January...

We have been rather busy this month....between getting back in the swing of things after two weeks in Florida, work, school, starting dance, and....well, scroll down to see what is keeping us on our toes.

Anna started dance classes at the beginning of the month and she is really enjoying them. On dance days, she gets up and out of bed easily. Below are pictures in her two different dance leotards. She has two because she received a new one (the bright pink) as a gift for Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year). It is tradition to receive a new outfit for the new year, so Anna received a second leotard.

Anna practically lives in her "Cinderella" dress. If we are home on the weekends, it is the first thing she puts on (over her pajamas). After school, she has to put it on right after getting home. I am waiting for the thing to fall apart.

and now introducing the newest member of the Missouri Hilary family...Mushu, who came home today. Mushu is a little boy (neutering planned for June) who is about 10 weeks old and full of energy. We found him today at the shelter and decided he would be a good part of the family. Jake is being rather good. Surprisingly, he wants to play with Mushu, not eat him.

The whole reason for another pet is that Jake loves me (I would be the center of his world) and tolerates Anna, with a little like on the side. I want Anna to have a pet that will love her - but that would also be accepted in a large number of apartment complexes in case we move in the next 5 years. Anna did fall in love with a dog at the shelter - her name is Remmi - but I was firm that she could only have a cat.

Love Without Boundaries...

If you know Anna's story - then you know that Amy Eldridge is the main reason Anna came home a healthy baby. Anna was lucky enough to be in an orphanage that is part of Love Without Boundaries nutrition program. Therefore, I am asking (begging) everyone to take a minute or two out of your day to help Amy Eldridge founder of Love Without Boundaries win $35,000 to help more children in China. Here is how...

Please take a minute today to vote for Love Without Boundaries founder, Amy Eldridge, in the Smart Cookie Reader's Choice Award and help us win $35,000. To vote, select the circle next to Amy Eldridge and then scroll down to enter your email and address info. You are not required to fill in the personal information ("About You" section).
http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/sweeps/smart_cookie_finalists09/entry/long/
Any money we win will directly benefit orphaned children in China, through live-saving medical care, foster care, education, nutrition or other much needed care. Winning would allow us to continue our programs through the difficult economic times.
This is a very easy way to help the children who wait. Thank you!!

fashionable???

You be the judge of this fashion statement...

From morning to night - Anna is dressed as in some type of dress-up gear. At the moment she is claiming to be Santa and Ho-Ho-Hoing throughout the house. I am clueless as to what the Panda bear pack back has to do with the outfit, but since this is my kiddo - logic isn't part of the equation.

On another note, the below photo is proof to Anna that Jake sleeps with her during nap time. But he will only get up on the bed after she has fallen asleep. Anna is so in love with this dog (who tolerates her because he loves me) and wants him sleeping with her all the time. And yes, that is her bed. She has started requesting sleeping alone in her bed for nap time (which doesn't always consist of napping, but get me some downtime).

Happy New Year!

We wish everyone a Happy New Year! May all your dreams and wishes come true this year.

Anna and I resolve to...dance more, laugh more, and enjoy being together. May all of our friends and family find the same happiness.