Lynn...I'm jealous!! I can't believe you got those cute Decos at such great prices.. That Halloween gift for your friend, is a Precious 'Must Have'. You're such a dear friend, to actually get what someone Really, Really Likes!! The little 'Cat Girl', looks like a Bethany Lowe. I just bought one from her collection other day. I too love the Vintage look. That Christmas Ornament is also unique and so different. Another great find. I think that candy corn is too cute. You should be so proud of yourself...Girl You Did Real Good! Syble..Happy Anniversary! Have a great trip and Happy Shopping! jane

Kudos! I remember when DS #1 was in fifth grade, I told him he had to pick a sport for the year, any sport. He chose baseball (never played it before). Not athletic at all. I warned him he would be playing with kids who had lived and breathed it before they could walk and he was OK with that (i.e. had NO frigging clue what he signed up for). Of course he struggled, but I had warned the league that he was a non-player and they wisely put him with a coach who was more interested in character building than winning. One day the coach was speaking to the team, and some of the boys were goofing off. My son told them off, that they were being disrespectful and should be listening to the coach. They straightened out. He got the Best Sportsman award for that one. I can only hope that incident shows that he has some of Colleen's daughters' stuff when that kind of incident goes down!

A little late to the party but what incredible and joyous news! I can imagine how thrilled you and your husband are and the doll story really made me smile to know that he's as thrilled and involved as are you. They sound like wonderful children. So sad about their eating problems in the past and yes it'll take a while to get over that but you're clearly taking great steps to help her and them settle in and soon they'll know that this is a different and better life. One suggestion, take it for what it's worth. How about letting them help plan out meals? Do a menu for a week or so and let them help. I would think that would relieve some apprehension about whether they will eat and it's never too early to let them help in their own way on the meal prep. BTW, don't forget about the library! That can be a regular outing. One thing I want to say though, there's a lot of comments and I'm sure even more thoughts about the natural parents and I want to point out how many people give children bad lives but WON'T give them up. I want to give credit that the mother realized she couldn't handle them anymore and willingly gave up her rights. That must be difficult to do. And the fathers gave up their rights too. Kudos to them too. I hope they're not left out in the cold. Not suggesting visitation or anything but maybe an update occasionally to let them know how the kids are doing could be nice. Just something to think about... not that there's anything else on your mind now!!! ;) They'll probably ask about their parents sometime and should know the full story age appropriate and I have confidence you'll do what you feel is right. I have the utmost confidence in you and your husband, respect for you for doing this and taking all three - not everyone would take on a chore like this, and it really is a win-win-win situation. For you, the kids and yes the bio-parents. Make that a win-win-win-win, since they didn't wind up in some shelter, orphanage or something. Really puts a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. Good for you and all of you. So many things to do, so much fun too. Of course there'll be ups and downs but I can tell you'll do just fine and be one big happy family. My best to all of you!

I got the garage and window/door trim on my little ranch-style home scraped, primed, and repainted, as well as the deck! Did I mention that I hate painting outside? The garage also got completely insulated and sheathed with OSB; it isn't painted and looks a little rough, but keeps the space 10 degrees warmer than it used to before insulating! Oh, and l painted two small houses--interior painting this time!--for a friend who has rentals. No more painting for me for a little while, but l still have plenty of projects to do: redoing my raised garden beds in the back yard, finishing the laundry room(original basement concrete walls only on two sides), and figuring out how to make my kitchen work and feel larger without building on! I have lots of ideas and wish l had the money to go with them!