Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere!

(Thank You SO MUCH to our dear friends Karen & Gwen,
for sending the bubbles our way, WE LOVE THEM!)

Can ya tell?

It's such a 'slight' difference that it's hard to spot right away,
but, if you look really close...

This first image is clearly: "Fred Flintstone"

This second one is: Fred Flintstone in Drag, right?
*grin*

Not too shabby for a saturday afternoon eh?

LOL!!!

*PS: for those of you wondering, my color choice was: OPI's 'All The Berry Best'

Italian Risotto with Shrimp, White wine, Onion & chives.

Recently my best friend mentioned to me how much her husband A. loves rice dishes & B. adores shrimp... so I did a little fiddling with my basic Italian risotto recipe I've made & rearranged a thousand & one times & came up with this. Since I have never made it nor do I like shrimp, I can't tell you how good it may be, HOWEVER... those of you who DO like shrimp & yummy Italian food, please be my guest & give this one a go & if you make it & LOVE IT, SEND ME FEEDBACK COMPLETE WITH PICTURES CUZ I'D LOVE TO KNOW HOW MY CREATIVE COOKING GENE WORKED OUT FOR THIS ONE! =)
Enjoy!!!

Italian Risotto with Shrimp, White wine, Onion & chives.

Ingredients:
4 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 large spanish onion chopped
1 clove fresh garlic minced
1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp (cleaned)
1 cup arborio risotto (Italian Rice)
1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Bianco is best
4 cups fish stock (add 1 cup at a time until absorbed)
2 T. Italian Seasoning
1/4 cup diced chives for flavor & color
1/4 cup Freshly Grated Imported Parmegiano Regiano Cheese
Salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Set stove to Medium High heat & in a LARGE DEEP SKILLET put your Oil, Onion, Garlic, Shrimp (cut into bite size pieces), Risotto, & white wine. Cook until risotto becomes slightly transparent. Once that happens, add your fish stock (one cup at a time), Chives, Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper & reduce heat to medium/medium low.

As stock is absorbed, mix & when you feel the risotto slightly sticking to the bottom of the sautee pan, it's time to add the next cup... (continue this until all fish stock is used up... risotto will fatten & become a more sticky & hearty consistency.)

Once all stock is used up & rice is tender & full, remove from heat, let slightly cool & then add the freshly grated parmegiano regiano cheese & blend throughout.

Serve warm, not piping hot & enjoy!
(best if topped with a shake of the cheese just prior to serving.)

FLAT is where it's AT!

We think so anyway...

Ok, so look to your right, there are two new links
so that everyone can follow along in our many 'FLAT' adventures!

We're sure to meet some really kewl people along the way!

Join us, won't you?

You KNEW this would happen...

... so last night, Bear came up to me with a small request.
Although the 'real' bear wouldn't DREAM of leaving Ruby's side,
'if' there were a 'FLAT BEAR', he may perhaps enjoy getting out on his own to see the world.

I thought about this for a minute & I believe Bear has a good point.

SO, this morning at breakfast, I got out our crayola's and went to town,
with Bear having the final creative approval.
I am now pleased & proud to present to you all:


FLAT BEAR!


Ready for his first ever
WORLD TOUR!
hee hee


Even Little Miss Ruby Cate showed her approval
in this flat little rendition of her beloved Bear...


I think the kisses sent it over the top.

So, here's how this is gonna work. Flat Ruby Cate is already on her way to N.C. as we speak, but FLAT BEAR would LOVE to be headed somewhere himself!
As Flat Ruby Cate & Flat Bear aren't as tied at the hip as their real counterparts, this little fuzzy flat guy wants to travel the world & strut his stuff!

So, who to send him to first, you ask?
Good question... and the answer is:

THE FIRST PERSON TO COMMENT LETTING ME KNOW THEY WANT FLAT BEAR TO VISIT THEM IN THEIR CORNER OF THE GLOBE!

And then Flat Bear's travels will officially be underway.

(Now don't post your address on the blog, once the first comment is made, whoever that person is can click on 'email me' and send me their address privately.)

And Now: LET FLAT BEARS ADVENTURES BEGIN!

Flat Ruby Cate...

Ok, so you've all heard of Flat Stanley yes? No? Seriously? Where the hell do you live, under a rock? LOL

Anyhoo... while enjoying some Momma & Ruby time this morning as the twins took their naps I was staring at my daughter, no bow in her hair, adorable outfit courtesy of a 'hand me up' from my friend Krista, and Bear was no where to be found, she was so content to just color with me, it was kinda nice... I loved her so much like this, not the typical Ruby that you all see every day online, but the every day, relaxed just hangin' with Momma Ruby. So, with crayons at my disposal, I did my best to try to capture the beauty that I saw in front of me. I began to let the crayons take control of my hands and the end result was:

FLAT RUBY CATE!

hee hee

So, I figured, how cute is this, it's how I saw my daughter this morning, my rendition of her in her cute patchwork shirt & little capri jeans & no bow & no Bear... and I thought, " Ok, if Flat Stanley can travel, WHY NOT RUBY??"



I called my good friend Karen up & asked what she thought of the idea of me starting a 'Flat Ruby Cate' journey with the first stop being North Carolina? She LOVED the idea, so first thing tomorrow, little miss Flat Ruby Cate is on her way to N.C. to visit her friend GWEN!


From there, Karen will then send Flat Ruby Cate to another fellow blogger of her choice & then so on & so forth! ISN'T THAT NEAT????? WOOOOO HOOOOOO I LOVE IT!!!!!



All I ask is that whoever gets Flat Ruby Cate, to please just take one picture of yourself with her to show that yes, indeed... she arrived and POST SAID PICTURE ON YOUR BLOG!!! =)
I CAN'T WAIT to see how far Flat Ruby Cate can travel, hopefully all around the WORLD!




So, the trip starts tomorrow & everyone PLEASE feel free to follow along & see where Flat Ruby Cate will end up next! =) As I receive updates on her whereabouts, I'll be sure to POST THEM RIGHT HERE!

Happy Travels Flat Ruby Cate!

Doll, Schmoll!

This crib is PERFECT FOR ME!

Sure, it's a little tight, HOWEVER...

I'M CUTER THAN ANY DOLL IN THIS HOUSE!

C'mon, you know you think so too!

Ok, maybe not when I do THAT...

Or this...

But NOSE PICKING ASIDE...


I'M JUST CUTE, PERIOD!
(at least that's what Momma says!)
*grin*

Library Time...

Books, Books EVERYWHERE...

... and what do I want to play with?


THIS GINORMOUS BLOCK THINGIE!!!

Let me just have a seat right here...

Ah, a toasty fit!


Now, let's see...


... what in the HECK does this thing do?

Ah, who cares, I made it over to the big block thingie, found a seat & sat down all by myself!

YIPPEE FOR ME!!!!

Good Times @ Salem Willows...

See that sign in the back? That 'Children Only' sign? Momma was a little upset to say the least, since she didn't see it initially & tried to get her fat but into one of the boats & was asked to 'back away from the boat maam' LOL
Sorry Momma but this is a Ruby ride only! =)

So neat to be able to get the RED BOAT this time!
It's my FAVORITE COLOR JUST LIKE MOMMA!

Yes, I know... I'm lookin' quite chill' in my shades!

Ok, enough with the boats, on to FASTER RIDES!
Race cars anyone??

I like this little brown number, it's VERY FAST!


Bear tends to get scared so he usually burries his face in my armpit...
lovely image, isn't it? LOL


Man, I wonder if Momma knows that I'm starting to feel a little queazy?

Maybe just once on the race cars this time...


I hope it's almost done...

Ok, I think that's quite enough...
...GET ME OFF THIS CRAZY THING!

A Delicious Obsession... (UPDATE)

... No, I'm not talking Chocolate, although that's pretty good too! I'm talking about my FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, EASY TO USE, REASONABLY PRICED, "MUST-HAVE" KITCHEN TOY, THE
RED WHIRLEY POP POPCORN POPPER!!!!

Seriously, just as little as a teaspoon of corn oil, a 1/2 cup of corn kernels, some salt & a touch of butter- AND YOU HAVE SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS POPCORN YOU'VE EVER TASTED!
Seriously, MUCH BETTER than ANY microwave popcorn, PERIOD!

You've all trusted me on items I've presented in the past on the blog, don't for one second think that I'd drop the ball when it comes to POPCORN, cuz it's just NOT POSSIBLE!

I GIVE MY WHIRLEY POP TEN THUMBS UP! (I will just need to borrow a few friends temporarily if you really want actual thumbs...) but SERIOUSLY, if you've ever considered getting a home popcorn popper, THIS ONE IS THE ONE TO INVEST IN!

You'll all have to let me know if you get one & how it's worked for you. OR- if you HAVE ONE ALREADY, share your yummy popcorn adventures with all of us! AFTER ALL, WHO DOESN'T LIKE POPCORN?!?!?!?!!!!

ENJOY!

PS: Hey gymjava... I believe THIS should do the trick! HAPPY POPPING!

-Amy & Ruby Cate (who is currently in bed drifting off to dreamland...)

Shhh... Duckie's sleeping.

So cute that she sleeps on her side with Bear in front of her chest...

I sleep on my side as well, but my left side only and I too hug my bear,
William Bear, to my chest...

Funny how we're so alike, it makes my heart smile.

=)

A Letter from Sun Ying's Auntie:

Amy,

I'm M.'s oldest sister and I wanted to personally thank you for your support of M.-

I don't think she would be able to make it through these very difficult times without the support

of her "adoptive family friends." I have been very worried about her, as her heartbreak is so

deep, and I realized that from reading your emails to the agency, you totally feel her pain.

You are a special person to care for my sister. There is nothing I want more for her than to be

able to bring her baby girl home. Thanks for being there for her and listening...she

has not been herself this past week and I think you have done more

for her than we could of ever done....does that make sense??? Anyway, I wanted to thank you.

I appreciate your heart....

Jan

A call for HELP... *UPDATE* (BY THE BY see bottom)

This post goes out to all my fabulous loyal readers... I am asking for your help.

A friend of mine is desperate to find a light at the end of her darkest tunnel...
I know in my heart that if everyone who reads my blog takes a minute to show some support on her & her little girls behalf, that Sun Ying will be home before you know it & will once & for all experience the joys of a 'FOREVER FAMILY'!

So, I'm BEGGING EVERY READER OF MY BLOG FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE TO FIND IT WITHIN THEIR HEARTS TO LEND A VOICE AND SOME SUPPORT...

LET'S ALL HELP BRING SUN YING HOME WHERE SHE BELONGS!!!

(click on the above link to check out SUN YING'S story & on that page there is a link to SEND AN EMAIL TO THE AGENCY'S DIRECTOR DEMANDING HE RELEASE THE TA. TO SUN YING'S MOTHER SO SHE CAN GO GET HER PRECIOUS DAUGHTER... Below is MY letter on their behalf, to give you all just an idea:)


Dear Harlan Tenenbaum,

As an adoptive mother to a beautiful little girl who was waiting for her 'forever family' last year, I can NOT imagine being denied my TA to GO GET HER! If my agency DID NOT release my TA to me to travel & get my daughter I'd be BESIDE MYSELF! I understand that as an agency you need to be sure that the families you're placing these children with are wonderful & loving, HOWEVER- IF THE CLAIMS FROM THAT WOMAN CONCERNING SUN YING'S FAMILY WERE UNSUBSTANTIATED & LATER RETRACTED, WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO YOU TO KEEP A MOTHER & CHILD APART? I COMMEND YOU ON YOUR EFFORTS TO BE SURE THESE CHILDREN ARE PLACED IN LOVING HEALTHY HOMES BUT HONESTLY, THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING PRUDENT & JUST BEING PLAIN RIDICULOUS! I DEMAND THAT YOU RELEASE SUN YING'S TA TO HER MOTHER SO SHE CAN FLY TO GET HER BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER & COMPLETE HER FAMILY ONCE AND FOR ALL! THIS LITTLE GIRL SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR HER DREAM TO COME TRUE ANY LONGER THAN IS NECESSARY AND YOU HAVE THE POWER TO SPEED THAT UP SO WHY NOT DO IT?! FOR GOD SAKES HAVE A HEART & LET THIS WOMAN COMPLETE HER FAMILY & GIVE THIS LITTLE GIRL THE LOVE OF A FOREVER FAMILY & A BRIGHT FUTURE!

-Amy E. S.
Mother to: Ruby Cate Pei Mu
Jiangxi Province, China.

***********************************************

His Response:

From htenenbaum@adoptionhouse.org
Date 2006/06/11 Sun PM 01:19:50 EDT
To amyla72
Subject Re: Attn: Harlan Tenenbaum

Amy,

Thank you for your concern. We will find a loving family for Sun Ming, as it is
our mission to find homes for children. Everyone in our agency has been touched
by adoption, and we are dedicated adoption advocates. We would never deny a TA
unless we had cause.

Adoption House

***********************************************

MY RESPONSE TO THAT:

Amy
Date 2006/06/11 Sun PM 05:46:03 EDT
To htenenbaum@adoptionhouse.org
Subject Re: Re: Attn: Harlan Tenenbaum

So everything she's gone through thus far doesn't count? She doesn't get her daughter? That's CRAP! I know you're dedicated to finding homes for all these children but THIS little girl is meant for THAT FAMILY!
If your accusations were unfounded & retracted in the end, and CHINA ALREADY GAVE THE GREEN LIGHT FOR THIS FAMILY, who are YOU to play GOD & step in & stop it?
I would be absolutely ASHAMED if you were my agency!
And I'll be sure to put out the word to all those looking to adopt to avoid your agency. I think my blog that is read by THOUSANDS should do the trick.

Shame on you & everyone there. How do you sleep at night KNOWING that you are DENYING this woman the right to be that little girls MOTHER and MORE IMPORTANTLY, denying that little girl her FOREVER FAMILY?

***********************************************

From	htenenbaum@adoptionhouse.org
Date	2006/06/12 Mon AM 09:44:33 EDT
To	Amy
Subject	Re: Re: Attn: Harlan Tenenbaum

Amy-

Please get all of the facts prior to making such a conclusion. We are not here
to cause anyone to be distraught. As a non-profit, our mission is to find homes
for children. It would be easy for us to just "give-in," right now, and not do
the right thing. However, we would never prevent someone from adopting unless
we had cause. Unfortunately, we have cuase in this matter.

Adoption House


***********************************************

From	Amy
Date	2006/06/12 Mon AM 11:41:08 EDT
To	htenenbaum@adoptionhouse.org
Subject	Re: Re: Re: Attn: Harlan Tenenbaum

It's Sun YING, NOT Sun MING, and you seemed to have spelled a few things wrong in your last letter, shame you don't pay as much annoying attention to details like the CHILDREN'S NAMES as you do to RUINING OF THE LIVES OF THOSE WAITING CHILDREN & THE PARENTS WAITING TO UNITE WITH THEM. I know all about you, I know folks who have told me things about you not returning phone calls to them, ignoring issues that have come up during the adoption process, non profit or not, you seem Crooked with a captial C in my book & anyone associated with you should be TERRIFIED that at any moment, they too could be faced a similar situation & all their hopes & dreams will come crashing down around them in an instant! All because you feel like being a ballbuster & not as you say "giving in", God Forbid to SOME DREAMS COMING TRUE!
Look, I've been THROUGH this process, I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES to get to the point of being issued a TA from China! EVERY AND ANY HOOP YOU'RE ASKED TO JUMP THROUGH, YOU DO SO WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A SECOND THOUGHT! And AFTER FINGERPRINTING, BACKROUND CHECKS, POLICE CHECKS,HOME STUDIES, EMPLOYMENT CHECKS ETC, ETC, ETC, ETC OH AND ETC.... YOU ARE JUST A DOWNRIGHT BASTARD TO DENY HER THIS TA. CLEARLY THE WOMEN WHO WAS INSANE ENOUGH TO SAY THINGS ABOUT SUN YING'S MOTHER IS THE ONE YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT AS IT'S NOTHING MORE THAN A CASE OF 'YOU ENDED OUR FRIENDSHIP, I'LL FIND THE BEST WAY TO HURT YOU BACK' GRADESCHOOL ANTICS & SHE CHOSE GOING AFTER HER ADOPTION IN WHAT CAN ONLY BE VIEWED AS THE POOREST OF JUDGEMENT CALLS! I stand by what I said, I made sure that EVERYONE (thousands upon thousands) who reads my blog KNOWS about your agency, your attitude towards adoptive families, your crooked 'do as I say, not as I do" ways of handling situations that come up, and those who are looking to find an agency, will NOT EVER LOOK TWICE AT YOURS! THANK GOD I never EVER got mixed up with the likes of YOU! My Agency is like my family, loved & welcome & on my side! Your agency clearly is like the obnoxious drunk uncle at every wedding, loud, rude & just plain ignorant & the quicker you get him out of the picture the better.
I will continue to pray for Sun Ying's mother that she may be united with her Daughter and that everyone who is unfortunate enough to be SUCKED INTO YOUR AGENCY may find either a way OUT before the same things happen to them and for those looking for an agency, that they steer clear of the likes of YOU!
Good DAY sir!

(Do not attempt to write me back as I have blocked you and have quite honestly, heard ENOUGH! I am going to see to it that Sun Ying's Mother get in touch with MY OWN PERSONAL LAWYER & go AFTER HER TA. FULL FORCE!)


BY THE BY: (and NO this is not a link to Sun Ying's Mother's blog...) HOWEVER- Everyone please check out this Blog, as I've just noticed that this person added MY Blog to hers without my prior permission. Upon further scanning, MOST OF YOU are on it as well. I don't know who this woman is at ALL so I am not comfortable being linked to anyone I don't know personally who didn't at least have the foresight to ask me FIRST. If you're friends with her so be it. Otherwise, if you find yourself linked to her blog without your prior permission and are like me, are NOT OK with that, I would suggest that you tell her so. Just my 2cents.

Standing Date Night a MAJOR SUCCESS!

So, Scott is unofficially the new Steadman and you're all just going to have to take my word for it, he's cute, he's sweet, he's thoughtful and he's over the BOON for Ruby & I.


Us on our way to dinner...
(and yes, that's all you'll probably ever see of Scott, that teenie little blue corner of his shoulder... )

Ruby thought I was 'cracked' to be taking pics of her from the front seat... she's like:
"Momma, Bear & I are trying to READ back here!"

After ordering, Ruby & Bear drew a few 'doodle originals' to pass the time...

Don't let this sweet little face fool you... inside she's saying:

"Seriously Momma, what's up with all the pictures anyway?!?"

We all had a wonderful night filled with more surprises than you can imagine!
To name a few...

flowers, candy, ice cream, ten little gifts to mark the 10th of the month,
sidewalk chalk for Ruby as well as a book with a "BOOON" (aka:moon) in it,
lots of laughs, smiles and just an all around amazing night that literally tops the charts as far as 'first offical dates' go.

More next Saturday when 'Standing Date Night' continues...

HYSTERICAL!

My Mother sent me this in an email recently and it is SO FUNNY I JUST HAD TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE! HAHAHA I HOPE THAT THE FATHERS IN YOUR LIVES ARE SLIGHTLY BETTER WITH THE DIAPER CHANGING THAN THESE POOR BASTARDS!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA