And The Winner Is................

Zoe reaching her hand in the cup (notice how we had to use HER cup) to pull out a name....

She pulled a special one out....Who could it be?....

And the winner is..............Jessica at Hodgepodge

Congratulations, Jessica! If you would, please e-mail me (ptandht@charter.net) with your selected size of t-shirt & your mailing address. I will handle the rest. (Thanks to all who participated.)

A Ballgame & Bowling with Good Friends

Despite the very lopsided outcome of EJ's ballgame - his team lost big time - we had a great Saturday afternoon/evening. After the basketball game we headed to dinner with friends & then on to the bowling alley for an evening of fun. Here's some pictures highlighting our bowling extravaganza...

As you can tell, Zoe had a great time bowling. She can't wait until we go again.

Just a Reminder: Don't forget to visit this post & leave a comment so you are entered into the drawing for a really cool long sleeve t-shirt. One name will be drawn tonight by our very own Zoe. Good luck!

Family Time

This afternoon Paul, Zoe, & I are heading out to my cousin EJ's college basketball game. Afterwards we are planning to meet up with some dear friends for dinner & then a few games of bowling. Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday that is cold & snowy. Of course I'm taking the camera along so I hope to get some great pictures of the family outing.

Don't forget to visit this post about my giveaway. Be sure to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for a unique long sleeve t-shirt that is gonna help unite two children from Ethiopia with their forever family. The drawing will take place tomorrow night. Zoe will be doing the honors of drawing the winner. Good luck!

100th Post with a Two-Fold Giveaway!!!!

When I started this blog months ago, I never dreamed it would transpire like it has. What started out as a way to keep distant family informed of Zoe's doings has lead me to people I now consider friends who have inspired me in more ways than one. (Gunner, Lianna, Livi, Stefanie - just to name a few.)

In honor of my 100th post, I am doing my first ever giveaway......

Gwen & her hubby are fundraising to bring their newest son & daughter, Joseph & Abigail, home from Ethiopia. Gwen designed a long sleeve t-shirt that is causing people to talk.

Front of the shirt.....

Back of the shirt.....

Gwen tells it best: "I DESIGNED THEM TO CAUSE PEOPLE TO TALK ... I pictured the Daisy as people would say "You Love Me, You Love Me Not?" and it hit me ... It is a personal choice to love the orphans, but it is a mandate from the Father that we all care for them in some way ... WHAT DOES CARING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU ... It could be adopting, sponsoring a child, helping someone fund their adoption, clothes drives/food drives for orphanages, volunteering at a non-profit, interim care, or simply buying this t-shirt to help bring my children home ... I know I am saying this to the choir... You, my blog family, have been amazing at caring for the orphans, so many of you are ACTING and we are changing this world !!! Let's keep talking about them to others and get more people involved."

So, here's the deal, you win a very cool shirt that is bound to have people talking when you wear it & at the same time, I am helping the Oatsvalls bring their newest additions home.

Your name will be entered in the drawing one time for each of the following:

Leaving me a comment

Posting about my giveaway on your blog

Drawing will be held Sunday, February 22nd at 8 PM!!!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today was Paul's 46th birthday. He had to work this morning but then spent all afternoon with us. He loved his present & the card that Zoe made for him. The two of them enjoyed playing Wii, tormenting each other, & just hanging out. Happy Birthday, Daddy. We love you!

~ The Love Bug ~

Zoe had a surprise for us this morning after she was up & dressed. Apparently yesterday at pre-school she made a Valentine's Day headband that she was pretty darn proud of. She just couldn't wait for us to see her with it on. What do you think?........

Is She the Cutest Love Bug or What?!

(Happy Valentine's Day!!!!)

Far Away Friend

The other night Zoe & I attended a basketball game at my school. Not only was Zoe thrilled to see several of my students (especially the cheerleaders!!!), but she was particularly excited to see her friend Morgan, one of my co-worker's daughters who she calls her "Far Away Friend"! (even though we only live about 30 minutes apart)

Living in different towns & with school in session, these two do not see enough of each other. Right when Zoe walked in the door, they each ran to each other with their arms wide open. It amazes me how their friendship is just like adults - their conversation seem to pick up right where it had left off about two months ago! They enjoyed each other's company throughout the game & said goodbye by reminding each other they' d meet up again April 23rd on Take Your Daughter to Work Day. Zoe even went so far as to mark it on her calendar when we got home! (just in case I would forget!)

Zoe & her "Far Away Friend" Morgan