A few favorite YUMMIES... *UPDATED* (see #11)

I'm sitting here enjoying a delicious mint chocolate patty frozen yogurt cone & thinking to myself " OMG is there anything better in the WORLD than Mint Chocolate ice cream/frozen yogurt?"

So it got me to thinking, I have alot of favorite yummies... & I know everyone else must TOO so I'm going to list a few of mine & please feel free to comment on yours cuz I'd love to see what everyone else just ADORES! And by the by... Islay, when you read this, email me privately ok? Link to the right of the blog to click on for that... thanks hon!

Ok, so here are a few of my things I simply ADORE:

1. Mint Chocolate ANYTHING! Ice cream, Frozen Yogurt, hot cocoa... you name it, if it comes in a chocolate mint form, SIGN MY ASS UP! (after all, that's where it ends up anyways, right?) LOL

2. Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese on a cold ickky rainy/snowy type day. NOTHING BETTER!
You can keep your mac & cheese, I'll take soup & a grilled anyday thanks!

3. Coconut & chocolate together in ANY FORM, milk chocolate, dark, white, you name it, forget the damn lime, put some CHOCOLATE IN MY COCONUT PLEASE & THEN SLOWLY BACK AWAY FROM THE SINFUL TREAT!

4. Tea Tea and more PG Tips Tea ! Drink it EVERY MORNING when I get up and it is the only way I can truly start my day... it's my own personal 'Amy fuel' and honestly, Ruby's as well as we share the mug religiously. Now, granted... it used to be black tea taken 'black' for me, but with little Miss Cheeks having it as well, it's slowly evolved into more of a milk with a splash of tea rather than the other way around but it's ok, small sacrafice to make for my girl.

5. Hot Buttered Popcorn from Salem Willows! Now, to those of you not from around here you won't truly have lived until you fly your toosh to Salem, Massachusetts & stopped in at E.W. Hobb's inc. at Salem Willows Park & enjoyed some of their AMAZING POPPED BUTTERY SALTY GOODNESS IN PERSON! OMG, you people think that that microwave crap you've been buying is good? MOVE OVER ORVILLE REDDENPOOPER, THIS STUFF TRUMPS YOUR CORN ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!
And after all, when your popcorn has been voted 'The Best Popcorn in New England!', how can you NOT make an effort to get here & try some? Who knows, give them a call, maybe you can order some to be shipped right to your door? Here's the 411 on Hobbs:

E.W. Hobbs, Inc.
(Seasonal) (978) 745-7691
Since 1897, four generations of the Hobbs family have served original salt water taffy, home-made ice cream, and "the best popcorn in New England". In 1906, Everett Hobbs & William Eaton offered the first ice-cream cone in America!


6. Dill Dip!!!!! OMG some fresh cut up veggies & a batch of this dip & you've got yourself a party for ONE MY FRIEND! And since it's THAT GOOD, I'm going to share the recipe with everyone, trust me... if you like dill & you love to dip things, and not just veggies, I mean DIP ANYTHING (pretzels, chips, crackers, your finger... etc) you're gonna DIE OVER THIS STUFF:

1 16 oz container of Sour Cream
1 Cup mayo of your choice (I use Hellmanns)
1 T fresh lemon juice (or the juice of one lemon if you have them fresh)
3 T dill weed (but being that I'm Italian, I don't measure much, just a few good shakes & mix & then a few more. LOL when it's riddled with dill, you know you've done good...)
4T dried minced onion
2 t seasoned salt ( I use Lawry's Seasoned Salt)

Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
Put into fridge until time to serve, letting it chill overnight is best.
(Thanks to my Aunt Allegra/Ruby's Nanna T. for handing down this recipe to us!!)

7. Boston Beer Works own Sour Cream & Chive FRIES! *thud* sorry, that was my jaw dropping as I salivate just THINKING ABOUT THEM!
There is a more local Beer Works location in Salem & I go there every now & again for a treat, but man oh man, I honestly could just get those fries with a drink & call it a day, they're enough for a MEAL!

8. Grape Nuts Trail Mix Crunch Cereal... SO GOOD FOR YOU YET SO SINFULLY SWEET & DELICIOUS YOU'D SWEAR YOU WERE CHEATING, BUT REALLY YOU'RE NOT! I promise!!

9. Le Bastogne Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit's OH! MY! GOD! (do ya remember that tea I mentioned earlier that I have every morning? Well, get yourself a cup of that & an EMPTY cookie jar & FILL IT with these bad boys cuz you'll find that once you try ONE, you won't want to NOT have them in the house at ALL TIMES!!

And finally...

10. Werther's Original hard candies. No need to even explain why these wonderful little nuggets of HEAVEN made my list... only thing to ask yourself is, WHY ARE YOU NOT ENJOYING ONE RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE??

Ok, so far so good, I'll add things as I think of them, but this should get you all thinking about some of the treats in your life that you just could not POSSIBLY live WITHOUT!

And remember, share the love, if you have something that you just know everyone is going to enjoy, POST A LINK TO IT OR SHARE A RECIPE OR TWO!

Sharing's fun... hell I learned that in kindergarten, didn't we all? LOL


UPDATE:
11. Nutella OH MY GOD SO GOOD! When I'm TOTALLY craving chocolate but there's none in the house, this is a FANTASTIC way to satisfy that craving without going nuts & devouring an entire chocolate bar. A little of this fabulous spread on some toast or with a few grahm crackers and voila, OMG SO GOOD! =)

12: Berkley & Jensen (otherwise known as BJ'S) Veggie Chips! OH MY GOD! You guys remember Muncho's yes? That deliciously yummy, sinfully crunchy, melt on your tongue potato chip from way back in the day? Well, picture the same texture & flavor, but in a healthier veggie version and YOU'VE GOT YOURSELF SOME BJ'S VEGGIE CHIPS! In Spinach, Tomato and Potato, these chips are going to be the HIT of ANY GATHERING! (pair them with the above 'Dill Dip' recipe (#6) & you're sure to have a crowd pleaser!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

... along the broken road, a dream came true.

Nov 20th, 2005 - May 20th, 2006...

"I CAN'T believe it!
Has it really been SIX MONTHS since the day we first hugged each other, really ?"

" Wow Momma, that's a really LONG time, isn't it? "


" Ok, let's see... how long would that be in Ebenezer years? "

"Momma, I thought your glasses were supposed to make me smarter?
I can't do math yet, I'm not even 2! "

Fun With Water...

As always... hit PLAY & then immediately hit PAUSE until the whole movie loads. Enjoy!!!

A little sugar to go with that Elephant? Thanks, but I'll pass...

Ever have one of those nights where you're just truly sad to the core?
When you don't know why, but you kinda do know why?
Things don't make sense, yet you know exactly why your eyes are filled with tears
and your lip is quivering so fast & you can't stop it?
Welcome to my thursday night...

I know I have a lot to be thankful for...
I know Ruby is the most amazing thing that ever happened to me, and I know I should stop this shit & kill the pity party for one & be happy with the things I've been blessed with in my life.
I know... I know.

I also know that it's not fun going to bed alone every night...
... or having to bury your best friend of 10 & 1/2 years.

Knowing that my mind is playing tricks on me when I'm trying to sleep & the house should be quiet but I hear the click' click' click' of nails on the hardwood floor & imagine that he's trotting his way on into our room to curl up on his bed & sleep... when really he's curled up with his teddy bear about 4 feet under a beautiful rose bush about 20 feet from where I'm breathing.
Alone.
I know it's retarded to still be sad about something I know was the right thing to do, but the truth is, I just am & probably always will be.

I suppose if I still had a roommate or were married it would be a little easier to deal with the sleeping aspect of it, and since I do NOT believe in 'co-sleeping' there's no option of getting Ruby to curl up in my bed with me here & there, just never gonna happen.


I hate doing my shots, I hate my MS, I hate that people who, years ago, I thought would be my friends for the long haul, dropped off the face of the planet & could give a rats ass about me now & have no desire to spend time with me OR my daughter.

It saddens me how years can change the status of things you once knew as sacred & unchangeable...
... and they're now trashed & forgotten.

It saddens me that people, for the most part, are fake.
One way to your face, another alltogether once backs are turned.
"Oh, she's so rude, she doesn't think before she speaks" etc...
I just speak my mind.
When you think before you speak, sure you may rearrange your thoughts so that they come out in such a way that everyone's happy, but then they're not you're true thoughts anymore...
...just a shadow of the original thoughts you first had,
now reshaped & molded into a form that makes everyone happy.
Everyone that is, except me.

Wanna know something folks? Sometimes, life isn't always happy... and you hear shit you didn't wanna hear, but that's life right?

Maybe some people are ok with being that way & that's fine if it works for them...
but I have NEVER been that person.
Nor do I want to be.
I can't live like that, I don't want to live like that, I won't live like that.
I do not now, nor have I ever had an internal censor.
I live my life in a real world where things don't always get sugarcoated & the one thing that people can ALWAYS count on with me is that I'll always give it to them straight.

Most of us have that friend we know we can go to & ask " do these pants make my ass look big?"
& they'll smile & always say "No way, are you nuts? you look great!"

Newsflash people... and this is from one curvy girl to the next...
You got 'back' & you come up asking if your jeans make your ass look fat?
I'll smile & say, "No, your ass was doing that way before the jeans ever entered the picture!"
and then I'll giggle, because it's funny but also because it's true.
Hell, my ass is fat too, who cares?
Who cares how my ass looks in my jeans or how my jeans look around my ass?
Am I comfortable? Am I happy? Do I have enough water to drink?
THEN IT'S ALL GOOD!
I think most people worry too much about the stupid shit that really shouldn't even be a blip on the radar most days.
You've got food on the table? Good.
You've got money & means to pay the bills? Good.
You've got family & friends who love you for you? Good.
Quit'cher bitchin!

It's funny, I've always prided myself on being a woman who is true to myself.
I speak my mind, I never back down from something I believe in,
I'm so strong willed & stubborn & voice the deepest desires of my heart.
I speak loud, I live big and I love deeply...

I've never been one to 'skirt around the "white elephant in the center of the room"
shit to please the masses.
I'd be the first person saying with my jaw falling to the floor shouting:
'HOLY SHIT, IS THAT A HUGE ASS WHITE ELEPHANT OR WHAT?"
loud enough for anyone within a ten mile radius to hear.
My personality is what it is.
And sometimes, most times, people don't like me.
Sure they think I'm cute, they think I'm funny, they know I'm good to have around
cuz I'm the comic relief, the life of the party...
But deep down, they find me crass & loud & obnoxious & rude.
And it's not because I mean to be that way, it's just who I am.
And I guess that saddens me a little bit too.
Some say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, and maybe they're right...
... but you know what? I don't want to learn new tricks.
I don't have it in me to be anything but who I am.
I can't be fake
The only thing I've ever wanted is to be true to myself,
to the Amy who isn't afraid to speak her mind.
Ever.
The Amy who'se never smart enough to know when to shut up but at the end of the day
is proud that I never once wavered in my beliefs, my conversations, my convictions.

I don't lie to myself, therefore I was never a good liar to others either.

I know some have the gift of 'tact'...
Me?
Not. So. Much.

A friend and I were recently having a conversation about this exact topic & I said to her:
"You know, I just don't think before I speak..."
and she said to me,
"It's not that you don't think before you speak, you just speak exactly what you're thinking... there's something to be said for that."

Maybe she's right.

To anyone I've ever offended for any reason, I'm Sorry.

But I'll never be sorry for ever speaking my mind about something I truly believe in & felt with my heart & soul.
I think it's sadder to be untrue to myself for the sake of appeasing the masses,
than it is to inadvertently hurt other's feelings because of the strength of my convictions.
Because, let's be honest...
at the end of the day, it's only me, myself & I who I have to be happy with & proud of...

and every night, after I've tucked my daughter into bed and transferred a kiss gently from my lips to hers with the soft sweep of my finger, I know in my heart that I'm doing right by her.
I'm teaching her honesty & truth & self respect and diginity and morals.
I'm teaching her through example,
that it's so important to never lose yourself to the mass chaos that is life.

If Ruby grows up to be half as outspoken & honest & strong willed & loving as I am,
I'll know I've done right by & for her.
Nobody's ever taken advantage of me when it's really mattered
& I'll be damned if it will ever happen to my daughter.
I'll raise her smarter than the average girl... God willing.

On that note, I'm gonna go do my shot & slip into an exhaustion induced coma.
G'night.

Ruby's friend Joely...

... has her VERY OWN BLOG!!!
Look to your right under "Waiting & Waiting & Waiting Some More..." & check out: Family Blend...
Her & her Mommy were the 'perfect family' that I really wanted to work for had they not been so far away. Sadly, they had to hire another nanny in the end, one who was closer & didn't mind driving in the snow. It was fantastic though to meet them & make some wonderful new friends!
Ruby & Joely had alot of fun together & Joely's Mom said that she STILL talks about her friend Ruby...
"Ruby have poopie diaper?",
"Ruby take Joely's sippy, Amy said no Ruby take Joely's sippy..."
"Ruby go tunnel?"
TOO CUTE! I look forward to making Family Blend... another of my daily reads & so should you.
ps. Check out Bear's cameo on their blog header... He certainly gets AROUND! hehehe
He's a Bear about TOWN! *grin* Maybe that's why Ruby loves him so much... hee hee

A moment of silence...

... for my adorable, talented, funky white soul boy Elliot Yamin.

I have no words...
I'm truly saddened that he's going home tonight...
I honestly thought it was going to be a Taylor/Elliot finale...

With that said, Elliot has NOTHING to be sad about IN THE LEAST!
That vote was SO CLOSE that honestly, they ARE ALL WINNERS!
Elliot is BEYOND GIFTED and I KNOW IN MY HEART
that he is GOING to make an INCREDIBLE ALBUM someday soon,
and I will be the FIRST ONE IN LINE TO BUY IT!
Elliot, Ruby & I adore you & will continue to keep you and your Mother & all your family in our thoughts & prayers. You done good my friend, beyond anyone's wildest dreams...
... you not only move Paula, but you move me as well.

Sad, sad, sad... and my apologies to those of you on the west coast who didn't know yet, I couldn't NOT blog about this, I'm just feeling like I've had the wind knocked out of me & emotions this fresh have to be captured in the heat of the moment.

Elliot, always sing like YAMIN it!
BOSTON LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxo

-Amy & Ruby

Ginger Snap needs a good home...

... and NO I'm NOT going to be the one adopting her-
however,


I think she's just deliciously ADORABLE
and would love to see her find a wonderful home.


If anyone is interested in adopting this little beauty, feel free to contact:
Mildred Muse

VOTE LIKE YAMIN IT!

Ruby's adorable friend Taylor sent us these WONDERFUL PICTURES of one very cute, very talented, very smiling
ELLIOT YAMIN!!!


I couldn't NOT share them with everyone as I think he's pretty amazing!!!


Apparently he had come Home to VA to put on a local concert & Taylor's Aunt Amy, who works right downtown where Elliot was,
was able to shoot these few pics of him, PRETTY NEAT HUH?



He sang Michael Buble's 'HOME'... and then was treated to a parade in his honor & also was presented with the key to the city from the mayor.


Pretty amazing I'd say...


... so tonight, when Elliot delivers another fandamtastic performance that sends CHILLS up & down my spine & yours... VOTE, VOTE, VOTE FOR ELLIOT LIKE YAMIN IT!!!

*grin*
I just love saying that!
hehehe

Six Month's of Surreal...

It's amazing to me that six months ago today I was in bed HARDLY able to sleep because I knew that in a few short hours I'd be up & taking my last shower here in the comfort of my own apartment & boarding the first of many planes that would ultimately bring me half way around the world to China.
It's still mind boggling to know that I can say, " Oh yeah, I've been to China before..."- it just doesn't seem real sometimes.
I hate flying & going the distance to China was truly a labor of LOVE because it was 30+ hours of TRAVEL!
*ugh*
We left on a wed morning, Nov 16th, 2005. The trip had us completely lose an entire day, as we ultimately ended up in Beijing, China late the NIGHT of the 17th... THURSDAY!
I believe it was after 10pm before we finally settled into our hotel room & konked out for the night.
Again, have I mentioned Surreal?
Friday & Saturday were a whirlwind of tours & sightseeing... all happening in what felt like the blink of an eye, when all I really wanted was to be holding my baby in my arms.
Sunday could NOT come fast enough... but then, it did.
And we were boarding a plane for Jiangxi, China and the rest, as they say...


... was history.

(The above pic was taken the first night Ruby and I ever spent together.
She was terrified, she was hot, she was physically exhausted from the screaming & crying, she had spots all over her body that I would later find out were scabies... but despite everything going on to this little person, deep down I know she was going to be ok... because she was my daughter, and I wouldn't allow it to be any other way.
I hadn't had a chance to give her a bath or wash her hair or anything really...
I just managed to get the million and one layers off of her little sweltering body
& put on this soft, cool, cotton, yellow sweatsuit, after which she fell fast asleep.
Honestly, to this day it remains my FAVORITE outfit on her.
Why?
Not because it's fancy or cute...
Not because yellow is my favorite color...
(because it's not, it's Red...)
Not because it says 'precious' across her little toosh...
(even though she IS...)
You wanna know why it's my favorite?
Because it was the first outfit I ever put on MY DAUGHTER.
Honestly, it could've been a trash bag... and I would still love it all the same.
Because it was on my little girl and me, her Momma, lovingly put it on her.
I don't really think life gets much better than that...)

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head...

Honestly, have you ever seen
THIS MUCH RAIN IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE???
*sigh*
It's been raining NON STOP in New England now for a good week straight
& it's still not due to let up anytime soon.
In fact, THEY say that there are apparently two more storm systems headed in this direction that have the potential to converge right smack above us & if that happens, it'll bring this FLOOD OF 2006 to an all time record breaking HIGH!
*oh goodie*
(As if two seperate buckets catching drips in my bathroom and
10" of water in my basement isn't already enough, right?)
GOOD LORD!
It's so bad that the Governor has declared a state of emergency here in Massachusetts & things are only going to go from bad to worse before we see any sunlight at the end of this tunnel.
At least I haven't had to evaccuate as of yet... but there are many who have, so please keep those families in your prayers tonight & every day until Mother Nature stops the water works & cuts us a little sunny slack.
My Mom's Mom, (my Nanna) used to say, "Rain never hurt the flowers...",
but I'm guessing that she wasn't talking about rain like THIS! *ugh*

Mother's Day... Then & Now:

THEN:

Mother's Day- May 8th, 2005
(originally written in Ruby's Journal)

Today is Mother's Day, May 8th 2005. What better day to finally put in your book all of the good wishes you've received from everyone who sent me quilt squares to make your special 100 good wishes quilt. Auntie Emily is going to put it together for you and I just know it's going to be GORGEOUS!!


I hope someday you will love the fact that you have this special book as a keepsake of all the wonderful things that are happening just because of you!
And on this, my last Mother's Day without you, I felt it was only fitting that I spend the morning putting this together for you and smiling as I thnk of how much closer I am today of getting you and holding you in my arms forever! I love you Ruby!
Love,
Momma

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

The following are the wonderful wishes that my little girl received:

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

Jesus loves the
little children
all the children
of the world
red, yellow,
brown, black,
and white
they are
precious in his
sight
Jesus loves the
children of the
world.
love, Denise, Jeff, Ashley, David, Deborah
'waiting for Gracie Joy LID: 1-7-05

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

We wish you a long life full of love
Mya B. & family

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

Flowers look different in different eyes
Your child was born under similar skies
No matter the color; blue, grey, dark or red
Your child knows light from this day ahead
The sun has touched the soul of this young
To blossom and flourish many years to come
Of comfort and succor this child will long
Like water for a lotus to this child you belong
There is not a garden with a flower alone
Your child will prosper with love in your home
May the time ahead live tranquil and bliss
And thrive a flower of beautiful confidence
Because flowers look different in different eyes
and we all live under the same glorious skies
Love,
Jim, Katie, Nicholas, Riley & Claire
DTC 1-05=05 for Mei Mei, Ella.

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

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life, and the second was there to give it.
One gave you nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.
One gave you up, it was all she could do...
...the other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.
and now you ask me through your tears, the age old questions through the years,
heredity or environment... which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling... just two different kinds of love.
-author unknown-
Roxane

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

With love in our hearts,
although we've never met,
our prayers will be with you
on your greatest journey yet.

From your country of old
to your home so new,
we wish for you the Life,
Love and Joy you are due.

Best wishes from the B. family
Chris, Tay, Robin, Rachel and Rose.

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

"An invisible red thread
connects
those destined to meet,
regardless of time,
place or circumstance.
The thread may stretch
or tangle,
but never break."
Ancient Chinese Proverb

Best Wishes for a happy and healthy life.
May all your dreams come true!
Lori & Mark

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

Choose a wish, find a dream.
Pick a wishing star;
Let your hopes and spirits soar,
high free and far.

Reach for the unreachable,
stretch to touch the sky;
Know no dream you treasure
is too far away or high.

Believe in the impossible,
then work and try and do-
For only those who dare to dream
can make a dream come true!

Greg & Anne

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

May Joy and Peace Surround You,
Contentment Latch Your Door,
And Happiness Be With You Now
And Bless You Evermore...
irish blessing

Katherine G. (Arianna's Mom)

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

May you always seek knowledge,
and know that within you lies the
strength to achieve your goals.

Brad & Michelle
Awaiting Julia Rose

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

Our wish for you: May you
have the gift of faith, the
blessing of hope, and the
peace of God's love.

Ted & Christine
DTC Dec 10th, 2004

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

May you always find three welcomes in life;
In a garden during summer,
At a fireside during the winter,
And whatever the day or season,
In the kind eyes of a friend.

Welcome Little One!
Adam, Julie & Kirk
Waiting for Jenna Leigh
Jan 2005 DTC

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

As you lay sleeping far away
as still as you could be...
How could you know that joy today
this photo brings to me?
A few short weeks and you'll be mine
and "I" will soon be "we."
How could you know the love I feel?
It's something you can't see.
So have sweet dreams, my precious babe.
Sleep well and tenderly.
Some say that you're the lucky one.
How could you know it's me?
Kris Laughlin


Best wishes for a wonderful life.
Kim & Rob
DTC Jan 31st, 2005 for Lian

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

Me Ka Aloha Mau Loa
(With Love Forever)

Through your eyes we will get to see the
World in it's beauty and simpicity again.

Love, Kymberly & Leon & your
sisters from China, Ky-Le and Ay-La

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

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you,
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay foever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
may you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
And may you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
may your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young.
Forever young, Forever young,
May you stay forever young.
-Bob Dylan

The B. Family
DTC December 2004

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

"Not flesh of my flesh,
nor bone of my bone,
yet still very much
my own.
Never forget
for one single minute
that you grew not under my heart,
but in it."
-unknown

My wish for you, little one,
is to always remember that Love,
no bloodline, makes a parent.

-Amy E. S.
DTC 01-14-05
LID 01-31-05
for Ruby Cate

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

As you lay sleeping far away as still as you could be...
How could you know the joy today this photo brings to me?

The A. family
Natalie & Jason

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

Welcome Little One!

Our prayer for you is simple.
"Live like there's no tomorrow.
Dance like noe one's around.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Give like you have plenty.
Love like you're not afraid.
Be who you were meant to be.
Be the way you were made."
Chris Tomlin 2004

Blessings,
Wally & Lori N.

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

Yn dy breswylfa
Aros yn agos i'r llawr.
Yn dy fyfyrdod
Treiddian' ddwfn i'r craidd.
Wrth drin eraill
Bydd yn addfwyn a hynaws.
Yn dy ymadrodd
Bydd yn eirwir.

English translation:
In your dwelling
Stay close to the ground.
In your meditation
Penetrate deep into the core.
When dealing with others
Be gentle and kind.
In your speech
Be truthful.

(from a poem in the Dao De Jing, a collection of Chinese poetry written about 2,500 years ago.
The translation into Welsh is by Cedric Maby.)

From Kirstin

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

... " But what about when you're far away? Does your love to goo, or does it stay?"

"Look up at the stars. They're far, far away. But their light reaches us at the end of each day. It's like that with love- we may be close, we may be far, but our love still surrounds us wherever we are."
-No Matter What by; Debi Gliori

May you always know you are loved, no matter what!

Sam, Andy & Cullen
Kieren Olivia's family
DTC Jan 2005

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

A Dream For A Special Child

We wish you all the happiness and joy in your life with
your forever family. May the sun shine on your every
day of your life and may your guardian angel always
stay on your shoulder and keep and eye on you.
God bless and keep you safe.

Most Sincerely,
Randy & Angel R.

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

Born from My Heart

A Miracle given to me from above,
brought together through acts of love.
A beautiful baby gorn from my heart,
I loved you from the very start.

My children, my life, all a part of me,
born from my heart where you'll always be.
Born from my heart, a birth like no other,
I am so blessed to be your mother.

My dream you grow up feeling complete,
smothered with love from everyone you meet.
And remember if doubts come from another,
that you are my daughter & I am your mother.
by: Cynthia Hansen

With Love and Hope,
Ann & Molly K.

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


NOW:


So... today it's Mother's Day May 14th, 2006... a whole year has passed & now Ruby is no longer a 'dream' or a 'hope'... she's real & here & just so damn beautiful that I honestly have to say that, yes... today may 'technically' be Mother's day, but you know what... every day since the moment that child was placed in my arms that crazy, chaotic day in Jiangxi China-
is Mother's Day.
Now, the quilt is finished, the wishes are carried with us in our hearts, and my little girl is home with me where she belongs... amazing what can happen in a year.


I wake up in the morning to that precious little face, that beautiful smile, those silly grins, and that sweet voice that says 'Hiiiiiiiiiieeeee' like clockwork without fail,
and also like clockwork... every time I hear that early morning greeting from my daughter,
my heart skips a beat & I smile & know that I am beyond blessed.

So, the calendar may say it's Mother's day but I think I need to make up a new calendar...
One where on every day at the bottom, it lists 'Mother's Day' because in this house,
it just is.



Thank you Ruby for making EVERY DAY, the BEST DAY to be YOUR MOMMA!
I love you baby.

Love,

-Momma

Why Ruby's Lucky to have her Nanna...

... & I'm lucky to have my Mom-


(taken from Ruby's Journal, dated Mother's Day May 8th, 2005)

Amy, On this Mother's Day, May 8, 2005, I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you.
You are about to enter into the most important job of your lifetime- a job, I have no doubt, that you will carry out to perfection with loving care & nurture for your precious Ruby. Her very life, health & well-being will be in your very capable hands.
You will invest your time, energy & best efforts to watch her grow, develop and excel- you will actually become part of the creative majesty of life itself.
Amy, always trust your creator. He loves us, has sacrificed for us, and provides our every need. He gave us life, he provides every breath we take. He comforts us through pain, sorrow and fear. But never forget he is always LOVING & FORGIVING. He is for us and if he is for us, who could be against us. Think about this.
I have trusted him through everyday of my life & marriage. He has never (EVER) failed me.
I know in my heart that the way things are turning out is definitely HIS plans for our family & I feel truly 'BLESSED'.
I love you SO MUCH!
Love, Mom. (2005)

"A Mother's Love is like a circle,
it has no beginning & no end."

Happy Mother's Day Mom... I love you so much & always will.
Ruby & I are beyond blessed to have you in our lives!
x0x0x0

Hello Mommy...

A baby said to God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to
do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing
for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love
and be very happy."

Then the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when
people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, “Your angel will
tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with
much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your
angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it
means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." "God said,
"Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to
come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.

"God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

Thanks Carrie for sending me this & making me CRY!
Damn you woman!! ;)

Why Ruby's Lucky to have her Nanna...

... & I'm lucky to have my Mom-

(taken from Ruby's Journal, dated Mother's Day May 8th, 2005)

Amy, On this Mother's Day, May 8, 2005, I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you.
You are about to enter into the most important job of your lifetime- a job, I have no doubt, that you will carry out to perfection with loving care & nurture for your precious Ruby. Her very life, health & well-being will be in your very capable hands.
You will invest your time, energy & best efforts to watch her grow, develop and excel- you will actually become part of the creative majesty of life itself.
Amy, always trust your creator. He loves us, has sacrificed for us, and provides our every need. He gave us life, he provides every breath we take. He comforts us through pain, sorrow and fear. But never forget he is always LOVING & FORGIVING. He is for us and if he is for us, who could be against us. Think about this.
I have trusted him through everyday of my life & marriage. He has never (EVER) failed me.
I know in my heart that the way things are turning out is definitely HIS plans for our family & I feel truly 'BLESSED'.
I love you SO MUCH!
Love, Mom. (2005)

"A Mother's Love is like a circle,
it has no beginning & no end."

Happy Mother's Day Mom... I love you so much & always will.
Ruby & I are beyond blessed to have you in our lives!
x0x0x0

Mother's Day... Then & Now

THEN:

Mother's Day- May 8th, 2005
(originally written in Ruby's Journal)

Today is Mother's Day, May 8th 2005. What better day to finally put in your book all of the good wishes you've received from everyone who sent me quilt squares to make your special quilt your auntie Emily is putting all the squares together and I know it's going to be GORGEOUS!!
I hope someday you will love the fact that you have this special book as a keepsake of all the wonderful things that are happening just because of you!
And on this, my last Mother's Day without you, I felt it was only fitting that I spend the morning putting this together for you and smiling as I thnk of how much closer I am today of getting you and holding you in my arms forever! I love you Ruby!
Love,
Momma

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

The following are the wonderful wishes that my little girl received:

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

Jesus loves the
little children
all the children
of the world
red, yellow,
brown, black,
and white
they are
precious in his
sight
Jesus loves the
children of the
world.
love, Denise, Jeff, Ashley, David, Deborah
'waiting for Gracie Joy LID: 1-7-05

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

We wish you a long life full of love
Mya Beaumont & family

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

Flowers look different in different eyes
Your child was born under similar skies
No matter the color; blue, grey, dark or red
Your child knows light from this day ahead
The sun has touched the soul of this young
To blossom and flourish many years to come
Of comfort and succor this child will long
Like water for a lotus to this child you belong
There is not a garden with a flower alone
Your child will prosper with love in your home
May the time ahead live tranquil and bliss
And thrive a flower of beautiful confidence
Because flowers look different in different eyes
and we all live under the same glorious skies
Love,
Jim, Katie, Nicholas, Riley & Claire
DTC 1-05=05 for Mei Mei, Ella.

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

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life, and the second was there to give it.
One gave you nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.
One gave you up, it was all she could do...
...the other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.
and now you ask me through your tears, the age old questions through the years,
heredity or environment... which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling... just two different kinds of love.
-author unknown-
Roxane

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

With love in our hearts,
although we've never met,
our prayers will be with you
on your greatest journey yet.

From your country of old
to your home so new,
we wish for you the Life,
Love and Joy you are due.

Best wishes from the B. family
Chris, Tay, Robin, Rachel and Rose.

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

"An invisible red thread
connects
those destined to meet,
regardless of time,
place or circumstance.
The thread may stretch
or tangle,
but never break."
Ancient Chinese Proverb

Best Wishes for a happy and healthy life.
May all your dreams come true!
Lori & Mark

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

Choose a wish, find a dream.
Pick a wishing star;
Let your hopes and spirits soar,
high free and far.

Reach for the unreachable,
stretch to touch the sky;
Know no dream you treasure
is too far away or high.

Believe in the impossible,
then work and try and do-
For only those who dare to dream
can make a dream come true!

Greg & Anne

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

May Joy and Peace Surround You,
Contentment Latch Your Door,
And Happiness Be With You Now
And Bless You Evermore...
irish blessing

Katherine G. (Arianna's Mom)

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

May you always seek knowledge,
and know that within you lies the
strength to achieve your goals.

Brad & Michelle
Awaiting Julia Rose

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

Our wish for you: May you
have the gift of faith, the
blessing of hope, and the
peace of God's love.

Ted & Christine
DTC Dec 10th, 2004

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

May you always find three welcomes in life;
In a garden during summer,
At a fireside during the winter,
And whatever the day or season,
In the kind eyes of a friend.

Welcome Little One!
Adam, Julie & Kirk
Waiting for Jenna Leigh
Jan 2005 DTC

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

As you lay sleeping far away
as still as you could be...
How could you know that joy today
this photo brings to me?
A few short weeks and you'll be mine
and "I" will soon be "we."
How could you know the love I feel?
It's something you can't see.
So have sweet dreams, my precious babe.
Sleep well and tenderly.
Some say that you're the lucky one.
How could you know it's me?
Kris Laughlin


Best wishes for a wonderful life.
Kim & Rob
DTC Jan 31st, 2005 for Lian

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

Me Ka Aloha Mau Loa
(With Love Forever)

Through your eyes we will get to see the
World in it's beauty and simpicity again.

Love, Kymberly & Leon & your
sisters from China, Ky-Le and Ay-La

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

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you,
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay foever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
may you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
And may you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
may your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young.
Forever young, Forever young,
May you stay forever young.
-Bob Dylan

The B. Family
DTC December 2004

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

"Not flesh of my flesh,
nor bone of my bone,
yet still very much
my own.
Never forget
for one single minute
that you grew not under my heart,
but in it."
-unknown

My wish for you, little one,
is to always remember that Love,
no bloodline, makes a parent.

-Amy E. S.
DTC 01-14-05
LID 01-31-05
for Ruby Cate

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

As you lay sleeping far away as still as you could be...
How could you know the joy today this photo brings to me?

The A. family
Natalie & Jason

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

Welcome Little One!

Our prayer for you is simple.
"Live like there's no tomorrow.
Dance like noe one's around.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Give like you have plenty.
Love like you're not afraid.
Be who you were meant to be.
Be the way you were made."
Chris Tomlin 2004

Blessings,
Wally & Lori N.

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

Yn dy breswylfa
Aros yn agos i'r llawr.
Yn dy fyfyrdod
Treiddian' ddwfn i'r craidd.
Wrth drin eraill
Bydd yn addfwyn a hynaws.
Yn dy ymadrodd
Bydd yn eirwir.

English translation:
In your dwelling
Stay close to the ground.
In your meditation
Penetrate deep into the core.
When dealing with others
Be gentle and kind.
In your speech
Be truthful.

(from a poem in the Dao De Jing, a collection of Chinese poetry written about 2,500 years ago.
The translation into Welsh is by Cedric Maby.)

From Kirstin

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

... " But what about when you're far away? Does your love to goo, or does it stay?"

"Look up at the stars. They're far, far away. But their light reaches us at the end of each day. It's like that with love- we may be close, we may be far, but our love still surrounds us wherever we are."
-No Matter What by; Debi Gliori

May you always know you are loved, no matter what!

Sam, Andy & Cullen
Kieren Olivia's family
DTC Jan 2005

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

A Dream For A Special Child

We wish you all the happiness and joy in your life with
your forever family. May the sun shine on your every
day of your life and may your guardian angel always
stay on your shoulder and keep and eye on you.
God bless and keep you safe.

Most Sincerely,
Randy & Angel R.

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

Born from My Heart

A Miracle given to me from above,
brought together through acts of love.
A beautiful baby gorn from my heart,
I loved you from the very start.

My children, my life, all a part of me,
born from my heart where you'll always be.
Born from my heart, a birth like no other,
I am so blessed to be your mother.

My dream you grow up feeling complete,
smothered with love from everyone you meet.
And remember if doubts come from another,
that you are my daughter & I am your mother.
by: Cynthia Hansen

With Love and Hope,
Ann & Molly K.

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


NOW:


So... today it's Mother's Day May 14th, 2006... a whole year has passed & now Ruby is no longer a 'dream' or a 'hope'... she's real & here & just so damn beautiful that I honestly have to say that, yes... today 'technically' may be Mother's day, but you know what... every day since the moment that child was placed in my arms that crazy, chaotic day in Jiangxi China-
is Mother's Day.
I wake up in the morning to that precious little face, that beautiful smile, those silly grins, and that sweet voice that says 'Hiiiiiiiiiieeeee' like clockwork without fail,
and also like clockwork... every time I hear that early morning greeting from my daughter,
my heart skips a beat & I smile & know that I am beyond blessed.

So, the calendar may say it's Mother's day but I think I need to make up a new calendar...
One where on every day at the bottom, it lists 'Mother's Day' because in this house,
it just is.

Thank you Ruby for making EVERY DAY, the BEST DAY to be YOUR MOMMA!
I love you baby.

Love,

-Momma

I love "Nap Hair"...

Hee hee, Miss Ruby sitting at her lovely new IKEA table & chair set doing a board puzzle
while sporting some FANTASTIC NAP HAIR!
*grin*
In this house... EVERY DAY IS MOTHER'S DAY!
=)

I LOVE YOU RUBY!
Love,
Momma.

My Boy's final resting place...

... I know he'd be proud.
(honestly, if he were still here he'd really just wanna pee on those flowers-
LOL but regardless, he'd still love it...)
*teary smile*

In Loving Memory...

Ebenezer's Garden Stone Marker finally arrived today... it's beautiful.
I am simply happy & beyond proud to finally give my best friend a proper place of rest.
This stone paired with the gorgeous caramel colored rose bush I planted
truly is deserving to be a part of his final resting place.

The caption under the dates reads:

Ebby, you were my best friend, my fuzzy son, my four legged soul mate... you will live on in my heart forever. You really were the BEST DOG IN THE WHOLE WORLD!
Thank you for ten & a half of the most amazing years of my life. How blessed I was to share them with you. Until we meet again old friend... sleep well.
Love Momma. XOXOXO

Did someone get the licence plate # of that car?

"Chris, you're going home..."

Four simple words that I did NOT expect...

FLOORED! I just was FLOORED! As I'm sure alot of viewers were!

I fully expected Kat to be the one going home...

SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T VOTE AMERICA!!!!!!!



Now, I am THRILLED to pieces, however, that my ELLIOT was in the TOP TWO!!!
That's right folks, and you wanna know why?
CUZ EVERY WEEK I VOTE OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER
DURING THE ENTIRE TWO HOURS THAT THE LINES ARE OPEN!!!
NEVER ONCE STOPPING TO SO MUCH AS EVEN PEE!!!
The boy is still around because of MY VOTES!
*grin*
BOSTON LOVES U ELLIOT!
Sooooooo excited to see him go all the way...

AMERICA, VOTE LIKE YAMIN IT PEOPLE!!!!