Who Knew?

Who knew that this incredibly cute, crazy-haired, determined looking, brave baby girl would grow into my sweet, confident, loving, funny, dancing girl! 

Nine years ago this month, we were informed that a very sweet 13-month girl was meant for us and waiting in the Wuchuan SWI in Guangdong Province of the PRC.

Happy referral anniversary to all of us!

Love you baby girl!



A Transplant of Sorts!

Maddy and Molly just after Molly was released from the hospital!

Maddy inherited two American*Girl dolls from her older cousin.  She wasn't too interested in either doll until just lately.  At first, I thought the two she inherited were knockoffs, not official AG girls.  :(  There was no AG marking, but there was an imprint of "The Pleasant Company" on the back of each doll's neck.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that AG dolls were started by The Pleasant Company and two she had were indeed official AG girls!

But, woe -- Molly needed an eye transplant as one eye was not working properly and she could not see very well.  No problem.  We sent her off to the AG doll hospital in Wisconsin where surgery was performed last week.  She came through it fine and recovered quickly, returning home on Friday!  She has the cutest little braids and will soon be wearing a jumper just like Maddy's school jumper.

The other girl is Felicity -- we thought she was Rebecca at first.  She is in great shape, but kind of needs a little bit of attention to her hair.  I thought I had hair problems -- she has some extreme tangles going on!!! :)  So it seems we have joined the throngs of AG fans!   



Felicity -- hiding in a sleeping bag with her messy hair!



Favorite Photo Friday - Hello Cabbage!

Last fall I fell in love with so many images in the Southern Living and Country Living magazines of fall scenescapes (is that even a word?)  using
decorative cabbage.

I was shocked . . . cabbage . . .  could look so good, really??  

 Then, just before Halloween, I spied some puny little cabbage plants at a local big box store on clearance.  Since it was so cheap economical (and I am all about saving a dime here and there, right Mr. Tennis!?!),
I bought a few.  I figured that maybe it would enhance our lovely
 front porch/door area.  I crossed my fingers that the stinking squirrels who
destroy everything
and even eat plastic pumpkins and gourds would not be fans of cabbage!

 (FYI -- squirrels have not touched it!) 

Imagine my surprise when those puny little cabbage plants started to grow larger and more beautiful as the temps declined.  No way!! 

Had my brown thumb suddenly turned green?!! 

I called my local nursery and was informed that ornamental cabbage likes cool temps and would be fine and grow even more until mid-January. 

 It does not do well in warm temps. 

The time to plant it is in the fall before frost. 

Anyway, it is now definitely one of my favorite plants and perfect
 to take the place of all of the flowering plants that have wilted
 in the fall due to Jack Frost!

All photos in the post were taken just last week -- January, 2012!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Scootering into Spring!

I hate to jinx it, but we have been having phenomenal weather here in Nebraska! 

Holy smokes -- we've had temps in the 40's (still a teensy bit chilly);  

50's (yay - getting out the sunscreen) and even 60's (flipflop weather)! 

 I'm sure winter will arrive one of these days, but we're really enjoying the

 warmth and sunny skies while it lasts!

For those wondering souls, yes, Santa did come through and brought Maddy an

electric (battery-powered) Razr scooter!  

 ADORABLE!! 

Wishing there was one in my size!

It's been the perfect year for it since the weather is so nice.  Maddy was out on it the other day and I witnessed two boys across the street with their mouths wide open at the coolness of it!! 

Muffy, however, is not a big fan and barks at it when we tag along on a walk behind Maddy.  If only my foot were better, it would be a great running exercise to keep up with her.  It's supposed to go up to 13 mph!  Maybe when the real spring gets here, we'll do that!  Mr. Tennis has promised Muffy that he will check into finding a sidecar for her to sit in!  :)  Silly!

Favorite photo friday!

This is my most adorable little grandson, Walt. 

We took these photos just after Thanksgiving when he was 6 months old.

  Isn't he the cutest!

And here he is again with his Mom, Dad and big sis, Janie B!  

Sweetest family ever!



2011 - The Year in Review

2011 was a difficult year with my Mom in hospice care and losing her valiant battle with cancer in February.  Grieving is a life-long process.  I miss her and think of her every single day.

I hesitated doing a year in review as it has been so difficult without my Mom.  But, she loved to hear about and see photos of what we were doing, so . . .

2011 - the Year in Review.

 The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her.

Author Unknown



Photo by Donna Boucher Photography

Sweet little Janie celebrated her very first birthday in February!

 

In March, we learned that Philip would be doing his residency in Omaha and celebrated the 8th anniversary of meeting sweet Maddy in China!

April brought warm temps and walks with our sweet Scottie, Miss Muffy and a trip to DisneyWorld!

May meant graduation from medical school AND the birth of baby boy Walter!

In June, school let out and summer fun began -- including wearing headbands with flowers as big as her head!

July brought warm temps, swimming lessons and a visit to the beach, Hilton Head, to be exact!

In August, it was back to school to time -- now a 4th grader!!

September called for visits to neighborhood parks with the neighbor friends and teaching Muffy to go down a slide!

October brought  pumpkin patch visits, Halloween and the Steven Curtis Chapman concert!

We loved playing in the leaves in November and being thankful for our family and friends!

 December meant gift-giving, partying, celebrating Maddy's 10th birthday and enjoying time with  friends and family!

We are looking forward to all that 2012 will bring! 

Thanks to you readers for your support and kindness!