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Christmas 2012 in pictures
First we shopped for our tree...Some of us looked for the perfect shape and sizeSome of us looked very cool in the processOne of us paid the bill and carried our pick to the truck Then...
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Happy B-day to my hubby!
We celebrated my DH's birthday with a bit of snow...only a couple of inches but enough that shoveling was required in the morning. Thankfully, the storm passed quickly and the rest of the day was cold...
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We finished our holidays with snow and ice
The cherubs had a long break from school, are just returning to classes today...so we decided to use the last few days of their freedom for a final blast of fun before returning to the grind. We headed...
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Shhh...don't tell anyone
I have a confession. I'm having trouble letting go of my Christmas spirit. The stockings are still hung by the chimney...the wreaths and garlands still festoon the doors and mantel...and our Christmas...
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Christmas tree?? Still up but it has only lights, no decorations. (I packed away the sparklies and treasures today while the kids were at school) Kate says it's naked with just lights. I made a case...
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Birthdays and Memories
We celebrated our youngest's 15th birthday as planned and in our family tradition. There were balloons at his special seat at the dinner table. There was his requested birthday meal and cake (Kentucky...
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Out of the mouths of teens...
I came home from grocery shopping the other day bemoaning price increases on many of our staple items. I was explaining to one of the kids why I bought 4 pounds of bananas ($.49 a pound) as opposed to...
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Midterm madness
Since 4 of our kids have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, we really try to avoid high stress environments and triggers...but sometimes there's no way around it. Stress happens in life. When it does,...
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Plov!!!! Americanized
We have Yulia and Jenya to thank...Back in 2004 when we were in Kazakhstan to adopt our Tanya, our translator Yulia and our driver Jenya (who are still our dear friends) took us to a small cafe for...
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We had a blizzard that dumped a couple of feet of snow on us and left us with mountains of snow to clear...which isn't really that much fun for a Florida girl who never even met a snow shovel until her...
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Valentine's Day from a slightly dysfunctional perspective
For most folks, Valentines Day means flowers and chocolates and sweet sentiments. We do all of that too...but in our house where the specter of trauma and abuse colors our interactions, we also...
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Brothers and sons of different mothers
Tonight we have a houseguest. We are having a sleepover of sorts that will last from Friday to Monday. We have set up sleepover central in our living room where all such events take place. There is a...
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Guess who is driving now?
Our oldest son earned his learner's permit today! He passed his written exam on his first try and is very proud of his accomplishment...as he should be!! By afternoon, he was driving Mom around town...
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Hope springs eternal
It happens to me every year. February ends and March sashays in; we get a few warm days and some sunshine and I start to get my hopes up. I start dreaming of replanting the vegetable garden and...
View ArticleTrampoline boys
When my oldest son's best friend was here visiting last month, I treated the boys to a visit at Skyzone, an indoor trampoline park. Since both of these guys like to be on the move, it was a great way...
View ArticleEmily Dickinson could have written this poem for my family
Hope Is The Thing With FeathersHope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must...
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What's special about today?
Nine years ago today, a judge in the far off land of Kazakhstan gave us a precious gift. Here's what I said in an email to family and friends back then:Hello!At 10:35am on Thursday, March 11, the judge...
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My baby is all grown up and going to college!
Seventeen years and some months ago, my DH and I were sitting at the breakfast table, bleary eyed and sleep deprived because we had a wee newborn babe who was just a few days old. I noticed my sweet...
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Another FASD victory!
See this boy? He's my youngest son. He's sweet, kind, funny, and helpful. He's good with animals and little kids. He's also 15 years old, going on 10. Due to his Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, he is...
View ArticleThe definition of bravery
Recently, my youngest boy had to compose an essay at school. Since he struggles with writing due to his FASD, he dictated his essay to his teacher who acted as his scribe. His teacher sent me a copy of...
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