What I Know For Sure

This little girl of mine knows how to have a good time.

She keeps me laughing.

She has a sense of humor far beyond her years....

She's been in my heart for a long time....

and in my arms for 7 years today.

Yep, it's Izzy's gotcha day.

We celebrated as a family last night with Chinese carry out.

It's the same meal every year, and we eat with our chopsticks from China.

Why last night?

Carl had marching band from 5-8 tonight...don't get me started...

This year Carl helped me set the table.

He made sure she had the "you are special" plate,

and our table runners from China were out.

Considering all the spats these two get in, it moved me to see the care he took.

I've noticed many in the adoption world have switched to "family day."

I asked Izzy if she wanted to change the name.

"No way, it's the day you got me."

She's right, and we'll continue to celebrate Gotcha Day for a long time.

After she went to bed, I did what I've done for the last six years...

Logged into our old yahoo group to check in with the other six families.

It's been 7 years since we've seen each other,

but we'll never forget that day.

Tonight with so many things on my plate, it's this pic that puts it all into perspective.

So much to be thankful for,

and so thankful for my little rainbow from above.

I love you Isabella CaiHong Johnson.

CaiHong means rainbow,

and she'll always be mine.

Happy Birthday Izzy

Last Sunday we celebrated your 7 years!

Your brother even sat by you!

Mommy has been taking a walk down memory lane.

Here's the first glimpse we had of you,

delivered via fed ex truck....

Home from China and bonding with your sister....

best of buddies,

dancing,

playing at a campsite,

hugging a little bit too hard,

celebrating,

sharing secrets,

playing staring games,

and just being,

together....

Here is to you Izzy.

I love you and the person you are becoming,

each and every day.

I love your style,

your laugh,

your ability to light up a room,

the way you care for others,

and that you are my daughter.

Love,

Your Mom

Hanging

With this sweet girl in her classroom this morning.

So fun to be Picture Person today.

Thanks Izzy for working so hard in school.

You make me smile.

Love,

Your Mom

Who's On Duty?

In our house it's a big deal to lose a tooth. Here is Sofi, wiggling away.

Izzy is contemplating being a dentist, and has already lost two teeth. Here she is giving Sofi some assistance.

A little floss did the trick, and here she is clutching her tooth while calling Papa. Notice she dressed up a bit to talk on the phone? This is a big deal...because Papa knows which tooth fairy is on duty each night. For the first tooth, it's usually Matilda. One never knows quite what the tooth fairy may need, or what the tooth fairy will do while she visits. She may string up your room, or put your toys in bed with you, or write a secret message with toothpaste or anything else she can find. Only Papa really knows, and that's pretty cool.

To quote Izzy, "We are lucky because we have a Grandpa who knows the tooth fairy. Here's our board in the kitchen for all of those special quotes.

Laughing Out Loud

I was a Brownie drop-out in kindergarten. Seriously. I hated it. I walked Linnea home from school while Carl and the girls were eating their cookies and milk. We were greeted at the door by Sofi & Izzy (see pic) with this prepared speech, "We're fundraising for girlscouts. Would you like to buy some cookies?" Attached to the plate is a note which reads, "Cookies is good. Love, Sofi & Izzy." I laughed out loud.
I'll take fresh-baked cookies anytime.Here today's EASY special:Cake Box Cookies-Take any box of cake mix, add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of oil. Mix. Roll into balls. Bake at 350 for 8-19 minutes. Fast, easy and delicious.
While making the dough, I caught Izzy with her hands in the bowl. "Mom, you really do have eyes on the back of your head. I thought you were joking about that!"