Saturday, November 29, 2008

First Snow


Well, it is the end of November, and I guess with the holidays now upon us, the snow god's finally decided to have winter descend on Colorado. The weather has been so nice and mild this fall that I was beginning to think global warming had completely taken over and I was now living in a climate similar to the Central Coast of California. But, finally, I awoke this morning a beautiful blanket of white covering our backyard and the calm, quiet a fresh snow brings. Now I am ready for the holidays. Christmas decorations can be unpacked, the search for the perfect tree can begin, and wrapping paper, ribbons and bows can take over my downstairs guest room. And of course, with ski season already underway in the high country, today is the day I haul out all of the "gear" and see what fits and find out what's magically disappeared after 8 months in the basement. Oh, winter is here. My favorite time of year.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

1,000 Hits

I just noticed that Ladybug Chronicles has had 1,000 hits. I think that is pretty cool...even though only about 10 people have contributed....it's still fun. I hope it continues. I love blogging. I'll change it up very soon. Leslie, at Sweet Berry Designs, you'll be hearing from me soon.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Happy Adoption Month



November is National Adoption Month!

Some things that we have done as a family this month:

Wendy’s for dinner – Dave Thomas, the founder of both Wendy’s and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, was himself adopted as a young child. Proceeds from Wendy’s restaurants support the Dave Thomas Foundation to bring the thousands of children in foster care waiting for permanent families into the public eye.
• Read adoption books–Begin adoption talks by reading age appropriate books such as Todd Parr’s We Belong Together [Little, Brown & Company, 2007] and I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis [Little, Brown Young Readers, 2000].
• Watch a movie with an adoption theme - We watched Meet the Robinsons and Kung Fu Panda. Look for movies that portray adoption in a positive way such as Tarzan (1999), Babe (1995), Snow Dogs (2002), Anne of Green Gables (1985), Stuart Little (1999) and Elf (2003).
• Lifebooks– Bring out the lifebooks and share each child’s adoption story. Add to the lifebook each year by including items such as newspaper clippings of personal achievements, meaningful poetry and special photos.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! We had a great time Trick or Treating on Old South Gaylord Street. Then more tricks and treats in Cherry Hills. Thanks, Krista, for hosting. The girls had so much fun. Hanna is still a bit distraught that I left her candy at her cousins house...it is in jepardy of being absconded....by two candy-crazed boys...yikes...

Monday, October 27, 2008

St. John 2008


We had an absolutely fabulous time on our trip to the Virgin Islands. It was wonderful to be back. I don't think anything ever changes down there. Honestly, the best part about the trip was the fact that we really didn't do much at all. The mornings were spent lounging and then packing up for the beach. We would spend a few hours there until the little girls started having meltdowns about sand on their hands, water in their faces, or whose turn it was with the fish floaty, which of course signaled nap time. We'd head back to the house, rest and read, then everyone was in the pool until the bugs came out, which meant it was time for dinner. No need for clocks...
We had a fun night at The Beach Bar. The girls played by the water and the grown ups had cocktails. One day was spent in the British Virgin Islands, on Jost Van Dyke. This island is too perfect for words. Main street is a sandy road lined with boats. Great White Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar should be on everyone's must do list. There is not a better place, in my opinion, to spend the day in a hammock with a Painkiller (rum and other yummy stuff), a good book, and wonderful people. Of course, this time there wasn't much "hang time" since the little ones kept us busy, but no complaints. The night before we left we stayed on St. Thomas. There have been some changes there...lots of new buildings and a nice new marina.
We talked a lot about "what if" and if we would still be there had this or that not happened. We cherish the time that we lived down there and we know that at some very deep, heart level, it changed us for the better. It's certainly a different way of life. All in all though, I think we agree that is a bit too surreal to actually try to have a family down there. Of course, it is so expensive. A cantaloupe costs $6.00!
It is our refuge though. Our "Somewhere in the Sun".

Friday, October 17, 2008

A Home for Us Far Away....


If you're on Facebook you already know that "Erin is....ready for vacation". We are almost all packed and ready to fly to St. Thoms in the US Virgin Islands and then ferry over to St. John for a week in paradise. For Gary and I , it is a bit like returning home since we spent the first year as a married couple living and working on St. Thomas. We love, love, love, the Caribbean lifestyle. Someday, we hope to return semi-permanantly, which is why we get up and go to work everyday. We are so excited for Hanna to go to the beach. Even though her first home in China was by the sea, this will her first experience on the beach and by the water. We can't wait to "lime" around with the Damiano family and we are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this vacation at their beautiful family home. Enjoy the little "preview" of what we will see and do over the next week.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Please Pray!

As most of you know, I have a wonderful circle of friends via a yahoo group. We are a group of women who have never met, but I consider them some of my closest friends. We were all orginally connected through our adoption journeys, as a way to support each other throughout the processes. We have evolved into so much more. Some of us have been able to meet, others of us just talk on the phone. At this time, we have a friend in our circle who desperately needs prayers. Carole's 31/2 year old son was in a horrible accident involving a tractor this past weekend. He has already had several surgeries and is facing much more in the next few days. He and his brother Paul have only been home from Ethiopia with Carole, Marty, Mary (5) and Julia(21/2) for 6 weeks. You can check progress at their Caring Bridge site and leave them a word of encouragement on their guestbook. They live in Wisconsin and Samuel is being cared for at Milwaukee Children's Hospital. You can also read about this wonderful family and their journeys to China and Ethiopia to bring their children home at paul-samuelphillipson.blogspot.com. Thank you for lifting up this family during such a devastating time.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

High Country Color


"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence

This is exactly how we felt this weekend. We have so much here at home that we could do...laundry, for instance. Or a very serious shopping trip to Costco. But instead, Saturday morning, we quickly loaded the car with bicycles, water bottles, and micro-fleece and headed for the High Country. We meandered up to Conifer and then over Kenosha Pass. We had planned to stop there and let the girls run around on a short hike, but the place was packed with "peepers" (as the "leaf lookers" are so affectionately known in Vermont). So we drove on into Fairplay and then over Hoosier Pass into Breckenridge. We stopped for lunch, let the girls play, and then zipped on over Vail Pass to the Mountain House. Hailey and I went for a bike ride while Hanna napped (exhausted from all that driving, I guess). Then it was dinner and we all settled down to watch...SEC Football, of course. (Some things cannot be completely ignored.)
Today we got up and around and headed up to our favorite place in Eagle County, Piney Lake. The hills were just lit up with yellow, orange and the occasional red. We hiked along Piney Creek for over and hour, then had a picnic before taking out the canoe. It was too perfect for words. Gary took off to get in a run while the girls and I played, took pictures, and just relaxed.
Now we are home, the girls are sleeping, the laundry is waiting, and tomorrow it will back to our routine...but we are so happy we "took the time to sit still and watch the leaves turn".

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Important Health Advice for Women



Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
Do you suffer from shyness?

Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about
yourself and your actions. Chardonnay can help ease you out of your shyness and
let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about
anything.


You will notice the benefits of Chardonnay almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to! live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living.

Chardonnay may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing
should not use Chardonnay. However, w
omen who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, drymouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke.

WARNINGS:

* The consumption of Chardonnay may make you think you are whispering when you
are not.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to tell your friends over and
over again that you love them.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to think you can sing.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may make you
think you can logically converse
without spitting.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.


Okay, okay, not my typical post...but,
those of you who know me well will certainly appreciate this. It is certainly not characteristic of most of my posts about my sweet girls...but, I couldn't resist. I can think of few folks "out there" who can relate...
CHEERS!

Friday, September 26, 2008

New Big Girl Bed





Hanna has now graduated to her BIG GIRL BED. I think it has been more emotional for me than her. She has made the transition beautifully. I, on the other, am so sad to see the crib go. Another milestone...another step away from "baby". (Insert sigh...). On the bright side though, snuggles are much more accessible...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Movie Night in the Fairy Club

UPDATE: For those of you who guessed; the girls watched Toy Story...hence the newest song on our soundtrack...


The other night it was nice and cool so Gary set up a movie for the girls in the backyard, perched up the "Fairy Club". They have done this the past few summers, sometimes when their cousins are over. It's great when there is a bit of chill, so the girls get get all bundled up and snuggle underneath the down blankets. What fun! I think you can tell from the girls faces, they loved it. You can't see it, but there is a big bowl of popcorn between them! Now, can you guess the movie they watched???

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota


Last week we took a much needed break from the "back to school" rushing around and headed north to South Dakota. Gary's parents, Nana and Pop are visiting for a couple of weeks from Alabama and none of us had been up to Mt. Rushmore or the Black Hills so off we went. The trip was fabulous. We had such a great time seeing new sights. We are already talking about going back in the Spring to do more hiking and biking. We stayed in Rapid City which worked out great. It was so easy to get out and about and do so many things. I do have to say that this little "neck of the woods" will do anything to make a buck off of a tourist. They have more "cheesy" tourist attractions than any one place should have. And some of it stuff that doesn't even belong there...like a reptile garden where you can see alligators. I don't get it. And another place called Cosmos that has something to do with extraterrestrial experiences. I don't know that I'd pay the 15.00 for it, but hey, somebody must. We did some of the more obvious tourist things. We rode a steam train from 1880, went to a Chuckwagon dinner and cowboy show. They had pony rides for the girls and gold panning. Then dinner was kicked off with a Wild West shoot out. And I must say that the "Biscuit Bandit" was quite the cutie...He played guitar after dinner in the Cowboy Band and watching him was certainly the highlight of my evening. We went to the Badlands, which looks an awful lot like western Colorado and Eastern Utah and having passed through there several times, I never would've willingly paid admission to see it...But in South Dakota, this deserted wasteland (albeit, somewhat interesting) is a tourist attraction. We actually paid $15.00 to tour this "National Wonder". And then it was a stop at the infamous Wall Drug. This place is a drug store that is completely out of control. Started back in the 1930's as a place for hot, weary travelers to get "Free Ice Water", this place now has everything from cold beer to Minnetonka Moccasins...and every kitchy nick-nack you could think of that has anything to do with Cowboys, Native Americans, Hunting, Rocks, or Dinosaurs. They have it covered. Oh, and a doughnut shop, an ice cream shop and a diner. It was actually where the girls had the most fun. Custer State Park and Needles were well worth it. We can't wait to go back again. We enjoyed seeing all of the wildlife...the girls couldn't get over the herd of "Begging Burros". You have to see it to believe it.
All in all we had a great time and Hanna is still talking about her friends George, Tom, Teddy and Abe.
Day One: Mt. Rushmore and a Train Ride



Day Two: Badlands and Wall Drug

Day Three: Custer State Park and Needles

Monday, August 25, 2008

Some Thoughts About Home....Feeling Sentimental


I've got my memories always inside of me
But I can't go back; Back to how it was
I believe now I've seen too much
But I can't go back; Back to how it was
Created for a place I've never known

This is home
Now I'm finally Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery...I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back; Back to how it was
And I got my heart Set on What happens next
I got my eyes wide It's not over yet
We are miracles And we're not alone
And now after all My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
Now I know Yeah, this is home
I've come too far Now I won't go back
This is home

lyrics by Switchfoot

Monday, August 18, 2008

Our oasis...

I had no idea when I met my husband that he had such a green thumb. He loves all things plants. We have lived in our house for four years now and he has change virtually every corner of our backyard. About a year after living here, my uncle, a landscape architect, drew up some plans for us while we were visiting them at their home in California. Gary just took off with the ideas and now, four years later, we have the most beautiful sanctuary. It has been quite a process, from breaking up concrete, to fixing drainage problems, but he has loved every minute of it...well, maybe not the drainage problems. We are so blessed to have him create such a wonderful retreat for us. Hailey has even taken on an affinity for backyard chores. She is great at helping with the planting and the watering. And we are just thrilled to see Hanna run around barefoot in the soft grass. Thanks Gary, for all of your hard work. We love it!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The ABC's of ME....


Since it is BACK TO SCHOOL TIME, I thought I would do this. I read it on Rachel's Enjoyable Journey. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

A. Attached or single? Attached...but usually fetching something for a small one...
B. Best friend? OF COURSE...
C. Cake or pie? Pie...hot...with ice cream
D. Day of choice? Thursday...it all started when it WAS a great TV night (Friends, Seinfeld, ER when it WAS good)
E. Essential item? Suddently, it has become my XM Radio...try Channel 18...Kenney Chesney all the time!
F. Favorite color? Pink...it's a girl thing
G. Gummy bears or worms? Not of fan of all things gummy
H. Home town? Grand Junction, CO
I. Favorite indulgence? a great date with my hubby
J. January or July? January....Hailey's birthday, Gary's birthday, the New Year, and Skiing!
K. Kids? Hailey and Hanna
L. Life isn't complete without? Gary, Hailey and Hanna...
M. Marriage date? July 15, 2000
N. Number of brothers and sisters? Two sisters...1 older, 1 younger
O. Oranges or apples? Apples...but only in the Fall when they taste the best
P. Phobias? A very busy Wal-Mart...which is why I shop at Target...but a busy Target....I could go crazy...
Q. Quotes? any verse from the Bible that speaks to your heart when you were least expecting it...God is in the whispers.
R. Reasons to smile? my family
S. Season of choice? Spring...great skiing, and great biking here in Colorado...AKA God's Country
T. Tag 5 people: You decide
U. Unknown fact about me? If I tell it won't be unknown...
V. Vegetable? OLATHA Sweet corn!
W. Worst habit? Dishes...
X. X-ray or ultrasound? X-rays far out number ultrasounds for me...knees beat children 4-1
Y. Your favorite food? Pizza...anytime, anywhere, anykind...
Z. Zodiac sign? Aquarius

Saturday, August 9, 2008

First Day of School

Friday was Hailey's first day of 1st grade at her new school. She was very excited and had a great first day. Hailey is our little student. She absolutely loves to learn. Of course, back to school for the kiddos means back to work for Mommy. (insert sigh). We had a great summer, though. I think Camp Mommy was pretty okay...I had fun at least. Hanna also started at a new daycare a couple of weeks ago. The first day was a challenge, but now she goes in without any tears. She is such a trooper and has adjusted so well. We are so proud of our "little learners". Here's to a great year.
The "official" first day photo.
Sisters...so sweet!
What a pose...Hanna looks like such a big girl!
Walking in to school...ready to go...
Hailey, already hard at work in her classroom.