Another Family United...

I'm so happy to announce that my dear friend Jodi and her husband, Bryan have been united with their 5th child (their second from China). She is adorable and doing great with her new mommy and daddy. I can't wait to meet her and welcome her home to Texas. Jodi, you are an amazing woman and friend, and I'm so blessed to know you.

Love V

So This Is Christmas....

Who is this guy and why are you placing me here?

You said "Come here and get some candy", you didn't say I had to sit on a lap!


I'm coming down, no pictures, I want off!


For the love of God, what part of off don't you understand!

Aubriana: (You can't fight destiny. )

Lil Dude: (Psst..I've got the candy and I'll give you some if you get me OFF)

Where does the time go? My last post was Halloween and now it is the end of Christmas Day! It is so true what they say about how fast time flies, especially when children are in your life.

Everyday is something new and before you know it, your little babies are just a memory replaced by little people who can be very entertaining.

The Christmas tree was a huge hit, every night Lil Dude and Aubriana ask to go into the Formal Living Room and sit in front of the tree and I count to 3 and click the remote and the lights go on - the think it is magic and the look of awe at the lights and ornaments is just priceless.

This is the scorecard so far for holiday traditions:

Santa Statues in the home/A hit Live Santas in red velvet suits with artificial facial hair/A flop

Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie/A hit Christmas Lamb and pineapple squash/A flop

Eating lots of sweets during the season/A hit Taking professional Christmas Photos/ A flop

Opening more presents than you can count/A hit Taking down the decor next week/A flop

It was awesome to experience Christmas through their eyes, I can remember feeling that excitement and delight at the wonder around me, and not only did it trigger deep memories for me, but seeing their joy was even better.

My holiday cards will go out, but I hope everyone celebrated the holiday with good food, warm homes and love all around you.

Best Wishes, Valerie

Another Family United.....

My dear friends Erin, Bob and Mollianne celebrated their long awaited Gotcha Day for their precious Meisey. The journey is but a memory when you finally reach the amazing destination. We are so happy for all of you and can't wait to welcome you home in 11 days.

Trick Or Treaters....no shame in begging for food.

We went to several Halloween Events this season, here are a few pictures from the various venues.

What's this? I must touch you to see if this is really happening!

I thought we cleared this with wardrobe; we were supposed to be the only Peter Pan & Tinkerbell couple appearing tonight.

There is a crowd gathering; act natural.

Security, these imposters need to be escorted out.

Be careful of this one; her wings are unusually large.

I don't have a problem with it!

Can't we all just get along?

NO! I want all the candy. It's mine all mine!!

These glow sticks taste funny.

Hand over your candy and nobody gets hurt.

Hey, I'm a knife swallower; somebody call my agent.

You lookin at me? YOU LOOKIN AT ME???

Happy Halloween!

Hats off to you!

Today marks six months since Aubriana was placed in our arms for the first time. How is that possible when there are days that seem to take forever to get through but the weeks and months fly by? She is such a joy to us and she andLil Dude have so much fun together and have developed a total monkey see monkey do relationship.

I have always loved babies in hats, but the kids refused to indulge my fashion ideals and all head decor was quickly ripped off and thrown to the floor repeatedly. On a recent shopping trip I found a couple of adorable hats and refusing to accept the current economical crisis we are in, I caved and purchased each child a skull warmer.

We have found if we clap and praise their individual good looks with extreme enthusiasm, they will allow the hats to stay on for 1 or 2 mintes - that is progress people. The pictures say it all, babies should be born with hats on in my humble opinion.

Something is on my head - what is it?

It's still there, do you see it?

OMG, here is another one, they're everywhere.

A little help people?

For the love of God, it's fusing into my skull.

I'm too sexy for my hat.

Take the picture or the hat gets it.

Hey, they're clapping, I may leave it on for a second or two.

Gosh, my adorability factor has gone up.

Seriously, I look like Spanky from the Little Rascals.