The Secret Recipe for A Hoppe Family

Happy Post Thanksgiving...

2011-11-27T01:43:00.000-05:00

4 months have passed and I think this year I will reach my all time blogging low. I'm just sitting around bored and watching an old movie, so I thought I'd catch up on my posts...Since we last saw each other....

I'm working more now, almost full time. Sometimes I'm in Westchester cty NY, which is a long drive.
Kurt gifted me with a lovely new car, a Honda CRV. Kelsey and I named her Fancy (as in Fancy Nancy) and yes she is very Fancy.
We had our annual reunion with our China Travel Group in October at the Lillis' home in CT. We had such a great time and the girls and guys loved playing together!
We finished summer and Kelsey began first grade. She likes school and is beginning to make new friends. That being said, we are having some challenges with one of her K friends. Trying to work it out to what's best for the kids.
I am looking for a tutor for Kelsey again. She struggles with reading and math. We'll get there eventually.
The family grew again this fall, as my BIL Rich and SIL Liz welcomed new son Marshall Owen at the end of October into their family. He's a cutie and I think we'll be making a road trip in Jan. We finally were able to get to MD and meet baby Ellie (who turned one) in August.
We had some electrical work done on the house and had it painted. Looks fabulous now and we haven't had to reset the breaker in months!
We had a hurricane in August that dumped a foot of water into the basement. and had a freak snowstorm in Oct. Global warming indeed.
Kelsey started her 4th year of ballet. I may be prejudiced, but she is a very graceful dancer.
In September, we began our first year of Brownies. Looks like it's going to be fun!
Kelsey hosted a Halloween party for her K classmates - it was a blast!
We hosted Thanksgiving here with my Sister's family. We had a great day.
Maddie is one now and such a joy to us all. She is a bit of a chewer, but such a love sponge.
Kelsey lost her first two teeth this summer. They were the center bottoms and her adult teeth were growing right behind them. They filled in nicely.

Joy....

2011-07-15T22:03:00.000-04:00

I have to say that summer 2011 is fairly happy. The reason for all this bliss? Kelsey of course :) And having the time and some resources to enjoy her sweetness. Let me delve into Kelsey's personality for a minute. She wakes up happy...wanting to know what she is doing that day. She snuggles with me and then she wants her Daddy...craving the tickles and fun he brings. The minute she wakes up, she wants to "watch her show" (and sometimes I cave ---it's always Nick Jr.)

Kelsey enjoys her life. She skips and dances when she could walk, she says "hello" to everyone she meets and she has a smile on her face while she does it. Yesterday in the middle of walking Maddie (the dog) we stopped to speak with a neighbor. He was pulling weeds in his lawn and Kelsey quickly stepped in to lend a hand. She did a good job and he paid her a hearty thanks and gave her a quarter. She thanked him without me prompting her :) Kelsey is a social child and enjoys making new friends. We began a daycare/camp two weeks ago and when she enters the space, kids yell out "hey, it's KELSEY!" (one child saw me and didn't see her first and asked me if I brought her :) Her Camp Leader says she makes friends easily and adjusts well to new situations. Tomorrow is her last day at Trini Camp (where she'll attend her new school) and she has told me (again smiling) this is HER school now and she likes it! She's attending a cooking class and enjoying making food.

Next week we begin swim lessons at our county pool. We are looking forward to them. Tomorrow, after camp, I am taking her to Pottery Barn Kids for a Doll Tea Party. She's really looking forward to it.

Since I've last blogged, Kelsey graduated from Kindergarden, started camp, started her reading program and turned SIX with a birthday extravaganza. It is my joy and privledge to raise this child....I still can't believe she's really mine to love and cherish...and she's the happiest person I know. If I could bottle her love of life and happiness...well life would be sweeter for us all! Here are a few photos from the last few weeks in the very happy life of the very happy Kelsey Hoppe!

The night before Kelsey graduates Kindergarten

2011-06-15T23:59:00.006-04:00

She is blissfully asleep, but is kicking the heck out of me. I'm so excited for Kelsey - she is making such a big step to graduate K and leave the safety and comfort of the Giving Nest. My Baby is growing up and I am delighted in how wonderfully smart and talented she is. I'm also sad that my Baby is growing up...as every Mom most likely is.

Kelsey's first Teacher at the Giving Nest caught me this AM and asked me if I was going to cry...silly Kelly...OF course I'm going to cry tomorrow....my Baby is literally leaving the NEST! :)

I've said this for the last two years, I can't believe how wonderful her class is this year. Every child is great and she's made some Fantastic Friends this year. Adult Kelsey reading this, please smile at the memory of Emily, Alyssa, Catherine, Jasmine, Lily, Cadence, Ben, Ameer, Adian, Liam, Paul, and Joe. What a great group of friends you've made this year!

I spent about 4 months planning her Summer this year. We have joined our county pool (which looks like a country club!) and I signed her up for swimming lessons. She's going to Trini-Camp in July and at the end of June will start a 6 week program at Rutger's Continuing Education. Kelsey is close to reading....she knows all her letters and sounds, she needs to make the leap to putting them together and sounding them out. We have a tutor until August and also she'll spend 2 days each week at GMB's "camp" which focuses on education. She should have a fabulous summer and go into first grade happy and prepped for learning.

I'm excited about this next step of her education. Holy Trinity is an excellent school (poised for blue ribbon next year) and with the small class sizes (only 2 classes per grade and about 15 children in each class) it's a comfortable next step in her independence. I don't think I would ever have a comfort level in throwing her into a large public school where there are 5 classes in each grade of 25 students.

On the horizon for next week, Kelsey has a flying up to Brownies ceremony after spending a fun year as a Daisy Scout. Next Friday night is her dance recital and on July 9th she'll have a double birthday party (afternoon for her friends and evening for her family). We also have a lot of friends' parties coming up too....we are busy busy!!!!

Speaking of Family....this time of year I am missing my Mom dreadfully. She should be here front and center for all the fun things going on in her Granddaughter's life. I am so sad and missing her...especially when I will see all her friends' Grandmother's watching their little darlings Graduate, Fly up, and Dance.

Thank Goodness Kurt has been able to take the time for tomorrow and will be attending Kelsey's graduation. He had to miss her Pre-K one last year, so we were hoping things would be different and they are! :)

I'm leaving you with some photos of my baby as she started her school career and now :)

Kelsey's first day of Pre-School as a Ducking in 2009

Kelsey was a Cardinal in Sept 2010

Kelsey graduated from Pre-K (only a year ago!)

Her first day in Kindergarten (she was a Senior in her school!)

Just taken last week.....

Peace out!

A Playroom fit for a Princess!

2011-04-12T20:31:00.013-04:00

named who had so many toys, they were taking over her family's living spaces. Her Mommy, the Queen thought she might be able to make a playroom in the basement, but it looked like this:

which, as you can see, was a pretty dreary, dirty and sad place...no place for a beautiful Princess to play with all her pretty toys!

But the Queen was determined...and worked every week in the basement for months...throwing out stuff, organizing and cleaning the room up...until it was finally ready for some paint. So she painted the walls a cheery yellow and blue. And epoxied the floor so it looked like a sandy beach...the Queen also had some furniture from her Mom's house and wanted the room to look like a whimsical beach house plus toy storage.

Finally the room was ready for the little Princess....and here is what she saw:

This is the dress-up corner, where the Princess and all her Princess friends get to change into their costumes, wear tiaras and pretty sparkly Tiaras and jewelry and pose in from of the mirrors.

This is where the Princess plays with her doll houses and stores the Royal Barbies, Polly Pocket and My Little Pony Paraphanalia This is the main game/storage wall where the Princess can see everything she can play with all at once. We never realized how many games we had until we put them all on display.

This is the Royal Papasan Chair that the Queen found on Craiglist. The Princess adores this chair and has dubbed it the "hot tub" at her Beach House. You can see the Princess adores her new playroom and is having lots of fun rediscovering all the toys we organized.

This was my Mom's couch and table and chairs, which set the beachy theme for this room. The blue/white curtains are shower curtains which I hung from eye screws and rope from the ceiling joists. I chose shower curtains because this is a basement that we have lots of storage hiding behind. I can slide the curtains back and grab what I need.

Even Ariel likes to hang out in the new playroom now.

And the Queen is thrilled that all the Royal toys are no longer hanging out in the Royal living room!

The End (or really, the beginning of lots of new playdates in the new playroom!)

Every Three Months?

2011-03-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

Wow, JoAnn...you are not performing up to expectations on your blogging assignments!

Here is the low down on life at Casa de Hoppe as of today:

1) I'm working as an Independent Consultant in the non profit world. I like it (wish I made a bit more $$$) but right now, it's working well. It's a part time gig which gives me great flexibility to care for our sweet girl.

2) Maddie is the most amazing puppy ever. I completely love her and adore spending time snuggling with her. She's slowly potty training and I'm patient with it for the most part.

3) Kurt started an amazing job a few weeks ago....I'm so proud of him! He's doing so well professionally!

4) Kelsey has been attending lots of birthday parties lately. We love her friends :)

5) I just finished volunteering at the Giving Nest's Annual Tricky Tray. It was exhausting and fun.

6) Summer plans are shaping up for our Princess. On the agenda are:

A summer reading program at Rutgers
Summer camp sessions at Holy Trinity Summer Camp
A stint at another camp in town (Ginny's)
Summer tutoring

I'm putting Kelsey in some academic programs this summer because she's resisting reading. Most of her class are good readers and she may be lagging because she's younger than most of her classmates and due to the adoption hit most of her milestones later than normal. She's a perfectly normal, lovely child, but she needs to get her reading butt in gear and begin. Todays' Kindergartners are expected to finish their K year reading and I don't want her to lag behind in first grade.

7) Speaking of first grade, I agnonized over where to send her to school. Ultimately I chose a Catholic School in a town a few towns over from ours. This is a good school (about to be Blue Ribbon selected) and her two dearest classfriends are also registered there for fall. The deciding factor for me was that I went to the Superintendent's office to discuss our options...we had none. either I put her in a school that wasn't right for her academically or diversity-wise or send her to Private School. We can't really afford this, but when I told Kurt that there are zero Asian students in the school they'd force upon us and the Assis't Superintendent herself told me that she wouldn't send her own children to that school...well, what does that say to you? Anyway, we went to an open house before we applied and both Kurt and Kelsey are really excited about this school. I think it will be both nuturing, supportive and will provide our little Diva (yes Kelsey, YOU!) with the kick in the pants she needs to jumpstart academically. (yes, we want to move, but right now that's not in the cards for 2011 -we'll see for 2012)

8) We splurged and decided to take a short vacation. Kelsey had been asking to go to Disney for, well forever! So we decided to suprise her and go! We left on March 1 (right after her big school musical show) and came home on 3/5. We had 5 days to explore the Magic Kingdon, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. She loved every single second of her adventure. I think I want to do some more posting on Disney...stay tuned (promise it won't be 3 months later)

9) I'm finally (FINALLY!!!!!) almost done with the basement refinishing. Taking it from its digusting roots to a place where you can walk barefoot has taken me months (sometimes I just left in disgust) but tomorrow I paint the final part of the floor and then I can move the furniture and cute decorative stuff in....AND all the toys! (did I mention ALL THE FREAKIN' toys?)

Leaving you with some photos of my girl's trip to "The World"

Do this...For Susan and for all the other Warrior Princesses out there...

2011-01-27T22:52:00.003-05:00

Please visit Susan's blog and read about the challenges she is facing. then please post this badge to your own blog and let the battle rage.

Susan, I am proud to do this small thing for you. Go you Warrior Princess!

Love,
Another Mom.

Top 10 positive things about 2010....

2010-12-31T11:12:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

It's been a while and I'm trying to make some peace about 2010...argueably the worst year of my life...I'm going to take a positive view on this and find the good in the year...

10. Kelsey had a wonderful 5th year birthday at a horse farm. Many of her good friends attended and had a lot of fun. We enjoyed not running the party at home.

9. Kelsey's dance recital was amazing to see. We had a spectacular time!

8. I am no longer a camping virgin and loved it! and we had a lovely short trip to Dutch Wonderland. Kelsey adored riding on all the rides!

7. Our niece Ellie was born in August....she is adorable!

6. My siblings and I are tight...I got to spend a lot of time with my brother this year. In fact I think we saw Jim more in 2010 than in the past 10 years! And I speak to my sister often...many times daily. We'd see Janet and family more, but three kids' activties plus all the working Moms and Dads, mean it's challenging to get together.

5. I treated myself to an early birthday present - a digital SLR camera. Love it!

4. I did earn money in 2010....it wasn't fun but for most of the year, I earned a living.

3. Kelsey is enjoying Kindergarten and I am enjoying taking her to the park, enrolling her in Daisy Scouts and taking her for playdates. She so deserves this because her 2009/2010 was as awful as mine!

2. Kurt loves his job, has been incredibly loving and supportive through this very rough year and understands that I'm still going through "stuff" I am blessed with a great husband.

1. Look at who joined our family this year! She was an early Christmas present for Kelsey, but I admit that she's also making me (and Kurt very happy too!) We adore her! Meet Maddie a shih-tzu/poodle mix pup we adopted in early December....she's a sweetie!

So, belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope 2011 is good to everyone and better to my everyone in my family than 2010. I wish peace, joy and happiness for all.

Can I Find a Way to Write This?

2010-08-29T22:15:00.000-04:00

I'm going to back post this date because I'd like the posting to be historically accurate.
I am sorry to announce that my Mom passed away early this morning...about 2:55am on Sunday 8/29/10.

Kurt, Kelsey and I went camping this weekend with our China Travel Group. We were having a great time in the woods...it was incredible, beautiful 100 foot tall pines, cool nights and mornings and hot afternoons...we had only gone for the weekend...

The kids were having a fabulous time, running from tent to tent...the adults had the best time as well...it was fun catching up with everyone.

I was telling some of the people in our group how sick Mom was and on Friday Janet called me to say that the hospital let her know it would be "soon" but not this weekend. She asked specifically because she knew we were camping and Jimmy had planned to visit next weekend...but the hospital was pretty positive that it wouldn't happen this weekend.

Still I had planned to see her on Friday before we left, but we left late and I rationalized that we could stop on Sunday on the way home. In hindsight I alternately beat myself up over not seeing her that last time and then I say "well when i saw her she spoke a few words to me and called me by my name" which she hadn't done in a few months.. I don't know if I could have stood seeing her so close to the end...

Sat night/Sunday morning I slept fitfully (as I usually do when I am not in my own bed) plus we were in a tent and Kicky Mc Kickenstein (aka Kelsey) was tossing and turning in our little tent. I did dream that one of the members of our travel group knocked on our tent and told me Mom had died...and that I had cried because I didn't get to see her...and then I stopped dreaming this.

About 7am, Kurt woke up and said he was going for coffee (we were "tent camping" not wildnerness camping, btw) and when he came back he asked me if I left my phone in the car...whcih I had...he said my phone was beeping and he looked and the call was from Janet...

Of course I knew at minute he asked me about the phone that my Mom must have died...so I called at 7:30 and my sister cried as she told me. For weeks I had tried to think how that moment would feel...grief or relief? what would my first emotion be? I was a little scared to think that it would be relief...even though the last year was so freakin' bad for everyone.

I am grateful that my first emotion was grief...I sobbed quietly (because my daughter was sleeping inches from me) and then I pulled it together and asked her some specifics...and made sure she was okay (I'm the big sister, that's my job) and I apologized for not being there for her because she went to the hospital to see Mom after she passed.

Kelsey woke a few minutes later and I told her Mema went to heaven...this was a pretty abstract concept for her, so she hugged me and then went to play with her friends...I was glad that she was distracted so I could pull myself together...

We were about 2 hours from my sister's so we packed our campsite fairly quickly, told the families what happened and left to go to her house...we had some decisions to make and the dreadful calls to handle...

So Mom died on 8/29, we waked her on 8/31 and interred her next to our Dad on 9/1, which was my 50th birthday...for the first time in my whole life my Mom wasn't there to wish me happy birthday...it hurt....

Mom, I hope you are happily reunited with Daddy and Nanny (my Grandmother) in Heaven...this brings me a little comfort...but three weeks later (as I am really writing this) I cannot bring myself to go to Church....

Blog Hopper - could there BE a better title for a Hoppe?

2010-08-05T23:01:00.004-04:00

Hi Fellow Blog Lovers!
Welcome to The Secret Recipe for a Hoppe Family! I'm JoAnn, Wife, Mom, Non Profit Manager (no, I won't ask you for a donation - today :) and a lover and reader of blogs.

I saw this post on Pensieve Robin's and thought it looked like fun, so I decided to play along.

A bit about me...while I am a working Mom, I am very home centric and am deeply in love with creating a lovely and welcoming home. I love to spend time with friends (mine or my daughter's) and family and enjoy a good party! I also love gardening, cooking and baking.

I came to be a Mom a bit late in the party of life - through adoption (my daughter is from China and we adopted her at 9 months old). She is 5 now and the light of our lives. My DH (aka The Trophy Husband) and I have been married over 13 years now. Life is definately interesting with the cast of characters I've surrounded myself with and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I invite you to delve into my archives and learn a bit more about me and my family...I love comments that are thoughtful and respectful and I always try hard to be hospitable! Enjoy your stay @ Casa de Hoppe :)

China Memories...

2010-08-05T22:32:00.002-04:00

Recently some memories of our travel in China came flooding back and I thought I'd create a series of posts about our experiences/travels so that Kelsey can enjoy them as she grows up.

While we were in ChangSha, we had two guides, Helen, who traveled with us throughout the country, and Leung, who was strictly in ChangSha. Leung is a young, handsome and very sweet man and Kelsey was immediately taken with him...in fact our baby girl flirted shamelessly with him and he with her!

But my memory today is about his voice...Leung loved to sing while we traveled throughout the city/country. We were in ChangSha about 7 days - which was too long for a city that isn't particularly touristy. And it was end March-early April...still a bit cold in ChangSha. I know I longed to go onto Guangzhou and experience that warm tropical air that awaited us and then finally get home and begin our lives as a family, but it was also really cool to be completely and totally out of touch with everything/everyone familiar. But I was a bit homesick and I think others were as well.

I'll never forget Leung singing John Denver's "Take me Home Country Roads" I cannot sing that song even 4 years later without choking up because I remember how powerful his voice was and the feeling of homesickness that overtook me...how I longed to be home and start our lives in NJ as a family! Singing that song with my daughter nestled either in her carried on her Daddy's chest or in my arms is such a sweet memory.

Kelsey probably didn't get a chance to sleep much in the orphanage. As a result, she slept a great deal (I presume longer than a 9 month old would normally) in her carrier, stroller, in the bus...she always took the opportunity to have a long nap...and was a pretty good sleeper for us overnight as well. I'm thankful that she either trusted us enough to fall asleep with us looking out for her.

Another 3 Months Go By....

2010-07-13T23:36:00.004-04:00

We have:

A pre-school graduate, a bonified 5 year old and a beautiful dancer who performed in an amazing show in June.

celebrated Kelsey's 5th birthday at a children's museum, down the shore riding on all the rides, at a stable with all her special friends and with cake, cupcakes and chinese food.

more pink and Barbie "stuff" in our living room than you can imagine!

had a load of fun at friends' parties this month with another one next weekend.

had a goodbye party/baby shower for BIL and SIL who have moved to Maryland this month

suffered through a bout of strep and a relapse (Kelsey)

celebrated the graduations of my nieces and nephew - Alyssa who graduated HS and is about to start college, Mikey who has graduated middle school and is about to enter HS and Marina who has graduated elementary school and is about to enter Middle School.

made the sad decision to put Mom in a Hospice Situation. Her doctors said there is no longer anything they can do for her and we are making her as comfortable as possible.

sold her house (closing next week) and will spend this upcoming weekend packing up her life (and my Dad's as well) so thankful I will have my brother and sister (and their spouses plus Kurt and Kelsey) along for this very sad surreal time.

p>I am:

Happy to be able to escape to work, where I can make someone's life better by doing my job

Sad because Kelsey is not happy that I work every day. She misses me and the time we had together last year and tells me so often.

excited to be going on vacation for the first time in 2 years! we are planning to go to Dutch Wonderland for a few days...nothing major but it will be fun

thrilled with my pre-birthday present - a Nikon D3000 with a few lenses. I am really enjoying how much better my photography has become!

grateful and thankful for the people who have stepped up with offers to help out in our times of need (and we have needed a lot this year)

not thrilled to be turning a big bad number shortly...the countdown to 50 has started!

amused to be going camping to the first time at the end of summer with our China Travel Group...should make for some "interesting stories"

enjoying spending my time with Kelsey...she's amazing and the most important person in our lives

having a personal battle with anger and trying to let it go and find forgiveness...so far anger is not in the lead..but other days...

obsessed with making the basement into a casual toy room...gonna take lots of work!

sad about my crispy garden. we have had scorching days and when Kelsey was ill it I couldn't water outside.

already missing my Mom...I have had some major sob fests during what should be happy times I get to share with her and over some scary stuff and some sad stuff where I could use her wisdom. Mom doesn't know us anymore and struggles to put more than 2 words together. I have struggled with every emotion imaginable

Enjoy the photos of my favorite subject taken with my new toy!

3 months later....

2010-04-19T23:34:00.004-04:00

Were you holding your breath waiting for me? Sorry, I took a time out.

I don't think anyone reads this anymore, and it's really my journal for Kelsey

Currently rethinking my situation...things have happened recently to open my eyes....

Trying to figure out this next few years...wish me luck...sorry this is cryptic, but needs to be for now.

Twas the Night Before Job Starts and All Through The House

2010-01-12T22:56:00.002-05:00

The creatures were stirring, including my spouse.
Well, except for a quick shower this evening, I am all set to begin my new job tomorrow.

I need and want to work, but today was extremely bittersweet - and more bitter than sweet.
I will miss being the Mommy I've been able to be to my daughter. Being home with her for almost 10 months and being completely available to her has been such a gift. When I lost my job, she was 3.5 and now she's 4.5. She's so much fun and walks a fine line between being a baby girl and being a big girl. She would argue that she's not a baby, but she still likes to be dressed by me and the hugs and snuggles are the best in the world. I don't want this to end...really I don't. That being said, some of the happiest moments of my days have been when I've dropped her off at school and gone to DD for coffee or gone shopping - but the luxury and freedom I've had has been such an incredible gift.

Also, the opportunity to do things, like organize my home, care for my Mom and just sit and think have been invaluable.

I'd like to thank my husband for being so supportive of me during my time "off." The layoff couldn't' have come at a worse time financially and he never gave me crap about pursuing the non profit work. I think he also liked the fact that I cooked and cleaned and took most of the childcare duties and when he was able to pitch in, he did it without being guilted and enjoyed himself.

Tomorrow I march into the ARC with a new planner, a packed lunch, photos of my beautiful girl and a smile. I am excited to begin this new position, knowing that the best part of me appreciates all the gifts I have.

Oh...Kelsey's first comment to me when I told her I was going back to work was "YAY, DISNEY!" (I told her ASA I go back to work we begin saving for her trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! ;) (yep, she has her priorities straight)

So, I got a job!

2010-01-10T22:24:00.002-05:00

Two months, three interviews and lots of nervous energy later, I was offered the position of Financial Development Manager of the American Red Cross in Princeton.

I was hoping to have solidified my job before the holidays, but all along I thought this was "the job" and just waited patiently (yeah, right) for them to realize it too.

I start my new career on Wed. and I am really excited about it.

Other good news in the family....

1) Mom is recovering from her latest bout of pneumonia and complications and is getting back to her own self

2) Kelsey got her first report card last week and was recommended to attend Kindergarten. She will attend Kindergarten at her private school that she currently attends. We are thrilled and proud!

Perhaps 2010 WILL be a better year for our family :)

Peace out.

10 things I learned/was reminded of in 2009...

2010-01-02T16:47:00.008-05:00

1. I am stronger than I ever realized.

2. Even if you put your heart and soul into a project, sometimes you are meant to fail.

3. I need to flex my creative muscles in order to be able to live a happy life.

4. I cannot do this alone. I need and want my family's help.

5. Some people continue to disappoint me; they will be marginalized going forward.

6. Complete strangers can be very kind.

7. I am very sad by some of the friendship bridges I singed or burned in the last few years or longer.

8. I am best served by following my instincts.

9. Holding a grudge is a waste of energy.

10. Human beings are beautiful wonderful creatures. I am so blessed to be living with two of the very best of them!

Goodbye 2009, I won't hold a grudge, but please don't hold one either...life is too beautiful to waste on regretting this year. Here are some family photos I don't think I posted last year.

Merry Christmas~

2009-12-26T19:38:00.006-05:00

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Kelsey had a lovely Christmas eve and day filled with family, gifts and food. Say hello to the new member of our family "Sparkle" aka her horse :) I'm keeping a low profile lately, Mom's recurring illnesses have me very sad and not at all merry, so I keep my postings limited. I really wish things would look up, just not getting the signals yet. Please keep us in your good thoughs, life is tough right now. But here are some photos to enjoy.

NaBloPoMo!

2009-11-01T22:49:00.002-05:00

well, it's been over 2 months since my last post (confession?) and I probably have a ton to say. However, I really don't want this blog to become constant negativity, so I've held off posting.

My Mom's illness has really taken a toll on all of us, our family, me. it's turned me from a planning, confident woman into someone who can't even think what will happen tomorrow. My cell phone rings constantly with assisted living, caregivers, rehab centers, etc. There is never a phone call for me. I talk to my sister constantly -but we have to remember to talk about our lives. This is rougher than my Dad's illness and passing because we all knew and were prepared that there was no hope...this feels more insidious because we have some great days and then some days where we rush to the ER.

I'm still unemployed and it hurts, stings, and makes me angry, sad and scared simultaneously.

I'm going to try to go back to posting more on this blog and in a more positive manner. I find myself lost in my own thoughts constantly. I look forward to writing some of the more interesting ones down for folks to see.

Here's my girl from Halloween - a perfect, luminous light in my life!

The Night I Met Steven Curtis Chapman.

2009-08-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to speak a bit about Faith and Fate...I have Faith, first of all, in God, secondly in myself and finally in our family...we were meant to be together. Kurt, Kelsey and I were drawn to each other from across many planes and became a family.

The night I met Steven Curtis Chapman was a magical evening. The date was 9/24/04. I know this date by heart because it was 2 years ago to the day that my Dad passed away. The first anniversary of his death I spent alone peeling wallpaper off my bathroom walls. The 2nd anniversary, my then boss Steve, asked me to attend a meeting in Washington, DC with our Promotional Agency, Strottman. He also said there was an event I was to attend called "Angels in Adoption."

Kathleen Strottman, the DIL of the head of the agency is Chief Aide to Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) who is an amazing woman. They call her "the Adoption Senator" and has sponsored the Angels in Adoption gala for years. This celebration supports everyday people who work effortlessly in adoption arenas across the US. They are nominated by their Senators or Congresspeople, so every state is represented.

We had front row seats to this amazing event. Everyone at our table was connected to Kathleen - but I was the only one in the process of adopting a child. Kathleen and I chatted and she introduced me to the Senator who was a lovely woman. At the time, we were waiting for our approval from the I600. Everyone was warm and encouraging that night. I also got to meet Steven Curtis Chapman, who performed that evening, Jane Seymour and the Watoto Children's Choir...an amazing group of African children whose parents died of AIDS. They all live together in a village and are united by their passion for music and singing.

I was so moved to be there listening to people talk about what adoption meant to them and how it impacted their lives. Steven sung, and I cried. He talked about his foundation (then called Shoshannah's Hope. It was a wonderful, moving event. I know my Dad was happy that I was there celebrating the next step of my life, rather than mourning his passing. That evening, I felt a peace settle into me...I knew we'd be getting our beautiful baby girl...this was fate!

Two of the lovely gifts we received that night was a stuffed white bunny from Shoshannah's Hope and a book called "Shoey and Dot." My Kelsey sleeps almost every night snuggling that special bunny in her arms. I wanted to share the story with her how she came to own that special bunny - but right now she's too young to understand it. So I decided to write this blog entry down so I could share it with her when she's older.

Finally, the following year, our good friend and former Facilitator of CHATS, Alyce Jenkins was honored as an Angel in Adoption. I was so thrilled, because NJ couldn't be represented by a better Angel.

I believe that these people were placed in my life for a reason at that exact moment in time...because THIS face was waiting for us in China.

And that face became THIS face today!

So this was OUR fate....and thank God for that!

Three Word Sunday - A Bit Later Than Planned

2009-08-24T12:14:00.003-04:00

Hey,
I had a full post written and lost it, plus a slower than normal computer meant I missed it. But it's probably okay that I didn't have it up...it's not pretty or happy.

My week sucked....
I didn't get EITHER job I interviewed for. The first org used my interview to convince themselves that they can't afford what they want so they hired a coordinator.

The second job hired a Harvard MBA who lived in the same town. Can't compete with that.

Sadly, this wasn't the worst part of my week...Mom's back in the hospital in ICU due to a bleeding ulcer caused by taking her blood thinners and not eating properly. She lost so much blood we almost lost HER! But they scoped her and cauterized her ulcer and gave her many many units of blood and plasma. Due to the low volume of blood in her system, she had a heart attack as well...this has been AWFUL!

She's been in ICU since Thursday and finally woke up yesterday (Sunday) however she is pretty disoriented. But she does know us and we'll take progress in baby steps.

Kurt's still traveling for work so Kelsey's going through all this with us and hasn't been happy spending hours in the ICU, but we've tried to give her as much fun as possible. She's been acting out and whacked her forehead on our bed last night. Luckily she's got a hard head..but it was a scary night and she's fine and perfectly normal today.

Kurt's leaving for his next trip a little later today -so he's going to spend some quality time with our girl at the park today. But all in all, my 3 word is summed up as

Let's hope and pray this week is better...Mom gets well and I get some more job leads!

Three Word Sunday...It's Keeps Getting Better!

2009-08-16T21:51:00.003-04:00

Well, as you can see by my daughter's face, when the going gets tough, the tough don fairy costumes! Actually, not really, we've just been finally getting in the game. I've been praying for a break in the job hunting game and I've received it.

Tomorrow (Monday) I have my second interview with a FABULOUS non profit on the Jersey Shore. On Tuesday I have a first interview with another FABULOUS non profit in East Orange. I have a good shot at both opportunities and I am praying for one or both to come through and give me an offer.

So, definately seeking the answers to my prayers - so please send them up tomorrow, good thoughts, any positive ideas you have please!

Does that have anything to do with my daughter's photo? Not really except I loved the expression on her face - I could tell she was thinking "they'd better be looking at ME!" (and they were! :)

Three Word Sunday!

2009-08-09T22:25:00.003-04:00

What would you call...
2 job interviews
Daddy working locally ALL WEEK
A visit from Uncle Jimmy

At Casa de Hoppe, we call it....

by the way, this was a shot of Kelsey last weekend eating (and loving!) her first 'smore. We had a fabulous time in beautiful Brattleboro, VT and will write more about our adventures shortly!

It's BACK!

2009-08-02T23:17:00.002-04:00

After about a year, our good friend PM has re-instituted 3 word Sundays. I loved these because it really helped me to focus on my blog and on the week that has just passed.

I've really neglected this space since Facebook, but really want to go back to it. However, there is something that I want to go back to more right now...

As sung in the Broadway show " A Chorus Line"...

"I need a job...I need THIS job...oh God, I need this show...
Well, I have zippity in the pipeline. Nilch, None, Nada, Zippo...and I am "freakin' tired" of not working...

So while this really doesn't sum up what happened in my life this week, it's the running theme of my world right now...

I am currently a SAHM, but in reality I'm a Marketing Director, Non Profit Development Director. There are many things I am qualified and well skilled in working at...this economy has really screwed up a lot of fantastic organizations and many people are out of work...it sucks. While I love being home with my girl, I recognize and accept that I need to have a career that sustains me and gives me the opportunity to not only provide a living for my family -but also gives me an important sense of accomplishment. Even if I was wealthy and didn't need to work....I'd absolutely HAVE to do something to make my time on Earth well spent. So, my three word is...

Oh, God, I need a JOB...I need to WORK...I need this for my sanity soon, please!

On the job front....

2009-06-29T22:22:00.005-04:00

Janet....great new job, hired same day

Kurt....great new job, hired over the phone after being recommended by several contacts

JoAnn....job interview tomorrow...fantastic position!

God, please, can I have this? I need to work and this is a great job helping girls become tomorrow's leaders!

Pretty please? With Sugar On it?

I have most of my friends on Facebook sending prayers and good thoughts on this...if bloggy readers who like me and would like my family to continue to have a stable life, please send your own good thoughts/prayers.

God...Pink is NOT free...as you well know.

Love,

JoAnn

COWARD!

2009-06-05T21:41:00.002-04:00

There is a blogger whom I've been following for about 2 years now. She is an infertile woman who desperately wants to be pregnant. I originally liked her blog because she blogs about this topic, home improvement, decorating and gardening. I've emailed back n forth with her because I have mentioned to her in the past that *FOR ME* the pain of infertility was over when we began the process to adopt Kelsey.

Lately, however, her blog has taken a turn for the worse...whiny, complaining and bitchy. For me the final straw came tonight when I saw this on her blog....I am nauseous and disgusted by her entitlement attitude. And the coward hides behind zero comments and emails. I am posting part of her post today because I her to know that is she ever reads my blog that this is NOT COOL...you don't call adoption "BUYING A BABY."

Now, don't get me wrong, I completely understand the fact that this woman is tortured by the fact that she cannot get pregnant and really wants a biological child. She has every right to persue this avenue. However, by her post below she clearly feels adoption is last choice and beneath her. This is what I object to (besides her insisting on her Mom paying for treatments when she is a non working housewife.)

So Lori...I am getting uber bitchy here because your post really ticked me off and I have ZERO ways to tell you so you will understand...let me spell it out for you because clearly you are not intelligent or mature enough to understand subtlety:

1) No one owes you a baby...your Mom doesn't have to pay for your fertility treatments. Put on big girl panties and get a job to pay for it yourself.
2) Adoption is for people who want to parent a child....NOT BUYING A BABY!!!!! For that statement alone you should be denied the RIGHT to adopt if you EVER choose to go down that path.
3) This kind of statement sets adoption and adoptees back decades. The ignorance is not to be believed!!!!!
4) Stop whining and complaining about everyone else's pregnancy! Women get pregnant and want to celebrate it! If you finally conceive would YOU want someone complaining about YOUR baby?

Seriously, get some help for your mental health. I am so glad I don't know you personally, because I would NEVER EVER allow you near MY child...

My blood is boiling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Freaking COWARD to not allow people to protest this!

This is the very selfish Lori post....at her finest.....

"I'm very curious about the adoption process but I'm not ready to adopt yet (or ever). I really want my own child with my and my husband's genes. And I feel like I deserve every opportunity that I have to make that happen. And when everything is gone, every hope is gone, then maybe I'll think about adoption, but it's not on the radar right now. And I feel like once again my friend is thrusting adoption on me like what I'm going through is a waste of energy and it's not. It means everything to me. Seriously, I feel sometimes so lost when I think about not ever getting pregnant, and never knowing what it feels like to have the belly that T has, the intimacy that she and her husband have sharing this experience, and going through labor and that final moment when the baby is born, and to never look down and see a reflection of myself and my husband in our baby, I feel like I'll crack, that I won't make it, that it's too much to withhold from me, it's too much to bear. So to reject that and say, hey why go through the trouble, just buy someone else's baby, isn't helpful. And I don't even think that's how the email was intended to be but it's how it felt. I feel like, once again, I have no one to turn to when I feel so empty, no one understands."

Ugh!

A Recurring Dream....

2009-05-25T20:38:00.002-04:00

I've had a dream quite a few times in the last few weeks....I dream that we have been given a referral for another daughter - once in China and last night she came from Korea. I see her photo and then all of a sudden she is in my arms, small and incredibly real and sweet. These dreams happen in the very early morning, right before I wake up. Every.single.time. I wake up sad and heartbroken because I would love to have a sister (or brother) for Kelsey. However, due to cirumstances beyond my control, this is off the table.

Today is particularly sad because today is our 12th anniversary, so formally marks 12 years when we began to try to have a family. Happy Anniversary Kurt, I love you and look forward to the next 12 and then the next 12 after that!

We are so blessed with Kelsey and I feel greedy to want another child, but if I just can't stop this nagging feeling that somewhere out there NOW is a child who needs us to be their forever family.

We had a great Memorial Day weekend, very low key and relaxed. The house is clean and I'm mostly caught up on the laundry. I'm looking forward to some more gardening this week.

Mom is still at my sister's home and having more challenges with her heart rate. My sister and I are starting to have conversations that aren't fun about going forward. At the end of June Mom has more Dr.'s appointments and we need to ask hard questions then.

Nothing has changed on the job front...let's hope June shakes some stuff loose.

After THAT pity party...

2009-04-21T23:56:00.002-04:00

I needed to get all that stuff out in writing so I could read it. I am truly grateful and appreciate for every comment and wonderful thought and prayer that all our friends, family and acquaintances have served up for us.

Here is the "half-full" perspective on this big glass...

1) Kelsey is happy and healthy. Even though she is testing our patience, this is all part of her new transition and also because she is 3. We will all get through this together.

2) My Mom is getting better slowly. We don't know what the "new normal" is now or what's going to happen. We are a family of planners so this is new and slightly scary for us. I am personally getting through by taking the "one step at a time" approach. We had to get Mom to the ICU, then out of ICU, then into rehab, and now we are thinking "out of rehab" and then she'll go to Janet's for a few weeks. Time will tell on this...Mom really wants to live in her house in TR, so this is motivating her.

3) So many people are out of work that there are all kinds of new programs opening up. I think it's not the worst thing that the layoffs came now because if they came later, it might be even harder to look for work. It is discourgaging and disappointing, but we didn't lose our jobs because we aren't talented smart people...we lost them because we had the misfortune of working in industries affected very badly by the first huge waves of the recession (auto and non profit)

4) Kurt and I are trying to enjoy the simpler family life more than ever. We were never jet-setters but we have scaled back some (and will do more soon) and are also in the process of creating an ebay business. We've had the beginnings of success. Next will be a yard sale (specifically to fund a brief summer vacation to NE this year - we HAVE to attend Kelsey's orphanage reunion and then we want to go visit Jimmy and Judy in Maine)

Everything happens for a reason, it's in God's hands and you just have to trust in the higher power. I certainly talk that talk and now I have to walk that walk better. As a "person who likes to be in control" this is a huge wakeup call that I am certainly not the one in charge here.

So again, thanks for stopping by and visiting here. Thanks for listening to me kvetch and vent. and thanks for thinking of our family and especially our beautiful girl!

Love,

JoAnn

That old adage works here in blogland...

2009-04-19T23:07:00.006-04:00

The old adage I'm referring to is "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." So, I haven't....2009 has been the most awful challenging year of MY life (I won't speak for DH but I know he's not feeling the love for the year either) I'm going to do a simple topline of this...and know this has all happened to us this year.

January - I got sick Christmas eve and remained sick for an entire Month! Cold/sinus that turned into an ear infection. It sucked.

Early Feb - Kelsey got sick with a bad case of the flu, felt horribly conflicted because both Kurt and I needed to take time off with our girl to help her recover....she was really really sick with high fevers.

Mid Feb- I had a ticket and a car accident in Irvington. I love the teachers of Irv, but HATE the layout of the city...plus the car I hit the policeman wouldn't write the report and the guy didn't give me any information...he was in a store and claimed it was his car...wanted me to give him cash...ended up going through my insurance...that was a PITA.

Late Feb - some warnings of the bad stuff to come...

Very early March - I got the layoff call from my job. I was half expecting this because of the bad economy - my job would end at the end of March and my PTO would carry into April.

One week later - Got the worse news that all my org was at risk and the timing I thought I had, I didn't have any longer. I used up my PTO to finish up some stuff and still volunteered for some other projects I didn't get to complete

Mid March - I twisted my knee and had to have an MRI. My benefits ended on March 23. Luckily it's only the beginning of arthritis.

March 20 -My Mom was supposed to have an angiogram and perhaps a stint. She ended up being in congestive heart failure and a irregular heartbeat. My Brother came from Maine to help her out and extended his stay, but had to leave before everything was resolved. I begin the daily 2 hour round trip drives (her hospital was closer than her house is)

March 23 - Mom has angiogram and 1 stint

March 25 - Mom has 2 additional stints inserted

March 25 - Kurt received phone call from his co that 2/3 of his org has been laid off, including himself. No severance, and his benefits had been terminated before he was laid off. I am STILL FUMING OVER THAT!!!!

March 26 - Mom comes home from hospital. Kurt, Kelsey and I bring her home. My Aunt comes to stay with her

I had 3 interviews and wasn't offered any of the jobs (rare for me, but I guess not in this bad job situation anymore) however, I got a few phone calls from people wanting to speak with me and when I returned their calls - they NEVER CALLED ME BACK! I mean, yes this is a bad, stinking economy...but have some manners....if YOU call a possible job candidate and leave a voicemail saying you'd like to speak with them about a job...then HAVE THE DECENCY TO SPEAK WITH THEM WHEN THEY CALL YOU BACK!!!!!! It isn't such a stretch to think that people are NOT glued to their phones 24/7 is it?

April 4 - Happy Birthday Sis, Kelsey runs a fever and misses school. Her spring break is next week. we make some tentative plans for some inexpensive fun. I helped out at the Easter Egg hunt at Church today - it was fun.

April 5 -My Aunt leaves my Mom to go back home

April 6 -My Mom has a stroke. Due to her rapid irregular heartbeat. Luckily her neighbor realizes a problem and calls me and insists I come down. I left my house at 11:30AM, and find Mom confused, dizzy and disoriented. I take my Mom to her Dr. and he instructs me to take her to the local emergency room - We got there at 3pm. I leave at 10:30pm because they didn't know what time they'd be able to move her to a room. Mom was sleeping most of the time and I couldn't sit in the chairs anymore. (3 hour drive)

April 7 - My sister and I both drive down to the hospital. Mom is worse today and in the afternoon it got scary. She wasn't responding to any of us and they ended up moving her to the ICU for 5 days. We called my brother and he and his wife drove from Maine to TR in the late evening. They stayed until good Friday.

April 9 to 15 - Mom slowly starting to come back....much relief and happiness. We continue to make trip almost every day (3 hour round trip)

April 12 - Easter...tried to make this fun for Kelsey. Definitely didn't feel it this year, but I thanked God in Church that Mom was recovering and our daughter was healthy.

April 15 - Mom released to rehab in WO (an excellent center...family is thrilled and relieved!)

We're making the trip every other day now and this is only half and hour vs. an hour...such a relief! I have removed myself from volunteering at my former org because I was so stressed out over all the work that had to be done...I felt guilt on the day after my Mom had her stroke and was so unresponsive because I was supposed to attend an event that I had done all the work for...I honestly couldn't deal with that anymore.

Kelsey's spring break over and that poor little girl had about zero fun and no Mommy all week!

She's beginning to act out and get frustrated when she doesn't get her way RIGHT away and will begin the whining and crying for whatever "it" is. This makes Mommy and Daddy not very happy and I really lost my temper this AM.

So, that' really why I haven't been posting or available for much fun. I've been updating Facebook - it seems to be the easiest way to keep the lines of communication open.

So with Mom in the excellent hands of her rehab center, I can go back to hunting for a job...it's discouraging out here folks....

I'm leaving you with a photo of the love of our lives...which is what makes this all work...I can survive this all and overcome everything that life (and GOD) throws in my path as long as I have Kurt and Kelsey in my life.

Just When You Thought The Suck Couldn't Get Worse!!!!!

2009-03-26T20:36:00.003-04:00

It gets worse...ugh!

On Saturday we will celebrate the 3rd anniversary of becoming a family of 3 with Kelsey. What should be a bright and shining moment in our lives (and deserves to be CELEBRATED BIG TIME) is tainted by the ill-effects of the most miserable economy since the Great Depresssion.

Thanks miserable politicians and greedy businesses and you too folks that had to "keep up with the Joneses" and then defaulted....YOU (wait for it...wait for it...) SUCK!

I think I am going back to all Kelsey all the time...it's the bright spot in my world of SUCKY right now...

Suck-Sucky-Suckituge!

2009-03-23T00:24:00.003-04:00

Ugh, this year is AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me just put 5 things out there that make me smile....

The smell of my daughter's hair after her bath...intoxicating!
Kurtfee (for those in the know)
Spring is here! We can hang out on our porch again!
Got an eye exam, my eyesight actually got better!
Earrings

Let me add a bonus 6th thing, we have a new Pastor after 18 months. And she's a woman! I love that!

Brushing Away The Cobwebs from the Ole' Blog

2009-02-21T22:02:00.002-05:00

People, I've been busy...if there is anyone left to notice.

Some comments in bullets:

Work - I am doing some of the best, most important work of my life. I am making a difference in the life of children and teachers. What I am doing moves the human race forward. Does this matter in the long run? Perhaps not. All that may matter is that raising money is almost impossible in this economy. Sad...
Kelsey - was very very sick two weeks ago with the flu. I picked her up from daycare and her temp was over 102. I had to do everything in my power not to lose my mind and break down, but she was sick and scared. We got her to the emergency Ped, who said it was a virus - but it turned out to be the flu...Kurt took a few days, I got sick myself and took a day and my MIL also came over and spent a few days with us taking care of our girl. She's back to perfect health - except she's a bit anemic, so we're upping her iron intake.
We passed 3 year anniversary of our referral for the Angel Face...I really need to update this for her again. 1/25/06 was our amazing day!
I filled all the vacancies for CHATS this year, I had to bust a move to get this done. Wasn't really fun this time...
Kelsey's ballet class is incredibly enjoyable for her and for me.
I'm keeping the down-low on spending right now...I need to save more of what I make and figure out how to make more.
Kelsey is now completely potty trained. It's liberating and fun for us
She is a pretty great conversationalist. I cannot believe this child can hold a complete chat and have opinions. it's so fun!
I got lost in Irvington (not a good place to be lost in!) on Tuesday. I thought I was making a legal lefthand turn,but it turns out the sun was in my eyes and I was wrong. A cop pulled me over...I was lost for a while and upset about it and the cop surprised me and started blaring his shrill horn and freaked me out...while I was pulling over I bumped another car parked on the street. My first accident since I was 25...a very very long time ago! After the cop gave me the ticket he asked me what I planned to do about the bump. Seriously it was a small dent and a scratch. A man came out of a store claiming to own the car and I said let's go through insurance and the cop didn't want to write this up! So, no one gave me any info, but I said I would pay for the repair if it wasn't the cost of the deductable. I was very very rattled and should have insisted on more information and taken photos of the car/liscense plate (stupid girl) so his "cousin" called me and said the cost was $650!!!!! I said NO WAY and then he said he'd get another quote...the original guy called me a few minutes later and said he would go to the police again...and I said go ahead, cause I'm going to call them myself and report this through insurance....I can't believe I was so stupid and trusting. ARGH!!!!!!
Today my org had a special event for the top achievers of our Drive Service Event. Our partner was an org called Soaring Words. Soaring Words created quilts and pillows and has students draw on them and post inspirational words. The quilts and pillows are then delivered to chronically ill children. We did this today with 40 students and went to the hospital and met some of the children. It was an amazing powerful event, and made me feel so very blessed to have a healthy happy child. Also, it reminded me of the 100 good wishes quilt that we made Kelsey while waiting for her.
A powerful quote from Robert Zend was used in our event today. Simple, but important.

There are too many people, and too few human beings.
How many human beings do you know? I had a great time today with about 40 of them!

A long post with mostly photos since it's been a long time coming!

2009-01-15T00:12:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas a Few Weeks late!
We're back to business as usual, but I'm still recovering from my sinus infection gone awry.

This is Kelsey and her cousins on Christmas Eve at their house (my Sister's) Everyone always has a great time!

Christmas morning @ Casa de Hoppe - just look who is all smiles and being extra good before carefully tearing into her presents ---she's a careful ripper - no haphazard craziness for our girl! (yes, most of those gifts are hers...I started early and "forgot" how much Santa stashed away!)

Kelsey was delighted to learn that Santa ate bites out of the cookies and milk we left for him on Christmas Eve. Plus Rudolph came and ate the carrots as well. She was especially impressed with that. I just really loved our tree this year, Kelsey had a great time putting up the tree this year.

"It's just what I wanted! Thank you Santa!" Kelsey cried each time she opened up something wrapped in special Princess wrapping paper. It's so much fun figuring out how to keep the Santa alive for Kelsey. We've never done this before, so it's been really fun, creative and nerve-wracking! I don't want to spoil the myth for her for a long time! After we unwrapped our presents (yes Santa was good to Kurt and me too!) we had our puffed apple pancake breakfast and got ready for our Christmas celebration at the manse :)

This is Peter and Jocelyne's huge tree. See how small our girl is in comparison?

Kelsey was stylin' in a pretty silver sweater and black velveteen jeans (a Christmas present from my sister and her family) Mommy got Kelsey the Tinkerbell silver "K" for Christmas!

Kelsey and her Lola

The Hoppe family wishes everyone a very happy holiday season!

Kelsey went nose to nose with a reindeer ---I think she won!

Kelsey's favorite gifts this year were her 7 Disney Princess dolls, Barbie Guitar, My Little Pony Ponyville House and her Puppy Knows Your Name...but she really does play with almost everything she got...Candyland, a neat computer game, coloring books...she's into everything this year!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T22:51:00.003-05:00

Hi!
Merry Christmas A Week Later, but I have been SICK! I am still not fully recovered, but at least today I've been up, did a little organizing and have been thinking about everything I wanted to do this week and haven't been able to get done. I started downloading photos from the camera - but the battery died and its recharging.

Oh well. I wanted to end this year with a post about positiveness.

This year is going to be one of challenges. I am going to challenge myself to take more time to focus on the joy in the little things. Cherish what I have and what I love and work very hard to keep our life on track here @ Casa Hoppe.

I am also going to challenge myself to be a little healthier and more patient. 2009 will be a great one for Kelsey and its going to be exciting to see her continue to grow and learn and take life on..

We have a warm and lovely home, great family and friends and each other. We have the love of our family and I think that's the most important thing you can ever have.

I hope each of you is similarly blessed this year.

A Well Lived Life?

2008-12-21T15:30:00.004-05:00

I saw this list over at The Written Word and thought it would be fun to play along!

The things I have done are in BOLD!

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (hope to one day)
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant.

I'd better get crackin' on the rest - I don't have have half done!
Take a try and let me know how you do!

May Your Days be Merry and Bright!

2008-12-20T17:13:00.003-05:00

My wishes for each of you is that your greatest holiday wish comes true and that our nation can unite and come back stronger from this challenging time. I think we are moving in the right direction...

We are happy, healthy and employed. Our greatest wish came true 2 and a half years ago and is the most joyous part of our lives.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

JoAnn, Kurt and Kelsey

Random Thoughts

2008-12-15T01:52:00.002-05:00

Some bullets to tide me over

Thursday was my Mom's 75th birthday. My sister Janet and I took her to an early dinner and then to the NJ State Theater to see Kenny Rogers. We joked about going, but really, it was a great show. Kenny is a great entertainer and was very funny. Plus he did several sets of his hits and then several sets of Christmas songs/carols. All in all a good time.

One of the songs Kenny sang (as a duet with Wynnonah Judd on video) is "Mary Did You Know" which is a song about the Virgin Mother. This was a new song for me and one of the lines moved me incredibly "Mary, did you know when you kissed your sweet baby that you were kissing the face of God?" Wow. It made me tear up for 2 reasons. First of all, perspective. Think of a new young Mother in an ancient scary time. Giving birth in incredibly humble beginnings. In an unbelieveable way. And then, that sweet baby face - the face of the Christ. Could she have known or even imagined?

The 2nd reason that line in the song made me tear up is I immediately imagined kissing my baby's cheeks. While I realize my beloved Angel Face is not a "real angel" I was thinking about how miraculous her birth and adoption is to our family. She is a living breathing act of faith to me. And a miracle in many ways. She brings our family such joy and happiness. Everytime I kiss her face I say of prayer of thanks.

However, Kelsey's sleep difficulties continue to challenge us. She needs to sleep at least 10-12 hours at a stretch in order to be her usual sunny self. However Kelsey doesn't like to go to sleep until after 9 and sometimes she'll push past 11pm. Yesterday (Saturday) was a really bad day and all of us cried, got angry or were very frustrated.

Amazon.com is my hero this holiday season - so many great gifts at fairly inexpensive prices. Hallelujah!

Kelsey talks in her sleep - sometimes she sings in her sleep. I find this much more amusing than when she kicks me in her sleep.

I have baby lust. I think this is normal as Kelsey is almost 3.5 years old and while a little girl - she isn't a baby anymore. While I love my girl - I miss her babyhood. I didn't think this would hit me because I am an older Mom and we didn't go through the normal biological process - wrongo! Hopefully it will fade soon.

Work is going well - in a few days we will come to the first anniversary of my Christmas miracle.

I made incredible cookies on Saturday for the Church's annual cookie walk - oatmeal with raisins, craisins and white chocolate chips - they are soft chewy bites of heaven. i never thought this kind of cookie would ring my chimes - I'm such a chocolate girl...but I've been craving oatmeal raisin - but only if they're soft and chewy.

For the first time in many years I am not hosting Christmas day. I'm okay with someone else taking their turn.

The house is mostly decorated. I was going to do much more (and I have MUCH MUCH more) but I decided to keep it on the down low this year.

We did the tree Saturday evening and Kelsey had a great time looking at the ornaments. She hung many of them and keeps going back to the tree to touch and play with them. We didn't have anything breakable (as in glass) but I don't want her to think of the Christmas tree ornaments as toys.

Hopefully your holiday season is going swimmingly and your shopping is done and you're thinking of having a wrap party.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...

2008-12-07T22:13:00.002-05:00

Obviously this is the good...
Kelsey saw Santa and had a wonderful time sitting on his lap and telling him what she wants for Christmas. She was so excited to meet Santa. She was as good as gold and had a great morning!

Even better than this photo are the ones we took this afternoon at Target. We'll get those next week, but God, they are BEAUTIFUL! She looks like an angel with an impish grin and her dress is perfection! She loved it and felt like a Princess!

the Bad...oy....an innocent visit from our new heating company to clean our old furnace/boiler resulted in an emergency shutdown of the whole system. We need a new boiler installed this week (hopefully Tuesday) because tomorrow the old asbestos is being removed from the basement.

The Ugly...the freezing cold weather plus the furnace --and the $$$$ involved. Luckily my MIL is an angel and is helping us out. I'm going to add one more ugly - the economy ---please don't get worse, Kurt and I need our jobs!

I'm going to focus on the positive - new furnace/boiler is more efficient plus more economical. And we can probably take this off the taxes. Plus our girl is gorgeous and is looking forward to Christmas. I got our miracle last year so as long we are employed - it's all good.

p.s. Merry Christmas Honey, hope you like your new furnace/boiler!

A very short, but beautiful post!

2008-12-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

this is Kelsey's very first school photo. it blew me away how beautifully she smiled and posed from the camera. what a lovely child she is!

Next in line should be ballet photos.

We Gather Together...

2008-11-27T23:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving One and All!
Hopefully you ate wonderful food, surrounded by friends and family and those you love. You may be thankful for the opportunity to make plans to do "Black Friday." Please enjoy and spend some $$$.

I have to say I had a lovely day planned, full of great food, family and friends. But I was hit by the trifecta of hormones (you ladies know what that means) sickness (crabby 3 year old and me) and lack of sleep for a few days. Wow....that made me a crabby, ungrateful, overwhelmed biatch.

Here's what I am grateful for...
My Trophy Husband - he puts up with my crabby moods and still wants to be married to me
My Beautiful Daughter - she fell asleep @ 7pm tonight (too bad I caught a second wind @ 8 or I would be joining her.
My Family - for pitching in when I was completely stressed out, tired and overwhelmed by the idea of clearing that massive table...yikes!

I have a job, some money in the bank and am looking forward to a more stress free holiday season. This gal needs her sleep...nuff said!

Swiped From Beverly's Blog!

2008-11-25T21:42:00.002-05:00

SCATTERGORIES. ..it's harder than it looks! Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things…nothing made up! You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME: JoAnn
BOY NAME: James
4 LETTER WORD: jack
GIRL NAME: Jennifer
OCCUPATION: journalist
A COLOR: Jade
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: jacket
BEVERAGE: jack daniels
FOOD: jelly
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: john
A PLACE : Jamaica
INREASON FOR BEING LATE: jalopy broke down
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: JERK!

go ahead, try this!

fyi...I gave up on Nablopomo a while ago...oh well, I gave it a shot!

Random Shots of a Pretty "Big" Girl

2008-11-17T00:16:00.004-05:00

Every day still feels like it's Christmas in our house thanks to Kelsey. I can't get over this little bundle of love and happiness we are raising. Yesterday Kelsey was watching TV and the characters were saying "I'm thankful for...." well, Kelsey turned to me, I am thankful for YOU Mommy, you're my Mom!" WOW....that's Mother's Day, my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one...I adore my lovely little girl.

Kelsey got a Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2008-11-08T20:48:00.000-05:00

I must have been REALLY tired this morning. After ballet class, Kelsey and I went to TRU to get a few computer games (girl loves her some 'puter!)

I always have a side joke and say everytime I'm in an electronics store "got any Wii's?" and every single time the sales person shakes her/his head and says no sorry.

Not today! The TRU guy says "yes we just got 5 delivered today! Want one?" Before I know it I am handing over my credit card and one of those elusive little suckers is paid for and in my shopping cart! Then of course, we had to buy a few games. I let her choose a Disney Princess game and an Alvin and the Chipmunk game. She loved them!

Daddy of course, wasn't too happy with me, but I wasn't really proud either (bad economy + non profit job = not spending frivolously anymore) but Kelsey had played the game at my sister's and loved it...and I rationalized that we could have family gaming nights/friends over for Wii...

I'll have to take some photos of Kelsey playing Wii and post them. Oddly enough Kelsey and Kurt loved the boxing game that came with the game.

So Folks that have Wii's...love them? Can you make any suggestion on games?

Conference is DONE!

2008-11-07T23:00:00.003-05:00

Hey Internets!
I missed you all, I didn't have my personal laptop with me so I had to rely on other's links.

The conference went really well. Maria was wonderful and we had fun getting to know each other (plus a lesson from me on composting!)

We have some great leads and on the way home I called into Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer and name dropped our org. It was fun :)

I got home a little after 7pm, traffic wasn't too bad. I called my Mom on the way home and she told me her friend and neighbor Pat had passed away. RIP Pat... you were lovely to me and my girl.

My family really missed me. Kelsey and Kurt were delighted to have me home!

Post election thoughts

2008-11-06T20:39:00.002-05:00

Congratulations President-Elect Obama!
You have a long hard road ahead.

I hope every American gives you the support and respect you deserve.

Please don't let us down, we need you.

p.s. Corzine...worst at the state level or federal level? Hard choice to make.

I am in AC....

2008-11-05T21:40:00.001-05:00

The Trump Plaza may be a 5 star hotel, but HOLY CRAP does the service suck!
It's raining like mad in NJ and the traffic was hideous! I am here for a teaching conference!

I miss Kurt and Kelsey like crazy! I got some noodles from a small bar, but there's a karoke bar next door, and LOL the singing was hideous! Now, I am not a great singer but I don't force my voice on strangers!

I hope this conference is successful!

Short and Sweet

2008-11-04T22:59:00.001-05:00

A historic night...
I am cautiously optimistic and hopeful...
God Bless America!

BRAVO, Bravo!

2008-11-03T21:48:00.002-05:00

Well Bravo,
I have to hand it to you, showing a marathon of West Wing right before election gave me pause to think about a lot of things.

When I watched that show, I felt a deep sadness that our President wasn't Jebbidiah Bartlett...a smart, scholarly man who surrounded himself with smart scholarly people who passionately CARED about their jobs. (Does that sound like anyone you know running for president?)

And clever of you to showcase the ones where the President is being called names (socialist!).

It has me thinking and re-thinking my position...and makes me very happy to be in my present position where I am working for social change (in schools) and in the legislature.

When I told my father I didn't want to go to Law School, he asked me what I could do with a political science degree...I said Teach, work for a political institute, work in government or be a lobbyist.

Well I don't teach (but I do train) I work for a non profit and do political/community organizing, work WITH the elected officials and am in the process of creating legislation. Plus I do this with some of the adoption work I do as well.

So, political science degree, not too shabby! :)

Kelsey and I will be voting tomorrow (I make the selections - she pushes the big red button that officially captures my vote) and I have some thinking to do...

So thanks to Bravo for some soul searching on my part.

On the 2nd day of NaBloPoMo, my true love gave to me....

2008-11-02T20:21:00.002-05:00

Two sick family members!
The TH and the Angel Face both have colds.
I have to be in AC for a few days for a conference, so everyone has to feel better pronto!

We spent our last day in DST at ballet school and then we came home and did some garden clean up, raked leaves and cleaned up/used our pine needles in the garden beds...I love reusing something people would just throw out :) It was pretty warm (low 60's) and it felt great to be outside...the whole backyard looks great and ready for sleep now.

the bad news is that I re-injured my knee and it hurts more/differently than last time. I've tried to rest it since yesterday...(see aforementioned AC trip coming up) I really have to get to the Dr...I think I"ll do a PTO once the AC trip is done...I have a few things I can combine in one day.

2 days down, 28 to go :)

Welcome to NoPoBloMo 2008

2008-11-01T23:55:00.002-04:00

I'll make this brief...look at the Halloween photos below.
I am going to try to do 30 in 30 days...not sure if I can, but I'll try! :)

Happy Halloween and OMG!

2008-10-31T22:00:00.002-04:00

Hope you had the happiest, candiest, spook-tac-lu-lar Halloween! Our Princess chose to be, well, a Princess, Arielle to be exact!

Lounging on our neighbor's couch (I kid you not! :)

With Royal Red Hair, Crown and Scepter

Posing with Twin Power Rangers at her Pre-School Party

Look at the Poser!

The OMG part is that Kelsey took to the pre-school parade in supermodel fashion...she strutted in, maneuvered her way to the front of the line and ultimately posed like the Diva she is!

Kurt and I laughed till we cried (at least I cried) when the kids sang songs and then got on a stool to model their outfits. The photo above is Kelsey's moment in the spotlight...wow....we are in super trouble!

After the parade, we took the Princess home, had a little lunch, got into make-up and met Lily and Susan for trick or treating. Kelsey walked around herself and didn't even use the stroller. It's a pretty long walk for a little girl. After we finished (over an hour later) we rested for a bit, answered the door to our own trick or treaters and then drove up the street to a local church's trunk or treat (totally fun, btw!) We were done and home before 7pm. I thought Kelsey would zonk out fast...but our sugared up sweetie lasted until 8:30 before crashing for the night.

This morning she woke up @ 7am and asked if she could go Trick or Treating again today! :)

She's already planning next year's costume...either Tinkerbell or Cinderella. We'll see :)

It's Been a While

2008-10-25T22:11:00.005-04:00

I'm writing this while the Trophy Husband and the Angel Face slumber peacefully next to me. They fell asleep watching Sleeping Beauty this evening.

It's been a while, and we've been busy. Work is great, but hectic. Our economy is frightening and the elections are about 2 weeks away.

But here's the good stuff...

I love the way she keeps her hands up while she's singing. I also found it funny the way she got distracted starting the ABC's.

Kelsey isn't a child who loves to learn (YET!) She has a great imagination and loves loves LOVES to "pway" She adores pre-school, I believe for the social interaction and the new toys. She loves ballet for the fun barre and the songs she's learning.

Right now she is a healthy, joyous child who loves nothing more than to love, play and run around. Her favorite things are "us days" (when it's just Daddy, Mommy and Kelsey) But I know she is a smartie...and she doesn't forget anything important to her. (like if you've promised her something (like a puppy when she turns 5) She has a great sense of direction...

Kelsey, you are one smart cookie...you just need to add that love of learning to your repetoire and you'll be all set.

Here are some random things we've done lately...

She became a cow

Posed with Daddy and large squash

Rode a Pony

Kidnapped all my autumnal decorations (notice the pink Princess potty that plays music when she tinkles)

Started to play computer games (before I cut her hair...I regret we did that now)

Played with Footy and Sister

Fell in love with gourds

Tried to ride a pumpkin

Chose "the one!"

Petted a cow

You know, basically having a beautiful life.

See you soon!

I love Contests About Home Things!

2008-10-08T21:18:00.004-04:00

I'd really like to win this....

Shameless plug for a really neat book called "Entertaining Simple" that I found on a Blissfully Domestic Sister site called "Restyled Home"

To meet the criteria, I have to include, a shot of the book (above):

A shot of one of the photos on her blog (how could I NOT choose the choco cupcake?) YUM!
Plus a photo of the author.

I also need to tell my legions of fans (LOL) that this book "Entertaining Simple" can be purchased at bookstores across the U.S. and Canada; include the following link to Matthew's website: http://www.entertainingsimple.com/index.php?option=com_flippingbook&book_id=2&Itemid=1 .

Wish me luck...this blogger's site is always a pleasure to view and I really hope I win! :)

Meet Footy and Sister

2008-10-03T21:46:00.002-04:00

Everyone, meet Footy and Sister...Footy and Sister, this is everyone!

Kelsey has been mildly foot obsessed since we brought her home. The girl has always loved her feet touched, kissed and tickled. If you do Footy (her left) you MUST do Sister (her right).

Kelsey and Kurt named her feet and this is seriously how we refer to them. They do pop up at odd places...like at the dinner table. And they have their own unique voices. You can have a conversation with Footy or Sister or Footy AND Sister.

I completely enjoy the relationship with Footy and Sister. Oh, and 30 year old Kelsey...you better be referring to your feet as Footy and Sister because if you don't, I will be writing their names on the bottom of your shoes forever!

Ah, the imagination of a little girl....

In Serious Need of a 12-Step Program

2008-10-02T00:00:00.003-04:00

Hi, my name is JoAnn and I'm a Bejewled-aholic!

What, did you expect me to say wine, pot or something more sinister?

LOL...not me. I know I have an addictive personality - chocolate, carbs, diet coke...video games.

I can play this for hours...and I itch to play it at the office, so far I've been able to abstain.

I'm hoping I can get this out of my system...soon!

Until then, send me some good karma please!

Kelsey Begins Ballet

2008-09-17T21:08:00.004-04:00

Kelsey, last Saturday was a dream come true for your Mommy. When I was a little girl I wanted to take dancing lessons, but MY Mom didn't think I meant it (plus I was a chubby girl) so I never got to do it. But I always thought that ballet was absolutely beautiful. 14 years ago I sat in a dark hot auditorium in Oakland and watched your cousin Alyssa being led onto the stage dressed as a fluffy little ducky with her own dance class. I sat there every year she performed until she didn't want to do it anymore. Every single year I cried, hoping I'd have the opportunity to watch my own daughter dance...and on Saturday I was able to fulfill that desire. Now, I didn't get to watch much dancing...but these pictures are so precious to me. We had a lotof fun shopping for her dance wardrobe and buying the most adorable pale pink ballet slippers.

Kelsey loves to dance and has been excited about taking dance lessons for a while now. We are so fortunate to be able to give her these things...and she really enjoyed herself. She even showed me a "new move" from her dance class. Not that I'm prejudiced or anything, but our girl is graceful and flexible. I hope she enjoys this and does well...but even if she's a spazz, she'll always have these memories.

A seriously beautiful dancer
Gracefully executing her steps (prior to a single class!)
With her class
Future Prima Ballerinas and future good friends!
The little girl sitting next to Kelsey is her friend Maeve, who is the daughter of my good friends Gretchen and Tom. The little girl on the left is Maeve's good friend Kelsie. All 3 girls are born in the same month, July 2005. The little girl in the middle is Alaina who is a classmate and friend of Maeve and Kelsie's.

Pre-school is still going well. Added bonus is that Kelsey is falling asleep well before 9pm every night. SCORE!

Kelsey's First Day of Pre-School

2008-09-14T21:13:00.003-04:00

I took the morning off so I could send my pre-schooler off in style! We woke up at 7am and she began singing with happiness that she was going to pre-school and would play and learn to count and learn her colors.

We had breakfast and then came up and got dressed. After she was dressed, Kelsey looked in the mirror and proclaimed that her adorable kitty shirt was for "babies" and she demanded a big-girl shirt! She knocked my socks off with that reply, but we quickly found a replacement (her sparkly monkey shirt apparently fit the "big-girl" category.)

Then we finished packing her lunch and her school backpack. LOL it was too heavy for her to carry! But she kept her spirits very high indeed!

We drove to the school singing and arrived at the school. Kelsey ran to the other children in the line and said "here I am friends!" and couldn't wait for her turn to go into the classroom. Finally (for her) the doors opened and the kids lined up in the hallway. Kelsey couldn't wait to go into the classroom and barely stopped to give me a hug and kiss goodbye. I turned away, holding back a few tiny tears and went to the "boo-hoo" breakfast (I only had coffee!) and chatted with the other parents there. All the kids in Kelsey's class did great and I left after an hour. Whew!
(however, the school director warned that pre-schoolers often have delayed crying and next week and the week after would be the real test)

After work I rushed back to pick up our pre-schooler from the aftercare program. I was told that Kelsey did very well (although she doesn't like kids in her "space") and we went home. Kelsey fell asleep in the car (a 5 minute ride) and slept the whole night through missing dinner. When I opened her backpack I found that she didn't eat very much lunch either. I am going to write the teacher a note...Kelsey is a good eater and was probably distracted...she didn't eat much breakfast either. Our girl can't miss meals...she's a peanut!

Kelsey had a great first day at school and is looking forward to tomorrow when she goes back.
Tomorrow I will fill you in on Kelsey's first day of dancing school...another home run! :)

I'm Blissfully Domestic!

2008-09-07T00:17:00.004-04:00

Well, don't fall on the floor laughing or anything...what I mean by that is I have been asked to be a contributor for an online magazine called Blissfully Domestic in their home/gardening category.

I have had 2 posts up already and am really enjoying writing about the art of creating a warm and friendly home.

Please check out http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/ and send a comment or 2 my way if you like it!

I highly recommend poking around the site, but if you MUST read my contributions, you can find them here:

http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/decorating/my-favorite-gifts-of-course-they-are-for-my-home/ and here:

http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/decorating/joann-hoppe-new-home-and-garden-contributor/

I do have to say it is awfully nice to see my name in a bi-line. :)

But seriously, check out all the sections...we have some amazing women contributing to this magazine!

btw, I leave for DC tomorrow for a short (35 hour) trip and Kelsey has said to be at least 6 times..."You go on business trip?" and when I say yes, she says "You miss me?" It breaks my heart every single time...of course I hug her and tell her yes and that she has to be brave for Daddy because he'll be sad....

I presume this gets easier...but I am not happy about boarding that train tomorrow!

Another Day, Another Year Older Updated

2008-09-01T21:28:00.006-04:00

Yes, Bloggyland, I am another year older today. My real problem, as I have explained to numerous folks in the "real world" is that I am living the life of a 35 year old, but am definitely NOT 35. Oh well, nothing can ever change that I am not a good number (in fact, there was no number I really liked after 33 anyway)

Onto the photos!

Birthday Dinner
Our Brave Girl on a Pony!
Obviously this is not The Renaissance Festival! We decided to go to Turtle Back Zoo today instead. Kelsey's First Carousel ride where she's not riding in the sled!
My very cute and not dark hair! Kelsey is pondering the question when Mommy asked her "I know I am fat, but do I look "old?"
Eating the worms in her "dirty" dessert!

On Sunday evening we went to a block party at our good friends house. We had an amazing time, great food, wonderful friends and fantastic music! Little Kelsey and I really danced up a storm. Thanks Sue for inviting us!

Kelsey and I baked cupcakes, frosted them and decorated them for the party. She's so funny. When I let her cook or bake with me, I pull up a kitchen chair and put a pillow on it so she doesn't slip. As soon as I mentioned it was time to bake, she went right over, pulled the chair and got the same pillow. She has an incredible memory --when she wants to.

Oh, and we have an "official" potty trainer on board...she's gone almost twice a day (except for today when we were out all day) I am betting within one month she's done :)

We decided that a full size or twin bed really won't fit in her room, so we're just going to replace her bedding with Ariel Mermaid and get an inflatable mattress for her room, so we can sleep in there until she feels comfortable. She knows we want her to sleep in her own room and she wants to...she just can't do it without me currently.

What a great weekend! We had a blast!

**Updated and a very happy birthday to my BIL Michael, good friend Ashley, Mrs. P and anyone else lucky enough to share a special day on Sept. 1****

Hanging In There

2008-08-28T23:16:00.003-04:00

This is an interesting time in my life.

First of all, the blessing of loving Kelsey and being called "you GOOD Mommy!" lights up my heart in ways I can't ever explain.

The Olympics AND the DNC all within the same 3 weeks? What riveting real life events playing out on the tube.

Kelsey has rejected the potty again (yes, even the Princess potty is not worthy of her pee) I did buy her the new Ariel Mermaid movie, but I told her she can't watch it until she pees again on a potty (any potty!)

Pre-school begins 2 weeks from tomorrow. Where does the time go?

Kurt's traveling and I am really tired this week. This makes my patience level go into the toilet

Tana's being a bit better about the peeing in the house...which means she gets to be here longer

We've spent the last 2 weekends very busy and I am looking forward to a quiet weekend. I've turned down 2 invitations that sound like a lot of fun (sorry SIS!) but I did get a phone call from a good friend inviting us to a block party...about 1/2 block away. That I think we can do.

I'm going to Washington DC with one of my schools. We're meeting the President. (yup, W) and going to a huge event on the White House lawn. I am going overnight (scary! my first business trip since Kelsey)

My high school reunion is coming up soon. Its really expensive to go, so we made the decision that I'll go for a short time and then come right home. I hate going without my trophy husband (hi baby!) as my arm candy...but we have a lot on our plate right now.

Plus, Kelsey won't be stressed about being left (we were going to let my sister sit for the first time...but this will be okay and then Kurt and I can use a night out for ourselves!)

I've been doing a ton of writing lately, all for work. Hopefully the fruits of my labor will bear some hefty fruit (please!)

Kelsey is now over 37" tall. While she's still teeny compared to other kids...how did my baby get so big?

She's got her 3 yr old check up a week from Sat, then the Dentist for the rest of her xrays the following Monday...poor baby.

Being overly tired makes me think some dark thoughts sometimes. People can be really irritating and I can be very overly sensitive.
I am hanging onto a number for the last few days...freakin' annoying that these numbers get bigger!
I volunteered for a new blogging opportunity that I am actually excited about. Stay tuned for more details shortly
I love the photo on top here...my little poser!
I am loving my new hair color...it's a bit blonder/caramelly than I ever thought I'd be
Things I am doing this weekend:
Going to dinner at the Bonefish Grill
Shopping for a new twin bed for our girl
Shopping for a new rug for our bedroom
Coaxing my Trophy Husband and my fashionably in style daughter to the Rennaissance Festival in Tuxedo...I love that place.

I've edited myself for political reasons

2008-08-26T13:43:00.001-04:00

I had a rant up here last night about the DNC. I have deleted it to be a bit more gentle.
I do not care for Michele Obama and no amount of scripting will ever change my mind.

I am a Slacker...

2008-08-21T22:51:00.006-04:00

Wow, has it really been a month since I blogged? No, but I've been cheating on my blog and I have created a few business blogs I've been working on.

Plus, I am writing all the time, proposals, grants, concepts, strategic plans...I have a done a ton of writing lately. But you're not here to know my thoughts...you want to see what we've been up to...

okay :)

We posed and took photos of all Kelsey's birthday presents. (we are still sending them out, sorry..I slack off on this kind of thing too!)

We spent the weekend with Mema at the Beach...

Kelsey rode on rides on the board all by herself...my heart was literally frozen for each ride...I can't believe my girl can ride by herself...and LOVED IT!

And spent some time getting ready for last weekend, which was our Travel Group Reunion for China 130. We had an amazing time and I will dedicate a few posts to that special trip.

Oh, and my beautiful baby girl is FINALLY on her way to potty training! She gets that she has to do this now and has actually peed on her little potty! Now, if we can get her to sleep in her own bed, my life will be heavenly!

Okay, Sesame Place Completely Changed My Mood!

2008-07-26T23:37:00.003-04:00

Kelsey ran right to Zoe and hugged her!
Still not a fan of carousel horses, but she likes the sleds
Floating in bliss down the river with Daddy
Kelsey and Dorothy! (Elmo's pet goldfish) on the stage of Elmo's World
Kelsey and Daddy in the toddler pool.

As a ride amusement park, Sesame Place was okay...however the water park is amazing! The shows are really great too! Kelsey especially loved Ernie's Water Works and the kiddie tidal wave pool, and the sandy beach...you actually feel like you've been to the ocean, except the water is fairly warm. It was a great day...not too hot and Kelsey had a great time. She was very well behaved and really enjoyed her time at the park. She ate fairly well (she shared my sandwich) and skipped her nap, yet wasn't really cranky. You can tell that she really appreciated going to see Elmo! Kurt and I had a great time too, we stayed until 7pm, which really surprised us. We had a really good time hanging out on the water park section. So much so that we planned to go to the beach today, and I was okay skipping it because I felt like we had been to the beach already...sat on a sand chair, dug my toes in the sand and the kiddie wave pool was the best because you waded out slowly and the water never got really deep. Unfortunately we didn't get shots of Kelsey dancing with glee in the Waterworks (pipes and fountains of all types shooting water into great jumping pools) because we took a lot of video at Elmo's world and ran out of memory. She really really loved it all...and so did we :)

The park is really well laid out...anyone going to Sesame Place, make sure you take water shoes and wear your suit under your clothes...life goes much easier! Plus kids not potty trained must have swim diapers on, easier to do this at home than have to buy one expensive diapy!

*not funny story...my cell phone rang the second we got out of the car...and I just said...this has to wait until Monday, I cannot talk to anyone at Sesame Place!

A Rant in Bullet Form...

2008-07-24T23:01:00.003-04:00

This is my only week of vacation until December and I've been working every single day. I'm not happy about it, but feel my hands are tied.
I have so many things I want to rant about work...but won't in this space. I do have to say I am pretty disappointed to be nearing 48 and still having to face work paranoia. When does this stop?
I have my 6 month review the day I go back to work. yuck.
We took Kelsey to her first pediatric dental appointment and she freaked out getting xrays. She also has 3 cavities that they can see (so far!). The solution to the cavity problem isn't pretty at her age. I really feel that I've let her down. She hates getting her teeth brushed and some days I'm not as strong an enforcer. Well, that's now over and she's getting really watered down juice and we are fighting the teeth brushing 2x daily.
Potty training...she's peed twice in her panties in her booster seat...pee all over the kitchen floor, literally 2 minutes after she's insisted she can't pee on the potty...she's simply just not ready.
The weather hasn't been much fun this week. Every day its threatened to rain and we've postponed our plans...and it hasn't rained (except for yesterday) tomorrow come hell or high water we are going to Sesame Place.
Sorry this isn't an inspirational post. We've had some fun this week, but I am just not in the mood.

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

2008-07-09T21:56:00.005-04:00

Wow! I can't believe our beautiful girl is 3! She's not a baby or a toddler anymore --she's a full blown little girl. Kelsey had a great day, but the best is yet to come....her Princess Mermaid Party this weekend!

Notice Kelsey's birthday shirt...I am proud to say that her wishlist is completely checked off.
Presents...yes, a few!
Cake...cupcakes at daycare this morning (Mommy stayed up late to bake last night!)
Ice Cream...Carvel Ice Cream Cake! mmmmm
Balloons!...One Strawberry shortcake mylar heart balloon

She really loved her cake, and the Chinese food we had for dinner. But what she loved most of all was the people who love her most called to sing/wish her happy birthday on her special day. Thank you family! (and the bloggy family who posted many lovely things!)

p.s. here's a bonus shot of Kelsey's toes and my toes from last Sat's trip to the nail spa! She looooves her pink toes with the flowers! Can you believe how tan she gets?

3 word special July 4th edition

2008-07-07T01:22:00.004-04:00

Hi All!

Here is my girl in all her focused glory looking intently at the parade on July 4th! (and notice my handsome hubby smiling adoringly at her!) She had a very special weekend... I have to say, I adore our town parade and have not missed one year in the 7 years we've lived here for the parade (we bought our house in 2000, but didn't live in it for the July 4th weekend) The parade focuses on the best our town offers and I have to say I tear up at times during the event (hey, I am sappy and fully admit it!) I especially LOVE the marching bands and the drum corps. I also love our local Lions although they do love to soak us with their water blasters! (Kurt is a Lion...but he's inactive right now) I like our town for its small town appeal...it feels very Mayberry-esque at times :)

After the parade (and the dunkin' donuts coffee!) we went to TRU and got our Princess a special birthday present...a Princess Tricycle! We also got a few other little goodies for the soon to be 3 year old (Wednesday!) we had a relaxing rest of the day.

On Saturday, Kelsey and I went out ourselves and did a few errands. We got some things for her big party next weekend and the best part is that we got matching pedi's (okay, she got a mani too along with some cool flowers on her big toes and thumbs!) She looooved getting her big girl special treatment at my local place and I was so happy that she was a good girl and enjoyed herself! Then we went to the pet store and got an aquarium for the kitchen. On Sat evening, we went to Janet and Mike's house for a holiday BBQ. Kelsey played in the pool with Daddy and had a wonderful time with her cousins.

On Sunday, Mommy got to indulge herself in some gardening (some badly needed weeding!) and then we did some food shopping and went to another holiday BBQ at our friends' house. Well, Kelsey almost ditched us for her 12 year old friends! (She and Lily call themselves big sister and little sister) and everything Lily did Kelsey wanted to do! :) Luckily Lily is very willing to be worshipped by little Miss Kelsey, and adores her! We had a great time and then the big kids and their families went to the fireworks and we came home.

Tomorrow is stitches removal time for me (my little back surgery) and my poision ivy is almost gone (although I might have encountered more today- we'll see) and this week is exciting for a few reasons...

1) My org's staff retreat (all the teams gathering in NJ from all over the country) and we have team meetings/presentations from Tues-Thurs.

2) Kelsey's birthday is Wed! She's gonna be the BIG 3! I can't believe tiny girl is going to be 3...she's growing up WAY TOO FAST!

3) Her family/friend party is next Sunday...so much to do...not enough time, but we'll get there!

Hope you all had a great holiday!

6 word challenge

2008-07-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

A very sweet Panda Sister of mine challenged me to a 6 word sum up of my life. Here are the rules:

You need to describe your life in 6 words....link back to me and tag 5 other people (Leave them a comment to let them know you've tagged them)...It's that easy! This was a fun one!

Here is mine:

I feel very blessed right now.

Happy marriage of over 11 years- check

Wonderful and fun daughter - check

Family and friends I love - check

No skin cancer - check

Good job - check

Hubby has good job - check

Money in the bank - check

Wonderful daughter about to turn 3 - check!

Planning the Princess Mermaid Party of her dreams - double check!

Comfy and cozy home - check

gardens blooming - check

Great friends and family to celebrate the 3 day weekend - check

Freecycle fun - check

There is always a "but" BUT right now I just want to stop and smell the roses, the lilies and the lavender and enjoy my life.

Thanks Colleen! I am tagging YOU, YOU, YOU, YOU and YOU and anyone else who wants to play, consider yourself tagged!

I do have some great photos but need to download them from our camera, so that will have to wait another day.

Enjoy the holiday!

3 Word Sunday...

2008-06-15T22:24:00.003-04:00

It's every where all over the net, but so true...
Happy Father's Day to an amazing Daddy, Husband and Friend.

I am a very lucky woman to have you for a husband.

I'm missing my own Daddy this day as well (as well as my FIL) as yesterday would have been my parents' 50th anniversary (my Dad passed away almost 6 years ago) but they made it to 45 years.

So Happy Father's Day to all the Dads, especially Kurt, Michael and Jimmy. And for Kurt Sr. and my Dad, Frank, hopefully you had an extra special day in Heaven today.

Love,
JoAnn

A post for Jimmy and Kurt

2008-06-06T23:15:00.006-04:00

For boys that like to play war or hunt, there's a cool website I just found that sells all kinds of night vision goggles, hunting supplies and military gear.

My baby brother used to enjoy hunting (I think boating has replaced this passion) but I told him I used to pray that he wouldn't hit anything when he shot...and to this day (I believe him!) he actually never got a deer, moose or anything large.. No boating stuff on this site, but you'll still enjoy the summer "manly arts" promoted. Funny thing is, when Jim was in the Coast Guard, he won medals in marksmanship....hmmmm...maybe I don't believe him, although I never saw a Bambi or Moosehead in ME.

Kurt, on the other hand, is a Navy Man. Loves the camo, gun stuff...etc. I'm anti gun. We definately cancel each other out. There's a lot of stuff on this site he might really enjoy dreaming about. Enjoy the fantasy honey!

However, if the "Manly arts" don't appeal, you can buy binoculars and other things for fun summer hobbies like birdwatching. My Mom loves to birdwatch.

Boots....does a workin' body good!

2008-06-06T22:52:00.009-04:00

I absolutely subscribe to the philosophy that you need to wear clothing that suits your work/life style. I wear professional clothes to my office, play clothes on the weekends, swimsuits when I swim and I wear appropriate gear when working in my garden.

If your work or lifestyle requires you to wear work boots, look no further. You can get boots for hard work, light work or anything in between.

Nothing is harder than working a long day in footwear that doesn't quite suit the job...enjoy the comfort (and style) of a well made, right for the job shoe.

Hey, it's not Prada or Manolo, but you can't pitch hay or dig out a garden bed in stilletos!

Happy shopping!

3 Word Sunday One Day Late, plus extra photos!

2008-06-02T21:17:00.005-04:00

Well, we had a lovely relaxing weekend. And we now have a Robot in our home. I decided to make a little splurge because of the cats...my God the hair Tana is shedding lately!

Anyway, we've named it Robot, R2, Data and now Kelsey has dubbed it Princess. She is in love with the thing. Except when it is coming at her.

We like it, not sure if we love it yet. I have 2 weeks to decide if we'll keep it. It's done a pretty good job on most of the floors, but our main problem is our bedroom with a deep burgundy rug. It is cool for us to have a robot cleaning. And it talks too!

Anyway...for the extra bonus photos...Kelsey's Aunt Liz has a special gift in mind for her birthday that requires a head shot. Well, asking Kelsey to pose for a photo is like trying to herd cats...or 2 year olds! here are some of the out takes from our photo session tonight.

Ah....the joys of living with the Angel Face!

Torn...

2008-05-27T21:54:00.002-04:00

Anyone who has ever met me knows I love my kitties, but I am sorely challenged right now by Montana (aka Tana).

She is an indoor cat and has been so for the 8 years we have had her. She is FIV positive, deaf and declawed. She can be incredibly sweet despite her ferral nature and she will bite if provoked. Recently she's been diagnosed with hyper thyroid and has started meds.

She's never been perfect about using her litter box, but Tana is frustrated that she hasn't been able to go on our screened porch. This is her outside and in her world, she is Queen of her porch. We just were able to get to power washing it this weekend and we let her out yesterday and today. However, she's been expressing her displeasure at not being able to go out every time she wants by peeing on everything. I've reached my limit on this...tonight she really went too far and peed on the kitchen table where we eat our meals every day. She's peed on Kelsey's bean bag chair, on our clothes, on anything I leave on my counters...and I am sick to death of smelling it/finding it unexpectedly. I am a clean person and I like a clean house and in addition to the peeing, she's been pulling out clumps of her hair and leaving them all over the house. She has serious bald spots. I could put up with this if this were all...but the peeing is killing me!

How do I balance this to make life sane for my family and keep her? Tomorrow I am calling my vet and we have to have an option....Kelsey's 3rd birthday party is in less than 2 months and I cannot invite people to my home and have Tana acting as she's doing right now.

Cheyenne has always been the best cat on the planet...not ever a pee problem, doesn't bite, is incredibly affectionate/tolerate and likes people...all told a dream cat. Jazz was always great too, once we cured his urinary tract problems. (Tana doesn't have this issue....she's fine except for the hyper thryoid and the FIV and is healthy and has been for all her life...we take exceptional care of her)

I'm frustrated and torn and upset....I don't want Tana put down and I don't want to continue as we are...I need a solution and quickly. Right now I am so sorry I said we'd take her....this is challenging!

One Thing I Used to Enjoy But Now Have Zero Time For...

2008-05-23T22:36:00.004-04:00

Shopping the pre-holiday sales! Especially Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Sure, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt as much as any girl does, but as the busy Mom of a busy girl, hey I think I'm going to sleep in instead of going out...oy the parking, the crowds, the LINES!

Are you a busy Mom like me or just someone that loves a good deal, but hates to stand in line? Fear not, there is help on the way! Simply check out this site which offers the same deals, lets you plan your shopping BEFORE Black Friday and will let you shop from the comfort of your home.

I love the sales at Target, Walmart and Toys R Us for the Babe, however, in college, my first real job was Toys R Us at Christmastime! NEVER AGAIN! I used Cyber Monday to plan what I wanted to buy and then if I wanted to, I could "divide" and conquer with my Husband or order it on line. Good deal, in every language!

On a separate, but amusingly shopping note... in the mall by my home, a builder recently demolished a cool Asian sushi place to put up a large store. For months I wondered what was going there...mall extension? one store? furnishings? kids stuff? My mind raced with possibilities.

Last night I got my answer...and I was really surprised! It's one STORE that is definately in the wrong place at the wrong time...Yes, Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but they don't put gas in the tank, pasta on the plate or pre-school tuition. Good luck, but I believe it's a matter of time :(

3 Words - Squeeking in at the last minute

2008-05-18T23:55:00.003-04:00

Had a great weekend

Registered Kelsey for Dancing Lessons this fall (she'll be in tights and tutu!)

Gardened (FINALLY!!!! Now I can stop whining!)

Shopped

Relaxed

Did Laundry

Saw Alvin and the Chipmunks (Kelsey adored this movie!)

Went to Church

Reconnected with friends

Hope your weekend was as fun!

Can't wait until next weekend....a big one!

Perspective

2008-05-15T21:21:00.002-04:00

I am heartbroken over the earthquake situation in China. I have been reading the accounts and looking at the photos of the deaths and the damage and there are just no words to explain how I feel. I'm going to try for Kelsey's sake in the future...

Dearest Kelsey,
This past week a terrible earthquake happened in China. It was a severe one and many people were trapped in collapsed buildings and died. Many were children and there are all kinds of photos all over the Internet of little feet sticking out of the rubble. Damn technology to share something so devastating. The pain in China is palpable.

I was very thankful that Hunan province wasn't affected by this tragedy, which means your birth family is mostly likely safe. However, your birth country is shaken and in great pain. I feel pain for China because you coming into my life means that China is part of my soul. We experienced the joy of a lifetime by adopting you and shared it with the Chinese people. I feel connected to China in ways I can't explain.

I feel anxious and sad the same way I felt when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11 2001. (but this time I am not scared for myself, the way I was on 9/11)

One of the ways I endured the pain of Sept 11th was to dig in the dirt to create something beautiful. I'd like to create something in homage to the people who are suffering greatly now

This is the 2nd tragedy to hit China in a 6 month period...the last time it was massive snow storms that hit the more tropical regions of China, devastating crops, livestock and people. That time, Hunan and HuaiHua was at risk and I worried about your orphanage family and your birth family. Orphanages are always last on the Chinese government's list of groups to assist, so outside help was needed. I also have to say that the caregivers in orphanages are extremely dedicated to their small charges and braved many treacherous weeks to get from their homes to the orphanages.

Honey, I hope that China finds a way to heal itself after this terrible tragedy and will rebuild their cities. I wish we had more money to donate...but we'll do what we can.

You've looked at some of the photos with me tonight and I tried to explain in gentle words what happened.

We are so privileged that China allowed us to adopt you and love you forever. It breaks my heart to see China so broken and in pain now...may God help them through this and heal

The perspective component in all this is that the US is currently in a Presidental election year that isn't pretty (see my posts this year) and gas prices are $3.55 in NJ today...we're all feeling the pinch, but after seeing what's going on in China...we've got a sweet deal here.

All my love,
Mommy

p.s. you had a double whammy tonight! First you hit the corner of your eye on Judy's doorknob and gave yourself a little shiner and then you pulled a book off the TV and beaned your little head with our clock! You're sleeping soundly next to me as I write this...and you are fine, but I think I lost at least 6 months off my life when i heard you scream tonight!

Planning a Party and Need Cool Invitations?

2008-05-12T21:16:00.013-04:00

Why not consider photo card invitations that you can use any photo and build your own invitation?

Don't you love the Panda? I would have loved this as our invitation for Kelsey's baby shower! There wasn't anything available that fit our unique situation (adopting a baby girl from China) Some people design their own and some make do with the "generic" shower invites from the party store.

But I would use this invitation to do a Chinese New Year party, a birthday party one year...a zoo party for an animal lover...these photo cards are so creative and have multi uses!

Customizing a card like this is so easy! You just choose the photo that suits your needs and you click the links to order what you need. You can customize both the inside AND the outside, so it you like a card that says Happy Holidays and you want to say "Come to My Christmas Party!" you can. Using images already incorporated as cards makes creating personalized invitations easy work and lets you sink most of your creativity into the decorations and the gifts!

Plus, no writer's cramp from writing "A Shower for JoAnn" 40 or so times!
And please remember to invite me...I love a good shower! :)

3 Word Sunday - Mother's Day Edition

2008-05-11T20:40:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to All The Moms, Waiting Moms, GrandMoms and One Special Mom who announced her about to be Mom-ness on her blog today :)

I had a lovely weekend...EXCEPT NO GARDENING WAS DONE! I have to say I am more than disappointed, but the weather was pretty dreary and cold most of the weekend. It was the one thing I really wanted to do more than anything...so I am bummed.

We did have a lovely brunch yesterday, did some plant shoppy and I got a pedicure! (yay!) and Kurt and the Babe cooked a lovely dinner last night.

This morning I got up, made cupcakes with our Angel Face (who adores cracking eggs, btw) and got ready for Mom's Day at my Sis' house. We had a fun time and got home late. Kelsey was very good, albiet wiggly, all day.

We had a fun weekend, but I was craving the feeling of dirt under my fingernails, the achy feeling I get after working outside all day and the beauty of some new plants stretching their roots in our soil. I have some big ideas for the backyard and side yards and dearly hope to have some better opportunities to garden this spring. (PLEASE!)

Hope you had a great weekend with YOUR Mom!
P.S. Huai Shuang's Bio Mommy...happy Mother's Day...we love you!

Don't Screw With Us!

2008-05-10T20:09:00.004-04:00

Dear Teleflora, NBC, The Today Show and Donny and Marie Osmond,

I am sure you've learned a bitter lesson in the last 2 days. You do NOT screw with adoptive Moms.

I am happy to know that you've been deluged with negative email over your crappy contest America's Favorite Mom (how stupid is that kind of contest anyway pitting Moms against each other?)

How DARE you put adoptive and foster Moms in a NON Mom category? I understand that all the negative emails and press you have received resulted in you abruptly changing your categories to Adoptive Moms. It was TOO LITTLE TOO LATE! Plus I am sure that now you can be sued...hope someone does this ASAP and soaks you for millions.

Just so you know, I am a very very proud adoptive Mom to a wonderful, smart, beautiful baby girl. I waited YEARS for this child and have had more training, reading and experience than many bio Moms. I am unequivocally HER Mother and no one can ever take that from us.

However, Adoptive Parents do struggle with people who are predjudiced, ignorant or "well meaning" in a stupid way. Do not give these people more ammunition over our children...the innocents in all this. They will be challenged enough one day without some stupid contest negating their right to their adoptive parents---the only family they may ever know.

You cannot make ME feel less than someone who has gotten pregnant and delivered a child. I won't give you that power over me.

However, I DO have the power NOT to buy flowers from teleflora, watch NBC or pay any attention to anything Osmond from this day forward. And I get to blog about it and spread the word...

If this has outraged you, I urge you to boycott all the sponsors above...the one who hurts is Marie Osmond, an adoptive Mother herself...shame on you Marie, I thought you'd know better.

All Moms are important to children...biological, adoptive, foster, birthMoms, Women who step in to raise someone else's children so they don't end up "in the system"...let's have some praise for all the Mom's who love a child dearly.

Happy Mother's Day to MY Mom, Mother in Law, Sister, my Friends and to Kelsey's birth mom who is precious to me.

Blogging My Way Into the Future

2008-05-09T22:46:00.010-04:00

I decided a few weeks ago that I would try to use my blog for other purposes than brag about our Angel Face. While reading my very large blog list, I came across a blogger who I enjoy reading who joined and I decided to check it out...

After reading all about this, I've decided to join payperpost which is a site that helps companies market products in new and different ways. As a "former marketer" I enjoy the "out of the box" thinking that someone developed this concept...wish I had first!

I like the idea that I and I alone get to choose what I write about. There are different categories of things to choose and the price varies on the product. This is my blog and I control the content. That's a big reason I decided not to allow ads on my blog.

What will I do with the money I earn for this? Well, I think I'll set some goals...
I want to enroll Kelsey in a local dancing school, and this will be a great way to earn the money. Eventually I'd like to see if I could use this blog to pay for her pre-school/after care. After that, who knows?

Kelsey, Kurt and I had a PJ party tonight....we dress in our PJ's after dinner and dance like crazy to fun music...if you could see her dance, you'd realize how much she would enjoy dancing lessons! (actually you will shortly, because we videoed it!)

I like the idea of polishing my writing skills to add some extra income for our family. If you have a similar interest, I invite you to check it out at payperpost.com

Lessons I've Learned from Mother...

2008-05-05T23:54:00.003-04:00

Nature, that is! :)

Make new friends but keep the old...My spring gardens make me happy AND sad at the same time. Happy because spring is finally here and all my old "friends" are back, my creeping phlox is in full bloom and the scent of the lilacs are perfuming the air. I see the promise of my peonies shooting up and my unstoppable daylilies are full and lush. My beloved hydrangeas are full of leaves and soon will be budding. But I'm a little sad because already gone are the forsythias, daffodills and tulips. My new friend? A hanging basket of strawflowers I picked up at the supermarket. I've never seen these before and they are adorable!
Never settle for second best...soil, plants, set-up, weed control, watering...I try very hard to get the best I can afford for my home
If at first you don't succeed, try try again! Well, I've thrown in the towel on rhododendrum...can't grow these to save my life! However, I never give up on my "landing pad" rock garden. I spend more time, talent and treasure on this long skinny patch of former weeds than all the rest of my property combined! It is the only sunny part of my yard and seems to take an overwhelming amount of plants and weeding to make it pretty.
Fall in lust (okay, that one I made up!) I am currently lusting after:
butterfly bush or buddlea (just 2 in parts of my landing strip!)
French lavendar (3 of them in the hydrangea garden on the other side of the drive
Japanese and Dutch Iris...I adore that deep, deep purple color! In my backyard
More hydrangea! This time, I'd like another color or species (I'm a big fan of Nikko blue) for the side of my house with the screen porch. When they grow large, they'll look wonderful behind the Tiger Lilies. (3 or 4)
Morning Glory..first time I planted it last year...I fell in love with the true blue blooms (did you know they begin as bright fuchsia?)
A tall iron sculpture for the clematis I planted last year...it needs something fun to climb (another landing strip baby)
I am in the process of removing one semi ugly sticker bush in the center of my rock garden. I'd like to replace it with a shrubby evergreen.
A fence to surround our home and keep our precious girl safe and contained.
Annuals, such as geraniums and impatients that really give my landscape tons of color (how I wish I could get impatients in yellow!)
An interesting and successful choice to plant between the Stella D'Oro daylilies flanking the front walk (I've done tulips, geraniums and impatients..not a fan of the humble begonia)
One perfect Saturday that I could take Kurt and Kelsey off to the plant farm and wander through the fields. Sunny, but not too hot...plus all the time I want to clean the rest of the beds and enjoy my whole process!

Is this being too greedy? I promise I will share the beauty we create with the neighbors!

3 Word Sunday Next Edition

2008-05-04T21:45:00.003-04:00

Twice!
It's starting...and I'm excited and nervous for her at the same time...I want her to be happy and successful at this challenging milestone. Not pee-pee, though...at least not yet.

Yesterday Kelsey was in a "mood" she didn't want to play much, eat things we know she loves, or do anything she really loves. Luckily she snapped out of it today. It's so funny because sometimes I get such a glimpse of this person who is such a strong willed individual. I have a feeling she will be a challenge to get her to listen...oh well, I"m up for it. :)

We celebrated Mother's Day early this year with Kurt's family today. Kelsey had a great time, but she was sooooo wired, she was like a whirling dervish!

Tonight she's sleeping peacefully next to me and I'm the one up tonight...have alot of things on my mind, especially a quick trip to the Dr.'s office for what I hope is "nothing" Send good thoughts please.

And celebrate with us...pooping on the potty is a BIG DEAL!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!

2008-05-03T07:57:00.005-04:00

Kelsey, Kurt and I have already sung Happy Birthday to you in absentia about 4 times already and it's not 8am yet! :)

Have a great day and we'll call you later, we love and miss you!

On a separate note...okay, it's May 3 and in NJ, it's rainy, dreary and COLD! We had frost on Thursday...Jeez! How is anyone supposed to get any gardening done?

3 Word Sunday, Next Edition

2008-04-27T17:01:00.003-04:00

Tuesday is my DH's 35th birthday. Yeah, I know, I'm jealous too, I wish I were 35 again! In this Hoppe household, birthdays aren't only one day...we celebrate the whole weekend before and sometimes after as well!

Kelsey is a little confused because she doesn't realize that adults have birthdays too. I think she thinks that only kids have birthdays. We went to a Chinese restaurant last night and she was so freaked out when another table was celebrating someone's birthday too! I think we're going to take it easy on the restaurants for a while...she's not on her best behavior at them yet.

Now for a special private message to my better half :) Honey, happy birthday! I love you and wish you could be home more often...your girls miss you! You are a wonderful Father and great Husband...sure you could help out around the house more...but you are always here for us. And unselfish with your time, energy and stuff! We have the best time giggling, just hanging out just the 3 of us!

When I read (and hear) tales of men spending entire weekends golfing or fishing or hanging out with their friends to the detriment of their wives and children, I just am very grateful that we do not have that kind of relationship! It is wonderful to share my life with someone that holds the same values that I do...I love you and our life together with our wonderful girl (you two are playing inside while I type this...)

p.s. not to mention that I still find you as cute and adorable as the first time we met! ;)
Love,
The Missus

"Deep" Thoughts (not really!)

2008-04-24T21:41:00.004-04:00

Kelsey's imaginary world is a delight for Kurt and me. We have a lot of fun living in the stories she creates for us to play in. She adores her stuffed animals and calls herself "Mommy" and calls me "Grandma." She'll slip into my shoes or a ring or take my glasses and say "I Mommy" and then I say "what does Mommy do?" and she'll say "wash dishes."

She has a fascination with her feet, which we call "footy and sister" and will talk in high pitched baby voices for them...it's really cute to watch. All her dolls talk, including Daddy's "guys" (his soldier toys)

Also, she loves playing Sleeping "Booty" with her Daddy as the Prince. Every night she pretends to sleep and he kisses her awake. Then they play Cinderella and Prince and dance...it is incredibly sweet to watch. She'll then tell me that I am the witch!

Tonight we were talking on the driveway with our next door neighbor. Jesse is a Grandma and a very sweet lady. She told me tonight that Monday night Kurt and Kelsey were on the driveway and Kurt told Kelsey they had to cook dinner for me and Kelsey said "I love my Mommy and she loves ME!" I was so touched by this! I was also miffed that Kurt heard this and didn't tell me. (I think he was a little envious!)

I decided to bite the bullet and get a Blackberry Curve. I wanted one at Cendant and was entitled to it as a Director, but they froze that perk before I was promoted and so I never got one. It was recently suggested to me that I get one and my new co has a nice technology perk that will cover the cost...so I'm getting it tomorrow evening...in racy red! :)

Kurt's birthday is next Tuesday and he won't be here (BOO!) Kelsey and I are going to shop for his present tomorrow and then we'll make a cake and get some balloons. We're hoping for a really fun weekend (and some gardening and powerwashing too!)

It's almost Mother's Day (my 3rd!) while I never "need" anything besides my darling girl and her Daddy...there are lots of things I'd love to have (hint for DH!)

Amazing Grace perfume
A few Pandora Charms for my bracelet
Plants for the garden (lavender, buddlea)
A cool new handbag

I know...I'm greedy...but sometimes a girl needs a few "pretties, " right? ;)

Look What I Got to Do Today!

2008-04-22T21:14:00.003-04:00

Today is Earth Day...A Very Important Day for the LEAGUE

I had the privledge to lead the team and organize the 2nd annual Beautiful Newark event for my non-profit.

80 schools participated and 45,000 kids plus thousands of volunteers left schools and jobs and helped clean up the city of Newark today.

We got kudos and tons of press for this...but this was the best part :)

The KIDS! OMG!!! They are amazing....it makes everyone tear up to see them come into the scene dancing with glee and just delighting in the warm spring day...but they are proud of their city and the role they have to help shape the future.

And I am so proud to be able to be a small part of this very important thing we are doing...changing the world.

3 Word Sunday

2008-04-20T20:49:00.003-04:00

Hi All,
No fancy photos or photoshopped words today. I'm not feeling all that well and it's really stressing me out. I have major good work things going on this week and I CANNOT BE SICK!

So, my 3 words are:
Get Better NOW!

Kelsey is great, yesterday we went to the park to play (it was nice and warm out) and we flew her Dora kite for the first time...in fact, she was able to do some of it herself (no photos, sorry!)

Her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds...most of it great (like awesome!) and some not so good...we've had a few time outs because she's called me stupid. (yes, she learned it from me...but it's better than some of things I could say when I drive!)

Anyway, this is a quick post...keep some good thoughts because I feel awful (stomach thing came on me FAST tonight!)

3 Word Sunday Next Edition

2008-04-13T23:49:00.002-04:00

Well, in stark contrast to last weekend, this weekend was amazingly wonderful! Kelsey's orphanage sister, Emily had her 3rd birthday today and we went to Long Island NY on Sat to celebrate "Brick Style!" Birthday Girl Emily, Kelsey and about 20 other kidlets, ate pizza, cupcakes, sang, danced and played with tons of fun toys at a cool kiddie center. I think the highlight for Kelsey was the Princess Theme and the Pinata...Kelsey calmly and cooly collected a ton of candy while the other kids were running around yelling and hunting for goodies.

We had a smashing time and were invited back to Casa Brick to continue the celebration. Everyone in Mama Vicky's circle is so friendly. I was so excited to see her Mom, Marilyn, again. We traveled to China with Vicky and Marilyn so the bonds we have are extremely sentimental and powerful. Everyone got a kick out of our carrot and dip munching cutie, who also helped herself to much watermelon as well.

We had a peaceful ride home and this morning Kelsey woke up and told me she wanted to "go to Em's party again!"

Today, we were naughty and skipped church (again!) Kurt and Kelsey went food shopping while Mommy stayed outside and did some garden bed clean-up. I've been chomping at the bit to get out in our gardens....it's spring and that's what I loooooove to do!

I got pretty far in what I needed to do (however, I've merely scratched the surface of the whole grounds...funny, since our property is so small, our gardens are plentiful!) Kelsey and Kurt came home and Kelsey rode her little cars around our driveway while I took a break...she also played on her slide, in her sandbox and in her Little Tykes house. We had a lot of fun and then we had lunch and took a long, luxurious nap!

Hope your weekend was great!
If you want to check out Emily's party, look here at http://emilybrick.blogspot.com

3 Words....

2008-04-06T23:02:00.004-04:00

Well, here's where the snarky rubber meets the road, literally.
At 8:30am, we were disturbed by a loud BANG! right outside. We live on a fairly busy corner with stop signs and there is always a moron running them.

However, this morning, one of those morons ran up our front lawn onto our front walkway...and through my beautiful daylilies. And left another car smashed to smithereens in the street...

First time in almost 8 years living here.

Well, I opened my window and said is anyone hurt? All I got back was Spanish. We called the police and reported the accident and then I yelled to the man tromping around my front lawn...get your car OFF my lawn!

Kelsey was in toddler heaven because we had police cars, an ambulance AND 2 fire trucks all parked in front of our house for well over an hour. It seems the driver parked on our lawn had to be removed with the jaws of life and taken away by ambulance. She kept running to the window saying "I'll help you!" So sweet and lovely and naive.

Okay, here's the snark...these people (NOT the professionals, they were wonderful, quick acting and caused little damage)tromped all over our lawn for over 2 hours. Didn't apologize once for ruining our plants, outdoor lighting, front sidewalk was crakced or our morning. Of course no one said boo to us, the INNOCENT people in this....clearly for someone to have jumped the curb and gotten halfup our lawn they have had to be going FAST! The other car was absolutely totaled.

I went out to speak to the police officer directing traffic and asked when they'd be moving the car off my lawn...he was short with me. Then I asked when the police report would be ready and he said Tuesday. Then I asked if these people had insurance and he said he couldn't tell me...which of course meant no.

Then, I went back into my house, fuming. Guess who has zero recourse for any claims? Us...the INNOCENT victims in this! Plus, I couldn't EVEN make these people tramping around my front lawn (by that time, the man had called in re-inforcements and they were ALL hanging out in my yard!) stand on the sidewalk because no one spoke English!

I spend quite a bit of time in my gardens in the spring, and all my beds need a good spruce-up. Normally, I'm out early in the am in the spring, so I guess I'm lucky that I'm still not feeling well AND it was cold out this morning and I didn't feel like gardening today..that stupid woman would have mowed me down too.

Snarky me is going down to the police station on Wed to read the accident report. When I find out what I think I'm going to find out, I'm going to make a few phone calls to ensure that MY rights don't get trampled again...

Hear me, rotten drivers of the world...if you are going to wreck MY property on any given Sunday morning...make sure you are:
1) legally in this country
2) insured to the max
3) speak enough English to apologize for ruining our front lawn.
4) Get the hell off when asked nicely.

Because when the government lets the illegal unisured off the hook, tax payers like me pay the price in higher taxes, more expensive insurance, higher medical bills....this is a big problem in my part of NJ....and today the problem literally almost came through my front door to say "howdy, thanks for letting us trample all over your lives!"

Nope, not gonna happen....

Edited to add....by the way, I'm not a heartless biatch. The first questions out of my mouth was "anyone hurt?" and we checked it out...the woman was taken away by ambulance because she was hysterically crying...not because she was hurt. And the way her SUV was hit, she wasn't hurt by the car, she was shaken up by the ride she took up my front lawn. Plus, she knows she's in trouble because when you have an accident with no insurance in NJ...well, it's not good. If someone had been hurt, this post wouldn't have not been written....

Bronchitis...BAD!

2008-04-01T10:23:00.003-04:00

I've had Bronchitis since Saturday. Luckily I went to the Dr. and he gave me some powerful antibiotics to break this thing...they are working beautifully.

I can't believe I got so sick so fast...I literally had a fever of over 100.5 for days and it only broke for a short time on Saturday. It's been up to 101.7. I never get this sick!

I've taken 2 days off...working from home to do as much as humanly possible...but I just couldn't take the drive to work and sitting up all day. I literally haven't left my bed since Friday evening.

Ugh...freakin' bronchitis! Thank goodness I'm on the mend. Now let's hope my clingy little girl doesn't get it!

3 Words Week 5

2008-03-30T17:19:00.004-04:00

Picture the woman in this photo brunette and looking much worse.
Damn! My benefits kick in on Thursday and I didn't make it. Oh well. Had a fever, it's broken, now I'm just coughing and sneezing. Good thing I have my own office, because, oh yes, I must go to work tomorrow, and Tuesday, etc. (no PTO yet either!)

We had such fun plans to celebrate our 2nd anniversary as a family. Oh well, there's always next weekend. Kurt's been looking after Kelsey all weekend and is exhausted himself...what a gyp!

This is such a lame post that I invite everyone to go back and read yesterday's post about our trip to China...now that was a (long!) post!

Hope YOUR weekend was better ....ahh....choo!

Happy 2nd Family Day!

2008-03-29T20:25:00.003-04:00

I have the opportunity to blog about our lives with Kelsey everyday. Today, I want to take you back to the first time we met our Angel Face in China. These are the first photos of her and us as a family. Enjoy!

I don't want to ever forget a single second of our stay in China. Our journey started out with a few challenges en route to Beijing, but once we got there...all was exciting and fascinating! We toured, shopped and were treated like royalty. The guides were wonderful and the travel group was a large mix of great folks who were so excited to be having their children!

It was cold in Beijing, and in my quest not to be over weight on luggage, I didn't pack warm coats for us. However, the layers of sweats got us through. I joked a few times that the touring in 2 days in Beijing (Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Silk Market, Pearl Markets) was a test that if you could pass without dropping from the cold/exhaustion, you got to go onto Changsha and have your baby.

Every day I counted down to the day we'd met our girl. Finally it was time to get on the plane to go Changsha, which is further south in China. It was warmer there. We only had one evening left before finally becoming a family.

Finally, our day arrived! We were supposed to meet at 8:30 in the lobby of our hotel to go for the short ride to the Civil Affairs Bureau. You never saw so many prompt families in your life! I sat with Kerry and Richard and made small talk...I was nervous...but mostly about not crying. I really didn't want to bawl in front of Kelsey and frighten her.

We got to the building and parked. We walked into the room and were told that one of the groups of babies had a hold-up due to a bus breakdown and would be delayed. We all cried about that because we all wanted to receive our kids together...but it wasn't Kelsey's group. We were told that all the babies from Huai Hua (Kelsey's orphanage) had arrived and were ready to meet us. We were supposed to go one at a time and we'd have to give our passports and TA to the Head Nanny to confirm our identity. I mentally prepared for a wait because there were about 11 families with babies in Huai Hua. We all promised to take photos/movies for each other.

To my suprise, the doors opened and they immediately called Huai Shuang! I stepped up with the passports/documents and they reviewed them and returned them to me. The Orphanage Director himself was holding Kelsey. She had been crying and her eyes were wet with tears and she was congested. While I took back the passports, Kurt stepped forward and took Kelsey. I was happy for this because I wanted to get a good look at her and see her face and could do this while he was holding her. She didn't cry and didn't seem upset, but when I see photos of her now, I can see that she wasn't happy. However, I did have a couple of toys in our diaper bag that I pulled out for her. She loved the ducky with the plastic keys and clung to that for most of the time. To my great shock she had 4 pearly teeth, 2 upper and 2 lower. She did smile for us a few times.

We waited and watched smiling as the rest of our group received their children. Then we left for a short time (not sure if we went shopping for formula/diapers then or later) and went back to the hotel to get acquainted. We were to return back later to complete the adoption and sign everything and transfer the money.

When we got back to the hotel, I laid Kelsey on the bed, and tried to undress her to see if she was okay or if she had scabies or anything..plus I wanted to dress her in an outfit I'd brought, but she was frightened and cried, so I let it be. Kurt and I played with her and tried to get some smiles out of her. She was much tinier than I realized she'd be and she couldn't sit up or roll over yet. Kelsey really seemed to like the toys we brought her so we spent a lot of time showing them to her and letting her hold them...Other than a cold, Kelsey was fine, no scabies, rashes or anything.

Pretty soon it was back to the Civil Affairs Bureau. We spent a long time waiting in the waiting room. I remember other families there, waiting to receive their children and one little girl in particular, who was older and sobbing dreadfully about being separated from the nanny.

Finally we were led into the large room where we first met our daughters. The Nannies were there and the Orphanage Director (who was a man) they all answered questions about the babies and their routines. To my amusement, Kelsey was one of 3 babies that were eating table food (at 8.5 months!) and only took 2 bottles per day. She was also labeled the worst sleeper in the group! (HA!)

Eventually, we moved into the Adoption room, where we promised to love our daughter forever and never to abandon her (as if!). We signed on the dotted lines, stamped our fingerprints and Kelsey stamped her foot print on the files. Every single worker commented about Kelsey's big eyes and said how pretty she is. One of the workers called her name "Shuang Shuang" and Kelsey whipped her head around in answer to her name...this suprised me because first...I thought they might have called her Shu-Shu and second that people used her name to speak to her. This made me feel happy and we did call her Shuang while we were in China.

Eventually, we did get to a few stores to buy diapers, formula and a stroller.
Kurt went to a "paperwork party" while I stayed with Kelsey. She kept making these clicking noises with her tongue and seemed distressed when I didn't respond. When I questioned our guide Helen, she said that this was a tease that the nannies did to the babies. Kelsey was trying to communicate with me! We did a lot of clicking after that!

One more thing...while still in the US, I bought some biter biscuits as a lark. I packed them thinking she might like them...well, these were a god send. Every day about 3-5pm she'd be in meltdown mode...not happy and crying. These things calmed her down and she could gum her way through one in about half an hour. I hoarded these like gold while in China!

Three Words, but a little late

2008-03-26T00:03:00.004-04:00

Happy Belated Easter to Everyone!

Kelsey had a wonderful weekend except the girl has no love of the big white bunny.

Yesterday marked 2 years to the day that we left for China to embark on the voyage to become parents. This Friday, 3/28, is the BIG DAY that we met Kelsey and officially became a family.

Enjoy the photos!

Three Words

2008-03-16T22:22:00.003-04:00

This is an old photo of Kelsey's first birthday, but it feels like this past week. I'm all over the place emotionally. The house is a mess and I do not have a second to do anything about it. Heck, I can't even find time to go to the dry cleaners...I have pants that need to be hemmed and I bought them in December!

Add to this a daughter who won't friggin' go to sleep and you have one grumpy Mama! (it's 10:30 PM!)

I need a day that I can kick back and take care of life...but it ain't going to be soon...

ARGH!

Be A FAN!

2008-03-14T23:44:00.003-04:00

Hey All,
I usually don't mix my personal blog with my professional life, but I am going to make an exception to this today...

I'd like each of you to check out my non-profit's website The LEAGUE . We are an organization that helps schools through web based curriculum do service learning (teach volunteerism) to kids in grades K-12. I believe in this org's mission with my whole heart...learning that doing good gives you "the warm fuzzy" that giving back to your community gives you.

In my heart of hearts, I believe that if each of us could experience this on a regular basis, it would change the world.

As a Development Professional, I'm looking for a grass-roots way to raise some funds for some amazing projects we have coming up. We work mainly in urban environments. You cannot believe the spirit of some of these kids...and some of them have so little by the circumstances of their births. They are trying to rise above the circumstances of their families, their environments, their schools and their communities to better themselves.

The real heros in this scenario are their teachers...all very enthusiastic, passionate and inspirational.

So, I am asking two things....
1) Check us out at the link above or at www.leagueworldwide.org. If you are a teacher or know a teacher...please join us as we try to change the world. We are currently in 38 states and are working to obtain all 50. It's free for all teachers, schools and districts to join.
2) I would like you to become a Fan of the NJ LEAGUE. Even if you are in live in another state, please check out the good things we do all over the country. You can become a fan by donating money....$5.00 will make a difference in the life of our children. You can do this via the Chip-In widget on the left side of my nav bar.

The passion I have to work in the non-profit world started 8 years ago....at Liberty Science Center where I felt I was working for the first time for a higher purpose.

The position I have now at The LEAGUE is the culmination of years of planning and working on my career to go back to non profit life.

Join me as I help make NJ a better place for children. Our future leaders. Because it is all about us after all :)
Thank you.

Three Words

2008-03-09T20:53:00.008-04:00

As you can see our Princess felt like, well, a Princess in her new Easter Dress.

Three more words ...thank you Target! For helping her look like a million for $17.99 plus shoes

3 Words....

2008-03-02T21:29:00.006-05:00

Continuing from last week...
You can find the original rules here

Unconventional again....my 3 words are:

SO

MUCH

FUN!

here are some of the things we did this week:

Played in snow.

Hung with Friends

Alyce's Retirement Party

Celebrated Chinese Style

Church Soup Luncheon

Hopefully YOUR week was as fun...oh yes, we worked and did house chores too!

Three Words

2008-02-24T23:40:00.002-05:00

A really cool waiting Mama came up with a great idea. Here are the simple rules.

"Sum up your week in three little words. You can sing it, you can say it, you can write it, you can draw it. It can be funny or sad or poignant as long as it’s honest.”

Kurt had a tough trip this week and I was racking my brains to keep our little miss occupied and not too sad that Daddy wasn't here to play. I didn't have time to take a real shot this week, so I doctored one....

I cannot explain the joy on our baby's face when she saw her Daddy after 4 days.

Thanks Mel, for the great idea. I appreciate the challenge and cannot wait to read yours!

Snow day photos coming soon!

Why I Support Hilary Clinton for President

2008-02-23T00:12:00.002-05:00

Rising to the challenge of a comment made earlier in the week, I'd like to offer the positive reasons why I support Senator Clinton as President

1) I feel a comfort and trust level with Senator Clinton that I don't feel with the other candidates running. She's a proven winner who is tough and aggressive when necessary, but as a wife and Mom has an empathetic quality that I feel would be beneficial to our country. We all know that Bill Clinton embarassed her during his administration. She not only held her head up high and continued with her marriage, she managed to rise above it and successfully forge her own successful career in politics. How many of us could have taken that hit and not only survived with grace, but flourished? And, I feel that her past (and it's not HER wrongdoings that are being trotted out by the other candidates, it's Bill's) belong in the past.
2) As a woman, I feel it is important to have role models who are female. Women are 51% of the population of the United States and I feel it is time that we elect our first woman President.
3) Senator Clinton has proved herself to be a supporter of all of America - race, nationalities, religions and sex. I feel that many of her former minority supporters are now backing another candidate because he is a minority and they want to see a minority elected as much as I want to see a woman elected.
4) Senator Clinton has the unique experience of experiencing a Govenorship and a Presidency as the closest personal advisor of the sitting Gov and President (2 term) and has also successfully been elected a Senator. Additionally, if elected, President Clinton would have as HER closest advisor, a successful Gov and 2 term President. Yes, Bill isn't the most faithful husband, but he's a damn smart guy and an expert in foreign relations.
3) Senator Clinton supports issues that are close to my heart:
a) Women's rights - too many households in the US are female head of house, and if we do the same work...it's only right that we receive parity. I had an instance a few years ago when I didn't have parity in my job and I fought hard and won a promotion and a significant raise. When Kelsey begins her Neurosurgeon/Concert Pianist Careers, I want her to make the same $$$ as her male equiliviant.
b) Senator Clinton's platform to strengthen the middle class makes sense to me. As a citizen of a state where it is challenging to live comfortably on a low six figure income, it is vital that our middle class becomes more stable. I believe the US is rapidly becoming a rich-poor nation and much of the hard work that our nation depends on (teachers, nurses, truck drivers, firemen, police) are the middle class. What happens to us?
b) Senator Clinton's website speaks eloquently about adoption reform in the US. How could I an adoptive Mom support a Candidate that didn't think it was important to address the issue at all?
c) Education - Sen Obama wants to "reform" but keep the No Child Left Behind, possibly the worst program ever invented. The Schools I work with are buried under the strain of trying to meet the lowest level of reading/math scores and can't even teach some of the other important courses like science and history (trust me, I talk to teachers in urban communities a lot!) Create a better program!
d)Healthcare - Unfortunately (see reasons above) during my layoff, I have been without health insurance for almost 7 months now (5 more weeks until my benefits kick in!) thank goodness I am a healthy and LUCKY person! (Kelsey and Kurt are fully covered...it was just too expensive for his tiny co to add me) If Senator Clinton's Healthcare plan adds more people to the list that don't have to stress out about every little cough then I am all for it!

To sum it up, a Tough, Class Act who has taken a fall from grace and come up a winner. Great platform, history and experience rolled into one talented woman.

So, now I've used my freedom of speech on my own blog to express my own ideas and thoughts. I ask for thoughtful respectful comments and also wish for folks who may not agree with me to not hide under the anonymous title.

STOP PUTTING VIRUSES ON MY BLOG!

2008-02-22T20:23:00.002-05:00

Everyone who visits my blog, please ignore the jerks who put the "look here" crap in my comments section...they are viruses and these people who maliciously do this should have their internet privledges revoked.

Today was a snow day in the Hoppe household. Probably one of the harder things I do in my life is try to work from home occasionally with Kelsey present. Today, was a much better day than most because she allowed me to work when I told her I needed to. And I had a few conference calls that went well (she gets the finger to the lips "ssshhhh" motion) I got a few things done, but not as much as I had hoped.

I do have to say that today reminded me of the not so distant past when I was job hunting. It was fun to have the routine back again and to spend the day enjoying Kelsey rather than worry about the hunt. I miss her so much when we're apart!

Tomorrow we will play...Kelsey's first time ever in snow. I was worried that her snowpants would be unchristened again (like last year) but nope, we have about 7-8 inches and can probably build a cool snowperson!

We had a nice dinner, a fun bubble bath and now we are tucked in for the night watching the Little Mermaid. Hope your evening is as fun.

The Unacceptible Double Standard

2008-02-20T23:35:00.002-05:00

The idea of being a liberal has never felt right to me. However, I am definately a cultural liberal, as I believe in pro-choice, gay rights, equality and feminisim. By all rights, it sounds as if I am a Democrat, but I am a political conservative and don't feel that we should squander federal resources on "perceived inequities." In fact, the term liberal conjurs up in my mind the "crunchy-granola-esque flip flop on whatever the issue of the minute is." (ICK!)

I made a decision a few years ago that I was going to change the course of my career to work in the non-profit sector, working with organizations that support my personal mission. My ideal job would be to work as an adoption advocate, but children's issues are extremely important to me. I am a white woman who is working in the inner city to improve the quality of life of its children. Before this job, I was working at another urban city trying to improve the lifes of women and children. The majority of the people I am working for are African American. I believe in the improvement of the quality of life for all living creatures (humans and animals).

As a caucausian woman I am well aware of the privledge of the color of my skin and I've had many conversations about a really interesting article called "The Invisible Knapsack: White Privledge" (google it!) I don't see myself as a white woman. I see myself as female first, of a "certain" age second and then wife and mother.

I've had some interesting conversations with people of color (quite a few different ones) who laugh at me and say that they see their color first and THEN their sex, etc. I find this facinating because of the different mind set. I file these conversations in my brain because one day I will need them when having a self-esteem chat with Kelsey.

I've been reading the whole Michele Obama fiasco with disgust and distain. I know the media is treating the Obamas with kid gloves because of the fact that Barrack is the first very viable African American candidate to run. (Jesse Jackson was NEVER viable in my mind, because I believe that you shouldn't combine church and state and be an elected official and Jackson, as a minister had already made that choice).

It feels that the Obamas are now assuming the mantle of "Democratic Nominee" and Michele is particularly arrogant in her remarks. I've been alive a few more years than she has and I can say there have been many MANY times that i've been proud to be an American. The more I read and hear, the less impressed I am. I truly feel that she is an arrogant, racist condescending witch and I truly hope this will turn the tide and finally show the Obamas in the true light of day.

You can think that I'm not doing my homework, but I've been reading almost everything I can on the net about the campaign. I especially read the comments after the stories to hear the voices of Americans in their own words. Many Americans are voicing concern about abilities of Barack Obama, but Democrats are strong in their party ties and would vote for anyone who wins the nomination. This is the jumping on the bandwagon mentality that I don't quite get.

I'm especially disappointed in the double standard that I've seen. The Obama campaign IS attacking the Clinton campaign, but only Hillary is seen as practing negative politics. Is it acceptible to be a sexist in today's society, but not a racist? I don't think so. Whenever the Clinton campaigns fire back, the Obama campaign immediately plays the race card.

GWB- I fully blame you for this mess. If you hadn't been the worst president in decades, then Americans (especially the younger more gullible ones) desperate for change wouldn't be willing to throw the baby out with the bath water and elect someone who doesn't have credible credentials to run this country. Slick words and insults (shut up Michelle and tend to YOUR OWN HOME and BIG MOUTH)without sustainence to back them up shouldn't win.

And can someone please explain why Barack Obama doesn't salute the flag? I've seen the YouTube movies and it's not acceptible to me. If the man we elect as President won't respect the symbol of our country who else will?

But, please keep looking at Kelsey's photos, they are truly adorable!

Proof Positive About the Love of Our Lives

2008-02-19T22:19:00.004-05:00

Could I love my girl anymore than I already do?
She radiates sunshine when she's awake and she is the snuggliest girl in her sleep, she needs to fall asleep holding hands now.

These are from a church photo session and also from the Picture People.
I particularly love the photo of her in her Chinese silks...

I'm so proud of her, and of us...surely we are doing something right by her. Please God, let us keep her this happy for a long time to come!

The one thing I realize is that she is growing up fast! My baby looks so mature!
Enjoy our modeling session...she sure did!

Transition...

2008-02-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

Transitioning from a SAHM to a full time Working Mom has been a little rougher than I realized. I miss my daughter during the day and while I have great comfort that she is well taken care of, I miss her dreadfully.

And work is busy. It's good because it's pushing me past my comfort zone a bit. I am meeting the major players in Newark. I am running in and out of the office quite a bit. And staying later than I thought I would. This is causing me to do the white-knuckle 5:55pm speed down route 22 to get to the daycare before 6pm. NOT Cool.

I'm torn because while I need to work for more reasons than I care to list, I don't want to. I want the flexibility of my schedule to clean, do laundry and errands when I want to. And I get grumpy because I can spend a few hours cleaning a room only to have it look like a disaster again soon after. And cooking every night is challenging.

We had some family photos and Kelsey photos taken recently. Goodness, they came out incredible. She's so photogenic and I'm so happy with her attitude. She's a happy happy girl.

I had another topic listed under the original posting, but realized I made a HUGE error in reading the posting where I pulled the topic, so I am deleting it. And I made an apology on the blog where I misread it. Bad JoAnn....

The Secret Recipe for A Hoppe Family

Happy Post Thanksgiving...

Joy....

The night before Kelsey graduates Kindergarten

A Playroom fit for a Princess!

Every Three Months?

Do this...For Susan and for all the other Warrior Princesses out there...

Top 10 positive things about 2010....

Can I Find a Way to Write This?

Blog Hopper - could there BE a better title for a Hoppe?

China Memories...

Another 3 Months Go By....

3 months later....

Twas the Night Before Job Starts and All Through The House

So, I got a job!

10 things I learned/was reminded of in 2009...

Merry Christmas~

NaBloPoMo!

The Night I Met Steven Curtis Chapman.

Three Word Sunday - A Bit Later Than Planned

Three Word Sunday...It's Keeps Getting Better!

Three Word Sunday!

It's BACK!

On the job front....

COWARD!

A Recurring Dream....

After THAT pity party...

That old adage works here in blogland...

Just When You Thought The Suck Couldn't Get Worse!!!!!

Suck-Sucky-Suckituge!

Brushing Away The Cobwebs from the Ole' Blog

A long post with mostly photos since it's been a long time coming!

Happy New Year!

A Well Lived Life?

May Your Days be Merry and Bright!

Random Thoughts

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...

A very short, but beautiful post!

We Gather Together...

Swiped From Beverly's Blog!

Random Shots of a Pretty "Big" Girl

Kelsey got a Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Conference is DONE!

Post election thoughts

I am in AC....

Short and Sweet

BRAVO, Bravo!

On the 2nd day of NaBloPoMo, my true love gave to me....

Welcome to NoPoBloMo 2008

Happy Halloween and OMG!

It's Been a While

I love Contests About Home Things!

Meet Footy and Sister

In Serious Need of a 12-Step Program

Kelsey Begins Ballet

Kelsey's First Day of Pre-School

I'm Blissfully Domestic!

Another Day, Another Year Older *Updated*

Hanging In There

I've edited myself for political reasons

I am a Slacker...

Okay, Sesame Place Completely Changed My Mood!

A Rant in Bullet Form...

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

3 word special July 4th edition

6 word challenge

3 Word Sunday...

A post for Jimmy and Kurt

Boots....does a workin' body good!

3 Word Sunday One Day Late, plus extra photos!

Torn...

One Thing I Used to Enjoy But Now Have Zero Time For...

3 Words - Squeeking in at the last minute

Perspective

Planning a Party and Need Cool Invitations?

3 Word Sunday - Mother's Day Edition

Don't Screw With Us!

Blogging My Way Into the Future

Lessons I've Learned from Mother...

3 Word Sunday Next Edition

Another Day, Another Year Older Updated