Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well, I've neglected my blog due to the very busy last month...but thought I would post a Christmas message for everyone! The pictures are of my little drama queen posing for the "Christmas Card" picture (which now will be the "New Years" picture). She always adds her own flair to it; her favorite thing to do right now is turn her back to the camera, then when she sees the flash go off, she turns around and smiles sweetly...little stinker!

We hope that everyone is having a very Merry Christmas! Yan got pretty sick this last week, but it looks like she is perking up in time for fun Christmas activities. We're going to a friends' house tonight for food, fellowship and music, and will spend a quiet day at home tomorrow.

As another year comes to a close, about all I can say is "God is good". There have been many changes, many trials, but also endless blessings. I am so grateful for Yan, her boundless joy and the blessing she is to me. I'm grateful for the family and friends that have stuck by me through everything. I'm most grateful for Christ, who has never left my side. As I think about His humble beginnings, I am really in awe. Since becoming a parent, just the thought of Mary knowing that her baby had the sole purpose of living and dying to save the world, brings me to tears. I cannot imagine what she went through...how she hurt...how she wrestled with this knowledge. I can't imagine what Jesus went through knowing this...I just cannot imagine.

I pray that during this busy Christmas time, we pause and try to reflect, try to imagine what Christ did and what it means to us. It alone provides us with life, salvation, and provision for our lives!

Love you all!
Jenn (& Yan)

Being Thankful...my ramblings

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Yan and I slept in, then went to our friend's house (Thank you Jill-everything was wonderful) to join her family for a yummy Thanksgiving dinner. Jill just recently brought her beautiful daughter, Mallory home from China and it was their first Thanksgiving together. After dinner we passed around a jar, each time we received the jar (5 times), we dropped in one dried corn kernal (like the Pilgrims did to remind them of when they had virtually nothing to eat) and told another thing we were thankful for. It was a great way to reflect on so many blessings.

Really, we are SO blessed, I mean I could have come up with lists and lists of things that I'm thankful for. We live in a free country, with the ability to worship and live life as we choose. I try to sit and grasp what I have...and I don't think I truely can. There are so many things that I've grown accustomed to, yet deep down I do not want to take them for granted.

Then tonight, I read my friend Amber's blog and then wonderful Angie's blog and was challenged to sit and thank God for something that I didn't really want to be thankful for. There are several things that immediately popped into my head. One was actually mentioned at the Thanksgiving table today...being thankful when other adoptions did not work out because God knew that Yan was my daughter. Tonight as I thought about other things...hurts, wounds, trials, deaths, relationships lost...stuff that really I don't like...there's nothing fun about it, it sucks, it hurts...but it all falls under the same category "Things that God allowed, that I do not understand, but I must trust that He will use for my good". I'm so short-sighted, I don't see the big picture...but I must trust. I choose to trust that God will use it and work it out for my good.

I'm writing this for me tonight...just to remind myself...God is in control, and for that, I will be forever thankful!

Jenn

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm not updating a lot right now. Life is a little crazy with toy selling season...but I'll update as I can. Thought I would share Yan's "Thankful" comment tonight.

The first Thanksgiving that Yan was home she had only been home for about 2 weeks...we still had jet lag, she was still in shock, but just kind of went with the flow. At the Thanksgiving table everyone was saying what they were thankful for...jokingly they asked her (she couldn't talk/understand much even/sign, anything)...and surprisingly she just pointed to me. Sweet, sweet moment.

Fast forward to tonight. We're driving home from toy shopping and I started talking about being thankful. I said, "Yan, I'm so thankful for you!". I said, "What are you thankful for?" Hoping for a glimpse of "Yanny love", she looked at me, pointed at me and said...

........."BARNEY"! And then she started laughing her head off.
STINKER!!!!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! We are all so blessed!

Fun Family Weekend!

I am just winding down from a wonderful, family weekend. It had been over a year since I saw my brother and his family, but they were able to make the trip here this weekend. We had an awesome time. We had the joy of watching our children play together nicely (okay, well most of the time) and just enjoying each others company.

Anyone who truely knows me and my family knows that we went through a lot and that John and I were not friends for quite a while. But God is so faithful...He has repaired and healed so much, I just stand in awe sometimes. It was such a pleasure to have John, Yvonne and the girls here and I we can't wait for them to come back!

Here are some pics from the weekend. I was not "quite prepared" for these photos...but Ally said, "I want to have a tea party by the fire, with everyone in their fancy dresses". Well, the fire didn't want to stay lit, I couldn't find a dress but I appeased them with a poncho and a tutu made into a "head covering".

The fabulous cousins/nieces are: Emily Yan 7, Aletheia Mercy 6, Adaryn Jennifer 4, and Chasah Joy 1. Emily loved following the girls lead and joining in the fun. Ally has a delightful imagination and keen observation skills. Adaryn looks just like mom, and she is ready to party at any time...and since she's my namesake I just have to say there is nothing quite like hearing "There are two Jennifer's in the car right now" over and over again to make your heart sing. Chasah is the spitting image of my brother and is doing everything in her power to keep up with the big girls. They are all amazing little girls and I can't wait to see what kind of amazing young women they become.

Just so you know...

We now have our Christmas decorations up! The party can start now!!! WOOHOOOOOOO!!

Fabulous Fall Pics!

I've been having one of "those weeks"...so I decided to take Yan and Alex (little boy I watch) outside this afternoon and try to get some fall pictures. I LOVE fall, because it looks like God just spilled a box of watercolors all over the place. I put the pics in this slideshow, but have not edited or cropped them yet. My favs are near the end!

new 11-7-08

Four Years Ago this week...

Yan during our first meeting!

A recent backyard pic!

My life took the biggest and best turn ever! During our last presidential election, 4 years ago this week I was FRANTIC! Thankfully I voted early (as I did this time) because I never would have made it to the polls on election day. I spent that day and night (and I mean staying up all night) packing and wondering, and basically just being a bundle of nerves. All because early that Wednesday morning I boarded a plane (yes, little old me, scared of flying) to go to Hong Kong and meet my daughter.

I have been reminiscing over and over in my head lately-so grateful for the turn my life took...so thankful for my daughter! I can't believe it's been four years! Sometimes I still can't believe that she's mine...she's my daughter.

I remember my friend Bethany taping me as we took the transit through Hong Kong. We were walking through these courtyards and when we finally got to the building where Yan lived with her foster family-I felt like I was going to implode with excitement and nervousness. We loaded the elevator and Bethany turned on the camera, she said something along the lines of, "Jennifer, you're about to become a mom, what are you thinking?" I said I was scared and excited and just overwhelmed...but really I couldn't even put my thoughts into words. We stepped out of the elevator to the floor and I could hear squealing down the hallway. Yan's foster mother had a little vase of silk flowers that she had for me that Yan was holding. She kept telling her that I was coming, and Yan squealed with delight and anticipation. She was jumping up and down holding the flowers for me when I reached the doorway.

I burst into tears upon seeing her and remember saying, "Oh, she's so little"...because compared to her pictures, she looked so tiny. I wanted to squeeze her immediately, but knew that I had to ease into my new role. I remember wanting to talk to her foster family but all I could do was drop down to the ground to finally see my daughter, meet her at her level and soak it all in.

We started to get to know each other, but as Yan saw that I was there for more than a visit, her walls went up. She was so attached to her wonderful foster family (and I am SO grateful that she was so loved...thank you IPS, we know you read the blog and love you so much!) and she really wanted nothing to do with me. I don't know how many times I got slapped by her during those first couple of days. She was saying "Back off lady!"

Finally the day came to say good-bye to her foster family...it was simply one of the hardest days of my life and hopefully the hardest she will ever have to endure. To literally watch her taken from her foster mother's arms screaming, see her foster mother crying and know that I (though for a wonderful reason long term) was causing that pain was beyond hard. Yan screamed for 10 minutes and then she shut down, she went into shock...I didn't see her cry again for almost 4 months. She was heartbroken, I was heartbroken for her...and those moments of first becoming an official mommy were somewhat bittersweet.

But God is faithful. He truely , "...sets the lonely in families"...he has healed so much of Yan's heart. He has given her an indescribable joy, a zest for life an innocence that is amazing. Through Yan, God has opened my eyes to see beauty that I never knew existed. I remember hearing someone say when they adopted their child, it was like they saw life in color for the first time. My life is colorful with Yan. She has taught me that love is not given by blood...but by choice. She has shown me a deeper level of love, joy and thankfulness. She has taught me that success is not measured in dollars, or status, or degrees-but in the difference you make in the lives of others.

To her I say, "Thank you! Thank you my beautiful daughter for being who you are! You are a true gift from God and I treasure every moment that I have with you! Words cannot ever express how much I love you, and how you are CHOSEN!! Though your little life started out rough, I am so grateful for your birth parents who gave you life. God designed for our lives to be lived together and I could not be happier. I am far from perfect, I make so many mistakes...but I will always love you. You will never be alone, you have been chosen and designed to be mine...I LOVE YOU!!!!"

Okay, so I should have warned you that I'm very emotional this week. I'm going to attempt to post the slideshow I made a long while ago, of my trip to Hong Kong to get Yan...and some other pics. If it doesn't work, I'll post later. Much love! Jenn

http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=jenncslp&SID=142742&Show=Y&p=

Fall Pics and such!

Sorry for the delay in writing...I thought Yan was better, then she got it again...she finally seems to be getting over it now. We were able to go to a fun party at "My Gym" (the fabulous kids fitness center where Yan takes classes. Miss Stacey is her wonderful teacher (dressed like the "Fairy for a Cure") and will also be her coach for the Special Olympics Gymnastics team that will start in January.) We also went "Trunk or Treating" with our friends Charles, Rebecca, Zara, Zena and Zola. Yan LOVED it!! She was so excited to collect all the goodies. The crazy thing is she just does not love candy. She's only had one piece. (I wish I could say the same ;-)

We welcomed fall by baking a "Fall Cake"...see, I can give a reason to bake a cake any day. Aside from pouring and mixing, Yan helped with the sprinkles. There were some yummy pieces that contained at least an inch of sprinkles on them...yummmmmy!

And then, you'll notice the Christmas in Kmart pictures. "You know your mom is an online toy seller...when you're comfortable posing for Christmas pictures in Kmart while shopping." Oy...should be a fun season!

A fine time to talk

Thank you for the prayers, Yan is starting to feel better and I'm enjoying her peppy little personality. With me (though not with others much) she is also trying to talk sooooooo much! I love it! I'm amazed how many words she gets out, especially through songs.

I was reminded today that this can cause problems. We went to the store and I was backing out of a parking place some guy lost his patience and tried to swerve and speed behind me. I was not happy. I said, "JERK"! All the sudden I heard this little voice pipe up, "ZERK". Oops...I had to explain and apologize...geesh, of all the times to imitate me! :-)

I have some pics to post; hopefully I will have a chance to do it tomorrow!

Hugs!

Today

Thanks for the prayers...it has been a horrible day. Yan is off the charts sensory wise and the Dr. had to get a look at her ears and throat today-which also involved cleaning out her ears and swabbing her throat for strep. It took three people to hold her down and she went crazy. She burst blood vessels all over her face (see picture).

Strep was negative, she has an ear infection and some other viral infection causing the rash. They also went ahead and did her shots. I usually am okay with doing what needs to be done, but I've just cried today because I feel horrible that she is so scared and so sensitive and I don't really know what to do. We've gone to see an OT for sensory issues, but she doesn't show these symptoms in a typical setting...pretty soon there will be a day that she can't be held down. I just wonder if some of the issues will ever clear up-I'm very scared and sad for her right now. Signing off for crying...thank you for the prayers...I know compared to so many things this is not big, but I'm really struggling with how to help her.

Something is off...

We're having a REALLY rough day today...and we've had several within the last couple of weeks. Yan has literally cried for 30-45 minutes at a time, over and over again. She's not eating much, she's taking naps, and as of 2 hours ago she has a rash spreading all over her. We're going to the Dr. in the morning (unless she starts crying again tonight and then we'll go the ER like they said)...but if you can spare some prayers we would appreciate it!

Thanks! Jenn

Reasons why I'm tired, or a record of the week!

So, maybe my new plan should be just to get one good post in a week...perhaps I could meet that goal. It's been a busy one folks. Yan has had me hopping lately.

About a week ago she decided to try climbing up on the table. I have no idea why, but I was startled by a large thud and screams. She seemed like she was really hurt and continued to cry for a long time. This is unusual for her, so I checked her over really well (I thought) and found nothing. She finally settled down and we went to gymnastics. She was fine the next day, but the following morning woke up and signed "help" when trying to put on her glasses. I thought her hair was just caught and tried to get them on her. Then I felt something sticky in her hair and wondered what she got into...thinking it was food, I went to pick it out until I saw blood everywhere. Here her glasses had sliced the top of her ear when she fell off the table...I felt HORRIBLE!!! With her long, dark hair I had totally missed it. That sealed the deal, no mommy of the year award this year. Can I tell you how happy I will be when she communicates exactly what is wrong??? It ended up getting infected and so she had to go on antibiotics to clear it up and go without glasses for several days. But, the good news is...it looks good now!

We've also been battling those first colds of the season right now as well. Thankfully hers cleared up with the meds...mine not so much. Still trying to sleep it off, which reminds me I need to go to bed soon!

Later in the week I decided that it would be fun to have Yan and Baby A paint pumpkins. I don't know what exactly I was thinking when I gave the 15 month old and Yan a paintbrush at the same time, but I can tell you that poison control was called before the end of the painting session (thank the Lord that the kids paints are really nontoxic) and a dual bath was given. However, they LOVED it!

We made a trip to Chick-Fil-A this week before gymnastics. Yan was very thrilled that she finally got to meet "THE COW". He was gigantic and she kept running over to hug him. I was thrilled that she was not scared. Yeah Yan!!

Today we had an eventful time as well. I had to run in to the bank at Publix and ended up seeing a friend. Because I wasn't really shopping I didn't have a cart, and Yan has been doing so much better about staying with me that I didn't think I would need one. However, I started to chat with the friend and Yan started to wander. She came back and then would wander but come back again. All of the sudden she didn't come back. I couldn't see her, I realized she ran to the front and panic struck. I was pacing the front of the store, then ran to the parking lot, then ran back in. By this point the friend, a manager and I were all looking. The manager said, "Well, we can page her". I explained that she would most likely not answer the page! She said, if you don't find her right away we're closing down the store for a "Code Adam". Thankfully, Lisa, my friend found her and was headed down the aisle towards me! Does she know how many new grey hairs will sprout up tomorrow morning??? Oy!

After that, we went to a "Special Olympics" open house. Yan will be eligible to participate in January. She may start with gymnastics because wonderful Miss Stacey (her gymnastics teacher) is the coach. But man, those other athletes looked so much older compared to her! It was heartwarming to see so many people, some with different abilities, some not...playing, laughing and just being together.

So, here's the best part...the pics. Oh, and I thought I would throw in a couple extras. "Dress-Up" is still one of Yan's favorite activities, as is twirling...enjoy!!

The making of an artist!

I am so behind in posts. I've tried to upload more pics and videos, but they don't seem to work...here's another attempt. Life has just been busy lately and I haven't been able to keep up with everything. I thought I would try and post our "work" from yesterday. A friend, Kelly, blogged about her daughter drawing people and I realized that Yan and I really hadn't worked on people yet. So we took some time yesterday to learn how to draw a basic (circle/line) person. Yan LOVED it! She kept going and going until I had 16+ drawings. I loved seeing the progression.

So here, I present to you...the artist and her art. (Please do not be worried about the lack of smiles...I'm sure they will get "happier" with time. :-)

Random thoughts and happenings

Life has just been busy lately. I'm now taking care of two little babies now...they are keeping me busy, but are so sweet and fun. Yan LOVES them! She cracks me up because she covers them in hugs and kisses.

We've had a busy week. Right now I'm eagerly waiting word that some friends in Texas are okay. I so want to hear from them! Praying for them!

We also had a big scare Thursday night. I was so pleased to run into Angie ("Bring the Rain" Angie) at our post office. We had some time to chat and the girls were running around playing. Yan seemed fine and happy. We left to head off and do some other errands before gymnastics class. It couldn't have been 10 minutes and I looked over at Yan and her head was starting to bob up and down, she looked sick and then started choking. I was trying to drive and help her (not my brightest idea), but was finally able to stop at a friends house, who kindly met me in her driveway. Yan started choking and finally coughed up huge pieces of apple...which she had eaten about 4 hours prior to the event. Then, she seemed fine. But later in the evening ended up choking several other times. Very weird and scary for mommy. Needless to say, she slept right next to me that night.

(Okay, mommy bragging ahead...you've been warned.) You know, I'm constantly amazed by some of the things that she does. This week she astounded me. We went to kroger to do a bunch of shopping and came home. Lately, she has been trying to help unload the grocery bags and has just set things on the counters. Well, this week she decided to unload them, and put them all away in their proper spots. She knew that the cold ones went in the fridge and even knew to put the squeeze margarine and parmesean in the side hanger inside the refrigerator door. I was AMAZED!

She also cracked me up over a bit of a communication frustration this week. I have been trying to point out the different kinds of sports that we see when we drive around. We regularly pass a baseball and soccer field and a group of kids that play football. I tell her what sport it is and how they play (well, maybe not in "official" terminology, but in my "non-sporty" version). Well Thursday we passed the football kids and she was listening and enjoying watching them. Friday, she started playing ball in the house (with a little blue whiffle ball). She was trying some new "moves" and I thought was just being silly. She kept putting her foot on top of the ball and pointing. I was watching, but didn't get it. She kept doing it over and over and clicking for me to look. I finally said, "What are you trying to show me? I don't understand". She blurted out " FOOT ...BALL!" :-) I roared with laughter and she was so pleased that she got her point across. What a smart girl!! I love her!

Have to run...Sesame is over! Love to all!

Today's Twilight Zone Events

I've been trying to upload videos of Yan...but alas, I can not get them to work. So tonight you get this story from a very wild afternoon! :-)

Did you ever have something happen and you end up sitting there saying, "This really isn't happening to me...please make it stop"?! Today, that was me.

I had some bloodwork come back bad and the Dr. wanted me to go in again to repeat it. Yan and I went in to the Dr's office and there were a bunch of people waiting for the same thing. I got behind this older gentleman (and well I don't know how to say it nicely) who was apparently off his rocker. He was probably in his 60's, had no teeth, had black shades inside his glasses and most likely had a hearing impairment because he screamed everything. (I'm not making fun of him, just trying to paint the picture).

Yan immediately went to sit down while I waited in line and started her moaning. The man in front of me startled me by turning around and screaming, "Is that YOUR kid?" Well, ya'll know how I've been wanting to give it back to some people lately, so I yelled back, "Yeah, WHY?" He yelled, "I just wondered, I didn't say it was anything bad!".

Then I sat down to wait and of course he sat down directly across from me. He started (yelling) to ask her age, grade and where we lived. Then he would randomly get up and switch chairs. Well, Miss Yan so wants to love everybody-she got away from me and went to hug him. (It is seriously a problem that I am working on because it's just not safe). Well, he was shocked and yelled, "What's she doing?" (Please keep in mind that everyone is staring and trying not to laugh.) I explained that she just wanted to give him a hug and he gruffed, "Well, I guess that's nice".

Then out of the blue he asks, "Are you seeing anyone?" (Note to self-the conversation went all downhill from there) I'm trying to mumble things about how I'm interested in someone (cause you know...there's George Clooney and stuff, but of course, I never think to lie).

Well, Yan must have sensed the shift in the conversation because she suddenly decided that she was a tiger and started to get up, walk over to the man and growl at him. So I'm mumbling about my love interests, Yan is growling to the point of not being able to speak over her...and the man yells out of the blue, "So, you think we could start seeing each other?" To which I said "Noooooo". He said, "Why not?" I said, "I'm really not interested."

At that point everyone in the room who were trying to ignore it, turned their heads to start laughing (which was so wrong because I was ready to lose it). I had to pin Yan in the chair because she was growling so loudly the man started yelling at her to "Calm down MONKEY". Everytime he spoke she growled again and got louder. He finally said, "That's ridiculous!" and got up to go yell at the nurses. OY!

Hilarious!

Thank you to Jill for having this on her blog...

Do you think I should use it for potty training???

http://www.tricklife.com/view.php?id=518


In other news...I'm a very happy camper about the McCain pick for Vice Prez...go PALIN!!!

In non-political news, Yesterday, Yan and I babysat for some friends so that they could go to little Anna's funeral. We got to watch their newly adopted daughter, Claire...she is awesome. They also have a new, adorable dog named Lucy. Have I mentioned how much Yan LOVES animals? I seriously have to figure out a way to get her one. She was all over that dog. Petting him, kissing him, holding him (yikes, I know ;-). When we sat down to lunch it seemed like Yan was eating a lot faster than normal. Then I realized that when I turned to eat, her handful of sandwich was going down underneath the table. Needless to say, Lucy enjoyed lunch. My daughter!

Reason for heartbreak

I didn't know whether I should post or not earlier, but have decided to so that others can lift this family up in prayer.

One area that we are so richly blessed with here is the wonderful adoption community. Everywhere I turn I get to see little ones with their families through the miracle of adoption.

However, when tragic situations hit-it is hard on the whole adoption community. It seems that recently there have been many situations and losses, that leave us wondering why. Recently a family just moved to town. They had adopted a beautiful daughter from China who is now 5 and 2 months ago were able to bring their second wonderful daughter home, age 2, also from China.

Little Anna was full of life and a true gift from God. She had a known heart condition, but the family knew this and was armed with a medical team to help her. Monday Anna went in for a "routine" heart catheritization procedure...unfortunately her little heart had a lot more damage than anyone knew...things went bad and they lost Anna on the table for 45 minutes. They were able to revive her and had her on a bypass machine and life support. Wednesday afternoon they ran tests and found that the neurological damage done was extensive...they removed her from life support and she passed away about 10 minutes later in her mommy's arms.

My heart is breaking for them for the loss of their Angel. They began a prayer blog that also has posts from Anna's amazing mom, Jo. http://prayingforanna.blogspot.com/

Please lift them up in your prayers as they walk through this painful journey. Please pray that Anna's life will be a legacy and catalyst for other children to come home and for Christ to draw them to Himself. Thank you.

Fun times...

What I thought she was doing: Playing quietly with her toys.

What she was really doing: Covering the kitchen floor with a whole bottle of Elmer's glue 2 minutes before the appraiser for the new landlord arrived.

Fun times.

Heartbroken...

I'm heartbroken tonight over another local tragedy. There seems to be so much going wrong with so many people. I keep telling myself that part of it is that everyone is so connected by the computer. When anything happens (good or bad) we can find out about it within seconds. The problem is sometimes we can feel like everyone else's problems are our own...and we start to bear the weight of it all. God doesn't give us the grace to handle everyone else's issues...I just need to learn to take it to Him and not try to "fix" everything I come into contact with. (It's a lifelong problem that I have.)

On the tragic note...please just pray, God knows who is involved. I will post more when I'm able.
Jenn

Yan Happenings

We have had some busy days lately. I thought I would share a few pictures. On Saturday I had to attend a continuing education class all morning. Yan was able to go to our friend's house, the Dorris', who have three fabulous girls from China-Zara, Zena and Zola. Yan loves it there! She has gone from apprehension to feeling right at home with Charles, Rebecca and the girls. This Saturday there was a "Dragonboat Festival" downtown...so they all made a trip to check it out. We are so grateful for their friendship and support!

After I got back, we ran some errands and then went to our local "Families with Children from China Ice Cream Social" at the park. After a day of fun, park play and chocolate ice cream, Yan was sacked out and fell asleep on the way home. What a fun, sticky ending to the day.

The next pic was taken today...aren't those the most beautiful "F's" that you have ever seen??? My baby drew those by herself today. Our letter of the week is "F"! I am SOOOOOO proud...she rocks man! :-)

And lastly, the newest daytime member of the family, Alex! He is a cutie and we are enjoying taking care of him. Yan is constantly helping and kissing him (or hiding his lovey behind her back)! So sweet (most of the time)!

Not just any food...cooking with Jenn and Yan!

Yan and I recently tried our hand at some new recipes lately. One night we made a "Veggie Pizza" and a "Fruit Pizza". The fruit pizza is so yummy and one of my favorites...it consists of a sugar cookie crust, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla mixture for the icing, and any fruit you choose to go on top. Yummmm!

The veggie pizza was new to us, but we had it at our friend Rebecca's house. It consists of a cresent roll base (though next time we will use two packages, because it was a bit thick-lay it flat on a cookie sheet to cook), a block of cream cheese, a small container of sour cream and a package of powdered ranch dressing. Mix it up and put it on the semi cooled, baked crescent roll bottom. Next, take a bag of shredded veggies (like the broccoli/carrot mix you can buy) and sprinkle that on top. Top it off with some shredded cheese and you have a yummy treat. We're actually going to make another one this evening.

The last picture was of a beautiful cantelope...wanna know why it was so special? Well, I GREW IT!!! Woooohoooo, a minor success of my first year gardening. Unfortunately, I did not have as much success with the beans, tomatoes and cucumbers...but it looks like we will have more cantelopes, many pumpkins, and some watermelons very soon! WOOOHOOO!!