KID TESTED, MOM-APPROVED INTERNET SITES

Big Sister has loved playing games on the computer for as long as I can remember. She is five now and highly adept at nagivating her way around the mouse and keyboard, often teaching herself and me new games as she learns them. As an educator and mom, I want her to have fun on her computer, but also learn something as well. These are my top picks for Big Sister's playtime:

NICK JR. ONLINE GAMES

http://www.nickjr.com/playtime/cats/games/index.jhtml

*Play along with Dora, Blues Clues, Little Bill and More. Children learn problem-solving strategies,

PBS KIDS

www.pbskids.com

*Play along with Arthur, Calliou & Curious George. This site offers your little one puzzles, artwork and other interactive learning opportunities.

SESAME WORKSHOP

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/

*Join Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the Sesame Street gang for A,B,C learning fun!

STARFALL

http://www.starfall.com

*A good place to help your child improve his/her reading readiness skills.

Night Before Christmas Photos

Here are photos of my lovely daughters dressed in their pj's and new princess slippers waiting for Santa's arrival. It warms my heart to know that I have them both home with me this year and that they love each other so much. The holidays are such a difficult time for waiting (adoptive) parents. In my blog, I don't always write about sunshine and roses, but truthfully about the highlights and pitfalls of adopting and raising children. Despite this, my goal remains true, to inspire those still waiting and fill them with hope that dreams can come true.

Wednesday's Reflection: A Christmas Poem

A friend sent me this poem. I think it's worth reading!

THE MOM BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Twas the night before Christmas,
When all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring,
and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping,
all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie,
flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring
in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle
propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard
the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh,
'Now what is the matter?'

With toilet bowl brush
still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,
and saw the old man.

He was covered with soot,
which fell when he shrugged,
'Oh great,' muttered the mom,
'Now I have to clean the rug.'

'Ho Ho Ho!' cried Santa,
'I'm glad you're awake.'
'your gift was especially
difficult to make.'

'Thanks, Santa, but all I want
is some time alone.'
'Exactly!' he chuckled,
'So, I've made you a clone.'

'A clone?' she muttered,
'What good is that?'
'Run along, Santa,
I've no time to chat.'

Then out walked the clone -
Her identical twin,
The same hair, the same eyes,
the same double chin.

'She'll cook, she'll dust,
she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy,
and she'll do the rest.

'Fantastic!' the mom cheered.
'My dream has come true!'
'I'll shop, I'll read,
I'll sleep a night through!'

>From the room above,
the youngest did fret.
'Mommy! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet.'

The clone replied,
'I'm coming, sweetheart.'
'Hey,' the mom smiled,
'She sure knows her part.'

The clone changed the small one
and hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child
in a blanket cocoon.

'You're the best mommy ever.
I really love you.'
The clone smiled and sighed,
'And I love you, too.'

The mom frowned and said,
'Sorry, Santa, no deal.'
That's my child's LOVE
she is trying to steal.'

Smiling wisely Santa said,
'To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother
is needed here.'

The mom kissed her child
and tucked her in bed.
'Thank You, Santa,
for clearing my head.

I sometimes forget,
it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old
for my cradle and song.'

The clock on the mantle
began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone,
'It works every time.'

With the clone by his side
Santa said 'Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom,
You will be all right.'

~Author Unknown

Dear Santa,

I am the proud mother of two sweet, beautiful little girls. Each one has been a true blessing to me and a dream come true. I know that you are busy and have an infinite list of children to visit this year, but please be sure to stop by our house and drop off a few gifts for my daughters. They especially want a Dora kitchen and anything else you wish to surprise them with.

Warm Regards,

Ashley

PS. Help yourself to a plate of homemade sugar cookies and icy cold milk. We put it out especially for you.

Wednesday's Reflection

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.


-- Anonymous

I love this quote because God has blessed me with a few very good friends, those who are supportive and never judge me. They know who I am and what my core values stand for. Lately, I have been through some difficult times and have confided in some 'friends.' The true ones grace me with their beautiful strength and wisdom. They know that the choices I make are in the best interest of my family. A special thanks to C, K & S for being amazing, wonderful friends. You light up my life!

A Christmas Miracle: Sisters & Daughters

Last year, we had Christmas in Massachusetts. My entire (immediate) family came home to our house for a celebration. My sister and her husband, had just received their referral for a beautiful baby girl from China. Joyously they shared news that quite unexpectedly, they also discovered that they were pregnant! We also waited for news about our own impending referral. Big Sister (BS) was anxiously waiting to see her baby sister's photo and meet her. Finally, in the spring (March 2007), her referral came and in May, we brought her home. Although it had been a rocky start, each month gets better. Once again, I highly credit sign language for helping Little Sister (LS) learn how to communicate better. She is also in a loving home with good food, warm clothes and lot's of kisses.

This year, my sister and I, who both struggled with infertility and waited years for a child, have our Christmas blessings, two beautiful daughters each! It's a special gift for both of us and a tribute to our own mother who taught us that with faith all things are possible. Thanks Mom!

The Kite Runner (Trailer)

A movie not to be missed based on one of my all-time favorite novels. I am so excited to see this book appear in film. I only hope it is well done.