Torn between two loves...

Isabella has 2 crushes...the little 3 year old boy who lives behind us and the 4 year old boy who lives down the street. DD, the one who lives behind us, waits for her to come out and play. When he sees her, she flies out the door and they both end up at his swingset at the same time. They take running leaps, land on the swings (stomach first) and sail into the air - most of the time with popsicles in their hands. It is beyond adorable.

We met Chase, the 4 year old, when the kids were just 2. We took the same music class and while chatting, found out that his mother and I were speech therapists, attended the same church, AND lived in the same neighborhood. He and his little sister have figured out that if they talk their parents into walking to the neighborhood playground (we live across from this), they can look to see if we are outside playing and then join in. A few days ago, with the music blaring, this is what I found when I looked out the window:)



She did not, however, learn how to chase them from me. This girl needs PATIENCE!!

And another one DOESN'T bite the dust...

Those damn dogs. You would think, after 15 and 16 years, somehow they would just want to find the light and go to doggy heaven. Thomas lived through a severe bladder infection and 500 dollars later, he is blind, deaf, and hopping around the back yard like he is 2 again. Maggie has been peeing HUGE puddles on the floor so we called the doctor and got her a prescription for a mere 21.00 dollars (a last ditch effort). It as a frickin' miracle drug. No more peeing. We took her in today, thinking that we might be told she is too old and she needed to go bye-bye. Not a chance...$98.10 and out the door we walked WITH HER. She has a yeast infection in her ears (is that even possible??) and around her mouth but other than that, and some serious bad breath, she is good to go. UGH.

Apple Picking 2010

A new dress

Todd took Bella out for dinner 2 nights ago. They went downtown to Panera and then stopped to do some shopping at Appalachian Outdoors. I don't know how he did it, but he found a dress that Bella liked and had her try it on. Remember...she is a size 4 but he didn't have a clue! He started with a size 10 and thought that was a little too big so he went down to a size 8 but it didn't look right so he ended up with a size 6. We have to tie the straps in the back so her boobs don't hang out all day. He is absolutely adorable AND he got it for a really cheap sale price. I even had my eye on it when I went shopping last week!! I think I'll send them out for her winter wardrobe.

Gotcha Day #4

Isabella,
Four years ago today, a beautiful Vietnamese baby was placed in our arms forever. We were beyond excited to finally have you in our family but it wasn't until you started growing from a baby to a toddler to a preschooler that I would come to understand how special you are. You add spice to our lives, laughter in our home, and love in our hearts. We couldn't imagine life without you, baby girl:)


September 12, 2006




September 12, 2007


September 12, 2008



September 12, 2009


September 12, 2010

A HAPPY day for Elisabeth

Thank goodness for the mail!!! First, it brought us Elisabeth's PA Standardized Testing results.....the kid scored within the highest range for both Math and Reading. UNREAL!!! AND.....a box was delivered from Aunt Bekah....her old/almost new MacBook Pro. WHOOO HOOOO!!!!! Life is good for Elisabeth today!

Gymnastics and Hip Hop

Elisabeth tried Hip Hop a few nights ago. In the summer, probably after watching a movie, she decided she wanted to try it. She got her friend all interested but when the time came, so did the stomach ache and the nerves. I made her try it ONCE and if she didn't like it, she didn't have to go back. Guess who isn't going back?? We are going to try yoga on Monday. I'll let you know.

Isabella, on the other hand, has wanted to try gymnastics after flunking out of ballet and tap last year. Last night was her first night and she LOVED it. Her teacher said she is a 'natural'. Do you know what that means?? 5 nights a week and 100's of dollars a month. She can be natural 4 times a month for 52.00 dollars.

Pretty Cool...

The State College area has earned the No. 2 spot in a ranking of best college towns, second only to Ithaca, N.Y. And to think I cried when Todd told me we had to live here 16 years ago:)

Kristin's Wedding

Todd just got back from California where his sister was married. Although Todd isn't the family photography and I wouldn't let him take my prized camera, he did a pretty good job:)

Weekend

While Todd was in CA at his sister's wedding, Mom came to spend time with me and the girls. We went clothes shopping for Elisabeth (thanks for the sneaks, mom:), made a trip to Altoona, went to church, and of course, went out to eat:) We saw "Eat, Love, Pray" and loved it!