A Rainy Day At The Piano

 

I Love My Cat!

 

BOO! Scared you!

"Shhhh! I'm hiding from Cullen."

"BOO!"

"Did I scare you?"

 

The Wonder Of Christmas Thru A Child's Eyes

 

Accidental Drowning

It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. I was standing in the kitchen just 6 feet away. I had turned my back to check on dinner. It was only for a second. I didn't leave the room. I wasn't on the phone. I wasn't distracted in any way. I just turned my back for a minute. I remember hearing a quiet splash, but figured it was one of the animals getting a drink from the dog dish. When I turned back around, it was too late. Andy and Cullen were in the family room within sight. How could this happen?!

Kieren Olivia ChengLi Campbell had drown her panda bear in the dog water! I think she was just trying to help Li-Li Bear get a drink, but being a toddler she held her under! The whole neighborhood could hear me yell "NO!!!!". Of course this didn't make Kieren blink. I rushed to give aid and pulled the limp, waterlogged panda to safety. Who knew a stuff panda could absorb so much water! After starting compressions, it became evident that drastic measures would have to be taken. We squeazed out all the gross dog-breathe scented water that we could and had to hang the victim over the sink to drip. At this point, everyone arrived for Cullen's birthday party so rescue efforts were halted.

We totally forgot about Li-Li until bedtime. It was then Kieren LOUDLY reminded us that she wouldn't be happy without her! So we did the awful thing and threw the bear in the drier for a couple of minutes. No it wasn't dry and it smelled disgusting, but Kieren was pleased. After Kieren was completely asleep, I snuck into her room and stole the bear. After much washing, shampooing, and rinsing, I threw the poor bear into the washer for a spin and then into the dryer to revive and fluff the victim. I was able to return it to the crib before Kieren got up this morning. I have to say the panda has made a wonderful recovery! It also smells a lot better!!! Kieren is suspicious. Li-Li just looks too clean and fluffy!

I'm thinking we need to put this sign above the dog dish.

Darn Cold!

Kieren has a rotten cold. We went to see Dr. Tammy yesterday because Kieren has been wheezing at night. Luckily it is nothing but a cold.

Now, let me ask you this, do you look this cute when you have an awful cold? Me neither!

Got the TV controls, Li-Li Bear, Lovey, and Blankey!

OH! And I've got my own nurse!

 

Family Party - The End Of Cullen's Birthday Week

Last night was Cullen's family birthday party. Heather supplied the awesome and yummy ice cream cake!!!

Nanny & Pops, Grandma Marcia & Grandpa Norm, Aunt Heather & Uncle Mark, Ian, Kieren, and Cullen's friends from the neighborhood (Kyle & Jake) were all here. It was lots of fun!

Kieren LOVED the ice cream cake! Aunt Heather even snuck a second slice into her bowl while I wasn't looking. Kieren was so funny!!! When Cullen was trying to blow out the candles, Kieren was standing on the other side of the table trying to blow them out too!

Cullen got the one thing he really wanted - a digital camera!!!! It's even better than mine! Thanks Nanny & Pops for the perfect gift! And thanks to everyone who came to the party!!!

 

Happy 10th Birthday, Cullen!!!

Happy Birthday, Cullen!!!! We love you!!!! You are so special! God made you perfectly, just for us!!!
Love Always,
Mom, Dad, & MeiMei
Crombie (the dog), Harry (the cat), & Pumpkin (the little cat)

 

CULLEN'S PARTY!!!

Cullen's birthday party was lots of fun tonight! Here is a photo of the new agents as they completed their training session.

A little attitude goes a long way!

The Empress makes her return, only to be caught by the new agents!

One of the games we played with the boys was to test their skills at observation. They had 2 minutes to examine the briefcase full of items and then write them from memory. We also played our versions of "Operator" and "Who Am I". Of course we taught them the useful skill of finger printing too!

CULLEN'S PARTY!!!!!! (continued)

Assembling the Secret Agent Training Kits (goodie boxes) before the party.

Close up of the box.

All the goodies inside! (Finger print ink & wipes, finger print book, cool shades, notebook, gel pen, compass ring, magnifying glass, flashlight, candy, refractor glass - not shown & Bible verse - not shown)

The Treasure of The Kings!!! The boys had a great time looking for the treasure in the yard. We even had two decoy boxes to slow them down. It was unseasonably warm so they also played in the tree house. To get their flashlights, the boys had to say a secret phrase ("I want to kiss a girl!!!"). One of the boys decided the flashlight wasn't worth it!

The Treasure of The Kings, revealed!

I made this great cake, but The Empress dropped a bomb on it! Then she left her chopsticks so we knew who did it! (Yes, even the bomb was a cake!)

Cullen getting ready to blow out the candles.

The cake all alight! The sparkler on the bomb was so cool!!! (And the cake tasted great too!) A HUGE thanks to Special Agent DeAnne French for her services at tonight's training session. We couldn't have done it without you, DeAnne! Also a special thanks to Nanny & Pops for apprehending and bringing in The Empress!

Donna's Photo Challenge - Christmas Tree Photos

We took this photo of Cullen the night before we left for China to bring Kieren home! It was December 6, 2005. Cullen had his Christmas concert at school, then we rushed home to get everything ready for our trip and return. Nothing like coming home with a baby right before Christmas to make you panic!!!! I love the look on Cull's face!

 

PartyImpossible

Please turn off Blog Music (on right side, below Archives) by clicking twice on the button with the square.

This is the video invitation we sent out for Cullen's birthday party. The theme is Party Impossible! We also sent a case file to be read after viewing the DVD. The party is Saturday night. I will post photos on Sunday, after church and decorating the village gazebo (me and my big mouth!). I am working on Spy Training Kits right now and then it's off to bed! Hope you enjoy! (Don't forget to turn off the blog music first!)

PartyImpossible
Video sent by drewnsam

Happy Thanksgiving!

I give thanks for all the blessing in my life.
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband.
I have been blessed with two amazing children.
I have been blessed with a loving family.
I have been blessed with awesome friends, both near and far!
I have been blessed with health and possessions.
I have been blessed by God for things I feel I'm not worthy of, but He does.
This is Kieren's first Thanksgiving with her Forever Family. For this alone I am blessed and I give Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!
Love,
Sam