This is my last blog for the year 2006, and I couldn’t tear myself away from the television to write it before now. My family just watched the San Francisco 49’ers beat the Denver Broncos, thus completing the last of four dominoes that needed to fall to allow the Kansas City Chiefs to be in the playoffs. It was a tense, close game, won in overtime, but I sure have some happy guys around here right now. They can’t talk (they are hoarse) but they are happy.

Amy joined us tonight for dinner. She has been over to the house... more

The origins for keeping kosher can be found in several Biblical sources. However, those who may say that the Bible should be taken literally without any interpretation would never be able to figure out how to keep kosher without the interpretation and elaborations given by the rabbis. For example, part of the laws of keeping kosher include separating meat and milk products (i.e. no cheeseburgers allowed). However, the Torah's reference to this idea is "don't cook a young goat in it's mother's milk."

Biblical sources are as follows:

Of the "beasts of the earth" (which basically refers to land mammals with the exception of swarming rodents), you may eat any... more

It is almost the New Year and every year I marvel at the speed in which they pass. This year I’ve written, played, cooked and visited family – the same as most other years, yet somehow they just seem to come faster and faster every year.

We aren’t going out, but neighbors are coming over and we still have my parents with us so we’ll be celebrating at midnight along with the rest of the world. In fact we’ll probably celebrate several times as the times zones around the world chime in at twelve.

Last year K was up and dancing as we had a big party.... more

People have asked me to go into a little detail on what it means to keep kosher. I've discussed this topic superficially before, but I thought I'd go into some more detail, and over the next few posts provide some resources, cookbooks and other points to ponder. Right now I'll start with a few myths and truths.

MYTH #1: Keeping kosher is hard. TRUTH: People often think that keeping kosher is hard - I think it's one of those things that may look that way from the outside looking in.

MYTH #2: Keeping kosher is just for Orthodox Jews. Truth: Keeping kosher is in the Torah, and therefore applies to everyone. Different denominations may interpret the laws of keeping... more

2006 is nearly at an end and I am amazed at how much writing that I have been able to do this year. Some days I wasn't certain that I had it in me! However, blogging has been a great experience. The numbers show that our blogs here at adoptionblogs.com are well read, and that in itself is rewarding.

Therefore, I would like to thank all those who have helped me in my blogging adventures in 2006. Stats indicate that our blogs are receiving a great deal of traffic. I appreciate readers as well as commenters. Some commenters have shared some wonderfully... more

Today marks the third anniversary of K’s arrival into our home. No longer can I imagine life without our daughter. The days of power lunches, bar hopping, late night working are over – and I am so very grateful.

There is a three year old in my home that brings an extra dimension of joy and laughter every day.

I love to remind Hubby that even the bad days are really really good. I laugh more each day now that I used to in a week – or even a month. Laughing is easy when you’ve got a child who cuts her hair, climbs into the fridge, waters the fake Christmas... more

The blogs post was pretty popular. Therefore I thought I would bring it back as the year closes and make is a semi-annual event. For those of you just beginning the process or haven't yet started considering a blog, let me encourage you to do so today. A blog is an awesome reference, encouragement, notification board, and stress reliever. It is your own world to express yourself. Once you have it set up, then get a business card with the web address on there to give to those concerned. The response is great!

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Death and taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them!

Margaret Mitchell

While there are statistics to be found that indicate children do better in two-parent families, there are also statistics that indicate that adoptees have more issues to deal with than those who are not adopted. All children with two parent families do not thrive, nor do all children who grow up adopted. There is no "all" when it comes to much of anything. Not all children who grow up with... more

I just don’t want to participate in the whole New Year’s Resolutions, nor eat black-eyed peas and collard greens tomorrow.

In many ways I simply don’t have time for such frivolities.

There’s just too much to do here each day. I simply addressed the family as a whole, the 22-25 kids, depending on our circumstances, who still live at home with me…here’s the plan for ’07.

We will continue to strive to maintain a positive family environment.

I cannot tolerate negativity, it drains me, please don’t point out what you... more

Your paperwork is done and now you wait. Or, you have that wonderful referral and now you wait again – how can you keep from going crazy?!

Here are some ideas. Be sure to re-read this list when you are planning your "familymoon".

*Expect it to take longer than you hope. If it doesn't, it will be a happy surprise. Virtually all adoptions are a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs and unexpected twists. Timing is one of them. It just takes longer than you think it should, doggone it.

*Maintain a good relationship... more