And Ella Makes Five

Evolution of Nursing

2011-04-08T17:17:00.006-04:00

As a final Spring Term assignment, I asked my LPN students to present different eras of nursing. Florence Nightingale, Dorothea Dix, and Clara Barton were present.. We had a group of nurses re-enact nursing care given during the attacks on Pearl Harbor... we had nurses from the 50's and 60's and some modern day nurses as well! They did a fantastic job on the assignment and wanted to share some snapshots!! Terrific job ladies!!!

We wish you ......

2010-12-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

a Merry, Merry Christmas !! The kids and I have been out of school all week for nasty weather and for the first time in many Christmases... I am almost finished shopping... and actually have gifts wrapped and under our tree. :) It's been so wonderful being on their schedule this year. Andy Stacy http://www.andystacyphotography.com/ came to our house a few weeks ago and took some amazing pictures of our family! He is a super person and photographer.. be sure to check out his website.

We look forward to hearing from you, our friends and family, and wish each of you a blessed Holiday Season!

Home Improvement part I

2010-12-13T08:58:00.000-05:00

Okay... so ... for almost a year now we've had this hickory wide plank hard wood sitting in boxes on our side porch. I was certain that even though they had been safe under our porch...out of the weather... they would still have acquired some type of damage sitting out for so long......but....not so !! The hubs and his Dad spent two days laying this floor down in our kitchen and laundry room and ...oh.. I just absolutely LOVE it!!! I love the rustic look of the wood!

The kids are really excited and ready for Christmas! Ella had fun helping me get the tree decorated and has loved helping wrap a few presents! Ella & I stood in line for about 20 minutes last week to visit with Santa.....she was so excited and would shout at him "Santa, Santa..I'm almost there.." Once we finally made our way to his chair.... she froze. She did sit on his lap .... but she would not crack a smile...nor would she even look at him. They wouldn't allow parents to have cameras (they were taking the pictures for you to buy..) but I just couldn't bring myself to spend $20 on a picture!! We may try again later this week! Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for some great family Christmas pictures taken by a new photographer in town!!

summer fun and time for school!

2010-08-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Summer is coming to a close and school begins in only 22 hours!! This year the kids are excited that I will now be on 'their' schedule. I am now teaching first year LPN's and the CNA classes for a local community college and the county schools! I'm excited ! We enjoyed a summer vacation at Hilton Head Island the middle of June and it brought back so many good memories of summer vacations there with my family when I was a youngster. Happy Back to School days!

Inching closer .....

2010-05-31T14:49:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that one year ago this past weekend we lost my Dad in an airplane accident. For 12 months we have made arrangements to fly in an airplane and have his ashes spread over a beautiful mountain side in East Tennessee (Roan Mountain). For as long as my brother and I can remember... this was his request. After numerous attempts at planning this... and because the weather would never co-operate, we decided to spread his ashes by foot and it was even more special because all of our family; his family, was able to be there and participate as well. It's been a hard 12 months, and while we are still closing some opened doors (That's a whole different post.. but one that I plan to share in the hopefully near future...) related to his death....we are inching closer to some closure.

This 'n That.....

2010-04-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

I never dreamed that 3 months would ever pass by without a post on our blog... but life has been so busy for us and I've contemplated just deleting the blog... but I just can't bring myself to do it. This blog was creating initially as way to journal our adoption journey and has now become a way for me to journal our daily lives as a family of five. So with that said, the blog shall live on !!

I have taken a new job as a nursing instructor working with Junior and Senior girls enrolled in CNA and LPN classes through a dual enrollment program with a community college and the county schools. I have LOVED it ! I am still working for the dermatology group though.. two days a week... so it's just been crazy. The boys have started spring baseball and they are now playing on two separate teams for the first time ever ! ugggh !!! I think this is good for them though ...just to be separated athletically for awhile . Ella is just not even the same little girl she was 6 months ago.... She's talking up a storm.... LOVES to sing.... enjoys going to pre-school / daycare during the week. She can count to 14, knows her ABC's, knows many nursery rhyme songs, can dress herself, is using the potty (sporadically ... but still going !) and loves looking at books and being read to. She is struggling with her colors for some reason.... only knows the color green... but we're working on that as well !

Life is busy.... but Life is good !! 'Till next time......

Happy New Year !!

2010-01-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a peaceful new year !!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T13:43:00.001-05:00

Hope each and every one of you has a very Blessed Thanksgiving weekend with your families and friends ! Everything you see above... is everything I am SO THANKFUL for. Of course I am also very thankful for our wonderful extended family and friends. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend !

http://www.michaelhalephotography.com/

Belated Birthday Wishes....

2009-11-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

How on earth I managed to fall behind on this blog post is beyond me.. lol ! That's such a joke... I find these days I rarely have time to breathe. I was grateful to be offered an 'as needed' school nurse substitute job in September and they said they would probably keep me busy on my days off from the Dermatology clinic and they weren't kidding !! The flu season has taken quite a toll on the county schools here and it's been nice working in the local schools with the kids !

Our Ella is TWO !!!! SOOOOOO hard to believe this sweet child is two. Well..... let me re-phrase that... so hard to believe she's already two. She defintely has the 'two year old attitude' let me tell ya' ..... Oh... the drama with little girls !! Her vocabulary is outstanding. I hope I say that without sounding 'braggy'..... but she is very good with her words and speaks so well ! Her favorites things right now are of course, Dora the Explorer and baby dolls. She loves to put her dolls in her stroller and get her diaper bag all fixed and tell us all ' Bye... I going shopping. '

She has learned that Carter & Cole are her 'rescuer's' in that when she is in trouble .... she calls for them to come get her. We've had to explain to the boys of course that they can't rescue her and that she needs to learn there are consequenses for bad behavior. Yeah.... not workin' out too well right now...... but we're slowly getting there.....

Ella's favorite food ( believe it or not ) is tossed salad with ranch dressing ???!! She LOVES it. Always asks for more. She loves pizza too and all fruits ( grapes, strawberries, melon, kiwi..) and she still loves cajun rice and chicken !

She enjoys coloring (both in coloring books and the walls....) and LOVES to play 'waitress' She walks around holding her pencil and tablet and asks 'what you order? '

She has a bad habit right now of constantly wanting her pacifier and blanket. She walks around with her blanket dragging the floor all the time. It makes me crazy... but I know this too shall pass......

She is a blessing. A blessing that we cannot even imagine being without.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY ISABELLA ROSE WE LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH !!!

Happy Fall Y'all

2009-10-09T15:45:00.000-04:00

The kids and I took our 'annual' Pumpkin Patch farm trip last week and we had such a good time ! Ella enjoyed 'climbing' on all the mountains of pumpkins and loved eating apples and helping us pick out pumpkins to decorate the front porch. We are looking forward to a family picnic soon to Roan Mountain and (weather permitting) taking a plane ride across the mountian and dispersing my Dad's ashes across the beautiful terrain. This was his wish for as long as I can remember and I can't wait to finally do this. It has been a hard 5 months for us. Losing my Mom 4 years ago was heart-wrenching...but losing my Dad this past summer has taken quite a toll on me. I have had to remind myself frequently that I was blessed to have my parents as long as I did... which has NOT been easy. They were both so young. I miss them both so much and my life, while soooo rich with God's blessings and so very appreciated, will never be the same without them. Please visit my shop blog http://www.fiddlycat.blogspot.com/ I am selling a book that I compiled this summer of my personal home made family recipes and folk art patterns of which all proceeds will be split ( 50/50) to both the Susan G. Kommen breast cancer Foundation ( in honor of my Mom ) and The Black Diamond Search & Rescue Foundation in SW Virginia ( in honor of my Dad ). Have a safe and fun Fall weekend .....

Mark your Calendars !

2009-09-09T09:56:00.000-04:00

I have been a busy bee.... sewing...painting... hooking. I will have a small booth set up ( An outside tent) at the annual Fall Folk Arts Festival at the Exchange Place in Kingsport, Tn. Really neat !! If you've never visited.... please be sure to !

Uno... dos... tres...

2009-07-24T15:58:00.000-04:00

One Year 'Gotcha Day' !!!!

2009-07-16T22:22:00.000-04:00

Now

Then

It is hard to believe that one year ago today.... we were in Guatemala City pacing our hotel floor with one very unhappy 8 month old little girl who's whole entire world changed in a split second. It was probably the most bitter-sweet experience We have ever endured. She cried continuously.. (never stopped) for a solid 6 hours. Ella lived with her wonderful foster family from November 21, 2007 to July 16, 2008. It was a day that will never be forgotten ! Ella cried... I cried...Wendel cried... the foster family was sobbing... and it was all because of one little girl that was leaving one family and uniting with another. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for Ella's foster family to say good-bye to her...but we have over the months kept in touch through email and letters. We are blessed to have her and fall more in love with her each day !

~~ The Wedding ~~

2009-07-12T15:35:00.001-04:00

Rather than take up alot of room with writing... I just wanted to share some photos of my brother and sister-in-law's beautiful wedding this weekend ! Congratulations Brack & Jenny ! We Love you guys !

Catchin' up ....

2009-06-30T19:08:00.000-04:00

First off, I would like to say 'Thank You' to all those who have emailed, called, sent cards, and prayed for us during these last four weeks. The loss of my Dad has been unbelievably difficult on us all and your heart felt messages were comforting. Thank you !

On a lighter note, we have kept ourselves very busy ! The 'boys' were chosen to play in Little League All Stars this summer. This was Carter's second year and Cole's first ! Carter played both pitcher and outfield while Cole was hind catcher. They had fun and Ella was so sweet cheering them on ! She would shout " Go Cole " ... " Go Car ".

I have been fortunate enough to step down to part-time RN at work and this has been a huge help for us here at home. I am now working 2, sometimes 3 days a week and it's been such a relief. I have missed having free time with my munchkins and am just grateful the physicians were willing to allow me to cut back on my hours.

As for our little Guatemalan Queen .... she's absolutely amazing ! She has made such huge strides in the last 11 months that she's been home with us and is growing like a little weed ! I did something last week that I swore I would never do... I placed her in a little beauty pageant ! It was here in our hometown and I didn't go to drastic lengths with a fancy expensive outfit... it was very spur of the moment. Carter and Cole were SOO excited to watch her on-stage and the judges must of thought she was just as beautiful as we do... she won in her age group ! She could not have cared less.... her trophy was as big as her... and she did find it interesting ... She called it her "Tro-see" .

The BIG WEDDING is July 11th !! My brother, Brack and his fiance Jenny have decided to tie the knot closer to home rather than California due to the loss in our family.. and we can't wait !!! We are packing our bags for a mini vacation this weekend to the beach and are looking forward to some much needed R&R..... Have a fun , Safe, 4th of July ! Next post? Wedding pictures !!

In memory of my Dad, Dickie Owens

2009-06-12T19:28:00.000-04:00

We will miss you Dad. This man was the best Dad, Poppy, and husband to my sweet Momma, Sandy, and will be so missed. His plane went down the 29th of May in Dickenson County, Virginia as he was on his way to one of his job sites in Ashland, Kentucky. We Love you Dad.

Saturday the 2nd of May

2009-05-02T13:13:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe that one month passed without one post here on the blog ! I have been SO busy with work, family, laundry, sick kids, etc..etc... that I have absolutely fallen so behind on journaling. The kids are on the mend. The boys were sick with stomach bugs....and allergies. I think it was the 2nd day they were sick the 'swine flu' epidemic was announced on T.V. Cole ( very seriously ) was frantic .... absolutely sure that this was what he had.... ( a true hypochondriac like his mom...) Ella has had her first ear infection, walking pneumonia, and strep throat ( although that last ailment was not confirmed because she was crying so hysterically at the clinic ... they just decided to bypass the throat swab....and assume she was positive...) With the help of antibiotics she is doing much much better and is anxious to get back to day care to see her friends next week !

The boys have begun baseball this season...and have had a pretty rough start so far.... both games were lost and they have had their sportsmanship tested for sure ! I have 'preached' all the way home from both games... " winning isn't everything guys...it's having fun .... and learning the game... you are still trying to learn the rules and skills of baseball..and besides that..you've both been sick..." They each gave me that 'whatever' look and sulked in the back seats the entire way home. Nontheless.... we're really proud of them!

As for 'hot rod' ( aka: Ella Rose ) She's fallen victim to the 'terrible two's' epidemic... She has an attitude with a capital 'A' !!! Her favorite things to say currently are "NO" and 'MINE" and will hit or scratch you if you're within reach. If you tell her 'No-No' or 'that's not nice' she hides her face and cries as if you've broken her heart... and then she smiles really big and gives whoever scolded her a big kiss on the arm....leg...cheek. ( Our little drama queen I'm afraid ! ) She LOVES her ballerina tutu and will grab it every morning wanting to put it on.... Perhaps she'll have a career on Broadway one day ?? ! I'm often asked " Is it different raising boys and girls" and the answer most defintely is Y-E-S ! Enjoy the pictures of our growing weeds....

March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T13:34:00.000-04:00

Well... it's official... Wendel has joined the 'old folks club' ! Hee ! Today is his 40th B-day and with that comes the license to complain about back ache, joint aches, muscle aches, gray hair, wrinkles, insomnia, fatigue, frequent urination, infrequent bowel movements, and forgetfulness ! The saddest part ?? I'm not far from joining the club myself ! yikes !!

The best parts; however, of growing older is the blessings you have gained, the knowledge, life experiences, old friends, cherished memories, and having had the opportunity to spend one more year watching your children grow. Happy Birthday to the Best Daddy and most awesome husband any four people could ask for ! We LOVE you !

Spring Picture Day...

2009-03-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

We visited our favorite place this weekend ; Kilgore Fort House, and I'm so glad I took my camera as I managed to get some good snapshots of the kids !

Cookin' up some meatloaf ....

2009-03-13T18:47:00.000-04:00

I had to share this wonderful new ( well... new to me anyway ) recipe for a dinner time favorite...meatloaf ! This was our supper tonight along with green beans, new potatoes, and sliced bread. Found here : http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/dads-meatloaf-with-tomato-relish-recipe/index.html Delicious ! Our kids normally aren't big fans of meatloaf but they cleaned their plates tonight .....

A special weekend....

2009-03-08T19:56:00.000-04:00

It was exactly one year ago this weekend that I flew to Guatemala and met and held my sweet little girl ! I will never forget seeing her foster mother walk across the hotel lobby with her all bundled in layers of pink blankets. She was wet with sweat when they finally got all the layers removed and she was just like a little angel. I remember well that I didn't want to get on that airplane without her...though I could tell from my visit she was in perfectly good hands with a foster family who loved her more than anything....and I remember well how much I missed my family at home. I remember feeling excited when I saw my boys and husband waiting for me at the airport...but so disappointed that Ella was not with us yet. I remember the rumors surrounding the completion of the few adoption cases that lay in limbo kept my stomach in knots for the next four months until we finally received that long awaited call that it was time to get our daughter. We feel so incredibly blessed to have been one of the last families to bring home a child from this beautiful country. We truly hope and pray that the Guatemalan adoption system will soon again be open and other families are able to share with us the joy of building their family through the miracle of adoption !

Disney on Ice

2009-03-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

We had such a fun day today ! Took the kids to see 'Disney on Ice' in J.C. and they LOVED it ! Carter and Cole weren't exactly thrilled when I told them we had tickets and were going...but they ended up loving it ! Our favorites were Lilo and Stitch and Peter Pan. The boys ate the entire time...which left us broke by the time we left ! I thought Wendel was going to pass out when the vendor told him the total for the two 'lilo slushies' ( $20 for two ). We had great seats...front row balcony and so Ella was able to stand up when she wanted and watch between the hand rail. It's snowy, cold, windy and we're so ready for spring. : )

2009-03-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to have claimed a spot amongst some talented artisits at http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/ so please stop by and see my latest offerings for March ! Be sure to visit my shop blog : http://www.fiddlycat.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday.... a few days late ....

2009-02-22T22:18:00.001-05:00

Our sweet Cole turned 9 years old Thursday, February 19 and as usual.... I'm late posting ! Happy late Birthday Cole ! We love you sweet boy !

Lazy Sunday....

2009-02-08T20:48:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the photos of 'toots'.... She had such a good time today playing outside..but most of all playing 'hide and seek' with the boys. She still is not fond our sheep. She starts crying when we just start walking down to feed them..... Bless her heart !! I promise I didn't make her stand for the picture long...but I had to post it ...just so cute. ( sad..but cute ! )

New Year...New Soaps...New Endeavours...

2009-02-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

As many of you know....over the last few months I have been entirely consumed in the soap making business. It's been so much fun ! It really has ..It's such a 'clean' project to embark on ...and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed helping me decide which scents we like best...trying out finished products..and helping me package and ship ! I have completed over 15 orders since Christmas and I truly appreciate your business and kind comments on our sudsy creations ! With the new year...I have decided to offer my finished soaps ( as well as my finished dolls and hooked rugs ) on a wonderful website of talented artist from across the nation. http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/ This website features numerous folk artists so please be sure to stop by ! I will be showcasing my finished items the First of March... and the first of each month thereafter. We've also decided to have a fresh new line of scents for spring and I have to say..... these are without a doubt the BEST finished soaps we've had yet. We have tested ( only on ourselves..not our animals !) and experimented with some new emollients and vegetable oils....new lathering ingredients....and as the boy's say... These soaps Rock ! New scents are as follows:

Fresh Ginger Soap : YUM !!! My favorite of all ! Our home made soap base Infused with all natural vegetable oils...avocado oil....coconut oil....grape seed oil...vitamin E...calendula petals.. Smells very clean and fresh. A sure favorite !

Lemon Sugar Soap: A cross between a fresh lemon and sweet sugar ! ( Carter's personal favorite ..) Our goat's milk soap base infused with Shea butter....vitamin E...calendula petals...natural vegetable, coconut, grape seed, and avocado oils.... Smells good enough to eat !

Lavender Bliss Soap : Probably the best lavender essential oil I've found has been added to our home made soap base with dried lavender...shea butter...vitamin E...grape seed...coconut..avacodo oils. Perfect for night time baths...and the ultimate stress relief soap !

Cucumber Melon Soap : ( Cole & Wendel's personal fav) Dried cucumbers have been added to our all natural shea butter soap base. Vitamin E...grape seed...avacodo....meadowfoam...and coconut oils make this soap super sudsy and moisturizing !

I will be posting on my shop blog : http://www.fiddlycat.blogspot.com/ so be sure to stop there as well. Again, thanks for your messages...and purchases ! I look forward to seeing you at the Primitive Gathering this Spring !

Talkin' bout a heat wave...

2009-01-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

With temps. in the teens and mid twenties for the last few days....a high of '44' feels like a heat wave. Everyone's ( Well...everyone but dear ole Daddy) has been sick with a stomach bug...including me...and we're still trying to recup. The boys have been busy in their Upward basketball this month...and Ella's been busy just being 'cute' ! She is talking more and more each day and will repeat anything that's said. She LOVES books and her baby dolls...(her Guatemalan baby doll...Sofia...was a present from Santa) She was in her room last week playing while I was cleaning my bedroom and when I went back in to check on her ...she had her baby in the stroller with her baby's diaper bag flung across her shoulder ! It was just too cute ! Have a great week and enjoy the newest pictures of the three amigos...

Hot Rod...

2009-01-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

Is into everything !! Holy Moly....I've forgotten how quickly a one year old can go from sitting at your feet....to playing in the toilet bowl... I cannot leave her alone for one tiny second....and she's into something else ! But....she's just a joy and we have had so much fun with her since we came home SIX months ago ! We are finishing up the final paperwork for her 're-adoption' here in the USA next week !

California here we come ....

2009-01-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

A little overdue...but we wanted to give a big ole Congratulations to my brother Brack and his sweet fiance...Jenny on their wedding engagement ! They are planning on tying the knot this summer at Laguna Beach, California and hubby..the kiddos and I are booking flights...reserving rooms...and are so excited to watch as they say I do !

In Memory....

2008-12-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

My sweet papaw passed away Saturday, December 27, 2008. He was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and had a stroke several weeks ago... We Love you Papaw and We'll miss you....

Feliz Navidad !

2008-12-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

Greetings dear friends... We hope you are well...

For our year was filled with so much to tell...

A new sweet addition to our family tree...

Me and Cole and Ella makes three...

Our farm with the horses ..the cows..and the sheep...

means that our Dad catches minimal sleep..

And our Mom stays busy..besides being a "Mom"..

She takes care of the sick from daylight till dawn...

She now works as a nurse and tickled are we...

for she no longer says that she has to study...

It's all about sports for Cole and myself...

Two Troy Palamalu jerseys we hope are made by an elf...

Little League All Stars was our hobby this spring..

A pitcher and short stop we played for the team...

Our family of five is blessed as you see...

A Mom and Dad and their children of three...

And so to your family we send wishes so dear...

for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

One Year ago today....

2008-11-18T14:53:00.000-05:00

a sweet baby girl was born in Southwestern Guatemala to a young mother. The baby weighed exactly 6 pounds and was 19 inches long. The young mother loved her baby, but because this young mother lived in a culture where income was minimal...work was scarce...and survival was rough.... she made a difficult decision to give her baby up to a family far away to have as their own. She gave up her baby so that she may have a life people in her country only dream about. She gave up her baby because she loved her. We did not see Ella take her first breath of air....we did not hear her first cry.... but we are so fortunate to see her grow...love...play and laugh in a way that she may never have had a chance to.... We are so grateful that we were chosen as her family and for the choices and sacrifices her birth mother made....

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH ELLA ROSE !! FELIZ CUMPLEANOS !

Special thanks to Amy Burke of http://www.drgnflyphoto.com/ for visiting us at our home and taking these sweet pictures !

Gettin' ready to party !!!

2008-11-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that our Ella will be ONE in two days !! Her party is next Saturday and the invitations are just too cute !! We ordered these online at http://www.bonjourbaby.net/ Check out their stuff...it is just too cute.

Have a great weekend and stay tuned for some GREAT new photos from our photo shoot with a professional photographer last week !!!

Blessed be......

Tuesday, November 4 (Election Day)

2008-11-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

Just a quick thanks to all who ordered soaps from Fiddly Cat !! The majority of scents are currently on back order...but will be back in stock for Christmas stocking stuffers...gift giving..etc..

Our Ella will be ONE year old in two weeks !!!! We have the invitations ordered and are getting all the preparations in order for a big First Birthday for Miss Ella Rose ! We will have plenty of pictures for you to browse I'm sure ! She is doing so much now !!! I'll fill ya' in on that when we update with birthday pictures and reflections on the past 41/2 months that she's been home!

I have been so bummed out because I had lost our 'old' 'broken' camera that was broken...but still somehow took pictures....and I had misplaced the camera around the 11th of September (Carter's birthday) and while cleaning out the crumbs in the couch cushions...low and behold...the camera magically appeared !!! Hooray !

Hope everyone made it out to vote today ! the kids had fun helping me at my station and were pleased with my choice for who I think will / should be our next President of the United States.... We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed...Have a blessed week...

Fiddlycat Farm Fresh Soaps

2008-10-19T17:00:00.001-04:00

Fiddlycat Farm Fresh soaps have cured and are now ready for purchase ! For more information on current available scents please scroll down to earlier posts or email me at fiddlycat@yahoo.com The soaps are $2.50 each which includes decorative tissue wrap with ribbon. A bakers dozen ( A sampling of each scent we currently offer) is $12.00. Supplies are limited...so get 'em while they last !

~ Have a blessed Week our friends ! ~fiddlycat

Happy Fall Y'all !

2008-10-13T16:31:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful visit to a local pumpkin patch produce farm today and the kids had alot of fun pickin' out pumpkins to decorate and apples to eat ! We are gearing up for Hallowe'en and getting our costumes ready. The soaps are almost finished and ready to ship. We've already received alot of 'preorders' so if anyone else is interested in ordering one of our soaps...just email us at

fiddlycat@yahoo.com

We will be selling the soaps for $2.50 / bar and $12 for a baker's dozen...(a sampling of all the soaps we have right now to offer !) I will have more pictures and details of the soaps in the days to follow.... Have a great week !

Rub a dub dub .....

2008-10-06T14:24:00.000-04:00

Being the 'craftaholic' that I am..... I have found it virtually impossible to stay out of the sewing room or refrain from working on an ingredient list for a 'new' batch of soap. Even when the house has loads of laundry lying around....or the sink is full of dirty dishes...I find myself and the kiddos making something ! The boys decided we should make "kid's soaps". Ooooh ! I like it ! I like making natural soaps and who better ...than a sweet...soft skinned tot ....needs natural soaps ? We immediately began working on our soap scents and practiced with a few batches of 'trial soaps' and WOW !!! I think the kids may be onto something here ! These soaps are 100% natural and while they aren't fanciful .....they're made with 100% natural soap base, natural vegetable and plant oils, natural essential oils...and smell absolutely wonderful ! Perfect for sweet delicate skin. So..... if you or someone you know is in the market for a homemade fresh from the farm soap.... check back mid - late October as this is when our soaps will be fully 'cured' and ready for you !

Here's a list of our soaps that we will have to offer !

~Fiddlycat’s Farm Fresh Baby & Kid’s Soaps~
~100 % Pure ~ 100 % Natural ~ 100 % Homemade here on our farm ~

* Buttermilk, Rice & Honey
~ A rich creamy soap base to which we’ve added shea butter, vitamin E, buttermilk, coconut and grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, honey, oatmeal and rice powder. Moisturizes and protects delicate skin. A light, sweet scent that’s perfect for a scrub in the tub day or night !

* ‘Sleep Tight ’
~ Perfect for night time bathing as this soap contains soothing camomile and lavender essential oil. Honey, Grape seed, coconut, and vitamin E oil help keep skin moisturized and soft. Night Night, sleep tight !

* ‘Rise ‘n Shine’
~ Coc-a-doodle doo ! A perfect soap to awaken the senses ! We’ve added invigorating sweet orange oil and pure lemon juice for rejuvenation as well as calendula petals and natural avocado, grape seed, coconut and olive oil to soften & protect baby’s skin. Rich in vitamin C, this bar is sure to be a favorite !

* ‘ Cold Comfort ’
~ A gentle blend of rosemary and mint essential oils help comfort and sooth a winter cold while a light touch of lavender helps to relax the senses. Vitamin E, aloe and sunflower oils are added to replace the moisture that frequent washing removes.

* Ella’s Soft ‘n Gentle Baby Soap
~ A fresh out of the tub favorite ! This soap is a delicate blend of rosemary, coconut, and sunflower oils scented ever so slightly with the light, clean scent of fresh baby powder. Perfect for your favorite bundle of love !

* Carter & Cole’s Blueberry Surprise
~ Your kids wont have to be told twice to wash their hands with this soap at the sink! With the fresh sweet scent of yummy blueberries, this is a ‘Fiddlycat Fresh Farm Soaps BEST SELLER ! We’ve added crushed dried whole blueberries, oatmeal, and honey along with sweet almond, grape seed and vitamin E oil for keeping little hands soft and moisturized!

It's a BOY !!

2008-09-24T11:34:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to introduce you to Mr. Peyton Alexander Garland ! Peyton is the new son of my BFF; Jessica and her husband Marc. He was delivered yesterday at 8:21 and weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was a whopping 21 3/4 inches long ! I think they may have a basket ball player on their hands....

I was fortunate enough to be working in the Labor & Delivery nursery yesterday...so I was able to see Peyton take his first breath of air ...which was just so exciting for me ! I was also the one who gave him his first shot....put yucky antibiotics in his eyes....give him his first bath....etc... so he had some issues with 'aunt Rachel' by early afternoon, but luckily he'll never remember that !

WELCOME TO THE WORLD PEYTON !!!!

Thursday August 21, 2008

2008-08-21T09:12:00.000-04:00

Lastweekend, the kids and I headed down to Kilgore Fort House. This is an old historic landmark cabin here in Nickelsville with a wide creek that the boys love to play in. They love visiting the cabin and just playing outside. They usuall always want me to tell them an old story (made up story...) about a family that used to live in the cabin long long ago! They wanted Ella of course to join them in the creek and needless to say, she didn't ! Not because she didn't want to...but because the water was too cold and the rocks were too slick for me to balance on !

Ella is changing everyday ! She is growing so much and really babbling alot now. She can wave bye, say 'da-da' and lights up when Carter and Cole come home from school in the afternoons.

I have been working in the well baby nursery at the hospital for the last two weeks and after taking care of wee tiny 6 and 7 pounders all day...Ella looks (and feels) gigantic when I get home ! She is a good 21 or maybe even 22 pounds now and is becoming more fond of the chunkier baby foods! She is starting to belly laugh when we tickle her under her arms...and it is so funny to hear her !!! She usually makes us belly laugh just listening to her..Have a great weekend......

Friday, August 8, 2008

2008-08-08T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hola ! Well..... We all survived the first week of Mommy going back to work ! Ella did so good with her caregiver ! She is growing and doing so much since we've been home. She is now getting up on her knees and scoots on her belly to get her toys. She finally enjoys eating baby food and is eating less of her formula. She weighed 19 pounds 5 ounces at her doctors appointment and all of her blood work came back good. When we first came home she would not let anyone but me hold her and she now will let anyone hold her. She LOVES her Daddy too. She actually prefers him to me now and that has made Daddy SO happy ! We were sitting on the deck and our cat Ivy walked by and Ella said (very plainly) 'Cat'. I squealed and clapped and she hasn't said it since. hee hee ! Until next time....

2008-08-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

Ella received some new baby dolls this week ! a potter barn cloth doll we decided to name Carmen, after her wonderful foster mother and an 'Ella minnow pea' Ugly doll named Ox ! Emilyn, Hadley, Aunt Kim and Uncle Steve got Ella her p.b. baby and Uncle Brack and Aunt Jenny got her Ugly Ox ! I can't even begin to tell you how much she loves these dolls !Ella is doing so good now. We feel so fortunate to have been blessed with this sweet baby girl. I can only imagine how much her foster family is missing her right now. I would LOVE to possibly head back to Guatemala in the next few years so that she can see her foster family. Ella is a very easy going baby. She is now letting anyone and everyone hold her ! She hates baby food, prefers table food, and her bottle is the bomb ! I am planning on returning to work inthe next week or two..and I have complete confidence that she will be just fine with her sitter ! Until next time....

Sunday, July 26, 2008

2008-07-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Hello ! Wow....amazing how a small eight month old can consume all of your time ! It is so worth it though !!! Ella is a dream come true. She honestly is. She is smiling and babbling all the time now and really seems comfortable with her new family. Praise the Lord ! She loves daddy and her brothers and she's crazy about our cat, Ivy ! She loves playing with her toys in her room and looking at books. She's eating mashed potatoes and her favorite food right now is good ole biscuits and gravy ! A true southern gal ! Enjoy the photos and thanks for all the well wishes for Ella !

We're home !!

2008-07-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thank the Lord we are home !!! Considering all the changes Ella has endured the last 7 days, she's doing great !! She is still very clingy with me, but will sit in her highchair or on the floor and play now with Carter and Cole. She just will not let anyone but me hold her....which makes Carter and Cole so frustrated ! We introduced Ella to Elvis our Cotswold sheep yesterday and she didn't know what to think ! It was so cute ! Please pray that Ella continues to transition to her new family. She's been through so much in the last week. Until next time !

Friday, July 18, 2008

2008-07-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

Finally ! I have found a computer that will allow me to access the internet. We have had a hard time getting online while here in Guatemala this time for some reason. I'll have to keep this short and sweet and will definitely fill everyone in on all the details of our trip in the next couple days. Ella is doing SO much better ! She slept from 9:30 until 7:00 this morning and is in a wonderful mood today. We have to take off now to the airport ...Enjoy the photos of our angel !

Saturday, July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T07:51:00.000-04:00

We had our last family vacation as a family of 4 and are now packing (as I type this) to travel to Guatemala to get our little girl ! We headed to South Carolina last week and had fun camping during the fourth of July holiday. The boys had so much fun and were a little disappointed to have to leave but they're anxious now to have 'Sis' home. Wendel and I will be leaving Tuesday and returning Friday evening with Ella Rose Burke. We will attempt to update the blog as well as our adoption website so stay tuned !

June 27, 2008

2008-06-27T20:05:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the pictures of Ella's new "finished" room !

Ella is a BURKE !!!!!

2008-06-24T19:16:00.001-04:00

It's official. We have a beautiful little girl !!!!!! Ella received her new birth certificate and has now become a Burke. Just a few more weeks now!
I am officially a registered nurse. Found out yesterday that I passed state boards despite being 100% certain after leaving the testing center Saturday that I had not. We have a had a very blessed week thanks to our Heavenly Father above.....

Guess what ??!!!!

2008-06-18T13:41:00.000-04:00

Yep ! We are officially OUT of PGN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are beyond excited here today !!!!!! Ella's coming home !!!! Praise the Lord !

Lucky Friday the 13 th !!

2008-06-13T17:34:00.000-04:00

Your prayers were heard... Ella's birth mother had her interview and everything went well !! Praise God ! Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, prayers, and general words of encouragement as we jumped this hurdle in our process !

Fun on the Farm !

2008-06-01T15:20:00.000-04:00

~riding 4-wheelers in our hay field behind our house ~

We just had to share some good pics of our weekend ! The boys enjoyed riding their four-wheelers on the farm and managed to get me on the back of the "bigger" four-wheeler. (AKA ...Wendel's four wheeler) I squeeled quite alot and they laughed. They can only ride the larger 4-wheeler with someone else...but I'm not sure it's even safe having me as the chaperone for a trip around the farm.... (heehee !)

We did hear from our agency last week and Ella's birth Mother will be having her interview sometime this week. I've thought alot about her this weekend. I cannot imagine having gone through what she has probably gone through to give this child hope for a better life. We will be forever grateful to this woman we have never met for what she's giving us.

With any luck, we should have some updated good news by weeks end.

Have a great week !

May 28th 2008

2008-05-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

Pics top - bottom: Cole getting his award. Me, Dad and Carter graduation. Ella's hand painted wall hanging from Brack and Jenny. Carter with his girlfriend Lenora and her little sister Emma. Carter and Cole racing !

It’s been so long since I’ve updated the blog...and I’m sorry ! I really wish I had some big exciting news to share with y’all .....but unfortunately , I don’t. We are still waiting to hear news concerning the scheduling or the finalization of Ella’s birth Mother having an interview by the new PGN. And sadly enough, we are not alone. Hundreds of other families are in the same boat with us..... Just waiting....

We have kept busy over the last four or five weeks though ! The boys are officially on summer break ! Yee haww ! They celebrated today by hooking up the water slide and having a race. Our afternoons have been busy with baseball practices and when we’re not practicing we’re playing a game ! Carter had an opportunity to ‘pitch’ this season and did pretty good ! Cole held his own with the ‘big boys’. Cole is only 8 but was able to join the 9, 10, and 11 year old team this season. Cole played short stop and he did terrific ! The boys had their awards day this week. Carter scored advanced in math, reading, and science and a perfect in social studies on his SOL exams! Cole achieved accelerated reader and the honor roll ! SOL tests start in 3rd grade...and Carter has been nervous all year about these tests. Cole has another year before he has to get nervous! We're are really proud of both our boys !
I finally graduated nursing school and we are all thrilled. Wendel and the boys got pretty tired of hearing me say " I can’t...I have to study.."

As far as the adoption, we are just waiting to hear something. It’s been a hard couple of weeks. We were under the impression that we were close to being finished with all the drama...only to learn that the drama had just begun ! We did get a chance to have someone talk to Ella’s foster mother this weekend ! She said Ella is doing well and weighs 19 lbs. ! We can’t wait to see her again. We’ve worked a little more on her room and we placed the beautiful hand painted name hanging on Ella’s wall above her bed. My brother, Brack and his girlfriend Jenny purchased this for me as a graduation gift from one of my favorite sites http://www.ellaminnowpea-giftshop.blogspot.com/

It is my wish that the next time I post an update for the "Burke party of five" that we are able to share that our fifth family member is well on her way to joining us! Say a little prayer for us please, and also pray for Ella’s birth mom . Pray that her interview goes smoothly, that she is able to make the interview on such short notice, and has a sense of peace and comfort in her decision to have her baby raised and loved by us.
Until next time......

2008-05-08T15:55:00.001-04:00

One week of school left for me !!! Praise the Lord !!! I cannot wait to have my life back ! No news to report on the adoption front. Right now, this new central authority is trying to conduct (what I would consider) illegal actions regarding cases that were to be grandfathered in under old laws. It's a very long complicated mess...not worth trying to clarify here...but our agency remains optimistic .....so I'm just goin' with the flow and just hope that before long Ella is able to come home to us ! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please !

The Drama continues.....

2008-04-30T11:27:00.000-04:00

I feel sometimes like We're caught up in some kind of soap opera with this adoption. The very minute we think things are progressing forward, we learn the next minute, we're not quite there. There are some issues right now with PGN affecting not only our family, but hundreds of other families. There appears to be some power struggles between PGN and the new Central Authority. Long story short, We're in a bit of a temporary delay.....so we're not sure at this point when we'll be bringing Ella home. I know the minute we have Ella home, this heartache and emotional roller coaster will be well worth every minute of frett and worry we've endured...but it has been way more emotional than I EVER in a million years imagined it would be. Continue to say a little prayer for us ( and hundreds of other families) as we wait on pins and needles to hear if we will soon be able to bring our children home.

April 24, 2008

2008-04-25T09:36:00.000-04:00

Finally !! The moment so many of us have been waiting for ! We are ALMOST OUT of PGN and almost ready to get our little one in Guatemala!! Our attorney will possibly be picking up our file early next week ! PRAISE THE LORD !!! I also had my nursing pinning ceremony last night with many friends who have supported, cried, laughed, studied, and worked very hard for the last two years to get to this point !The first picture is of me, Brack, and his girlfriend, Jenny. Next is me, Wendel, the boys, Wendel's cousin, Jaren, Wendel's folks, and his sister, Stephanie. Next is me with my Papaw Wilson, and my favorite Uncle, Steve. Next pic is the cutest little girl in the world...Miss Ella ! Next photo is of myself with my best friend Jessica, and our Nursing Instructor's this semester, Mrs. Clarkston and Mrs. Watson.

Next picture: L-R , Jessica, Me, Leslie, LeighAnn, and Donna. LeighAnn was a trooper and decided (bravely) to wear the very traditional white nurses cap. She looked so good. Much more than alot of us did in them !

We are just glad things are wrapping up and Thank the Lord that we have all made it. Thanks again for all the support and well wishes guys. We feel really blessed with such a great family and friends !

Ella is looking so

Hey batta batta .....

2008-04-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

Well, the boys had their first 'player pitch' game today and they did great ! They had a good time playing and we all got a tad burnt because Mom (me) forgot to put sunblock on everyone. ooopps! We have officially moved into PGN as an email from our agency this week confirmed ! WhoooHOO!! What does this mean ? Well....this is the last leg of our journey to bring Miss Isabella Rose Burke home ! Three reviewers in PGN will review the case one final time...and then Ella will be given a final DNA test along with her Birth Mother, a new birth certificate with her new name on it...and then pretty much...we travel to Guatemala for an Embassy appointment...obtain her visa... and she comes home ! Sounds very simple...when actually it's quite complicated and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Just keep us all in your prayers for smooth sailing while we wait out these final weeks of Ella's adoption. I have FOUR weeks of nursing school...the boards...and I'm finished. It's been one heck of a year for us ! I look back and quite honestly ...not sure how I've managed to pull off all the paperwork and emotional involvement with an International Adoption, keep up with two kiddos, and survive (and pass) Nursing school. I feel like I've aged about 10 years and literally feel exhausted ! But, everything is winding down, we've made it and this has all been possible by God's own will !!

Brack bought Ella some hand made / painted alphabet letters of her name while we were in one of the markets in Guatemala last month. They're so cute and will look so sweet hanging in her room ! Thanks Uncle Brack !

Ella with earrings !

2008-04-04T08:44:00.001-04:00

Our punkin' has recovered from her sinus and ear infection ! Thanks for the emails. Our sweet adoption co-ordinator was on company business in Guatemala and was able to visit with Ella and get some photos for us. She looks like she's grown since we were in Guatemala just 3 weeks ago and check out her little earrings! Sweet! Still looking at a mid summer pick up (providing PGN is kind to us !) Say a prayer that things go smoothly for us. Some families fly through without a problem while others linger there for months without a real reason. We'll just have to pray that all goes well and Ella gets to come home soon.

2008-03-31T18:18:00.000-04:00

New medical update for Ella ! She ended up being sick with an upper respiratory infection the week after we were there for our visit (bless her heart) and was treated with some mucolytics and antibiotics. She's weighing in at a whopping 16 pounds , 12 ounces! I've got to stop buying clothes now...because the ones I have bought more than likely, will not fit her by the time we have her home! She's doing so good and we are so thankful to have such a wonderful foster family caring for her!

PA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh !!!!!!!!!! I am still shaking !! We just received some GREAT news !! We received what's called Pre-approval from the USEmbassy in Guatemala to bring Ella home ! This means that our file will now move into what's called PGN. ( Procuradoria General de la Nacion ). Our file will stay there for (if we're lucky) 8 weeks and then...we bring her home !! Holy Cow !!!

2008-03-12T10:28:00.000-04:00

On Sunday afternoon, we ventured outside the hotel with some good 'online' friends; Devin, Amy and Sam Cridlebaugh. They share the same agency/attorney as us and Amy and I have been supporting each other for months now via emails and phone calls ! It was so nice to finally meet them in person and we are sending lots of well wishes their way as they are flying home to Colorado today with Sam !!

On Monday morning, the foster mother asked if it would be ok if they had Ella's ears pierced ! The translator proceeded to tell me that it was custom in Guatemala to have the babies ears pierced at birth...but with an adoption, they wait first to ask the mother. It was really funny...because I had been wanting to have her ears pierced soon after she comes homes ...so this works out great for us !

I have added a short video clip of Ella in her sweet cherry dress bought by Mamaw Linda ....so be sure to watch that ! I will add some pics of the boys tomorrow and then, I'll be off the computer for awhile as I have some assignments to work on for school next week. I will finish up in 8 weeks ! Praise the Lord ! Continue to pray for us as these next steps in the adoption finalize and I'll keep everyone posted on any big news !

Ella

2008-03-12T09:41:00.000-04:00

We're home !

2008-03-11T12:14:00.000-04:00

It was so hard to say good bye to my sweet girl...but at the same time, there is not an ounce of doubt in my mind that this kid is being taken VERY good care of...so I'm ok ! I know that in just a short time, Ella will be home forever ! I will update over the next few days with snapshots of our trip so be sure to check back often ! Thank you to everyone for ALL the emails and comments of well wishes for Ella !

2008-03-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

We are having a great time ! Ella is doing remarkably well considering we are complete strangers to her! She has been so good and smiles constantly. She fell asleep last night around 7:30 or 8:00 and woke up around 3 am for a snack and back to sleep until 8:00 am !!!!!! She did so good.
Carter & Cole : You are going to LOVE your little sister ! I just can't wait for you all to see her. We had a great breakfast this morning downstairs which included pancakes, fruit, banana juice, REALLY good coffee. They have the cutest little gift shops with all kinds of handmade Guatemalan dolls, and weaved items. Right up my alley ! The Foster mother and her family were so, so nice ! It is so obvious that they love this little girl so much, and I know when we come back to get Ella it will be so hard for them to say bye. I am hoping that Ella and I will be able to come back every so often to visit her country and foster family one day ! Enjoy the photos !

Hola !

2008-03-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

We're here !!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

Goodness ! What a day ! We had a good flight and are exhausted ...so I'll write more tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures of Ella and Guatemala !

2008-02-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

If you're like we were....our blog was cute..but in desperate need of a little makeover. Isn't this new design just adorable? !!! Please be sure to visit Blogs by Danielle (click on her banner here on the right...) and see all the sweet 'blog designs' she has to offer! They're adorable and she's very sweet to work with...and best of all...she does everything for you ! So...if you're lacking in computer skills....not to worry!

New pics of Ella Rose !

2008-02-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the new photos of our Guatemalan princess !

2008-02-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ella's room....our future firefighter.....and the boys helping Dad on the farm.....

I'm headin' to Guat .....

2008-02-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

In just 12 days I'll get to hold, kiss, and meet my baby for the first time! I can't wait! We'll be posting lots of photos here and our website, so be sure and check back on the 7th ! Brack is going with me and we're really excited to see Ella's birth country.

Our Adoption Journey continues....

2008-02-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

Our adoption journey was shaken a little in late November as we lost our dear sweet Samantha Sofia. Her birth mom recanted and now Samantha will stay with her in Guatemala. We were of course, so disappointed that Samantha will not join our family, but thrilled that her mother was able to care for her !

Not long after losing our referral of Samantha...we were introduced to another beautiful little girl in need of a family ! Ironically, her name happened to be 'Samantha Rachel' and she is just too cute for words ! We're changing her name once the adoption is final to Isabella Rose . We'll call her 'Ella'. We, of course, accpted her referral and are currently waiting on Pre-approval ! Things have gone so much more smoothly with this adoption, and we're looking at bringing Isabella home this summer !!! Be sure to follow our journey both here and at our adoption website : http://myadoptionwebsite.com/ourella/index.htm

2007-11-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

We can't wait to see you Sam !

2007-11-12T14:18:00.000-05:00

Our Sweet baby girl....Waiting for us in Gautemala City, Guatemala ....

2007-11-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

The boys can't wait to bring their sister home ! follow our journey at www.myadoptionwebsite.com Our journey to Samantha Sofia .......

Life with the Burkes.....

2007-11-12T13:39:00.001-05:00

Currently Burke party of four....soon to be five! Our family resides on a farm in the foothills of Southwest Virginia. We have been blessed with two handsome sons and are on a journey to bring our adopted daughter home from Guatemala.