Twilight Saga

I really struggled once I finished Harry Potter whether I should start another book series. There's a lot of hype over the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer so I decided to buy Book 1 Twlight and see what the fuss what all about. 3 days later I finished the 500+ page book. I guess you could call it a page turner. The book, whose main character is Bella, a junior in high school and relocates to another state, is completely appropriate for teens. Ok - it does have vampires in it - but it's really about falling in love, discovering how fabulous that "new" love and first touch make you feel electric all over and the power of human touch.

I truly enjoyed it. I did not get so absorbed that I wanted to call in sick to work BUT I did dream about the book (same as Harry Potter if you remember) and I am going out today to buy Book 2 New Moon.

I was disturbed that someone published a draft of Book 5 on the internet without permission so Stephenie Meyer's site says she can't finish the Book 5 in her current frame of mind as it would affect the outcome. I'm guessing she'd kill everyone off because she's probably that ticked off that people are so ridiculously selfish as to steal her incomplete work.

Week in Pictures (and Video)

What a great week! Aside from having near perfect weather, we had a fun and busy week.

Thanks to all who supported the boys in their Fitness Walk! They raised a lot of money! I was not able to snap great pictures but here's a couple that I managed. Matt is really not into pictures these days but his teacher guilted him into one.

Mark is in the center facing away from the camera
Matt and Mark bought me flowers and Weight Watchers caramel cakes (because as they said, she's on a diet, she won't appreciate real candy)
Matt built a birdhouse/feeder thing with Chris.

Matt caught the pass for a 2-point conversion in his heart-breaking loss - The other team scored a TD in the last minute of the game on a Hail Mary. I scored a picture of Matt with my camera phone. Here's the video and picture.

Here's the YouTube - Matt is #15 on a roll-out right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jNNtOmXQIA

Mark #1 scored a touchdown during his game on a quarterback keep jigjagging through traffic. Note the kid on the sidelines in the light colored shirt and dark hat jumping up and down. It is the proud big brother Matt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSsKiLY_Yto


We also had our first sibling dinner at Wicks (our favorite pizza place) We missed our Cali family though. :(

I still have not checked my lottery ticket so I could be a multi-millionaire and not know it. Chris offered to check it this morning but I told him I'd rather not know for a little while longer. I like to pretend what life would be like and what city my beach house would be in. I'll check it before I go to work tomorrow!

Harry Potter - Completed!

OK I know what you are thinking - Didn't the real Harry Potter fans complete this series in July of 2007 when Book 7 came out? Yes - I'm a bit slow.

Matt got me roped into these books a couple years ago and I finally dug my heels in last month to finish Book 4 and 5. Wasn't a huge fan of Book 4 but...loved Book 5.

I just wrapped up the 7th book of Harry Potter. WOW WOW WOW The series is over 4,100 pages. Book 6 and Book 7 are the best books I've ever read. I couldn't put them down - If I didn't have a life, I would have read them start to finish without stopping. I guess fortunately, I have a life. I would actually read a page or two while waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru every morning and even considered calling in sick which I don't ever do (and I didn't) to finish Book 7. I didn't go anywhere without the book just in case I could sneak a few pages of reading in. I actually wanted to take Book 6 to the UofL game last week but thought my husband would have a coronary! Turned out to be a good game.

I heard a lot of people giving their opinions of the way in which the series ended. I loved it. I won't give the ending away but J.K. Rowling explained everything. Her writing is so impressive that it's as if someone is painting the story-line in front of us. She describes the scenery and characters extensively. I was rather attached to these characters so seeing the series end was a bit sad and a bit of a relief. I want a book to hold my interest; I don't want a book to absorb my life. But now I want to rent all the movies and watch them so I guess I'm still a bit absorbed.

What to read after Harry Potter??? Anything seems like it will be a let-down. I picked up Book 1 of the Twilight series. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I'll let you know.

Update on Timeline

Today we received an update from our SW. We are still on track to receive a referral Sept 09. Of course, that can change for better of worse every quarter as more children are matched. It's good to receive an update because I find knowing is better than not knowing.

We are hoping for June 09 as that would mean we have a better chance of traveling in 2009. Times like these I have to remind myself that it's only 3 months difference but 2009 sounds a lot closer than 2010. (Typically, families are traveling 5-7 months after the referral.)

Still - as Chris and I have been talking about this unknown child our entire adult lives, it is very exciting to know we are within one year of seeing a picture and learning her given name and birthday.

The one unknown that drives me crazy is not knowing her age. Will she be 1 or 4 years old? We had hoped by opening the age range, we would be matched sooner. I guess we'll know in 11 1/2 months!

Ryder Cup, UofL Football

Well, the months of preparation turned into a big mess as the Windstorm passed over Valhalla golf course but I hear it's back in order. The Ryder Cup and all the visitors are out there everyday and making a big mess of traffic. Chris and Matt found the souvenir tent so it must have been saved from the wind.

UofL actually looked good last night. Yes, I am referring to the football team - and Yes, I am shocked but it gave me a bit, a small glimmer, possibly, of hope. And do you know what came out of Matt's mouth? The words (yet unspoken since last year's pathetic season) were Bowl Game. I laughed and said anything is possible.

I told Matt this should go down as one of the best days of his life. He thought he was going to school and then to a sitter - instead, having no school, he went to the Ryder Cup and to the UofL football game and we won.

Here's a great - I mean GREAT youtube about UofL football.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itie-rXDSaw

The Knights win in OT

Matt's football team played their rival Saturday. The game went down to the wire. We were on the 1 yard line - losing 6-0 - with just minutes left in the 4th quarter and didn't score. Ouch - most hope was lost. We got the ball back for one last set of downs and on 4th down with seconds left in the game, a quarterback keep scored a touchdown. Our missed attempt at the extra point put us into OT (which is 4 downs each from the 10 yard line - if it's still a tie - it ends in a tie). We scored on 4th down. Defense held their attempts to score. It was a fun game to watch - a real nail-biter. The kids were pumped!

Windstorm 2008

I have to comment on what the Louisville Media is calling "Windstorm 2008". The media's little names are so corny. Let me preface this post with - Nothing about the damage or deaths related to Hurricane Ike is funny. If you read my blog, you should know me that well. The Texas damage is devastating and I'm aware that Ike has left destruction across its huge path. Once again, it's the parents and media who crack me up.

Here's what's not so funny about the damage - this is just in Louisville -

• 300,000 lost electricity - 200,000 still without
• Thousands of trees are down
• Thousands of power lines are down
• Over 100 public schools are without power - no word on private (which we have a ton of in Louisville - we're the Catholic capitol - I think)
• Street lights aren't working so getting anywhere takes forever and when you get there, it's most likely closed.
• No ATMs
• Stores, restaurants have been without power since mid-day Sunday
• Gas stations, which are running on generators or have electricity, don't have gas - most are still closed - I've seen lines at the open ones 30-50 cars deep and the one down the street has nobody in line (very odd)

It's a complete mess here!

We were expecting rain and some wind gusts. Not exactly what we got - Category 1 Hurricane strength winds (no rain) for 5 hours. Anyway - I'm very lucky - I have power, no trees lost and no damage to my house.

Here's what was a little bit funny -
We had a good laugh at how much we depend on our Debit card when (Sunday - noonish) we thought we'd grab a bite to eat on the way to Mark's game. McDonalds was only accepting cash - ok we had $6 between us (LOL - I didn't go to the bank like I was supposed to) so the kids can eat before the game, McAllisters was only accepting cash, Panera Bread (whew - taking the debit card). Lunch was before the electricity went out at all those places. We had no idea how bad it was until we got in the car and starting driving around. So Mark's game was cancelled as we arrived to the field which is 30 minutes from our house.

But the funniest part of this is also the most pathetic. The media held a news conference yesterday. Apparently, enough people had asked the question that they felt it was necessary to comment on it. What do we do with our children??? We have no power - therefore, the kids have no electronics. So the Mayor said, "Take them to the park, take them on a hike, take them to the library - they have internet there." I laughed out loud at how pathetic this is actually suggesting the library since they have internet - he didn't mention they have books. My kids (don't get me wrong) as I've said many times, will play games 24-7 if I let them, which I don't.

Today - there's a couple of huge articles in our paper about what to do with all this time on your hands. Keep in mind - many adults can't go to work because their kids aren't in school or work doesn't have electricity. This is too funny. The article about the kids' boredom listed 10 different things to do with a tennis ball, play board games (and then listed them as if we need to be reminded what a board game is - not to be confused with a bored game) Scrabble, Clue, ...crafts, no bake entertainment such as potato painting, pretend you are camping, indoor picnics (do you know how beautiful it is in KY right now??? It's officially fall. Here's an idea - take them outside for that picnic or camping).

I just found this hysterical and pathetic that people don't know what to do with their kids. Gosh - I better quit blogging to I can figure out what to do with mine...

I should end on a positive note of stating the Louisvillians are great. Neighbors helping neighbors, sharing generators, sharing freezer space, cutting down trees, most people are patient and careful driving the streets with no lights and although, I have heard of looting occurring, it has not been widespread enough to even require a curfew or make the news. I'm not a fan of Louisville winters but I am a fan of our people. And no one, not one person has complained of gas prices since Sunday - we're just thankful to find one open with gas. Not one gas station has jacked prices up to take advantage either. I do wish one of my neighbors would cut my grass because I'm out of gas!!! So - this is why people stay in this city and move back to this city - it's all about the people. Even though - I think Dec-Feb still just stink and NO! - I would never, not for the best job in the country, move an inch NORTH of here!!!

TOUCHDOWN BY MATT BELL!

Yesterday, Matt caught a 20 yard pass for a touchdown in a scrimmage against the largest school in our region. It was so sweet! He was soooo pumped and we were thrilled for him.

It is decided - The redecorating decisions have been made!

Matt will unbunk the beds and have one Indianapolis Colts and one UofL bed and we're painting the room gray. Shew - no red and black room for now!

Mark is going to have an Extreme Sports room (with a John Cena poster). Shew - no wrestling room for now!

I have found what I think might be the most perfect shade of pink but we will wait a while before painting Mia's room. No, it's not the color of this text - it very, very, light, faint pink but we'll have to see what bedding we find and decide later if the color still works.

Yesterday, I held my friends 5 month old baby for about 20 minutes at the ballgame - today I have muscles!

Here's my new license plate - and wouldn't you know - it's supposed to rain for the next 5 days! I rarely use the word hate but my first 25 choices were taken!

I love Louisville! I love Louisville! I love Louisville!

Never Forget

My kids were 2 1/2 and 6 months on 9/11/01. Each year I give them a headsup in case they discuss the terrorist attacks at school. Matt said they would pray about 9/11 at mass but Mark said they were learning about animals not crashing planes this week.

I remember Matt jumping on my bed and Mark laughing as he was laying on the bed watching his big brother.

I remember wanting to cry at their innocence.

I remember thinking their lives wouldn't be like mine and being very angry.

I remember thinking they are too young to remember where they were on 9/11.

I remember praying a lot.

I remember my priest telling me I should forgive those who did this to our people, to our country - those who threatened our freedom.

I remember wondering if it would continue across the US - if this devastation would become "normal".

I remember making a silent vow to the troops that I would not live in fear. I would get on an airplane. I would visit big cities. I would take my kids to DisneyWorld. I would use my freedoms.

I remember it all like it was yesterday. But it has been 7 years.

This was not created by me - but each year I watch a video of 9/11 and pay respect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDh_pvv1tUM

7 Months Since We Pushed the Button

It is hard to believe that 7 Months have passed since we pushed the button. We were so excited and scared 7 months ago! Now we're not scared but I'm very anxious and excited for an update which should be coming this week.

Paradise Found

NOW WHO WANTS TO GO WITH US???

We love the beach! When I say we love the beach - I mean we love love love the beach, the weather, the people, the attitude, the sand (ok Chris hates the sand but...). One of these days, we're going to live close to a beach. Until then, I seek them and can't wait for the next beach trip.

As I learn more about the itinerary of our Thailand trip, I would like to stay a little longer than 8-10 days to vacation, relax and play as a new family. So naturally, in one of the most beautiful places there are a lot of beaches.

Check out these pictures which are from http://www.bugbog.com/
Elephant crossing - Apparently, it happens enough to require a sign.

Massages on the beach - Oh yeah - that's what I'm talking about!
Can you just see my boys doing this? And someday - M
This is the clearest water I've ever seen!

Now this beach is Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach - we'll call it, as you aren't taking Thai lessons), Ko Samet which is Bugbog's choice of best in Thailand. It takes a bit to get there - a 3 hour bus ride from Bangkok and 40 minute ferry lands you to Ko Samet. The island doesn't have an airport (obviously, or we'd take a 30 minute flight) and the roads are not overly developed. Bugbog says, "The island, in spite of its years as a top Thailand Beaches resort has retained an easy tranquility... Most of the island is still covered by forest fringed by soft white beaches. Bugbog's hotel choice was Sai Kaew Villa, for good facilities at a low price, and great beach/hotel interface. Or try Ao Hin Kok for more tranquility but still access to Sae Kaew's excellent evening beach dining setup. Best (to travel) in Dec-March." (LOL - we'll go when they say it's time). How much? Less than $100 a night including the extra bed we'll be so happy to need!

Football Day

Another 12 hours of football - this time we had 2 games. Matt played and UofL played.

Highlights of the day included an 8:30AM football game "walk-thru" - I was cracking up. We all thought getting to the game by 10:00 would be a chore. OK I know we get to school by 7:30 everyday but it's Saturday which follows Friday which means no one went to bed in time to get up that early. The game was... painful. I think we lost 26-0 but at some point, I just started talking to other parents and hoping we wouldn't throw anymore interceptions. Might have been ugly if we had not done the "walk-thru". LOL

UofL on the other hand was a different team than last week. Now I know TN Tech U may not be as good as UK but when our QB threw rockets at the feet of our WR standing 10 feet away and now throws a "catchable" touch pass - That's improvement. Also - our kicker finally kicked in bounds. It only took 7 quarters. The stadium erupted. You can imagine if he has issues getting it between the lines that getting it between the poles for a field goal is not a sure thing.

And the tailgating was great!

2 Great Recipes our friend shared (sorry I didn't get the qty on the dip)- you have to figure it out

Splenda Brown Sugar + Fat Free = Great Fruit Dip

Use 2 packages of sugar free vanilla pudding mix in place of oil for brownies - she also used egg substitute and they were still good not as good as unhealthy brownies but the best healthy brownies I've had.

Referrals???

Has anyone heard about the referrals??? Melissa told me to email her next week to find out where we are on the list. I do really, really well not dwelling until it gets close and then I stink at it.

So I have to think about something else...Football...we stink.
Game highlights - Matt and Mark listening to our friend Brian's band Radio Radio


When we still had hope, the cardinal parachutes in
Not sure if anyone out there follows it but UofL was beaten to a pulp in the opening game.

Tell me if you hear about the referrals!

3 Months Dossier in Thailand

Our paperwork (Dossier) has been sitting in Thailand for 3 months now. They aren't doing anything with it. It's just sitting there. We are busy with everyday life of 2 active boys aka football 7 days a week but we are thinking about Thailand everyday. We are wondering if M is born. We are curious how many referrals will come to Holt this week. We are anxious to know whether that number will change our time estimate. Will it be June/Sept/Dec next year? June means we'd be home for Christmas as a family or possibly in Thailand for Christmas and seems a lifetime sooner than the others. September or December means we won't be. We don't dwell on it but sometimes, it's hard not to just sit and think and wonder... and look at cute little girl shoes on the web. LOL

After the referrals are matched, we'll get an update on timing and then we'll know and knowing is easier not that it can't change of course - we are talking about International Adoption here. The good news is plane tickets are back down to a reasonable rate so I can quit stroking about that for now. Of course, that's not flying Thai Air but I'm guessing I have plenty of time to talk to people about what Thai Air can do for me that Korean Air can't do...and whether that's worth paying the premium price and possibly flying for several hours longer... I'm all about get them there safe and quickly (HA quickly it's a 24 flight!) but a 24-30 hour flight should have relatively comfortable seats. What do I get on Thai Air??? Why do people recommend it???

Thai lesson update - I'm on Lesson 4 of Pimsleurs Thai. I can now say Excuse me, do you understand English? I think that's very important. Also, I understand Thai a little. Hello. Goodbye. Thank you. I'm very excited about that progress. I won't disclose how many hours that has taken. LOL