Flashback Friday

Still making up my mind...Oh, and just to prove I'm not a selfish flashback poster, I thought I'd include a picture of mom and me. We've been to Hawaii and San Antonio together. I sure hope she takes me on another trip soon. :)

Thankful Thursday

We have much to be thankful for in our lives including a special family we met during our adoption journey. This family offered support during the ups and downs. They also took great care of Jack and continue to do so. Tonight, they offered to pick up Jack when an out-of-town shoot ran long.

It takes a village to raise a child and family comes in many forms. We are grateful for their friendship. Uncle Steve, Aunt EE and the gang - thanks!

Decisions, decisions

OR
Ok, so probably neither extreme, but the clock is ticking. I have a hair appointment on Saturday and I need to decide what to do with my hair. Yikes!

This causes me great anxiety. My mom convinced me in grade school to cut my hair short, and we did, and it was horrible. We didn't have gel so my hair looked like a blonde poof ball. I've wavered between short and long my entire life. Once my brother told me I looked like a 30-year-old and I was only in college. I guess that age reference would be a compliment now. But anyway, secretly, deep down inside, I just want to look like this...Really, is that too much to ask?

Scott Hamilton or Billy Elliot?

Please let me know if we should pursue dancing or ice skating.

Momma's Big Helper

It's sometimes tough to get things done on the weekend. Jack and I do a lot of playing, reading and, of course, eating, but that may change in the future. When I started sweeping today, Jack decided to help. Of course, when Jack finally gets to that age where he can help me around the house he won't want to. In the meantime, it's fun while it lasts.
All done!

Rubber Chicken Love

A friend e-mailed me to say that she'd seen my picture on a local newspaper's Web site today. I was puzzled because I haven't been to any media infested events or activities lately. It took me a while but I finally found this article. On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...three rubber chickens.

PULSESHOTS: FACES IN COLUMBIA'S CROWD

Published Sunday, January 18, 2009
Courtesy of Heather Harlan
Musician and storyteller Heather Harlan provided entertainment for the Christmas luncheon for the local Salvation Army’s advisory council. Salvation Army Advisory Board members Rosemary Frank and Don Waltman participated.

Scaredy Cat?

She looks fierce, but look closely, and you'll see a slight smile.

Animal Ahhs

Although Jack doesn't always know how to treat animals, he sure loves them, like our cat Max. When he can catch him, Jack tries to give him some "ahhs" and a lovin' head butt. We had fun today, hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa down on the farm where he also gave their dog Lucy some extra attention.

The Long Road to China

Mike, Jack and I met our China adoption support group at a local Chinese restaurant today. One couple in our group has been back for a while with their daughter and another couple hopes to travel in February. It's very exciting to think that there will be more little ones at future get-togethers. I'll be happy when everyone has their referrals and we all feel a little more at peace with our dreams for our families. Mike took a photo of our group but unfortunately it turned out yellow, very 70-ish.

Jack was in a real rambunctious mood at the restaurant. Mike said he caught one diner, separate from our group, give us a look. Sorry, but Jack got real hyper, crawling for some reason. Maybe he was trying to show off for his new friend. I'm not sure how impressed she was as this little guy regressed into the crawling stage.

And the fan club continues to grow. There were a couple of older ladies who stopped by on their way to check out and they flirted with him a bit which he just loved. They were so cute and very nice. Of course, this was early in the meal and he wasn't acting so crazy. Maybe that extra attention made him hyper. Those crazy cougars.

Note: the date is wrong again on these pictures. Jack's attention to something changes so quickly. If I set the date before I take the pictures, he's usually on to something else. I love his smiles on these pictures. And I took him to the barber today so he's looking mighty fine in his new do.

Two Fisted

Who needs to pre-rinse when you have a little boy around? Mom made some rice krispies and fudge last weekend and Jack helped her clean up. Look at Jack's belly! Mom, thanks for the picture.

Mr. Independent

Jack continues to amaze us as he grows and grows. He's becoming more independent, insisting on feeding himself. Thank goodness for bibs. I also catch him singing every once in a while. And last weekend, as I read to him, he grabbed a book and started "reading" too.Jack says, "No more pictures please!"

Belated Christmas Gift

Mike surprised Jack and me with a special gift today. Apparently, Mike had been haggling with a vendor at a local antique shop before Christmas but the guy wouldn't budge on the price. He changed his mind when the school didn't sell. It is a nice addition to Jack's Little People and my old Fisher Price toys from when I was a child. They were some of my favorite toys. We had the little town, the parking garage and a barn. I always wanted the house and school. One down. Maybe Santa will bring the house next year.

Happy New Year from Rose, Jack and our rock 'n roller!

Christmas 2008

It's sad that the "most wonderful time of the year" only comes once a year. We had fun spending time with family back home. We actually made it to my hometown church's Christmas Eve mass. Miraculously, Jack behaved very well that evening. Here's a look back at our festive week. (Please note that the dates on some of the pictures are wrong.)
The reason for the season.Catholic school girls carry baby Jesus. It's an honor to be one of the four who carry Jesus in the traditional procession. I was fortunate to be one of those girls when I was in first grade.Until the boys are older, they go without candles during the procession. These outfits have been worn since I was a kid and probably much longer than that.Christmas 2007Christmas 2008 with MeaghanWe had lots of fun at Jack's birth mother's family get-together. (Yes, I realize my face looks like it's receding into my neck.)A good sport at the same shin-dig sporting the gift he won in the white elephant exchange.
Jack, be nimble.Jack, be quick.Jack, holding a pink stick.Mike is too sexy for something that looks like a hair net.With beads below her nose and Molly in her hands, my niece, Meaghan, looked content.Fish hooked!My dad, the alien, showing off one of his Christmas gifts.Hannah Montana, watch out!Of course, there was a lot of Wii playing. Note: do only guys like to play with Wiis?Mike, with one of his favorite childhood movies.Just a picture of Jack because he's so gosh darn cute.My nephew, Garrett, quite the poser.