We Survived the first night in Cai

After a LOOONG ride we made it last night around 9:40pm California time.  She did not do too bad on the ride.  She did have a moment where she realized "HEY, I've been in this moving Chariot for a VERY long time".  We went through who knows how many Baby Einstein and Sesame Street Dvd's, bobby sat in the back with her like a trooper (even though it KILLED his back).

She loves the hotel bed for some reason.  Maybe she is trying to tell us we need a King sized bed (good girl).  The bad thing, she would not sleep.  She slept for about an hour and a half in the car and that was a great relief.  But man, she was wound up last night.  I think she didn't fall asleep until after 1am.  But we are here she woke early and so did we, now to just get to court and get this done, then the lunch with the birth mother tomorrow.

I'll have to post pictures after court today (so everyone can see how we were forced to dress...

Another Year Another Year Backwards

Well Yesterday was 44 and I spent the day doing my and Sabrina's laundry.  Cleaning and worrying about our upcoming trip to Cali.  No, I'm not at all worried about the court proceeding or anything to do with the Adoption.  It's the whole going to Kia's mothers house for lunch.  You just never know what to expect.  I'd hate to do anything disrespectful of her or her family.  Kia is such a nice lady and we would do anything for her but, this whole thing does have a nervous aspect.   When it's a restaurant everyone knows there is a point where you just get up and leave. Say your good byes, go your seperate ways and it's all done.  In someones HOUSE, they have more control and it's easier to manipulate the situation to your needs.  Guess it's just Grandma jitters.

Can't wait till I'm 156.  I bet I will not have any JITTERs then.  I'll be more like the NY mean curmudgeon neighbor "GET OFF MY LAWN you damn yuppies with you kids, didn't you ALL die in the 2050's!  HA.  I'm gonna love my robotic innards, (yes, this is a WHOLE different post).

I hope we get to see our Cali friends and family when we are home, it is the one thing I think we both HATE about being away.  We love the coast and loved living in Cali, but our friends, we miss SO MUCH.  I'm not so sure we have ties so close these days.  I hope in my head we do. ( Kim and Gerry are such great friends, I'm so glad we found them!) Can't WAIT till they have their kid ( I"m hoping we have a Son by then, Yeah I said it). Ok I'm going to bed, when a post crosses 2 days it's bad

 

 

It's a New ZOO Revue

Ok, not coining the old "corny show" Newzoorevue  

BUT, we had our FIRST family Zoo day and it was fun.  Kinda sad cause our girl was tired the first 30 or 40 minutes there, she had a short nap in the car.  Then she got to feed the Giraffes and see some monkey's close up and she kinda perked up from that.  Well it cost 8 billion dollars to go into the zoo on a one day pass and 80 bucks for a year long family pass. so we opted for the family pass.  Even if we only go 2 more times it is a saving of a GINORMOUS amount.  

We had so much fun as a family and for a first trip to the zoo it turned out perfect, The park was PACKED, we had several people tell us how cute or beautiful she was and that just makes your heart SWELL.  Proud parents, that is what we are.  Our girl is smart, active, cute and resourceful, who could ask for more.  She will Totally make it in the world.

Also, why do I always look like the GROUCH that stole valentines day in pics.  I look mean as hell in my pic,  Plus, those Lions were LAZY!

 

  

 

Beef Tenderloin dinner

I prepared this beef tenderloin last night for dinner and it was superb!  I was having a really difficult time trying to think of what to make for dinner, I had some steaks, a pork tenderloin, pasta and the beef tenderloin.   We don't eat a lot of red meat and I try to only have it every other week ( no not cause it's bad for you, but my crappy digestive system has a hard time digesting it).  So I did a search for the pork tenderloin and didn't like any of those recipes, didn't really want pasta, I'm not a huge fan, so searched for the beef tenderloin.  WOW, this recipe is simple and it rocks!  Talk about a beautiful piece of meat it was just divine, simple and so tasteful.

With this I made mashed potatoes that I put through a ricer (if you do not know what a ricer  check out the link)  I added fresh rosemary to the potatoes along with the usual salt and pepper plus I used heavy cream instead of milk to give them more body.  but here is the star of the show, the beef tenderloin.  I would try this if I were you, like I said, it was simple and pretty quick.

Making Bobby Cookies

I forgot, I found this recipe for Chocolate Chip cookies called Bev's chocolate chip cookies.; I am gonna try them for bobby.  He likes oatmeal cookies but not with raisins. So I thought this might be a good recipe for him. I'll have to comment on how they came out. this is supposed to be a much better for you cookie but still taste great. so we will let Bobby be the judge.

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup rolled oats 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup canola oil 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Grind oats in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy. With the mixer running, add the dry ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, at least 1 inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until firm around the edges and golden on top, about 15 minutes. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe reprinted by permission of © EatingWell Magazine. All rights reserved.

Nutrition Information about 2 1/2 dozen cookies - Facts Per Serving: Calories: 99 Fat. Total: 5g Carbohydrates, Total: 12g Cholesterol: 11mg Sodium: 64mg Protein: 1g Fiber: 1g % Cal. from Fat: 45% Fat, Saturated: 2g

The Kids

I just LOVE our nieces and nephews.   They are all pretty good kids, all smart and fun.  They all LOVE Sabrina and just adore spending time with her, (especially big cousins Christina and Natai who makes her laugh).  Christina is such a big cousin, she is VERY protective of Sabrina and always looking out for her.  I hope they ALL always stay that way and look out for each other.

I wish I had a good pic of my brothers boys, but alas, they are like their Uncle and do NOT like taking pictures.  They are good boys a little bottled up and really need to get out with friends more.  They spend the majority of their time together.  Matter O fact the middle one was accepted to ASU, U of A and NAU and doesn't want to go to any.  I know it's cause he's afraid of being without his brothers.  We keep trying to convince him to go we have told him we will help him find grants, scholarships whatever he needs. He is still on the fence and I KNOW he's not going to go.  Even his Dad is pushing him hard to go.

I hope Sabrina never has second thoughts about furthering her education, even if she is not great at everything, find the things you are good at and build upon them.  You can round yourself much easier that way by growing off those strengths.   I can't wait till I can go back to school.  (Well, honestly I can wait even MORE till we start work on number 2.  I know we probably will not have a second until mid to late 2011 or 2012, but I'm patient)

Oh well time to go do some cleaning before Missy wakes and we have to go shopping.  I LOVE taking her shopping.

G....

Well It's Official!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. May your blogs, your post, your dreams, your voices be strong in 2010!