The Daley Family

Happy Anniversary

2012-02-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

Nine years (and four kids) ago today I married my best friend (who I'd only seen 27 days in real life! YIKES!). I remember right before the ceremony thinking, "WHAT AM I DOING? I don't even really know this guy... I can still run... but then I'd have to return all the gifts..." Okay, superficial, I know... but I think I was a little nuts-o that day. Thanks for putting up with me-crazy-self! I LOVE YOU Doug Daley!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2012-01-22T18:11:00.000-05:00

New Family Picture

2012-01-15T14:43:00.001-05:00

Seth's Gotcha Day Video

2012-01-12T13:47:00.000-05:00

One year ago today Doug and I boarded a plane to China. Little did we know that the sweet, timid, scared little guy would turn into a boy full of energy- continually rock'n our world. We love you Seth!

My boy

2012-01-05T00:23:00.001-05:00

Isn't he handsome? Check out the tie Aunt Sunny made?

YES! MADE! Incredible, if you ask me!

I love this picture as it is his belly laugh. So cute.

After 11 months of animoscity, Seth and Rett (cousin) are FINALLY friends!

FINALLY!!! Geesh!!!

Check out these very fancy chocolates that Vera brought us from San Fransisco. We've only had 2 each so far. They are almost too pretty to eat. I say almost because they are, well: CHOCOLATE! Mmmmm...

Vera is home!

2012-01-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

Vera, our exchange student from last year, is here to visit over the holidays!

It was almost a relief, of sorts, to bring her home. We have missed her dearly.

The kids are so happy to have their "big sister" back... especially since she always has the coolest gadgets to play with!

Vera and her friend made Chinese dumplings for us on New Year's Eve. YUMMY!!

We love you Vera!!

Yes, Christmas Came!

2011-12-28T12:59:00.001-05:00

Yes, Christmas DID come for all of my kids. Dad is off work until after the New Year. He's been.... doing the laundry!??! HA! Playing with the kids... Taking pics of Erin trying on my glasses.... does she look like my mother-in-law or what?!?

We had a party on the 23rd with three of my siblings and their kids. It was SUCH a blast. They are all so much fun! We have a traditional recycled toy exchange among cousins. (It's always a great time for me to get rid of the really LOUD toys!)

My youngest brother, his wife and two kids stayed a couple of nights with us. Their daughter is the cutest little DIVA I have ever, ever met. Erin likes to call her "Baby Sambo" (even though she is just 2 months older). Seth went around just calling her "Bo". She and Seth got along remarkably good. It was fun watching him walk around with his arm around her shoulder.

Christmas morning was a delight! Grandma Daley made PJ's for all the kids. These are Seth's:

Paige and Claire sporting some of their presents. There big Santa gift was a 3 story Barbie townhouse. It's almost taller than they are! Fun times!

Can you believe I am actually posting this awful, awful picture of myself? I was making banana bread for breakfast Christmas morning. That's me: Raw. Crazy hair. In my element.

Claire loved having a new addition to her stuffed animal collection: A daddy for her little 'Wolfie'. We simply call him: MR. WOLFIE.

Doug made the kids a lego duplo table. I love that Doug is so talented. He made a wooden marble ramp game for each of my siblings at the party, too. In memory of my dear Grandpa Davis.... Ahhh.... Grandpa. Bet he was in heaven telling everyone about the gift Doug made... bet he's still telling about it to anyone who'll listen. Grandma's probably jabbing him in the side, rolling her eyes!

Merry Christmas. Remembering the true meaning behind the gifts.... the Gift to us all: Jesus Christ.

Dear Claire

2011-12-20T00:05:00.000-05:00

My Dearest Claire,

Please stop getting in trouble so Santa can come on Sunday. You are such a wonderful girl. I love you.

Mom

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-09T11:09:00.000-05:00

Every year we get a Christmas ornament for each of our children. The ornaments each remind them of something they have done or loved during that year. It's a sort of 'journal'.

Claire received a green glamour Barbie.

Erin received a Toy Story ornament- her current favorite movie.

Seth received a car ornament since he loves anything with an engine. It's appropriate that he BROKE his $20 ornament just seconds after opening it... we chose not to fix it as a reminder of this time peoriod in his life: Seth, The Destroyer.

Paige received a pink glamour Barbie. Pink is her signature color.

Claire had the honor of hanging the star this year (despite her fear of heights).

Happy Birthday Erin

2011-12-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

Erin and Grandma have birthdays a day apart. We were so excited to celebrate their birthdays together. My Dad and Sally got our traditional Dairy Queen cake for the celebration. All growing up the only fast food we had in our town was Dairy Queen so it holds a special place in our ~~hearts~~ stomachs. It was such a wonderful night. Erin quit her nighttime bottle, just as we had practiced for the past few months. She hasn't gone back since. Phew!

We often refer to Erin as our "miracle".... because she is! All of them are. Doug and I joke that we weren't present for the conception of any of our kids. For those who don't know, Erin's existance is thanks to invitro fertilization. She's ours through and through... they just had to "mix" her in the lab first!!

Loves to you, our angel girl. You are brilliant, so so sweet, kind, thoughtful, loving.... the list goes on and on. Most importantly you fill into our lives and family in the most extraordinary way. We love you, our dear 3 year old!

Trip to Illinois

2011-12-08T15:03:00.002-05:00

Doug and I took our family back to my hometown of Petersburg, IL for Thanksgiving. It was such a wonderful visit. My Grandma Robbins was as wonderful as ever... hosting Doug, me and the babies.

Doug gave Seth his first lesson is turkey carving. It was so sweet to watch him learn from his daddy.

The big girls stayed with Papa and Grandma Sally. They loved staying there so much they would often ask me when they were going back to Papa's house.... what am I chopped liver?

SO CUTE! Grandma reading to Seth.

Claire Lin and her namesake, Grammie Lynn

Oh BOY! Watch out world! Seth and his cousins: Spencer and Trent.

All have the same amount of energy. Yikes!

I just really like this picture of Paige. It really bespeaks of her personality

Me and my Mama

Paige and Grandma share the same name. As such both feel such a special bond. Paige loves writing to Grandma. When we told her we were going to visit, she thought we were going just for her (she's been asking to see Grandma for months)

Comments

2011-11-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have heard A LOT, A LOT, A LOT of comments with regards to my children. Most are very kind. Some are well, ignorant. And a few are downright rude.

While we were in my hometown for Thanksgiving, I went grocery shopping with Seth for the big dinner. While there I was shopping I was stopped by a couple in their 60's. She looked at Seth and said, "My niece got one of those!"

"Huh?" I thought, "Calm Suzie. Calm. You're in your hometown. Be nice. Be nice."

"You mean my son?" I asked.

"Yes." she said and went on to tell me her story.

Luckily she was distracted by a friend. I sorta just turned my cart away fuming.

It was as though she was admiring my purse of my new coat. My child. My child! That is all I could think. Yes, I know what she meant. But what if my big girls had been along?? They are 6 and understand comments well now.

May the understanding of love and family, real family permeate the mind of those who have not walked in our path.

We've got a rockband in our house!

2011-11-15T12:25:00.002-05:00

He said, "COOL!"?!?!

2011-11-13T11:54:00.003-05:00

Last night my brother and sister-in-law watched our kids so Doug and I could go on a date. When we came to pick them up, the kids were watching the movie, Cars. While we own every princess, Barbie, and Toy Story movie there is, Cars is not one of them. My sister-in-law graciously let us borrow the movie. Seth held it the entire ride home.

When he woke up this morning, he ran to the movie and said, "Coo..."

"Did you just say, "Cool??" I asked.

"Yeah!" He replied.

With a gun in one hand and Cars in the other, the boy was in heaven.

Before we met our son I thought that the love of cars, trains, guns, tractors, motorcycles, planes, and the color blue was something that we, as society taught our sons to love. I have since learned that that love of the fast, furious, dangerous, and bizarre is just a gift they have from birth.

Boone Photos

2011-11-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

I was so happy to be able to take pics of my little sister and her family today....

They are just a wonderful family. So glad we live close now!

The Brave Award

2011-11-05T12:40:00.001-04:00

Claire had her tonsils and adenoids removed on Wednesday. What a trooper. She looked like she had been beat up... her face all red and swollen. Luckily she is looking much brighter today. She has been the bravest girl I know. No complaints, smiles, agreeable. I just can't get over it. What a girl!

2011-10-30T00:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

This year it's the

BAD GUYS VS. GOOD GUYS

Don't ask me why, but everything at our house seems to revolve around "good guys" and "bad guys"...

Taekwondo

2011-10-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

WATCH OUT WORLD. Claire's taking Taekwondo!

Happy birthday Seth

2011-10-24T00:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Seth. Last year I was waiting with bated breath for pictures from China of the party we sent over. You looked so confused, like a deer in headlights.

Tonight we went to "Big Juds"- home of the 1 pound Big Jud Burger and the Hungry Heifer (served in a doggie dish!)

This year, you cried when we tried to give you your present.

If was like, "Stop pushing that thing on me!"

"Ok, I'll open it. Geesh!"

"Oh WOW! I LOVE THIS PRESENT THING!"

Happy Birthday to my one and only son! So glad you're home!

Tonsils.... again

2011-10-17T15:41:00.000-04:00

I guess two kids having surgery in their mouths this year just isn't enough.... Now it's CLAIRE'S turn to get her tonsils out! November 2nd is the big day.... thought we'd at least let her enjoy Halloween.

We're still waiting to hear from the plastic surgery to see if Paige will qualify for ear surgery through our insurance to correct her ear. We aren't sure they will qualify for surgery since the ear correction is mainly cosmetic. We'll see....

Claire's first tooth!

2011-10-16T13:00:00.001-04:00

She did it! After months and months of wishing and hoping... Claire lost her first tooth (thanks to a little string pulling from Mom). It was fairly painless and very necessary as the adult tooth was already poking through!

What a trooper!

Recovering

2011-10-11T13:06:00.001-04:00

Erin is recovering. Not horrible. Not great. She's not eating much. Just likes drinking milk from her... aahhh yes... BOTTLE. Yes, my almost 3 year old still uses a bottle for comfort! The mantra is: When I turn three... NO MORE BOTTLE! I'd give her just about anything she wants right now. Poor love. She sleeps with me at night... and naps in the day.... doesn't go to bed until 11 or 12PM or in the case of last night 2AM! She does love the Jessie Doll that Daddy got for her.... what a great Dad!

Next Monday Claire has an appointment for her tonsils. Lovely, eh??

Tonsils

2011-10-06T22:23:00.000-04:00

Erin's having her tonsils and adnoids removed tomorrow morning. She'll be in the hospital overnight because of her age (unless I can convince them otherwise). Prayers are welcome.... :)

Apple picking

2011-10-02T22:45:00.000-04:00

Apple picking has been a Daley Family tradition since we got married. Last year was the first year we did not go apple picking. I think I was sad that we were not in Vermont- land of apples, pumpkins, leaves, and all things autumn.

This year we tried Idaho apple picking. It's not the same by any stretch, but a fun family activity. I canned apple pie filling last night. Mmmm....

Claire's new "do" following the scissors incident at school. I cut it.... our stylist had to cancel the appointment. I was dying... the mullet had to go!

Claire....

2011-10-01T00:41:00.002-04:00

My darling Claire cut herself some funky bangs at school this week. I'm hoping to take her to a stylist tomorrow as my meager attempt at covering them up did not work very well. Serenity NOW!

Love this quote

2011-09-26T16:04:00.000-04:00

I found this today on my friend, Sally's blog. She is the amazing mother of TEN kids! We traveled in January together to bring home our kiddos.... Miss you Sally and dear Gracie Mae!

"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with a disability doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family." ~Author unknown

Claire

2011-09-26T15:20:00.001-04:00

Claire was so beautiful before church on Sunday, I couldn't help but take some pictures.

She is just as beautiful on the inside as on the out!

LOVE THIS GIRL!

PAPA IS HERE!

2011-09-23T01:22:00.000-04:00

My Dad drove over 1,400 miles to be with us for a visit.

Today my joy was full as I looked over and saw this:

Grandparents Day

2011-09-19T12:33:00.003-04:00

Friday was Grandparents Day at the girls' school. Since we don't have any grandparents in the area, Aunt Theresa went to the school. They ate lunch together (Aunt Theresa brought snickers!), had their picture taken, and did an art project. Aunt Theresa is SO COOL! The girls had a blast.
Claire even shed a few tears when Theresa left.

Thanks AMAZING AUNT THERESA!

This is a picture of the original. I should've scanned it, but I was a little lazy...

Just the three of us!

2011-09-14T20:22:00.004-04:00

While the girls are away, the babies will play. Well, actually they just hang on me all day. Literally.
They follow me from room to room.... even when I shower! Erin sits on the closed potty while
Seth sits on the edge of the tub.

Good thing they're cute! Seems like I say that in most of my posts....

PS: I didn't actually BUZZ Erin's hair. She insisted I use clippers on her like I just had on Seth and Doug. I promise I just TRIMMED it.... don't worry! ;)

Bread

2011-09-10T23:38:00.001-04:00

So, it's been my goal to make all our own bread.... not for any super good health reason, but because I'm cheap! I'm saving $4 a week! HA! It's been working out really well. I make a big one for the grown ups and a smaller ones for the kids. It's great for school lunch. I can help the girls feel like grown up eaters, without sending grown up sandwiches.

Yee-Haw, I'm a sucker!

2011-09-07T01:58:00.006-04:00

Let me ~~rationalize~~.... I mean preface my story by adding that if you don't know already, Erin's voice is very soft, sweet, and loving....

Erin: "Mama, I wanna be a cowgirl." *sweet eyes peering into my soul*
Me: "Okay." *blissfully unaware of what I'm getting myself in to*
Erin: "Mama, oh please can I have cowgirl boots?" *smile, head tilted*
Me: "Let's go to Wal-Mart and see if we can find boots!"

Wal-Mart- NO COWBOY BOOTS- Come on! This is IDAHO! NO BOOTS??

Erin: "Let's find boots at another store." *you're getting sleepy*
Drive to Cal-Ranch specialty store, hypnotized.

Erin: "I wanna cowgirl hat!" *she just loves Toy Story and wouldn't you know it, they have a Jessie hat*
Me: "Here's a cute one!" *never mind the price tag*
Erin: "Let's find boots" *pursed lips*
Me: "Ok!" *no money in purse*

Boots have an imperfection saving me $10. Super! Still... $35 for boots. $21 for hat.
I am a SUCCOR! There you have it. Be cute and get what you want. I'm a bad mom.... I KNOW!

Claire came home from school wondering why Erin had boots and a hat. I reminded her that she got a cowgirl hat for her birthday. She remembered the boots Vera left. Therefore, I had TWO gorgeous cowgirls who walked around hand in hand all afternoon..... Priceless.

Labor Day

2011-09-07T01:48:00.001-04:00

We spent Labor Day afternoon with my little brother and his family!

Bathtime

2011-08-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

I joke that the WRONG TWO KIDS are going to school right now.... It's the more "spirited" children that are left behind at home. After a morning of outside play, I took some time to unwind by allowing the "babies" time in the bath!

Gross Picture of the Day goes to...

Drum roll....

SETH DALEY for his snotty nose! Way to go, son!

Happy birthday Doug

2011-08-30T00:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Doug!

First day of school

2011-08-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of 1st grade for my big girls. Oh, it is bittersweet. On one hand, it is so fun to watch them grow, progress, become mature, etc... but on the other hand I thought, "This is life from now on. No more half day school. Full day until they leave the house!" Ahhh....

I thought it would fun to post all their school pictures from preschool to now. How fun to see them grow!

Thanks Grandma!

2011-08-23T23:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks Grandma Daley for the cute jumpers!! We miss you!

This boy will be the death of me.... though I love him so!

Finally old enough!

2011-08-17T19:09:00.000-04:00

Paige is FINALLY old enough to put nail polish on her sisters.... and on....

HERSELF!

Erin decided on Sunday night that she was done with diapers. She's been in panties ever since. I was so scared to let her go cold turkey, but she goes to the potty on her own- little to no reminders. I can't believe it. They are FINALLY out of diapers.... during the day ;)!

Spinach Pesto

2011-08-17T16:13:00.001-04:00

Here's a recipe for those of you with extra spinach from the garden. Healthy and WONDERFUL!

Ingredients:

4 cups washed, torn spinach leaves, stems removed, well packed, 16 to 24 ounces
3 garlic cloves, halved
3 tablespoons pine nuts (I used walnuts because that's what I had on hand- wonderful)
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil, crumbled
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. salt
hot, cooked spaghetti

Preparation:

Place a few spinach leaves, garlic, pine nuts, basil and a little oil in blender or food processor container. Cover and puree until leaves begin to look crushed. Continue adding spinach leaves a few at a time with small amounts of oil to blender, using a rubber spatula to help to combine pureed mixture. Add Parmesan cheese and 1/8 tsp. salt. Cover and process until spinach pesto mixture is smooth. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain in colander. Serve with the spinach pesto sauce.

Happy birthday Claire

2011-08-15T18:16:00.001-04:00

Dearest Claire,

I'm sorry to be 9 days late in posting,.... but.... Happy birthday, Darling Love. I remember when I first saw this face. You looked so sad. I knew you were my daughter from the minute I laid eyes on you. Who couldn't love that little, pudgy face?

We had a surprise party for your 6th birthday with all your Aunts, Uncles, and cousins on my side of the family. You were sooooooooooo utterly surprised. I have never seen a child experience such pure happiness as you did that night. It moved me to tears. I am so grateful to be your Mama....

You make me laugh, you show unconditional love to everyone around you. You are smart and happy and notice everything. Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter.

I love you.

Mom

Big Boy Undies!!

2011-08-11T23:20:00.002-04:00

My boy made it through his first day in big boy underwear! Woo-Hoo! He is generally dry when he wakes up, too so I was brave and decided to go whole hog! We'll see what the morning brings. He doesn't yet tell me when he has to "go" so it's up to me to try and remember.... ugh....

Don't you love this mischievous grin? It's SOOOOOO Seth!

Portland

2011-08-11T18:08:00.000-04:00

We went to Portland this week for a follow-up for Seth. We went a few days early so we could have this magical vacation time together, Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun.... but it seems that every "fun" thing we did was accompanied by a grumpy, angry, or whiny child. One thing they did all agree on was swimming in the pool at the hotel. Fun, fun, fun. I bet Seth jumped into the pool about 867 times!

Daddy bought "Best Friends" necklaces for Paige and Claire.

They are SO ADORABLE and love to wear them!

I came home to zucchini's THIS BIG. YIKES! Need some zucchini? CALL ME!

Robbins Family Reunion

2011-08-03T14:06:00.000-04:00

This week all my siblings and their families got together for the first time in a year. It was so much fun. 21 kids! Wow!!!

The kids- Uncle Jon got the kids laughing by making our cat, "Tigger the Tiger" dance. It was really funny.

Their true natures revealed....

All six of us!

My kids

My older sisters' beautiful family

Loving this baby Elsie!

Boys, watch out! It may not be the Dad you should be scared of....

Claire Bear?

Rett and LeGrand

Baby Zack!

A visit from family

2011-07-26T18:15:00.001-04:00

We enjoyed a wonderful week with Grandpa and Grandma Daley, Aunt Dawn and Cousin Casey.

We took G & G to Yellowstone. It was Grandpa's first time to Yellowstone.

And wouldn't you know it! The first animal we see is a GRIZZLY BEAR! Mind you, I've been to Yellowstone many, many times and NEVER seen one! And then right before we left we saw ANOTHER grizzly.... or maybe the same one?? We don't know....

As "Dances With Wolves" would say, we also enjoyed a VERY close view of some Tatankas!

My kids are kinda gross... drinking water from the slip and slide. Mmmmm.....

Seth got a little scared when we visited a waterfall. G'pa's giving him a pat of confidence!

Seth

36

2011-07-23T15:47:00.002-04:00

I turned 36 on Wednesday. Wow. I remember when my parents were 36. I thought it was really old. Not so old now....

Thanks to Doug for pitty-ing (is that a word?) me by purchasing a new cell phone. We also invested in the insurance plan.... ahhh... children.... I love them, I love them, I love them.... even when they hide my cell phone... I was going a little bonkers looking for that silly thing. It feels nice to stop looking everywhere I go.

Here's to another 36 years. Life is fantastic.

Fun with cousins

2011-07-18T00:46:00.002-04:00

Summer is here! We've had a lot of fun playing with our cousins from near....

(The best concert I've been to all year)

And our cousin from afar....

Dress up....

What happens when you have three sisters.... Poor Seth... least he's holding a hammer, right?

A couple of "firsts"

2011-07-08T21:19:00.001-04:00

My garden is not growing as well this year as it did last year. However, tonight we had the first ~~fruits~~, I mean vegetables from the garden: SPINACH. Mmmmm.... Erin loved it. Claire tolerated. Paige wouldn't try it.

The other "first". I made my own hamburger buns tonight using the famous "lecithin" recipe. Yum. Done in 1 hour. Way, way, way better than any buns from the store. I highly recommend trying it. Email me if you need the recipe or check it out on my blog from last year: bread recipe

Cell phone

2011-07-07T23:20:00.003-04:00

* Go ahead.... sing the verses in your head... you know you want to! *

Oh where, oh where has my cell phone gone?

Oh where, oh where can it be?

I've looked through the trash,

I've looked through the lawn.

Oh where, oh where could it be?

Did my son find it a new hiding place?

Did my daughter throw it away?

Did they conspire together to make me a mess?

Did they get rid of it so I would play?

PS: On the upside, I did find a cordless phone that we lost when first moved in....

2011-06-29T14:23:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday dearest Paige Maida.

I can hardly believe you are six!

Stop growing up.

No more birthdays allowed.

Paige was kind of gloomy last night. I asked her what was wrong. She told me, "Life gets harder when you get older."

She continued, "I don't want to be grow up and be a mom yet. I don't want to move away."

I explained that it will be a very long time before she leaves home.... What a lovely and very thoughtful girl.... just like her Dad!

Happy birthday, Baby!!

Seth's first "pool" experience.

2011-06-28T17:55:00.000-04:00

We bought one of those kiddie pools yesterday for Paige's birthday party tomorrow. Paige's little friend asked if we could all try it out this afternoon, and I agreed. Everyone had fun, but Seth had more than fun.... he was ecstatic! I realized that this is his first "pool" experience. His face was priceless....

Exploring Idaho

2011-06-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

Erin's impromtu photo shoot w/ me this morning

2011-06-26T01:24:00.001-04:00

My kids

2011-06-26T01:08:00.000-04:00

This one gets away with murder

This one tries to get away with murder

My angel children sitting on Daddy's amazing new shelves!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day, Doug! We love you!!

Erin's baby

2011-06-16T13:50:00.002-04:00

Erin just loves her babies. The nursery workers at church always comment that Erin will make a great mom when she grows up.

Each night Erin follows me into Seth's room. She grabs one blanket, I grab another. I put my blanket on Seth and she puts hers meticulously on him. She then stands by him, sings him a line from her favorite lullaby and kisses him good-night. Of course the whole time he is protesting her mothering, but she doesn't seem to care.

She tucks in her big brother. HA!

A visit from old friends

2011-06-11T15:03:00.001-04:00

Our dear friends from Vermont (who now live in Vancouver) came for a visit on Thursday. What a wonderful evening we had.... meeting their brand new baby.... oh so fun to be with old friends where there is no awkwardness, where conversation flows.... I love it! Thanks for the visit guys!

Of course I convinced them to let me take some pics of their gorgeous new baby....

FOUR TEETH!!

2011-06-10T16:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning Paige told me she felt something "really weird" in her mouth. When I peered in I saw her first adult tooth peeking up through her gumline.... in the wrong place.... yikes!

We made an appointment with the dentist in the afternoon. He pulled FOUR of her baby teeth! Paige was so brave. She didn't cry and was such a good listener.

I was very sentimental as I remember those teeth coming in for the first time.

Fortunately the tooth fairy did arrive on time and Paige was thrilled to receive $4.00 wrapped in a bow! How did the the tooth fairy know that Paige loves bows?? ;)

$57.40 copay

2011-06-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

We recently paid a $57.40 COPAY for these ear drops. There are 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of medicine in these drops. Seth requires 3 drops in each ear, 3 times a day. So while I drop them in his ear I say, "One dollar, two dollars, three dollars... then four dollars, five dollars, six!"

I'm not saying this to complain about our child, I'm saying this to complain about the ridiculous amount of money we paid.

I mean, when we bought our fertility shot medication ($5,000+), we paid $300 total in copays. At least then we got a significant amount of medicine.

ONE TEASPOON FULL!!

Paige's 5th Gotcha Day

2011-06-06T01:41:00.003-04:00

Today we celebrate 5 years with our Paige Maida. What an amazing little lady she has become. She is such a great example to me.

We celebrated with macaroni and cheese with peas and carrots on the side. She told me she wanted to choose something that is "good for my body".

Paige and I also rode bikes together this afternoon. Doug and I think she will be a nutritionist when she grows up! What a good example of health.... wish some of that would rub off on me :)

We love you Paigey-Maida. You made me a mom.

(Just to clarify, Paige is talking in the video about when we first met her in China. Doug and I wore her picture around our neck, I held her almost exclusively at first- Daddy wondered, "When do I get to hold my Baby Paige?" She also mentions how she and her Great-Grandmother share a name: Maida. She was very nervous during this video.... what a fun girl).

What we've been up to...

2011-06-02T18:31:00.001-04:00

Dress ups

Play-do

Cooking

Playing outside

Bye bye, Vera! We love you!

2011-05-31T00:20:00.002-04:00

Sweet Vera Li! You have been our daughter for nearly a year. Who could ask for a more wonderful daughter and example? My children have learned so much from you. I have learned so much from you. We will miss your sweet smile, your witty remarks, and your amazing personality. We love you. You will always be our Chinese Daughter.... oh wait..... okay.... one of our THREE Chinese daughters....

We joked this year that since her last name was Li, we could appropriately call ourselves, the DAY-LI's, get it?

Our Ice Cream celebration tonight.

So, we're all leaving when we look back and see.........

Yep, she's a Daley!

Daley Reading.... get it??

2011-05-25T13:33:00.000-04:00

So the big girls are so excited about reading books. I've purchased the "BOB Books" which I will say were the very best investment. They start very easy and get harder in a very natural way. This morning during "Daley Reading Time" I turned to see ALL of the kids "reading". IT was great!

Notice how Seth is kicking everyone... yeah... he didn't last long with the other three. Can I say once again how a boy in our all girl family has really been ROCKING our world.

I've not slept a night through since before the surgery and the last two nights I've been up every hour. Oh wow.... then as a thank you, he hit me in the face this morning. Ahh.... motherhood. Gotta love it!

My Claire is the most devoted of all my readers. Every night I find her reading books on her own. She's finished all the books in the first level and is easily conquering the second level now. I'm amazed!

Paige is doing a tremendous job as well. She's more Type-A so if she isn't perfect, she gets frustrated. However, we were able to finish both girls Kindergarten Skills Books last night. Just in the nick of time as the last day of school is tomorrow.

Surgery

2011-05-22T11:39:00.002-04:00

Well, we're home. Hoorah!!

Seth's surgery went really well. The surgery was two hours longer than they planned. This made me very nervous at the time. Then, when they were done we were told that the surgeon was able to fix the entire palate completely. He will still have future surgeries for the gap in his gumline and likely in a couple of years to correct muscles in the palate.

Just hours after surgery. The black line you see coming from his mouth on the right is a suture. They had to sew his tongue down.... poor guy!

The next morning.... things started to look up (as long as he got his drugs)! :)

His favorite nurse, Shasta!

Riding around like the prince that he is!

The view from Seth's hospital room. GORGEOUS!

The trip home was long. We did it in two days this time. He did a very good job considering everything. He is still in need of his pain killers, but is home playing. He doesn't even seem to mind his arm restraints. He isn't enjoying watching everyone eat food he cannot consume, but he's even starting to get used to that. Baby food for 4-6 weeks. Yum...

Leaving for Portland

2011-05-16T01:23:00.003-04:00

So while Doug was tickling this little guy, I thought I'd take the opportunity to get one last picture of his palate before it's corrected in Portland later this week. I have mixed emotions about this surgery. Obviously, I am thrilled that he will have it repaired. He will be able to speak better, eat better, etc, etc, etc... On the other hand it's going to be a long and arduous recovery. And, it was this cleft issue that make it possible for us to bring him home to our family. I know that sounds weird, but this has been a part of who my boy is, and now things will change a lot. I am very grateful, though. Please don't misunderstand....

Thank you Shriners for your consideration. Please pray for our safety en route, for a successful surgery, and a quick and relatively painless recovery period.

Yellowstone

2011-05-15T23:14:00.000-04:00

We took a day trip to Yellowstone yesterday. Vera loved it! It was a lot of fun and since it's off season, we enjoyed the day as well. Little traffic and great parking spots!!

The Robbins Family

2011-05-13T16:06:00.003-04:00

Here are just a few pics from my "photo session" with the Robbins this morning.

So cute!

First

2011-05-11T23:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight was my first "photo shoot". I'm definitely not a Pro, but it was fun all the same... and who can go wrong with such a cute subject...

Double trouble

2011-05-11T13:37:00.001-04:00

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Erin, snot and all!

My boy whining....

Erin says prayers all by herself now. It's so adorable!

Doug made his famous southwestern chicken for Mother's Day.

Thanks Doug.... you're the best husband EVER!

Welcome Elsie Elizabeth Boone!

2011-05-08T00:26:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to my baby sister on her newest addition: Elsie Elizabeth Boone

My nieces and nephew

2011-05-06T21:22:00.000-04:00

These cuties are why we moved here....

Elsie's coming!

2011-05-06T19:54:00.001-04:00

My sister is over-due. Each day has been a trial. I watched her kids this afternoon while she went to her Dr's appointment. When she got back she told me she was in labor and on her way to the hospital! Woo-Hoo!

I gave her some cookies for the road. Good thing as I don't think she was happy with my request for a photo!

Erin singing

2011-05-05T22:50:00.002-04:00

Erin singing:

"I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday."

Loving these girls

2011-05-05T22:13:00.002-04:00

Claire chooses books to read every night on her own... Her reading is amazing!

While trying very hard to pass of Paige's "skills book", she and dad endured a very intense study session- ending with the story, "The Little Engine that Could"

Outside pics

2011-05-01T00:19:00.000-04:00

We've been stuck indoors all winter long.... and though there is still a tiny bit of patchy snow, we did go out and enjoy the day....

Seth and Erin are so much fun on the playset.

On top of the world.... or a view from below!

Claire is so model-esque... even with her hair undone.

Paige looks so grown up in this picture.

For those who don't know, Seth was deathly, I mean DEATHLY scared of animals when we first got home. Boy, look at him now!

New Camera

2011-04-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

Vera (our exchange student from China)'s parents presented us with a new camera as a thank-you for hosting her this year. What a pleasure it has been. We have one more month together.... sad....

Thanks for the camera, Vera. We love you!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

Look what the Easter Bunny brought!

Seth with his first Easter basket.

Erin with her basket- experiencing a little "bed head"

Pretty Paige

That's my Claire!

Humpty Dumpty

2011-04-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

This morning as I walk toward Erin's room, I hear through the door Paige reciting:

"Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

All the king's horses and all the king's men..."

And this is what I see...

Good thing they didn't experience a great fall...

You GO, Girl!

2011-04-18T23:01:00.000-04:00

Paige is Most Valuable Kindergartener this week. As such she gets to decorate a paper jersey with pictures describing herself. Amongst the pictures were a baby picture and Chinese card indicating she was born in China.

Paige came home and told me that her class asked lots of questions about her birth in China, why she didn't live with her "China Mom" and "China Dad" anymore, where they are, etc. Paige was so matter of fact in her answers, "they couldn't keep me so they left me when I was a tiny, tiny baby with people who would take care of me." and "my China Mom and Dad left a note with me because they loved me and wanted me to be happy."

When a boy in her class today told her that "China is dumb and stupid and bad." Paige turned to him and said, "NO IT'S NOT!" Apparently he pestered her quite a bit and she just kept repeating herself. He ended up in time out and she ended up being voted (by me) to be the most valuable strong, confident little lady of the week.

You go, Paige! Be who you are and be proud of your life. It's what makes you so wonderful. I'm so proud to be your Forever Mom.

Claire had to get into the action... she is such a ham...

Go Team Daley!

Seth's best friend

2011-04-17T23:08:00.000-04:00

Seth's best friend from the orphanage is meeting his family right this second (it's Monday in China). I am so thrilled for this lovely family. We have been in contact for months. We've shared pictures of our children and been through so much. I am so glad to know that Seth's friend will be here in the USA and hope they can keep in contact as they get older.

Three years ago today

2011-04-13T07:49:00.002-04:00

Three years ago today

I saw your face

with short hair,

clothes too tight

shoes with holes,

silver bracelets,

veggie cracker snacks.

Today I see your face

with long, silky hair,

clothes just right,

blue shoes, your favorite color

silver necklaces,

still loving those veggie crackers.

Three years ago today,

sisters quarreling,

sisters running,

sisters hugging,

sisters laughing,

sisters meeting.

Today I see...

sisters quarreling,

sisters running,

sisters hugging,

sisters laughing,

sisters loving.

Three years ago today

I was learning to love you

You were learning to love me

Today

there is no learning

Love exists and is eternal.

I love you Claire Lin Daley. Happy "Gotcha Day". I don't know where I would be without you...

It's Idaho.... what can I say?

2011-04-12T19:24:00.001-04:00

Yep. It's dead.

Dorothy, we aren't in Vermont anymore....

Like Father, like well... all of them...

2011-04-11T22:51:00.001-04:00

Though it was only 45-50 degrees today, it was a nice day. We played outside, raked the grass, and Daddy did some work in the shop.

While in the shop Doug had the kids hammering nails and taught them about his tools. It was incredibly sweet.

Seth was in awe of the big power tools and enjoyed using the foot pedal to turn on the big drill press.

Thanks for your patience Dad!!

My joy

2011-04-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

Today it was nice enough for the kids to go outside.

As I watched them playing in the yard, I realized that: this moment is my joy.

Poem

2011-04-08T15:12:00.001-04:00

Our Church's monthly magazine had an article on infertility. Afterwards was this lovely poem.

I thought I'd share.

Just the Same

By Diana Lynn Lacey

Sometimes—
God sends rain
Straight from the sky
To nourish the young flower
and it grows.

Sometimes—
God sends rain from the sky
To the mountaintops,
Then over hills and through valleys
Until it reaches the flower
and it grows, just the same.

Sometimes—
God sends a child
Straight from His realm
Into a mother’s arms
and love grows.

Sometimes—

God sends a child

From heaven to another’s arms,

Then over hills and through valleys

Until he reaches the arms of his mother

and love grows, just the same.

Happy Spring!

2011-04-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring from Idaho!

I knew it would happen...

2011-04-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

I did my best to prevent this day from coming. I'm on the hunt for writing utensils every moment of the day. And yet, I knew this day would come. And to make it even worse, it was a dry erase marker he found.... these are permanent. I haven't attempted cleaning the walls.... yes, walls- plural.... I'll save that for tomorrow....

Good thing he's cute.

We start speech therapy tomorrow. Deja vu! Here we go again!

Oh, good news!! Seth's surgery in Portland will be on May 19. Hooray! We are so excited to have a date set. I think it's been nice to have a couple of months to adjust before the surgery.

Freaky picture

2011-03-28T21:35:00.001-04:00

Our exchange student, Vera, is taking a photography class at school. Today she came home and showed me her latest creation.... Truth be told, it freaked me out!

Erin and her Grandma...ummm.... err...

Grandma and Erin??

Jewels

2011-03-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

Princess Paige. Type A to the max. Check out her jewels!! Bear in mind she carefully picked out each piece for Church yesterday. There are MY Grandma's clip-on earrings- likely from the 1960's, bracelets from Santa Claus and from China, and a necklace also from St. Nick.

Claire follows suit in sticker earrings from Mom and Dad, a necklace (gift from Paige), a Barbie ring from a cupcake, and bracelet from China.

Finally Erin, TWO Barbie rings from cupcakes, necklace borrowed from Paige, bracelet from China, and sticker earrings from her 'rents.

Poor Seth... wants jewelry SO BADLY.... sorry buddy... boys don't wear jewels in our home.

Don't they look so happy?? Can I freeze time??

This morning, both were bitten by the other, hits, hugs, sorries, and so on...

Calgon, you know the drill!

Our newest addition

2011-03-22T22:43:00.001-04:00

Welcome..... TIGGER THE TIGER!

(Seriously, can we ever have a normal name for a pet??)

In Paige's prayer tonight she said,

"Please bless Black Muffin in Heaven.
And bless Tigger the Tiger that she will stay at our house, not run away,

and NOT DIE! Amen."

The best Daddy

2011-03-22T00:12:00.001-04:00

My last post was a downer. Sorry. Life has been rough adjusting to another little one... and a very lively one, at that. Today was the first day in several weeks that I did not get frustrated. I've been praying for patience like mad. For some reason every little thing has been getting to me since we got home from China. But I think the upward swing is finally at hand.

I would like to personally thank my dear husband for being an amazing support with the children over the past well.... 8 years, but more specifically the last several weeks. What an amazing dad.

Father and Son

WANTED: FOUR CUTE KIDS AND A HUSBAND

Daddy making cookies

Dad with his two "snuggly girls" tonight.

Trying to forgive....

2011-03-20T17:19:00.000-04:00

So, a family in our neighborhood (who drives really fast) ran over our cat today on their way to church. Their son knows our daughter and our cat and told his parents it was our cat. When I called their house, the mom was pretty flippant about the whole thing and didn't even say "sorry". Was kind of sad for me.

We had a little good-bye funeral. The kids are very sad.... as am I! How many stinking hours I spent in the garage holding that cat so as to help her to be tame. How much $$ I spent on feeding her.

Now we have no cat to kill the hundreds of mice that surround our house.

Life at the Daley home is stressful enough right now. Really?? Our cat is dead? Geesh....

Paige explaining the consumption of soda and cocoa krispies

2011-03-16T13:50:00.001-04:00

Okay, don't judge me for my parenting.... but at least they're healthy kids, right??

"Children Of God" - Official Music Video

2011-03-15T16:12:00.001-04:00

There are SO MANY children in China awaiting their families....

If anyone out there has any desire whatsoever to bring home your child, don't hesitate any more.

I will personally help you along in the paperwork process, if you'd like. Yes, it's a lot of money, but the tax credit is $13K this year and $14K next year. And you pay as you go. Many people have fund raisers, garage sales, go to their churches for help.... please, just don't hesitate if the call comes....

That's all I have to say... for now ;)

Random pics

2011-03-15T01:00:00.001-04:00

What you aren't seeing in the picture is the bowls and spices they were digging around for just seconds before this picture was taken. One alone is sweet, two equals.... t-r-o-u-b-l-e!

Erin feels the need to wear Seth's jammies. Good thing I bought these in two different sizes....

Paige and Dad.... ruling the world of the internet.

Lassie

2011-03-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

Code Name: Lassie

Picture it: At a local family pizza place/playland.... Mom and Dad sitting, talking while the children play in an immense, enclosed play area.

Mom: What is it Lassie (Seth)?

Lassie: Ruff. Ruff. (Grunt, grunt)

Mom: Timmy fell into a well? (Is someone hurt?)

Lassie: Ruff. Ruff. Leading the way to the well. (Grunt. Grunt. Tugging on me to come.)

Mom: Walks into the play place. Two kids are crying. One fell partially through the rope ladder. The other crying her eyes out. GOOD JOB LASSIE (Oh wow! Great job son!! You saved your sisters!! Woo-Hoo)

Great job Seth!!

A special weekend

2011-03-08T22:59:00.001-05:00

This was a very special weekend for our family. In our religion we believe that families can be together forever through a special ceremony performed in our temples. Seth became a part of our forever family on Saturday. It was very special to see our family take part in such a simple and beautiful ceremony.

Such a candid shot. I love it.

Four of my five siblings and their families were here this weekend.

I don't know who had more fun... me or my children!

Claire and Maren

My gorgeous, pregnant sister Theresa! (Good picture taking skills Beth)

Theresa and I hanging out in my kitchen

Seth doing what he loves....

Can you believe I got my nieces/nephews/chilren to look at the camera at the same time?

(17 kids total and 10 adults) What a hoot!

My gorgeous kiddos!

Here's one way to babysit! M-O-V-I-E

Jon and Baby Henry

Pretty Maren

Silly Eliza Jane

My brother Michael and Samantha

The photographer, my sister Beth

Video for my sister, Martha

2011-03-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

My sister asked me to upload a video of Seth so she can see him "in action".

It's not too exciting, but here you go...

"Twins"

2011-02-26T00:18:00.001-05:00

Doug and I took Erin and Seth to Wal-Mart for a few groceries tonight. A woman in one of those power wheel chairs rolled up to us and said, "Hi! Great to see you! Now, who is this little one?" Perplexed, we spoke to her as if we were old friends for a good five minutes or so. I told her all about Seth's homecoming, his trip to Shriners, the big girl "twins" and introduced her to Seth's "twin".

Afterwards, Doug asks, "Who was that?"

"I have no idea, " I replied.

Erin and Seth in bed... they did this on their own. Very cute. Erin just laughs and laughs at things Seth does sometimes. It's so stinking adorable. Notice she is wearing his clothes. This is a new phenomenon. Whatever...

Coming upstairs tonight, I see this... My "Sweet Daddy D" son. That's the name of one of Jeff Dunham's puppets.... if you aren't familiar comedian, please ignore the reference. I'm sure that's not appropriate to say... sorry... not trying to offend... it's just the first thing that came to mind...

This boy loves to help *destroy things* but also loves to "clean" and carry in my groceries. The other day he came to the back of the van, grabbed a grocery bag containing chips and took it into the house. I cringed at the way the chips were crushed, but whatever, at least he was trying to help.

Erin seems to still be figuring things out. She's very clingy- especially when she knows Seth wants some attention (and vice versa). Just give us a little time and I'm sure we'll have things back on track.

A United States Citizen

2011-02-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

We officially have the certificate welcoming Seth to our country as a citizen of the USA.

I look forward to tomorrow when I can walk BACK into the social security office (who last week told me there was no way he could be a US citizen for a year *rolling my eyes*) and get his name changed on the social security card that was mailed to us. It's interesting how the government can make a huge mistake- like the wrong name on a social security card- and we have to trek 30 minutes downtown, get a number, and wait in line for 45 minutes- only to be told incorrect information. Hmmm... whatever.... I just hope I get the same lady. I would like very much to educate her so that no one else is given the mistaken information I was given last week. Luckily, this is our third adoption so I walked out last week knowing she was wrong...

Welcome to the freedoms of America, my son!!

Dear Melissa, Sally, Rebekah, and Kerri

2011-02-19T12:20:00.002-05:00

Dear Melissa, Sally, Rebekah, and Kerri,

Thank you so much for your touching comments. Oh boy did I need to hear what EACH of you had to say this morning. It made everything so much better.

Last night one of my daughters told me for the first time I was not her mom. Stab me in the heart! Of course, I was very calm- making sure not to react... until I cried.... oops... Doug had a long conversation with this one and by bedtime everything was fine. She was just looking for some attention- her comments had nothing to do w/ adoption. I asked her this morning if she knew what the word "adoption" means. She said "no". I guess I should explain it. We just tell our kids they come from China. They all think children come from a belly or China- either way, the same.... because to us, it is! I don't like the "a-word" because it's such a label. At any rate, this morning she came in snuggling me and calling me "mom" every two seconds. Phew!

I needed to know that others understand and are there to uplift.

Loves to you all!

Suzie