Cadee Makes 4

Peep on the Bike goes Round and round

2009-04-13T20:10:00.002-04:00

Look what Peep is learning to do

Easter Gift ...Skip bo

2009-04-13T20:02:00.002-04:00

Here is Moppit demonstrating her new Skip bo

Happy Easter 09

2009-04-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

T-town Egg Hunt 09

2009-04-12T21:19:00.001-04:00

This year we only did one egg hunt here are the pics from the hunt. Moppit with her best friend. Peep got 7 eggs and Moppit got 5. Baby it was COLD out.

Palm Sunday 09

2009-04-12T21:11:00.003-04:00

Here are the best shots from Palm Sunday, I dressed the girls in last years Easter Dresses to see how much they grew. Well Moppits fit her nicely but Peep grew about 3-4 inches and we needed to add the leggings to the outfit.

Sisters...Quiet Time

2009-04-12T21:10:00.000-04:00

Peeps 1st day at Preschool

2009-04-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

Peep started Preschool at the end on March. She goes Tues and Thursday mornings. The bus picks her up around 8 am and drops her off a little after 11

Here she is all ready to go!

She is soo proud of her Hola (Dora) Back pack

Here is the bus!
Her Pap Paw is the driver...She always asks Pap paw when she gets on the bus "
Where's Wa-Wa (Gramma)

Happy 3rd Birthday Peep

2009-03-15T22:41:00.003-04:00

Hey Peep! How old ....FREE! (yes the ring finger is up)

She was not quite sure what to do with the candles Moppit had to show her how to blow them out and Peep blew on the smoking candles then.

PS Gramma makes the best Choc cake w/ pnut butter icing.

Peep played with her new Click Start for over an hour tonight.

Aunt Trishy made sure Peep would be a beach babe sporting a new suit at Becker Beach this year.

Mom and Dad got her a bat and balls....STRIKE!!! for outside playing only

Tooth Fairy's first Visit

2009-02-28T23:20:00.002-05:00

This Picture was taken last month when the tooth started to wiggle

This was taken last night !! Moppit lost her first tooth!

We asked her what she wanted to tooth fairy to bring her she said GOLD so

TF brought her a Gold President Monroe Dollar

Piggy Back Rides

2009-02-28T23:18:00.002-05:00

Helping Hands

2009-02-28T23:14:00.002-05:00

Special Times being Sisters...

Moppit putting up Peeps hair

Uh-oh Mom's been caught spying

Chinese New Years Party / China Travel group reunion

2009-02-16T10:55:00.002-05:00

We traveled to Reading this weekend for a Chinese New Years party at our friend's house. Here is a photo of all the girls who came the older girsl were part of our friend's older daughter's travel group and most of the younger girls are from Peeps travel group.

Peep having fun!

Peep and her friend Mia

Most of Peeps China Sisters...Notice peep has her Pooh she had just gotten up from her nap

Our Girls

2009-02-01T14:35:00.002-05:00

Here is an updated photos of the girls, No Moppit doesn't need glasses...Gram and Pappy got new glasses so she thought she needed glasses also. Gram went to Walmart and bought a clear pair for her. She wears them a lot.

She must have told her teacher she needed them cause when we went to parent's night her teacher said that Moppit wasn't paying attention in class very well lately, perhaps it was because she hadn't been wearing her glasses everyday. I informed her that we had Moppit's eyes tested and they are just fine and not to let Moppit fool her with that excuse.

Hair Up Mom

2009-02-01T14:30:00.002-05:00

We are usually always pulling Moppits hair up (pony tails, Piggies etc.) Sometimes Peep will come to me and say Hair Up Mom so I stand her on her stool in the bathroom and she'll watch in the mirror as I put her hair in Piggies or Water spouts. While I'm pulling her hair up she will get these big tears running down her cheeks but she never wants me to stop putting it up. What a Kid!

Loose Tooth

2009-02-01T14:25:00.002-05:00

Carlee's right front bottom tooth is finally getting loose! She doesn't want to give her teeth to the Tooth Fairy though she wants to save them and make a necklace with them. Good Grief! I think that was some of Pappy influence.

I took these few photos to make sure I could remember her with her baby teeth.

Book Reading

2009-01-08T13:46:00.001-05:00

Our nightly reading now consist of Moppit reading to Peep. Moppit is reading at a 2nd grade level now she does such a great job.

Movie Watching

2009-01-08T13:42:00.002-05:00

Here is a photo of a typical movie night. Carlee (Moppit) with her towel sitting on the preferred side of the chair (big fights in our house over which side of the chair they have to sit on) And Cadee (Peep) enjoying the girls favorite snack Salt and Vinegar potato chips.

For the Birds

2009-01-08T13:16:00.004-05:00

This week I thought since Carlee was off school we would do another unplugged project something both her and Cadee could do ...So I gathered up some old pine cones from the basement and got out the peanut butter, and we slathered the peanut butter on the pine cones to put out for the birds. My darling husband was kind enough to move the bird feeder within 3 ft from the living room window so the girls could bird and squirrel watch. Thank goodness the bears are hibernating this time of year.

Our finished product.
Here is the view from our living room window. Of course the little devils, I mean, birds won't sit on the things while the wind is blowing for a good photo. But you get the idea.

Santa's Visit

2008-12-30T22:50:00.003-05:00

Santa comes to visit us every year. We love Santa, he reads a couple books, sings songs with the kids, makes the reindeer team and of course asks the kids what they want.

Cadee enjoyed the reindeer horns

Cadee was not impressed with Santa at Breakfast with Santa in the beginning of the month. She wouldn't even look at him. When he came to the house Cadee ran for Gramma but once Santa started to read she first moved to me, then to the back of the crowd of kids and finally up to the front and center. She was the first to be one his lap. Santa must have impressed her!

Great Job Baby Girl....Merry 1st Christmas

Christmas Photo Out Takes & Snow fun

2008-12-30T22:20:00.002-05:00

This is my attempt to take a Christmas photo in front of the tree. Carlee did really good, but Cadee....notice the tongue.

Here 's a really nice one of Carlee...Where is Cadee ...see below....Yes she was throwing a bull fit...Photo shoot over....
Here she is in a better mood (or was she shivering)

I liked this one of Carlee.

Oct This and That

2008-10-29T22:58:00.002-04:00

The girls making pumpkins at Brownies

More Pumpkin Carving

The Puzzler

Freebies in My Mailbox this Week

2008-10-29T22:51:00.001-04:00

My newest hobby has been couponing and finding freebies. The freebies I found in my mailbox this week include ...2 pledge multi purpose wipes, 2 tide total samples, 4 different flavors of Crest, Dove towelette, Jergen's moisturizer, Embrace razor, Always Maxi and many coupons. Not too bad for a weeks haul

Pumpkin Carving 2008

2008-10-29T22:30:00.004-04:00

Helping gut the pumpkin

Jeff carved one side Carlee Cadee

Cadee checking out her 1st Jack o Lantern

the other side had the face on

Spooky!!

Piano Recital

2008-10-29T22:23:00.003-04:00

Oct 26th Carlee's First Piano Recital

Dressed and Ready to Go

The "Proper" Bow

Waiting for the Show To Start, Carlee was to play first.
She played Merrily We Row Along and Wind in the Trees

And she Nails it....Quite the Pianist!

Brownies

2008-10-29T22:17:00.003-04:00

Brownies field trip to TD cats

Brownies Halloween Party

Making a Mummy Pumpkin

1st time Bobbing for Apples

Success!!

Oct Misc

2008-10-16T10:50:00.002-04:00

Do these kids look devilish or what??

Carlee with her bench she made for the school benefit auction.

Slave labor starts early at this house

OK Gramma don't look at the next 2 pictures you may freak out.

Sept Misc

2008-09-20T21:01:00.002-04:00

Trying on Carlee's boots

The Diva striking a pose

Happy Kid!!!

Sissy reading to Little Sister
Carlee Started Piano lessons this month...Practice Practice Practice

The First Day of First Grade

2008-09-18T21:35:00.003-04:00

Book List #4

2008-09-05T12:52:00.004-04:00

45. The First Dog by Jan Brett
46 Opposites by Sandra Boynton
47 But Not The Hoppopotamus by Sandra Boynton
48 Put me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
49 The Eye Book by Dr. Seuss
50 Finders Keepers for Franklin by Paulette Bourgeious
51 Hurry Up Franklin by Paulette Bourgeious
52 Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeious

53 The Get Aling Gang and the Big Bully by Margo Lundell

54 Ten Apples Up on Top by Theo Lesieg

55 Find The Bird by Stephen Cartwright

56 Adam & Eve by Penny Frank

57 Franklin is Messy by Paulette Bourgeois

58 Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby retold by Janet Johnson

59 I Love You so... By Marianne Richmond

60 Hops Home, A Book About Animal Habitats by Magic School Bus

61 The Get Along Gang and the Bad Loser by Maida Silverman

62 Mr Brown can Moo...Can You? by Dr. Seuss

63 Montgomery Mooses Favorite Riddles by Maida Silverman

64 Franklin's Baby Sister by Paulette Bourgeois

65 Franklin Fibs by Paulette Bourgeois

66 Franklin Forgives by Paulette Bourgeois

67 Were going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

68 Franklin and Harriet by Paulette Bourgeois

69 What Makes a Shadow by Clyde Robert Bulla

Book List #3

2008-08-27T07:09:00.003-04:00

26 Find the Duck by Stephen Cartwright

27 Guess how much I love you by Sam McBratney

28 The Napping House by Audrey Wood

29 Going West by Laura Ingalls Wilder

30 Barney's Animal House by Donna Cooner

31 Time for Bed by Mem Fox

32 Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois

33 Brave Norman by Andrew Clements

34 Norma Jean, Jumping Bean by Joanna Cole

35 PJ Funnybunny's Bag of Tricks by Marilyn Sadler

36 Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett

37 Franklins Class Trip by Paulette Bourgeois

38 Biscuit Finds a Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

39 The Case of the Cat's Meow by Crosby Bonsall

40 Dinner Time by Jan Pienkowski

41 Small Talk by Jan Pienkowski

42 Oh my! A Fly! by Jan Pienkowski

43 Oh my Oh my Oh Dinosaur by Sandra Boynton

44. Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

Visit with Mia

2008-08-25T17:17:00.001-04:00

Big Hug!!!

Aquariums

2008-08-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Ripley's Aquaruim at Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach

2008-08-25T16:59:00.003-04:00

On the Beach...

Beach Baby

Carlee liked the hot tub and lazy river at the hotel the best...

Typical Cadee liked the big sandbox and the waves!

Carlee with her Best Friend
On the Fort Fisher Ferry Ride...The girls first ferry ride.

Practice Prac

2008-08-14T14:00:00.003-04:00

Not to be out done...Cadee on her trike...

Getting much better...

Future Hells Angel

Unplugged Project...Hot

2008-08-14T13:46:00.004-04:00

This week's assignment was a project about hot. I needed something to take to a family picnic so I left Carlee make brownies...When they come out of the over they are hot! Works for me!

Great Job!

Book List #2

2008-08-08T12:34:00.004-04:00

15. One Two Three by Sandra Boynton

16. Hand Hand Fingers Thumb by Al Perkins

17 Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk

18. The Eye Book by Dr. Seuss

19. I'll teach my Dog a Lot of Words by Michael Frith

20. There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss

21 Puff, the Blue Kitten by

22. County Fair by Laura Ingalls Wilder

23 Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

24. Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeois

25. Frog and Toad All Year Long by Arnold Lobel

Broccoli Salad

2008-08-02T13:42:00.002-04:00

Today is my little brother's birthday and we are having a picnic for him this evening. I made Broccoli Salad which Cadee just loves. I thought I'd post the recipe for you maybe you can get your kids to like broccoli too.

Broccoli Salad
1 large bunch broccoli, chopped into fine pieces
1 med onion chopped ¼ c. bacon, fried and crumbled
2 sm boxes raisins ½ lb sharp cheese, cubed small

Combine all above ingredient in large bowl
Dressing:
Option #1
1 cup mayonnaise, ½ c. sugar, 2 Tbsp vinegar Mix together and pour over salad

Option #2 Gram Baker’s
1 ½ c. sugar, 1 ½ c water, ¼ c. Flour, ½ cup Vinegar. Boil ingredients until clear. Remove from heat then add 1 Tbsp prepared mustard and 1 cup mayonnaise. Refrigerate extra dressing can be kept for weeks

Unplugged Project...Flat

2008-07-31T23:00:00.005-04:00

This weeks Unplugged Topic is Flat... Well since we have a budding artist on our hands we could learn to make paper, it's flat

1st step Get out the blender and fill it with shredded paper, glitter, flowers, anything you want in your paper. We recycled old construction paper and printed computer paper then we added glitter and some coral bell flowers.

Step 2 Add water to the blender and blend until you get a slurry of paper and water.

Step 3. We went outside for this step. 1st lay down a piece of old blanket then a piece of interfacing (the type you use for sewing) then smooth out the paper slurry on top of the interfacing. When slurry is smooth cover with another piece of interfacing and blanket

Step 4 Stomp out the water. Both of the girls liked this one.

Step 5 once you have most of the water stomped out remove the blanket pieces and one piece of interfacing and let the paper dry outside until firm.

Carlee can't wait for it to dry to color and draw on it....Note if you use printed paper your paper will have a gray tint.

Book List #1

2008-07-30T14:56:00.005-04:00

I found a blog from a mom who home schools and she was keeping track of the books she reads to her boys every week trying to reach 1000 books a year. I am not that ambitious so I am hoping to reach 350 this year. So here it goes.

1. Happy Birthday Unicorn, Sweet Pickles Series by Jacquelyn Reinach

2. Noah's Rocking Boat by Molly Detweiler

3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

4. Hokey Pokey Elmo by Abigail Tabby

5. Barney Says Night Night by Guy Davis

6. Hippos go Berserk by Sandra Boynton

7. Mr Brown can Moo, Can You by Dr. Seuss

8. Fancy Nancy at the Museum by Jane O'Conner

9. Jackal Wants Everything, Sweet Pickle Series by Jacquelyn Reinach

10 Xerus won't Allow It, Sweet Pickle Series by Jacquelyn Reinach

11. Franklin wants a Pet by Paulette Bourgeois

12. A Horse to Love by Disney

13. How Many Ducks in a Row by Valeria Petrone

14. Find the Duck by Usborne Publishing

Bike Riding Part 2

2008-07-29T17:41:00.002-04:00

Practice..Practice...Practice

I want to ride my bicycle

2008-07-29T04:03:00.003-04:00

Last Night Carlee decided it was time to try to ride her bike without training wheels...

So here's the start....

AND SHE DOES IT!!! Great Job!

Looks like Daddy's getting a workout too.

She was pretty proud of herself...

Did you know bike riding was a spectator sport...Pappy was there too.

Water Fun

2008-07-29T03:55:00.004-04:00

Jeff gave the girls each a bucket of water the other night that was the entertainment for the rest of the evening.

Cadee's version of a car wash...

Sissy to the rescue...

Carlee being Carlee

Farmer Cadee

2008-07-29T03:48:00.004-04:00

Plowing up the Field....Not really

Cadee really loves riding on equipment, here she is on the tractor with her Pappy Ritzman

Bringing in the Crops

Her and Dad just got done husking corn, here they are bringing it inside for mom

Unplugged Project...Glass

2008-07-29T03:32:00.005-04:00

This week's unplugged topic was glass. I had this crystal (glass) pet store kit I bought at Ollie's in the basement for Carlee so I got that out for her. PS no, those are not prescription glass that is called Gramma over indulgence

You are to color the animals and store front with marker.

Finished with the rabbit.

And for Cadee I introduced her to the magnifying glass

Unplugged Project...Stone

2008-07-18T12:58:00.003-04:00

I found a new blog at http://www.unplugyourkids.com/ every week the blog will give you a topic to do a kids project with. This week the topic was Stone, so we decided to make hot rocks.

Our first step for this project was an adventure for the girls we went up onto the mountain and collected the stones from the mountain creek so the girls got to wade in the water and sort through the stones while Mom was standing guard watching for rattlers. We made a little dam and talked about that too.

Next step take the stones home and wash them off. Cadee and I did this while Carlee was napping. Cadee sure had fun with the hose..

We left the stones dry overnight then put them on a foil cookie sheet and into the oven at 350 for 15 min. While the stones warmed up we peeled the paper off of our broken crayons. Once the stones were hot I took them out and gave one to each of the girls to color

You just press the crayon onto the hot stone and the wax will melt on the stones. Once we got some flat stones painted up I sprayed them in the sink with cold water so we could stack them. This was Cadee's favorite part.

Here are the girls with their masterpiece. What's next I'm not sure. Maybe Tie dye tshirts, marbleizing paper with shaving cream and food coloring or stepping stones. I do know next weeks unplugged topic is glass. Interesting....

Swimming

2008-07-12T15:02:00.003-04:00

Cadee Getting ready to jump

Yahoo!! here I come Dad

Carlee Learning to Dive

Swimming Arms...Our Girl is Swimming

This summer we have been swimming...Carlee started the summer in the Start to Swim program for 2 wks then completed the Am Red Cross Level 2 swimming program this past week. Great Job little Fish!

Whipples Dam

2008-07-12T14:41:00.002-04:00

After Shaver's Creek we went to Whipples Dam so the kids could play and swim but alas it was too cold to swim so we waded and played in the sand instead. This was Cadee's first time to see a sandy beach and a lake

Cadee Checking things out

Carlee on the shore

Shaver's Creek

2008-07-12T14:28:00.004-04:00

We went to Shaver's Creek Raptor Rescue Center the other week...Here are some photos from the trip

Our Girls

Carlee Posing as usual

Owls at the center

Cadee checking out the 17 yr. locust

Kindergarten Field Trip, New Fun, New Skills

2008-05-14T23:10:00.003-04:00

Carlee's Kindergarten Field Trip was today, we went to Lake Tobias. Carlee's favorite thing was the Buffalo so of course we needed to get a picture of one.

Michelle We watch out...Carlee is praticing!

Newest Craze in the house has been Roller Skating

The Girls discovered playing in the dirt with Tonka Trucks...

Cadee's New Chore

Cadee has mastered this puzzle now

Check out the piggy tails

Updates

2008-04-23T04:07:00.003-04:00

Big Girl Cadee is sleeping in her toddler bed now...Here is a picture of her 1st night in the bed.

Cadee Loves Baby Eistein videos I think Baby McDonald about a farm is her favorite.

Carlee has a new friend now, Amalia . She is a sister to one of Cadee's Hauzhou sisters, Gabby. Carlee and Amalia are only a few days apart in age and they play so well together. To bad they live an hour and a half away.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T21:03:00.001-04:00

Sapling Bender Snow

2008-03-22T19:56:00.003-04:00

our version of sledding.

Birthday Girl...The Cake

2008-03-17T21:12:00.003-04:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Girl!

Cadee didn't quite grasp the concept of blowing out the candles so we called in the professionals

First Taste of Cake...

Not Bad!

Diving in for another bite!

Ha Ha Ha! I'm on a sugar high now!

Birthday Girl...the Gifts

2008-03-17T21:11:00.000-04:00

Ok What is this about!

Wow a new ball mitt.

New Chair just my size!

Bike Riding

2008-03-17T21:10:00.002-04:00

the Birthday Bike is too Big...I can't reach the pedals...but don't I look Cool sitting on it

Carlee out enjoying the spring weather

Can't reach these pedals either...Keep pushing Dad!

Baby's Easter

2008-03-11T22:44:00.003-04:00

Just for fun...notice they are wearing the same sweater.

Cadee @ age 2 is on top, Carlee @ age 16 mo below

Carlee

2008-03-10T22:26:00.002-04:00

Yes This is our 5 year old in a high chair she doesn't like to be left out, if Cadee eats from the high chair why can't I. PS If you strap her in real good and have the tray on real tight you can keep her in there for a very long time and get plenty of pictures.

Carlee submission for the local paper's coloring contest.

A few of Cadee's Favorite things

2008-03-10T22:18:00.003-04:00

Her Stuffed Animals

Her Shape Puzzle that she can do in seconds flat

Her Mail Cart turned Buggy, the Talking puppy and

My favorite the Fisher Price School Bus. Cadee watches Carlee from the house every school morning get on the school bus and when the bus leaves Cadee runs over to her Fisher Price Bus and steps inside it.

The Many Faces of Cadee

2008-02-29T16:48:00.002-05:00

Morning with Nia and Joy and More

2008-02-29T13:31:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning Cadee and I met with Cadee's Huazhou sister, Nia and her mom Joy, for breakfast at McDonald's and Story time at the library. I was excited to see them for the first time since we got back from China (I really miss our travel group) The girls really checked each other out and Joy and I got to catch up. Nia is doing wonderfully and has really grown since China. Cadee had a ball at the story time she was so into the music and the dancing parts, jumping up and down and following along with the hand motions. And Nia seems to enjoy herself too. Too bad I have to go back to work next week that we can't go back.

Next week is a big week for Cadee she's starting daycare 2 half days and a full day. I started her this month for a half day on Monday while Carlee was there and her teacher said that she did wonderfully, played with the other kids and ate by herself so I'm anxious to see how going more often works for her. Also the Early Intervention people are coming on Wed to evaluate her to see if there is anything we need to work on with her developmentally and speech wise. She seems to be doing very well to us. She added cow, out, more, and go to her vocabulary lately, I don't think she knows what the words mean but she can say them. She is also signing for more and milk. When she signs for more she is saying more too.

Carlee and I are going to see Disney Princesses on Ice at Hershey on Sunday as a big girls day out. She really loves her princesses. Last week I took her to Chuck E Cheeses, the Disney store and the Children's Place (she wanted to pick out matching dresses for her and Cadee)

(I think I have the links in right sorry if they don't work)

Our Week!

2008-02-18T21:01:00.003-05:00

We had snow last week so Cadee had her 1st sled ride

and her first 4 wheeler ride with Daddy. She really enjoyed the 4 wheeler it's quite a sight to see all 4 of us riding on one bike though.

Typical Day notice Cadee yelling at Carlee. My girls both love to play in the clothes baskets. Carlee used to be in one quite often and now Cadee can be entertained for hours given a clothes basket, kids broom and a bucket. She will out the bucket in the basket with her and row around with the broom. Who needs expensive toys.

Ready for Church. I've been waiting a long time to have my girls wear these dresses I bought them last summer. I thought taking photos of just Carlee was challenging HUH try getting a good shot of TWO... Not fun.

Adjustment

2008-02-04T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here is Cadee's first attempt at playing ball (disclaimer: I didn't shoot this video) we also introduced her to the small sliding board tonight, she loved it.

Cadee seems to be adjusting fairly quickly. She is eating like a horse, sleeps through the night and is actually talking baby words. Our only issues are going to bed and getting into the carseat, she will just scream and bawl her head off but this too we shall over come. Carlee continues to be a great big sister, she is really a big helper to her mommy.

First Week Home

2008-02-02T05:35:00.000-05:00

Here are our two girls together. We had to wait for the shot as Cadee fell on a book the first day home and cut her eyebrow so I wanted to wait until her black eye was better before we took the picture.
Cadee is adjusting very well she runs around the house like she owns the place and is laughing and yelling, but if someone besides us are here she shuts right up and just looks no smiles at all.

The girls continue to get along well I can see though that Cadee will idolize Carlee as it's happening already and she doesn't like it when Carlee leaves at all. She yelled Ca-Ca when Carlee went out the door with Jeff last night.

Another thing that happened this week was Carlee was inducted into Daisies (group prior to Brownies in Girl Scouts) Here she is getting her new uniform and pins. She really loves to go to Daisies to see all of her friends and do the crafts.

Well that's about it for now. We are going to the Sportsman's Show today and Superbowl party tomorrow night. (Cadee's 7-7:30pm bedtime makes it hard to be out late anymore)

Home Again!

2008-01-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Newark on Friday and 25th around 1pm. Mom, Mom B and Dad B brought Carlee to the airport to pick us up. I was never so happy to see Carlee as I was that day. She looked like she grew 3 inches since we left. Mom said she was jumping up and down saying I'm going to see my baby sister when they were walking into the airport.

Here is a picture of Carlee giving Cadee her first bottle at home. She is such a great big sister always wanting to help. We just have to get over the talking loud when Cadee and sleeping and a bit of jealously and we would be in great shape

Cadee is adjusting well she sleeps through the night and is really coming out of her shell. She found her vocal chords now too. Jeff heard her say dada last night and I think she said Momma today. She is eating like a horse too.

We went to the Dr. yesterday and official US weight 17.5 lbs and 30 inches. She is in the 0% for weight and 3% for height US Standards. She got 5 shots, 1 TB Test and had blood drawn yesterday poor kid. Last night she had a temp of 103.5 and had a bad night but today temp is down to 100 and she seems to be doing better.

Lobby pictures and the Group

2008-01-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

Not much happened today. We had a meeting in Der's room and got all the adoption paperwork back and had the group photo in the lobby. I did a bit of shopping but mostly packing and getting ready to leave.

Mommy and Cadee in the White Swan Lobby

Carlee look closely at Cadee's dress I have 1 for you just like it.

Adoption from the Heart Guangdong Group

14 families in all

The hotel lobby

We invited another couple to our room last night for supper and ordered Pappa John's pizza with Tsingtao beer and Coke Light

Movies from the Garden

2008-01-22T01:17:00.000-05:00

Tie Chee ( I know it's not spelled right) in the Park & Man writing the story of Chairman Mao with water on the sidewalk...Don't ask me why he is doing it.

Yuntai Garden

2008-01-22T00:45:00.000-05:00

Our sightseeing trip took us to Yuntai Garden today here are some shots I took

Cadee fix for the Grammas

2008-01-21T05:29:00.000-05:00

Family Meal and Lucy's

Cadee doing most wonderful things... sorry I must remember to hold the camera right next time

Monday the 21st

2008-01-21T05:13:00.000-05:00

Preschool Kids...they hold the rope too

Painting in a bottle...All of the shops on the island offer to do this for you.

We went shopping today at One Link a 8 story building filled with shops.

Things in China I'll miss

2008-01-20T15:48:00.000-05:00

The White Swan Breakfast Buffet

The Elevator Nazi...When he hears you coming out of your room he presses the down button for you so the elevator is waiting for you. When you get off the elevator he points to the direction of your room and guess who you give the poopy diapers to.

This nightstand is great. The first and last knob dims and outtens the bad lights the next few buttons control the lights in the room button for the mini bar lite, desk lite etc. then you have the do not disturb light and finally the radio volume and channel buttons. Love it

Towel shelf in the shower ... so handy

Fresh robe everyday

Master Switch to turn off all of the rooms electricity when you leave

Cleaning ladies they come everyday to sweep and clean and The turning down the bed service ...Every night they come and take off the top comforter, straighten up the down comforter so there are no wrinkles, fluff your pillows, put a towel down between the beds with your provided slippers on the towel and best of all they leave you a chocolate.

The Shopkeepers

This is Dong (D-O-N-G) we is a shopkeeper we met and had tea with. He works 12 hrs a day 7 days a week at his family's shop.

This is the sign above Dong's shop I don't know if you can make out the spelling mistakes on the sign or not.

Guangzhou Zoo and More

2008-01-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

We went to the Guangzhou Zoo today and here is what we saw

A Trained Monkey

Pandas of course. Carlee I took some extra pictures for you maybe Gramma can print them for you.

Chinese Muntjac or Water Deer.

I thought this was a cool picture

They had an area with just goldfish in here Hannah looking at the fish under the walkway. Hannah is 8 and is adjusting very well. Her mom and dad says she thinks it's Christmas everyday.

We met these children on our way to eat at Lucys. They are Oral English students ranging from ages 6-9. They stopped us and asked us questions like What is your favorite color, What is your favorite hobby, they gave us all kinds of treats which I saved for Carlee and had us sign our names in their workbooks I bet we spent 10-15 minutes with them. What a great program for the children. They were patrolling the island and talking to every American couple they could find to practice on them also.

Six Banyan Temple and 5 Rams at Tropic of Cancer

2008-01-19T07:19:00.000-05:00

Today I went with another mom to see some sights while Cadee was napping. 2nd stop The 5 rams statue at the Tropic of Cancer. The statue is in a park and here are some sights at the park.

This dragon is made of a silk like material stretched on a metal frame and is floating in a lake.

This peacock is made of white dishes with blue trim.

Fish made of silk and metal frames

5 rams statue and the tropic of Cancer we had to walk at least 2 miles to see it. after all of the steps at the temple I thought my legs would fall off.

Six Banyan temple ...9 stories high

one of the six Buddhas at the temple

A Real Monk

Where the people burn the incense

Yes we climbed all 9 flights of steps...

I am tired tonight so not many words or photos of Cadee ...We are going to the zoo tomorrow and Carlee wants a picture of the Panda. So I must get one of those. More tomorrow

Finally!!! A Smile

2008-01-18T04:45:00.001-05:00

Her face didn't break!! Look at all those teeth!

Trying on my new hat and sweater

Pat a Cake with Mama

As requested more of Cadee

2008-01-18T01:39:00.000-05:00

look what big feet I have

playing with Dad

stacking my cups

walking in the park

Cadee Update...

2008-01-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

One of the girls from Cadee's orphanage found out they had the chicken pox yesterday. Today we got a call from our guide, Helen, that the US requires children exposed to Chicken Pox must be vaccinated within 72 hr. So tonight Cadee had to get a chicken pox vaccine. We also did her physical for the visa while we were there. Cadee officially weighs 18 lbs and is 31" high.

Today we worked with the stacking cups, still trying to get her to use her fingers to feed herself, worked on using a sippy cup and getting stood up and walking. I don't think she can crawl. I set her on the floor and tell her to come and she can stand up without using her hands and comes walking.

That's it for today.

Chen Clan Academy and Shopping

2008-01-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics from our trip today. First stop Chen Clan Academy basically a folkart museum featuring the art of Guangdong Province. My camera ran out of battery at the entrance which was a shame as they had a carved ivory ball that had 43 balls of descending size inside. I seen beautiful embroidery and much more ...Here are some photos of the outside of the building. The building is a couple of hundred years old.

Lions made of shrubs and flowers at the gate

After the Chen Clan Academy we went shopping at Shangxiajiu Shopping Street we shopped at the Women and Baby department store and a Chinese bookstore...Mom here is the McDonalds there it made me feel right at home.

Inside McDonalds

Shopping Street

Inside the department store here are the proper instructions for purchases. Step 1 choose your item, Step 2 have attendant write what you want on a slip, Step 3 pay cashier and get a receipt Step 4 take receipt back to attendant and she goes and gets the item you choose. Only in China! I did find children's chopsticks for each of my girls.

Split Pants for sale...No I didn't buy any for Cadee or Carlee

Carlee we saw these boots and thought of you.

Typical Store along Shopping Street

Cadee and Mom on Shangxiajiu Shopping Street.

More Cadee...Things we did Wed the 16th

2008-01-16T12:24:00.000-05:00

We went to get Cadee's passport today but other than that it was mostly a down or rest day. Here are some things we did.

When Cadee came to us all she could do was hold things in her thumb and forefinger and wouldn't let them go (remember the sticker and Cheerio) Well today we got her to pick a Cheerio out of my hand and we guided it to her mouth and had her eat it. Sounds simple but she is still learning a skill that she never knew. Also we broke out the staking cups this evening and she just loved those. She can stack them with both hands, she hands the cups to mama and dada when asked, can pass the cups from her left hand to her right hand and can make both hands work together stacking. We gave her 2 cups at bedtime for in the crib a bit and she was putting them up to her ears and scratching on them to make a sound and banging them together. Finally I had to take them from her for her to sleep and then didn't she cry and cry that was the most noise she'd made so far,. I think she is starting to make progress now.

As I said it's cold out. Here is Cadee's warm silk coat with fake fur trim. I sure hope I can dry clean it well. Jeff thinks she looks like Santa Claus.

My First pair of Levi's size 12mo are just falling off her ...We weighed her today on the hotel scales and they said she weighed a whole whopping 16lbs. I think Carlee was 19lb when we got her. Cadee is quite the peanut.

Finally as requested Cadee walking video I did one yesterday but I couldn't get it rotated so here is another of her walking down the hall

I can't view my blog from here can you let me know if the videos are working or not. Besides I'd love to here from you.

We are going to the Chen Clan FolkArt Academy and Shangxiajiu Shopping Street tomorrow. We've gone to the Academy last time. I'll try to remember to take lots of pics for the blog.

Sights and Sounds of Shaiman Island

2008-01-16T00:56:00.001-05:00

We were out and about on the Shaiman Island today and here are some interesting things I saw...

Kids out for Recess

Dance Lessons

Singing in the Park

Shopping Shoping Shopping and more

2008-01-16T00:37:00.001-05:00

Cadee is waiting to leave for breakfast this morning. I forgot to mention she is attired in 12-18 jacket, 12 mo outfit which the waist is about 2-3 in too big and size 4 sneakers (this kid has big wide feet) and don't forget our Panda Hat with no hair we don't leave home without it.

Here is Cadee's going home Barbie. Mattel gives all adoptive families staying at the White Swan during their adoption a Barbie holding a Chinese baby. I really think that is great of them.

Here are a few purchases I made yesterday. I got Cadee her tea set, black squeaky shoes and two containers of Christmas ornaments one are birds and the other are dragonflies. I also bought a jade ball, and Cadee's jade dog ( she was born in the year of the dog)

(sorry Carlee mommy didn't take a picture of the things I bought for you...you'll have to wait until I get home. But I bought you more today)

A room with a View

2008-01-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd post the view from our room last night. The view is beautiful looking over the Pearl River. Enjoy

Adoption Day!!

2008-01-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

Today was a big day. Cadee slept through the nite from 8-6. When we woke her at 6 she whimpered for a bit then calmed down. We went for breakfast here at the White Swan Buffet and she ate some congee and we then gave her a bottle. After breakfast we went back to the Adoption Affairs office to finalize the adoption. When we got there the director of her orphanage was there so we got to speak with him about her bruising. He said the bump on her head was from a fall and the bruise on her leg and ankle was from her leg getting caught in the crib.

Then we spoke with the notary and finalized the adoption. We pasted 2 milestones today the first was during the wait at the notary Jeff was tickling Cadee and she finally smiled I think she is playing with us because you can just tell she is trying very hard not to smile and once she does she quickly realizes that she smiled then goes back to the serious face again. Also this afternoon after a 2 hr. nap Cadee pooped. (Which is a BIG DEAL it means she is becoming comfortable with us) This afternoon I napped with Cadee and Jeff and 3 other new dads went grocery shopping and took the laundry to Jennifers Place to be cleaned then they went to Lucy's Place for lunch. After he got back I went shopping for a bit (photos of purchases later) while he stayed with Cadee. It's still cold and windy outside so we went to Jennifer's Place and bought Cadee a red silk winter jacket (photos later) Then off to Lucy's Place for supper. Finally got back to room around 7 got Cadee changed and in bed. She fell asleep quickly tonight hopefully she will sleep all night again.

Mom and Cadee with Huazhou orphanage director. I got to speak with a nanny and ask her some questions thank goodness Jeff recorded it because I forget the whole conversation. I do remember asking about a nap (naps are important at our house) and she said Cadee takes 2 hr nap from 12-2 (Yippee!!) and I also asked what nickname Cadee had at the orphanage and her nickname was Ah-moo.

Mom and Cadee with the notary finalizing the adoption. She asked our ages, where we worked our income, promise that we will never abandon or mistreat and do we want to adopt her. Pretty easy.

I will not smile and you can't make me!

I told you I'm not smiling at you...

And Here She IS!!!

2008-01-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

We got Cadee around 3pm today. She didn't cry at all when we got her. All she has done all day was watch and watch. She hasn't uttered peep except when we washed her hair she didn't like that too much and cried a bit. She is very petite the 12mo pants we have for her are just a bit short and 12-18 mo tops fit well. She has all kinds of bruises on her legs, ankles and 1 goose egg on her head. Diaper rash really bad and scabies. Such fun. She can walk and likes to walk holding your finger. So far she drank a little water from a sippy cup and an 8oz bottle of formula. She has eaten 2 cheerios and a couple of spoonfuls of rice. We will try congee in the morning. She went right to sleep tonite when we put her in the crib and has be out ever since. Jeff stayed in the room a bit tonight with her so I went out looking around the shops a bit tonight. Quite chilly and windy outside tonight probably some where in the 50s

Our room at the White Swan looks out over the river, it is quite beautiful. I'll post pictures tomorrow. That's it for now.

Misc. Photos

2008-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

House Boats on the Pearl River

Ben Calls the restroom the Happy Room...Here are Squat Pots at China Customs Bldg...Toilets at their best!!

Jeff and our guide Ben...

Chinese New Years is Feb 7th this year ...This is how the Regal Airport Hotel decorates...

Hong Kong

2008-01-13T17:37:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Hong Kong Sun 13th at 8:30 pm Hong Kong time, 7:30 am EST. What a long Flight... we took off at 3pm est. from Newark on Sat 12th. We are leaving today at 8:30 am for Guangzhou and the White Swan Hotel. They are saying that we will be getting the girls today. There are 16 families in our group we are still trying to get to know everyone. We went to bed last night around midnight and got up around 5 am. Here are some pictures of our room at the Regal Airport Hotel and Ben Lin our guide here in HK and takes us to GZ.

Packed and Ready to Go

2008-01-10T13:03:00.001-05:00

We are packed up and ready for our China trip to bring Cadee home. I am really looking forward to going and getting Cadee but dreading leaving Carlee for so long. I'm sure she will be fine it's me I'm worried about.

Anyway, I thought I packed pretty lightly with only 2 large suitcases, 1 carry on and a backpack for 3 people staying 13 days in China. I don't see how some people only get way with taking 2 carry on only bags.

Then and Now

2008-01-04T16:26:00.001-05:00

Foto Fun Friday had a project this week about then and now so I'm not too good with photos but I can do Animoto. Here is Carlee from 2003 to her birthday in 2007. My how she has grown...Enjoy

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T17:58:00.001-05:00

Love, Peace and God's Blessings from our family to yours

We are leaving on a Jet Plane

2007-12-22T16:27:00.000-05:00

Our flights are booked we are leaving Newark at 3pm on Jan 12th and returning Jan 25th around 1:50...Staying the entire time at the White Swan. I've decided to take my laptop along so hopefully I'll be able to keep you all updated with photos etc.

Santa Train

2007-12-19T23:38:00.001-05:00

Gramma, Carlee and I went on the Santa Train last weekend. It was just after the big ice storm so the trees looked like they were made of glass but the tracks were covered with branches so we couldn't make it to the end of the line and had to return to the station in reverse.

Persimmon Quest Animoto

2007-12-19T22:46:00.001-05:00

This is Cool

Persimmon Quest

2007-12-18T14:09:00.001-05:00

Pappy and Gramma have a persimmon tree in the field down from their house.
So Sunday right after church Pappy decides it's a good time to get Carlee a persimmon. So out comes the old step ladder (circa 1950) and off they trek down to the tree. Carlee is in her Sunday school dress with high heels.

The Gingerbread House

2007-12-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Gramma bought a Gingerbread house at Walmart the other day for her and Carlee to do. After quite a bit of work and instruction they completed it. I think Carlee was quite pleased with the result.

Latest News

2007-12-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

Cadee Update

Got a call from our agency the other day looks like we will be traveling from Jan 11th to the 25th, but they are still trying to push the dates up earlier and will let us know by Tues or Wed.

Carlee Update

Carlee had a temp of 102 this morning and is home from school and won't be able to be in the Christmas program tonight :-( Hopefully she will be better tomorrow as Santa is coming to the house tomorrow night at 6 and Gramma Ritzman, Carlee and I will be going on the Santa train on Sunday. So today Carlee and I are confined to the house. I gave her Motrin and her temp is now 98.8 so we will wait and see.

Cadee Update

2007-12-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest on Cadee. We received word last week that our agency couldn't get consulate appts for Dec so the earliest we will be traveling is Jan 8.

AFTH has 2 groups traveling one will be going to Jiangxi and our group going to Guangdong. We have approx 14-16 families in our group and approx 3-4 families going for their second child.

Our trip sounds like it will be a repeat of our trip to get Carlee.
Fly from Newark to Hong Kong. Stay at the Regal Hotel in the Hong Kong Airport then go on the bus with Ben in the morning to head to Guangzhou and the White Swan Hotel http://www.whiteswanhotel.com/eng/Public/briefIntro/index.asp. On the Shamian Island http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamian_Island stay at the White Swan for approx 10 days then back to Hong Kong and home.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jennifer's place http://www.jennifers_place.homestead.com/, Lucy's Restaurant, and the big dept store shopping spree again.

On the trip each family is assigned a number for Carlee we were family number 3. Well this time we moved up the list to family number 2.

There is another couple in our group from Harrisburg which is only 30 min from home. their daughter is around 7-8 mo. but hopefully we can keep in contact and let the girls get together once they get older.

Christmas Photo Out Takes

2007-11-30T22:23:00.000-05:00

Today my goal was to get our Christmas Card photos done and printed up at Walmart. We didn't make it to Walmart until 8pm so I guess I'll be picking up the cards next week and hopefully get them mailed before Friday. Anyway here are some out takes of our photo shoot in the living room. ENJOY!!

Starting to get bored with the whole photo thing

I get this look a lot

And this one a lot too

Travel Update

2007-11-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

We got an email from Adoptions from the Heart the other day it said be prepare to travel anytime between Dec 15-22 that means we will probably be in China for Christmas.

Jeff is hoping that we let before the 15th as Santa is coming to our home for the Christmas party on the 15th and I told Jeff if we are hosting the party here at the house we (Jeff) has to put up the outside lights. But if we leave before the 15th then he doesn't have to put them up.

I've been busy getting things ready for Christmas (wrapping gifts, decorating the house, making gifts to give) and getting the suitcases packed. So much to do and so little time

Christmas in the Park

2007-11-25T22:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we went to Christmas in the Park. It was a lot of fun we asked Carlee's best friend J and her mom N to go along. There was lots of crafts, homemade soaps, Kettle Popcorn, freshly made potato chips and other good food. We ate homemade onion rings, pizza and a fish sandwich. And of course we had to bring home some of the homemade chips and kettle popcorn.

Carlee got to pose with Frosty for a bit. The girls also got to go on a horse drawn carriage ride. But the climax was sitting on the big guys lap. Mrs. Claus just happens to be a dear friend of ours and she just adores Carlee so needless to say the girls got to spend a lot of time talking to Santa however they couldn't remember what they wanted for Christmas. Stage Fright maybe

Side Note: Every time Carlee goes to see Santa she insists on wearing her Santa Dress.

Oh Christmas Tree

2007-11-25T22:22:00.000-05:00

Start with a new Lowes' Almost Like Fresh Cut Frazier Fir with 1250 lights (this years Christmas Gift from Mom and Dad)...Add 1000 more lights, 13 years worth of ornaments, some tinsel and some icicles and you get this years Christmas tree. It only took 3 days to finally get it fluffed and everything on it.

Close up

Birthday Girl

2007-11-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

Carlee's 5th Birthday

Morning:

Working with the beads that Gramma Ritzman sent

Made a necklace with my name on I must wear it today

Afternoon:

Taking my nap...Getting ready for my big party

Party Time:

Gramma and Pappaw got me a Birthday Girl Crown

Got to Model it for you

Time for the Cake...Singing Happy Birthday

Carlee's requested a Princess Cake with All of the Princesses

Introducing Cadee Anne Becker

2007-11-07T14:56:00.000-05:00

Born 3/16/2006 18 month old
Chinese Name: Ji, Xiang Wu (Carlees was Jin, Xiang Yi)
Currently Residing: Huazhou Social Welfare Institute, Guangdong China…Same province as Carlee

As of Aug 07
Height 72 cm
Wt 7.72 kg
Deep Sleeper…Hurray
Picks up a pill with her thumb and index finger
Has 8 teeth
Uses thumbs and index fingers deftly
Takes a block out of the cup
Bangs 2 blocks together
Turns over pages of a book twice or more
Imitates words
Knows what NO means
Responds to other’s asking for her objects
Cooperative when put on clothes
Takes off unlined clothes

She is quiet
Fond of playing with toys
Getting along with others well

That is all we know so far except we all think she is beautiful!!
God is GOOD