One of the best book I have EVER read! It's the story of 2 women's lives in Afghanistan, spanning 3 decades. That's all I'm going to say!

Al is NOT gay!

Now Sister Suzie claims that I think everyone is gay but come on now! Star is constantly reminding us of her husband's manly heterosexuality but methinks she is in deep, deep denial. White knee socks? Tres gay!

Trip to the ER!

On Sunday, as we were enjoying guacamole on the porch, Ana was hopping on one foot and fell, whacking her head on the front CEMENT step. A scream like I had never heard, blood like I have never seen, a B-I-G gash on her forehead. I put her in the car and drove right to Strong Hospital, only a couple miles from our house. We were there for 3 hours and Ana got 5 stitches. She was an incredible trooper - only screamed when they gave her novocain in her head. Once the actual stitching started, it was me who got a little woozie!
Ana is feeling good and will get her stitches out on Friday!

Happy Birthday Aunt Suzie!!

Happy Birthday to our awesome sister/aunt Suzie! We love you and can't wait to see you again!
The "good old days" before she had 5 little brothers and sisters!

Last July on our FOURTH trip to China. Suzie has come to China every time with me and my kids adore her. Last Sunday they stood by the windows for 40 minutes , waiting for her to arrive for our party.

Hello Summer!

Whew, what a week! We had a big Father's Day bash for my Dad and the big girls had their last day of school on Wednesday. We went strawberry picking this morning and had so much fun trying to get the biggest darkest berries and going home to chow them down!
Ana took her job very seriously, examining each berry for perfection before plunking it in her basket.

Lewis LOVED picking through the berries to find the BEST - everything is a competition with this boy


Elizabeth, as usual, avoids the camera.

Frances, as usual, loves the camera.

Where the heck are you?????!

Ukelele Mama

Meet my mom, Mary, before she was married and had 6 kids. She's the hottie on the left, playing the ukelele.

Happy Adoption Day and Birthday to my Franny!

On June 7, 1999, my dreams came true! A whole new phase of my life began when I reached out and held Frances for the first time. She was so sad and freaked out and I was so excited/happy/scared. I just adore my big girl!


My beautiful, big, 9 year old girl! We celebrated her birthday on Monday and she was thrilled to get Heely's as a gift!

Good little comrades

I found this image of a one-child policy poster on one of my google searches.

Yet another recital!

This was just the weekend for recitals! Today Lewis had his dancing premier - he actually did a great job and listened so well to his teacher. It was great to see him up on the stage having such a fun time.

Ana's first violin recital!

Ana was so cute, so excited and so proud of herself!