Simply Beautiful

Many of you know that my daughter Jaelyn is missing her forearm, so I find this video beautiful and uplifting. The fact that it takes place in China is even more encouraging, since having a disability has not been a very acceptable thing in the past. The more the culture accepts those with disabilities, the more precious daughters they will keep. Take the time to watch, but just in case, have some kleenex nearby.
She without Arm, He Without Leg

Celebrations....

Whew, I think we finally have finished our many holiday celebrations. We started with the usual Christmas celebrations and time with family, then we celebrated Kaia's 3rd Gotcha Day (adoption day, 12/27), followed by Jaelyn's 4th birthday (New Year's Day). Today was her party, so I think the holiday season for us is officially closed. Sorry, but my camera died the second half of the trip, so I didn't get as many pictures there. Enjoy the slideshow.

I "borrowed" this activity from a blog I read on the diabetes online community (OC). One answers the questions and then Googles-Images the answer. Anything from the first page of results is allowed. I am up way too early this Saturday morning due to my very sore throat, so this is how I am spending my quiet time before the kids wake up:

1. Age at my next birthday:

2. A place I'd like to travel to:

3. A Favorite Place:

&

4. A Favorite Thing:


5. A Favorite Food:

6. A Favorite Color:

7. A Favorite Flower:

8. The City You Live In:

9. Name of a Past Pet:

10. A Nickname You've Had:

11. College Major:

12. First Job:

13. A Hope for 2008:

Merry Christmas to me!

Some of you may not know, but I am a Type I diabetic. Today I went on the latest and greatest technology available, a continuous glucose monitor (cgm). I am very excited about it taking me to the next level of staying healthy and in good control. Unfortunately insurance does not cover it, so it is my Christmas gift to myself. Actually, it's a Christmas gift to the whole family, because what's good for Momma is good for the whole family:)

Also, if you or someone you know is diabetic, check out tudiabetes.com. It is a fairly new online community (oc) just for diabetics and their families. There is a wealth of information and support on the site. You can click on the tudiabetes banner on the right side of my page to check it out.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Sorry, but this post is for the grandparents who did not get to see their grand-daughters singalong tonight. Enjoy the music videos!

CAUTION!!!

Just wanted to caution everyone in the PNW....it's official now, Kellen is on the road!

A worthy cause

Here's a quick way to make money for Operation Smile. If you're not familiar with the organization, they travel all over the world to do cleft lip/palate repairs for families in need. Although Kaia was repaired here in the states, this organization is very near and dear to us.

Hasbro will donate .25 to Operation Smile (up to $75,000) for everyone who pushes the "oxygen pump" on their website. It takes less than 30 seconds to do, and you can do it once a day; Operation Smile.