Gobble Gobble!

It seems like when we were all a bit younger, that the feeling in the air this time of year was electric. I think that feeling was probably tied to the number of days left before a "break" at school - but I distinctly remember "that feeling" each year. The older I get, the more and more holidays creep up on me vs. that huge buzz of excitement leading up to each holiday.

I know I have always been one of those people who builds events up to be more in my imagination than what they traditionally turn out to be, but I am really looking forward to sharing the holidays with Tatiana.

This week is our big Thanksgiving celebration. My grandfather was one of seven brothers and essentially all seven families still get together. It's a great tradition that I love. I can't wait to see the little T bopping around the hall with her cousins like I did when I was little.

I have been trying to explain Thanksgiving to T a little bit everyday. It's difficult to explain the concept of "thankfulness" to a three year old! We talked about being thankful for family, friends, being healthy, etc. And then we also talked about the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I think the two thoughts got crossed because when I asked her later what we'd eat for Thanksgiving she said "turkey, and stuffing and family!" Baby steps .... baby steps!

Here's some pre-holiday pictures of T...

Deal of the Century

I am going to say it -- this whole economy thing stinks. I am incredibly thankful that I have a job and benefits right now as I watch those around me struggle with a "recession". We may not be at "depression" levels, but it certainly is depressing! This past weekend I watched as the house next door to me sold (at auction) for essentially 1/2 of what I bought my house for just shy of 5 years ago. I guess we'll be staying put for a while!

So in these troubling times, or even if it's not troubling times, I love a great deal! I stumbled across a blog the other day of a lady who is really dedicated to saving money and bargains. This one is so good... I have to share!

Interested in 50 FREE (yes, I repeat FREE) photo cards? Any theme - including Christmas... etc. It's so free you don't even have to pay for shipping AND there are no tricks - they don't even ask for your credit card info.

Here's what you need to do...

1) Go to seehere.com
2) Create an account - harmless, no personal info other than the basic address, email etc.
3) Create a photo card - choose your theme, picture and text
4) Order 50 and add to your cart
5) Enter promo code "freebies4mom-1109" (no quotes) and watch as the total goes to $0!

That's it! Seriously! I always buy my Christmas cards on December 26th the year before... but these may get added to the card as an insert. I mean -- they are free!

Enjoy!

Finally! Pictures from Halloween!

I am giving animoto one more chance. And I am still not thrilled... it cut out 1 picture, but still, you can get a good idea of Halloween in our house last weekend!

A New Venture...

I am working on (or at least planning on working on) a recap of October events. October flew by and there were so many fun events in Miss T's life!

However... in the meantime, I started brainstorming on my ride across my great state tonight. I know - a scary premise! In the past few months, I have enjoyed reading other mom's blogs. I have learned A LOT. I also like talking with other mom's and getting different perspectives. So I am considering starting another blog - for busy mom's. Like you, like me.

First topic. What Christmas presents are you planning on for your little ones this year? (If that's the sort of thing you celebrate) Or -- what was one of your favorite presents you gave in the past? Leave a note here, drop me an email or however you prefer. If you have specific brand/item names and gender/age appropriateness, I'd appreciate it, because I'd like to have a list of ideas for those moms (and dads!) looking for great suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!!

Big Bad 3 Year Old

Hello Everybody! It's me again -- Tatiana! Mama says since I am 3 now, I have to start earning my keep - and that means I get to help out with the blog.

Me and my new "slower" - from Grampa & Gramma

I have had a super busy week. After my birthday party, my Aunt Carrie and cousin Mary spent the night. It was really fun and Mary and I got to hang out, dance, watch my favorite TV shows and play. Mama was really proud of me and smiled a lot because she said it was one of the first times that I didn't just watch everyone and I actually got in the mix and played. Mary and I really enjoyed each other and mama kept say how nice it was to see me so happy and laughing all the time. Not that I am grump other times -- but, you know mamas.

Hangin with Mary

Mama also keeps telling me that Halloween is this weekend. I am not sure yet what all that entails, but I do like pointing out all the pumpkins I see when we are in the car. I have this cool thing she keeps calling a costume, but I think it's just a pretty dress. She's made me try it on a couple times and gramma did something to "fix my hat". That crazy mama keeps making me say "trick or treat" now and then for practice. Reminds me of when we practiced blowing out candles for my birthday.

Speaking of pumpkins, we cut up two of our pumpkins this week. Mama thought I'd help a little more, but I really thought the insides were kinda gross. Plus Uncle Mark showed up with a birthday present - and well, birthday present vs. pumpkin guts? No contest.

Helping mama with pumpkins, "New-New" (Casey), the kitty helped too

Finally, I want to say hi to 3 of my favorite people: An-sheen, Anna M., and Krista - each who had a rough week this week in their own way. Big hugs from me and my mama to each of you. Please know we are thinking about you all. More pictures tomorrow after I wear that crazy costume thing. Hey! Can you believe I have been home for 7 months now??

More Pictures From Birthday #3

Here are some more pictures from Little T's 3rd birthday! My good slideshow making website is closed now -- so I had to find another source. Not sure I love it yet. Any suggestions fellow blogites?

Yipeeee, Tati's 3!!!

Here she is... the beautiful birthday girl! Tatiana Elizabeth turned 3 today. WHAT a difference a year makes. Before I get to that, here is a quick snapshot of today.

Little T woke in new jammies sent Gramma and Grampa. Very fitting for the upcoming Halloween week!

... opened presents from mama! And had a party! More pictures later... but this is a big week for anniversaries and events!

A year ago today I filed my intent to adopt a little girl in Artem, Russia. It was the end of a whirlwind week and I was exhausted, excited and ready to start my life with this gorgeous child. It also happened to be her birthday. She was turning two. While I was overjoyed at our future together as mama and child, I was saddened that yet again she wouldn't have a special day. But it was so much more than that. As much as her caretakers loved her and cared for her - it isn't the same as parental love. You can easily start to think of all the things she was missing above and beyond a cake and ice cream.

I visited her with a balloon, some treats for her groupa, a teddy bear, and some clothes. One outfit she has on in her picture below. It was so hard to leave her but I knew I'd be back - and this time we'd be together for good.

A year later she has changed my life as much as hers has changed. She's an amazing, happy, sweet girl and I am so thankful that we were matched - even by crazy twist of fate - together. She's come so far this year, I love watching her personality emerge.

Thank you to all our friends and family who have supported and cheered us on this year. Your love and support means the world to us!!