HAPPY RE-ADOPTION DAY

Finally after almost 4 years home, we met in the Honorable Judge Lane's chambers to finalize the re-adoption of our precious Margaret Katherine Xiao. Her name is now legally and offically changed to Margaret Katherine Xiao, she will get a new birth certificate with Mark's and my names as the parents, and she can now apply for an American passport thus changing her status from permanent resident to citizen of the U.S. Thanks to the boys, Maggie was terrified to go to the re-adoption hearing. They watch all of these court t.v. shows where the judge rips into the petitioners...she thought that was going to happen to her. Poor thing. The lesson is that children are always listening and watching and coming to conclusions. Anyway...hip hip hooray....happy adoption day. Oh, just a note...unfortunatlely the picture with the judge (that I had held a place in Maggie's lifebook for)is blurry. Now I am going to have to go to Plan B.

Finally, Pix of Someone Other Than Maggie

After years of sitting on the sidelines cheering for the boys (while Mark coached them), I finally made it to my first soccer game of the season(it was their third from the last game). Unfortunately, they lost 7 to 1, but Brennan made their one goal, so it wasn't all bad. They are having fun playing soccer and have several of their good friends on their team. They have been blessed with a nice little posse of guys. The other big news is that Josh has a "girlfriend." As of this Wednesday, they will have been going out for 1 month. So, if you are wondering who the little teenage girl in the bleachers with Maggie is, it is Kate, Josh's little girlfriend. Oh yeah, Josh is number 24 and Brennan is 18.

The Little Mommy

I just came around the corner after updating our blog and found Maggie watching t.v., with all her baby dolls lined up behind her....She is such a good little mommy. I just couldn't resist adding these pix.

Thank You, God, Spring has Sprung...Again

What a fun day we had today. Thankfully, the temperature warmed up, and we were able to spend the whole afternoon outside. While I was watering plants, Maggie, Lia, and our neighbor, Michael discovered a leak in the hose and started playing in it. Before long, Michael had stripped down to this bday suit and was playing in the hose. The girls, being more modest, opted to don their swimsuits and joined in on the fun. What a happy day. Needless, to say, I won't be including Michael in any of the pictures.

Mag's Last Soccer Game

Mag's soccer team, The Bears, had their last game on Saturday. She was the only girl on her team, and when Mark was handing out their little trophies, he deemed her "the team princess." That elicited a BIG grin. We often refer to Mag as the Energizer Bunny because she does not require a lot of sleep and has an incredible amount of stamina and energy. That proved to be true of soccer, too. She wasn't very interested in trying to get the ball, she just ran around the pack like a little herding dog. Even after the play had stopped, her little feet were still running in place. Soccer proved to be a great opportunity for Mag to hang with Daddy and the boys, without me. She loved having Daddy as her coach, and the boys are hoping that Mag will turn out to be the next Mia Hamm. They may need to work with her a little bit more before that happens.

One Dancing Princess

A Day at Ballet

Maggie thoroughly enjoys going to ballet. She loves her teacher and has come so far in the class. When she started, she was a real shrinking violet, and she has just blossomed. She talks when called on and engages with the other students. I am so proud of her. It is a joy and a blessing watching her mature and find her confidence.

Easter Egg Hunt 2

Boy, it sure doesn't feel like Easter here. We woke up to 24 degree yesterday morning. Despite the weather being in the 30s, we got together with our small group last night and had an Easter egg hunt with the kids. Between us, we have 17 children, with only 10 of those participating in the hunt. The big kids were the egg hiders. I watched long enough to snap a few pix of Mag, and then I headed straight back to the house. I HATE COLD WEATHER!!!!

Last Day in Dalas, Life on the Ranch

Well, we are wrapping up the trip. Mom treated Mag and me to a pedicure and manicure. Mag picked bright orange, very cute!!! Then we went out for lunchat an Asian Bisto where Maggie slurped up a sizeable bowl of noodles. Meanwhile, the boys spent the morning with Scott doing boy things. We got to help their neighbor feed amd brush the horses, but we got home too late to ride, which was the original plan. Next time. Unfortunatley, the camera broke, so I can't share the pix of the boys feeding the horses their oats. The kids plan on hot tubbing tonight, and then Scott is treating them to ice cream. WE will hit the road early tomorrow morning, land in Bham, and drive back to Atlanta. We should arrive home by mid-afternoon. Back to the real world!!!!

Dallas Day Three

As my friend Carolyn readily points out when I am frustrated with Hayden's inattentiveness..."The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." The same can be said for me and my mom. After we had a nice picnic at a local park, mom dropped me off at the ranch and she took the kids to the movie. I got a rare break from motherhood, and I used it to prepare school work for Maggie and Lia (we are home preschooling). Several hours into this alone time, the phone rang and it was Brennan informing me that I needed to come pick them up at Walgreen's because my mom couldn't find the car keys. Lest we forget the time I couldn't find my car keys, the boys had to come pick Maggie, Hayden, and I up at the mall (they only had their permits), and then the car had to be towed and new keys made (to the tune of $800.00). Just hours after the new keys were made, Parisian called and said that they had found my keys inside a shoe box. Happily today's story had a happy ending. Just as I was getting home with the kids, and Josh was turning around to go and get my mom (in the Lexus convertible, which he LOVES to drive), my mom came pulling up into the driveway. The rest of the afternoon the kids spent swimming and then Brennan grilled burgers out on the grill for us.