Winter activities

We've had a lot of snow this year. When you live in a state with a long, cold, winter you have to find activities to prevent cabin fever - it's real.

We have had no problem this winter. Max has adjusted really well to the weather. He loves sledding, and tries to trudge through the deep piles of snow. Madeline and Myles are learning to ski. We've got this great little ski slope in town with tow ropes. It's affordable, and just a mile up the road, so it's really perfect for us. The kids love going down all by themselves, but they are both having a hard time with the snow plow and stopping. Good thing our little slope isn't very crowded.

Maddie has also been playing basketball. Like Tee-Ball, it is much more about getting to see all of her friends than it is about learning the game. Since they are in different classes in school, Auri and Maddie have separate friends. They are still best friends, but it is so good to see them venturing on their own.

The Max update is that he is sleeping a lot better. He loves to play with his big brother and sister, and he mimics everything they do. We're just having a blast!

I'm it

I've been ready everone else's answers and not had to do it, but Pam has finally forced my hand :) Truth be told I like these little quizzes. Good way to pass some down time at work. Answers are in no particular order.

8 Things I am passionate about:
1. My children
2. My husband
3. Family in general
4. God
5. Broadway
6. adoption
7. the importance of parenting skills
8. our critters

8 things I want to do before I die
1. Adopt from India again
2. Do therapeutic foster care
3. See India without the stress of adoption travel
4. See more of my own country
5. See an ALW musical in London
6. See my great grandchildren and be part of their lives
7. Get a job in the adoption arena so I can passionate about what I do
8. Take a family vacation which includes grandchildren

8 things I say often
1. Maddie, put Max down, he can walk on his own.
2. Myles, I don't want to see a trick if it is jumping on furniture.
3. Hi sweetness
4. Chill
5. are there any safety issues?
6. Maddie, please put your coat on - Maddie, please put your coat on now - Maddie, Coat.
7. Superheroes do not hit mommies.
8. Hey Babe

8 TV shows I like
1. Crossing Jordan
2. CSI: Miami
3. American Idol
4. Judging Amy
5. The first 48
6. The Andy Milinakis Show (it's my one vice)
7. OK, I secretly enjoy the Backyardigans. The choreography is great ;)
Can't think of an 8th

8 Things I learned in 2007
1. If you give people the benefit of the doubt, be prepared to be proven wrong.
2. Even when you are proven wrong, it feels better to give people the benefit of the doubt.
3. You can fall in love before meeting the person
4. You can miss said person more than anything in the world
5. You forget adoption pain as quickly as you forget labor pain
6. Big brothers and sisters are sometimes just as proud as mommies and daddies.
7. Two people can experience the same thing very differently
8. God's timing really is perfect.

OK, I'm tagging Emily B. - my attempt to suck you into the world of blogging.

Almost Perfect

We still love our Patriots! The Giants' defense was just too much for Brady.

They are double trouble! Maddie and I have to stick together now that the boys outnumber us. As you can see, Myles was partaking of the Superbowl food.

Changed

I remember a night right after Madeline was born. I was nursing her late at night and had on a nature show. It was about chimps. This one mother chimp's baby died. She carried it around with her and rocked it high in a tree until it was skeletal. Then she dropped it an let out the biggest, saddest wail. I sat there and bawled and bawled. It was the moment I knew without a doubt that motherhood had changed me.

Today we were watching Annie - a movie that most of you know that I've seen way too many times. "It's a Hard Knock Life" came on, and I balled. Trust me I'll never let my son think that he was anything but loved at Matri Sneha. Then Annie and Daddy Warbucks sang "Together at Last" and I bawled again. I know this is a corny movie to bring out these feelings, but it hit me. . . Adoption has changed me.

Check it out!

So, everyone should occassionally check out my Aunt's ling on the side: "Buy Dawn's Bags!" She makes these great little versatile bags that are so cute and easy to carry. I think everyone in our family has one by now, and we love them. Now she's finally going to sell them to others!

This is the lady that took care of my oldest two when we went to India. She's amazing. Check out her wares - she'll be adding more and more shortly.

On another note, I go back to work next week. I'm sure I'll post about my misery. Oh, well. If I have to work, it's not a bad schedule to have.

Superpowers!

Myles has decided that he will only wear Spiderman attire. He is constantly on the look out for "bad guys" and "ladies to save." Unfortunately his sister or brother usually end up being bad guys and getting beaten up. We never know when we are talking to Spiderman or if it is Myles. Good thing he's got those irresistable dimples and impetuous grin. I love this guy :)

By the way, he's never seen the Spiderman movies or cartoons. He saw the costume in a catalog this fall, and the obsession began.

Snowman Snow!

We have had PLENTY of snow for a long time, but today was the first time it was really "snowman snow" - so we took advantage. Madeline is quite the snowball maker, and had a hard time understanding why Mommy couldn't pick the massive ones up. Myles was very pleased with his arms and scarf! The best part for Mommy was their Rosy cheeks when we came inside.

Thank you Nana for taking Max for a while so we could make snowmen.