I was thinking- I don't think I have to ever decide what to put on my blog again. I can just go steal what is on everyone elses. I'm just kidding. But- they have some really good stuff, so I will share it when I see it. This one is really good, and very important.
I saw this on another blog and I thought it was very interesting and informative and could be helpful to both us and others.......

Using accurate adoption language when speaking about adoption is extremely important. Even well-meaning family members and friends can inadvertently convey the misconception that adoptive families are less real or permanent, and that a child who was adopted remains somehow different. This can be hurtful and hard to forget by the adoptee or adoptive parents.

Here are some points to remember:

*As with race or gender, the fact that a person was adopted should be mentioned only if it's essential to the story. If it's used, relevance should be made clear. A daughter, niece, granddaughter, or cousin who joined the family through adoption is -- and should be described as -- simply a daughter, niece, granddaughter, or cousin, not as an "adopted daughter", etc. Once an adoption is final, a child is simply a regular member of the family.

*If it is relevant to mention adoption, past tense phrasing is appropriate, such as "Charlotte was adopted in January 2007" rather than "She is adopted". Adoption is just one of many events in Charlotte's life, not an immutable personal trait. Charlotte's family should be referred to simply as father, mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The man and woman who shared in Charlotte's conception can be referred to as the birthparents (NOT "real" or "natural" parents).

*The reasons that people adopt are rarely relevant. To suggest or say that someone "couldn't have a baby of their own" is inaccurate. Adoption is a choice, and is not second best. Children who join families through adoption are their parents "own" by law and by love. Families are formed by love, not biology.

Words not only convey facts, they also evoke feelings. The way we talk, and the words we choose, say a lot about what we think and value. When we use positive adoption language, we say that adoption is a way to build a family just as birth is. Both are important, but one is not more important than the other.

Please choose positive adoption language instead of the negative talk that helps perpupate the myth that adoption is second best. People who use incorrect terminology should be politely corrected. When we use positive adoption language, we educate others about adoption.

~ Summer Feet Pledge ~


Just a friendly reminder, it's that time of the year again. Please raise your big toes and repeat after me:

As a member of the Faux Paux Sisterhood, I pledge to follow The Rules when I wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. The sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow. I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend, Dr. Scholl, if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat, and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe rings off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes look like they've been dragged behind her car on the way to work and no sandal in the world is going to make her feet look good.

I will promise, if I wear flip flops, that I will ensure they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go my local beauty school at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they're about $15 and worth EVERY penny). I may spend another $15.00 and get an even better one.

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear...nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals...

For all our sakes, please don't keep this to yourself - pass it on to other Sisters!

I took this off another blog- But I find it so important I have to share!!!

I have been tagged twice now- so her I go.The problem is this one is kind of hard!

"7" Things I would like to do before I die...
1.Bring Addy home
2.Go sky diving
3.Buy a vacation home
4.Buy a boat
5.lose 50 lbs
6.Know that my children are happy
7.Play with my grandchildren

"7" Things I cannot do...
1.Be late
2.Stay off the Internet
3.a triatholan
4.Eat meat on the bone
5.Stop worrying about Ivy
6.Stop calling my mother everyday
7.Stop nagging my husband

"7" Things I can do...
1. Understand people
2.Be positive
3.Love my children
4.Love my husband
5.Dream
6.Know how lucky I am
7.Have fun

"7" Things that attracted me to Andy
1.He was cool
2.He liked me Honestly at the beginning that was it! I was in highschool and that was all that was important. Now ~ Why I love Andy, it's a list of many more than 7!




"7" Things I say most often...
1.When I go to China.....
2.When Addy comes home...........
3.I love you!
4.No
5.Be careful
6.Hi
"7. because

"7" books I love...
1.The Joy Luck Club
2.To Kill a Mocking Bird
3.Where the Heart Is
4.Harry Potter Series
5.Angela's Ashes
6.Anything adoption related
7.Anything Dr. Phil (I'm a fan, I'll admit it)

"7" movies I love...
1.Top Gun
2.An Officer and a Gentleman
3.Pretty Women
4.The Shawshank Redemption
5.Crash
6.Savannah Smiles
7.E.T

Last weekend when I was at Lisle fest I got this made for Addy! It's the first thing w/ her name on it, and one of the very few things I have bought myself. Secret Pal bought everything else she has!

Here are some pictures of our Sammy! He's sooooo cute!