I FINALLY felt good enough to get these taken.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Nifty find...
I thought these were adorable. I was lucky to find the pair! They are approximately 5" high and through research, I found out they were made in the early- to mid-60's.
They would be ideal for an altered art shadow box project.
If anyone is interested, email me. If not, I'll list them in my Etsy Store over the weekend.
I'm hoping to get a little sunshine today so I can take additional pictures outside.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Time slips away...
Bad mama.
10 December marked our sixth anniversary of meeting Lilliput for the first time in China. Bad mama. Time flies! In my defense, we've all had a virus. Mr. Trixie and Lilliput only lasted a few days...but mama? I'm going on TWO weeks.
Happy GOTCHA Day Lilliput!
Our flight over wasn't too bad. However, we were late leaving LA thus our layover Guangzhou was depleted. Fortunately, we made the connection and arrived at The Dolton in Changsha, Hunan with only 45 minutes to spare. I managed to hop in the shower to freshen up and we made it down to the conference room with time to spare. The room was hot and packed with other families. When we heard those babies screeching when the elevator doors opened, it was so difficult to stay seated and wait. We had waited 14 months and Lilliput was within earshot.
We were the 5th family called and we proceeded to the front of the room. Lilliput was as calm as can be. She was 6 1/2 months old (the youngest of our group) and was just taking in the surroundings. When they handed her to me...she just looked at me. I had brought just one item (a small brightly colored elephant that "rattled") and showed it to her. She would glance at it, then at me. We had to clear the front of the room for the remaining families so we took our seats again. I just wanted to look at her, make eye contact, and let her daddy hold her. However, Lilliput promptly stuck two fingers in her mouth and laid her head on my shoulder. She was my baby. I could not have possibly loved another human being so much.
After sitting in the hot room for another 45 minutes, we were excused to our room. We promptly took her out of her warm clothes to let her cool off. At this point, she had made no noises. When we laid her down to put a diaper on, she wailed! Everything was so surreal. We had plans to meet up with another couple downstairs for dinner...so we dressed her, put her in a snuggly and headed down. Dinner was very short as nothing on the menu was recognizable. We paid for our D*et Cokes and went back to the room.
Lilliput could not sit up or roll over on her own. We had so much fun with her despite the fact that she was pretty much shut down. The ride from her Orphanage had taken six hours. We fed her and changed her into her PJ's and put her to bed.
The next morning...totally different baby. Happy. Smiling. Cooing. Chanting "mamamama" which Mr. Trixie took offense at. We were in love!
While we were prepared (and educated) for some issues we might encounter, Lilliput was nothing but perfect! By the time we left Changsha, she was both sitting up unassisted AND rolling over.
People often talk about no adoption story is all rainbows and unicorns...but ours couldn't be more perfect. Lilliput was such an easy, happy baby and is an easy, happy little girl. Dreams do come true. God knew that I needed an easy baby and he sure delivered!
Later today, I'll post some pictures of our referral and some from our China trip.
Lilliput, you are an amazing little girl. I am so proud to be your mama. I wish I could take credit for how you turned out, but the fact is God made you and delivered you to us. We love you so much!!
10 December marked our sixth anniversary of meeting Lilliput for the first time in China. Bad mama. Time flies! In my defense, we've all had a virus. Mr. Trixie and Lilliput only lasted a few days...but mama? I'm going on TWO weeks.
Happy GOTCHA Day Lilliput!
Our flight over wasn't too bad. However, we were late leaving LA thus our layover Guangzhou was depleted. Fortunately, we made the connection and arrived at The Dolton in Changsha, Hunan with only 45 minutes to spare. I managed to hop in the shower to freshen up and we made it down to the conference room with time to spare. The room was hot and packed with other families. When we heard those babies screeching when the elevator doors opened, it was so difficult to stay seated and wait. We had waited 14 months and Lilliput was within earshot.
We were the 5th family called and we proceeded to the front of the room. Lilliput was as calm as can be. She was 6 1/2 months old (the youngest of our group) and was just taking in the surroundings. When they handed her to me...she just looked at me. I had brought just one item (a small brightly colored elephant that "rattled") and showed it to her. She would glance at it, then at me. We had to clear the front of the room for the remaining families so we took our seats again. I just wanted to look at her, make eye contact, and let her daddy hold her. However, Lilliput promptly stuck two fingers in her mouth and laid her head on my shoulder. She was my baby. I could not have possibly loved another human being so much.
After sitting in the hot room for another 45 minutes, we were excused to our room. We promptly took her out of her warm clothes to let her cool off. At this point, she had made no noises. When we laid her down to put a diaper on, she wailed! Everything was so surreal. We had plans to meet up with another couple downstairs for dinner...so we dressed her, put her in a snuggly and headed down. Dinner was very short as nothing on the menu was recognizable. We paid for our D*et Cokes and went back to the room.
Lilliput could not sit up or roll over on her own. We had so much fun with her despite the fact that she was pretty much shut down. The ride from her Orphanage had taken six hours. We fed her and changed her into her PJ's and put her to bed.
The next morning...totally different baby. Happy. Smiling. Cooing. Chanting "mamamama" which Mr. Trixie took offense at. We were in love!
While we were prepared (and educated) for some issues we might encounter, Lilliput was nothing but perfect! By the time we left Changsha, she was both sitting up unassisted AND rolling over.
People often talk about no adoption story is all rainbows and unicorns...but ours couldn't be more perfect. Lilliput was such an easy, happy baby and is an easy, happy little girl. Dreams do come true. God knew that I needed an easy baby and he sure delivered!
Later today, I'll post some pictures of our referral and some from our China trip.
Lilliput, you are an amazing little girl. I am so proud to be your mama. I wish I could take credit for how you turned out, but the fact is God made you and delivered you to us. We love you so much!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Food Experiment
I'm one of those cooks who hates following a recipe when cooking. Baking? I ALWAYS following the recipe. Cooking? Not so much.
Because I'm trying to pinch pennies since I'm no longer working...I was able to pick up two huge london broils yesterday. I've never done anything with them in the kitchen as we always grill them. However, hubs refuses to grill when there is snow on the ground. Whatever.
I've looking through some online recipes to put one said (very lean) hunk-o-meat in the slow cooker today. It involves cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, onions, and onion soup mix. I'll fake it and let you know how it turns out.
Because I'm trying to pinch pennies since I'm no longer working...I was able to pick up two huge london broils yesterday. I've never done anything with them in the kitchen as we always grill them. However, hubs refuses to grill when there is snow on the ground. Whatever.
I've looking through some online recipes to put one said (very lean) hunk-o-meat in the slow cooker today. It involves cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, onions, and onion soup mix. I'll fake it and let you know how it turns out.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Turkey Day Menu
Ha!
We're heading over to Mr. Trixie's brother's house for the big day. Because of my recent run-in with a knife to my mid-section, I'm only required to bring one dish. Trixie's Famous Corn. I hear the cream cheese and jalapenos beckoning from upstairs.
However, because of my narcotics and muscle relaxers, I'm feeling generous. To this, I'm taking TWO Tollhouse Pies and one sinful Carrot Cake with CREAM CHEESE frosting. Okay, we're giving one of the pies to some dear friends.
Hope everyone enjoys their turkey day!!
Trixie & family
We're heading over to Mr. Trixie's brother's house for the big day. Because of my recent run-in with a knife to my mid-section, I'm only required to bring one dish. Trixie's Famous Corn. I hear the cream cheese and jalapenos beckoning from upstairs.
However, because of my narcotics and muscle relaxers, I'm feeling generous. To this, I'm taking TWO Tollhouse Pies and one sinful Carrot Cake with CREAM CHEESE frosting. Okay, we're giving one of the pies to some dear friends.
Hope everyone enjoys their turkey day!!
Trixie & family
Friday, November 14, 2008
Yet another pity party...
One of my rules for my blog is that I stay positive and focused on all that is good in my life. I'll complain and bitch elsewhere about how life seems unfair and how unexpected events really thrust me into a complete tailspin.
However, (isn't there always a however?) I'm offering up this explanation as to where I will be in the coming weeks.
Yesterday, I saw the plastic/wound care surgeon. He took measurements and pictures of my lovely wound. He compared it to the same from the last month. It's a rather stubborn wound and seems to like hanging out and the required nursing care visits. Blah.
He completely stunned me with the pronouncement that he would be operating. "Would Monday work for you?" Whoa. What just happened here? Really? I'm no doctor although I like to pretend I am, but the solution to this nonhealing would is to open it up again? Really? The potential length of the incision could approach 6-8 inches. He will completely close the wound this time after cleaning it up and roughing up the fascia (or perhaps replacing my abdominal muscle with better abdominal muscle.) Really? I opted for this procedure instead of leaving it open and having to cart around that damn wound vac again and yet MORE nurses tromping through my messy house and keeping me from napping.
Let's just hope I made the right decision...instead of the convienent one. I won't be driving for a few weeks and will miss my daily stops after I drop Lilliput at school. Those ladies at G**dwill, S*lvation A**y, and St. V*ncent DePau* will think I died or something. Perhaps I'll pay them one last visit today and ask them to hold all the good junque for me!
Oh! I picked up some stunning mens wool sweaters with the intention to felt them...but I just may love them too much to turn them into some crafty goodness. I'll try them on today to make a final decision. I'll post pics (if I can learn how to download from my camera...D is the nerd, not me) and perhaps I'll set up a vote.
Anyhow, talk amoungst yourselves. I'll have the laptop in my bed with me (Thank you in advance D for having the foresight to set up a wireless system whereby I can search the web AND print all from the comfort of my bed!)
OH! How I wish I were worthy enough (and rich enough) to attend Silver Bella. I am in awe of these ladies (and those fortunate souls attending) and their creations. I would really like to be there...if nothing else but to shop!
Be back soon...
However, (isn't there always a however?) I'm offering up this explanation as to where I will be in the coming weeks.
Yesterday, I saw the plastic/wound care surgeon. He took measurements and pictures of my lovely wound. He compared it to the same from the last month. It's a rather stubborn wound and seems to like hanging out and the required nursing care visits. Blah.
He completely stunned me with the pronouncement that he would be operating. "Would Monday work for you?" Whoa. What just happened here? Really? I'm no doctor although I like to pretend I am, but the solution to this nonhealing would is to open it up again? Really? The potential length of the incision could approach 6-8 inches. He will completely close the wound this time after cleaning it up and roughing up the fascia (or perhaps replacing my abdominal muscle with better abdominal muscle.) Really? I opted for this procedure instead of leaving it open and having to cart around that damn wound vac again and yet MORE nurses tromping through my messy house and keeping me from napping.
Let's just hope I made the right decision...instead of the convienent one. I won't be driving for a few weeks and will miss my daily stops after I drop Lilliput at school. Those ladies at G**dwill, S*lvation A**y, and St. V*ncent DePau* will think I died or something. Perhaps I'll pay them one last visit today and ask them to hold all the good junque for me!
Oh! I picked up some stunning mens wool sweaters with the intention to felt them...but I just may love them too much to turn them into some crafty goodness. I'll try them on today to make a final decision. I'll post pics (if I can learn how to download from my camera...D is the nerd, not me) and perhaps I'll set up a vote.
Anyhow, talk amoungst yourselves. I'll have the laptop in my bed with me (Thank you in advance D for having the foresight to set up a wireless system whereby I can search the web AND print all from the comfort of my bed!)
OH! How I wish I were worthy enough (and rich enough) to attend Silver Bella. I am in awe of these ladies (and those fortunate souls attending) and their creations. I would really like to be there...if nothing else but to shop!
Be back soon...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Home
Gracious...it's good to be HOME!
We had a wonderful trip to Austin. We had only one planned outing and the rest of the time we just spent with family. L and her cousin T had hours of fun. They are only 15 months apart in age and they miss each other terribly. We have got to get down there more often. It's been two years since our last visit.
As wonderful as it was, I was able to confirm what I suspected was going on with my dad. I had noticed when talking on the phone with him that something had changed in his physical/mental health. I was afraid to talk to my Mom about it over the phone. However, it was much more pronounced in person. My Mom and I had a chance to talk the morning of our last day in Austin and I encouraged her to get him in front of a few new specialists to see what exactly is going on.
It's just so hard to see someone who has always been such a pillar in my life to suddenly deteriorate so drastically. I don't think I've completely absorbed it all. It's heartbreaking. Not just for my Dad, but also my Mom. We're going on a cruise with them in February so it won't be so long between visits and I will be able to access how he changes in those three months.
While I didn't get to do some of the typical things I'd do while in Austin (live music and searching for treasures) it was a very good relaxing visit. L enjoyed playing with her Mamaw and Poppa. We enjoyed copious amounts of mexican food L got a rockin' new pair of N*w Balance shoes and I spent way too much at the Austin City Limits store at the airport.
Our trip home was complicated due to bad weather and airline delays. Our 4:40 arrival in Pittsburgh turned into a midnight arrival with an additional hour drive home. Our delay leaving Austin meant we missed our connection in Houston. Do you know how to entertain a six year old for five hours in an airport? People movers. If I close my eyes, I can still feel like I'm on one. Guess that is bound to happen when you spend about 4 1/2 hours on them! All things considered, L did very well enduring the long wait for our last leg home...and again during the 1 1/2 hours spent sitting on the plane waiting for 30 planes in front of us to take off. Fortunately, they permitted us to use our cell phones and L's portable DVD player.
I acquired some awesome vintage goodies just before I left town. I'm just waiting for a sunny day so I can take some good pictures. NW PA is not known for it's sunny days this time of year.
The next two days will be filled with appointments with surgeons so they can determine when my next surgery will be. Meanwhile, I'm still being seen by the visiting nurses for wound care. I'll be glad when they GO AWAY.
Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the holiday season. Even though our Christmas will be lean, I'm hoping we can focus on other things. I'm planning on us volunteering on Christmas Day to serve lunch to those less fortunate. It's an annual event in our small town and I just need to track down the phone number so I can get us on the Volunteer list.
What are your plans for the holidays?
We had a wonderful trip to Austin. We had only one planned outing and the rest of the time we just spent with family. L and her cousin T had hours of fun. They are only 15 months apart in age and they miss each other terribly. We have got to get down there more often. It's been two years since our last visit.
As wonderful as it was, I was able to confirm what I suspected was going on with my dad. I had noticed when talking on the phone with him that something had changed in his physical/mental health. I was afraid to talk to my Mom about it over the phone. However, it was much more pronounced in person. My Mom and I had a chance to talk the morning of our last day in Austin and I encouraged her to get him in front of a few new specialists to see what exactly is going on.
It's just so hard to see someone who has always been such a pillar in my life to suddenly deteriorate so drastically. I don't think I've completely absorbed it all. It's heartbreaking. Not just for my Dad, but also my Mom. We're going on a cruise with them in February so it won't be so long between visits and I will be able to access how he changes in those three months.
While I didn't get to do some of the typical things I'd do while in Austin (live music and searching for treasures) it was a very good relaxing visit. L enjoyed playing with her Mamaw and Poppa. We enjoyed copious amounts of mexican food L got a rockin' new pair of N*w Balance shoes and I spent way too much at the Austin City Limits store at the airport.
Our trip home was complicated due to bad weather and airline delays. Our 4:40 arrival in Pittsburgh turned into a midnight arrival with an additional hour drive home. Our delay leaving Austin meant we missed our connection in Houston. Do you know how to entertain a six year old for five hours in an airport? People movers. If I close my eyes, I can still feel like I'm on one. Guess that is bound to happen when you spend about 4 1/2 hours on them! All things considered, L did very well enduring the long wait for our last leg home...and again during the 1 1/2 hours spent sitting on the plane waiting for 30 planes in front of us to take off. Fortunately, they permitted us to use our cell phones and L's portable DVD player.
I acquired some awesome vintage goodies just before I left town. I'm just waiting for a sunny day so I can take some good pictures. NW PA is not known for it's sunny days this time of year.
The next two days will be filled with appointments with surgeons so they can determine when my next surgery will be. Meanwhile, I'm still being seen by the visiting nurses for wound care. I'll be glad when they GO AWAY.
Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the holiday season. Even though our Christmas will be lean, I'm hoping we can focus on other things. I'm planning on us volunteering on Christmas Day to serve lunch to those less fortunate. It's an annual event in our small town and I just need to track down the phone number so I can get us on the Volunteer list.
What are your plans for the holidays?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
