Photos to be posted soon!!!

Meanwhile from Love Without Boundaries...

There is a contest on Facebook right now, supported by the Case
Foundation. Every day, the charity that gets the most unique donors
wins $1000, and on February 1st, the charity that has the most unique
donations wins FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. Yes, $50,000. Right now, the
charity in the lead has "just" 280 people who donated to them.

To register a donation, someone only has to give $10. Would it be
possible for us to find more than 280 people on Facebook who want to
help orphaned children in China? Wouldn't it be so wonderful to know
we had $50,000 extra to help children with urgent needs?

If you are on Facebook or know people who are, please let them know
that LWB is now registered as of last week. Yes, they are behind in the
polls, but we can turn that around, right? The power of the adoption
world is an amazing one! You have to donate through Facebook...that is
the one catch, but I am hoping there is a way to let people in the
adoptive world who are part of Facebook know they can help change a
life by giving $10.

Here is the facebook link:

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/51591

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

From the Trips and my kids... Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah!!!

The Kramer Elves!! (click hereto see us!)


Merry CHRISTmas!

A few random photos...

Lucy, mutt puppy princess
Bart, blind cocker spaniel
EQ trying to pet the pygmy goats at Virginia Safari Park
They do love each other!
TA rock climbing
Boo, Citadel mascot
General

I got this idea from Family Fun Magazine and decided to try it out on a Christmas Party. Trunk is pineapple. Branches are apples and pears. Ornaments are grapes and star fruit. Yummy!!! Glad I have this photo - it was destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Saturday while making crafts at Granny's:

C: How old does TA need to be to got o Camp Granny?
Granny: Hmmm...5 I think.
TA: What's Camp Granny?
C: It's when you come to Granny and Pa's for a week all by yourself.
TA (with chin in hands): But, how will I get here? I can't drive.


Sunday while getting ready to hit the road:

TA: What's that? (pointing to the bags on the counter)
Granny: That's popcorn for the car.
TA: I didn't know the car used popcorn to go.


Poor EQ was feeling too puny to participate. Photos soon!!! (I promise!!!)

Couldn't post a list yesterday due to working and traveling. Sooo...


HAPPY DAY TURKEYS!!!!!!!

More things I am thankful for:

All 3 of my children - the one in heaven and the 2 on earth
Having a little girl who will puke on me and then snuggle up anyway.
Cracker Barrel
Granny and Pa's house
Thanksgiving with Family
Puppies who all 4 get a long
Big Balloons to oooo over (Macy's Parade)
Traditional Recipies
A person to share the driving with
HOV lanes
Friends...
...and many more things I am sure I will think of later...

Please share your lists.

Tuesday's Ten Thankfuls

1. Feather pillows (not down. made with pillow ticking)
2. Snuggles from little girls
3. instant mashed potatoes
4. Bible study with other parents
5. An incredible husband
6. Not crying...and crying alone
7. Fresh Garlic
8. Wireless Internet
9. Bedtime prayers
10. Older people to tell stories about their youth

Monday's Ten Thankful Things

1. Hot Apple Pie Soup made by a 4 year old.
2. Driving against traffic to get to work.
3. Having an 89 year old spit on me. And grin.
4. Curves
5. Haagen Dazs Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream
6. Easy Dinners
7. hand-made afghans
8. snuggle puppies
9. books on tape/cd
10. Paying someone to wrap Christmas presents

Sunday's Thankful 10:

1. A little boy to cuddle with all night. (The hotel had two double beds so we each had a bed and a kid.)
2. Virginia Safari Park
3. Cars with windows to keep the llamas out!
4. Feeding wild animals from your car.
5. Feeding giraffes
6. Little girls who hop everywhere. Must be the Chinese Jumping Beans!
7. Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park God is truly amazing!!!
8. Hearing from a friend who ran into another old friend at a hockey game - years after last seeing them!
9. The Amazing Race
10. A hubby who drove us all over VA today. :-)

Saturday's 10 Thankful Things:

1. College football games (Go Citadel Bulldogs!!!
2. Moisturizer with SPF 30 when you left all sunblock at home.
3. crisp fall weather
4. Amazing kids who cheer on the winning team
5. Alumni who are all friends even though they've never met
6. NAPS
7. Sweatshirts with pockets.
8. fig newtons
9. rubber duckies
10. thumbs for sucking (from TA)

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

I am going to try to list things I am Thankful for between now and Thanksgiving. These are in no particular order and are typed as they pop into my head.

1. Ace wrap for sore ankles that get turned way too often.
2. Caramel Hershey kisses
3. Splenda
4. Chinese orphans with Albinism
5. Puppy snuggles and kisses
6. TiVO so I can play with the kids and still watch my favorite shows.
7. Books on tape
8. My wonderful husband who is an amazing Daddy
9. Coming home to shouts of 'Mommy' and given big hugs.
10. Watching the American flag wave in the breeze and knowing we are free...thanks to many who sacrificed their lives.

So, CCAI received a new list of Waiting Children (aka Special Needs children) this week. We were referred a little one over Labor Day weekend and turned him down for many reasons and he found his family later that afternoon. There are many people excitedly waiting for the phone call. We aren't one of them. We haven't resolved the issues from before.

Well - we got a call. They wanted to know if we were still waiting or if we were ready. Oh my. Hopefully by the end of the year. I just need to get motivated.

Please keep that in your prayers and also all the new referrals going out in the next few days.

The first one is for my polka loving friends - you know who you are!

The second are TA and EQ enjoying Oktoberfest in style. :-)

'night all...

A couple of weeks ago, S and I were able to have a rare date night. I was determined that w were not going to sit in front of a screen. We went to a yummy dinner at a tapas bar . We weren't sure what to expect, but everything was delicious. Especially the sangria. Then we took the metro into the district. The monuments are beautiful all lit up. My camera (and operator) doesn't do them justice.

The Washington Monument


WWII Memorial. Each star represents 100 americans who died.




Korean War Memorial. My grandfather served in his war.


It's a wrap (as seen in the parking garage when we returned to our car.)

My very first homemade Apple Pie!!! TA asked for an apple pie one day while driving. I called a friend and was reassured it was easy. We went to the farmer's market and purchased the recommended apples. Got down the apple corer peeler slicer thingy . TA was able to do this part after I set up the apples. Then I got out my apple wedger and cut all the slices. S ran to the store for a missing spice. We got out the refrigerated pie crust filled it up, covered it, crimped the edges with my granny's pie tool and baked it. Oh it was yummy!!!! I may need to try it again.

Isn't it pretty???

Look. I have pink toes!


Where's the great pumpkin?


He was smiling just before I took this! OK - TA insisted on being a giraffe for halloween. I found a 2T-3T costume at a consignment sale for $10. He wears 4-5. The boy didn't seem to mind the wedgie he had all night! EQ loved playing with his tail as well.


Trick or Treat
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Random Photos...create your own captions!!

October 15th is a National Day of Rememberance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. They are asking for everyone to light a candle at 7pm for at least an hour. The wish is for there to be a constant wave of light around the world.

As a friend so eloquently put it, "October is about more than boobs." Thousands of babies die each year and are ofen silently mourned by their immeidate family only. If you know of someone who lost a baby, no matter how far along in their pregnancy they might have been, please let them know youa re thinking of them on the 15th. Knowing that their precious baby isn't forgotten will mean so much.

In memory of Lucas David - Born Still, 24 January 2004, 0201am - forever in our hearts and the arms of Jesus.

We love you and miss you.

Happy Birthday to Me.

Due to the craziness of Wednesday evenings (Awana for both kids, class for S.) I decided we would go out last night. Very yummy at Mike's American Grill imperial crab dip, filet tips and penne pasta, flourless chocolate waffle with ice cream and my family singing "Happy Birthday" to me. Today was a fair day. I can't believe I am 37. How did I get this old? I don't feel like I should be 37. What should it feel like? When my mom was 37 I was 15/16 and dating my now husband (who'd've thunk that then???) I have a 4 year old, 2 1/2 year old and we are talkinga bout numbers 3 and 4.

Do I wish I could have started my family sooner? Yes.
Would I trade any of the experiences I have had in my life? Nope. Not even the negative/bad ones.
Do I feel my age? some days - especially when my feet are killing me
Do I act my age? NEVER!!!

What did I get for my birthday? a few ecards, a few phone calls, a book and a card

And chocolate cake at 9pm - complete with kids singing and helping blow out candles.

God is great and life is good.

Also - Rich Mullins went home to heaven 10 years ago today. On my 27th bday. If you haven't checked out his music and lyrics, please do so. It'll touch you.

Blessings
the Birthday Girl

Madeleine L"Engle 1918 - 2007

Miss M had a tremendous impact on me. I have most of her writings and am always searching for more. I remember reading A Wrinkle in Time when I was younger and being fascinated yet overwhelmed by the intricacy of the story. One of my favorite books by Miss M is Troubling a Star . This the closest I have gotten to traveling to Antactica so far.

Miss M's faith was also something I admired. She wove themes of God and his amazing power throughout her books and poetry. We even quoted her at our wedding.

To close, here is poem she wrote that is perfect for today:

Lines After M. B.'s Funeral
There's a hole in the world.
I'm afraid I may fall through.
Someone has died
Was
Has gone
Is where?
Will be
Is
How?
This is neither the first
Nor the only time that space has opened.
We are riddled with death
Like sieve.
The dark holes are as multitudinous
As teh starts in the galaxies,
As open to the cold blasts of wind.
If we fell through
What would we find?
Show me
Let me look through this new empty space
To where
The wind cmoes from
And the light begins.

~Madeleine L'Engle, Lines Scribbled on an Envelope

Blessings to you...

On Friday we were called with a referral from CCAI of a little boy who has a cleft lip/palate. The special need wasn't an issue with us. We read his file. Talked, prayed, asked many of you to pray, talked some more. Went to church on Sunday and talked about Hannah .

Our application is in a holding pattern with CCAI pending me losing some weight. I have been giong to Curves again on a regular basis and last night I joined Weight Watchers so I can attend with a gal I met in Sunday School. I need to lose some weight so our application can be officially approved to China standards.

So - we agreed that we should say 'no' to this particular little one and get motivated. We let our agency know this morning. I know this little guy's perfect family is waiting for him and that our next child is out there for us. We have always said we wanted 4 children. We are halfway there. And God is always, always faithful!

Oh - and I ate broccoli Saturday night for the first time and....:::::GASP:::::.....I liked it!!!!! See - miracles happen daily! :-)

C.

Raising a true gentleman....

On the way home from school Friday, TA told his daddy that he lost the flower for Mommy and had to get me another one. So they stopped at the florist and TA and EQ picked this out for me. Isn't it beautiful!!




We are trying to teach him to be a gentleman...holding doors, using polite words, letting ladies and girls go first, not pushing, buying flowers, and all the other things that come with being a polite little man. Buying his mommy flowers is an excellent start!

At dinner tonight we were reviewing TA's Sunday school lesson about Jonathan and David. Jonathan gave David 5 things and we asked TA what they were. EQ piped up, "Two M&M" Hmmm....we don't think they had M&M's back then. Do you?

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Yellow was my Granny's favorite color.

You Are a Carousel

You are young at heart and a truly playful person. No one would ever accuse you of taking life too seriously. You are definitely in things for the fun. You find joy easily, and you are often building up anticipation for your next adventure. In relationships, you tend to want to be babied and taken care of. And while you may be a bit high maintenance, you are incredibly loyal. Your life is simple and satisfying. Each day you treat yourself to something you enjoy. You have a lot of emotional attachments, and experiences are extra vivid to you. You tend to be nostalgic and sentimental. The past is important to you. Comfortable around all living things, you have a special connection to animals and children. At your best, you are whimsical, free spirited, and creative. Even if your schemes seem a bit strange, they usually work out wonderfully. At your worst, you are spoiled, demanding, and impossible to satisfy. You've been known to act like a brat if you aren't getting your way!

What Carnival Ride Are You?

One of my favorite rides!!

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and expressive, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

I did love Paris...Hmmmm

TA and EQ

When you are anticipating becoming a parent, you don't hink of some of the things you find yourself saying. Here are some of our favorites:

S. to TA (4yo): You have coffee breath! (He had been drinking a 'spot' of coffee after dinner - decaf of course)
C. to TA (almost 2yo): What are your glasses doing in in your soup? (He signed 'all done' - not sure if it was the for the soup or glasses...)
to both: Don't sit on your sister/brother/the dog.
C. to EQ (2): Get out of the pantry! (the pantry is a closet type. She walked in and closed the door behind her!)
C. to EQ (2): Sorry sweetie, girls can't stand up to go peepee in the potty.

More to come, I'm certain!

I realized there haven't been many photos lately, so here are some from random days/events. Enjoy!!!

On a side note, we too the kids shoe shopping last night. TA got size 11 1/2, EQ 7 1/2. In March TA was in a 9 and EQ in a 6. I wonder who is feeding them miracle grow! We have been getting busy for fall. TA is promoting to the 4 year old class at school and church. Both kids are going to be in Awana this year. TA will be a Cubbie again and EQ will be a Puggle. TA learned so much about Jesus and the bible last year. They start with scripture memory and his memory is amazing!

I am also trying to find a Chinese class for him. And he wants to take gymnastics (aka 'nastics). He walked up to me tonight, balanced one arm on the chair, grabbed his foot and lifted his leg straight up, saying, "Watch me Mommy!" Once upon a time I could do that too...many years and pounds ago!

We have finally found a church . Our sunday school class is great!!! The teacher uses greek to really get to the real meaning of the scripture. I dig that! The kids are enjoying their classes as well. We didn't intend on going to a Baptist church, but God obviously had other plans!!!

Well - it's late and past our bedtime. EQ is sitting on my lap, night owl that she is. Guess I better tuck both of us in. Sleep tight!
C.