Ben started playing soccer this week (for the first time).

Here he is in his uniform. I think he looks pretty darned handsome in it.

His soccer coach is pretty easy on the eyes too. In fact, I think I kinda got the "hots" for him.

Check him out ....

Notice anything familiar with this guy ???

I'll give you a hint, I went to China with him ;

Alyana's Good Wishes Quilt

I received Aly's Good Wishes Quilt today.

It is beautiful and very bright.

Just like she is ....

I didn't follow the proper order of collecting wishes from far and away.

Aly's wishes came from family and close friends.

Wishes for happiness, love, kisses, sunshine, joy, family, rainbows and sweet dreams are embroidered around little squares of color and ladybugs patches.

I love it ,,,,and as you can see , so does Miss Aly.

There is also a square that says PEACE and it is embroidered next to the word CHINA.

When I look at this square I can't help but think of Alyana's birth mother in China and although she will never know this amazing ,beautiful and active little girl, it is my deepest of hope that she has found peace with letting her go.

I hope Alyana's birth mother believes with all her heart that there is another mother in another part the world that holds her little one close , her Chinese beauty, and loves her with her every fibre of her being!

It is my hope ....and it is what gives me peace when I think of Alyana's first mother.

I'm Back ....

I'm back in my blogging saddle again ..

If you are wondering where I've been ...

or if you haven't ....

well, I'll tell you anyway ....

I've been very busy nursing my wallet back to life ( and it was touch and go for awhile)...

Why was my wallet so sick, you might ask ????

It's because cause' this Mama went shopping over the weekend ( and the better half of Monday).

In fact, I shopped until I almost ( yes, almost) made myself sick ....*hehe*



....no kiddies, no diapers, no laundry, no dishes ...

Just me, the open road , a fat wallet and 100 stores ahead of me .....

It was also awesome returning home to hubby and the kids ,of course, because I missed them lots .... however;

there is nothing like a little retail therapy every now to make a girl feel good!

Bring on the Lawn .....

and the garden , and the flowers and the trees .......and so on and so on ....