Bows, bows, bows!

In an effort to raise money for our adoption, I (and my wonderful mother) have been up to our ears in ribbons lately.  We have been cutting, stitching, hot-glueing, and heat-searing bows!  I have really enjoyed it thus far (we'll have to see how long before that wears off).

Now I am ready to sale!  They are (I believe) priced to move at $3.75 (medium), $4.00 (large), and $4.50 (jumbo).  Just click the BOWS tab above to find out more.  Feel free to pass the word on to your friends, and let me know if you would like to just browse my collection!  There are some really cute ones.  {I am having trouble not keeping one of each print for Caroline.  How many bows does one girl need?}

Also, I am continually placing orders for new ribbon, so let me know if there is something in particular you need!

Thanks!

Little Miss Bright Side

This was one of those things that I knew, but hadn't really taken notice of.  You know what I'm talking about?  One of those things where, when someone points it out to you, you say, "Ohhh, yeah.  I know exactly what you mean."  Well, it dawned on both Philip and me recently, and now it seems to stand out to us all of the time.

Caroline ALWAYS has to rephrase things in the positive.  Always.  Without exception.  If you make any comment with a negative phrase in it, you can bank on the fact that she will be coming back at you with something positive to say.  I'll give you some examples:

• "I can't drink coffee.  I can watch grownups drink coffee, though."
• "We can't play outside because it's raining.  When it's not raining, we can play outside."
• "We can't get a toy today.  Maybe next time we can get a toy."
• "We can't hit each other.  We can tickle each other, though."

In some ways, I think she's just trying to control the things that seem out of her control.  However, being an optimist myself, I like to think that this points to the fact that she is an optimist as well.  

My Little Miss Bright Side.

Little Helper

It may have taken 20 minutes to sweep the kitchen (and another pass at it after she was down for a nap), but it's so much better to share the task with a little helper. 

Caroline asks often if she can help me cook, clean the floors/bathtub/ kitchen table/etc. (she gets her own rag and spray bottle of vinegar water), fold laundry (she's really good at washcloths), and anything else you can imagine.  I'm so glad I have an eager assistant!

One of our favorite kids' bands, Slugs and Bugs, sums up Caroline's thoughts nicely in their "I Wanna Help" song.

Thanksgiving 2011

{Still playing catch up.  Hang with me, folks.}  Shortly after Huck was born, we packed up again and headed down to Pensacola for Thanksgiving.  We were so thrilled that Daniel, Joy, and baby Danilo were able to come up this year to join in the family gathering.  We had a good time playing Bocce ball, football, and of course eating too much. 

 

 

 

 

Nana and Grumpa watched the kiddos one night so that Daniel, Joy, Philip, and I could go out to dinner.  We went to McGuire's pub, a first for Joy and me.  The ceilings are literally papered with millions of dollar bills.  The downside for them is that they have to be hand counted at tax time.

 

Four generations of family:

 


Ready for the Iron Bowl!

 

We were able to make a quick detour to Mobile on the way home in order for Philip to meet baby Huck.  Lots of cousin love that weekend!

 

Spongebob and Spiderman

Spongebob.  {shudder}  The rude rectangle of yellow sponge.  I loathe him.  Though Caroline has never seen his show, she loves him.  In fact, she goes around saying, "Mommy, I LOVE Spongebob," fairly often. 

Caroline and Spongebob first met when he emerged from the bottom of a cereal box at Mimi's house.  At that time, she called him the Yellow Square.  Then, a well-meaning cousin put a name to the character.  She knows I don't like him.  I tell her he's rude.  I think it makes her like him more.  

Today, at the doctor's office, an entire bucket of stickers was placed in front of her.  She could have chosen Tinkerbell, Tiana, or a plethora of other typical little girl stickers.  She went for the pink starfish from Spongebob (I don't even know his name).  I have no idea how she knows him, but she said, "A Spongebob guy, Mommy!" And I felt judged by all the mommies when I let her display him proudly on her chest.  

Oh, well.  He goes well with her Spiderman umbrella.  At least she throws fairy wings and a crown in the mix, too.  What can I say?  She's well rounded.  

"I want a pink brother!"

With two new nephews entering our families through birth in 2011, we took the opportunity to explain to Caroline that her new brother or sister would be coming in a very different way.

We talked about going on a plane to get him or her.  She was ecstatic about that part!

We talked about the fact that her new brother or sister wouldn't be an itty bitty baby like Danilo and Huck.  {Our age range in Colombia is 0-35 months.}  We explained to her that, in fact, he or she may be one or two years old already.  She accepted that easily enough as well.

We then went on to explain that her new brother or sister will look different than her as well.  We have several friends who have adopted trans-racially, so this is not a new concept to her.  In fact, it didn't phase her at all.  She had that cogs-turning-in-her-brain kind of look, and then exclaimed, "I want a pink brother!"

I'm Your Huckleberry

{I'm still catching up with the fall/winter happenings for the Ryle family. Who knows; maybe one day I will actually be blogging about current events!}

 

Our next big event last fall was the birth of our nephew, Huck.  He was born November 17, and I am so glad that Caroline, my parents, and I were able to be in Mobile when he came! He is a precious, sweet little thing with a dimple (see pic above) just like his daddy, my brother Matt.  Matt and Amanda better watch out.  In my experience, kids this cute have to be a handful.  :)

We also got to briefly see our Kentucky cousins, which was a fun bonus.  All the kiddos loved their new cousin Huck.

 Caroline and Anna

Laura Beth and Huck

Joshua and Huck

 

Caroline wanted to hog him the whole time 

Mimi's turn

Dressed in his gameday gear

Proud Papa

We managed to squeeze in a visit with Elizabeth, Ava, and Ellis as well.  There is always time for a dance party!!