.

THREE TIMES THE JOY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:13:00 +0000

We had a wonderful Christmas this year....3 times!!!

First, at our house with our immediate family and

special friends, Ms. Billie and Sandra.

Then, at Nanny's

with aunts, uncles and cousins.

And lastly, at PawPaw's with more aunts, uncles, and

even MORE cousins!

Thank you all for making our Christmas special. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family. We love you all.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION...Be back in a few hours

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Feeling Close to Distant Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:55:00 +0000

When we got DD, we were told that her best friend was adopted by a family in Spain. Our girls lived together and were care for by the same couple. They were adopted on the same day in 2004. We’ve been in contact with this family for a few years. It’s so funny how we feel a special bond with them even though we’ve never actually met. There’s just a strong connection that’s hard to describe. This week we received a special package in the mail from them.

DD’s sweet friend sent t-shirts from Barcelona.

The girls LOVE them.

Here they are acting silly while modeling for me.

She also sent cute little pony-tail holders…thus the ponytails.

We received a beautiful Christmas card, ornaments and even ...

A special piece of original artwork illustrating Christmas in Spain. The girls really liked this. They want to make some special pictures to send back.

My favorite gift, however, was a DVD containing pictures of DD’s friend and her family from Gotcha Day until present. This is absolutely priceless. Thank you SO MUCH sweet friends. Maybe someday we’ll actually get to meet in person.

Signs of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:40:00 +0000

She shopped 'til she dropped!

NEW CHRISTMAS SHIRTS!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:20:00 +0000

Thanks, Aunt Sherry, for the new Christmas shirts!

The girls love them! You are always so sweet to make things for them. DD read hers to several people today while we were shopping. I guess she didn’t think they could read it for themselves. lol

Hopefully, they’ll get to wear them several more times before Christmas. Thanks again. We LOVE you!

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:06:00 +0000

This is a FIRST for Doodlebug. She usually hides behind DD or hangs on to me. Guess she's beginning to figure this whole Santa thing out...if you don't ask him, you may not get it. It won't be much longer until she REALLY figures this whole thing out. lol I think DD knows, but is willing to play along.

Doodlebug Does It Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:03:00 +0000

NO CAVITIES!!!!!!!! Way to go Doodlebug!! I’ll have to admit that this isn't quite as exciting as DD’s recent cavity-free checkup since DB has always had healthy teeth. It IS surprising though, since teeth brushing isn't a high priority on DB’s "TO DO" list. Sure hope her luck continues...

Both DD and DB had appointments Monday.

DB did fine…such a big girl.

DD, on the other hand, had to be comforted after getting sealants for her molars…a seemingly painless procedure....poor thing. She really hates dental procedures, but I think she enjoys the hugs.

She's Hooked...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Desheng Darling has come a long way since her first violin lesson 10 weeks ago. She’s really hooked on it. She practices almost every day and is progressing very well. She’s currently in the Beginner class, so she was really surprised when her teacher allowed her practice with the Intermediate group. She’ll actually be playing with the Intermediate group for a portion of the upcoming Christmas concert. Way to go DD!!!

Doodlebug? Well, she just likes to go to lessons. She enjoys the theory part of it….naming the notes and clapping the rhythms. She sees no need to really practice. After all, a violin as pretty and pink as hers should be able to play by itself. I think we're in trouble...lol

A First!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:50:00 +0000

For the first time EVER...DD got a great dental check-up! NO CAVITIES!!!!Although Desheng Darling refuses to eat gummy type candies, never chews gum or drinks sodas and brushes her teeth at least twice daily...even without being reminded....she's had a very tough time with her teeth. The dentist even took a second look at the x-rays to confirm NO CAVITIES.

DB busied herself by playing with the giant toothbrush while DD was having her teeth cleaned. It a shame that she doesn't enjoy brushing her own teeth this much.

Last Saturday, the Chopstick Chics met for lunch, then went to a park to play. We’ve really missed seeing the older girls since school started. I still can’t believe that all of the girls in our original group have started to school. It was great seeing Cheerleader and Snowbunny again.

I tried to get a group picture of ALL of the girls but…

Doodlebug refused to pose without Daddy D, and Desheng Darling was too busy playing “big sister” to the little ones to concentrate on making a good picture.

It was great seeing these three together again.

...Still as goofy as ever. Notice DD’s feet. She DOES have shoes. She just kicks them off every chance she gets….no matter where she is….at church, a restaurant, violin classes, a store…ANYWHERE!

Once last attempt for a group smile… Can you tell that Doodlebug has obviously had ENOUGH of this posing for pictures thing? lol

FELINES AT THE FALL FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:08:00 +0000

DD and DB LOVE cats, so I made them these cat costumes to wear to the Fall Festival at our church today.

They were mistaken for mice several times. Guess I should’ve chosen the black fabric…Anyway, DD and DB loved their costumes and told each other that they looked really cute. lol

It was actually a “Trunk or Treat” activity where at least 30 families from our church decorated their cars and provided candy and games for the kids. The girls enjoyed getting all the sweet candy, but again this year their favorite activities were...

the inflatable courses and...

the pony rides….totally sugar free.

Just hope all that Fun at the Fall Fest doesn’t lead to more Fillings for the Felines. lol

Gotcha Day 2009-Desheng Darling

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:43:00 +0000

HAS IT REALLY BEEN 5 YEARS??????

On October 25, 2004 our lives were forever changed.

Desheng Darling joined our family. We had NO clue what blessings lay in store for us.

Today we happily celebrated our 5 Year Gotcha Day Anniversary!

We traditionally add a charm to her bracelet each year. This year, she wanted two…a violin and a bookworm. These are so fitting for her!

Her next request was to go to Barnes & Noble for a new book. She’s learned that we never say “no” to a new book, so she makes a point to ask for one if we are anywhere near a book store.

She just made herself at home…

Then, she requested a trip to the Disney store. We DO say “no” to toys quite often

…but today we gave in and bought a pair of Cinderella glass slippers that actually light up when she takes a step. Well, you would have thought the shoes were really made of glass by the way the girls were limping. Lol.... Oh, the pain a woman will endure for a pair of pretty shoes…

Then it was off to her favorite restaurant, Moon Wok.

It’s a small Chinese place where she gets lots of attention and great eggdrop soup. She enjoys practicing her Mandarin with the people who work there. It’s really quite humorous to hear her try to speak Chinese with her heavy accent, but the people are kind and really work with her.

We completed the day by baking a chocolate cake with a pink heart (her request) to commemorate her special day.

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY DD! You are a joy and we love you more than words can say!!!!!!

Pumpkin Patch Pictures 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Today our play group met for our annual pumpkin patch pictures. The plans were to make a few great pictures, buy some pumpkins, and paint them at the park....Well, it didn't really happen that way. It was much colder than we expected and the kids were obviously not thrilled about having a picture made. DD actually cried and went to the car to read her books.

Since it was too cold to go to the park, we went to McD's ....Instant happiness!

No more tears!

We saved the pumpkin painting for a little later in the afternoon...

Everything's more fun after a little ice cream. lol

...Artists at work...

PUMPKIN FUN RUN

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Sister Darling invited us to join her at the Annual Pumpkin Fun Run on Saturday to help her school win a cash prize for the most participants. I think she also wanted her students to meet her little sisters, DD and DB.

The girls participated in the 1 mile fun run. I’m sure DD covered at least 2 miles with all of the running, jumping, skipping, hopping and back tracking that she did….just her kind of fun!

Doodlebug, on the other hand, really preferred to participate like this! Lol...Just kidding. She actually walked and ran most of the way. Sister Darling only carried her about 20 steps.

The walk was a breeze for PawPaw (almost 83) who walks over two miles every day. He’s amazing!

The girls also enjoyed a little face painting.

Cute little kittens, don't you think????

A nice fireman allowed DD and DB to explore the fire engine.

Obviously, nothing was "off limits" to DD!

There was even a booth where the girls could sign Christmas cards to send to our troops.

Of course, DB and DD had to add a few hearts and kitten drawings to theirs. Maybe some soldier's day will be brightened when s/he receives them.

Thanks Sister Darling for inviting us. The Pumpkin Fun Run was really FUN and we’re glad your school won 2nd place!

This Week in School

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:10:00 +0000

We had an interesting study this week beginning with Abraham, Sarah and the birth of Isaac. On the day that we studied about Abraham sending the servant with camels to find a wife for Isaac, the girls enjoyed making camel cookies, reading library books about camels, and studying about how well God physically prepared these animals to live in their environments. The girls really enjoyed it.

Of course, cookies make everything nice...even camels!

DD loves to work with pattern blocks, so she used them to make this camel.

When we moved on to the study of Esau and Jacob, we made lentil soup, somewhat like the soup that Jacob made and traded Esau for his birthright. The girls loved it and enjoyed sharing a bowl with PawPaw.

In science we continued our study of plants. This week we discussed the structure and function of the different parts of a plant.

In this picture, DB is supposed to be a plant without roots. Notice how DD is able to easily sway her from her position like a strong wind. I think DD enjoyed this a little too much.

With roots (notice how DD is firmly planted) the wind (DB) is unable to move her from her position.

And finally, this activity is a demonstration of how the stem and roots soak up water and nutrients. The overall focus of the lesson was on how God has given each of us an important part in life. There are times when our part may be to act like a root…to nurture and nourish those around us. At other times we may need to be like a stem…strong and supportive. Our purpose may even be like a leaf… providing shelter and protection. ` We need to pray that God will reveal our purpose and then strive to fulfill it . Not a bad lesson.

How Big was that Boat Anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:46:00 +0000

Our curriculum this year takes us through the Old and New Testaments. Yesterday we studied about Noah, a somewhat familiar story to the girls. To make it more interesting I took the girls outside to do a little measuring. I wanted them to have a realistic idea of just how big the boat was. It was MUCH bigger than they expected. The girls took turns using a 25 ft. tape measure and chalk to mark off the 450 ft. needed. When we were almost finished, DB suddenly stopped measuring at about 21 ft. rather than taking the tape out 25 ft. I said, “DB, why did you stop before getting to the end of the tape? You still have 4 ft. to go.” Her reply, “It’s in the shade!” lol She obviously places more importance on her comfort than her education.

The girls also did a fun graphing activity with animal crackers as we talked about all of the animals on the ark.

Later, they each made their own boat and tested its buoyancy (displacement) by filling it with pennies until it sank.

Since DD LOVES science, I finally broke down and bought an “all-inclusive” science curriculum. It came with almost everything we needed to perform the experiments making all of those last minute trips to the store for supplies unnecessary. Each lesson is accompanied by a Bible reference.

We ended our school day with a lesson about the basic needs of plants and animals. Philippians 4:19 was the reference. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” I think this is going to be a great year for seeing science through the proper perspective.

Later that day DD and DB went to AWANAS at our church. DB was SO EXCITED! She usually stays VERY close to me in public, but this time she actually ran past me to get to the doors of the church.

She just couldn’t wait to recite her memory verse. It was supposed to go like this. “God loved us and sent His son." But for some reason…she kept reciting it like this: “God loved us and sent HER son.” No matter how many times we went over it, she kept reverting back to her way! Lol

Today we learned about the Tower of Babel. We didn’t get to do as many fun things because Doodlebug has to go to speech classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We always have to rush to get everything done before speech.

Here they are trying to build their own tower out of clay and toothpicks. They weren’t very successful, (but neither were the people in the Bible) but they had fun!
We did have time, however, to talk about "common nouns." I explained that the nouns were common because there are many of them...like sisters, brothers, dogs, etc. DD asked me if there was anything that there was just ONE of. I said, "Well, there's just one true God." She replied, "Well, God's a Holy noun, right?" lol

The best part of the day came once we returned home from speech class…FedEx delivered Doodlebug’s PINK violin! (Yes, it’s real!)

She’s obviously VERY PLEASED! I only wish the sounds coming from her violin were as pleasant as her smile! lol

A LITTLE BOUNCE IN THE MUSIC

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

We decided to let DD begin taking violin lessons a couple of weeks ago. After her first lesson I began to question this decision greatly. The best way to describe the scene is to picture a small rubber ball being thrown into a completely empty room with great force. She was absolutely “bouncing off of the walls.” If you know DD, you know that she’s quite “active,” but this was BEYOND active!!! She couldn’t stay seated. She was constantly touching the other violins, violas and the cello. She seemed to be intrigued by everything in the room. Fortunately, her teacher has been working with children for many, many years and has several children of her own. She didn’t seem to be as concerned with DD’s behavior as I was, but I’m sure she must have been secretly thinking about buying Velcro for DD’s seat before her next lesson.

(Where are her shoes??? I know she had them on when we arrived. Oh my.)

Lesson 2 was MUCH BETTER even without the Velcro. Her teacher was very impressed with DD’s ability to recall and play everything she was taught during the first lesson. She told us that DD was already playing a song that normally takes her students approximately 2 months to learn. She also commented that it usually takes about 6 months for a lefty to master the correct hand position on the bow with her non-dominant hand, but that DD seemed to already have it. I honestly think that she was amazed that DD heard ANYTHING she said the first week. lol Maybe it just goes to show that adding a little BOUNCE to your MUSIC never hurts. Lol

The Big One!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Last week I celebrated a REALLY BIG birthday…SO big that I don’t think the numbers are even on this keyboard. Lol Even if they were, I don’t think I could bring myself to actually type them. It’s taken me almost a week to actually post it. Lol So I’ll just say that it was great fun having all of the kids together to celebrate. I love to watch them interact. The older ones are like heroes to the little ones. Their b-day present to me was a new camera. YEA!!!! My old one has been dropped more times than I can count. The door that secures the batteries in the camera will not stay closed and there is no longer a ZOOM button, plus the image screen is much too small for my aging eyes.

I guess it was just falling apart…just a little too symbolic don’t you think?

Say Cheese!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:56:00 +0000

Just thought I'd share some recent pictures we had made of the girls. Enjoy.

Heck No-Gecko!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:33:00 +0000

We have been overrun with geckos this summer. They are SO creepy! They scare me to death. We’ve even found them INSIDE the house on a number of occasions. They just run in when we open the door. Yuk! Last week we even found a small snake beside Doodlebug’s bed! Oh my! Desperate for some help---we got a cat. Meet our great GECKO GETTER!

She still needs a name...

Why is it that I’m not feeling really good about this yet? Hmmmm.

Exercise?

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Even home school students need recess but I'm not sure this counts as exercise.

This was more of what I had in mind...lol

Favorite Photo Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Do you think the story still ends the same when read upside down?lol

First Day-First Grade-Follies

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Today was DD's first day in 1st Grade. How can that possibly be? It just doesn't seem real. Oh how I'd love to keep them small for just a few more years....Oh well...enough of that. I've already been there and done that twice and I know how fast time flies so I'll just have to enjoy each day as it comes. However....If these pictures are any indication of how our year is going to go...We may be in BIG trouble! LOL They were SOOOOO silly! (Just like little girls are supposed to be.)

Actually, Desheng Darling worked very hard today. She's so eager to learn. It was Mama Darling who was ready for RECESS! lol

Celebrating Gotcha Day-2 Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:12:00 +0000

August 20, 2007

August 20, 2009

So much has changed! The fear that once filled those little eyes is gone, replaced by a sparkle of confidence and happiness. Those quiet, sad, pouty little lips, once a prominent part of DB’s appearance are seldom ever seen. Instead we see a beautiful smile, followed by a precious giggle and questions…more questions…and more questions (although most of them are “Why?”) We’re no longer strangers like we were 2 years ago on that hot day in China, but now we’re a family connected by an indescribable love. Doodlebug has been such a blessing.... especially to DD. They are constant companions and best friends. DB seems to provide DD with the tremendous amount of attention she craves and is happy to do it. What a blessing!!!

Doodlebug is our “Girly-Girl”. She loves jewelry, make-up, frilly dresses, high-heel shoes, pony tails and kittens. We bought her this

“gotcha-day” kitten charm in a store filled with girly stuff.

I think she could have stayed in there all day!

Next, it was off to the mall to buy something from the Disney store.

Doodlebug decided on a cat….just like the one she bought last year! As a matter of fact, she chose a “kitten charm” last year too. This girl loves cats!

As you can tell, DD is more into the "fairy stage" right now.
Sister Darling was able to leave her job and join us for lunch. The girls were thrilled that she came to help us celebrate. Lastly....THE CAROUSEL!

Notice Doodlebug's ride...A CAT!

DD and DB have been the best mid-life crisis decisions we’ve made thus far….

Happy Gotcha Day, Doodlebug! We love you.

Summer Reading Program Success

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:24:00 +0000

(The last picture taken of Desheng Darling with all of her front teeth.)

After all of the tooth excitement, DD and DB went to a special carnival at the library to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Program. The children participating in the program earned tickets based on the number of books they read during the months of June and July. DD read approximately 220 books and received 195 tickets! There were lots of games and activities at the carnival. Each one REQUIRED ONLY 1 TICKET!!! Needless to say, we ran out of energy LONG before we ran out of tickets!

Doodlebug loved the limbo!They both enjoyed "dunking" the volunteer!Time for a little lolli-pop picking!And "ringing" the octopus.And before leaving...they both had to have their fingernails painted! The good times continued when the girls got home with a visit from Sister Darling and a little fun in the sun. (We can always count on Doodlebug for the latest in swimsuit fashions!) lol

What's Missing?

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Darling) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Notice anything different about DD? Yep, there's a tooth missing. After days of wiggling it back and forth and refusing assistance from Mama D and Daddy D, Desheng Darling's tooth finally came out while she was eating breakfast. She just looked at us and calmly asked, "Is this what a tooth looks like?" She was holding a little tooth and smiling from ear to ear as if she had accomplished something amazing! It's hard to believe how fast she is growing up.