Needs vs. Wants = Rock & Hard Place

During our classes we took through the state, we were told not to shower children with gifts when they are first placed because they may think that that is the way that we show our love. (Or...they would get spoiled) I agree with the second one more. When Britanie came she didn't have any clothes. So what did we do? We went and bought her clothes. Looking back on that...I'm not sure it was the right choice....even though she needed something to wear. Every time we go to the store she expects we are going to buy her something. And let me tell you...a teenager that gets said no to...Not Pretty!!! But, I'm not sure we had a choice to begin with. I fear that we set off on the wrong foot and gave her the wrong impression that we have tons of money and what ever she wants is hers. We let her know that we will supply her with her NEEDS and she has an allowance that supplies her with her WANTS. There is a very fine line between the two and I hope we never cross it. I'm afraid she will be ready to pounce as soon as we do. Trying not to spoil is very difficult when you are trying to make someone happy.

Missed Kodak Moments

Arin....if you are reading this.....STOP NOW. Rats involved!!!


Today was such a wonderful day that we decided to do a little pool work. You know how the saying goes....'The cobbler's children have no shoes'? I always thought that was because they might not have needed shoes. Well apparently the exterminator's family is in need of service.....AND WE ARE GETTING IT OR ELSE!!!!

Dan was pulling out the pools solar cover from a bench and we found that there was a huge rat living in there. We didn't want to kill it (it wasn't bothering us) so we decided we were going to let it get out of the bench and run away. Britanie knew what was going on and was really interested....but very jumpy. Just standing there watching Dan try to let it out was giving her the creepy crawlies. She was wiggling all over. (I don't know why I didn't have the sense to get the camera. I guess I didn't want to miss it either.) When the little guy jumped out....it ran straight for Britanie.....she was screaming so loud! ( I can still hear it in my head and it makes me laugh so hard) Of course she took off running....and he kept chasing her. They were following a pathway. It was not intentional....just her luck. Screaming the whole way.

I wish I would follow the teachings of my friend Amy and carry a camera with me at all times. I would watch that video over and over and over. For now I will have to live with my memories....and giggle.

Medication is sometimes not a good thing

I woke up this morning to a haircut. Apparently last night AFTER I took my sleep meds....(I didn't fall asleep.) For some reason I decided that I was a hairstylist. I was wrong. I don't remember any of it. I actually got lucky....it wasn't a 5 year old with the scissors nightmare. I'm afraid to post pictures. It is not my best haircut :( Apparently I need to be under close supervision after I take my night meds.

New Hair

For a lack of time....(I have better things to do now)...RIGHT!!!....I will post about Britanie's new hair cut. I think it is adorable. Short hair makes her sassy!!! Now we just have to work on mine..........

Some things they just don't find in profiles...

Can any of you think of a reason why she should not be my child?

Family resemblence

I think it is so great that everywhere we take Britanie people just assume she is our daughter. I guess she looks a little like us....but, I didn't realize it was that much. No one has thought she was my niece or cousin or neighbor. I guess most people just probably think that if you are with a child...it must be yours. Here is a picture that I think most would believe she belongs to Dan (biologically)....