed 2 hours. I'm looking forward to Noah's critique later this afternoon. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the language part and just focus on the holiday. Hopefully, they had a good time.

Tonight, we're eating Chinese and having family night. Happy Chinese New Year to you and yours wherever you may be!

We Interrupt Our Regular Programming....

for an endorsement! As per usual, I'm probably last person to discover this but my real-life friend and fellow blogger, Emily told me about Google Reader and said that it would 'change my life.' And it has! I know that many bloggers use Bloglines but I never took the time to sign up so I don't know if it is better or worse than the Google version. It seems easy to me though and now I'm not missing a thing or wasting time clicking through my sidebar only to see that you haven't updated your blog for two months. (Ahem, Shannon-;o)

Thanks for the tip, Emily!

Retail Therapy

Well, I knew last week's positive rumors were too good to be true but here I am disappointed AGAIN with the measley 2 day batch of referrals the CCAA sent this month. I thought they would either match to the 3rd or to the 6th. The 2ND never even crossed my mind. I feel like we are just a few good strides from the finish line but are being forced to get there by dragging ourselves along the ground. With one arm. And the ground is covered in glass. And the arm is broken. And I weigh 450 pounds. And the finish line keeps moving farther away. Get the idea?

Anyway, it was a good mail day yesterday at Casa Bouton. My China gift loot all came, as well as my Lucky Mommy shirt. But the big news is that our third (and better be last!) I-171H arrived in the mail. That's a huge relief!!! Our next worry will be that our home study expires June 6th. I was holding out hope that we might be travelling to China by then but after this stupid two day batch, I'm not counting on it. I'll wait until the 1st week of March and then make a call. Our home study has been renewed twice already so we get to 'start from scratch' with this one. Joy.

So, what did I do today to make myself feel better? Well, I bought a 2nd Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag. Yes, I think I'm officially an addict. A 'secret' outlet sale started a couple of days ago. I've been visiting this bag at a local boutique for almost 4 years. It was 65% off and I couldn't resist. But that's it. The madness ends here. That's what Matt said, anyway.

So, it's time to regroup and keep busy for another month, or two or three. Thankfully, there's plenty to do. On Monday, I'm visiting Noah's 2nd grade class and doing a Chinese New Year presentation. I get to play teacher for 2 hours! My plan is to teach them some Mandarin (4 tones, counting 1-10 and a few phrases), let them eat a snack with chopsticks, make a paper lantern, read a couple of CNY children's books and pass out hong bao (red envelopes.) It should be fun!

The List-Updated

Electronics (aka Matt's job):

-Buy a lap top Done! (But I don't think we are taking it)
-Buy a new camera Going to get a new Elph
-Buy a video camera Done!
-Learn how to use the above
-Get extra SD cards Done!
-Look into Skype Skipping Skype!

Paperwork:

-renew fingerprints Done!
-Renew I-171H Sent application out December 12-Should arrive in the mail any day.
-renew home study (if we aren't going to be back from China by June or if we plan to readopt/finalize when we get home) If we don't have a referral by March, we'll start on it then.
-Request that our agency send our referral packet to us via UPS, not Matt's mortal enemy (Fed Ex) Done-I'm sure they think we're nuts!
-Agree on a protocol if Matt is at work and the kids are at school when the call comes. Done! Matt and I will be together when the call comes-we'll clue the kids in later if they are in school.

For Referral Day:
-Charge phone, cell phone, camera and video camera Taylor's job.
-Hopefully, have a person to man the camera and video camera when the call comes in. Bought a tripod!
-Update email addresses and prep an email announcement Done!
-Have Diet Coke, Chocolate in mass quantities, 'The Call' sheet, flower/ladybug pens and Kleenex handy Done!
-Gather links for Orphanage yahoo groups, Name translation sites, Chinese growth charts, map of China etc. Done!-See my sidebar under 'Adoption Resources'
-Print yard sign It's by the computer.
-Order a photo necklace kit.

For Care Package:

-blanket Done!
-stuffed animal/blanket thing Done!
-2 disposable cameras with instructions Done!
-Photo album (bought 2-1 to send and 1 to keep) Link to photo labels in sidebar-Will take photos of each kid and us with Meili's referral pic.
-SafTPops for orphanage children Done! Should arrive by mail any day.
-Jelly Bellys for nannys Done! Should arrive by mail any day.
-save a shoe box Done! (Found a box that is shoebox size anyway)

Shopping Necessities:

-baby shampoo, wash, powder, and lotion Done!
-diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment We have started a supply.
-bibs, formula, rice cereal, baby food and baby snacks Am I just picky, or what? Can't find a cute bib anywhere! Will wait on the rest until just before travel.
-outfits, pj's and onesies to round out her wardrobe Will do this after referral-nervous that Meili might end up being a 4 year old boy.
-baby bathtub (will wait until after we're home-she may be ready for a seat)
-stroller (will also wait until we are home-we may just buy one in China)
-pack n' play (can wait)
-bouncer (also can wait)
-small cd player for Meili's room Done!
-Make some bows (if she has hair...) Having a bow-making party in January with my China adoption friends. I've been collecting ribbon.

Shopping Frivolities:

-The remainder of the China/adoption children's books on my Amazon wishlist
-Mei Tai Baby Carrier (espresso straps with 'carnival bloom' fabric on the front)
-Kozy Pal cart cover. After surviving the better part of a year in an orphanage in a third world county, I'm not too worried about exposing Meili to germs. But after 4 kids I've never had one and I think they look cool! They also have this in the same 'carnival bloom' pattern as the mei tai.
-Asian brocade Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag (Proud owner of a Petunia Picklebottom 'Spring Roll' Boxy Backback Diaper Bag!)

For Travel:

-Finalize packing list (and pack!) Luggage is purchased. The packing list spreadsheet has been made and many things are already packed.
-Decide if Taylor and Audrey are going to China They probably are. They would handle the trip well and would be very helpful. Taylor could handle all of the electronics-take photos and video, upload to the laptop, update the blog and keep everything charged. I know that Audrey would be so good with Meili and help ease her transition. We play with the idea of leaving them home to have the two-on-one time with Meili and to save a few bucks but we're coming home from China up to our eyeballs in debt anyway so it's not going to make much difference.
-Make arrangements for kiddos All of our family lives in So. Cal. We'll probably drive to LA and leave the kiddos with family there, then fly out of LAX. The trick will be driving back home (7.5 hrs) with a baby who has never been in a carseat before and two jet-lagged parents. Maybe my parents can drive our car (and kids) back and we'll get them a couple of plane tickets home? The more I think about it, the more I think I want to come directly home to my own bed. It would also be less transition for Meili to deal with.
-Make arrangements for dog and bird A friend has recommended another friend who is a trainer and does in-home boarding.
-get cash in new or like new condition from bank-We're probably screwed here. A year ago, our bank said, 'no problemo.' Now, they say try again next DECEMBER. 'Like new' is going to have to do.
-have a lock engraved with our name and date for the Great Wall We've got the lock-not sure what to engrave on it-Bouton Brood 2009?
-Get last round of vaccinations I'm done! Need to call and check what Matt needs.
-Finish Quilts (We are making one handmade quilt for each month of the wait to donate to Meili's orphanage)
-Finish OHGW Quilt scrapbook (If it's not done before we travel, it may never get done)
-set up crib before we leave
-put car seat in the car
-Make appt. with pediatrician for when we return
-add Meili to our insurance
-make ahead and freeze some dinners Going to give these a shot.

Gifts for Officials/Nannys:
-Stuff from our state Done!
-Buttons, keychains and small autographed prints by Azuzephre (Jenn's brother) Done!
-Lotion from Bath and Body Works 4 for $10 sale last week-Done!
-American Ginseng Done! (Found it at the dollar store-even has an American flag on it!)
-Jelly Bellys-Ordered!
-red bags and tissue Done!

Referral Day Prep

Last week, some crazy rumors about a huge batch (that would include us!) started making their way through the queendom. Just to see it in print about sent me into hysterics but the rational side of me thinks it has to be a load of crap, especially considering that the behemoth March 7th has yet to be referred. At the same time, the practical side of me says that I had better be safe than sorry and get ready for the big day just in case. After almost three years of waiting, I REFUSE to be caught with my pants down! Here's what we have been up to in preparation for the big day, bullet style:

• Updated email address book, made a Family Referral Email contact group and a Friends Referral Email contact group for initial announcement. Don't worry, I'll post to the blog shortly thereafter and any of you that I have corresponded with by email are in the Friends group.


• Added new links to the Adoption Resources section of my sidebar-including links to Asian Growth Charts, a China Province Map, Photo Album Labels for Meili's care package, and a link to orphanage specific Yahoo groups. I've also printed out an Asian growth chart as well as a series of links to translate Meili's name once we get ahold of the Chinese characters. Am I missing anything?


• Purchased a tripod for the new video camera. I hope that I'm at home and have the presence of mind to turn it on when the call comes in.


• Purchased the 'Lucky Mommy' t-shirt that I've had my eye on for 3 years. It's on sale here!


• Ordered SafTPops for the care package and some to take to China with us.


• Ordered Jelly Bellys for the Orphanage/Nanny gifts


• Bought some American Ginseng for the gift bags.


• Crossed several other items off of 'The List' which I will update later. The problem is that I can think of things to add to the list faster than I can cross them off!


• Assembled a Referral Day Basket-I'll take a picture later. It has my call sheet, my ladybug pen, kleenex, chocolate, assorted snack items for the stress snacker (me), a frame for Meili's picture, Martinellis, the camera, video camera and tripod in it. Am I missing anything? If I end up having to go to Matt's office to get the call with him, I'll just grab the basket and go. When referrals are imminent, I might just have to drive around town with the basket in the passenger seat. I love Karen of Gwenblog's referral video (darn, can't find the link on y-tube-but she managed to video herself as she received the call in her car mainly driving down the highway...) but I'd like to avoid recreating it if possible. ;o)

Now that I've got most of my ducks in a row, I've probably ensured that our referral won't arrive this month but I'll be ready when it finally does. This feels alot like a birthing plan. After 4 births, I can fully assure you that these don't always pan out. I'm hoping with the referral we at least hit some of the marks!

The End of an Era

I haven't blogged for more than a month!!! When I finally catch up with all that we have been up to, you will know why. It's been crazy around here! I'll start with the most recent and work my way back.

I have served as the Primary (children's organization) President at church for almost 3 years. Today I was released from that calling and it was bittersweet.

Bitter-because I've been so wrapped up in my responsibilities for so long that it is hard to let go, and because I will miss the children, and because I will really miss working closely with the three ladies (above) that have become dear friends. We have certainly bonded in the trenches and these women have taught me what it means to go the extra mile because they have done it with every assignment that they have been given.

Sweet-because the calling has served it's purpose in my life. When I was first called, it was just a couple of weeks after our dossier had been sent to China and I wondered how I was going to occupy myself during the wait-that question was quickly answered! I don't think that it is any coincidence that I was released on the same day that our agency called checking to see that our file and immigration paperwork was in order because we are 'getting ready to receive a referral in the next couple of months...' (Yep, that's what they said!!!)

Every adoptive parent has to ask themselves at some point if they are capable of loving a child born to someone else. I have been blessed for the last three years to have had a calling that taught me that yes, I most certainly can.

Ilan's Memorial Service

On our way home from our last trip to CA, we received the call that Matt's grandmother had passed away. Our one last trip to CA before China turned into two as we travelled back for her memorial services. She had been ill for some time and had led a full and long life. The service really felt like a celebration of a life lived rather than lost. It turned out beautifully-mostly music. All of the great-grandkids sang and Noah and his cousin Maya sang a duet. It was really sweet and we now have a CD of all of the musical numbers to enjoy. For some reason, this is the only picture that I took that day but it is a great idea. Some friends of the family helped put together a memory table with pictures of Ilan throughout her life and all of her family members. The whole day was a lovely tribute.

My Sister Julie, Gainfully Employed

While on our trip to CA, Matt and I stopped by the yogurt shop where my sister recently got her first job. The place is really cute. I should have taken better pictures because you can't tell here that it is a self serve place and has really interesting flavors. Some were so weird that I can't remember what they were. Anyway, you fill your cup with whatever concoction you want and then pay by the weight. The place is decorated really cute too with fish tanks in the walls, etc. I'm glad that I was able to spill a huge fountain of chocolate down my white jacket just before Julie introduced us to her boss. Hope I didn't embarrass you too bad, Julie. Keep up the good work!