The Blue Angels

This weekend we went to see the Blue Angels perform. As always, they were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

No, really! They were amazing!

He's even at attention climbing out of his aircraft!

We all enjoyed our time...well, all those who stayed awake!

Can you see her earplugs?

It was wonderfully "freezing" cold that day with the wind whipping off the water. (Thus, Cherish's double hats and the headband to keep them from flying off her head.) What a great day!

92 Pieces

Today Cherish and I went to our neighborhood yard sale looking for clothes for Andrew. We hit every yard sale in the neighborhood with--shockingly--no clothing for little boys.

I told Cherish that we were going to get our car and head out of our neighborhood looking for more yard sales--since we were up and out already anyway.

As we were headed out of our neighborhood, there was a yard sale being set up that wasn't out when Cherish and I initially went by. We stopped and looked. Boy clothes!

However, the lady only had about three 18-24 month size outfits; so we bought them. As we were leaving her yard, she said, "You know those are boy clothes, right?" I then proceeded to tell her about being about five weeks away from flying to China to adopt our son.

She went to her garage and brought out a huge bag. It was full of boy clothes. She said she hadn't gotten a chance to put the clothes out yet, but she wanted us to have the bag instead. Of course, I was shocked and asked her if I could pay her for the bag. She and her husband refused.

When we returned home. we emptied the bag. It was full of complete outfits, onesies, and pajamas in fantastic shape! I was in awe. When I showed Derek, he was speechless.

We counted the clothing and there were 92 pieces! In wonderful condition!

Most of the clothing will go to bless others (since most of the clothing is sized at newborn through 12 months).

Blessings upon blessings!

It's a God-thing.

A "Good God"-thing!

Trampoline Fun

'nuf said.

Christmas Gift-Giving Ideas

Well, Christmas is coming, and if we plan and prepare early, we could have a simple, smooth, and relaxing December ahead of us. Well, at least maybe not as hectic. ☺

So, I wanted to share with you a list of some fun, cheap, and cute Christmas gift ideas for neighbors, hostesses, teachers, and friends. Consumable gifts are wonderful for this type of gift-giving. No clutter.¹

And, with planning ahead, you can save money by watching for sales on the various items you and your family may choose to do together.

Special thanks to Julie Bavington at
"Clutter Crusader Chronicles" for this list!¹

• Christmas balloon bouquet — "Uplifting" wishes for a fun-filled holiday!
• Bouquet of flowers or cookies — We're sending a "bouquet" of Christmas wishes your way!
• Bag of pistachios or peanuts in shells — Don't go "nuts" this Christmas! From your "nutty" neighbors.
• Fresh grapes — A "bunch-ful" of wishes for a "grape" holiday!
• Frozen lasagna — "What's for dinner?" During the holidays we hear this a lot, just heat this lasagna until it is hot!
• 7UP — (great for Holiday punches and tonics!) There's "seven" reasons why you are "up" on our list of favorites! Merry Christmas (list seven reasons).
• Christmas plates — Hoping you'll "arrange" to have a wonderful Christmas this year with a "plateful" of fun! (You can even fill with homemade cookies!)
• Christmas paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils — A bit of "disposable" Christmas cheer! What could be better? No dishes, my dear!
• Bag of salad and dressing — "Tossing" out a wonderful Christmas wish to you and yours all "dressed" up with Christmas cheer!
• Magic Markers — Friends are the "magic" of Christmas!
• Roll of wrapping paper — "Wrap" yourself up in a wonderful holiday season!
• Bolt of Christmas ribbon — This simple gift is meant to help you "tie" up those loose ends this Christmas season!
• Mittens (fill with tape, scissors, tags and pen) — Let us "lend" you a "hand" this Christmas season!
• Kitchen towel and oven mitt sets – For a "warm" hand of friendship just as you've given me, and the wish for a joyous season with love aplenty under the tree!/ "Hot" holiday wishes for you! Merry Christmas!
• Note cards or Post-It-Notes — Take "note!" We're thinking of you this holiday season! (Add a pretty pen!) – Perfect for a Teacher!
• Package of pens — Whenever you need them, they're never around, so here is a supply ... 'cuz you're Christmas bound!
• Symphony candy bars — Just a "note" of "sweet" Christmas tidings! (Music Teacher gift, anyone?)
• Starbursts — We are "bursting" with wishes for you to have a "starry" bright Christmas!
• Jolly Rancher soft chews — We "chews" to wish you a "jolly" holiday season!
• Christmas taffy — We're "pulling" for you to have a very merry Christmas!
• Christmas Rolos — "Rolo-long" with a Christmas song, spreading good cheer at the time of year!
• Werther’s Original Butter Candies — "Original" Christmas greeting for no "butter" friends around.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups — There are so many "Reeses" why we like you!
• Mint M&M's — These are "mint" to wish you a "Magical" and "Merry" Christmas.
• Big candy bar or candy cane —"Enormous" Christmas wishes to you!
• Package of Milky Way reindeer — For won-"deer"-full friends from the whole herd!
• Poinsettia — Our friendship is forever "blooming." Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas!
• Ice cream roll or frozen drink concentrate — Happy "freezin'" season! Have a happy Christmas!
• Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams — This neighborhood/family would be a "zoo" without you! Merry Christmas to a "beary" "grrreat" neighbor/granddad!
• Frozen cinnamon or orange rolls — "Rise" to the occasion and celebrate the holidays in a "tasty" way.
• Pancake mix and syrup —We're "pouring out" Christmas wishes and hoping you have a Christmas to "flip over!" (What a bonus for a Christmas Breakfast!)
• Eggo Waffles and syrup — For a "quick-o" breakfast that will be just fine, when running late this holiday time! Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
• Toaster Strudel or English Muffins — May your holidays be warm and "toasty"! Merry Christmas!
• Frozen or refrigerated turnovers — The holidays are wrapping up, there is still one thing we want to do. We couldn't go another day without this holiday wish for you. May the new hear "turn over" with health, wealth, and happiness, too!
• Pepperidge Farm cookies — Homemade cookies would be so fine, but these are so much better than mine! Merry Christmas! (We love the little ginger men!)
• Bagels and cream cheese — "Spreading" a little Christmas "shmear" to our friends who are so dear!
• Soup mix — We wish you a wonderful holiday "simmering" gently with love!
• Bean soup mix — You've "bean" such good neighbors!
• Popcorn and flavored seasoning -- Just "popping" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!
• Apples and carmel dip — To a most "a-peel-ing" family. "Dip" into a very happy holiday season!
• Bag of mini carrots and veggie dip — We know you are 24 "carrot" neighbors! What a treasure! Have a happy holiday!
• Flashlight — We love how you "light up" our lives. We've come to depend on your "glow." Here's a "flashlight" to store, so you'll always be sure to create "light" wherever you go! Merry Christmas to you. May you walk in the "light"!

See all the helpful solutions? Who doesn’t love dinner or breakfast provided during this busy time of year? How easy is it to write a cute note to stick on a bag of candy before heading out to a party?

¹ Julie Bavington, Clutter Crusader Chronicles (08 November 2008) Online; available from http://organizewithjulie.blogspot.com/2008/11/simplify-season-begins-here.html [accessed 1 November 2011].

got love? adopt.

We purchased some special shirts to wear during our time in China (and after).

The cute little onesie will probably swim on our son.

But, it's better to be too big than too small.

If you are interested in getting shirts or a host of other items, please visit: http://www.gotloveadopt.com/. This is a fund-raising project begun by a family of six (http://www.minus1project.blogspot.com/) who is in the process of adopting another child from overseas.

Got Love?

Yep.

♥ Come home, Andrew! ♥