MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas!  
We wish you all a very happy, healthy and fun-filled holiday.

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What A Difference a Year Makes

These two photos were taken in the exact same spot, almost the same pose, but she's just a little bit different!  :)

Exactly One Year Ago

And here's our Maelie, exactly one year ago, again at Lake Superior.  Sigh.....they grow too fast!

A Fun Day at Lake Superior!

As Promised!

A TON of Fall Photos!

What's Happening?

So, what's been happening, you might ask?  We've been a busy family this fall!

First, the bad news.  Mike lost his job July 26th...the day before his birthday.  So, yeah.  We've been dealing with that.  He's been working from home, so we have been okay financially, but, he's just not cut out to be a stay at home dad.  Don't get me wrong...we have had so many family adventures together, but it's hard to work from home.  He needs an office to go to in order to feel productive.  I understand that.  So, he's been looking for other work, and we just take it one day at a time.

The good news?  Mike lost his job!  HA!  This has given us so much freedom to do things with Maelie.  We've been able to do things on the fly.  We've been able to wake up in the morning, see that it's a beautiful day, load up the car and drive an hour to a pumpkin patch!  We've had many family adventures like that...TWO trips to different pumpkin patch/farms, a few trips to lakes for pictures and playing in leaves, afternoons at the park, local touristy type attractions, shopping trips (of course), trips to the BIG lake (Lake Superior), local festivals, free movie nights, trick or treating, Halloween parties, and so much more.  This time has been wonderful and priceless.

One of the festivals, held last week, was in our small town and put on by the local community college.  It was a Mid-Autumn Asian Festival for kids.  I was so impressed that our town put on a festival that was NOT Scandinavian!  LOL!!  Don't misunderstand....I eat my lutefisk on Christmas, but to have something multicultural in a town of less than 10,000 people is WONDERFUL.  It was a great time, and there was a great turnout of kids.  The Early Childhood class did a wonderful job of creating little stations where kids could make paper fans, lanterns, have a (moon) cake walk, story time, decorate cupcakes, and learn about another culture.  I even had one of the people who helped organize it sort of apologize to me, saying that it's all not 'authentic.'  I reassured her that it was absolutely terrific that they did this!  I hope they do it again.

So, after all these trips, you can probably imagine I had a bazillion photos to sort through and 'touch up.'  We had decided not to do any professional photos this year, as they never turn out great anyway...Maelie fusses, we ALL get cranky, and end up paying too much for photos anyway.  So, we took a ton of outdoor shots and I've spent weeks assembling them.  We'll have them printed at Walgreen's, and from just the little photos I've already had printed off, we made a good choice.  I'll have to assemble a slideshow soon so you all can see our busywork.  :)

Also, during this time, we've celebrated a milestone that I neglected to post.  Bad Momma.  On September 24th we celebrated TWO YEARS since Maelie was placed in my arms in Vietnam.  Shockingly, Daddy decided he wanted to do something big this year to celebrate.  I was just going to have dinner with the family. He opted to throw a pool party at a local hotel.  It was a wonderful time, with family and friends.  Miss Maelie the Fish swam for 2.5 hours STRAIGHT.  She had a blast.  We served sandwich fixings that people could make an authentic 'Banh Me' Vietnamese sandwich if they wanted, or just have regular loose pork on a bun.  Mike made it, and did a WONDERFUL job seasoning it in a Vietnamese style.  It was a great idea to have the party, and I'm so proud of Mike for arranging it and suggesting it.  (Sometimes, these Daddies can surprise you!!!)

Things are starting to slow down now, with the advent of cooler weather.  Mike's been looking for more of a 'real' job, where he actually goes into an office and they have things like, oh, I don't know...HEALTH INSURANCE.  But, I have a feeling that this 'slow down' will pick up again for the holidays coming up.  Already tonight Maelie was running around Target checking out all the Christmas trees and lights saying, "Ahhhh....Christmas."  I have NO idea where she got that from, but it's adorable.  :)  This year Christmas should be a heckuva lot of fun with decorating, presents, Santa, and lights.  I can't wait!!!!

We've also been busy with Maelie's school.  We still only go once a week for 1.5 hours, but her class is much bigger and she has just BLOSSOMED there.  I have found some very nice mothers to talk with, which is wonderful.  Maelie marches in and sits right down in the middle of the circle and belts out her ABC song!  It's so cute.  We've done crafts this year, and she's really just enjoying it.  She did last year, too, but so much more this year.  I think it helps with having more kids in her class, too.  And, once a week in the evenings, they have something going on at her school.  Last night it was World Music night and Open Gym.  They had the cafeteria set up with musical instruments from around the world, and little crafts where the kids could make little instruments.  We brought some of the little wooden instruments from Vietnam, and the kids and their parents were really interested in seeing those.  I may speak to a few classes about Vietnam, which makes me so very happy to do.  Tonight the school had Movie Night....they played How To Train Your Dragon in the gym, but, unfortunately, Maelie wasn't too keen on it.  She was nervous about the dark....which is odd....she's never been scared of the dark before.  But, I suppose a gym filled with kids camped out all over the floor and the lights off was a little bit nerve-wracking.  So, we left.  Which is okay.  It was free, after all!

So, my dear blogger friends and family, that's what's been keeping me away from updating lately!  I will try to do better, I promise.  Mike is already hounding me for my blogger password so he can update our photos!!!  I told him NO.  I WILL DO IT!!!!  :D  And I will.  Thank you for your patience.  In fact, is anyone even still out there?????  Leave a comment!  Say hello!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!

A Few Photos

Here's a smattering of photos....still working on our 'staycation' photos!  Miss M has a cold at the moment...poor stuffy sweetie.  I think we've been running around too much!!!!

Summer

We're still here and doing well!  With Mike home these past three weeks, we have been busy soaking up the Summertime.  I don't remember ever doing so much before!!!  There have been county fairs, family reunions, trips to the park, visits with grandmas and aunties, swimming, shopping, and playing tourist just in our own neck of the woods.  Maelie has mastered her fear of slides and has conquered the big playground structure at the park!  We've ate out, stayed up late, had impromptu little trips all over the area. We've all been having such fun, and I have a million bazillion photos to go through and post for your enjoyment.  Hang onto your hats, folks...they'll be up soon!!!!

Here's a little taste for now....Maelie at the park on a lovely, albeit windy, day.  She's the Queen of the World!!!!

Stress

We've had enough of it in this house the past couple of weeks!!!  

It started on the 21st.  My mother-in-law had some elective surgery done on her stomach to repair a herniation.  What was supposed to be a two hour operation and an overnight stay turned into a 6 hour operation, a couple days in ICU, and a 10-day stay.  During the operation, they cut her esophagus, needed to cut her open and repair it.  She is now home and doing well, but will still have to be on an all-liquid diet for another week and a half.  

Then, during this, last Monday the 26th, Mike went to work as usual.  I had gotten Maelie up, was letting the dogs outside, and I saw Mike's car pull in.  Of course at first I thought of his mom and was instantly worried something had happen.  When he got into the yard I asked him why he was home so early.  The words rang in my head..."I lost my job."  My mind quickly went into overdrive, I had to put Maelie down and sit down.  I thought my legs were going to buckle.  Things for Mike at work had been difficult for several weeks with the hiring of a new general manager.  His hours had been changed, there were many silly changes taking place, and employees were stressed and stretched to the limits.  But, to suddenly hear, "I lost my job," well, it was like a sucker punch to the gut.  He had had a bit of an argument with another employee on Friday, and on Monday, the GM just told him he was done.  Mike had worked there for 10 years.

BUT, here's the weird part about our lives.  Not more than two hours after losing his job, Mike had another.  He is very good at what he does, which is to sell parts and equipment to large mines worldwide.  A man that Mike had worked with before had started his own company quite awhile ago, is successful at it, and wanted Mike to work for him.  So, we feel that this will end up being a good thing...it will take some adjustment, and, since Mike is this man's first official employee, there will be learning curves on both sides.  But, it is a good opportunity for Mike, and financially, it will be even better for us than before.  It is never, EVER easy, though, to hear, "We don't want you here anymore."  It will be their loss, however.

Last week we spent much of the week in kind of a haze....trying to process everything that had happened.  We did some fun things as a family, to get out of the house and have a good time.  One day we took Maelie to the zoo, and one day we took Maelie and my mom to the County Fair.  I have photos I need to go through and post for both these events, but we all had a great time.

This weekend was full of family reunions.  We had one on Saturday for my mom's side of the family, and one on Sunday for my dad's.  Both were fun, and it was so nice to see relatives that I hadn't seen in literally decades...cousins that I used to play with.  It was surreal to see Maelie playing with THEIR kids the way I used to play with their parents.  :)  People came from all over, especially for the reunion on Sunday.  I got to see relatives from Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, and all over the state.  Of course it seems as if one never gets to chat enough at these events...there are so many people...and it doesn't help having a toddler to chase after! But, it was great fun and everyone got to meet Miss M.  Many had never seen her before.

So, that was our week in review.  PLEASE, Karma, be gentle.  I don't think we can handle much more!!!!!!!

Fwiends

Today we went to our friends' restaurant and I got to meet their middle daughter, who has been living in China with relatives. It was so incredibly much fun and Maelie ran around like NUTS!  :)  It is just so wonderfully special to see these girls together and, in the words of Maelie, "fwiends.  Pwaying."  LOVE it.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!

Free Dress!

The amazing seamstress that I have bragged about is having a giveaway going on right now.  Check out her link below!  Hayley's creations are absolutely gorgeous, and even prettier in person (not sure how that's possible, but true!!)  

Here's a photo of Maelie in her newest dress.  It's a butter yellow linen dress straight out of another time.  Maelie LOVES wearing this dress.  It is so light and classic.  She looks like a little fairy dancing in the grass.  All I can picture Maelie wearing this dress catching fireflies some summer evening.  This fall, we'll be pairing this cute dress with a pair of jeans.  So versatile!!!!!

Check out her work.  You won't be disappointed.  I promise.


http://growingsnowflowers.blogspot.com/

Ballerina Girl

Jewelry Sale!

My favorite handcrafted jewelry store is having a 30% off sale until midnight tomorrow (7/14).  The jewelry that Two Girls Jewelry makes is gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, reasonably priced, and beautiful.  Take a second to check it out!  You will NOT be disappointed.  Trust me.  Her jewelry also makes wonderful gifts...as my whole family can attest to.

Use code Summer10 for the discount, and tell 'em I sent ya.  ;)

http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/twogirlsjewelry/StoreFront

Bubbles!

I Love Summer Evenings

Just Can't Resist

Yes, I have a problem.  My name is Michelle and I am addicted to photoshop and photos of my Maelie.

The Empress in her Dress

Here's a photo of Maelie wearing the amazing dress named for her.  You can check out the etsy shop on the sidebar that sells this dress and other beautiful creations.  Hayley, The Amazing Seamstress, crafts these and the workmanship is amazing.

Best Fourth EVER

Maelie's 2nd Fourth of July, and first as a US citizen!  And, we had the best ever Fourth of July.  EVER.  Topped the one where Mike proposed.  It was wonderful.  And all spontaneous, which, I think, made it wonderful.  


We spontaneously jumped in the car after Maelie's nap, and spontaneously found our way to my sister's house.  The parade was going on in her town, but we didn't go.  It was so hot and humid and started to rain.  We just visited, and Maelie had a ball playing with Auntie Kimmie's toys (old ones from when her kids were little.)


Then,we went to dinner (yes, french fries) where Maelie found a little boy who LOVED her.  It was so freaking cute.  The 4 year old boy and her had a blast 'flirting.'  TOO cute!!!  He even had to hug her.  And, his mom was fun, too, and thought they were cute together.  It was really sweet!  But, also reminded us that we're going to have to lock up our daughter when she gets older!!!


Then, we spontaneously took another drive around town and to another neighboring town.  On the way back, the clouds and sunset were gorgeous, so we spontaneously decided to go up to a look-out on a mine dump and take some photos.  By this time, the sun was just about down and the fireworks would be starting, so we, on a whim, decided to go to a little park in town.  


When we got to the park, it was dusk, there were kids all over playing in the growing darkness, and on this particular street they have the old street lamps that just added to the atmosphere. Maelie had a BALL, and it was just a picture-perfect scene out of Norman Rockwell's mind.  It was wonderful.  I really cannot even put into words just how 'perfect' it was.  Then the fireworks started.  Maelie LOVED the 'lights'.  She kept saying, "There she is!" when the fireworks would go off.  Last year she was scared of them, this year, she couldn't get enough.  She loved being with the slides and the swings and the 'lights.'  The only *bad* thing were the mosquitoes.  And, they WERE bad.  I looked down at one point and there was a huge one on Maelie's little nose.  We finally made our way back home and Maelie is now sleeping.  Sigh.  My heart is happy.  


And yes, I do have photos I will be posting.  :)

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Pretty

I know...I'm outta control!!!!

A Walk in the Park

A day with Maelie is like a walk in the park.  :)

Father's Day Swimmin'

For Father's Day, we went to a local beach for some swimmin'!

Maelie Perfects Her Chip and Dale Impression

Maelie speaks like Chip and Dale

Happy Father's Day!

The Empress Dress

A dear friend of mine recently opened a shop on etsy, selling her beautiful handcrafted children's clothes.  One of her styles of dresses is named after our little Empress!  We have a dress on order, and will be posting photos when we receive it, but in the meantime, check out her store and this GORGEOUS dress!!!!  By the way, this  is her beautiful daughter modeling.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49188899/the-empress-reversible-wrap-dress-red

"Lucky"

As readers of my blog, you know that I rarely, if ever, write anything controversial.  I tend to stray away from the hard topics, and instead choose to celebrate Maelie, her milestones, and our absolute joy of having her in our lives.  However, I feel compelled to write on a deeper topic today.

I struggle with the word, 'lucky.'  As in, "You are so lucky to have Maelie," or, "Maelie is so lucky to have parents like you."  These sentences have never truly rankled me, because I equate the word "lucky" to the word "fortunate."  I have never been an adoptive parent to become offended easily, by terms and sentences spoken to us by family, friends, and strangers who may not know a better word to use.  But, I have to say that this attitude of mine recently changed, due to an offhanded remark from a perfect stranger.

Maelie and I were shopping the other day, in a big box store in town.  We have a little cart for Maelie to push around the store, and she loves it.  She was flying around the store, having a grand time.  I noticed a little girl, about 5 or 6, and her grandmother shopping together.  I should say that this grandmother was well put together, not a cookie-baking, apron-wearing type of grannie.  And, I also noticed that this little girl was absolutely smitten with Maelie.  In fact, to add to this story, I could hear the little girl an aisle over urging and urging her grandmother to hurry, because she was going to miss seeing us again.  I thought this was incredibly cute!  We did catch up with the grandmother and little girl again, and began a little conversation with the grandmother.  She did the usual asking about Maelie's adoption, and in a nice way, I should add.  And then she asked where Maelie was from.  When I told her Vietnam, the woman got very quiet and said, "She doesn't even know yet just how lucky she is."  We ended the conversation and both went our separate ways.  But, that comment stuck with me, and rankled me.  It took me a little while to process my feelings about this, and I know the woman meant no harm in her comment, but, in truth, it angered me.

"She doesn't even know yet just how lucky she is."  I think about all that Maelie has gone through in her short life.  Her mother abandoned her at the gates of the orphanage when she was 20 days old.  She lived for five months in an orphanage, with other crying babies, in an institutional setting, having her basic needs met as best they could.  Her bottle was often watered down in order to stretch food.  She would swipe other infants' bottles in the very basic life lesson of 'battle of the fittest.'  When she was four months old, she contracted viral pneumonia from living in her institutional surroundings.  She had few, if any, toys.  She never truly knew her mother, her father, or the reasons why her mother felt she had no other choice but to give her up.

And then we adopted her.  Yes, her basic needs were now fully and completely met.  She wants for nothing.  Toys and clothing are (extremely) plentiful.  But, at what cost?  Maelie has had to leave behind her own country, her own nationality, her own people.  In a country where freedom supposedly rings true, she will always be seen as 'different.'  And, while we can teach her and show her ways to combat this, to stand up and be proud for being Vietnamese, the fact will always remain that she would not have to deal with this if she was living in her own country.

Now, please don't misunderstand.  I wouldn't trade my life with Maelie for anything.  I am truly happy and joyous at the opportunities Maelie will have by living in this country with us.  I celebrate Maelie every single day, and do not take a moment for granted.  I love Maelie more than I could ever imagine loving someone was ever possible.  I am her mother.  This is her home.  We are her family.  Forever and always.  Maelie is a strong little girl.  She is a fighter, a warrior, and a survivor. But, as for, "she doesn't even know yet just how lucky she is," well, I cannot say, in all honesty, that I would consider all that she has had to endure in her short little life as 'lucky.'  Would you?

Yes, Yet Another Collage

I've been having such fun with Photoshop lately.  In between chasing Maelie, who has gone from her usual high speed to 'super nova' lately, and playing outside, that is! Maelie's favorite thing has been to play outside.  Too bad we've been having a streak of rainy weather, but today, we were able to get out and play!

The Many Faces of Maelie

What did she just say????

I have to share this.  I'm still flabbergasted.  We were all driving in the SUV today.  Maelie's in the back, in her carseat, of course.  Back there, there is a set of Mickey Mouse board books, and, to clarify, her and I haven't read these books together.  She's just been enjoying 'reading' them on her own.  I may have read this particular book to her once, but, honestly, I'm not even sure.

Anyway, from the back, I hear her 'reading' her book, BUT....she's saying a particular word.  I looked over at Mike and asked, "What is the title of that book?"  Sure enough....Maelie was SAYING the title of the book.  "Shapes."  Clear as a bell.  "Shapes." My jaw hit the ground.  HOW DID SHE READ THAT?????

Even if we have read that book together, I am certain I did not read the title of the book out loud.  I never do!  And, oddly enough, when we practice our shapes, I never call them shapes, I just call them by name.  "Maelie, can you show me a circle?" etc.

So, the mystery of the day is....HOW DID SHE READ THAT???????????

Thank you, Hayley!

Hayley, a lovely friend of mine, sent us boxes of hand-me-down clothes that her two gorgeous girls had outgrown.  This beautiful outfit was one of them, and we HAD to take photos of Maelie in it!!  Thank you again, Hayley!

ROCK ON!

I laughed so hard when I downloaded photos from today and saw this one......

ROCK ON!!!

More Photos From Lake Superior

Poor Maelie thought she'd be able to swim in the lake....but at about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the water was just not *quite* warm enough to let her swim!!  And, boy, she was NOT pleased with us!!!!!!!!

Waiting for her Train

On Memorial Day, we took a drive to a small harbor town on the coast of Lake Superior.  They have a couple of trains set up, including an old Mallet engine, at their Depot Museum.  We had a great time!  More photos to come, but here's Maelie 'waiting' for her train!