Mother of One

I am a "hoverer". There, I said it. I need a 12 step program. As the mother of one and a bit of OCD control freak I need to stop the insanity. As Alexa gets older she continues to show me how capable she is and how independent she is. My struggle lately has been learning to back off a little and just let her do it on her own. I don't fix her problems all the time and am trying to ease up ( I have a lot of rules). Yesterday we went to one of her friends birthday party at Chuckie Cheese and I was "that" mom...wiping her hands ( no, scrubbing the germs) off before she ate pizza, wiping her mouth, cleaning the stain off her new shirt...all while the child was trying to eat pizza with her friends!! Insane, I know. This morning after the third time telling her to get to the table for breakfast, I finally raised my voice ( which she hates) and she responded with this in her own raised voice: "It's my business to take care of myself!!!" Okay, point taken but get you fanny to the table. So, I will continue to give her more freedom, hover less and realize my baby girl is getting to be a big girl.

Qichun Scrapbook

A few months ago our Qichun Hubei Yahoo group organized a scrapbook to be hand delivered to the Qichun Social Welfare Institute. The book was a compilation of families that wanted to send updates of our girls to the orphanage and more importantly to our foster families. My desire in participating was for Alexa's foster family to see that she is loved immensely and happy. Here is a photo of the director looking at Alexa's page. The family who hand delivered the book said that they were very interested in it and looked at it several times during that visit. We know in our hearts that Alexa was very loved for the 11 months that she was in their care and we hope in some way that this will be a thank you of sorts for that love.

Out for ice cream

Dimples

Calling all dog lovers!

My sister-in-law Kim runs an organization called Poverty's Pets here in Phoenix. Kim is a "dog angel" in my eyes and this particular project helps dogs that are homeless or neglected and finds them loving forever homes. Kim recently asked me to design a blog for Poverty's Pets. So if you live in AZ and are looking for an amazing dog to rescue and give a loving home, check out the blog or send it to your friends. Just click on the link on the sidebar or go to www.povertyspets.blogspot.com .

Let the Games Begin!

We are super excited for the Olympics and will be watching for sure. Alexa knows what they are and says " people come and play games and the winners get candy." The Chinese sure know how to put on a show! The photos, like this one from the opening ceremony look amazing!

Loot

I've been going a little crazy lately with the shopping. Here are a few of the latest. Somebody stop me!!

Family Photo

Today we went to a friend's birthday party. We haven't taken a family photo in ages so I thought this would be a good opportunity since we were all looking snazzy.

Get the kleenex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjZr2UuOalo

This stuff gets me every time. If you love animals, watch this. : )

Editing

This is my first attempt at editing at Picnik. It is so much fun.

Realism

Alexa has been into dinosaurs lately and she plays with them in the front courtyard in the dirt and rocks. Mrs. Stubbs thought she would get in on the action and join in.

I've been tagged!

Here are the rules: I am supposed to describe myself in 6 words. I've been tagged by Jen over at KatieMinMin. Jen, Dan and their beautiful daughter Katie were in our adoption group. We traveled through China together and keep in touch via our blogs and reunions.

1. Blessed I am truly blessed for so many things in my life : a solid marriage and husband, a healthy and amazing daughter, fantastic and supportive parents, good friends, a home that is surrounded by nature and scenery that I never take for granted, and the luxury of being able to stay home with my daughter.

2. Loyal I am very loyal to the people I love. I can keep a secret and I've got your back.

3. Sweet Other people over my life have always called me sweet and I guess I would consider myself so. I am nice to strangers and love animals. I like old people and believe in the goodness of my fellow man. I'm the girl that strangers ask for directions, lost children come up to me in the mall, and I'll let you get in front of me on the road or in the grocery store. I believe in Karma and paying it forward!

4. Organized Oh heavens, if it's not organized I'll freak out. I need it in my life, house and head. I don't do chaos!

5. Driven Give me a project or a goal and I'm all over it. I will strive for perfection, obsess about the details and work hard until it is done right.

6. Evolving I recently turned 40 and have been looking at my life, where I've been and where I'm going. I think motherhood has made me more introspective, less private, more giving and less scared. I certainly laugh more, love deeper and worry less about the small things.

Fun in the Sun

Summer Camp

A little funny...

Today was Alexa's first day of summer camp at her school. It is only for this week from 9-2.
We pull up in the parking lot and she says " Mom, do I have to sleep in a tent?"

Nightwalk

Robert and Alexa went out on a night walk last night. See that mountain on the right in the first photo? They hiked to the top of that. There is a road that goes up that the miners use ( yes, gold miners) and up they went in the very dark night ( thankfully there was a beautiful full moon). She had a great adventure. When they got home I looked in her backpack and she had her net, a water, her cellphone and a little pillow. Oh yes, and her wallet. That's my girl..always prepared!! ; )