Finding Miaya

How many shots does it take?

2012-01-29T19:06:00.001-06:00

Late I know but this was the cousins that were at the Thanksgiving dinner I hosted. Between a 4 year old and a dog Petey who wanted be petted so badly....I took 10 pictures...but I love chaos it's so kids!

Sure missed the Fincks in the pic...but we take them when we can... If I can get the Christmas post ready you can see the whole gang!

Working Up to It

2012-01-29T16:43:00.000-06:00

Well we are working up to cutting Miaya's hair for "Locks Of Love" We had it trimmed lately so it was alittle easier to manage. Actually only about 1/4" was cut and a little on the sides. She hasn't had a hair cut except for bangs since she came home to Iowa. That's been since 2008! Many people ask why? Well one is that I don't want it real short when they cut if for "Locks of Love". Another is that we want to enter her into the Longest Pigtale contest at the Iowa State Fair this summer. I think by then she as well as mommy and daddy should be ready by then. It's a little traumatizing for all of us right now. I think my sadness comes from the fact that it's part of her history and her ties to China. But a little one is going to be turning 5 real soon! I want her to be responsible for the care of her hair, so since it right now I have to brush it. (She has to stand on a chair for me to get a full brush swath through it... At school I try my best to keep it up in piggy tales and pony tales...dance class is a little frustrating since they do some tumbling and she says she can't do her summersaults because she has a "stopper" on her head as she calls it.

Anticipation and anxiousness is evident here...just look at the face!

Not liking this mom!

The consultation was basically trying to get her into the chair...but she was a big girl and did it!

Dawn (hairdresser) had to get on the ground level to get to the ends of her hair

She kind of looks like Cousin It from the Addams Family...cool I have this year's Halloween costume!

We knew we would always do Locks of Love, but this year it has hit home more for us as our niece Jennifer Fourez is battling HLH which essentially has left her with chemo treatments and the loss of her beautiful hair.. But you know I've learned that yes losing your hair has to be very traumatic, but beauty is so much on how you see the world and love ones around you. At 18 Jennifer has triumphed this and realizes that so many know she is beautiful! Hair isn't everything...but if it makes you feel better ...then there's Locks of Love! Too bad she was a blonde...Miaya could of visited her hair if she wanted black...hee hee! Either way someone will be able to have a little comfort going through such a traumatic event. I'm sure it will give us a little comfort when we cut her hair this summer!

Singing Up a Storm

2012-01-29T16:09:00.001-06:00

I know I know I haven't been updating very well. A four year old has kind of gotten me on the run. Anyway without any further adue. Here is Miaya's Christmas program. She's wearing her Christmas dress from Daddy. She is growing way to fast for Mommy. We always wondered how she would do on stage. As a teacher I've seen out and out crying fits to ooops should of gone potty before times on this stage. She did wonderfully. She sang. She knew all the words and the terrified look she had on when she did her little dance was even gone. So proud of her!

Miaya's New Camera

2012-01-02T10:17:00.006-06:00

Miaya got a new camera for Christmas, and has become quite a shutterbug!

In her own words:

Here's my eyes.

Miaya's playground

Miaya's pond.

Miaya's big Trees.

Daddy took my picture.

Daddy!

I like McDonalds!

Daddy's big Tractor.

Miaya's Casey's -- I get doughnuts and gas here!

Miaya's feet.

Sunset at Daddy's workplace.

Miaya's dog.

Miaya's two cats.

Mommy.

Poppy cat.

Miaya....the Dancer?

2011-10-23T19:34:00.000-05:00

We always wonder what our children will be when they grow up.. A doctor maybe...a teacher maybe (No way to that one!) Anyway Miaya stretched her wings today ....well actually her feet...and had her first Family Night Dance Recital. She's only had a month of dance classes , but we see a definite improvement...mostly in attitude! She loves her teacher Miss Adonica and will do anything for her. Hhhhmmmm maybe I can rent her out when I'm trying to get her to go to bed! Anyway here it is!

Just too cute

2011-10-10T14:35:00.001-05:00

I love this picture....and the two who are in it! What a daddy's girl....just like her mama!

Grandparents Day

2011-10-10T14:33:00.003-05:00

Miaya has been enrolled in the Preschool here at Prescott. They have wonderful activities including grandparents day. Dad was under the weather, so he wasn't able to attend, but grandma came! Miaya still talks about how she got to go home with grandma that day. She loves to recite their Grandparents poem to them all the time.

Here are grandma's glasses

And here is Grandma's hat,
Here's the way she folds her hands
Just like that.

Here are Grandpa's glasses,
Here is Grandpa's hat,
Here's the way he folds his arms
Just like that.

Grandma's Birthday

2011-10-10T14:27:00.001-05:00

Okay we have cake...check! We have candles....check! We have flames......check! Sing with all our hearts....check (good job Ciara and Miaya)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Landscaping with Miaya

2011-09-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

We have been working on some landscaping projects, and Miaya has been pitching in and helping.

So many tools to choose from!

Miaya has her own "just almost my size" shovel!

We're moving a rock wall closer to the deck, and replacing bushes and adding new plants.

Driving Miss Daisy

2011-07-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

Miaya waiting for her bottle calf

No we aren't in Alabama we are on a stretch of highway 34 driving our Miss Daisy to our house. No it's not Jessica Tandy. It's our little heifer that Miaya named Daisy.. Doesn't look like a daisy all white and yellow...she's as close to a chocolate mocha as you can get! Michael decided after attempting to get the calf to nurse that now indeed Miaya has a bottle calf.....let's change that a little bit....Kim has a bottle calf! We took our little Ford tractor (came with the place) down to the pasture to pick up Miss Daisy for her first outing. We used the crate that Dave Reisinger had made to carry the Christmas trees up to the garage when the customers picked them out. Yes we live on an old Christmas tree farm....thought we struck gold when we found this place...we just love it! But one draw back.....no more Christmas trees...so we still buy our Christmas trees, but we do have some beautiful walnut trees that Dave actually planted and raised from seed...well really from walnut.

Miss Daisy being lead out

Your car is ready Miss Daisy...hop in....yeah right..

Rounding the corner off of Hwy 34 to our place

So anyway getting back to our Miss Daisy...she is having a gay old time in amongst the walnut trees...she has high standards and demands two bottles a day...no not of Dom Perignon but Red Star milk replacer. She insists on being pampered and has a valet of Petie the dog. He always follows us down to her exclusive jungle room and watches as she is hand fed the best that we can give her. Thank goodness she hasn't requested a food taster yet!

Heading up the hill to her new home

Beauty

2011-07-15T20:37:00.000-05:00

It could easily be the curve of the nose, the silkiness of the long hair, the deep pool of color in their eyes, but to me beauty is described by what is inside...you can't get that in a bottle or doing 200 sit-ups. I have seen this beauty in many women as well as men.... Ciara this past week was given the honor of being Adams County Fair Queen 2011...it is so nice when other people see her all of her beauty. Miaya is so lucky to be able to look up to all of her girl cousins to really see what beauty is.

Karl (Dad) walking Ciara in

Julie (Mom) so proud!

Not bad sis! (Brother) Alex

Part of Miss Ciara's cheer squad (Aunt Katie)

Ciara being Ciara

Proud parents

I don't like to take photos of myself, but I forget it when I'm so very proud.

Being crowned 2011 Adams County Fair Queen

Swimming Fun...

2011-07-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

Miaya was trying her best to gain back a loss of not having swimming lessons last year..(mama had classes during that time, so there wasn't anyone to take her) Any hoos we decided to put her in private classes. We are so glad we did! Miss Bonnie her instructor (Aunt Katie's friend) had the patience of Jobe. She talked to her so sweetly about how she needed to be safe and get that sweet face in the water. Katie, held my hand during the lesson's as I am very very scared of the water. She really worked hard on Miss Bobbie to get her to play instead....which she thought she had done, but Miss Bonnie could take what she thought was play and changed it into lessons. She was so sweet with her, it really helped me to let go alittle. She kept telling me to work with Miaya and let her know it's okay to go into the water....I've got to work on that! Anyway here's a few pics for your amusement.

3 Years...it seems like yesterday

2011-06-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

Miaya's tribute to Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair"

Yes, it does seem like yesterday...we actually had weather today in southwest Iowa that was very reminiscent of our day in Nanning, China. Our annual photo shoot took place just a few minutes ago...she has grown so much, but still fits in her outfit that she came from the orphanage in. We then looked at "her" video as she calls it. It was the video we played before she was dedicated at our church...the music is rather haunting to me. Miaya loves the song and can tell it in about two notes..she knows it's her song. Strange how she is moved by it so much...hopefully someday the words will be able to help her to understand, but for now we just in awe of the moment and hopefully in the future we still be in awe of what we did 3 years ago today. Love you Miaya....always.

PS We haven't cut her hair since she became our daughter. About 2 more inches and we will cut her hair and donate it to "Locks of Love" BTW if you want to see her video, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAIZ_vzESq0

50!

2011-06-26T16:57:00.002-05:00

Yes my sweet brother Karl is over the hill! Having 3 sisters I know Karl has put up with alot...he was graciously inducted into the Half Century Club by his sister (NOT ME..It's Katie) and 2 brother in laws. We decided to give him a half father's day half birthday party at my parents in between him putting hay up. We are so proud of what Karl has accomplished in his 50 years! Way to go Karl!

We had to make sure everyone wished him Happy Birthday and put the this in the local paper. Good thing I had all of these already scanned from my parents 50th Anniversary video....and thank goodness no one has access to my pictures...since my 50th is next year!

How Do You Spell...

2011-06-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

Miaya is wanting so much to be a big girl. She loves to spell words. Recently, I had her sign her name to her Daddy's Father's Day card. She informed me that she needed to write Daddy's name on the front and she didn't need my help...Sure enough out comes D-A-D-D-Y.

We've also found that she can find most everyone's house....Aunt Katie's, Grandma's, her daycare, and then yesterday we were headed back into Corning and she spotted the top of the "Blue Grass Industrial Park" water tower and said that's where Daddy works! (He Does!) I think we might of been there 2 times in her entire life and that girl knew exactly where Daddy works! Granted we think this is all in good, except when we try to surprise her with a special trip somewhere....because she already knows which way we are going and starts to ask questions...she's our own little GPS!

It's Official We Have 4

2011-05-27T08:01:00.001-05:00

4 Years Old that is! Yes she finally had her birthday celebration this past Sunday. Surrounded by the ones who love her is always very very precious to me. She was sporting her new birthday dress that Aunt Katie helped pick out ...she helped me to get out of the pink and apple green rut with a beautiful halter dress with orange peonies scatter amongst the big skirt that she loved to twirl in. Never had her in orange before..should of sooner, looked great with her already tan. I swear this girl can tan under 20 blankets...lucky girl. She had a great time opening gifts and having daisy cupcakes and strawberries. After the last guest had left we saw her "eyeing" another cupcake and informed her that 2 was enough for the day. Turning around she had a bit of a sad face which we thought was because of our rationing of the sugar for the day....but alas our sweety said, "But grandpa didn't get his cupcake"....My dad who has been recuperating in the hospital after a valve replacement was still in Omaha. We knew that dad would be back to the hospital near us to finish his recuperation, so we told her that she could bring him one tomorrow. I love that my daughter knows what makes her family complete. She did take the cupcake to grandpa the next day which in her amazement grandpa downed it in two bites.....she just said WOW...grandpa needs another cupcake!

After that all was good and she went to jam with her new Dora guitar. BTW McCarty Family (Karl's) THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GUITAR.....WITH NO VOLUME CONTROL.....AAAA.RRRR.GGGG..HHHH

NEW PICTURES!

2011-05-26T15:51:00.003-05:00

Check out the new pics in the slideshow!

A Spot of Tea?

2011-05-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well it was actually strawberry breeze juice, but we did have some beautiful sun on Miaya's birthday to have our annual birthday tea party. We cleaned up the Cinderella plastic tea set and set out to find a dry spot to lay our blanket out. No dry spot to be found, so we roughed it.
We were so tickled that Miaya remembered it from last year...you know you always hope that your children will remember what you consider special. So I suppose we will whip out those fairy wings every year and enjoy a spot of tea on her birthday. Hopefully we will have a lot of years with those wings....because they do carry us to a simple time when you can enjoy watching your daddy with his little pinky sticking out just to hear his daughter giggle. Fairy wings and tea parties...it's a good thing!

Sprinkles in Life

2011-05-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows that cupcakes are always better with sprinkles. In our life we are also lucky to get those "sprinkles" in our life, too. My sprinkles are my family. This Saturday Katie (my sister) helped out one frantic mom by helping take care of Miaya while my husband were hustling to scan pictures and put them together for Ciara's graduation videos. Mia adores her aunts so much...they are those special "sprinkles" in my daughter's life. Thanks Katie!

Rocket Scientist?

2011-05-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

Rusty, Katie (Mom) and Grandma

Rusty and Grandma

I have a nephew who is a rocket scientist. Hhhmmm never thought I would say that! Rusty just graduated from Iowa State (Go Cyclones!) as a Aerospace Engineer with a minor in math and astronomy. I guess my sister never thought this would be what would come from all those late nights helping Rusty with his various projects in elementary school. I guess a little glue and duct tape makes anyones dream come true if they have the parents behind them to reach the stars...literally! Great job Rusty!!

BIG DAY

2011-05-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

Big Day today....let me see, we have a new 4 year old in our house! She has grown 6 inches from last year! We try to measurer her every year.
We're right now making her favorite meal....pancakes!!! Wish my dad could be here to enjoy them with her...they are pancake buddies. Dad is hopefully going to be able to come home this week from his lengthy and horribly boring stay in the hospital (heart surgery)

Besides our little ones birthday my nieces graduation is today also. Miss Ciara has been mentioned many times in this blog along with my other nieces and nephews. But little Miss C has been the smile I've seen most in my life, as I was her second grade teacher and her daycare for a few summers.... So she helped me out a lot of times when I was missing something in my life. Miaya thanks you Ciara for helping her mommy to wait for her, the daughter that made her complete.

Chinese New Year

2011-04-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks Mr. Peabody for the use of the Wayback Machine, today we're traveling back to late January 2011 for some of the pictures of our adventures in Kansas when we visited the Hisles for Chinese New Year.

We had a great visit, got a chance to catch up on happenings, and have some fun. Plus, the weather was a lot milder than we had been having in Iowa.

We went to a very nice celebration at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City, which included a shadow puppet performance. A really neat traditional way of telling a story.

Arts and crafts for the kids.

Miaya playing with a Chinese yo-yo, the performers were truly amazing in the tricks they performed.

Super neat!

The next night, we had a truly great meal at a local Chinese restaurant in Topeka.

The "less mess" method of eating egg drop soup! The straw is good for more than just beverages, what a concept.

Zia Joy putting the cheater chopsticks to good use.

Both girls did really well with the cheaters. It was Miaya's first real time eating with chopsticks.

"My Best Friend Buddy" as Miaya describes Zia Joy.

The yummy kind of arts and crafts -- icing sugar cookies at the Hisles.

Look at that concentration!

Time to add the sprinkles! Now, we EAT!

Spring Blooms

2011-04-24T23:08:00.001-05:00

The McCarty Easter was enjoyed by all, I hope! We had a great time with all of the kids. Miaya enjoyed taking her John Deere around to find her eggs! When they finished emptying their eggs it filled Miaya's little wagon...quite a haul for the Easter Bunny!

Time is ticking

2011-04-21T14:39:00.004-05:00

Time is ticking away for Ciara's days in High School. We've watched her grow into beautiful woman. These are a few of the pictures we have taken just in the last two months, to include her starring role in "Anne Get Your Gun" to her Senior Program... Time does fly! My little Ciara...I will miss you!

Buddies

2011-04-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

Buddies come in all sizes. Miaya has a little of my sister (Karen) in her. She was always able to make "buddies" with the cats and kittens before anyone. I guess she was the cat whisperer in the family. Grandpa Charlie use to do it...kind of skipped a generation though....although my dad wouldn't probably admit it, but I would see him pet the kittens when we were kids. He would come in the house and tell us that he had a surprise and expose the hiding place of the newest batch of kittens.

This cat was a stray that adopted us. We named in Tuck. Tuck has been her patio friend for quite awhile. He would really like to be a house cat....but we are ready for a no pet zone as soon as Toby goes back with Lyla. Toby unfortunately loves my dried flowers....plays hockey with them...and thinks our remaining carpet needs to be thinned out. Thank goodness he doesn't claw the furniture....otherwise he would be taking a one way trip to South Dakota.!

Did this work?

2011-03-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

Checking out google Chrome blogger tool

Winter's last hurrah?

2011-02-14T10:31:00.000-06:00

Well the groundhog was teasing us with an early spring...Cruel I know... But we have had the luxury of enjoying a few warm days. We haven't let Miaya out too much as her skin tends to dry out very easily in the cold wind. But the main reason might be that Mommy and Daddy get too cold! So this weekend Miaya and Michael enjoyed a few hours outside. Items on their list: 1. Make snowman ...check....done 2. play on Miaya's Playground (this is what she calls her swingset)...check....done 3. Play with Petie....check...done 4. Make snow angel "How To" video....check..done

Stars come out tonight?

2011-02-14T10:15:00.001-06:00

We were lucky enough to spring a couple of tickets to Antiques Road Show in Des Moines last summer. Was a lot of fun...but feet still hurt thinking of the 3 hours waiting in line. Well tonight we see if by any chance we are "background". No we didn't get appraised on the air, but there were a few times we were behind the filming. So take a look...see if you can see Michael and I as our greatest role ever...."background"! The next three Mondays the Roadshow will be featuring Des Moines....so if not tonight ....maybe next week. PS I actually shook hands and talked with the host while my husband stands there with a camera in hand NOT taking a picture....guess he was star struck! :)

The Kind Of Help You Really Don't Need!

2011-01-31T21:14:00.000-06:00

We've been doing some remodeling/redecorating, and Toby really wants to help with everything.

Why Is Petie's Tail Cold?

2011-01-31T21:03:00.000-06:00

Oh, he's sitting in the snow!

Christmas Memories -- Michael

2010-12-31T01:41:00.001-06:00

When I began putting the Holiday Music channel on the stereo a few weeks ago, hearing the old familiar songs as performed by the artists I heard as a child brought back a lot of memories and feelings from many years ago. Especially as Miaya is getting old enough to perceive music as more than just background noise. With her sitting on my lap, I wondered at the long and circuitous route I took to be holding this oh so precious child, and how it must have felt for my parents to see us experience our first Holiday times. I often think of the year our main gifts were toy trucks and tractors, for myself and my two sisters, which probably came from the local implement dealership. To see the home movies of some of those years with the fireplace burning and the tree in the corner looks so like the perfect Christmas scene from a magazine, and for us kids it was certainly a magical time. A simpler time it was in many ways, we had a television that got TWO channels reliably and sometimes a third, a party line phone, toted in coal for the stoves, carried in water from the well, and braved the cold to visit the privy. Of course, as children we were really a bit too young to realize the amount of work it took to just meet the basics -- which were about what we had.

The the later years as we moved to a better farmhouse and more siblings arrived saw a similar though much less spartan setting. It's strange the things that really stick with us, like the big bag of mixed nuts, in the shell of course, that arrived each holiday season and occupied us for hours cracking nuts and picking out the meats. It was a very social thing and seemed that every house had a bowl of nuts that became the focus of most socializing. Of course, the favorite and easy to shell nuts disappeared first, leaving the tough brazil nuts fighting a rear guard action against the onslaught.

Yes, that music brought out a lot of emotions that alarmed Miaya a bit and she kept asking if I was sad, no dear, Daddy is really happy, and you're the reason. I must remember to be a little better about building the memories that she will have to hold dear when we are gone. The holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are about family and remembering what is really important. What is really important is not the packages under the tree, it's the little girl who crawls up on my lap and declares "I love you so much Daddy!" and gives me a big hug, it's the wonderful woman who for some reason consented to be my bride those years ago, rescuing us both from our lonely lives.

I now understand a little better the smiles on my parents faces as we tore into those presents on those magical mornings, the contentment and joy that is timeless. And, we never really noticed how little they gave each other so we could have more.....

Miaya's Christmas

2010-12-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

Christmas with Michael's family in Illinois.

Miaya playing with cousin Jennifer.

Miaya with Jennifer and Grandma Shirley (Michael's mother).

Grandma with all the grandchildren together for the first time.

Miaya's pile is outgrowing her!!

Christmas Eve at the Foster's

Christmas morning at home....

Kim's parents, her sister Katie and husband Tim and their son Rusty came over for brunch.

Hard at work.....

"I can practice my word writing now".

Is there another present for me?

The wrapping paper is getting deeper, and it's all form Miaya!

Kai Lan Dino Dreams, this one got a lot of play.

A nice soft fluffy blanket and pillow from Aunt Katie, this one was big hit with Miaya, she insisted on using it for her nap.

We Have An Infestation....

2010-12-24T01:43:00.000-06:00

Of Chocolate Mice!..........

Which have somehow become a Christmas tradition with us. Just one of those things I guess........

I'm NOT Cousin It..........

2010-12-24T01:32:00.000-06:00

Do you think Miaya's bangs are starting to grow out like we've been hoping?

And Nobody Cried!

2010-11-26T22:31:00.000-06:00

Miaya was reaching up to put her milk glass on the counter when it slipped from her hand and landed upright on the kitchen floor. The first look was at mama to see how she would react... Mama just laughed especially when she saw this cute milk splattered face. Such memories. I guess you don't need cry over spilled milk. "Got Milk

Happy Birthday Lyla!

2010-11-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

Miaya's cousin Lyla came from South Dakota for Thanksgiving, and Miaya surprised her with some birthday roses. They have been getting along famously, Miaya seems to be on her best behavior -- kind of scary good!

Tis (Almost) The Season

2010-11-21T23:21:00.000-06:00

We started our Christmas decorating today.

Being very careful!

Arranging so they're just right....

Perfect!

Now for the star...

Petie, my favorite dog......Well, some of the time.

Thanksgiving Art

2010-11-14T18:11:00.000-06:00

Miaya's preschool teacher sent home a farmily assignment, a picture of a turkey to decorate for Thanksgiving. Kim came up with the idea of using natural materials, so Miaya and Michael were tasked to collect leaves and pine cones.

Pine cones and leaves in the Halloween bucket.

Miaya and Kim working on the turkey.

Look at the intense concentration on that face.

The final result, using brown and yellow leaves, and "petals" from the pine cones.

Miaya-isms

2010-11-11T05:44:00.001-06:00

Miayaism today: (really yesterday)

Kim asked Miaya to get her coat so they could leave to go to preschool. In response she said "Why?" Mommy said because you will be chilly if you don't. She responded rather emphatically "I better get my coat, I don't want to be chili I want to be chicken noodle!"

Two Days ago:

Miayaism (funny sayings by Miaya) wore a polk-a-dot shirt today and wanted to hurry and get a coat to cover her shirt...when asked why she said..."I don't want anybody poking me!" Ahhh to be 3 again!

Halloween

2010-11-07T19:55:00.001-06:00

Here's our girl in her Monarch Butterfly costume. She really loved having wings!

We had been working at Kim's school installing some media equipment, and stopped at Kim's parents and her brother's before heading back to town for Trick or Treat evening. Miaya was very confident about walking up to the doors by herself.

I thought afterward that I should have gotten a safari helmet and and a big butterfly net!

A Sunday Drive........And More

2010-10-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

It started as a Sunday trip to the grocery store. Kim had dressed Miaya in a neat outfit, and I slipped back into the house and grabbed the camera because she just looked so darn cute. We ended up going to Winterset, Iowa to look at a cemetery in search of some of Michael's distant relatives. On the south side of Winterset there is a tiny little county park where we took these pictures. Miaya was very cooperative, and posed very well for us.

Miss Ciara Takes The Crown

2010-09-24T23:03:00.001-05:00

Kim's niece Ciara, (Miaya's honorary big sister) was elected fall Homecoming Queen tonight. A nice honor for a great girl.

The Queen and Her Court

How Tough Was Your School?

2010-09-24T22:39:00.001-05:00

Country Schools were located so students seldom had to travel over 2 to 3 miles to school, usually on foot. Many schools were simply identified by the section or township they were located in, often with a number. Here in Southwest Iowa, many counties have identified the location of these schools, and placed marker signs. Sometimes these schools were named for a nearby family, or a geographical feature. A few of them, well take a look at a couple.

It's situated in a low lying area not far from a river, so the name makes sense.

Well, um, I guess, um, I just don't know. But, it was probably a tough school!

Our little Ciara

2010-08-30T19:45:00.000-05:00

Granted the child is way taller than me....she's still our little Ciara. In fact, we tend to confuse the names between Miaya and Ciara sometimes....boy Ciara gets into a lot of trouble at our house as much as her name is used! Kind of hard to be in trouble when you aren't even around! Anyway it was Ciara's birthday this weekend and we enjoyed a family picnic at Lake Icaria. We all ate til we were stuffed and headed out to the lake. Ciara and Michael took Miaya and they had a great time! Check out the pictures!

The latest in swimsuit style....floaty optional.

Our little Ciara

We also got to see Alex and his injury as he hopped to his sister's birthday. He unfortunately broke his ankle in a preseason football scrimage.He plays for Simpson College. He was a starting player, too! Found out a lot of things through the experience: one being don't get injured in Lamoni Iowa...no hospital....if you have a choice don't go to Leon hospital...ask if they have an ambulance in the county...would be nice to have a little something for the pain, before they set it (they did it on the field) oh it was all very frustrating! But it was hard on Alex's spirit more than anything....he loves to play football. Looks as though no season this year....I'm hoping he will go out for baseball! I'm very lucky to have 4 wonderful nephews that are terrific young men!

Checking the temperature.

First Day of School

2010-08-30T17:36:00.001-05:00

I really don't remember my first day of school, in fact I really don't have too many memories of grade school. I do remember when my mother would bring my treats, which always consisted of Cracker Jacks and cupcakes. She would go around to each child and write their names on the cupcakes! She also brought our baby kittens in one time with bows around their necks. Sweet memories...obviously I had some memories, and I hope that I can do the same with Miaya.

Miaya started the day with a nasty cold, but she kept on going. In fact she had a huge sneeze after the picture of her in front of the front door... and you know what came out everywhere. I'm so glad my husband carries paper towels around everywhere! The first picture is of her in the bedroom getting ready. I promise she is really Chinese, I don't pull her hair so tight it makes her eyes that way! She was a little tender headed this morning....but she got through it. I really love my expression....looks like I just had big bite of lemon....but I was actually singing to her....nice shot Michael! Notice she had to ride to the beauty parlor on her tricycle.

Miaya and her backpack ready to go!

She has her own Kai Lan backpack which she is very protective of. She use to have a panda backpack, but she says that's for babies now. She is growing up...too fast for mama.

I just love this picture....can you feel the excitement!

She was a bit shy and cried a little when Daddy left, but she felt better after she had breakfast

.

The report from her teacher, was that she did real well. She's a smart cookie, she knows her alphabet...can identify little and big letters both, counts real well....especially when I give her m & ms. Enjoy the pictures!

Her Very Own Playground

2010-08-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

Whoosh!

Miaya has a "playground" as she puts it! We got a swing-set on clearance, and now our girl actually has a place to play. She could hardly wait for the slide to be attached for use, and the glider was a big hit, especially after she figured out how to make it "go faster" by herself.

Cruising Around

2010-08-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

Miaya went for cruise around the yard, she's getting better about going for a ride just for the fun of it.

She's even has her very own John Deere cap, cinched down to fit her.

Our Space Explorers - More Pics From Wonderscope

2010-08-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from our visit with the Hisle's. Here the girls are enjoying the attractions at Wonderscope.

The Farmer's Market Room

Six Daughters of China

2010-08-13T00:54:00.000-05:00

Six "Daughters of China" at the Hisle's.

Bouncy House Fun

2010-08-13T00:46:00.000-05:00

Tuesday evening during our visit, Gary set up the Bouncy Castle and the girls had a ball.

Although there was a little problem with the backwoods paparazzi!

Not Quite Ready For Thanskgiving

2010-08-13T00:27:00.000-05:00

We saw this in our "backyard" on July 22 at 3:30 pm. Just happened to look out the west window and saw the yard full of wild turkeys. There were at least 25 to 30 youngsters, and numerous adults. We have seen turkeys in the timber here many times, but never in these numbers.

View from the house

Michael saw the flock, grabbed the camera and telephoto lens, slipped out the front door, snuck around the shed and got these pictures.

On out in the woods.

Railroad Arts And Crafts

2010-08-07T01:12:00.003-05:00

Michael had Miaya at home today, and after the 20th request to draw a choo-choo, he decided to try a different approach, and they made this in a couple of hours.

"Daddy, I love my Choo-Choo!"

Miaya has the "choo-choo" sound down solid!

She's already made several circuits of the house, maybe we should get her some knee pads!

One of her favorite things is the tracks it leaves in the thick carpet. She was good helper, holding tools and materials for daddy, and waiting patiently at a distance when power tools were required.

My Best Friend

2010-08-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

When Miaya and I got home after picking her up from daycare, I was hot and sweaty from working on a bad section of fence. After getting us both cold drinks and lemon cookies, I looked at Zia/Sophie's blog so Miaya could see some of their pictures of our visit. She took one look at this picture and said "That's Zia, my best friend buddy!"

She was disappointed (!!!) when we parted with the Hisle's in Shawnee, Kansas, and for several days any time we got in the car, it was "Go see Zia?". Yesterday, Miaya and I went to Villisca to do some business at the bank, and after getting a couple donuts and a pork fritter sandwich the size of a manhole cover at Casey's, we took the "scenic route" home on the gravel roads and shared our sandwich as we cruised along. After a couple of twists and hills in the road, Miaya asked "Go Zia's house?" "Well, yes the road does look rather like the road to Zia's, but not today".

Michael

Miaya's Chicken Adventure

2010-07-29T21:29:00.001-05:00

Miaya meets chickens for the first time. Other than nuggets that is! She was trying to scoop up one of them like she does her outside kittens at home -- probably not a good idea!

And, yes she made it in the house without dropping or breaking any of the eggs. Not many chicken houses have curtains and cabinets. And definitely the cleanest chicken house I've ever seen.

Our Little Blossom Among The Blooms

2010-07-15T23:22:00.002-05:00

The forecast was for severe storms in or area, so Michael and Miaya went out to take some pictures of of Kim's flowers in case the storm was too hard on them.

Stargazer lilies - our wedding flowers. This one stalk had over a dozen blooms!

Them is some tall lilies!

Wow!

Our little blossom among the blooms.

You can also see our accidental sunflower patch - from bird seed the birds never found!

Some very prolific daylilies.

It's a good year for Tiger Lilies, these came from Michael's great-aunt Deloris, and are always tall, but this is really exceptional.

The John Deere walking plow held Michael's father's mailbox for many years.

It was kind of a bad hair day for Miaya.

I'm done with pictures for today!

Our little Ciara

2010-07-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Our little Miss Ciara is growing up! I think in my heart I have her in 6th grade, but unfortunately she has grown more than that and will be graduating next spring from Corning High School.

We are so proud to announce that her newest adventure resulted in 1st place in the Adams County Fair queen contest. The second runner up was from Prescott also and as Miaya calls her "My Jenny". Jenny as well as her sister Josie took care of Miaya when she went to daycare in Prescott. So it was almost a clean sweep for Prescott!

Our Salute to Kansas

2010-07-14T18:39:00.000-05:00

We thought of our friends in Kansas today when we saw our sunflower plant bloom.. Mom tried to feed the birds this past winter and they had nothing to do with the sunflowers, so guess what SUNFLOWERS! Miss ya Gary, Sophie, and Miss Zia!

Gotcha Day

2010-06-30T19:47:00.000-05:00

Today is Miaya's second anniversary of her Gotcha Day. It's been 2 years since we were given the most precious gift we've ever been given. Miaya can still get in her orphanage outfit. We think maybe one more year of having it fit and then she may have to wear it as a hat! She's spending a little quality time with the little pig we sent to her in the orphanage. I shouldn't of wrote anything in this blog...because words can't express how much we love having her in our lives. Miaya dear.....we love you!

Kitty Pile!

2010-06-30T19:17:00.000-05:00

"Kitty Pile" was what I called the Fourez cats and kittens. Miaya loves to look out the patio door and yell "Kitty Pile" when she sees the whole family together. It in fact is the entire family mama, papa, and the 4 babies. BTW anyone want a kitty!

Sometimes...you just can't wait!

2010-06-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

Little Miss Miaya has her favorites. As she grown older they still remain. Ciara, her big sis (we call her..she's really her cousin) made this blanket for Miaya for her to cuddle with. It is a nightly ritual to ask her pink....or blue. Ciara had double sided the blanket with a pink solid and blue teddy bear side. Her percentage tends to go towards blue...not sure why. So I asked her one day and she said, " So I can be in the clouds!" Too cute!

Favorites tend to be well loved and drug around the house. So a weekly washing is always inevitable.
But as she grows she does become more patient and not wait at the top of the stairs until Daddy brings them up from the basement. (washer and dryer in basement...trying to remedy that soon I hope!) But today she just couldn't wait!

Whirlwind Weekend

2010-06-10T16:23:00.001-05:00

As mentioned before we had a whirlwind weekends with all the graduation, but I didn't mind at all heading north to go to my sweet Becca's graduation party. I took mom and dad up for the festivities and headed home later in the day. She had a great turn out and everything went great! I just can't believe she's old enough to head to Iowa State next year. I'm hoping she will have a great time and take some time to come down and visit us all down south....at least she will be closer and will have cousin Rusty there just in case. Wow two McCarty's at Iowa State....go Cyclones! All our best Becca you will have an awesome time!

Take Time

2010-06-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

Miaya's birthday came on the heels of graduation parties, commencements and anything else you want to throw in! So having everyone over on her birthday was not realistic. So we made sure to "take time" to have special moments. Janet Roberts used to be our secretary at Prescott and became a great friend that gave me words of wisdom during our long wait for Miaya. One of her gifts to us...not our soon to be adopted daughter was a tea set. She told us that we needed to practice having tea part and "take time" for special times. So with her words of wisdom still in my heart we had a picnic for Miaya on her birthday. I packed up her little panda backpack and went off to find daddy. We spread out Aunt Vesta's blanket on the ground and had choccie milk and princess cookies and just enjoyed..

Mother's Day

2010-06-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

Yea I know ....your just now posting! Times are few to spend in front of computer lately, since I have been doing it all day for my job at school. But I had a real nice Mother's Day with Miaya's mama nift (Mama's gift) She made a tie dye shirt at her daycare with her little hands on the back. They look like little wings....just like the little angel she is (when she's asleep!) Mama was so proud of her! She is modeling for you! Naomi Campbell look out!

Does the blood run GREEN!

2010-06-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

As a antique tractor widow (thank goodness I'm not a football widow....it lasts longer) my husband has always talked about owners of antique tractors and how their blood with run green, red, or prairie gold! Well we do not take sides as little Miss Miaya now has a green tractor, too. Grandpa Fourez set aside money before he passed away for her "RED" pedal tractor and now she has a "GREEN" tractor! From Mama and Daddy we gave Miaya a battery operated John Deere tactor (as she says it). Her favorite thing....get this....picking up sticks and putting them in her wagon! Alright! With a home surround by hundreds of trees! YIIIIPPPEEEE!!!!

It has two speeds and we are keeping it in 1st gear as mama and papa can't keep up with her. She is an expert at rounding corners on two wheels and having her chase with the dog. But when Daddy has his John Deere out she is right beside him. She will follow him through the timber and help Daddy. (Michael is very careful and watches her constantly...don't worry :) )

Kim

Miaya's Birthday

2010-06-10T14:37:00.000-05:00

We have always thought there was a divine intervention when we were able to have Miaya in our family. But when we found out when her birthday was, we knew someone had a hand in this. She was born 100 years after my Grandpa Bailey. She was also born on the same day as her cousin Dwight...(wish they could celebrate together) I wish Grandpa knew her....my grandparents have always been special to me. I still have memories come back to me when I smell Lava soap. I remember helping grandma Iris pack grandpa's lunchbox...thought that was so cool to have a lunchbox....we never carried our lunch to school...so didn't have that experience. He would come in for an afternoon cup of coffee and I'd sit at the table and eat a snack with him...boy do I miss him. I was at their place shortly after my 16th birthday and he came over and said "hhhmmm 16 and never been kissed....and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek." I know he sent Miaya to us.I believe all the loved ones I have lost have given special gifts to my daughter. I think the singing came from Grandma Bailey...she always sang with me... I think Grandpa Charlie gave her the love of animals...especially kitties! I think Grandma McCarty gave her the love of cooking..she is always wanting to help mama...I can still remember putting up hundreds of pie crust while standing right beside her. Thank you grandmas and grandpas....but which one of you gave her the "attitude"! I have a bone to pick with you! :)

Anyway, Miaya had a great time opening gifts and all the wonderful people who came to celebrate our little ones special day. Thanks to all!

Kim

Miaya's New Rainbow Quilt

2010-05-08T22:46:00.000-05:00

Miaya's New Quilt

Kim's mom quilted this for Miaya, and it is a big hit with our Princess.

Our Sweety

2010-04-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

I've had such a hard time to get Miaya to sit still for a photographer. It tends to be a 2 ring circus behind the camera person to get her to smile or do what is asked of her. This time I did nothing but stand there and let her be herself....go figure...it's the best picture yet of her...and it's a school picture. The photographers were so nice and wanted her to smile so badly...and I said no don't worry about it ..I'm just happy that she's sitting and looking at the camera!

The Last Snow Angel Of The Winter

2010-03-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

Will this be the last Angel in the snow this year?

Michael and Miaya had been out in the nice weather this afternoon, and she kept asking about making an angel in the snow. Just before they came in, Miaya was playing on the deck, and suddenly dropped onto the snow there and made her angel!

And, of course she had to assemble her Choo-Choo Train before finally agreeing to come in for supper.

The Trip Home From Illinois

2010-03-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

Two years after the "Flood of the Century", numerous houses stand abandoned, and empty foundations mark the place where others once stood. Flood debris still dots the wooded areas along US 34 on the approach to the river near Burlington, Iowa. Many houses, renovated on the inside, still show the high water line on the mud-discolored siding. The same discoloration shows up on farm buildings and grain bins in the flood plain.

A house abandoned after the flood of 2008 on the Illinois side of the Mississippi near Burlington, Iowa.

Note the high water level on this house on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. This house appears to have been rehabilitated.

Two years after the flood, this business building may still be undergoing restoration, but has no windows.

Another house abandoned after the flood of 2008.

A string of barges tied up to an island in the Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa. Note how high the water level is by the trees standing in the water.

The top of the old Moehn Brewing Co. building in Burlington, Iowa. The castle like appearance with the crenelations and ornate corners always catches my attention.

And now, some artsy pictures......

The last bit of sun as it slipped down behind the clouds on the horizon.

A farmstead silhouetted against the sunset.

And finally, one of Princess Miaya in her chariot.

Miaya with a smile somewhere between Chariton and Osceola, Iowa. The Princess was a bit less cheery a few more miles down the road. Note that the little monkey has managed to slip the latch on her chest buckle.

A Quick Trip To Illinois

2010-03-20T15:04:00.001-05:00

Cousins Nora and Kassondra help Miaya build a tower -- another of Miaya's fascinations.

We took a fast trip to Illinois last week, Left on Sunday and returned on Wednesday. It was a quick, spur of the moment trip to see some of Michael's family, and to clear up a few lingering bits of personal business.

Miaya with Michael's brother Jon and his wife Dee.

Jennifer, one of Michael's nieces -- "Sweet Sixteen"

Annie -- Michael's mother's companion and protector. Yes, a St. Bernard who lives in the house.

Daycare Arts and Crafts

2010-03-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here is one of Miaya's Daycare craft projects. Now how much of the work is hers may be questionable, but there's no question as to the nature of the result. The other kids (boys) declared their results to be trucks, but our resident train expert declared hers to be a "Choo-Choo"!

Miaya Goes For A Spin

2010-03-20T01:12:00.000-05:00

Maybe she's getting ready for Space Camp? I hear it makes grown men squeal like little girls, so...........

"Stand On It And Turn Left"

2010-03-20T00:23:00.000-05:00

"Stand On It And Turn Left" -- Fireball Roberts

Where's Binda?

2010-03-09T19:10:00.001-06:00

Miaya is not happy after Belinda, her godmother, had left after the Chinese New Year dinner at our house. She and Belinda had a great time playing with some new puzzles, and her "words" (flashcards). You're also seeing a very tired girl here -NO nap and a busy day!

Gotta love that hairstyle, one pigtail and one braid. Not really sure what happened there, I seem to remember there being two braids earlier in the day. Oh well, things happen sometime. That's a hairstyle that makes a statement, I'm just not sure what it's saying!

The Most Common Phrase In Iowa Right Now........

2010-03-09T15:32:00.000-06:00

I WONDERED WHERE THAT WAS!!!!!!!

Lyla From South Dakota

2010-03-07T23:58:00.000-06:00

Kim's niece from South Dakota came to visit us this weekend during her school break.. (Well, I think she really came to visit her cat Toby, and Miaya of course.)

Miaya likes to say Lyla's name over and over, putting her own unique spin on it!

Miaya, Lyla and Toby. Toby is staying with us for a while as Lyla can't have a cat where she lives. Though Miaya just might put up a pretty good fight when the day comes for Toby to leave. And, Nike would definitely miss having someone to wrestle with.

Miaya waves goodbye.

Our "Little Sprout"

2010-03-07T21:16:00.000-06:00

I think Grandpa would have really liked Miaya's bib......

Michael's father sold Pioneer Seed for nearly 30 years, and he would have loved seeing Miaya in the Pioneer "Little Sprout" bib. He gave it to us when we were still unaware of how long the road would be till we had a little one running around our house. Unfortunately, his time came long before we had so much as picture of Miaya to show around. We've had it so long that it's probably a collectors item!

Usually less than fully cooperative when trying to get her to pose for pictures, Miss Miaya was a real goof today, leaning in for an unplanned closeup.

I Was A Little Wrong

2010-03-06T23:41:00.000-06:00

We did have a couple of pictures, Kim outdid herself creating a great looking table setup for the dinner.

A few more details about our dinner, we had several Chinese or Asian inspired dishes. Our menu was something like this:

--Crunchy Noodle Chinese Cabbage Salad
--Beef and Broccoli stir fry
--Teriyaki Chicken
--Homemade Pork Wontons and Egg Rolls
--Vegetable Fried Rice
--Steamed Rice
--Almond Gelatin with fruit cocktail
--Dessert Egg Rolls with Apple, Peach, or Cherry filling

And, for the less adventurous there were hot dogs, brats, and pasta salad.

Looking at the list above, it looks like a lot! No wonder we worked most of Saturday afternoon and evening cooking and doing prep work. But, it was a lot of fun as well, I know that I really enjoy cooking for people, and I am getting a lot more comfortable with the Asian style coking that I have so far attempted. There is still a lot more to learn, but so far the successes have been more than the failures. We gave several dishes trial runs, and some made the cut, and some we discarded. One of the hardest parts was the wontons, even starting with a small amount of filling, it seems to take forever to even make a dent in it. We swore to cut down on the number of dishes this year, but somehow things multiplied as the day drew near.

It was a lot of fun, and we will do it again next year.

Belated CNY at our house

2010-03-01T23:06:00.000-06:00

February 28, we had a little Chinese New Year lunch at our home for some family and friends. We spent most of Saturday getting ready, some cleaning, and a lot of chopping, cutting, mixing, and on and on. There were homemade egg rolls, wontons, fried rice, and several more Asian style dishes (and a few brats and hot dogs for the unadventurous). We had a lot of fun, both cooking, and sharing the meal with important people in our lives.

Miaya had a great time playing with cousin Ciara, and was in tears when Belinda, her godmother left. She wanted to "Go bye bye with Binda!" But, the tears soon eased and she was her cheerful self again.

There was only one problem, we were cleaning up, and noticed the cameras sitting there looking lonely and realized we had forgotten to take pictures! Oh well, we have a lot of fond memories. Next year we'll remember to use the camera.

Introducing Tuc

2010-02-24T10:11:00.001-06:00

Meet Tuc, which is short for The Utha Cat. Tuc showed up at our place this winter, and is a really nice young tomcat. He's very friendly and hangs around the deck looking for scraps and affection.

Miaya really gets long with him well, and says his name very clearly, a not so little feat for a 2 1/2 year old.

Of the 20 of so pictures I took, this is one of my favorites with Miaya's reflection so clear, and if you look closely you can see Toby wondering why he doesn't rate that much attention.

Chinese New Year - Omaha Style!

2010-02-24T09:51:00.000-06:00

We were invited to a Chinese New Year Celebration with the Heartland Chapter of Families with Children from China at the China Buffet restaurant in Omaha (yes, in Nebraska!) last weekend. It was a great time, delicious food, wonderful people, and an exciting Lion Dance courtesy of the restaurant. The dance troupe put on a great show, and afterward helped the kids to do their own Lion Dance.

Miaya and new friend Lily

Our Girl Is Growing Up!

2010-02-24T08:47:00.000-06:00

And faster than her Mama would prefer! Just on the physical side, it seems like many of her "good" outfits only get worn a few times before they no longer fit (they must shrink hanging in the closet!). And, the shared looks of Huh? are exchanged between mommy and daddy more and more often as she comes with new phrases, expressions, and skills that cause bafflement. This one will keep us on our toes for many years.

Get Real Mom

2010-02-17T10:44:00.001-06:00

Okay yes I like curly hair...not on me mind you, but on my daughter. So here I go to wrestle a 2 year old to put curlers in her hair and here is the results...nothing.

Publish Post

Isn't always when you have curly hair ...you want straight hair. We are figuring Miaya will want to be a Sweedish blue eyed blonde....Tain't going to happen. Oh well learn to live with it! I wanted to be one, too!

Taking one for the team!

2010-02-17T09:54:00.001-06:00

Miaya is always wanting to "go...go..go..!" We always have a great time at the ball games. We are fortunate to have Miss Ciara so close. She's been struggling the last few years with knee surgeries, but this year she finally got to play. Miaya does notice her on the court and yells for her. Although she really likes to watch the cheerleaders the most. But this does make sense as she is always dancing and screaming at the top of her lungs most of the time. ...Haven't got that "indoor voice" down yet.

Miaya always has to get her "pretties" on to go to the game..Mama can always find an outfit from her Ebay collection. We just don't get to dress up when it's time to go to daycare. So we take one for the team and dress up! I just love watching Ciara's teammates tell Ciara that Miaya is here! They are all so sweet to her. We forget how cute and exotic Miaya is until we bring her in to a public setting...but boy do we get a lot of smiles! She constantly engages with other people with her HI! and she will keep saying HI until they say HI back! Persistent little thing...huh! I wonder where she gets that from?

Happy New Year -- The Year Of The Tiger

2010-02-15T11:26:00.000-06:00

Happy (Chinese) New Year! We stopped by the CNY celebration in Des Moines Saturday, and looked around for a while. It felt a bit odd seeing so many little Chinese girls running around, after all, we are used to seeing only one!

Miaya immediately spotted a poster with a tiger and gave us her best tiger growl! We couldn't stay too long as we had a lot of errands to run while we were in town, and had to keep moving, but really enjoyed it while we were there. Miaya wore one of her last outfits from China that still fits. I guess we'll have to start ordering some more.

Panda Tea Anyone?

2010-01-31T22:47:00.000-06:00

Packing A Box For Zia

2010-01-31T22:43:00.000-06:00

Mommy helped me sort out some things in my room, and I said "Let's give some of these pretty things to Zia!", so we packed up a box for my China cousin.

Flower Girl Looking For Work! ! !

2010-01-31T22:36:00.001-06:00

Hey out there, I'm all ready to be a flower girl! I've got dresses and shoes and a really neat looking pretty for my hair. So get on with it already --- you know who you are!

I've got a beautiful white dress.

And colorful ones too!

Why Is The Block Tub Empty?

2010-01-07T17:59:00.001-06:00

The block tub is empty!

Oh, there they are!

Miaya's Train Building Again....

2010-01-07T17:53:00.000-06:00

Huh! A double tricycle train.

?????

A rather lopsided train, or maybe the horse got stuck and needed a pull.

Finding A Picture From June 2009

2010-01-04T15:43:00.001-06:00

June 30, 2009

Miaya is wearing the outfit she was wearing one year ago on Gotcha Day. We knew it was very big on her, but never thought it was that big. She was wearing 12 month clothes when we brought her home, is now outgrowing 24 month clothes and is wearing 2T, and a few 3T items. Who knew Teletubbies were a traditional Chinese dress! We were a little reluctant to unfold it for her to try on, as it was still folded in a perfect square from the laundry in China.

I found the picture on a camera card, and realized I had never posted it. It is also back posted in June 2009.

Just Passing Through

2010-01-04T14:45:00.000-06:00

Michael's sister and family stopped by on their way from Illinois back home to Colorado. It had been a couple of years since we saw them, and the first time they met Miaya. And, they came bearing gifts - from Michael's family in Illinois.

The whole gang with Miaya.

Miaya opens one of her gifts from the family in Illinois.

Discussing the trip to bring Miaya home. No, we did not bring out all 2,000 pictures!

More Christmas -- Kim's family

2010-01-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

A new friend for Miaya

Miaya with cousin Alex with his friend Ariel

This will keep me warm!

Just being happy

Ciara, Miaya and Ariel

Toby 2 - Cat Toy 0

2010-01-04T11:07:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I did it! So What?

Railroad Tycoon?

2009-12-27T11:19:00.003-06:00

Miaya and her train!

Kim's dad wanted Miaya to have a train, and we found this neat train play table. And, thanks to Michael's cousin Kathy for the neat pajamas.

All Aboard?

2009-12-25T14:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve morning we found Miaya lining up Mommy's computer bag, a box of diapers, and Daddy's lunch box.

After some final adjustments, she declared with an air of satisfaction, "Choo Choo Train!"

And, took her seat to start her journey of the imaginatiuon.

Wow, does this girl love trains or what! That's a pretty good bit of creativity and imagination. And, there was NO coaching from the sidelines. In fact she built her train twice, and the second time we saw her starting construction and grabbed the camera.

Saturday Morning With Miaya

2009-12-19T10:16:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's the simple things in life - a sippy cup of "chockit" milk, a slice of french bread, a blanket and life is good.

Guess Who Came to Dinner?

2009-12-14T14:47:00.002-06:00

It's Toby, Kim's niece's cat who will be staying with us for a while as her new apartment building does not allow pets. So, we will have a guest till she finishes school, and/or finds a place that allows pets. Nike is not too happy about the situation as he as been an "only"cat since we lost Diva shortly after returning from China a year and a half ago.

Toby is settling in pretty well, behaving well, and gets along wonderful with Miaya. They seem to chase each other around the house, and Miaya will lay on the floor and pet him. It looks like they are on the way to becoming good friends Sunday night Miaya was quite upset that Toby was heading down the basement steps, I think she thought Toby was supposed to stay with her. Of course it was bedtime for Miaya, so that probably made a difference too.

The protests from Nike are getting less, so far it's only been yelling at Toby, nothing physical, and probably in a few more days Nike will get used to the idea.

Feeling lucky..... And Blessed!

2009-12-14T14:38:00.001-06:00

Well, I hate to think if it as luck, but a few days ago, we received an update from Great Wall China Adoptions, that they had received a batch of referrals from the CCAA. The cutoff date for this group of referrals was March 31, 2006. Our login date was January 12, 2006, and we received our referral on May 2, 2008. About 10 weeks have been crossed off the referral calendar in the 19 months since then. A pace that seems even more glacial than when we were waiting. This has no affect on us as we are out of that game, but we still feel for those holding their breath and hoping things will go faster.

Supposedly things should go faster after May 1, 2006 is crossed off, as the qualification rules changed then, and fewer families were eligible to apply to adopt from China. But the month of April '06 could be a long one to get through as so many people were hurrying to get dossiers in before the rules change took effect.

We waited nearly 2 1/2 years to get our referral, and to think that some people who were logged in a few weeks behind us have waited nearly FOUR years sure gives us reason to feel lucky, and blessed that we stood in line where we did. And to look at Miaya everyday gives us reason to feel doubly blessed to have been entrusted with such a wonderful little girl who brings light and joy to us as we watch her grow and learn.

Hey Santa!

2009-12-12T22:22:00.000-06:00

Hey Santa! I want to see some presents under this tree, and and it better be soon!