TIKE

TIKE - Toddler Info Kept for Emergencies
This is one of the most practical things I hope I never need. A lady I know at the health dept gave them to me. It's a sticker that you put on either the back or bottom of the car seat or booster seat. It contains pertinent identifying information that emergency personnel would need if there were an accident and the adults in the vehicle were disabled. What a great idea! If you (or someone you know) needs some, check with your local health dept or go to www.ohioinsurance.org to get yours.

China Reunion

What a great weekend! We traveled up into OH (only about 3 hr drive) to get together with some of the families that we went to China with last Sept. 5 of our families were able to make it.
The weather wasn't quite as sunny and warm as we might have liked, but we only had a little bit of rain. The kids were still able to play outside. We had some great food. But most of all - it was SO good to see everyone. We spent a wonderful day visting and catching up - actully in person, not on computers.
The girls are growing and thriving. Their personalities are blossoming. They've all changed SO much in the last 10 months.
I only hope we can get together many, many more times in the future.

Our group - taken by a very accomodating neighbor.

Five China Dolls - Claire, Katey, Emmali, Anna Kathryn, and Leila

Look how cute - homemade fortune cookies! Erin made these for Claire to give out. I put the box up to keep, and put the 'cookies' in Leila's little kitchen to play with. Hmmmm, maybe I'll try to figure out how to do these one of these days.

1 year

It's been one year today since we got 'The Call'. We had dropped the boys off at camp. We really weren't expecting to hear anything, after all it was a Sun afternoon. When we got back to the truck, we both had missed calls on our phones. When we looked at the number - it was America World. We called them back and left a message. Within minutes, Melissa called back. They had a baby for us! Since we were an hour from home, I knew I couldn't wait that long. I had her send the info to David's phone. By that point, we were in 'Michaels', dropping off a picture to be framed - that's where we first saw Leila's face. Then we had to go back to the camp and find the boys to tell and show them. We stopped first at a Chinese restaurant and bought fortune cookies for the boys to pass out around the campfire that night in celebration. Then we had to fly up the road to make it to church in time.
And look how rotten she is now!

A Fashion Statement & New Laws

Like I've said before, Leila LOVES to go. You would think that if she doesn't get to go somewhere (anywhere) every day, that we're being mean to her. She can be so fussy, but as soon as she's headed for the door - boom, she's a happy camper again. And as long as we're out and going, she's usually good - no matter how tired she is.
We went down to see the boys last night at camp. Didn't get home until after 10:00. She'd only had about 1/2 hour nap all day, and yet she was fine. She was out.

I took this picture last week. She put Mama's shoes on (doesn't even really have to be HER shoes). She conned her Aunt Juanita into putting both sweaters on her (yes, it's July, but a coat definitely means she's going somewhere). Now, I don't know about the 'hat', but I'm sure there's a reason for it.
At least she makes a fashion statement!


Austin is not happy this week. WV has passed a new law affecting underage drivers. One of the biggest changes that affects him is that in the first 6 months of having his license (until Dec 8), he is not allowed to have any non-family members in the car with him. That means - no friends, no DATES - only Darrell. For the next 6 months after that (until next Jun), he may only have one. They're also moving the curfew back to 10 PM - with the exception of church and school activities or emergencies.
He even offered us a 'deal'. He said that he would take his chances, and if he gets a ticket - then he'll pay it. NO - not happening. There's way more to it than a possible ticket. Yes there's that, but there's also insurance. There's the fact that if he were in an accident and someone got hurt - as his parents, we could be sued for everything we don't own. (At 16, common sense does not always rule.)
We gave him an alternate 'choice'. He doesn't have to like, but he does have to follow it. If not, we can take his truck - now or later.
Do I feel sorry for him - yes. Do I completely agree with it - no. Do I think it's a bit harsh - yes. But it's still the law (effective today). We don't get to pick and choose which rules and laws we want to abide by. It may not seem fair (and he certainly doesn't think it is), but it is what it is.

Late 4th Wishes

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July.
I've been meaning to post, but just haven't had a chance.

Our weekend was good.
We had a family reunion. This was just my Dad's immediate family. Keep in mind though that there were 12 kids in his family. Now those kids have kids, who have kids, who have kids, and so on. Everyone couldn't make it of course, but still - this one little family reunion is pretty big. (And for the most part - they like each other!) I love seeing everyone. I just wish we could see them more often.
Later that night, we took the boat out. We stopped at the regatta for awhile and then went out on the river to watch the fireworks.
The first 10-15 minutes had Leila completely mesmorized. After that, it was just the same ole thing over and over.

She had her 2nd speech session today. She's really starting to try to imitate more and more. And I think she's starting to suck a little bit too. We've noticed it some with her sippy cup. That will be so nice once she learns to drink from a straw.

Both boys are gone this week too. It sure seems quiet around here.