*The Things We Do For Love... (updated)

...Bear does TENFOLD. hee hee



*It has been pointed out to me that 'the things Bear does for love', needs a little more explaining as, merely wearing a velor jumpsuit wasn't exactly what it means to love. LOL It goes beyond that... what most of you clearly don't see but what I knew when taking this picture, was that Bear is wearing at LEAST 5 layers of clothing as Miss Ruby couldn't decide what he should "wear to a ball...". So, first some undies for bear (courtesy of BAB), then some socks, then a sweater, then, nope... wrong undies, new pair simply put OVER old ones, good. Then a fancy silk dress that, OOPS, has matching undies too, 3rd pair of undies join the party. Then a t-shirt that says "princess" on it. Then, "Oooh Bear, you gonna haffa be cowd so you not go wiffout a jakket, you gonna haffa put dis on Bear, cuz I wuv you, an you haffa be warm, ok?"

Thus, the velour hoodie.
And then, the Pièce de résistance, little white silk 'FAAAANNSSSSEEEEE SHOOOOS" for our friend, for what would going to the ball be if not DISASTROUS had he forgotten his shoes. CINDERELLA ALL OVER AGAIN PEOPLE! (sadly the shoes were added after this photo but trust me, he WORE THEM!) hehehehe

So, even though to you & me, Bear is just a stuffed animal... something about him sitting there, NOT of his own free will, wearing just about everything she owns to put ON him, looking QUITE DEFEATED, just tugged at my heart strings, and so I took the picture. And yes, in this particular moment, I felt Bear was real, and so was his love for Miss Ruby.

Oh, and according to Roo: "Bear haffa wovewy time atta bawl Momma, he stay up too wate & now he is gonna haffa havva time out!" So I reiterate; the things we do for love.
(cuz you know that Bear didn't deserve a time out for tardiness, he deserved a MEDAL OF HONOR FOR WEARING ALL THAT JUNK!)

Yes, I Can Make Calls On It Too...

BUT, it's more often used for this...



...and this,



and ABSOLUTELY for this next one, where, before you watch it, I should tell you that she's just received money from our wonderful neighbors, Charlie and Joan, for her Baptism. Something to keep in mind... oh, also, Ruby refers to Church as, "God's House".

*smile*

Sick But Still Silly...

...look at those cheeks. My girl has had a fever the past two days of 102.4.



Her cheeks were on fire, her neck, her head, her hands, her back, her everything.
So, you'd think that when I suggested we visit the doctor to dig a little deeper & find out what's causing this fabulous fever, she'd have a fit, right?
Wrong.



This, was my girl earlier today at our doctors office. All smiles & twice the silly as normal. My doctor even looked at me like I had two heads.
"You sure she's sick Amy?"

*Ruby just giggled even louder*



But, that's my girl. Even when she's sick, she's still in the best of spirits. Sure, she's been taking 3 hour naps the past two afternoons, but hey, she's just resting up so she can BRING the SILLY SMILES when needed.
And don't we need them... keep smilin' baby girl.
Momma loves you more and more with each one...

XoXoXoXo

Tea (and by tea I mean ICE CREAM) Party w/Bear...

Walked past Ruby's room today to peek in to this scene...




...she looked up & smiled in such a way that meant it was ok for me to interrupt this precious 'alone' time with her best friend, but also to please quietly enter, as plastic dairy queen ice cream tea parties are big business & not for nosey Mommas.




Apparently, Bear's favorite flavor is mint. I asked, figuring the two options were clear... vanilla and chocolate. I got a look shot at me like I had four heads & after shaking her own, said in a voice of disappointment, "Mooooommmmaaa... it's MINT!"




I really should pay better attention at her & Bear's functions from now on I guess.

"Pikewed Pekkers, Wump Wump's & A Pancake Bear..."

True stories, honestly I couldn't make this shit up if I wanted to...

1. Ruby's been sick as of late with a fever that, as of this morning, was 102.4. Needless to say she spent the morning home with Nannie & Nonno while I went to work.
No biggie...

I come home from work & my daughter proceeds to inform me of a new 'song' she's learned.

"Momma, is a new song! Wisten... 'peteah pippah havah pikewed pekkers! How many he have Momma?"

Nice. I knew that one was my Mom, as she taught us the same song with probably just as much/little success many years ago. And what the hell is a pickled pepper anyway?
I digress... the fun's not over yet.

Then, as she's squatting on the floor looking over the new Target catalog, (brought the mail in with me moments earlier) she looks up at me & says, "Momma, I did a squeeker!"
(translation? A teenie TINY amount of pee decided to come out before she was seated on her potty... no biggie.)
I tell her, "It's ok Ruby, squeakers happen, even to Momma's sometimes. Just get on that potty before the rest of your peeps wants to come out too, ok?"
I hear, "Ok Momma..." and off go the little pitter patter of not so quiet feetsies.

(minutes pass...)

"MOOOOMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAA!"
"Yes Ruby?"
"I did a wump wump. Is so teenie tiny, it's weally just a stain prolly. Naymie is not a poppie, but just a wump wump stain. Nannie caw it a wump wump... right Momma?"

"Yes Ruby, Nannie calls those Lump Lumps..."


The joys of keeping babysitting in the family...


BONUS TIDBIT: After the wump wump episode, I notice, on the kitchen table on a PAPER PLATE (which I despise, only REAL plates & ZERO waste for me, so I KNOW it's a 'Nannie' thing...) a small round pancake suspiciously shaped almost exactly like our dear friend Bear. So, I'll bite, "Ruuuuuuuuby, come here sweetie please."
"Yes Momma?" "Ruby," I ask as I'm looking down at this smile that spreads the width of her precious face... "what's the deal with this pancake?"
"NO TOUCHIT MOMMA! IS BEARS PANCAKE! IS NOT FOR EATING! WE WUV HIM AND HES GONNA WIV WIF US NOW! WE NOT EAT HIM, OK MOMMA!"
Apparently this is seriious business. So, I smiled at her, smiled at pancake bear & said with a smile, "Ruby, did Nannie make this for you?"
"Yes Momma, Nannie made it."
"Ok, well if Nannie made pancake Bear, then he needs to live with Nannie at her house, not up here with Ruby in Ruby's house, ok? Pancake bear will miss Nannie, so we have to bring him back ok?"
"Momma, das a good idea! We will bwing him bak rite now!"
*evil grin*



Pancake bear is accepting mail at 14 Bisson Street (FLOOR #1)
should any of you feel the need to contact him and/or Nannie. (Aka: Betty)

*grin*

3 Word Sunday...

...HOUSE call anyone?

*droooooooooool*

Ok, so yes, I am COMPLETELY BEYOND OBSESSED with one
Dr. Gregory House MD.
(otherwise known as the handsome Hugh Laurie)
Yes, it's true... I don't actually know how old he is,
& really, nor do I care. The man is SEXY PERSONIFIED!
I just hope that you'll all join me in prayer that my dreams go as planned tonight.
AMEN!

(God, understands my weakness... I'm already forgiven.
But just to be safe, I'll say an extra Hail Mary at Church.)

Root Pot Pie & My Boy...

...I wanted to give this post a sunny light to it prior to sharing it's original intention. One of Ruby's favorite bands is the Laurie Berkner Band. Has been for as long as she's been old enough to know what music was. Recently, on a trip to the market in the car with Nannie, she made an odd request.
Ruby: "Nannie, I wanna heah Root Pot again, ok?"
Me: *confused look shot towards my mother in the front seat* "Ah, what's that Ruby? You want what??"
Ruby: "Momma, I wanna heah Root Pot again, ok? Nannie, you pway it for me pwease?"
Me: *what the hell could she be trying to say?*
Ruby: "Pway it AGAIN Nannie..."
Me: *LAUGHING* "Ma, I get it, she wants to hear Rhubarb Pie again..." LOL
Ruby: "YES! ROOT POT PIE! PWAY IT AGAIN PWEASE MOMMA!" (clearly she's losing patience with us, ametures.)
Nannie: "Ok Ruby, Nannie will play Rhubarb pie again honey... here it is." *song starts again*
Ruby: *smiling* Fank you Nannie, Ruby wuvs root pot pie song! Is her favworite!

hehehehe

I honestly don't think she even KNOWS what Rhubarb pie is, and probably all the better as it's some pretty deliciously sinful stuff! Best not to know about that for a bit I would imagine.

And now, My Boy:




2 years ago today, I said the hardest goodbye to my most beloved best friend, my fuzzy son, my 4 legged soul mate, Ebenezer. My dear sweet loving boy, not a day goes by that I don't think of you & miss you with every fiber in my being. You will be forever missed & always remembered with all the love in the world.
Thank you for 10 & 1/2 magical, wonderful years together. Memories of you brighten my soul and make me smile from the inside out. Always loving you till the day we meet again, old friend.

Love,

-Mom & Ruby too.

(who always, upon looking at any number of photos of my boy all around the house, will say, "Awww Ebby Eeezer, Momma miss you buddy, Ruby too!")

Ain't that the truth...

*hugs to heaven*

XoXoXoXoXo

Congratulations Amy & Steve!!!

I'd like to take a moment to send my heart felt congratulations to my good friends Amy & Steve (Ruby's Auntie Amy& Uncle Stevie) who FINALLY TODAY, after a momentous wait, RECEIVED THEIR CALL! Their daughter Caitlin Elizabeth Shuang! She was born March 13th, 2007 and is currently 14 months old. She is from the Guangdong province, PRC. They receive their full referral & photos sometime next week, but just even hearing those words, "You have a daughter..." is cause to celebrate.
Miracles DO happen, even if sometimes, they take a little longer to reach those patiently waiting. CONGRATS AMY & STEVE, RUBY & I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE SWEET LITTLE CAITLIN! Enjoy this time & remember, SLEEP WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
;)

XoXoXo

-Amy & Ruby Cate
(who is STILL trying to figure out a way for you both to come & live with us...!)

My Guilty Pleasure...

...recently, a fellow blogger friend left an open forum for us readers to ask questions of her. Mine was simple I suppose. I asked:

"Besides photography, what is your most favorite guilty pleasure that, when you're indulging in it, you completely lose yourself to that moment?"

I am looking forward to her answer in tomorrow's post, but in the meantime it got me thinking about MY own guilty pleasure. Anyone who knows me KNOWS it's reading. LOVE getting lost in a book. My current reads are: Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter by: Adeline Yen Mah



& The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation by: Elizabeth Berg.



I chose to start the Berg book first. It's a collection of short stories, which generally I'm not a fan of. I much prefer a novel, however... something about this one just called to me & when books talk, I listen.


I am excitedly curious to read Chinese Cinderella. It looks like an unforgettable story that will touch me in a way that will leave a mark on my soul. I just have a feeling about that one... I'll keep everyone posted and of course, if any of you have actually read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Just please don't spoil any endings if at all possible, thanks.


You know, Ruby, too, has adopted the same love of books that I have and it makes me proud. To know that, when asked what she'd like to do with the $20.00 our neighbors gave her for her Baptism, that her answer would be "Wets go a bookstore Momma!" it just brings a genuine smile to my face and pride in my heart.

Ruby's recent additions to her book shelf are: Bear Snores On, by: Karma Wilson.



See and Spy Shapes, by: Julie Aigner-Clark



And last but not least...

Touch and Feel Baby Animals, by: Julie Aigner-clark



She was SO EXCITED, that she has literally spent all night, except for dinner time, READING her BOOKS! *smiles* That's my girl...

Slow & Steady...

...so I went & had my one on one with the surgeon yesterday. Seems that even though I've lost the weight they told me to lose & did everything they asked, I'm still an "Apple." Who knew? So, what does that mean you ask? Well, it means that I'm still pretty 'solid' around the middle, which means that I need to lose another 20 lbs before he's comfortable operating on me. Nice. Which means that now, my surgery date is no longer May 28th, but they've moved it back to June 18th.



Now, in the grand scheme of things, OBVIOUSLY whatever is healthier & SAFER FOR ME is what I want. But to have been immersed in this journey for over seven months now, I really was looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel... and that light had a date. May 28th.

Not so much.

I know, every time I look at Ruby & enjoy the blessing that she is, I am reminded that this isn't a race, but more a safe journey to a new life, one that will hopefully be a long & healthy one full of all the happiness I have come to enjoy being Ruby's Mom.

I just hope that once I lose the rest of this weight & June rolls around, that they don't then say to me that I need to lose more weight & push it back even further to say, 2009? Ugh, how that would not be what I want to hear.

You know, I know this isn't a place for chatting about politics or religion, but I do think that everything happens for a reason and perhaps there's a reason I am now attending church again. Sure it was initially to introduce Ruby to it but it seems that now, more than ever, I'll need every one of God's graces to help me through this, for as patient as I know I can be, it's my guess that this whole process will dance on every last one of my nerves before all's said & done.
God grant me strength!

Ruby & Bear's Baptism...

...yup, you heard that right, Ruby AND Bear, BOTH got Baptized today.




Father Charles was more than understanding when he heard that miss Ruby was quite adamant on having her best friend, Bear, Baptized as well. It was the cutest thing you've ever seen & everyone in the church had smiles from ear to ear.
I think not only because Ruby was the only big girl in a sea of crying babies,
but also because she was VERY serious on making sure her friend received the sacrament too. After he was officially Baptized, (on his nose, not his forhead, quite fitting I thought...) Ruby was quick to wrap Bear in her Baptismal blanket she had received only moments earlier. It just warmed my heart all over as she hugged him & said, "There Bear, see? It's not a problem, you baptized just wike Ruby now, wets go home an have cake Bear, ok?" *hugging her friend*



But only Ruby received a candle, apparently there was some concern of a certain Bear going up into flames, so we ixnayed the andlecay. Ruby was just fine with that, I heard her whisper to him, "Issok Bear, I will share wif you, ok? Cuz I wuv you Bear."

Ah, Baptism & Bear love... what's better than that?

Oh wait, that's right, I almost forgot: CAKE!



















And last but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, my handsome little nephew, baby J.D.
Barely a month old & he's already stolen my heart!

3 Word Sunday...

..."RUBY NO GO!"


(a formal protest to her upcoming baptism, merely an hour away...)

GOOD TIMES!

Sometimes When You Least Expect It...

...the lessons you teach your child, have a way of coming full circle.




Me: "Ruby, what did you do?"
Ruby: "Momma, it's wipstik! Ruby is so pwitty!"
Me: *smiling* "Yes Ruby, that you are... but where did you GET such pretty lipstick?"
Ruby: "Momma, is wite heah, in you pawkey book, see?" (holding up my purse as proof)
Me: *laughing now* "Yes baby, I see... did you ASK Momma if you could share her lipstick?"




Ruby: *looking slightly put out* "Mooooooommmmmaaaaaaaa, we a good team! We AWAYS SHARE, REMENER?"

Feeling quite foolish as, twas I who taught her that, I simply replied:
"You're right Baby, we ARE a team. And you are also right because teams should ALWAYS share. Thank you for reminding me Ruby."
Ruby: "S'ok Momma, sometimes you forget..."

How silly did I FEEL!

;)

Tuesday's With Uncle Steve...

...so, I know I haven't posted a recipe in like FOREVER, but there's a reason for that.
Since the beginning of this process of preparing myself for surgery, I've had to totally revamp the way I eat & how I eat & WHAT I eat & when I eat, etc...

It's fine, I'm doing very good & am excited about my bypass surgery.
Not nervous, not worried, not scared, JUST COMPLETELY & UTTERLY EXCITED!

That having been said, my cousin Steve has been a VERY GOOD SPORT about all the healthy eating & he, himself is losing weight NOT TO MENTION THE BOY QUIT SMOKING!
THREE CHEERS FOR UNCLE STEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE MONTHS & THE REST OF FOREVER, HE'S ROCKIN'!

So, tonight, since I didn't have much planned for dinner, I threw together, a "last minute soup".

No, literally, I threw this shit together at the last minute... thus:
LAST MINUTE SOUP!



LOL

I opened the fridge, looked around at my options (slim pickin's) and chose the following:

1 lg onion (rough chop)
2 lg cloves garlic (rough chop)
1/2 green pepper -stolen from my mother- (rough chop)
1/2 pkg sliced mushrooms -stolen from my mother-
leftover roast chicken (rough chopped bite size)
hand full shredded carrots -stolen from my mother-
2 celery stalks chopped
1 T chicken seasoning
1 can diced tomato's
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of celery soup
8 sliced (pre wrapped) orange American cheese
2 cups uncooked large pasta shells
8 cups chicken stock.
Salt & pepper to taste


Ok kid's this is how it all went down: (& before any of you make a face at the ingredients, TRUST ME, I've just returned from the kitchen after sampling my soup,
and OH MY YUMMY IT'S GOOD!

EVOO in bottom of large soup pot over medium high heat.
Toss in onion, garlic & chicken & cook 10 minutes. (stir occasionally)
Now add carrots, mushrooms, celery & peppers. Mix & cook another 10 minutes.

Add both cans of soup & the can of tomato's.
Mix & cook 5 minutes.

Add 8 slices of American cheese & 8 cups stock. Mix well
Reduce heat, cover & simmer 1 hour.

Now add uncooked shells. Mix well & cook 20 minutes or until pasta is al'dente

Salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with fresh grated parm cheese & ENJOY!


LAST MINUTE SOUP... who knew?!

3 Word Sunday...

...Full Moon Rising!

(Moon provided courtesy of Muffin Man, my best friends HANDSOME boy, who one day will KILL ME for sharing this photo with the masses!) hehehe
Is it just me or is everyone else instantly hearing 'BAD MOON RISING' by John Fogerty in their heads? LOL

What, No Lightning...?

Those of you who know me, sit down.
Those of you who only know me through blog land, sit down as well...






















...Today, Ruby & I went to 11am Mass.
At a CHURCH.
And not just any church, MY CHURCH!
(yes, I have a church, it's true.)

And not ONCE did I hear a thunderbolt or see streaks of lightning zooming towards me.

I'm happy to report that, not only did we enter the building unscathed, but we left intact as well.
Intact & enlightened.
Not in the sense that one would think, but more in a, I'm doing right by my daughter sort of way.

As a child, I was raised Catholic. It's all I knew.
Sit, stand, kneel, (repeat).
I guess as a child I didn't bitch because, hey, it's what you did.
Your parents said (insisted) we're going to church... you went.

Now, as an adult of nearly 36, (ugh) I have come to realize that although I'll never really understand what people say about 'getting something out of the church', I DO understand their right to go. Honestly, I get more from quiet peaceful reflective time on my own, in my own apartment. My quiet moments with God are better than any I've ever gotten in Church, it's just a fact. I know there is a God, I believe in God, how could I not? Every time I look into the eyes of my gorgeous daughter I am reminded of how blessed I am that I get to parent this sweet little girl. That, in & of itself, is proof enough to me that God exists in this world & He does good things.

Now, nothing against those of you who are weekly church goers & 'get something' out of the experience, that's great & a part of me envy's you that, but it's just not been my experience. At least not that I've ever recalled.

Nope, now as an adult I know I'm continuing this tradition I knew as a child because I firmly believe that each child, regardless of the religious persuasion of their parents, SHOULD have some sort of feeling of belonging & a starting path to head down & once they become old enough to know how & what they want that path to take on for them in their lives, then they'll make that decision. I just think it would be a much harder thing to accomplish coming from a place of nothing, rather than a place of something.

So, something it is for us.

I will admit that, being a bisexual I have a hard time with A LOT of what the Catholic Church teaches, many times I've felt that perhaps the Unitarian Universalist Church would be a more welcoming atmosphere for me, but I digress. That aside, there is more that I do agree with in the Catholic Church than not, so I've decided we'll leave our differences at the door & agree to disagree & do all this in the name of good intentions for my daughter & her future.

In the end, whatever she chooses to do with her life & how she chooses to embrace her spiritual side, it's her choice. I won't judge, I'll just be here for guidance & always with love, for her.

You might be wondering why I chose today to take Ruby to church for the first time.
Good question.
Truth is, next Sunday, after 11am mass, Ruby is to be baptized.
I know, SO DRAGGED MY ASS on that one, but now it's time.
I wanted it done prior to my surgery & since surgery is a little over a month away,
April seemed like the perfect time.

Now, she's old enough to understand what's going to take place.
We've talked about it. She's seen the church. She's experienced a Mass.
She didn't talk or cry or complain ONCE! She was a dream child.
Perhaps it's that God was so stunned to see me in his house that even he was speechless & granted me a one day reprieve from screaming & tantrums.
His little 'welcome back' gift to me.
Who knows... whatever the reason, I am thankful...


...and hopeful.

Strangers Say The Darndest Things...

...things like, "I have one of those at home too!" (as I'm walking past a couple on a park bench, hand in hand with Ruby, diaper bag slung over my shoulder...)
OK, I'm game, I'll play along.
"Oh, is that so?" (thinking maybe he means one of those DIAPER bags, right?)

"Yep," he says. "Sept mine's all grown up now. Got one's 21 and the other's 19."

Realizing that he's CLEARLY referring to MY CHILD, I'm furious but remain kewl cuz otherwise I'd have clocked him in his big fat STUPID head! (and violence isn't top of my list of things to teach Ruby...)

"Oh." I say. "Were your children born in China as well?" (holding back this incessant urge to PUNCH the guy!)

"Nope, both from Korea. Good ones though..."

ONES? LIKE WE'RE TALKING APPLIANCES OR FURNITURE OR SHOES? GOOD LORD, AND I THOUGHT I HAD NO TACT!

I smiled politely & wished him & his wife/friend, whatever she was, a good day & we walked on. I was SO annoyed inside that I think I was even holding Ruby's hand a little too tightly. (sorry baby!)

You know, I've heard some lame ass STRANGER comments before, but that one, at this stage in the game, just THREW ME FOR A LOOP!

Who the hell did he think he was?

I'm all for adoptive families bonding over the gifts we have in our children, but WHEN IT'S DONE WITH TACT & RESPECT.

That guy?

I could have done without.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

...that's life these days in the Ruby Cate household. On top of being really busy with the new bookmyblog business, (2 orders & counting...) Miss Ruby has been going through some, shall we say, trying times as of late. Not sure what to think of them or how to even put my finger on them but they're here. It wasn't just the temper tantrum where she slapped my father in the face, twice. Or the day at the park where she felt it necessary to take her GINORMOUS bottle of BUBBLES and giggle as she called my name & proceeded to pour them over her feet, socks, shoes & all. And it certainly wasn't the time that I was trying to get a little work done & asked her three times to STOP screaming, (she does that alot around the house with Bear, but a silly 'having fun' type screaming, not the type where she's angry at the world or anything, but SCREAMING nonetheless...) no it couldn't POSSIBLY be that. But today, for me, the breaking point was when we were at the home of a local adoptive mother who also happens to teach the catechises class for Ruby's upcoming baptismal, and Ruby thought it necessary to tear this womans house APART whilst having THE MOTHER OF ALL BREAKDOWNS complete with screaming, throwing things, kicking, etc... NOT good times.

After calming her down enough to have a conversation with her (still at this woman's house mind you) I asked her why she was so upset...

Now before I tell you her answer I must preface this by saying that this woman & her husband are also adoptive parents. Their daughter, Caroline, was born in Jiangxi province, China and is currently 15 months old. They returned from China this past December & it's no coincidence that she, is who was chosen to teach me my Catechises lessons prior to the services at the end of the month.

I never just haul Ruby anywhere without first sitting down with her & explaining to her WHERE we are going, WHO is going to be there & WHY our visit is necessary.

She knew that there was a girl from China there, she knew that we were just going to visit & she KNEW that we'd leave once the lesson was over.

What I DIDN'T KNOW however, was that she was going to act out in a way that I never could have seen coming.

Ok, so back to her answer as to why this sudden behavioral uproar...:

Me: "Ruby, why are you behaving so naughty fresh today?"
Ruby: "Ruby NO WANNA GO BACK A CHINA! RUBY STAY HEA WIF MOMMA! RUBY NO GO!"
Me: (stunned that she even thought that) "Ruby, sweetie, I love you very much and I can promise you that we are NOT going back to China, and YOU, my dear, are VERY STUCK WITH ME for ever and ever and ever. Ruby, you are my favorite person in the whole wide world, remember?"
Ruby: "Yes Momma, I remener. Nayme we go home now affa I howd baby Carloine tight tight tight an gentle, ok?"
Me: "Ruby, baby Caroline wants her Momma to hold her right now but I am sure you can say hi & give her a GENTLE hug, ok?"
Ruby: "An pway wiff her toys, ok Momma? An NO GO A CHINA! Ok Momma?"
Me: "Ok Ruby, that sounds like a deal."
Ruby: "Fank you Momma. I wuv you soooo much. Fank you no Ruby going a China anymore. Ruby an Momma stay hea foreva an eva, deal?"
Me: "Deal." (hugging her so tight & hoping that my tears aren't overflowing from my eye sockets.)

I had NO IDEA that she would understand this meeting to mean that she might be given away or sent back to China. It just shows me how little I really understand about how my daughter processes her past prior to me and how much more sensitive I need to be concerning this topic because we clearly still have alot of work to do to instill in her that, for better or worse, I'm hers and she's mine, forever. Period.

Any thoughts on this one? Ideas & assvice appreciated...

Thanks.

Guess What WE Have...

...CONJUNCTIVITIS!
Yep, that's right, Rube's caught it, most likely from the kid's room at the Y,
and even though I was a NUT JOB washing my hands & hers, brought her to the doctor ASAFP for some medicine, applied it RELIGIOUSLY the 4x's a day, washed the sheets on the bed, TOSSED BEAR IN THE WASHING MACHINE FOR GOOD MEASURE, did EVERYTHING I assumed would keep me UN-CONJUNCTIFIED... I STILL GOT IT!

Damnit.


Not that it hurts or anything, but c'mon, let's get real, it's just a big pain in my arse and SO NOT ATTRACTIVE! The only UP side to us both now having it?
The HELL with the laundry... I am NOT washing sheets again & again just to have us re-funk them, ya know? ONCE THIS IS GONE FOR GOOD, and who knows when the hell that will be as I don't remember a thing at ALL about this crap, THEN & ONLY THEN will I clean this house from top to bottom washing anything that isn't pinned down & cleaning up or Junk'ed Zone.

I even missed my function last night with the Y which I was REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO!
It was an evening out, ON THEM, complete with Italian food AND a HYPNOTIST!
Who doesn't like to see a hypnotist? NOT ME THAT'S FOR SURE! LOVE EM!
(even if they never have been able to hypnotize me, not a chance, too strong willed for that...) They had raffles as well for everyone scheduled to be there, I WAS ONE of those scheduled few (apparently most of the Y staff feel that once they leave work, that that's it, no gatherings outside of work etc... don't ask, I think it's ridiculous! Anyway... so they gave away iPods & DVD players & other things.
I just know that to have gone while contagious, would NOT have been kewl.
For 1, I look awful but more importantly, I refuse to be the person who has complete disregard for other's health & just SHOW UP cuz I WANNA BE THERE! Won't do it.

It's always the parents like that, the ones with the SICK KIDS who KNOW their kids are SICK & come playing the "OMG HE IS? I DIDN'T KNOW" card just so they can drop the kid off & get two hours of workout time in. No concern at all for all the OTHER kids in our care, the ones who AREN'T sick, who have now been exposed to YOUR KID who you KNEW was sick but came anyways... selfish.

Not a fan of those parents & refuse to be like that myself... so miss the event I did & I'm sure I'll hear all about how much fun it was from one co-worker who I adore, who will give me all the dirt on the night.

So that's that, aside from looking horrendous and feeling like my eyes could burst out of my head at any second, it's Sunday morning, I've work to do on an order for BOOKMYBLOG.COM (very VERY kewl!) and then my brother is going to come over later to attempt to fix my dvd player, which if he can't, will just be one more thing that needs replacing around here. HAHAHA It's true what they say, when it rains it POURS.
But it's times like these that all I have to do is ask Ruby what happens when it rains & she'll reply: "Momma, wain neva hurt the fwowers..."* too true baby, too true.


Off to conjure up something for breakfast...



*(a saying my Nana (mother's Mom), Ruby's Great Nana used to say every time it rained & someone within ear shot was complaining about it. I think it's brilliant & LOVE that Ruby still uses it all these years later.)

3 Word Sunday...

...Red Sox Fans!