Hey ho, hey ho, its off to China we go!

Comfy, comfy sofa!

This is getting a bit embarrassing now.  Once again I am on the sofa, so once again no Fairy pics.  Just to clarify I haven't been sitting on the sofa for three days, well not the whole of the three days, its just that by the time I come to post this is where I am.  However, I do have a good replacement for Fairy photos.  One of my most favorite things is when Lulu and Beau make each other laugh, its the bestest best to hear that beautiful sound.  In this clip Lulu was cracking Beau up by pulling the seat belt for him to hold and of course it kept winding itself back up much to Beau's amusement.  By the time I thought to pull the camera out they were really on the tail end of the joke but I still got a bit of that sweet sound.  I love at the very end they are holding hands, so often when we are out in the car I will check in the mirror and see them sitting their holding hands and it makes my heart go melty melt.

Oooooh which reminds me talking of melty melt, today for the first time ever Beau asked me for a kiss!  I kiss him all the time and he will give me kisses if I ask for them (well mostly he will) and if I'm very lucky he'll give me a spontaneous kiss but today was the first time he actually asked me for a kiss (well apart from kissing a hurty better).  It was sooooooooooo sweet and then in the afternoon he asked for a hug, just like kisses we hug all the time but this was the first time he asked me for one, whaddya know, that boy really does love his Mama

November 06, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Coasting is the new blogging.

Oh no its happened again, I'm on the sofa, Fairy Princess photos are not on the sofa.  I'll just coast a wee bit more and post these non Fairy Princess photos from this morning.  I love my babies and oh how I love that they love each other sooooooo much.  That's a lotta love!  This morning they took photos of "Amy Sparkles" to show their teachers.  Lulu has been in love with her baby sister from the moment she heard about her.  Beau on the other hand has no idea he has a baby sister but when he sees her photo he proudly declares "baby!" like the old man of almost 2 that he is.  "Amy Sparkles" you have the best big sister and brother in the world waiting for you - I think their compensation for your coasting parents.

Family - 1 Family - 2 Family - 4  Family - 5




November 05, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'm coasting, I'm coasting, watch me coast!

So Anne Marie totally saw through my cunning plan to coast today's post with a photo of Lulu in all her Fairy Princess glory.  However, those photos are on my GDrive thingy and I'm sitting on the sofa and can't retrieve them from here cos the lead doesn't stretch that far.  Instead, I'm going to coast with the H1N1 photos which are on the laptop hard drive!

Lulu is terrified of shots so we happily went with the nasal mist for her and Beau, being small and easy to sit on, had to suck it up with the shot. I know this stuff is still in short supply so it really was a relief to get them both done. 

H1N1 - 2 H1N1 - 3

November 04, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

To NompyPopy or not?

I'm debating doing the NombyBlompy thing again this November (blog posts everyday for the whole month) so here is a quick photo to at least keep me in the game while I decide how much of a glutton for punishment I really am.

Two fairies and a dragon conducting long and serious studying of the candy!

Library - 2315

November 03, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

More Halloween!

It was such a good Halloween there had to be two sets of costumes!

Halloween - 1 Halloween - 2

November 02, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Happiest of Halloweens!

We had so much fun yesterday, the weather was mild and the "trick or treaters" were in high spirits!  Lulu and her good friend M know the drill but Beau took a while to really get the hang of things.  For the first few houses he found the choosing of which piece of candy to pick VERY over whelming and he wasn't entirely convinced that it was okay for him to take it.

Here he is at the start of the evening, the girls had long since picked their candy and were raring to be off to the next house but we all had to wait, and wait, and wait for Beau to make his choice.  I felt sorry for the man holding the candy it was an awfully big, heavy bowl to be holding while the Little Dragon tried to make his mind up and he was super patient with him, he'd probably heard that Dragons are quite partial to a nice bite of crispy human being with ketchup on top and wanted to stay on the right side of him.

November 01, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Count down begins!

Finally our Dossier is on its way to Taiwan and by coincidence it is taking the same route to Taiwan (via Anchorage) that we took last year, although, unlike us, I doubt that it availed itself of the rest room facilities during the stop at Anchorage.

On our way! 

Photographic proof from Lulu's camera that we too stopped at Anchorage Airport!  I think her shot of the jewelery case with snow effect really captures the essence of the place.

Anchorage - 1 Anchorage - 2 Anchorage - 3 Anchorage - 4 Anchorage - 5





 

October 24, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (5)

Oh Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, Update Day is Here!

I knew that in theory we were due for updated photos but I hadn't really dared to think about it too much because sometimes the updates can be late and then its just agony, so best to try not to start obsessing too early!  Of course that doesn't mean that the hope of an update wasn't always in the back of my mind but I just wasn't at the "my head will explode if updates don't arrive soon" point!   So it really was a surprise, not to mention total joy, to see these photos waiting in my Inbox.  Hooray, hooray for Update Day, love it so.

We got three photos and she is wearing an outfit we sent, which makes me ridiculously happy.  I had been making bets with myself over which outfit they would dress her in and I had my money on the right one!  Isn't she just the sweetest?

P1130288
P1130280
P1130285 

We also have a little video clip, it just so precious to have and it gives us such a wonderful glimpse of her personality while we wait so far away wondering what she is like and how she is doing.  Looks like "Amy Sparkles" is sparkly in name and nature!  We love you baby girl xxx

October 20, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (12)

Well at least that's her name sorted!

I thought it would be nice to video Lulu and Beau with Ching-Lin's first care package before sending it on its way.  I really had no idea what they might say and to be honest Beau didn't have a lot to say on the matter beyond  joining in for the first two "Baby, Babies" of the "Baby, baby" song*.

Lulu on the other hand was full of lullabies and love for her sister and also announced to me what Ching-Lin's English name will be.  Judging from the name choice she came up with  it would appear Lulu feels her sister is destined to be

a) The next big Teen Pop Singing Sensation,

b) A Vegas Stripper

c) One of those "Little Ponies"

Or possibly

d) A woodland fairy friend of Tinkerbells.

Makes a mother proud! 

Since the big name announcement I have gently tired to insert a few of my own name choices into the running and whilst Lulu, fair minded as always, is most certainly open to a family vote on Ching-Lin's name so far it would seem that her own choice keeps coming out top.


Possibly sensing that her name choice is a little more "fashion forward" than her dear old Ma and Pa can cope with Lulu did make a very early amendment to her choice, declaring that Ching-Lin's new name will be Amy Sparkles.  I am forced to admit it does have a nice ring to it and in recent days in the hopes of gaining our votes it has been amended further to Amy Sparkles Rose.  At this point we are all referring to Ching-Lin as Amy Sparkles I fear if I don't come up with a name to challenge it soon she may well be Amy Sparkles for life! 

*All Original Lyrics & Music written and performed by Lulu

October 07, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (6)

Just call me Mrs Worthington.

Lulu has yet to see a stage she doesn't think she should be on!  Here she is at the photography place waiting for Mummy to hurry up and choose which pics to buy.  You may notice she appears to be wearing a particularly huge pair of bloomers under her dress but I can assure you they are her shorts from her previous outfit.

The choreography and lyrics are entirely her own (Uncle Cris will be especially proud) and yes, she is available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.


October 07, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Make that Express please!

At this point It feels like we're making at least twice daily visits to the Post Office to Express or Priority Mail paperwork to someone or other, to do something or other to it, so we can finally get it all sent to Taiwan.  Trust me trips to the Post Office are not easy with the Two Terrors along for the ride, it is not lost on me that if its this tricky with two what the heck would it be like with a third munchkin in tow, no matter how cute she is!

The worst was the two trips, yes TWO trips it took for me to get our first care package off to Taiwan but I'll save the pitiful details of that for another post. 

Luckily the thrill of these Post Office visits has not yet warn thin on Lulu and Beau, probably more of a testament to the less than exciting life we lead here in Darkest CT than the fun of the Post Offices!  To keep things "interesting" I switch up which location we visit.  On this trip we picked an in town office, which has the con of tricky parking but the plus of being stroller friendly (relatively) which means Beau is securely leashed seated leaving me with a free hand AND somewhere to put my bag and items for mailing.  As far as the kids are concerned the big draw of this Branch is the basket of free candy on the counter.  They also appreciate the handicap ramp aka The Stroller Race Circuit, you'd be amazed at the speeds we have clocked going down that thing and we haven't had a spin off or tire blow out yet, but give us time, give us time!

USPS - 1
We are are such high volume customers they should really give us a discount but apparently my mailing colleagues are happy to take lollipops in lieu of a discount, personally I'd rather have the discount but I was out voted. 
USPS - 2

October 06, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Truly Beautiful.

If you haven't seen this yet you HAVE to watch it.  Such an amazing story, such amazing people.

September 27, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Update!!!!

Phew, that was a close one!  Death by lack of update narrowly averted!  Its been agony, Thursday came and went, nothing.  Friday, nadda, I did have to email our Caseworker about some paperwork so I slipped in a question about whether she thought we would get an update soon?  I was secretly hoping that she might email me back to say "oh I'd completely forgotten until I got your email that I have an update sitting here for you" but no such luck just the usual "some families have received them" (which of course we knew) "but nothing for you yet, maybe in the next week or two". 

The weekend was fine because I knew we wouldn't hear anything but come this morning I was checking email every 5 seconds.  I knew that the Agency was having staff training all day but I was hoping that there would be update photos sitting in our Caseworkers email and that she might have time to send them before training started but nothing appeared and I was thinking probably no chance till tomorrow and maybe not even then.  Then just as I'd given up hope, "ping" went my email and there she was!!!!!  Of course I was all fingers and thumbs with a zillion windows open and the two of the photos just sat there stuck and unviewable - gah!  After a quick shutdown all was well and there was sweet Ching-Lin in all her cross eyed beautifulness!  I was bummed that our care package hadn't gotten to her in time for her to be wearing one of the outfits we got for her but that's what happens when your mother is a total slacker - everything is late. 

Not that it mattered she looks cute as a button in her pretty onesie and somebody has put a little bow in her hair.  It warms my heart to know someone looking after Ching-Lin was all "gotta have a bow in your hair for your picture Ching-Lin" its something only someone who cares about her would think to do and it feels good to know someone else is tormenting loving Ching-Lin for me while we are so far apart.  Not that I think her hair can actually support a bow but somebody managed to bunch enough wispy hairs together to clip that sucker on.  Much like myself in China with Lulu!

Okay, enough of all that mush here's the main attraction, I'm starting out with the video because its the absolute bestest bit!  Can you say "AaaDooooorable"?  I can't believe how sweet she is and very alert and aware of everything going on around her.  I think her cheeks look a little "chapped" maybe a touch of eczema?  Maybe I'll put a tube of cream in her next package, along with bows lots and lots of bows, now I know her nannies enjoy a good game of "dress the baby up" I'll have to see what fluffy foofoos I can find for them to primp her with.  Of course its all just gilding the lily ;)

Whilst I was typing this I just got another email with her updated weight and measurements, soooo pleased because its so hard to guess size from the photos, there's nothing to judge her against when she is just on a blankie.  As of August 27 she was 10.58 lbs and 21.6" tall, now I've got to go and compare that to Beau's baby measurments to get an idea of what that looks like!


P1120016

P1120017

P1120015

September 21, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (12)

Chance of head explosion - medium to high!

Oh the agony of it!  Its been 7 weeks and 6 days since we got the call about sweet Ching-Lin and its 7 weeks and 2 days since we got those first photos and video clip, not that I'm counting or anything.  In this Tawian program families usually get photo updates every month, we missed out on the last round because we had only just had referral photos a couple of weeks earlier but we should get them this time.   I NEED updated photos, must have updated photos, please, oh please ye Gods of Adoption Updated Photo's send me some snaps.

I was doing a pretty good job of not thinking about it too much until the last few days but now I'm suffering from a severe case of "email check-itis" plus I just heard that another family in the program got theirs this morning so now I'm really desperate for ours.  I have to keep coming back to check email over and over again.  The worst is when I hear that new email "ping" my heart skips a beat and I rush to check only to be disappointed.

Okay, as you were, just had to have a little vent about my need for more photos and yes I know we are beyond lucky to have referral photos and that in many programs there are no updates but its so hard knowing they should be here at any moment, I think my head might explode if they don't arrive tomorrow.

September 17, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Basking in the joy!

Thank you everyone for your lovely words and kind congratulations, I really appreciated them.  Its been such a crazy time I hadn't realized just how much I needed to have a little bask in the joy of it all.

I loved all the comments but I think possibly my favorite was from Fixer Mamma with her "how are you doing that????" it just made me chuckle so much, probably because its exactly what I would be saying!

 I didn't mean to be so misleading, I thought I had mentioned that "baby girl" is currently residing in Taiwan but now I realize I didn't and so logical conclusions were drawn that she must be in China.  For a moment there you were all thinking that I had an "in" with the CCAA, that I knew the Top Peeps and had called in a few favors, pulled a few strings and hey presto expedited referral!  Whilst it would be fun to be known as "that woman who knows people at the CCAA" it is not a claim I can actually make.

I'll give you the run down on "The Call" in the next post but in the meantime here are the 3 photos we have and a little snippet of video.  I am hoping the fact that she is sleeping in one out of three is an indicator that she will be a good sleeper, please, oh please be a good sleeper little sweetie pie!

 PICT7398 PICT7410 PICT7395

I love the way she looks to be breaking out the moves in the middle one, I love that in the first I can see her darling little legs and the last I love because it offers that hope that even with 3 children  4 years and under I may still, occasionally, get to sleep.

And here she is in action!

August 25, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (10)

Pinch me!

Trust me no-one is more surprised than me to be making this particular post.  With great happiness, and a still spinning head, I would like to introduce Lulu and Beau's baby sister!  Yep, you read that right we have another daughter, behold her sweet, sweet face.  Born July 7th, Chinese name Ching-Lin, English name still to be decided.  We love her so much!

PICT7395

August 24, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (20)

Shopping with a purpose!

It has been heartbreaking to see all the news reports coming out of Taiwan about the death and devastation that Typhoon Morakot brought to the south of the beautiful island of Taiwan, my heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones. 

The damage to property has also been immense and it will take time, money, effort and determination to rebuild.  The Taiwanese American Organization are trying to raise funds to help with the typhoon relief efforts, they have some great T-shirts for sale and they have also put out a "call to artists" to Taiwanese-American artists asking them to join in with the fund raising by contributing a percentage of the profits from sales of their work until August 31st.  You can find a list of artists participating here. One of my favorites, author and artist Grace Lin Grace Lin is participating, check out her online store, the Dim Sum Collection  is especially cute!  Shop till you drop, or at least till your mouse is exhausted from clicking and know that not only are you buying some wonderful music, art, t-shirts etc. but you are helping the people of Taiwan, and right now they really need our help.

August 24, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Splash!

We finally got round to filling the paddling pool, either its got a lot smaller or Loops is a lot bigger.  The water was freezing cold but she loved it.
Splashing - 1 

Splashing - 2 

Splashing - 3 

Splashing - 4 Splashing - 5

Splashing - 6 

Splashing - 7 

Splashing - 8

July 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Harmony restored!

I thought having exposed his Tasmanian Devil side I should also, in the interest of fair and balanced reporting, show that calm was soon regained after delicate negotiations (also known as "we can wait longer than you can" and "we're not actually taking any notice anyway") BB did indeed see reason and held not just one hand but two!

Don't you just want to eat those darling baby legs?  I have to restrain myself on a daily basis.



July 18, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Lungs fully functional!

BB is a boy of independent spirit and great determination so he was more than just a little outraged to be told that, while we were at the Fair amongst a zillion people, he really did have to hold someone's hand. He made his objections known in a calm and quiet manner . . . .NOT. 

There are certain people who have suggested BB has learned his protesting technique from his mother but I'd like vehemently deny that and if you don't believe me "I'll thcream and thcream 'till I'm thick" in a channeling my inner Violet Elizabeth kind of way.

July 17, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (7)

Behold the Beautyness!

Its not considered boasting if your not biologically related right?
Library - 035
Library - 036

July 13, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (5)

"We all liked Michael Jackson"

 Sister Carrie says it best over on Jiaozi "we all liked Michael Jackson", yes indeed we did, and it was so painfully tragic to watch the boy unable to cope with becoming a man, a boy so incredibly talented but so deeply uncomfortable in his own skin and with his own beautiful face that he changed them both.

I wasn't an avid fan but I liked his music and when he came to the Milton Keynes Bowl we all got tickets, we knew Michael was one of those performers you just had to see when you had the chance.

More recently I had been watching the unfolding disaster of his planned London Come Back tour, he looked so frail it seemed impossible for things to go well but his death was a total shock. We will all miss you Michael, wish it could have ended differently, wish you could have found your way back but you leave behind a body of work that speaks for itself.  Sending sympathy and best wishes to your children and family.

Michael

June 26, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

My favorite things - the ones she can remember.

Loops singing "My favorite things" accompanied by BB on the toy kitchen.

June 20, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BB's very low, low, budget telephone.

Kids!  They start so young these days with the "I need a computer, I need a phone, I've got to check my Facebook."  Well, we will be having none of that stuff and nonsense at our house, who needs their own cell phone when there are perfectly good "price tags" to talk to your friends on!

p.s Notice the liberal use of the word "No" in this clip, its his favorite word and he isn't even two yet, be afraid, very afraid!


June 17, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (4)

And to think they said I wasn't good enough for the Choir!

I would now like to present to you a video clip for your viewing pleasure. In this clip you will see what a multi talented family we are.  Filming was carried about by Simon and shows a skillful mastery of the subtleties of cinematography.  Loopy and I provide the musical soundtrack, and I think you will be hard pressed to decide which of us has the worse better singing voice, although "voice of an angel" might not be the expression that immediately springs to mind.  BB treats you to his audition piece for Cirque de Soleil entitled "Baby feet" and I fully expect to get their call inviting him to Las Vegas as soon as this clip goes on world release.

Apologies for the very loud background noise, like most good parents we feel it is important to make the effort to visit places where our little darlings can learn, discover and stretch their inquisitive little brains, yep you've guessed it we were at the local Casino.  If you keep the volume to the half way point its not quite so headache inducing.

I am especially proud of the fact that BB has already started to learn our carefully choreographed hand actions to "Stop in the name of Love", admittedly they might be slightly more impressive if Loopy and I knew more than just the one line from the song, but we like to concentrate on quality not quantity.

Please let me draw your attention to my personal favorite moment when I (naturally) request that BB put his feet in his mouth and you can see in his face total disbelief that his mother really is that bizarre, he shoots his Dad the "she's a nutter isn't she?" look and makes a mental note to ride the bus to and from school so no-one will ever know about his crazy Mama.

May 31, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Brown eyed boy.

Brown eyed boy blog - 1
Brown eyed boy blog - 2
Brown eyed boy blog - 3
Brown eyed boy blog - 4

May 21, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (5)

There for each other.

May they always have each other, may they always have such an easy relationship, may they always offer each other a hand to hold.

Hand in hand - 1
Hand in hand - 2
Hand in hand - 3

May 13, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (5)

No Kiss for you!

Its always such a special bond between mother and son, unconditional love and all that. Apparently it doesn't run to kisses!


Well I just hope he's going to make up for this on Mother's Day ;)

May 06, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Apparently we were members of the same yahoo group!

I just saw saw this link posted on the RumorQueen site.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/532829/online_forum_etiquette_how_to_deal.html?cat=15

OMG, I had to retrieve my head from the floor, I was nodding in agreement so much it fell off!  I was a member of a yahoo group that I adored, but then the proverbial hit the fan (in much the same way as the article describes) and, despite the best efforts of some, things just couldn't be fixed.

There is something strangely soothing in reading that article and knowing the same drama (different plot, different characters) is playing out all over the Internet.  I always felt that somehow I should have been able to head the trouble off at the pass, or at least stick the bits back together afterwards but reading this I think the train wreck was always going to happen at some point I just didn't know it back then.

Still, it was a fabulous, wind in your hair, laugh till you cry, jump for joy, pass the tissues, hugs all round, kind of a ride, just hurt like hell when we crashed!

April 29, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Happy Easter!

Probably won't be including this one in BB's post placement reports!

EasterBunnyPhoto2009
  

April 11, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (6)

He loves it really

This boy was born to play dress up, he'd do it all day long if I let him.  Or, maybe not!

Thank you Auntie Stephanie! - 02

March 07, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lock up your daughters!

Lock up your daughters! - 2

He's handsome, he's smart, he's got a way with the ladies and he's coming for your daughters in another 20 years - so fair warning!
p.s He's hoping the paciy/dummy isn't ruining his street cred.

February 13, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (7)

Out of review!

RQ says the CCAA box has changed and our LID (March 2007) is out of review, finally! I hadn't realized it but somewhere in the back of my mind I must have been worrying that we wouldn't "pass" review this time and that our dossier would be chucked out.  I don't know, for a multitude of reasons, if we will actually ever be able to complete this process and have another son or daughter but it is oh so sweet to know that we are at least still in the line, the "passed review" line.  So, for today, I just enjoyed that giddy feeling of relief and excitement and I'm pretending, just for today, that its a sure thing - squeal!

February 02, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (8)

I eat babies!

Cannibalism or affection, you be the judge.

I eat babies!

January 10, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mirror, mirror on the wall.

I don't know what she's on but I really need some right about now.



She had actually been at this for 20 minutes non stop when it occurred me to pick up the camera. We don't have many mirrors in our house and clearly the novelty of one at her level was irresistible - nothing like being your own audience!

January 09, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (5)

How do I love thee CL&P?

Let me count the ways!

We've spent the day in bed fending off frost bite in double PJs and warm hats.  Just when I was starting to think it was going to be a long cold night CL&P came through big time, hallelujah for electricity.  We luurve you CL&P Work Crews you saved us yet again and our extremities thank you most sincerely, you're the best!




Staying warm - 3

January 07, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bitter Sweet

Today I became an Auntie for the first time, a little baby girl, a niece.  Its hard to be so far away, all I want to do is jump on a plane and go rock her in my arms, stare at her new born beautifulness, breathe in that sweet, sweet baby scent and drop kisses on her forehead while I whisper to her promises to be the bestest Auntie ever. 

Sadly I'm not sure when I will ever meet her, not because of the geographic distance between us, but because my relationship with her mother (my only sister) has completely broken down.

Welcome to the world darling baby girl, your Auntie is wishing you love and laughter and all the happiness in the world.

December 03, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (6)

Veterans Day

Veterans day 2008 Today is Veterans Day here in the US, it is also the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day and on Sunday it was Remembrance Day in the UK.  Last year I wrote a post about Remembrance Day in the UK here and again this year I find myself missing the power and poignancy of those red poppies.  I miss the feeling of being united with others who, for the two weeks prior to Remembrance Day, wear a poppy as a mark of respect, gratitude and remembrance.

In the US we have Veterans Day to remember and honor our military Veterans and then in May there is also Memorial Day to remember those who died while in military service to their country.  So in theory you would think that the US did more "honoring and remembering" but it doesn't really feel like that to me.  Memorial day isn't really a dedicated day of remembrance it is about the start of summer and BBQs as much as, if not more than, about remembering the fallen.  Although, that said, the Memorial Day parades can be spectacular and stirring, those Americans sure can do a parade ! Yet still I find those silently falling poppy petals in the Royal Albert Hall connect me more to the tragedy of war, to those who never came home and the need to never forget.

US Veterans day is a Bank Holiday which should make it more of a big deal but somehow it  doesn't seem to have the effect of increasing the focus on remembering our Veterans, rather it seems to be almost a distraction from what should be a powerful day of remembrance and appreciation.

Sears Veterans Day Sale When I first moved to the US I was so shocked to see that many retailers here hold Veterans Day Sales, which would be all well and good if they were fund raisers but, as far as I can tell, none of the proceeds go to help our Veterans or their families. I don't really understand the connection between honoring a Veteran and having a week of sale shopping!   It seems especially inappropriate right now when we are in the fifth year of war in Iraq.  When there have been over 4193 American lives lost, 176 British, 138 Allied and countless Iraqi deaths.  The concept of Veterans Day Sales just seems to trivialize what Veterans Day is supposed to be about.  Not so much "Lest we forget" as "Shop till you drop"

Which isn't to say Americans aren't appreciative or proud of their military, they do appreciate their service and sacrifice and they are extraordinarily proud of them.  No matter our opinion on today's war, all Americans support their troops, that is very clear. 

However, back home, Remembrance Sunday always seemed to be a much more reflective day than Veterans Day is here.  A somber day when we are all sobered by thoughts of the terrible destruction and horrific loss of life that war brings, a day when we redouble our determination to ensure that war is always our last resort not our first option in resolving International conflict. A day to think with gratitude of those who fought, suffered and laid down their lives that we might live with peace and freedom.

I wonder if that collective experience of the poignancy of Remembrance Day is in part is why there were so many more anti-war protests in the UK prior to the start of the war in Iraq compared to here in the US where we seemed to be led almost without protest into this war.  It seemed like a portion of America relished the chance to 'kick butt," it seemed like they were very disconnected from the horrible reality of war, broken bodies, terrible destruction, civilians living in fear and touched by death everyday, young men and women who never come home.  Perhaps if Veterans Day and Memorial Day weren't "sale days" they would better serve their intended purpose.

Maybe its because in Europe some of the scars of those wars can still be seen in our cities and countryside.  Scars from nights of blanket bombing and battle fields that ran with blood, guts and mud. We came close to seeing our own destruction.  In WWI 5.4 million British served and 703,000 died, a generation of young man almost wiped out. In WW2 nearly *48 million British served and 382,600 died with an additional 67,800 civilian deaths. 

America joined the wars and turned the tide, they sacrificed and served in their millions and died in the hundreds of thousands (including 1,700 civilian deaths) but America didn't experience invasion and occupation of their soil as so many European countries did.  In WWI 4.7 million Americans served and 116,516 died, in WW2 16.1 million Americans served and 405,399 lost their lives, some of those American servicemen lie buried in the European soil that they died liberating and protecting.  It was they who earned America our respect and gratitude.  Lets never forget them.


p.s Apparently back home this dreadful song is at the top of the charts and, whilst I personally can't stand the song, it is wonderful that all the proceeds are going to help our Veterans and that it helps bring attention to those who are serving for us right now in Iraq and Afghanistan.    The money raised is being shared equally between The British Royal Legion who run The Poppy Appeal each year and Help for Heroes  which is a charitable organization that only began last October and has already raised more than 13 million pounds to help wounded servicemen and women!

*Click here here to see the staggering numbers of dead in WW2 listed by country and here for the casualties numbers for the current war in Iraq.

November 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hair safety

I have got to remember to keep those electric sockets covered, I think BB might be putting his fingers in them.
Hair_3

October 21, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Well that's fine, just fine!

OMG, you think you know people and then you discover something like this!  Turns out my friends have totally been cheating on me, I thought they loved me, I thought I was special to them but it turns out they've been on Facebook swapping photos (photos I, their "friend" have never seen I might add) and doing this weird Facebook "wall" thingy.  There's this whole other FB world out there and everyone has been totally "smooch, smooch, smoochy, love you daaarling, lets do lunch, have you seen my photos?" without me, can you even imagine, with.out. me!!! Photos!!! How could they? 

What is a "wall" anyway and wouldn't it be wrong to write on it? 

I'm off to swot up on FB for Dummies (whose friends cheat on walls behind them, or would that be, cheat behind walls?)

October 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Bobbing along

Apparently using the stalk isn't considered cheating for the 4 and under set. 

Blog_apple_bobbing_1Blog_apple_bobbing_2Blog_apple_bobbing_3Blog_apple_bobbing_4Blog_apple_bobbing_5Blog_apple_bobbing_6

October 08, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ride that Duckie!

And he rode the fastest duckie in the West (well East really)

Ride_that_duckie

September 22, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bucket Head

They say its down to "Health and Safety" rules but seriously, how likely is it that the ceiling is going to fall on my head?  They say its for my own protection but I'm starting to think its just for their own amusement.

Bucket_head_1Bucket_head_2Bucket_head_3Bucket_head_4Bucket_head_5Bucket_head_6

August 10, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (7)

Everyone on the bus . .

going to the Olympics - well when the driver gets back from her potty break we are.
Wheels_on_the_bus_13_3

August 09, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)

One World, One Dream.

Fuwa_2We've trained and trained and now we are in good cheering voice with our clapping hands toned and ready to go to work.

Go Team China! 

Go Team Chinese Taipei! 

Go Team UK!

Go Team USA!

August 08, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)

I told them!

Wet_parcel_2 This afternoon I noticed a parcel outside our side door, which would usually have been cause for the happy dance, but all this week we have had nothing but torrential rain here in darkest CT (well apart from the tornado warning just to keep things lively) so its been wet, wet, wet, and you can see where this is going can't you?

I could see even from a distance that this was one very soggy package.  Now the "guys in brown" always leave their parcels in the garage or on our front door step where we can't miss it so I knew instantly that this was the work of our useless Mail-person who has a history of mess ups.  I get that she might not realize that we don't use that side door (although she has been told before) but who leaves a parcel outside in pouring rain without at least putting in a plastic bag or knocking on the door?  Grrrr!

As soon as I picked up the box it started to disintegrate, really it was more papier-mâché than box and everything inside was sopping wet too :(

Seething I called our Post Office and proceeded to give the Post Master a piece of my mind.   I'm not usually very good at complaining but mess with my parcels and your in big trouble, I ranted on for a while  and he apologized and agreed it wasn't a very bright thing to do.  Not that I felt any better afterwards as I sat staring at my puddling parcel, and stared, and stared, and stared . . . . .at the label saying UPS!!!!  OMG I just ripped into the Post Office about a parcel the "guys in brown" delivered.  Can you say MORTIFIED?  Of course I rang them straight back and apologized profusely, over and over again but even so I think I'll be driving to the next town over for my stamps.

August 07, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)

New baby means . . .

New_baby_means_1

. . . . new stroller!  Don't judge me people, don't judge me!  So I have a weakness, okay two weaknesses, strollers and chocolate, there are worse things! 

A lot of the time we carry BB in the baby carrier but there are times when we need to be able to put him down and all (yes, ALL, as in plural) my strollers are single seats.  How could I not have thought of this?  I sort of did have a plan to buy one of those little running board thingys that you can attach to a stroller so that Loopy could just hitch a ride when she wanted and BB could relax in the seat but the thing is that sometimes Loopy wants to sit too, most especially if BB is sitting ;)

My extensive and in depth research (its a sickness people, you should pity me not judge me) informed me of two things

1) the Europeans STILL have the best strollers (even though lots more scrummy European manufactures have got US distributors now then when I was looking for Loopy's pushchair) and

2) if you want a really good quality, non butt ugly, narrow, lightweight (relatively speaking), tandem (one seat in front of the other) two seater where the seats can face each other, or face front or face back, you've got to part with some seriously, seriously big bucks.

Lacking the seriously, seriously big bucks I went for a compromise which cost serious bucks but not seriously, seriously big bucks.  Thus leaving me with the possibility of upgrading to the seriously, seriously big bucks tandem stroller when I become gainfully employed/win the lottery, which, seeing as I haven't applied for a job and don't play the lottery, best not hold your breath waiting on that one.

So here it is the Joovey Ultralight Caboose, we LOVE it!  Yes, I do wish that there was the option to have BB's seat facing back (so he could see me) and it would be nice if the seat was a little more snuggly but it has enough pluses that I'm happy to settle.  Its lightweight, easy to fold, steers very nicely, isn't too long, is well made and Loopy can sit or stand as the mood takes her.  BB just has to settle for sitting but such is the life of a baby brother.  The basket could do with being a little bigger but its not bad and the green is a nice soft shade, not too girly not to boy-ie. 

New_baby_means_2_2New_baby_means_3

New_baby_means_4_2New_baby_means_5

August 06, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Loopty Lu Mobile

The better for her adoring fans to see her.
Loopy_lu_mobile_3

August 05, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Young Scholar

Just kicking back enjoying my reading
Library_3036_2

August 04, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Where in the world?

So I survived my first week solo with two children (takes virtual bow)!  Simon got home yesterday from his first business trip since we all got back from Taiwan and, contrary to my own prediction, he did not find me a gibbering mess on the door step, can you tell I'm just a little bit proud of myself?  It was only a week and it is only two children but still, those scallywags they know all the tricks!  Actually, in truth I have to report that they were both total angels (most of the time) and I bet I probably could have survived at least another month, week, day hour longer.  No seriously, it all went very well, everyone was fed and watered on time, nothing and no-one got broken and no arrests were made.

Simon was able to call and check in with us a few times during the week and after hearing his tales of 3 flights just to get to his destination with 12 hour delays at tiny airports and general exhaustion I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and be thankful that I was the lucky one who got to stay home.  When he finally got home at 2.00 am on Saturday I vowed to tend to his every need all weekend in order to let him rest up, poor weary traveler that he was.  That was until I saw the photos. . . . . .OMG the guy goes on a jaunt to paradise and tries to con me with some woe is me sob story!

Can you guess from these pictures where he was "working"?

Where_in_the_world_1Where_in_the_world_2
Where_in_the_world_3Where_in_the_world_4_3

August 03, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)

« | »

About

My Photo

Recent Posts

  • Changing Faces
  • Move along now, nothing to see here
  • Heave ho, heave ho!
  • Loved it.
  • You can't hurry love.
  • Its the little things that amuse me.
  • Constantly in motion!
  • Tired
  • In Remembrance
  • My Dad is the boss of your Dad!

Recent Comments

  • Sister Carrie on Changing Faces
  • Kelly M on Heave ho, heave ho!
  • Kelly M on You can't hurry love.
  • Debberoo on You can't hurry love.
  • Debberoo on You can't hurry love.
  • Debberoo on You can't hurry love.
  • Jo on You can't hurry love.
  • Katie on You can't hurry love.
  • Sister Carrie on You can't hurry love.
  • Kelly M on Its the little things that amuse me.

Archives

  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009

More...

Subscribe to this blog's feed

Lulu's Books

  • Lissa Rovetch: Ook the Book

    Lissa Rovetch: Ook the Book

Teddi Blu does China

  • Img_1433

Lulu's visa physical

Bebe Fix

  • Library_1809
Blog powered by TypePad

Statcounter