Chinese New Year Celebration 2011

All ready to go to the Chinese New Year Celebration in Wabash, IN

Bella and Caroline (holding church offering collection bags - the celebration was held at a church....I think they actually made a little money with this!)

The China and Taiwan girls (and one boy!) with a big sister adopted from Khazakstan

Favorite Phrases

Caroline's vocabulary keeps expanding on a daily basis.   I don't always understand everything that she says, but I would say that I understand 90% of what she ways.  She is also very expressive in terms of facial expression and hand gestures.....so cute.  There are many times that I wish I had a hidden video cam to get some of this on video.    Her favorite phrase right now is "that'll work!"   Examples:   she eats her mashed potatoes with a 'kiddy' knife..."that'll work!"    She helps set the table (I fight the temptation of re-setting the table) and she says, "that'll work!"   Her other much-used phrase is "I love it."    Examples:  taste-testing her breakfast food..."I love it."........putting her blue jeans on...''I love it".........watching her favorite DVD..."I love it."    Another one.......she recently went to the movie theater for the first time and saw the movie "Tangled."   She calls the movies at the theater a "big DVD" while spreading her arms out to indicate 'big.'    The phrase that I use most often these days is 'LIFE IS GOOD!'

Fun in the Snow

We tried to build a snowman but the snow was too dry.

Makin' a snow angel

All bundled up in several layers

Fundraiser for Adoption No. 2 from Central Africa - Feb 6

Adoption Fundraiser - Amway Party - Feb 6

I REALIZE THAT MOST OF YOU LIVE FAR FROM THE PARTY LOCATION, BUT YOU CAN STILL PARTICATE AND HELP THE ADOPTION CAUSE VIA THE WEBSITE! I AM IN THE PROCESS OF ADOPTING MY SECOND DAUGHTER....THIS TIME FROM CENTRAL AFRICA. I HAVE RAISED SOME FUNDS, BUT NEED TO RAISE APPROXIMATELY $22,000 TO COMPLETE THE ADOPTION.

For those that live far away, you can go to the following website to place an order:   www.amway.com/sspettis

Happy 3rd Birthday to My Sweet Caroline

New Year's Eve has always been a fun day....spending time with family and/or friends.  Now, it is even more special because Caroline's birthday is on New Year's Eve.   I can't believe that she is three-years-old.  She is growing so fast.   We spent her birthday in Kansas City with family members, and had a great time.  We celebrated with an 'Elmo' themed party.  Caroline is crazy for Elmo, so it was obvious that we needed to have an Elmo cake and decorations.   I will post pictures soon.   What a wonderful day we had.