Tea for Two

Bonjour! Here we are ready for our first "Fancy Nancy" tea party... I'm so excited!

We wore our most fancy dresses, added beads & a tiara, and WaLa, ready for a charming afternoon...

We had an exquisite time dressing up, listening to the theme story "Fancy Nancy" a new favorite, introducing ourselves with our "fancy" names, met other fancy friends, and courtsied in our fancy dresses.

We indulged in some cheese & crackers, red grapes, pink lemonade (pinky up), and a pink cupcake, our favorite.

Sophie- top left, Sage- bottom right

Not everything was flawless, our dresses kept getting caught and these darn tiaras falling off-... we're still perfecting the fancy part

But it was a lot of fun trying, thanks to our city Library for inviting us to their tea-party, it was superb!

Forever Family Day

We did it! Sophie and Sage were sealed to us today, for time and all eternity. We held the sealing in the beautiful Manti temple, in the Emerald room. The girls were delighted to go to the temple, as well as our boys, and now they call it "their" temple. We received such a warm "red carpet" welcome. The temple workers expressed how much they were looking forward to seeing our girls/family and pampered us all. Trevor said it was the best day of his life. When the temple workers brought Sophie and Sage in to meet us in the sealing room, they took one look into the room and started giggling. They were a little nervous to be away from mom and dad, and so excited to see everyone- Danny & Lindsay, Grandma's & Grandpa, Kathy, and others, they could hardly sit still. It was a remarkable, sacred ceremony, and when we weren't holding back the tears, we were trying not to chuckle as S & S were trying to greet their favorite guests, playing handsies over the alter, and getting tangled in my veil. They were overjoyed but not so sure about this quiet, reverence that's expected in the temple ... Our sweet guide showed us the amazing spiral staircase afterwards as we toured part of the temple, then we met outside for a few pictures (very cold!). I can't express the joy of knowing my family is complete and Sophie and Sage are ours forever. I've been waiting for this day for a long time, it was breathtaking!

After the ceremony, we met for a tasty lunch at the "Satisfying Ewe", our treat. The food was good, especially the cinnamon scones Kathy introduced us too, and the place did pretty good handling a group our size in such a small town.

A BIG thanks to all who drove so far and joined us on this special day. Bonnie & Tam had to leave before pictures, but it was so nice to have them their and hear about their parents who have reached out and adopted others. To hear how special it was for Danny & Lindsay because they want to adopt someday, they will be great parents and it was so good to have them their!! And Kathy is so supportive and fun and brought Paul's mom, we were so glad they came! Mike had to work. My cute niece Crystal, she didn't have to drive far, so glad she took the time off work to be there. And my parents who were able to come to China with us, wouldn't be the same without them! Of course, to my awesome husband who said "yes" to this adoption, you have been an amazing dad, and my wonderful boys who love being big brothers and are sooo helpful with the girls. It's a day I'll never forget and I thank all those who shared it with us.
I apologize to those had short notice and couldn't get away. I knew having it in Manti would limit some from coming and it came up fast, I didn't get the word out to everyone I wanted to. So sorry Russ & Diane/ Doug & Becky, next time I'll plan ahead better.

Instead of celebrating our Gotcha Day, we will celebrate our Forever Family Day on February 20th each year :) We love you Sophie and Sage and we're so glad you're a part of our family!

A very fun CNY celebration

Although we don't live in this county, our adoption friends always include us in their festivities. We had a fabulous time celebrating Chinese New Year with them. Everyone brought their favorite Chinese dish for a scrumptious meal, I even tried some curry dishes, trying to aquire a taste, the girls love it! They went all out with wonderful decorations, shared the history of CNY, Dragon parade, kids crafts, they made lanterns & shakers for the parade, colored dragons & painted Chinese characters. We ended the night with fireworks and cake. It was great to see everyone again and hear some wonderful news, new adoptions. Congratulations Cindy! It was fun seeing all the little ones, now a year older.

Happy Birthday Nick

Nick is turning 16 today!

He's such a fun big brother! S & S think the world of him

He's a true friend! and cousin, cute little Caleb hanging out on his shoulders

A great swimmer

His first car! Honda, Honda!

He's worked hard, getting good grades, earning his Eagle, Duty to God... Can you tell I'm excited to have another driver in the house! He's getting his license today... Yikes ;)

Nick, wasn't it just yesterday you were learning to tie your shoes... write your name... ride your bike? It has been so fun watching you grow into a fine young man. Of course you have your teenage moments, but you have been such a joy! You have become so responsible, funny, and smart. Just a great kid! Keep it up Nick, continue to be your best and remember- we love you tons!

Lets hear your shout out wishing Nick a Happy 16th...

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope it was sweet!

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!

Mom, Sage, Dianne, Sophie, & Kathy

The boys school had a great CNY celebration. The kids enjoyed the crafts, tasting table, Chinese story area, and watching the awesome dragon dance, highlight of the evening! Everytime we turned around someone was snapping shots of our S & S, they got more pics of them then I did. I'm thrilled that this school spotlights different customs with a big focus on cultural awareness and appreciation. Sophie & Sage will attend next year, can hardly believe they'll be in Kindergarten by then.

Here's our 2nd annual CNY celebration- Year of the Rat. We continued our tradition making tasty Won Tons and Kathy's yummy Egg Rolls, reminiscing our China trip, reviewing the Chinese Zodiac- the girls and I are sheep, and enjoying details of Lena & Steve's Mexican Cruise they just returned from- envisioning ourselves there. Sophie and Sage received two Hung Bao's (red envelopes w/ money) from other special friends at church & school, Thanks Shannon & Long!

Sage and Uncle Mike. No reservations when it comes to Uncle Mike, she backed up to him, waited for him to pick her up, then finished her cupcake snug in his lap :).

To top it off, Danny & Linz stopped by to play and wish us a Happy Chinese New Year. What a treat!

Big hugs from Sophie and Sage to everyone who celebrated with us for a fun and festive CNY!

Budding Artists

Sage (brown) & Sophie (pink) studying their subject, preparing to paint

Then they begin their masterpiece

Sage mooching some of Sophies paint, must have variety!

Wa La oops, better let it dry first

Clean up is part of play

Look at my pretty sunflower!

I've been tagged

I've been tagged by Lindsay... I better get to it before I forget

A) Four jobs I've had in my life
1. Pacific Design- designer
2. Accelerated Blinds & Custom Window Treatments (our own business)
3. Taught Math & Language Arts - Summit Academy
4. Window & Store Display at the Mall

B) Four movies I could watch over and over
1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. While you were Sleeping
4. Sleepless in Seattle

C) Four places I have lived
1. Here
2. LA
3. Rexburg
4. Centerville

D) Four shows that I watch
1. News
2. American Idol
3. Dora the Explorer :)
4. Life's too exciting for TV ;), or too busy

E) Four places I have been
1. Hawaii
2. China
3. Bahamas
4. Mexico

F) People who email me regularly
1. Paul
2. Val
3. Jan
4. Crystal

G) Four of my favorite foods
1. Orange & Banana Salad
2. Avacado
3. Paul's Rotisserie Chicken
4. VooDoo salad from Rumbi Grill

H) Four places I would rather be right now
1. On the beach, anywhere warm
2. African Safari
3. On an Alaskan Cruise, even if it's cold
4. Sleeping in my new, comfy bed

I) Four folks I think will respond
1. Becky
2. Tammy
3. Crystal
4. Mia's mom

J) Things I am looking forward to in the next 12 months
1. Taking our girls to the beach & Disneyland- first time
2. My big news, I'll tell you soon- no, I'm not expecting Rony, too funny
3. Hiking Zions during Spring Break
4. Boating and Wake boarding this summer with family & friends

K) Four goals for the New year
1. Get to bed earlier
2. Spend more time preparing healthy meals, add variety.
3. Read the Book of Mormon again, been a few years
4. Be the best mom & wife I can

L) Four gifts I got for Christmas
1. Surround Sound speakers for my room from my sweetie
2. A new "My Comfort" mattress, love it!
3. Silk PJ's
4. My favorite "homemade" necklace from Trevor

M) Four places I want to visit
1. Alaska
2. Europe
3. N.Y.C.
4. China, again

N) Four things you didn't know about me
1. My house used to always be clean, hmm, wonder what happened
2. I hate curry
3. Paul & I first met with a wrong telephone number, best mistake ever
4. I'm a daredevil and I like a challenge

O) Four things I wish I was better at
1. Digital Photography
2. Singing
3. Not being such a perfectionist
4. Getting enough sleep

P) Four things I can cook without a recipe
1. Cicken Enchiladas
2. Chicken Parmesan
3. Lasagna
4. No Bake cookies

Q) Four musicians I really love
1. Josh Groban
2. Celine Dion
3. Gwen Steffani
4. Enya

I tag.... Becky, Tammy, Crystal, Mia's mom