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Well, I guess it has been a couple of weeks since I have updated the Journal. Over the past week we went on a trip down south for my cousin's wedding. We had a grand time seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

At Johnny's Pre-K, both John and I were able to participate with the class in decorating for Halloween and stuffing a scarecrow.

Johnny and I went to library to make a stone pumpkin, which in my opinion came out great.

A friend of ours just had twins and we spent a day hanging out with her family.

Things have been pretty normal around here, nothing too special going on.

We are in full swing of our new schedule and Johnny seems to be enjoying going to Pre-K, acting, swimming and dance.

He has a part in a small play in his acting class that we are having fun with. This past week, I was the snack lady at pre-K and the kids loved the variety of fruit I brought in for them.

Johnny was able to participate in a magic show at our local department store. He turned a piece of tissue into a real bunny. You should have seen his face when he saw the bunny.

Our community had a Multi-Family Yard Sale that a friend and I were busy running around and making calls to make sure it was a success. Our Homeowners Association is gearing up for a party down at our local beach for the adults in our community. And soon we will be getting ready for our annual Halloween Parade.

This past week was a little busy but we made it through our first week of a new schedule for the fall.

Johnny continued to go to Pre-K and still is enjoying it. He also started his acting and dance class again. Swimming will start this week. He really enjoyed seeing some of his old friends from prior classes and welcomed the new friends.

Over the week-end friends stop by for the afternoon.

Other than the above, nothing exciting...

This was Johnny first week in Pre-K. Though some kids were clinging onto their mothers legs and crying, Johnny gave me a kiss and said "Bye", never looking back. I was proud but in away sad too...... To celebrate his first day, we went for ice cream afterwards and talked about his day. (He loved it and asked when he was going back. He thinks he is in the "big" school now....)

The rest of the week was pretty much normal with nothing exciting. I had to rearrange my schedule around Johnny and we are just relaxing this week around the house. This coming week starts more things.

Saturday Johnny came down with a cold. He fell asleep around 5pm on the couch I didn't have the heart to move him so John brought down his pillow and blanket and I slept on the leftover part of the couch. (Not much room my back hurts now....) He woke up early Sunday feeling better but we will keep an eye on him.

I can not believe the summer is over. We spent the last week just relaxing and getting ready for Johnny's fall schedule.

Johnny had his last acting class and wanted to be Thomas the Tank Engine. They put on a play for the parents. It was so cute to see all the kids act out their parts.

Friday we met up with my friend and her kids for a day at the beach. We had fun building sand castles and playing in the water.

Sunday Johnny was invited to a birthday party across the street. The kids enjoyed playing in the pool, water slide and big bouncer.

Monday(Labor Day) - another day relaxing with family over for a back yard bar-be-que.

Well, this week was very busy. We were on vacation and had a great time.

Monday we took the boat over to a town across the bay for the day. We walked around, went to the beach, had dinner out and walked some more.

Tuesday we came back home for Johnny's acting class, he was a mid-evil knight.

Wednesday we went to the water park and spent the day playing. The weather was slightly cold but we made the most of it.

Thursday we were back on the boat. We went to a state park on the beach that has docking for boats. We walked on the nature trial, went to the beach and watched a movie.

Friday was back at home for a party at the library. Johnny was in a reading club over the summer and the party was to celebrate all the hard work the kids did.

Saturday took the small boat to flag island for a walk on the beach. Washed clothes and unpacked.

Sunday we went to the Planetarium to see a show on the planets and then to the museum. The evening was spent doing house work and RELAXING.

This was Johnny's last week at preschool, he now starts per-K. (Where does the time go?) On his last day, we brought in ice cream for the whole school both kids and teachers were excited to have an ice cream party.

Thursday John went fishing with his friends from work while Johnny and I got to go to the sprinkler park and bum around the house.

Saturday, we went to the library for a program on Raptors, we got to see all different types of birds. The owl was our favorite. After the library we out on the boat for a day of swimming and fun. Spent the night out and came home in the morning on Sunday.

The past weekend we went camping upstate. It was Johnny's first camping experience. We had a blast!!! Johnny was looking forward to this for a week. He wanted to help do everything, pitching the tent, starting the fire, roasting hot dogs, corn and of course the marshmallows. We went for a hike and told scary stories around the camp fire.

We also went to our local Indian Pow Wow and stopped by for some Indian Taco and Lemonade before stopping at the sprinkler park to cool off.

Time seems to fly when you are having fun. Album to be updated soon.

I don't know about you but I love the month of August, especially the end of August. This is my kind of weather. (John prefers it to be cooler but I love the heat.) I love to lay outside on the grass looking up watching the big puffy clouds go by. Listening to the wind chimes in the back ground. August nights are great for hanging out and watching the lightening bugs, playing flash light tag and camping.

Well, this week was interesting. Tuesday, Johnny was Darth Vader, when we were walking into the YMCA for his acting class a few kids looked scared and wondered why he was dressed this way. Parents thought is was great.

Wednesday, we went to the library for a p.j. story time. Johnny loved being about to wear his spider-man pj's out. Thursday, we had the gutters replaced on the house, went to a wake for a friend's mother and then off to John's sisters house for a birthday dinner for Grandpa.

Friday we celebrated our nephew and niece's birthday. Both just had a birthday not to long ago and we took them into NYC as their gift, Johnny got to tag along too. We acted like tourist and rode on the double decker buses. (I always wanted to do that. When John and I went to London years ago we never got the chance to do it. So I was happy the kids wanted to do it.) The ride was interesting, the tour guide explained some historical events. We got off at Chinatown and walked to Little Italy for lunch. Then on the way back to the bus stop we did a little shopping in Chinatown, drank fresh coconut juice and saw the live seafood in the open markets. (It reminded me of when I was a kid and lived in Taiwan.)

The next stop we got off at was at ground zero. The area where the twin towers use to be is now closed to the public but you could see the workers working. Then back on the bus. Our nephew is about six feet four inches and when we were crossing street, he could almost touch the traffic lights and at one stop we were right under one, so we quickly took at picture of him touching it. The bus took us through most of Manhattan and one of the stop was at the Hersey's store. Both our niece and nephew wanted to go to the store. They got a kick out of the size of the candy bars and other cool things. Our trip took all day and by the end we all were happy to head home and relax. Johnny fell asleep before we got home and slept for over twelve hours.

Saturday was mostly a normal day. Went to a Bar-B-Que with friends.

Sunday, Johnny did have a rough night with a fever and all day Sunday. I got little sleep making sure he stayed cool and taking his temperature. We stayed home and watched movies.

This past week was pretty much a normal week, the only exciting things we did was on Tuesday, Johnny went to acting class dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow. Friday we went to the local amusement park for a day of riding rides. Saturday we went to a friends house out east for a back yard party. Lots of fun with the kids play water gun and water balloon fights. Even the grown up got a big fight going. Sunday, I was in a baking mood so a made a whole bunch of Waffles for breakfast and froze the rest for later. A batch of fresh orange juice, ice tea and strawberry lemonade.

Okay, for some strange reason I have been labeled the "Charity Lady." I have friends, family, neighbors and even strangers calling me and saying they have baby items for me. Well, let me explain. I truly believe in helping others and I donate a lot of things. So I get calls to pick up baby items and toys. I take the time an clean them up really good and then go up to the local health center or women's shelter and give it to them. Well, on Sunday I was cleaning up some items and Johnny comes up to me and asks "What are you doing, Mama?" I told him that I was cleaning a baby stroller so we can donate it to the center. He comes back and said "No, we have to keep it." I asked why and then he said to me, "For our baby." My heart stopped.... I tried to explain to him that what if God does not want us to have a baby. He said, "God said that? No, God said we are having a baby." When I tried to find out how he knew this and when is the baby coming, he ended the conversation.

What proud parents we are!!!! I was reading our local paper "South Bay" and was surprised when I saw his dance company had used his class picture in the advertisement. I have asked all my friends to save their papers so I can send it to his Mama M... and Grandma in Arizona, they will be just as proud.

It all starts now!!!! He is headed for BROADWAY!!! (Just kidding.)

He did enjoy very much being in dance and we have enrolled him for the fall.

We have also put him into an acting class at our local YMCA and he loves that to. On his first day he volunteered to be the staring role for a short play. Other parents came up to me to express their surprise how well he did. I just down played it because in reality Johnny's has been acting for us since he was two and half years old and at his dance recital he showed no fear of the stage. So it was no surprise to us that he was not shy to do the staring role. I just hope he learns to share the parts and not try to do them all or "direct" others.

Thursday - Our community had its annual ice cream party down at our private beach. The weather was hot and humid. The kids had to eat fast before the ice cream melted. We had a great time talking with other families and Johnny playing with the other kids.

Friday was more of a peaceful day, we just hung out and relaxed.

Saturday, we just did not feel like leaving the house and stayed home. I cleaned house, washed clothes, baked a cherry pie and made baked ziti with biscuits for dinner. Homemade ice tea and lemonade to drink. It was nice to just bum around the house. The weather was hot and humid but we turned off the air conditioner and enjoyed the weather.

Sunday, Johnny and I went to a baby shower for a good friend of mine.

I finally got to put some new pictures in our album section, I do have to admit it was hard to find pictures of me in it. I am usually the one behind the camera so there are not to many of me in them.

Last night we got a call from Johnny's grandma. We were happy to hear from her because it has been awhile and we were trying to reach her and Johnny's Mama M. with no luck. I did send them a package with pictures, videos and a letter to update them and they got it. His grandma was so pleased with the updated information and said Mama M and family was doing well. She is looking forward to us getting another baby and can not wait to see us. (We promised to visit both her and Mama M once we adopt.)

Also last night Johnny had his acting class and dressed up as Harry Potter. They didn't let the parents in this time, which was not fair I wanted to see them all act out their parts.

Tonight we decided to go to the park and listen to live music sponsored by the town. Dinner consist of Mac-N-Cheese and onion rings with a coconut drink. (good for the soul.)

Monday was quiet and more backyard fun, making burgers on the grill.

Tuesday was Johnny's first acting class. Yes, we were the 'proud' parents. He did very well and was able to play the star role for one act. (This might be a good opportunity to explain why we have him enrolled in dance and acting instead of sports. Well, we do have all the sport balls and try to get him to play with them but he is not interested. So, we believe in helping he grow in the things he is interested in. If dance and acting does not pan out, then we will try something else but he appears to love them. We will see.

Wednesday was an normal day. Thursday John and Johnny went to the library to do a craft class. Afterwards they went out on the boat to Grandpa's house. (I have not been feeling well and stayed home to rest.)

Friday, the day was a normal family time but in the evening we went back to the library for pizza and a movie. (We have such a great library that does all these wonderful things for families and children.)

Saturday, we quickly did the run around and the afternoon on the boat swimming and fishing. When we got home, we went into the hot tub for a few minutes and down to the local beach for dinner and live music. (The town just finish fixing up our beach with a sprinkler park, food stand and every weekend they have music.)

Sunday, we did our normal things. Then spent a couple of hours at the park so Johnny can play at the play ground.

We have new pictures and will update our album soon.

Hope you are having a great summer!!!!

Monday we took Johnny to the library to see a snakes, lizards and turtles. They had a local group of wild life people in to inform kids of the different types. Johnny enjoyed petting each but I was a little scared to touch the snakes.

Wednesday we went over to the beach by boat for a Coast Guard meeting - BBQ. It was slightly on the windy side but we had a great time socializing with other families. Johnny got to dirty that he had to take a bath as soon as we got home.

Thursday was busy between John meeting with someone regarding new gutters for our roof and I with meeting with the board of our homeowners association for problems at our local beach. Seeing Grandpa. Then at night we went to a fair in town. Johnny was so excited to ride on all the rides and then watched the fire works. We had great sits and Johnny was amazed at the sight. We finished the night with cotton candy and lemonade.

Friday was the 4th of July and I was invited to attend a town event to celebrate the opening of a new park in our town. Music, food and fun in the sun.

Saturday and Sunday was more on the quiet side, just us doing our normal things.

Hi again,

This past week was busy with family things. Monday through Wednesday was our usually routine but the rest was family time.

Thursday we quickly did the running around and got back home hoping to go out on the boat but the weather was not so nice so we stayed home and did things around the house. By the end of the day, John and Johnny was able to go for a small boat ride while I stayed home and got some things done.

Friday, we were able to get out on the boat and spent the day swimming and sailing. Poor Johnny got scared when he jumped into the water and swam his little heart out to get back to the boat. Then while playing on the raft, John accidentally flipped it and threw Johnny and I over board, Johnny was done at that point and was happy to play on the boat for the rest of the time. That evening we headed over to John's sisters house for a birthday party. It was late when we got home but no one was tried so we hung out outside and fell asleep in the hammock. When we got cold we went inside.

Saturday we volunteered to help plant some bushes and flowers in our community and spent a good part of the day doing it. Even Johnny was helping with digging up dirt, putting it into his wheel barrel and watering the plants. Afterward we went to the library to a book reading club party. We enrolled him in a reading club for the summer, knowing he is only four it is mostly to teach him that reading can be fun. We finished the evening watching a movie.

Sunday we did our normal routine.

This coming week will be active with family things too.

By the way, if you are reading this and wondering how in the world would they be able to fit another child into their lives. Well, we are doing extra things with Johnny this year knowing that when we do get a baby things will slow down for awhile.

Update for those that read all the journals, Mr. Ret comes to visit on a daily basis and we fed him his nuts. He won't let us touch him any more but that is okay because I want him to move on with his life.

We had a great weekend. Thursday we went for a boat ride over to Grandpa's house and played. Friday we did our running around, went for a bike ride to our community beach. Met up with the neighbors daughter and her friends from school. (School's out now) They found a turtle on the beach laying eggs and did not know what to do. So we instructed them to leave the eggs in the sand and called the our local wild life rescue department to see what to do. (Leave them in the sand) It was a fun afternoon working with the kids.

Saturday was our busy day! Johnny wanted to ride his bike in the town park, so we pack his bike up and headed to the bike trail. We spent a good hour there for him to ride, John jogged and I walked beside him as we went through the nature/bike trail. We got home and John wanted to go for a quick boat ride for lunch. Then we promised Johnny to take him to the local sprinkler park. When we got home from the sprinkler park, we took our baths and was ready to go the Johnny's dance recital. The recital was a great event! The audience enjoyed watching all the little kids try their best to dance. We were so proud of Johnny and it appears that he does not have stage fright. Even John was in the recital with other dads. Johnny and I were proud of him too. We did not get home until past 10pm and we all were still so excited that we could not sleep.

Sunday, since it was a late night before we slept in and forgo going to church today. Johnny and I stayed around the house to do our cleaning, baking and washing clothes. Well, I did that and Johnny just played. When I had enough of cleaning, Johnny and I went outside, read books in the hammock and ran around in the back yard fighting with the bad guys. (Johnny's into the super hero's now.)

All of our busy days are over for the summer and now we can start relaxing!!!!

Hey there, this week end was filled with family events. Friday, we did our running around and in the evening we went to the local town beach for a drive in movie the Town was hosting. We packed the chairs, snacks and drinks. The parking lot was full of autos, big and small. We got out of the car and played on the beach for a little while then got our chairs and snacks and sat up front to get a better view. We finished the evening with a drive down the beach road looking for deers and rabbits.

Saturday, we did the normal library and dance class but then headed out on the boat for fishing and swimming. No fish but we had a great time swimming. We ended our day at home with a movie.

Sunday, it's Fathers Day and John has to work. Johnny called him and wished him a happy Fathers Day. It's a little cloudy out but the sun should be out soon. Johnny and I are packing the car to go to the town sprinkler park to stay cool.

To all the birth-fathers out there, HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! Thank you for your loving support and allowing other men to be "Dads."

This coming week should be quiet except for Monday with John at his last dance class before the recital and I with the homeowners association meeting.

This week was not as busy but still active. We all took Johnny's actual birthday off. He had his annual check up at the doctors then we went out on the boat to go swimming. When we got home, we got cleaned and went out to dinner to celebrate. Johnny wanted to wear his birthday hat out and everyone wished him a "Happy Birthday!"

The next few days we just did our normal things and today we are having family over. On birthdays, we have a special family dinner were all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins come over.

Update on Mr. Ret: since the time we let him go, he has not come back into the house and for the first few days, he stayed close by and played with us. Over the last two days, we did not see him and we were getting worried something happen but this morning we saw him in our neighbor's yard with other squirrels. So we figured he has moved out. I was hurt by this, it felt like I was losing a son but I am very happy to see him with other squirrels.

Sorry that I haven't written in awhile, this week was busy. We were getting ready for Johnny's big birthday party.

Have you ever noticed that even though your house is clean and when you are throwing a party you run around like a mad women and clean every thing twice? Then after the party you have to clean it again!!!

We started off this weekend with a busy Friday. Even though Johnny doesn't go to pre-school on Thursday or Friday we went up there to get his pictures taken with his class for picture day. While we were there John and I got to play with the other kids. I was able to read a book for story time and play freeze dance with them. John juggled balls and looked through family photos of the kids. While the kids were in taking photos, John and I set up the room for a birthday party. We brought balloons and birthday decorations, the kids were excited when they returned. We ordered pizza and ice cream for all the kids and before we left had a pinata filled with candy. All the kids thank us for the party and was sad to see us leave.

Then we came home, John finished some small clean up jobs while I started baking the cup cakes for Johnny's party on Saturday.

In the late afternoon, we had to get back into the car and go to Johnny's and John dress rehearsal for the upcoming dance recital. Oh my, it was the cuties thing to see all the kids in their costume and up on stage. I have to say, Johnny was not shy being on the stage! I can not wait to see the actual show.

Saturday was very busy. While Johnny and I did our normal things, library, dance class and food store, John stayed home and got the outdoor things ready for the party. When Johnny and I got home, I got right to cooking for the party. The kids started to arrive at 1:30pm and the ponies and farm animals came at 2:00pm. Kids lined up for a ride and received a cowboy/girl hats as party favors. The ponies were a big hit! Later we had a pizza, mac-n-cheese, chicken nuggets and tater tots. The parents ate pizza and baked ziti. We put the water sprinkler on and had many games and toys to play. At the end we sang happy birthday to Johnny and enjoyed cup cakes and popcorn. (I forgot to put out the ice cream) then each kid received a goody bag filled with a toy, noise maker, chips and candy. By the end, we all were tried and had a good night sleep.

But wait, I forgot to update you on Mr. Ret!!!! Over the week, we have been letting him out during the day and inside at night. Well one day, Mr. Ret did not return home and we were so scared something happen. Not only that but that night it rained hard. I could not sleep all night and kept going out to look for him. Finally in the morning we spotted him and he came down. We brought him in to give him water and food. He slept the rest of the day in his home. By Friday, he was starting to show signs of wanting to go back outside but some of my friends wanted to see him before letting him go so we waited until after the party on Saturday. After we cleaned up from the party, we got Mr. Ret and said our good lucks and wished him the best. John climb the tree nailed his home to the tree. Then I handed Mr. Ret to John so he could put him in his home. Mr. Ret was so happy, he was jumping and climbing everywhere. This morning I went out to see if he was still around and there he was climbing down a tree looking for breakfast. It was nice to see!!!

So it is Sunday morning and know I have to get the day started and get back to my normal schedule. Talk to you soon.

Over the weekend we did our normal things. We also got Johnny's pictures for his upcoming 4th birthday. I have been running around and getting things ready. This coming Saturday his is party.

Mr. Ret is now mostly outside during the day but still comes in at night. Some of our friends wanted us to hold off on completely releasing him until Johnny's birthday party so they can see him.

John has been getting ready to the dance recital in mid-June.

Other than that it has been quiet.

Over the last couple of days, we have been a little busy.

We were able to time Mr. Ret first meeting of outside squirrels yesterday. At first it appeared that the other squirrels were trying to make friends but then I hear Ret crying from way up in the tree. John got the ladder and climb the tree, he was able to get Ret but then he got away and went higher. We tried everything to get him down with no luck.

After we returned from Grandpa's house, Ret was ready to come home and I climbed the ladder and got him. He was happy to be back home. Oh, well it was our first major attempt and we are going to work on it.

Today was also busy, we had the roof replaced. Johnny and I got out of the house and went shopping!!! (Now, even though in the past postings I say we are running around it is mostly to the post office, bank, food shopping, library or other things. I rarely go shopping but when I do, we make a day of it.)

Now it is late in the afternoon the roof is done and we are off to the local pool for a dip, so I have to cut this short.

Hope to hear from you soon!

I could not sleep and it is 5am. I have been on the Internet reading stories from birthmom's, adopted moms, and adoptees. Some of the stories were heartbreaking and others were a joy. But it is nice to know we are not alone out there.

As a birthmom I am sure you have a lot of questions, concerns and feelings about what you are going through. I know I do.

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Life has been on the quiet side at our home, we have just been hanging around. I am starting to gear up for Johnny's birthday party. Having about 15 to 20 kids coming.

Gotta get some sleep. Good Night

The long weekend was busy but relaxing at the same time.

Saturday, Johnny and I had a late start since there was no dance class. We went to the library and returned the items we borrowed and got a few more things. Off to the post office, bank then food shopping. The rest of the day we spent playing in the back yard.

Sunday, we cleaned house (Johnny is learning to make his bed, needs more practice but good enough for his age.) Baked blue berry muffins. Then off to our friend's house for a bar-be-que. We enjoyed playing water fight in the pool with other kids. I being the only adult in the pool with all the kids, I had a big target on my head. Johnny got to show off his jumping into the water. By the time we left, it was getting close to bed time and Johnny fell asleep on the way home and slept for 12 hours.

Monday was more of a peaceful time, we hung around the house. No extented family party during this holiday, John's family usually splits up to the in-laws and my family is down south.

Mr. Ret is doing well, we have been bringing him outside everyday and each time he is getting better at staying out. He is also starting to want to explore the surroundings outside of his little area. I left his door open today and the next thing I hear is Johnny calling me to let me know Ret is in the living room. This is a good sign that his is starting to get ready to leave the 'nest.'

Today was a beautiful sunny day but windy. We quickly did our yard work and then headed out to the local amusement park for the day.

Johnny must have rode each ride at least five times each. I believe his favorite was the water log ride and by the end of the day, both John and Johnny were soaked!!!

We ended our day with an ice cream.

Today we stepped away from our normal routine. While John went on an all day mission with our local US Coast Guard, Johnny and I ran a few earns before going to the local pool for a swim.

During the winter we enrolled him in a swimming class which he passed. We decided not to re-enroll him until the fall since we will be at the beach a lot during the summer. Today he did well, we swam using our legs. He still does not get the idea about using his arms at the same time. But one big goal was meant today, he learned to jump in the pool without holding onto my hand. Once he realized that he could do it safely he was able to do it a lot.

Now that you are learning about us, why not tell us about what your life is like.

It is Wednesday and we have completed one full week of updating you what our normal life is like.

When I picked Johnny up from pre-school I found find holding hands with a little girl, Victoria. Now at first I thought this was the cutest thing but when I question him about it he told me that she was his 'girlfriend.' Then the 'Mom' part of me kicked in and I was a little jealous that I was not the only girl in his life. We had a little talk that no matter how big he gets, he will always be my 'little man.' He gave me a hug and said 'I love you.' Well, that did it, that was all I needed to hear, I am still number one.

I hope you just read the above knowing a I was telling it with a little of sense of humor.

Normally on Wednesdays, I go the gym and get a workout while John and Johnny spend time together. Nothing major happens just us being a family.

Well, now you know the normal things we do, I can start updating you on other things as they happen.

Last night while John was at dance class, I was on the Internet looking for 70's disco clothes for him to wear at the dance recital. When he got home he gave me a preview of the dance and I must say he is really trying hard to do a good job.

Johnny and I had a quite night eating dinner and cherry pie. When it was bed time we raced to see who would get to his bed first. I normally read a few small books to him or since he is learning to read now, he sometimes reads a book to me. We also have a pre-school workbook that we sometimes do. When John got home, Johnny was still not asleep and wanted his Dadar. Normally when John puts him to sleep, John tells bedtime stories.

It's Monday and as we wanted to let you know how a normal week was at our home.

We have enrolled Johnny into a pre-school for three days, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We felt pre-school would give him the opportunity to socialize with other kids and learn things that we might not think of. He loves going and has made a few best Friends.

During this time Susan is self employed and works during this time. Since she is self employed she is able to determine her hours and days as long as the work gets done. When Johnny was little she worked mostly from home. John is also at work today.

Tonight, John is going to a dance class to rehearse for Johnny's dance recital that Susan talked him into being involved.

Both Johnny and Susan is at home just waiting for your call. By the way, at times when we tell him someone is coming over, he thinks it is his new baby. So please call and make his wish come true.

Sundays are more relaxing, we try to go to church and get our house work done. I am on the board of our homeowners association and usually I try to get that work done. Today's job is getting the mailings ready for the upcoming ice cream party at the beach and the quarterly newsletter.

Throughout the day, I try to bake a few things for the week, this week I made banana nut muffins and cherry pie, fresh lemonade and ice tea. I am no way a 'Betty Crocker' type of person but I do enjoy baking when I can. I find baking more enjoyable and relaxing than cooking our daily meals.

After all this is done, we take the rest of the day and enjoy being a family.

Update on Mr. Ret, he is doing well and growing big. We have been trying to take him outside in the mornings. We almost had another squirrel come close enough to encourage interaction with Ret but he was to scared and ran back into our house. Each day we will put him out but in the mean time, we really enjoy having him. we are learning what squirrels like and realized that they are playful just like cats and dogs, they show affection just like any other animal.

Thank goodness today is over.... It was busy and no time to sit. We over booked ourselves with things to do so John and I had to split up and get things done.

We belong to a yacht club that requires you to attend a certain amount of social events. So off he went this morning in the little boat, picked up his father and over to the beach for a barbecue. Coming home looking like a lobster or a french fry, depending on where you are from.

Johnny and I started our day off going to the library to return our books and videos. We picked up a few more while we where there. Then off to dance class, he loves going and seeing his friends. There is one little girl, Jordyn, which he calls his 'girl friend.' There are two girls and three boys in his class. After class we had about an hour before we had to get his pictures taken for dance recital so we quickly grab lunch while I finished fixing his hat.

His dance group were all dressed up and looked so cute. They had their pictures done in no time. Miss Beth, his dance teacher, said they were all very good and were 'hams' for the camera.

Next we went food shopping, fought over the ice tea lemonade from Starbucks and raced around the store like Speed Racer. Got home put the food away and headed out the door for Jordyn's birthday party. Kids running around and laughing. Then there was a ball fight between the kids and the adults, which was so fun.

The one thing we did not have time for and I wish we did, I had booked us to have dinner and a movie at the library but the time frame was not good so I canceled. Next time...

Now it is late in the day, I am tried and ready for bed!!!

Okay its Friday and its family day. It is also a rainy day here so the two boys, John and Johnny slept in while I was up doing things. We decided to go out for breakfast and go bowling. Afterward we went to the movie rental place and got a few movies for tonight. The one thing great about John having Thursday and Friday off is there was no one at the bowling alley and movie store.

We are going to have a quiet evening and rest up because tomorrow will be busy, more about that later.

Here is a typical Thursday at our home. John has Thursdays and Fridays off. We get up in the morning have breakfast together. Get dress and head out for earns. During the running around we stop over Grandpa's house for awhile and grab lunch at Johnny's favorite place "Wendy's" for chicken nuggets, french fries and chocolate milk. We finish our earns and head home. Since it was such a nice day, we went out for a boat ride. Now it is getting be late in the afternoon and we will be off to visit our friend Adrienne and her kids. One of them will be in a play tonight and we can not wait to see it.

Now that the summer is starting, we will be spending a lot of time at the beach and summer events. We are planning a few for our family and friends. The first one will be Johnny's up coming birthday party. Invitations went out and people are responding. More as time goes on. Talk to ya soon.

Mr. Ret now has a house to call his own. Both John and Johnny built Mr. Ret a home. It was the cutest thing to watch. While John was cutting the wood and nailing the pieces together, Johnny ran upstairs to his toy box and got out his tools. He came running down saying "Dadar, Dadar wait! I got my tools!"

John gave him a piece of wood to use which did not last long before Johnny realized his tools was not cutting it. Then he tried to hammer the nails.

Mr. Ret loves his new home and the cats have realized that Mr. Ret is apart of the family and checks in on him.

He is growing big and we are hoping to start taking him outside this week-end and seeing if he will 'walk away' but it might be a little to soon. We will see. If he does, I will miss him.

Today is Mother's Day, after calling my Mom and wishing her love, (She lives down south), I spent my day with Johnny playing, watching movies and fixing his costume for his dance recital. Just a quiet day at home.

On a day like this I am so thankful of having Johnny but I always stop and think of his birthmom. We tried calling her today to wish her a happy Mother's day but her phone was disconnected. Johnny and I wanted to share with her the story of Ret, his up coming dance recital and his 4th birthday party. Since we can not talk to her, we will send a card with pictures and a video wishing her our love.

To all the birthmother's out there, we thank you for allowing us adoptive parents the opportunity of being moms and dads. Our family wishes you the best on Mother's Day!!

Well, we have had Ret for about a week now and he has become one of the family. The cats aren't to sure about this but leaves him alone.

Ret loves hiding in my pocket while I clean his home and he enjoys playing with Johnny. We bring him outside in hopes that other squirrels will be around but Ret just gets scared and hides in my pocket again.

We are enjoying the new addition to the family but we hoping that in the next week or two we can let him go free. Some of our friends say this will be hard because Ret might not want to go but we will see. John is building him a nice home and we are going to put in the tree out back.

We dream of having a new baby in our home. Johnny wants to be a big brother and keeps asking for a brother or sister. Please help us fill our dream.

Today John went to throw the garbage out this morning and found a baby squirrel curled up by the back door. Thinking it was injured and might die, John wrapped it up in a towel and left it in the down stairs bathroom for me to look at.

Once I got down stairs, I noticed the squirrel was not injured and scared. We got together a box and bedding for him and headed to the pet store to see what we needed to do to help him get well.

By the evening the baby squirrel was no longer afraid of us and was drinking milk.