Thursday, December 27, 2007

A wonderful week off!!!






It's been a great week of running around, seeing friends- the ones that live here and the ones that came to visit. We have actually gone out for a few nights of big people entertainment which has been really fun. We went to the city on Christmas Day and saw the tree. We also went over to Bryant Park where Jordyn went on the carousel. I was able to see the Kite Runner- and for anybody that didn't read it- it is awesome. The movie was good-of course the book better.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

slide show- sorry I love these

Love the holidays






It's party time... here are some recent photos of parties. I have also included some pictures of the holiday light at the Bronx Zoo with some great friends!!! Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Update





Thanksgiving was wonderful.. I love my family and friends. It is always so nice that I get together with my friends of over.. 30+ years. We always have a nice get together- and then I realize that some of us were in preschool together- unbelievable- that we all look so good!!! The girls love spending time with the family as well- Zoe had another ear infection on Thanksgiving and she is back on the antibiotic- I am so against this but I don't want her to be miserable. We already went to the ENT and have an appt. for next week to see where we go from here. I feel so bad for her - she has been such a good sport about me putting mineral oil in her ear. I really enjoy this time of year and can't wait to take the girls into the city to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and all the wonderful holiday festivities that take place at this time.

I did take the girls ice skating over the holiday weekend. My mother in law was nice enough to come with me. I actually was able to still skate ( a miracle ) and took Jordyn around the rink a few times. Then Zoe wanted a turn- I paid for her to go on the ice and the rented the skates- no double blades- only single. I couldn't turn back- my back was in such pain from trying to hold her up. She was so happy to get on the ice though- it was worth it for both girls. Here are some updated pictures.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Surprise...!!!



Jordyn had asked awhile ago for tickets to see High School Musical on Ice. I told her we couldn't get them. Yesterday I picked her up from school and put a note on her seat in the car ( my friend Debby's idea) It said- be ready at 6:00. It's a surprise only for big girls- don't tell Zoe, Love daddy. Dave took her to see the show last night- she was so excited and happy. She got on the phone with me and couldn't stop saying- I love you Mommy!!! Here are the pictures of when she walked in the door-coming in from her big night.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

A wonderful weekend

I love my family but my girlfriends and I had a blast!! There is nothing better than laughing for a whole weekend. We had massages, drinks, shopping, drinks,talking,drinks and then we went for dinner at Craft. I love my girlfriends and I love that my husband had no problem taking care of them all weekend. Although we tried hard to stay out Saturday night by 1:30 we were all ready to head home- gone are the days ( way gone) of closing the bars. Back to reality...

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Jordyn's big girl weekend




I feel bad because Zoe has an ear infection but I promised to do all these great things with Jordyn this weekend-so I know to keep putting money away for both our daughters to be sitting on a couch somewhere in the near future.One of them is always pissed about something that has to do with the other- nothing like a little sibling rivalry.

Jordyn's school had a Halloween dance on Friday night. I could not have been more impressed- and it takes a lot. The PTA did a fabulous job. They had the whole gym was decorated with black and orange balloons and a ton of decorations. There was a DJ who had two dancers. The dancers were great- not over the top and showing the younger girls how to do certain dance moves without being inappropriate. They served food in the cafeteria. The children were all great- everybody was on good behavior. Jordyn did well for Jordyn and I was pretty shocked she said she wanted to leave around 8- instead of having a meltdown. It was very loud and stimulating for her but she held it together really well and I gave her plenty of outs if she wanted to take them. The music was good and this has been the closet I have come to "clubbing" in a long time. I was thinking how I wanted to sneak in some margaritas ( come on it's Friday night- school dance- just having some flashbacks) But I did not want to embarrass Jordyn anymore than necessary. There will be enough time for that. Anyway it was nice to see she has friends and that she is slowly adjusting to school.

Saturday we went to Chinese school- where I don't think it is possible to feel anymore inadequate. The teacher had us come to the board to write sentences and I wanted to ask her if I could do it in Spanish. I am having a very hard time with the Chinese and she must think I am a dope who does not study - she is absolutely correct. I don't know when these people are studying or if they already secretly speak Chinese but I'm like- I have two little kids at home and I work. I take this for fun and- great if I learn something but I'm not really counting on it. I did not verbalize that in class. Jordyn is already correcting my tones-of course she will soon find our her mom is a dope. At some point when the girls are older they'll be talking about me in Chinese and they will be laughing about-their mom. I can see it now- the two of them laughing at me in Chinese and saying there is no way I understand a word of what they are plotting. - Maybe Chinese school was not such a great idea.

Today I took Jordyn into the city with me. We went with another friend and her daughter to Serendipity's- home of the frozen hot chocolate. Those of you who visit this blog from out of state or country- this is a must if you ever visit NYC. The girls had a great time and were really well behaved. I of course gained another few pounds and Jordyn now has a new place to have awesome desserts. Zoe is going to have go to an ENT and we will take it from there. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Check out my Slide Show!

Happy Birthday Zoe!!!






Today was Zoe's birthday and I have to say- she truly enjoyed herself. We started with lunch at Johnny Rocket's and we lucked out that there was a petting zoo and pony rides outside. Jordyn was a good big sister- although a little jealous . I might add, add by the way- did so well this week- she received "stars" every morning for her "Good Morning Chart". I don't care what works, as long as everybody goes off to their designated places easily in the morning.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

a brand new day






Saturday was great- it was Raenan's birthday and we had the awesome Halloween spooktacular. My girls had a wonderful time!! Yeah!!!

Friday, October 12, 2007

It's been challenging

to say the least.. Jordyn has not had the easiest transition into kindergarten. She is very jealous of Zoe at times and has said more than once she is scared at school. My girl has always been very sensitive and aware. I understand now how ignorant people let things slide or do not notice them at all. She will not tell me why she is scared- she says no one has bothered her- I know her school goes up to 5th grade and I know how loud and somewhat chaotic a public city school can be or at least seem to a small child. I am at a loss about what to do- she seems happy enough when she comes home and she has made friends. I find it amusing that the friends she has made are Chinese and Korean. Jordyn expressed how her Korean friend looks similar to Chinese people. We have all different friends, apparently that has not spilled over into her group yet. I find it almost fascinating. Zoe on the other hand wakes up in a great mood and just loves to laugh- she definately does not take everything so seriously. I hope in time I will spend as much alone time with her as I do with Jordyn. Jordyn's teacher has not said to much to me yet- I'm waiting for the conference in November. I did find it amusing though when we met her she said- oh- I guess Jordyn is adopted- I wanted to tell her Dave's first wife was Chinese but I think it may have confused her- so we just said yes. It has been somewhat difficult in our house these days- almost like you want to call Nanny 911. ( I know it is out of the question).

I have been reading and am almost done with Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes. The story is about a high school shooting. They should make it a mandatory read for all High school students and their parents. It really is so sad and a book that "stays" with you.

I am very happy to say the weather almost feels like fall now. It isn't that we don't like to go pumpkin/apple picking in 95 degree heat but it kind of sucks. You know it's bad when there are about 10 of us plus kids and we are all drenched just looking at each other like when can we leave. Next year we said we would just buy pumpkins and apples, put them in the yard and take pictures. Today finally felt like October. I will also add I love Halloween!!! Any day that we are allowed to go to people's houses and receive yummy candy is amazing by my standards ( which are not all that high at times). Jordyn asked what I was going to be for this joyous occasion- I don't think she understands my "witch costume" - not so much a costume ,although I'm sure when she is 12+ she'll be referring to me as a witch often and maybe even substituting the 'w 'for a' b 'here and there - who could imagine that.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

slideshow

I was just testing to see if it worked- it did. I am not that computer savvy, I just wanted to try it out. Of course now I'll be making slide shows all the time. The kitchen is officially done- I'll just pass on the info- I did not know- you can compromise your seal on granite if you use Palmolive soap that has the oxy crap in it. We have a nice mark now, right by our sink where the soap goes. It may as well say- Place soap here-idiot!! Now I know.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

update





The kitchen really is almost done. There are now just a few minor things and we are very happy. We actually cooked in our new oven this evening- it almost felt a little weird. I feel like I am living in someone else's place. We had such a nice relaxing weekend ( as relaxing as it can be with an almost 2 year old) Jordyn and I had Chinese school- where she learns a lot and I learn how stupid I really am.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

September Update






The kitchen is coming along and just about finished!! We are just waiting for the backsplash to be finished. It has been so nice to have our place almost back to normal. Jordyn seems to be enjoying kindergarten and is starting to adjust. It took a few weeks but she is starting to get into the swing of things. Zoe is still not so thrilled with her situation but it is getting better. At the end of the day Zoe is all over Jordyn- sitting on top of her, rolling on her bed, kissing her, etc... Meanwhile a bunch of us are planning a night in NYC and I cannot wait!!! Spa- dinner- dancing- not that I don't love every minute with my family but a few hours away is going to be a nice mini vacation!!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

One Year Ago....






a beautiful baby girl was placed in our arms in the civil affairs office in downtown Nanchang. Zoe was so scared and screaming very loudly. Today she is a bundle of energy who loves to give all of us hugs and kisses. It is amazing to see such a huge transformation as the year has progressed.